Florida Government Weekly Roundup: Crossing The First Amendment
July 12, 2026
Florida Weekly Roundup is a look back at last week in a Florida politics and government.
For Republicans who dominate the state, a slew of court decisions went against them this week.
Federal appeals panels rejected the position of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on a pair of key issues, while a Leon County circuit judge ruled against an incumbent GOP House member looking to get on the ballot, a ruling that could flip a Central Florida House seat.
RESTRICTING ‘ANTI-WOKE’ RESTRICTIONS
Keeping in place a district court’s preliminary injunction, a 2-1 decision Tuesday from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the state law restricting how state college and university professors can teach about race and gender violates the First Amendment.
The majority declared the law “a breathtaking assertion of power to ban unpopular ideas from public discourse in the very places the state’s own statutes recognize as centers of inquiry.”
“If the First Amendment offers any boundary of protection at all for public university classrooms, this statute crosses it,” wrote Judge Britt Grant, an appointee of President Donald Trump.
Grant was joined by Judge Charles Wilson, an appointee of President Bill Clinton.
Judge Barbara Lagoa, a Trump appointee who had previously been appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by DeSantis, argued in dissent the state had the right to restrict the speech of professors in the classroom.
“To be clear, the First Amendment protects all viewpoints in the public square, whether they are conventional or controversial. But it does not compel all viewpoints to be worthy of state-sponsored endorsement,” Lagoa wrote.
The case was brought by a set of university professors and backed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.
“We are thrilled the court has stopped the erasure of topics that have real implications for our students, allowing them to learn, discuss, and develop tools for combatting the complex issue of racism in our country without being gagged by those who would dictate that only state-approved thought may be promoted,” LeRoy Pernell, a Florida A&M University College of Law professor, and one of the instructors who brought the lawsuit, stated in a release.
The ruling prevents Florida from enforcing part of the “Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (WOKE) Act” passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022.
DeSantis pushed for the law as a bulwark against “indoctrination” in university classrooms. It bars professors from endorsing precepts of critical race theory, including eight specific tenets.
APPROVING ACCREDITATION
A separate three-judge panel from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday unanimously rejected Florida’s push to throw out federal rules for accreditation agencies for public universities.
The decision upheld a 2024 lower court ruling that found the federal accreditation structure to be constitutional.
“The accreditation requirement is neither a delegation of government power nor an unascertainable condition,” Judge Andrew Brasher wrote in the ruling.
Brasher, an appointee of President Donald Trump, was joined in the decision by Judge William Pryor, an appointee of President George W. Bush, and Judge Nancy Abudu, who was appointed by President Joe Biden.
DeSantis’ administration brought the lawsuit in 2023, arguing Congress had unconstitutionally delegated unchecked authority to private accreditation agencies.
“We reject the idea that a totally unaccountable, unappointed, unelected accrediting agency can trump what the state of Florida is doing,” DeSantis said at the time.
DeSantis has pushed to get Florida’s public universities out from the accrediting eye of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACS.
In 2025 DeSantis announced Florida would set up a new accrediting body, in collaboration with other states, to review universities to ensure their quality.
Among his critiques of SACS, DeSantis alleges it insisted on incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools. He’s also alleged that accrediting agencies aren’t accountable to the government.
A POSSIBLE FLIP
Rep. Paula Stark’s move to be placed on the ballot to retain her House District 47 seat was rejected by a Leon County court Wednesday.
The St. Cloud Republican’s application to qualify for the ballot was rejected for the lack of a financial disclosure form, which her campaign treasurer, Joel Davis, said was submitted to Division of Election officials before the noon June 12 deadline.
Second Judicial Circuit Judge Joshua Hawkes instead accepted the testimony of five state Division of Elections officials working in the hour before the deadline that if they had received the paperwork, it would have been stamped.
“They all testified consistently that after 11:30 (a.m.), the clerks no longer performed any check of the papers,” Hawkes wrote. “Instead, they just received, stamped, and later, if time allowed, handed copies of the stamped forms back as courtesy copies. The streamlined, no-review, process was to ensure those that wanted to qualify could before the noon deadline.”
Hawkes gave Stark seven days to file evidence showing why her petition shouldn’t be dismissed, but otherwise his order leaves her off the ballot for the district that is mostly in Osceola County and includes a sliver of Orange County.
