Some pundits think Nov. 3’s “blue-nami” missed Florida–not Matthew Isbell. The Democratic analyst says Independents broke for Democrats in the Sunshine State. He joined WMNF Tampa public affairs program The Skinny on the Friday after Election Day to discuss his party’s wins and losses, voter registration, plus the future of the party, and pollsters, going forward.

Also returning to the studio, this time with a different title, was Democratic Socialist Florida State Rep.-elect Ashley Herrmann, who ousted incumbent Republican Danny Alvarez by earning over 51% of the vote on the strength of early votes and vote-by-mail. Hermann told listeners that she was outraised 35-to-1 by Alvarez, counting campaign and PAC money, but noted that she knocked more than 1,000 doors and saw her team knock on more than 30,000 doors in the runup to the election. “I spoke to raising teacher pay, blocking data centers, expanding Medicaid, raising teacher pay,” she added. 

In the second half of the show, two analysts and consultants, Barry Edwards and Jackson MacMillan, dropped in and joined callers to share their thoughts on what happened across Florida last Tuesday.

The post Florida State Rep. Elect Ashley Herrmann, consultants and analysts break down Florida election results appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

There’s a new exhibition at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg called, Dalí: Disruption + Devotion. It’s a collaboration between the Dalí and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Unlike some of his surrealist peers, Dalí often honored the great master artists who came before him. That’s the theme of this special exhibition.

Jennifer Cohen is director of curatorial affairs at the Dalí Museum and pointed out why literature for the exhibition describes Dalí as a “radical surrealist provocateur.”

“He was really a man of his time and, was an extraordinary rebel when it came to the art of the past, just like his surrealist colleagues,” Cohen said. “But, as a surrealist, he was also somewhat of a disruptor and that he, he was an art historian. We say in this exhibition that he conducted his most serious art history and paint. He really sought to be a modern old master and as a surrealist that made him very different.”

The Dalí special exhibition puts the artist’s work side-by side those of the great masters who inspired him.

Peter Tush programs the WMNF show Step Outside. He’s also the curator of education at the Dalí. He compared two paintings that combine Dali’s fascination with nuclear physics as well as with the Spanish master Diego Velázquez.

“He felt that these two worlds were coming together: the great influence of the Spanish painter under Philip IV and the new science of the atomic particle,” Tush said. “And so he has a second Infanta [The Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain], imploding in colorful particles, through the canvas. So it was a way of Dalí both connecting himself to the present in the 1950s, but also looking to the past and this great source of inspiration.”

Frederick Ilchman is the Baker curator of paintings and the chair of the art of Europe department at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

He compared a Dalí piece that’s alongside one by a 17th Century Flemish master who may have been the inspiration.

“In the Dali painting, it’s like we’re down in the hull of a ship maybe, and we can’t get out,” Ilchman pointed out. “It’s those kind of nightmarish scenes where there’s no ladder, there’s no steps, there’s no door. We look up and there’s a little bit of sunlight above, and shrouded figures, kind of like ghosts who, look down at us. The painting by [Cornelis Norbertus Gysbrechts] is also full of puzzling imagery.”

Ilchman said both paintings can be seen as a reminder of death or being unable to stop time.

You can see the new exhibition, Dalí: Disruption + Devotion, at the Dalí Museum along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.

The post Dalí: Disruption + Devotion opens in St. Pete with paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

As another Pinellas County deputy is arrested for alleged misuse of Flock cameras, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri still says the technology isn’t to blame.

Deputy Ronald Scott was arrested Thursday morning. Gualtieri said at a press conference Thursday afternoon Ronald Scott allegedly used the Flock camera database to track his estranged wife.

Gualtieri said Scott and his wife were separated, pending a divorce. Scott allegedly searched for his wife and her boyfriend over 100 times, starting on Valentine’s Day of this year.
In 2019, Scott was reprimanded for being “intoxicated” and “creating a public disturbance in an establishment,” prompting the manager to ask him to leave.

Gualtieri has repeatedly said Flock cameras can’t track people, but in this case, he said Scott used them to find out where the couple had been.

“Scott made these queries to learn the locations that his wife and her boyfriend had traveled to or to identify their vehicles and obtain other private information,” Gualtieri said.

Gualtieri—who is heading a nationwide pro-ALPR campaign—said the technology isn’t the problem.

