Who's tossed their hat in the political ring for 2026? Check our list

The 2026 elections may seem a long way off, but all across Florida candidates and potential candidates are already making their pitch to donors — and soon enough they’ll take it to voters, i.e. you.

So check out our listing of 2026 candidates, at the federal, state and county commission level. Again, it’s early; the list of names will grow. And as we get closer to elections, VoteWater will help you identify the clean-water candidates who will protect our waterways, our health and our future.

ICYMI: Big Sugar gets big handout in 'Big, Beautiful Bill'

As we noted recently, the House Reconciliation Bill — otherwise known as the "Big, Beautiful Bill" — includes an update to the federal Sugar Program which will stuff even more money into Big Sugar's collective pockets.

Specifically, a provision in the bill would increase the sugar loan rate from the current 19.75 cents per pound to 25.38 cents per pound. This loan rate acts as a guaranteed minimum price, benefitting the sugar companies and hitting you in the pocketbook.

Now, the Senate has also included the Sugar Program in its reconciliation package, meaning both chambers are poised to do Big Sugar a big favor.

Check out our initial account at VoteWater.org; and check out Florida Phoenix columnist Craig Pittman's longer piece here.

This issue hasn't gotten much press attention, and unless it does it could well pass. So make some noise!