Democrats Jorge Figueroa of Kissimmee and Anthony Nieves of St. Cloud were the only candidates to qualify for the contest when the filer period ended on June 12. If Stark is unable to get on the ballot — mail ballots have already started to be distributed — the Aug. 18 primary would be open to all voters of the district.
STORY OF THE WEEK:
A federal appeals court ruled that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Stop WOKE Act” restrictions on state university and college instruction violate the First Amendment.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“This was not on my bingo card.” — State Rep. Dotie Joseph acknowledging her late entry into the Democratic gubernatorial primary was spurred by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings dropping out for health reasons on the eve of the qualifying period.
by Jim, The News Service of Florida
Ninth Inning Comeback Cut Short In 4-2 Wahoos Loss
July 12, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were defeated by the Montgomery Biscuits by a final score of 4-2 on Saturday night, despite an impressive comeback effort in the final inning.
The Blue Wahoos (45-41) dropped their second game of the series following Friday night’s 11-1 loss. Though Pensacola still holds the 3-2 edge in the homestand, the Biscuits (41-45) will look to tie during Sunday’s matchup.
Pensacola scored two runs on four hits, drawing two walks. Four different bats in Brandon Compton, Cristian Hernandez, Juan Matheus and Fenwick Trimble recorded a hit, three of which came in the ninth inning.
Compton managed a solo home run, his fifth with the Blue Wahoos thus far. It was also Pensacola’s furthest-hit home run of the season, flying 472 feet at an impressive 113.2 miles per hour.
Luis Moreno (L, 4-4) offered a quality start despite drawing the loss, pitching 6.0 innings that saw six hits, three earned runs, two walks and one strikeout. For the Biscuits, it was Jackson Baumeister (W, 4-3) who took home the win. He held the Blue Wahoos to a single run through a seven-inning start, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out nine.
Montgomery’s Caden Bodine got the scoring started for the visiting side, punching a solo home run in the first inning and an RBI single in the third. The Biscuits extended their lead to 3-0 with a Will Simpson homer in the fourth.
The Blue Wahoos managed a response in the bottom of the fifth in big fashion. Compton mashed a solo home run that left Blue Wahoos Stadium entirely and served as the team’s first hit of the evening.
It’d be Bodine again to maintain the Biscuits’ edge, doing so with an RBI single through the left side in the seventh inning. Montgomery led 4-1 heading into the final two frames.
Down to the wire, the ninth and final inning saw the Blue Wahoos offense surge for the first time that night. Hernandez recorded the second hit of the evening with a double into center, and was sent home on a single by Matheus in the next at-bat. The sold-out crowd would be on their feet after Trimble managed a double down the left field line, putting the potential go-ahead run at the plate.
Compton would step up and, despite a lengthy battle at the plate, struck out swinging. Ryan Ignoffo subsequently grounded out to third base, extinguishing the momentum and sealing the 4-2 loss.
The Blue Wahoos finish their series against the Biscuits on Sunday.
written by Maddy Branning
Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Peanut Field Near Florida-Alabama Line
July 11, 2026
A single-engine plane made an emergency landing in an Alabama peanut field near the Florida state line on Friday afternoon.
The pilot and a student made the landing in the field after experiencing engine trouble, approximately 0.7 miles south-southwest of the runway at the Atmore Municipal Airport. There were no injuries.
The 2023 Diamond DA 40 NG plane belonging to Skywarrior Flight Training of Pensacola did not sustain any apparent damage.
The incident occurred just north of Old Bratt Road, which is also known as State Line Road in Florida. The Florida-Alabama state line is generally considered to be along the middle of the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Suspect Now Charged With Attempted Murder In Downtown Pensacola Shooting
July 11, 2026
Charges have been upgraded to attempted first murder against a 26-year-old man arrested earlier this week in connection with a deadly shooting in downtown Pensacola that claimed one life and injured six other people.
Nicholas Lilane Safford, 26, of Daphne, Alabama, is also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Safford has two previous felony convictions in Alabama.
Lillian Myllicen Meyers, 25, of Pensacola, has also been charged with tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact. Pensacola police say the shooter gave her one of the weapons used, which she then removed from the scene. Both are being held without bond.
The shooting, which occurred during the early morning hours of July 5, claimed the life of 19-year-old Phillip Devon Monte Sheppard Jr. All but one of the six other victims have since been released from the hospital. Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said Monday that an ongoing feud led to the shooting.
