UPDATE: The holiday season is heating up as the infamous Naughty List for 2023 has been unveiled, and it includes several high-profile Florida politicians. In a biting commentary, columnist Pat Beall reveals that Santa is poised to deliver coal to some of the Sunshine State’s most controversial figures.
The Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners are under fire for committing to a staggering $344 million construction project, a glass and steel replica of sandworms from the movie “Dune” to serve as city hall. Critics are calling this decision both extravagant and impractical, suggesting it may eventually become fodder for late-night comedy.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio appears to be prioritizing aesthetics over substance, recently making headlines for switching the State Department’s official typography to curlicued serif. This move, described as a “distraction” by Tobias Frere-Jones, a renowned typeface designer, raises eyebrows about the real issues at hand in America’s foreign policy.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also on the naughty list for its controversial initiative to reconsider safety levels for formaldehyde, a known hazardous substance. Critics argue that this could lead to dangerous inhalation risks for consumers.
In a more scandalous twist, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is facing backlash for hiring private law firms at rates up to $875 per hour for publicity litigation. This comes amid accusations of mismanaging $10 million in Medicaid funds, which were allegedly redirected to bolster political campaigns rather than assist needy children.
As for Ron DeSantis, he isn’t escaping Santa’s coal either. The governor is scrutinized for allowing over $35 million to be siphoned from the state’s budget for his political ambitions, raising significant ethical questions about his leadership.
Adding to the chaos, Susie Wiles, a key advisor to former President Trump, is in hot water for her recent remarks comparing Trump to her alcoholic father. Her comments have sparked outrage, and she is now expected to issue public apologies to those offended.
This holiday season, as Santa prepares his sleigh, it seems the Naughty List is more crowded than ever with Florida’s political elite. With numerous controversies unfolding, the implications of these actions will likely resonate well into the new year.
Stay tuned for further updates as we track the fallout from this year’s Naughty List.