“I mean, you know, the people that want to not listen and want to make it about ALPR are going to do that,” Gualtieri said at the press conference. “I can’t control that. … But they’re wrong.”

He said he only caught Scott’s alleged misuse because of a new auditing tool released by Flock that is more comprehensive than the audits his team used before.

Gualtieri said he’s not surprised that his agency didn’t catch the misuse before, but he’s confident that all previous instances of ALPR misuse have been caught.

A previous audit prompted by an inquiry from TCPalm reporter Jack Lemnus resulted in the arrest of former Pinellas Deputy Karl Gwynne, who allegedly searched the ALPR system for a love interest 300 times.

Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bruce Bartlett declined to prosecute Gwynne in an Oct. 29 court filing.

“Current Florida statutory provisions do not address the wrongful conduct reported,” the filing reads. “This office will seek to have the legislature correct this situation in the next session.”

But Gualtieri is confident that Bartlett has enough information to prosecute Scott.

“There are some concerns, and some—I’ll say it mildly—disagreements about interpreting the elements of the statute, but I’m comfortable we can work through it,” Gualtieri said.

St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway told St. Petersburg City Council this morning that one of his former officers could also face criminal charges for misuse of ALPRs.

Cases like Scott’s and Gwynne’s aren’t the only things riding on how the legislature decides to regulate ALPRs.

Pinellas County Commission recently declined to vote on a proposal to remove ALPRs from county roadways. Instead, they’ll wait for the state legislature to regulate the cameras during their next legislative session.

It’s not clear who will be most influential in the legislature’s decision. Flock alone has dumped over $2 million into lobbying for their technology, and Gualtieri previously told the Pinellas County Commission he’s been traveling across the country to advocate for ALPRs.

The post Pinellas sheriff arrests another deputy for alleged Flock camera misuse appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Great music, great company, and a chance to spend time with some of the people who make WMNF so special! We had a fantastic time celebrating our Circle of Friends members at Corner Club on October 17.

Thanks to everyone who came out and to Stick and Ditty for the live music!

And to all our Circle of Friends members, thank you for being there for WMNF, year after year. Your support means so much to us. You help keep independent radio alive, bring great music and important conversations to our community, and make everything we do possible.

We’re lucky to have such a wonderful community behind us, and we hope you know how much we appreciate you!

Here are some of our favorite moments from the celebration!

The post What a wonderful afternoon with our Circle of Friends! ❤️🎶 appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

A Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested yesterday morning

Ronald Scott, a Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy, was arrested yesterday morning. Following the allege use of Flock cameras to track his estranged wife. Scott allegedly searched for his wife and her boyfriend over a hundred times, starting on Valentine’s Day of this year. Gualtieri maintains the technology is not to blame.

Earlier this week, Polk County Commissioners discussed the rezoning of phosphate mining areas

Phosphate is a chemical compound primarily used in fertilizer. During the recent public hearing, Polk County commissioners considered using the former Phosphate mining areas for a pipe excursion plant. Mosaic, a fertilizer company that currently owns the property, would purchase the pipes fabricated at the plant. The proposal has received a recommendation for approval but still must go to the Florida Department of Commerce.

Tampa Bay Waterkeeper routinely tests the quality and safety of waterways around the region

These tests include drinking water for forever chemicals (PFAS) and fecal bacteria as well as monitoring the safety of recreational waterways. Tampa Bay Waterkeeper have found high levels of contamination in Rivercrest Park waterway, and Bay Borough, and theorizes that the rising bacterial levels could be due to inadequate infrastructure and encourages the community to rally their elected officials to support infrastructure investment.

Flood warning remains in effect along the Peace River

Meteorologist Megan Borowski from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network says that flooding will continue along the river. Borowski says that interests directly along the Peace River should heed directives from local emergency managers. She reminds us that floodwaters can contain hazards and that we should never enter or drive through them.

