The past few years, watching the Florida Legislature has felt a bit like watching a particularly cruel animal show. Everybody performing tries to look excited in hopes of getting a tiny snack, but you can’t shake the feeling nobody would be doing what they are if not for fear of being thrown in a cage and whipped otherwise.

The larger show, at least in this case, was one with higher viewership but and a predictable ending. Ringleader — err, Gov. Ron DeSantis was running for President, for less than a year professionally but in earnest since the pandemic in 2020 made him into a national star. He found his voice lashing out against lockdowns, and quickly came to believe that would provide a path to the Republican nomination for President.

Too much ink already spilled trying to explain why that didn’t work out. But those in Florida know the run had consequences. In an apparent bid for the support of Republican primary voters in Iowa, the Legislature became little more than a policy staffers tasked with drafting a campaign platform, and Florida Statutes turned into a white paper, a template to show voters in other states how he planned to cover a nation.

For those elected lawmakers who dared to want more, the work had to feel suffocating. For those with a competing agenda, it surely felt oppressive. DeSantis last year famously made an example of Sarasota, vetoing ridiculous amounts of local spending after state Sen. Joe Gruters dared to endorse someone else, Donald Trump, for President.

But for the most part, lawmakers got in line with an agenda that inevitably often ran outside the political mainstream. Book bans? Heartbeat bills? Transgender erasure? Lawmakers with diverse communities and constituents inevitably detrimentally impacted by these bills still went along. If anyone ever briefly stepped off course, like when state Rep. Will Robinson opposed Florida’s infamous “don’t say gay” law, the expectation was that they make up for it when the next ridiculous bill came along. Robinson ultimately endorsed DeSantis and trekked the snows of Iowa to convince caucus-goers long after the governor’s chances of victory had melted away.

Some never crossed DeSantis. Legislative leaders certainly didn’t. At least until this year. After the Governor finally folded his campaign, the Legislature started acting like a Legislature again. They passed a social media bill, forced DeSantis to veto it and passed another one before the end of Session that he pretty much must sign now or risk an override.

And they stopped passing the divisive culture war bills that marked the 2021, 2022 and 2023 legislative sessions. Sure, some crazy crap continued to come out of the House — some representatives really need to explain votes like outlawing transgender people putting their gender identity on driver’s licenses. But in the Senate, the hurtfulness hit full stop shortly after DeSantis’ ambitions did the same.

That government ID bill was never heard in the Senate nor were bills to reduce the age to buy assault rifles or ban Pride flags from public property. Bills barring LGBTQ sensitivity at nonprofits or making gold into legal tender never got a hearing in either chamber. A bill to save Confederate monuments (and as a side note that kissing sailor statue) made it a certain distance before the endorsement of flaming racists and bigots derailed it entirely.

A year ago, likely all those bills would pass, or at east earn more consideration. But we aren’t governing to impress Iowa voters anymore.

I realize for many voters, this ends an era they heartily embraced. GOP supermajorities in both chambers offered a change to boldly push Florida to the right. But the truth is this state remains more purple than the last Governor’s race suggests.

Most Floridians will surely welcome the chance for lawmakers to listen first to their communities, and not to one ambitious politician with his focus on Pennsylvania Avenue instead of Tamiami Trail. 

Jacob Ogles is contributing senior editor for SRQ MEDIA. 

Photo courtesy Florid Senate: Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo at Sine Die at the Florida Capitol.

As I sit down to write this column, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and pride. You see, it's that time of year again when we prepare to gather to celebrate excellence among our local hospitality industry, an industry vital to our region’s economy.  Each year we at Visit Sarasota County host a National Travel & Tourism Week celebration to take a moment to spotlight those in our community who work so hard to make Sarasota the welcoming destination we are today.

This year’s event will take place May 14, and the occasion will hold an even greater significance as we proudly reintroduce our esteemed awards program, now christened as The Haley Hall of Fame Awards. 

Named in honor of my friend and mentor, the illustrious Virginia J. Haley, who devoted an astounding 24 years of her life to Visit Sarasota County and the broader hospitality realm. These awards stand as a poignant tribute to her enduring legacy following her retirement as President and CEO of VSC last year. Through her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, Haley indelibly shaped our community, leaving an enduring imprint that continues to resonate far and wide.

But before we get to the festivities, we need your help. We're currently accepting nominations for The Haley Hall of Fame Awards in several categories, including Management Excellence, Front Line Excellence, Heart of the House Excellence, Volunteer Excellence and Rising Star. If you know someone who embodies these qualities and deserves recognition, I encourage you to submit a nomination here before March 29.

At Visit Sarasota County, our mission is clear: to spotlight the very best our community has to offer and cement Sarasota County's status as a premier destination for travelers worldwide. We feel recognizing the individuals who make it happen is one way to do just that.  

We hope you submit a nomination and then join us on May 14 at 4pm, at Bird Key Yacht Club for our National Travel & Tourism Week celebration as we announce the nominees and winners of The Haley Hall of Fame Awards.  

As we eagerly anticipate this year's National Travel and Tourism Week celebration, let's unite in honoring those who truly make Sarasota County a gem among destinations. Together, let's continue to elevate our hospitality industry and inspire unforgettable experiences for all who journey to explore our vibrant corner of the world.

Erin Duggan is president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. 

Photo courtesy Visit Sarasota County: View of Sarasota hotels from Art Ovation Hotel rooftop.

Nestled along the clear blue waters of Sarasota Bay, New College of Florida stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation and academic excellence. As we gear up to launch our Master’s program in Marine Mammal Science, we're poised to make a meaningful impact locally, stimulating marine-focused economic growth and environmental stewardship in the region for decades to come.

Sarasota Bay boasts one of the most abundant and extensively studied dolphin populations globally, thanks to over five decades of observation by the esteemed Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a longstanding marine life partner of New College. This enduring research legacy has provided invaluable insights into the behavior and ecology of dolphins, solidifying Sarasota Bay's reputation as a premier habitat for studying these majestic marine mammals. Through our unique hands-on program, students actively contribute to this research, with underwater listening posts stationed right at our boat dock, offering firsthand experience in marine mammal observation and conservation, from our bayfront classrooms.

Our dedication to marine research is supported by the state-of-the-art Rhoda and Jack Pritzker Marine Biology Research Center, equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and extensive aquatic resources. With the imminent launch of our Master’s program, students will have a seamless transition from undergraduate to postgraduate education under the guidance of our faculty, led by the globally renowned marine life expert and longtime New College faculty member, Dr. Heidi Harley.

Dr. Harley, a distinguished scholar in the field of marine mammal science, brings over two decades of knowledge and experience to our program. Her groundbreaking work in dolphin communication and cognition has earned her international recognition and awards. As the director of the Marine Mammal Science program, Dr. Harley works intimately with our students and conservation partners, mentoring the next generation of marine scientists and shaping the future for marine conservation and research.

What sets New College apart is not only its academic rigor but also its emphasis on real-world experience and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through partnerships with local estuaries, aquariums, sanctuaries and research institutions, students have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our oceans and marine ecosystems, while building a thriving ecosystem of new research, innovation and ocean regeneration in Sarasota Bay.

As we await final approval from the State University System Board of Governors, I am confident our Master’s program will become a cornerstone of Florida's higher education landscape, inspiring future marine mammal scientists and entrepreneurs, and offering unparalleled opportunities for conservation and professional growth.

We invite you to tour our campus and the Marine Mammal Science Center to experience New College firsthand. It's the foremost marine mammal science program in the United States — and a catalyst for change.

Richard Corcoran is president of New College of Florida. 

Photo courtesy New College of Florida.