Monday Is Deadline To Apply For $65,000 In Community Grants From International Paper
July 11, 2026
The deadline to apply is Monday for the International Paper Pensacola Mill 2026 grant program, which will award 10 grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
The IP Foundation grant program supports organizations working to address critical community needs and improve quality of life across the region.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager. “We’re proud to support organizations that are creating positive change and delivering real impact where it’s needed most.”
Applications are open through Monday, July 13 and can be submitted online at www.ipgiving.com.
The International Paper Foundation focuses its giving on four key areas:
- Education – with a priority on early childhood literacy (birth through 3rd grade)
- Hunger – improving food security
- Health & Wellness – promoting healthy lifestyles
- Disaster Relief – helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters
Additional funding opportunities may support environmental initiatives and other critical community needs.
Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or qualifying federal entities and demonstrate measurable impact through their programs.
For more information, visit www.internationalpaper.com/giving-eligibility or contact Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
First Mail Ballots Returned For August Primary, Including 18 In Escambia County
July 11, 2026
Ballots are being cast across Florida for the 2026 primary election.
In Escambia County, 18 mail ballots had been returned by Friday, with 10 of those Democratic, six Republican, one with no party affiliation (NPA) and one listed as “other”, according to the Supervisor of Elections.
Over 800,000 mail ballots have been sent out across the state.
The deadline to register to vote in the August 18 primary or for changing party affiliation is July 20.
In Escambia County, in-person early voting at limited polling locations will run from August 8 to August 15.
RELATED: New ‘I Voted’ Stickers, New Ballot Tracking, Polling Changes For 2026
Escambia Woman Sentenced To 18 Years For DUI Crash That Killed Retired Navy Veteran
July 11, 2026
A 21-year-old woman has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison for a June 2024 drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a retired Navy veteran working as an Uber driver and severely injured a naval passenger.
Circuit Judge John Simon handed down the sentence against Terriny Brooke Krepps.
Krepps entered a guilty plea to DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury, and two counts of DUI with damage to property or person without serious injury.
The charges stem from a fatal collision that occurred at 4:19 a.m. on June 29, 2024, at the intersection of Gulf Beach Highway and Navy Boulevard.
According to prosecutors, Krepps was driving on Gulf Beach Highway when she ran a red light and broadsided a vehicle driven by Kurt Kramer. Kramer, a retired Navy veteran, was operating his vehicle as an Uber and was transporting three passengers—Cameron Montoya, Semaj Jones, and Quavon Brown—back to Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Kramer succumbed to his injuries at the scene and was pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel. Montoya suffered severe injuries that ultimately led to his medical discharge from the Navy, while Jones and Brown sustained minor injuries.
Investigators revealed that Krepps consented to a blood draw two hours after the crash, which returned a blood alcohol concentration of .186 percent, well over Florida’s legal limit of .08 percent. Florida Highway Patrol troopers also discovered two 12-packs of “Twisted Tea,” an alcoholic beverage, inside her vehicle.
Krepps was 19 years old at the time of the crash. Records showed she had been cited by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for illegal possession of alcohol just three weeks prior to the fatal collision.
Judge Simon sentenced Krepps to the maximum penalty of 15 years in state prison for the DUI manslaughter charge, which includes a four-year mandatory minimum sentence. He ordered an additional three years to be served consecutively for the count of DUI with serious bodily injury.
Following her 18-year prison term, Krepps must complete two years of probation, fulfill statutorily required classes, and complete community service. Judge Simon also permanently revoked her driver’s license.
Blue Wahoos Offense Goes Quiet In 11-1 Loss
July 11, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Montgomery Biscuits by a final score of 11-1 on Friday night after a barrage of extra base hits left the home side unable to keep up.
The Blue Wahoos (45-40) dropped their first game of the series after taking the initial three in dramatic fashion that saw two walk-offs wins. With the win, the Biscuits (40-45) reclaimed their edge with a 7-6 mark against Pensacola this season.
Pensacola scored one run on eight hits, drawing two walks. Cam Cannarella led the team at the plate with a 3-for-4 night, picking up his fifth double of his young Double-A career. Juan Matheus followed with a 2-for-3 outing that saw him drive in the lone run of the night. Brendan Jones, Emmarion Boyd and Payton Green notched a hit a piece.
Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (L, 2-4) took the loss for the home side, delivering 3.1 innings that allowed seven hits and six earned runs before an abrupt exit. Montgomery’s Gary Gill-Hill (W, 3-2) earned the win, holding Pensacola scoreless for six innings.