The Scoop, produced by Jaila Harrigan

WMNF anchors Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Seán Kinane, Lisa Marzilli, Hannah Lau Gleciano, Megan Fair.
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Daria Mironova, Megan Fair, Luiza Medeiros de Campos, Hannah Lau Gleciano, Joeniyah Carter, Jaelin Diehl.
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

• Information from the News Service of Florida, the Associated Press, and Florida Public Media was used in this report

The post The Scoop: Fri. Nov. 6, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

The post “Against All Odds” on Morning Energy appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

The WMNF Song of the Day November 6, 2026 is “Almost“ by Bowling For Soup

It’s funny how a band can slip out of your regular rotation for a while, only to completely rearrange your brain the second it new music comes out! I’ve been listening to “Almost” from their album A Hangover You Don’t Deserve for years, and yet somehow I still managed to let it fall out of my active queue—a total oversight that I am currently correcting on loop.

Trying to pin down the band’s sonic footprint is part of the fun of revisiting them. Their musical style has been described as pop-punk, pop rock, alternative rock, and power pop. But the best description comes from AllMusic, which captures them as a “feverishly catchy and humorous blend of power pop, ska, punk, and hardcore,” further characterizing it as a “cheeky take on pop-punk and melodic alt-pop.” Trace their DNA back, and you find a lineage built on legendary influences like Green Day, Bad Religion, Ramones, NOFX, Descendents, Elvis Costello, and Willie Nelson. These energetic band members consist of Jaret Reddick – lead vocals, rhythm/lead guitar, Gary Wiseman – drums, percussion, occasional backing vocals and Rob Felicetti – bass, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, drums, percussion and lead guitar.

For those of us in the Tampa Bay area, the fandom doesn’t have to stay confined to the headphones. The band has a deep-rooted connection to the local live circuit, frequently hitting up regional independent venues. In fact, they are rolling right back into town for a live show at The Ritz Ybor this next Thursday, November 12, sharing a stellar bill with rosecoloredworld andBallyhoo! – #MarylandBeachRock (and Orlando on November 14th at the Vans Warped Tour). It’s the absolute ideal room for a band with this much energy—intimate, historic, and guaranteed to be loud.

If you’re heading out to catch them live in Tampa, let me know—I’ll be the one singing every single word at the top of my lungs to make up for lost time!

For info: Bowling For Soup Tour Dates 2026 | Tickets & VIP Upgrades

Bio and background compilation by Brenda Minton

The post SOTD 11/6/26: Almost by Bowling For Soup appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Thursday

Rock the Park Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Downtown Tampa’s favorite free concert series returns to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for another evening of live local music under the skyline. Grab a blanket or lawn chair, meet up with friends, and enjoy performances from talented regional artists while taking in the beautiful waterfront setting. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend with great music, food, and an energetic community atmosphere.

Details

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – The Hard Road Tour

The Ritz Ybor | 8 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning blues guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram brings his electrifying The Hard Road Tour to The Ritz Ybor. Widely regarded as one of today’s premier blues performers, Kingfish blends soulful vocals with jaw-dropping guitar work that has earned him acclaim around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or discovering him for the first time, this promises to be one of the standout concerts of the weekend.

Details

Dana & Alden with Alex Amen

New World Music Hall | 7:00 PM

Indie folk duo Dana & Alden bring their genre-blending sound to New World Music Hall for an intimate evening of soulful melodies and thoughtful songwriting. Joined by special guest Alex Amen, this show promises a laid-back atmosphere perfect for fans of modern folk, jazz-inspired arrangements, and heartfelt live performances.

Details

Friday

J. Roddy Walston

Bayboro Brewing | 8 p.m.

Known for his high-energy performances and a sound that mixes rock, Americana, and piano-driven Southern soul, J. Roddy Walston returns to the stage for an intimate evening at Bayboro Brewing in St. Petersburg. Expect an energetic crowd, memorable singalongs, and a night of powerful live music in one of the area’s favorite neighborhood venues.

Details

Greensky Bluegrass

Jannus Live | 6:30 p.m.

Progressive bluegrass favorites Greensky Bluegrass headline Jannus Live for an evening filled with exceptional musicianship and improvisational jams. Blending traditional bluegrass roots with rock influences, the band’s live performances have earned a devoted following across the country. The open-air courtyard of Jannus Live provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of music.

Details

JosenotJuan & Rodriguez

Side Splitters Comedy Club | 7:00 PM

Kick off the weekend with plenty of laughs as comedians JosenotJuan and Rodriguez take the stage at Side Splitters. Their energetic storytelling, observational humor, and relatable comedy make for a fun evening with friends.

