The race for Florida governor is entering its final month, and both candidates are making sure Suncoast voters get a close look. Republican Byron Donalds is touring the state on his “Defending the Florida Dream” campaign, with a stop planned in Lakewood Ranch. His platform sticks to familiar ground for Florida Republicans: low taxes, limited regulation, and a tough approach to crime.
Democrat David Jolly is countering with a focus on public education. He met with the Sarasota County school board this week and pitched an idea that could hit close to home for our tourism-driven communities: redirect hotel and tourism tax dollars away from convention centers and into classrooms. “I just don’t think we have a crisis in convention centers,” Jolly said. “I think we have a crisis in public education.” His next event takes him to Coconut Creek with former U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel.
The contrast matters here because the Suncoast runs on both tourism and schools. Spring training, beach season, and snowbird months fill local coffers, while Sarasota and Manatee county families depend on public schools every single day. Whoever wins in November will shape how those priorities get funded for years. Which issue matters more to you this election: protecting Florida’s tax and tourism model, or redirecting that money to public schools?