As has been a trend for the homestand, it would be Montgomery that got on the board first, this time early in the first inning. An Emilien Pitre triple that escaped the diving effort of Jones in center field plated two early runs for the Biscuits.
The Biscuits would extend their lead with a punishing five-run fourth inning. An RBI double from Kenny Piper started things off, followed by a pair of two-run homers from Kamren James and Jadher Areinamo.
Montgomery added another run in the fifth, increasing the gap on the scoreboard to 8-0 as Xavier Isaac came home from third while the Pensacola infield opted for a double play. They’d cap their scoring with an Isaac three-RBI home run in the eighth.
Not to be deterred, the Blue Wahoos prevented the shutout by getting one back in the bottom of the eighth. Boyd and Cannarella picked up consecutive singles, and a sharp line drive into right field by Matheus allowed Boyd to race home from second base.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Saturday.
written by Maddy Branning
Earlier Start, Expanded Lineup Announced For Next Week’s Pensacola Beach Air Show
July 10, 2026
The Santa Rosa Island Authority has released the updated Friday and Saturday performance schedule for the 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show, featuring an expanded lineup of military aircraft, historic warbirds and elite aerobatic performers July 17–18 over Pensacola Beach.
This year’s show carries special significance, honoring the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels alongside America’s 250th anniversary. The expanded lineup will feature more aircraft and performances than in previous years, with flight demonstrations beginning earlier than usual on both Friday and Saturday.
“This year’s air show is shaping up to be one of the most memorable we’ve ever hosted,” said Robbie Schrock, SRIA Director of Administration. “Spectators will see more aircraft and more performances over Pensacola Beach. It’s an extraordinary way to honor these two historic milestones in a community with such deep ties to Naval Aviation.”
Returning this year, the voice of the air show is Luke Carrico, a seasoned announcer renowned for his dynamic and engaging commentary that places audiences directly in the cockpits overhead. Paul Entrekin, a retired Marine Corps aviator and former full-time air show pilot performer, will mark his 33rd year as the Air Boss over the show.
Due to the expanded schedule this year, flight demonstrations will begin earlier than usual. Lifeguards and public safety personnel will clear spectators and vessels from Gulf waters inside the marked aerobatic box at 10:35 a.m. Friday and Saturday, ahead of the opening act at 10:46 a.m. Spectators will later have a brief 20-minute water break from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. before the Gulf is cleared again for the Blue Angels’ 2 p.m. performance.
Performance times below are scheduled for both Friday and Saturday unless otherwise noted. All are subject to change due to weather or other operational considerations:
10:46 to 10:56 a.m. — The show opens with a Red Bull Air Force flag jump set to the National Anthem and a high-energy teaser featuring Red Bull Air Force helicopter aerobatic pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, aerobatic champion Kevin Coleman in the Extra 300, and precision jumpers.
10:58 to 11:02 a.m. Friday; 10:58 to 11:08 a.m. Saturday — Shannon Elliott will perform in the historic SNJ-5, showcasing the power and grace of the classic military trainer.
11:04 to 11:08 a.m. Friday — A four-plane formation of U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs will take to the skies, highlighting precision formation flying in the modern military trainer.
11:10 to 11:20 a.m. — The Pink Jet, a striking pink Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros flown by Stephanie Goetz and Olga Sannikova, combines unforgettable aerial performance with a powerful message of breast cancer awareness and community outreach.
11:22 to 11:32 a.m. — Frank Kimmel will fly his rare 1949 F4U-5 Corsair, one of fewer than 24 airworthy examples remaining worldwide out of more than 12,000 built. The Corsair remains one of World War II’s most iconic aircraft.
11:34 to 11:44 a.m. — 187th Fighter Wing F-35s based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala., will showcase the F-35A Lightning II’s unmatched stealth, sensor fusion and combat capability. Known as the “Red Tails,” the wing proudly carries forward the legacy of the WWII Tuskegee Airmen.
11:46 to 11:58 a.m. — Carol Pilon with Third Strike Wingwalking will perform atop a vintage Stearman biplane, executing daring acrobatics thousands of feet above the beach in a tribute to classic barnstorming tradition.
Noon to 12:10 p.m. — RJ Gritter will fly his Bellanca Decathlon in a routine filled with crisp loops, rolls, hammerheads and smoke-trailed maneuvers that highlight technical skill and dynamic showmanship.