Details

Rickey Smiley

Tampa Theatre | 8:00 PM

Comedy legend Rickey Smiley brings his signature blend of storytelling, impressions, and stand-up to the historic Tampa Theatre. Known for his radio career and unforgettable characters, Smiley delivers a night of laughs that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Details

Saturday

Lamont Landers

Skipper’s Smokehouse | 8 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Lamont Landers brings his soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting to Skipper’s Smokehouse. Combining blues, rock, folk, and Southern influences, Landers has built a loyal audience with authentic performances that showcase both his guitar skills and emotional storytelling. It’s a perfect setting to experience one of today’s rising Americana artists.

Details

Wednesday

Jannus Live | 7 p.m.

Alternative rock veterans Wednesday take over Jannus Live with an evening showcasing the band’s emotionally charged songwriting and dynamic live sound. Fans can expect an energetic performance filled with fan favorites and newer material as the group continues its successful touring run.

Details

Rehash

The Orpheum | 7 p.m.

Florida reggae-rock favorites Rehash headline The Orpheum for a night packed with upbeat rhythms, infectious melodies, and plenty of hometown energy. Their blend of reggae, rock, ska, and alternative influences has made them a staple of the local music scene, creating the perfect soundtrack for a Saturday night out.

Details

The Black Honkeys

Safety Harbor Art & Music Center | 7 p.m.

The Black Honkeys bring their signature blend of funk, soul, blues, and rock to the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center. Known throughout the Tampa Bay area for entertaining performances and infectious grooves, the longtime local favorites continue to get audiences dancing with every show.

Details

Have Gun, Will Travel

Coppertail Brewing Co. | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Beloved Florida indie folk band Have Gun, Will Travel headlines an evening of live music at Coppertail Brewing alongside Lauris Vidal, Choking on the Revelry, and Big Sad. Enjoy great local music, craft beer, and an outdoor gathering that celebrates some of the region’s best independent artists.

Details

Ed Sheeran – LOOP Tour

Raymond James Stadium | Gates 5:30 p.m.

One of the biggest concerts of the year arrives in Tampa as global superstar Ed Sheeran brings his highly anticipated LOOP Tour to Raymond James Stadium. Known for his incredible live performances, chart-topping hits, and intimate connection with audiences, Sheeran’s stadium production promises a memorable night featuring fan favorites alongside music from his latest release.

Details

Saturday

WMNF’s Annual Record & CD Sale

WMNF

Music collectors won’t want to miss one of WMNF’s most anticipated annual events. Browse thousands of vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia while supporting Tampa Bay’s community radio station. Whether you’re hunting for rare finds or adding to your collection, there’s something for every music fan.

Details

Cash Money & No Limit Tour featuring Birdman and Master P

Benchmark International Arena | 8:00 PM

Hip-hop icons Birdman and Master P bring decades of Southern rap history together for one unforgettable night. Celebrate the legendary catalogs of Cash Money Records and No Limit Records with an evening filled with classic hits and nostalgic performances.

Details

Trapt

Skipper’s Smokehouse | 6:30 PM

Rock band Trapt returns to Tampa for a performance at the beloved Skipper’s Smokehouse. Fans can expect an evening featuring hard rock favorites alongside newer material in one of the area’s most intimate live music venues.

Details

Ryan Sickler

Side Splitters Comedy Club | 7:00 PM

Podcast favorite and stand-up comedian Ryan Sickler brings his storytelling style and quick wit to Side Splitters. His relatable humor and unforgettable personal stories promise an entertaining night for comedy fans.

Details

TAUK & lespecial

Zodiac Live | 7:00 PM

Jam-rock favorites TAUK join forces with experimental rock outfit lespecial for an explosive co-headlining performance. Combining progressive rock, funk, jazz, and improvisation, this show offers something unique for adventurous music fans.

Details

La Mansión del Perreo

The Ritz Ybor | 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Dance the night away as La Mansión del Perreo transforms The Ritz Ybor into one of Tampa’s biggest Latin party destinations. Expect reggaeton, Latin hits, and nonstop energy well into the early morning hours.

Details

Sunday

The Brook & The Bluff

Jannus Live | 7 p.m.

Close out the weekend with Nashville indie-folk group The Brook & The Bluff at Jannus Live. Their rich harmonies, laid-back grooves, and thoughtful songwriting have helped them become one of the genre’s fastest-rising bands. It’s the perfect concert for winding down the weekend in one of Tampa Bay’s most iconic outdoor venues.

Details

Coco Montoya

Safety Harbor Art & Music Center | 5:30 p.m.

Legendary blues guitarist Coco Montoya brings decades of blues experience to the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center. Renowned for his fiery guitar playing and soulful vocals, Montoya continues to captivate audiences with performances that celebrate the rich traditions of electric blues while showcasing his unmistakable style.

Details

Butch Thomas with Elias Tona

Hillsborough Community College MainStage Theater | 3:00 PM

The Tampa Jazz Club presents an afternoon celebrating the legacy of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius with acclaimed musicians Butch Thomas and Elias Tona. Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy an afternoon of exceptional musicianship honoring one of jazz fusion’s most influential artists.

Details

Victoria Monét – Frequency of Love Tour

Yuengling Center | 8:00 PM

Grammy-winning R&B star Victoria Monét brings her highly anticipated Frequency of Love Tour to Tampa. Fans can look forward to an evening of soulful vocals, captivating choreography, and performances from one of today’s most celebrated R&B artists.

Details

Luke Severeid

Side Splitters Comedy Club | 10:30 PM

Close out the weekend with rising comedian Luke Severeid as he delivers his sharp observational humor and laid-back storytelling style during a late-night performance at Side Splitters.

Details

Matt McCusker

Tampa Theatre | 7:00 PM

Comedian and podcast host Matt McCusker brings his thoughtful and often unpredictable stand-up to the historic Tampa Theatre. Expect an evening filled with sharp observations and hilarious stories from one of comedy’s fastest-rising voices.

Details

The Brook & The Bluff

Jannus Live | 7:00 PM

Wrap up the weekend with indie favorites The Brook & The Bluff as they bring their warm harmonies and uplifting sound to Jannus Live. Their blend of indie rock, soul, and folk creates the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing Sunday evening.

Details

As always, this is just a sampling of what’s happening around Tampa Bay. Whether you’re exploring free community events, catching a local favorite, or seeing an internationally acclaimed artist, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the weekend. Get out, support live music, discover something new, and have a fantastic weekend from all of us at WMNF!

The post From Ed Sheeran to Kingfish: Your Tampa Bay weekend guide (Nov. 5–8) appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Florida death row inmate who reported abuse at Dozier School for Boys is scheduled for execution tonight

Jesse Guardado will be executed tonight for the murder of 75 year old Jackie Malone in 2004. There are 34 Dozier students who have faced the death penalty in Florida. Guardado discussed the physical abuse he experienced at Dozier. Florida has executed 18 people so far this year. Guardado’s sentence would tie last year’s record.

Florida’s midterm ballot contained three amendments for voters to decide

The results of the midterm show that Amendment 3 passed with 62% of votes in favor, however, Amendments 1 and 2 did not pass. Amendment 3 will increase the homestead exemption on property taxes, and limits how local governments use those funds.

The Hernando School District is considering a partnership with Milestone Towers

The partnership would increase revenues for the district without adding a new tax. Other benefits include improved internet connections for students, staff, families, and emergency services. Milestone Towers will pay for the placement and maintenance of the cell towers, while the school district will receive the revenue from leasing the space.

The Scoop, produced by Kayleigh Fuller

WMNF anchors Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Seán Kinane, Lisa Marzilli, Hannah Lau Gleciano, Megan Fair.
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Juanita Hurtado Huérfano, Lisa Marzilli, Seán Kinane, Daria Mironova, Megan Fair, Luiza Medeiros de Campos, Hannah Lau Gleciano, Joeniyah Carter, Jaelin Diehl.
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

• Information from the News Service of Florida, the Associated Press, and Florida Public Media was used in this report

The post The Scoop: Thu. Nov. 5, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

Written by WSLR News on Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Amendment 3 passes, raising questions about local finances.

By Johannes Werner

On high voter turnout – a record-breaking 67.3 percent in Sarasota County – the national Blue Wave barely touched Florida, and completely missed Sarasota and Manatee counties.

One of the most consequential votes in the state on Nov. 3 was not for a candidate, but for a ballot question: Amendment 3, which will enshrine a substantial property tax cut in the state constitution, passed with 62 percent of the vote, beyond the 60 percent it needed.