12:12 to 12:24 p.m. — Father-and-son duo Ken and Austin Rieder with Redline Airshows will perform in matched RV-8 aircraft with opposing passes, tight formation flying and synchronized aerobatics.
12:26 to 12:39 p.m. — Titan Aerobatic Team will fly three WWII-era AT-6 Texan aircraft in tight, precision formation maneuvers that honor the legacy of the iconic military trainer.
12:41 to 12:51 p.m. — Skip Stewart returns with his highly modified biplane, Prometheus, delivering aggressive snap rolls, vertical climbs and his signature inverted low-level pass along the beach.
12:53 to 1:18 p.m. — Red Bull Air Force returns for a featured performance combining helicopter aerobatics, Kevin Coleman’s specialized Extra 300SHP and precision skydiving from the Red Bull Air Force Jump Team led by Luke Aikins.
1:20 to 1:30 p.m. Friday only — The sound of freedom returns as the 28th Bomb Squadron brings two legendary B-1B Lancers back to Pensacola Beach. Known for their unmistakable roar, sweeping wings and unmatched presence, the “Bones” are set to once again shake the coastline.
1:20 to 1:24 p.m. Saturday — A four-plane formation of U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs will take to the skies over Pensacola Beach, showcasing the precision, power and teamwork of the Air Force’s premier pilot training aircraft.
1:26 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday only — The Veterans Flight, organized by Pensacola attorney and pilot Roy Kinsey, will serve as a moving aerial tribute honoring 101-year-old Korean War Medal of Honor recipient and legendary U.S. Navy fighter pilot Capt. Royce Williams and all World War II and Korean War veterans.
Starting at 1:30 p.m., spectators will have a very short, 20-minute window to cool off in the Gulf before the show’s grand finale. At 1:50 p.m., lifeguards and public safety personnel will begin clearing everyone from the water in anticipation of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Spectators are urged to cooperate immediately when asked to exit the Gulf so the air show can continue safely and on schedule.
2 to 2:45 p.m. — Closing out the show Friday and Saturday will be the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flying in their F/A-18 Super Hornets. For 80 years, the Blue Angels have represented the highest standards of excellence, teamwork and service within the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Spectators will witness signature maneuvers including the Diamond Dirty Loop, Double Farvel, Vertical Pitch, Fleur de Lis, Opposing Knife Edge Pass and crowd-favorite Sneak Pass.
“For Pensacola Beach, hosting the Blue Angels is personal. They are our hometown heroes and a proud part of our community,” said Mike Burns, Executive Director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. “As we celebrate their 80th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we’re honored to share this special tradition with visitors from across the country.”
IMPORTANT NOTE: NO DRONES OR KITES ALLOWED DURING THE AIR SHOW
NorthEscambia.com file photo by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Century Taco Truck Altercation Lands Three Family Members In Jail
July 10, 2026
A physical altercation at a local taco food truck has led to felony charges against three family members, according to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office reports.
The incident occurred during the evening of May 14 at the taco truck in the parking lot of the Century Smoke Shop, located at 8321 North Century Boulevard. Authorities responded to the business following multiple emergency calls reporting a physical disturbance involving three to four individuals.
Deputies identified the suspects as 38-year-old Ashley Lynn McCall, her husband, 42-year-old Freddie Wayne McCall III, and her son, 20-year-old Landen Charles Robertson.
According to the arrest reports, an argument erupted in the taco truck line after a vehicle pulled into the parking lot, and the verbal dispute quickly escalated into a physical fight involving Robertson, the McCalls and a male victim. During the encounter, the victim was taken to the ground and suffered significant physical injuries, including a torn rotator cuff and lacerations that required transport to a local hospital.
While the victim initially declined to pursue legal action at the scene, he later contacted law enforcement to seek charges after learning he would require surgery for his injuries, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigators initially looked for business surveillance cameras that may have caught the incident but were unsuccessful. However, a Flomaton Police Department lieutenant later provided deputies with a video of the fight recorded by an independent witness. Florida deputies separately interviewed a 12-year-old bystander at the scene who had also witnessed the alleged altercation.
Following a review of the witness statements and the video evidence, which corroborated parts of the timeline, warrants were issued for the trio. All three suspects were booked into the Escambia County Jail recently, each charged with one count of third-degree felony battery.
All three were released on bonds of $5,000 each and entered not guilty pleas.
Pictured (L-R): Suspects Freddie Wayne McCall, Ashley Lynn McCall, and Landen Charles Robertson.