An economic analysis by the state itself predicts that cities and counties could lose nearly $5 billion in revenues as a result. That would rise to $9 billion the year after, and end up having a recurring impact of nearly $12 billion every year.

It’s not clear what will make up for that shortfall, if cities and counties want to maintain current levels of service.

Byron and Erika Donalds in Sarasota Monday. | Photo: Ramon Lopez

Republicans won all the statewide races. Byron Donalds will be the first Black governor in Florida’s history, after prevailing over David Jolly by a narrow 1.3 percent margin. Attorney General James Uthmeier beat Democratic opponent Jose Javier Rodriguez by 15 points. Blaise Ingoglia won the Chief Financial Officer race against Annette Taddeo by less than 2 percent.

In the race for one of Florida’s two U.S. Senate seats, incumbent Republican Ashley Moody won against progressive Angie Nixon by a margin of 2.9 percent. Sarasota youth activist Zander Moricz, who worked on Nixon’s campaign, said on social media that Nixon will run again in 2028.

“I know tonight sucks, but the opportunity for her to win in 2028 is real, it’s exciting, and it’s dependent on the hard work we put in,” Moricz said.

Sydney Gruters, campaigning with Byron Donalds. | Photo: Ramon Lopez

U.S. House of Representatives races were mixed. Tampa U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, one of the main targets of the recent Republican redistricting, prevailed easily over her Republican challenger, by a 4.3 percent margin. Just to the south of Castor’s district, Democrat Kelly Kirschner did not fare as well. In his race against Sydney Gruters, wife of the Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, Kirschner lost by 4.2 percent. And in the next district to the south, Rep. Greg Steube cruised to re-election by an 18 percent margin, after minimal campaigning and no debating.

For U.S. House of Representatives race results, go here.

James Buchanan (r.) easily won the state senate seat for Florida in a three-way race. | Photo: Terri-Anne Bajorek

While all Republican candidates for the state legislature in Sarasota and Manatee won handily, the days of the Republican supermajority in Tallahassee are over. Sixteen seats in the state House are shifting towards Democrats, stripping the Republicans of their complete control of the lower chamber. Also, in the state Senate, the Republicans lost their supermajority by one seat. One of the key races in the battle played out in state Senate District 14, which centers on Hillsborough County. The rematch between Democratic state Sen. Brian Nathan and Republican Josie Tomkow ended in a clearer than expected 52.24 percent to 47.76 percent victory for Nathan.  The Democrat, a long-time union organizer, first won his seat in a special election earlier this year, staging a major upset.

With the end of the Republican supermajority in the state legislature, Democrats have become a power factor again.

For results of Florida House seat races, check here, for Florida Senate results, click here.

In local races, Republican Jim DeNiro easily prevailed over Democrat Julie London by a 13 percent margin. DeNiro had to overcome questions about family links to the construction industry, and developer and PAC money in his campaign. His Democratic opponent had been endorsed by MAGA Patriot co-founder Conni Brunni.

Heidi Brandt, giving her victory speech at the Republican election watch party. | Photo: Terri-Anne Bajorek

In the sole run-off race for Sarasota School Board, Heidi Brandt won against Jimmy Glover, also by a difference of 13 percent. After a sweep by non-conservative school board candidates, she had positioned herself as the “sole conservative voice” on the school board. Glover, who came out first in a three-way primary, would have been the first Black member of the Sarasota School Board ever.

“For more than a century, Sarasota County has had a certain picture of what school board leadership looks like,” he said on a Facebook post Wednesday morning. “Yesterday, that picture remained unchanged. But history doesn’t stand still, and neither does progress.”

On the Charter Review Board, none of the three Democratic candidates got elected, with voters checking the boxes along party lines.

Meanwhile, in a three-way runoff election, City of Sarasota voters picked Jen Ahearn-Koch and Flo Entler for the two at-large seats on the city commission. Incumbent Ahearn garnered 40.7% of the vote, second-placed Entler 35.08%. John Harshman ended up a distant third, with 24.2%.

For Sarasota County elections results, click here.

For Manatee County elections results, click here.

WSLR News aims to keep the local community informed with our 1/2 hour local news show, quarterly newspaper and social media feeds. The local news broadcast airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.

The post WSLR midterm results; Blue wave touches Florida, but misses Sarasota appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.