PALM COAST, Fla. – Former Florida Senator Jeff Brandes didn’t come to reassure—he came to challenge.
Speaking to members and guests of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club, Brandes delivered a data-driven, candid assessment of where Florida stands on four major policy fronts and what must change for the state to remain competitive. His message was clear: Florida must move decisively toward proven best practices.
“Thank you to those who joined us to hear from former Senator Jeff Brandes,” said Amy Maguire, Executive Director of the Florida Policy Project (FPP). “The Senator shared data, stories, advocacy tips, policy lessons, and challenged us.”
Brandes is the Founder and President of the Florida Policy Project, a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving public policy through research, collaboration, and public engagement. Maguire emphasized that FPP’s mission is rooted in elevating fact-based conversations and convening diverse stakeholders to tackle Florida’s most pressing challenges.
“Senator Brandes provided a fascinating look at how empirical research by organizations like the Florida Policy Project aids Florida’s state and local leaders in making sound and evidence-based choices in public policy to effectively address a diverse spectrum of important issues. Public policy is key to our quality of life and economic vitality,” stated Dr. Joe Saviak, Second Vice President of the Flagler Tiger Bay Club.
A Data-Driven Approach to Florida’s Biggest Challenges
The Florida Policy Project works at the intersection of research, policy, and public engagement, providing lawmakers, business leaders, and civic organizations with actionable insights that support sustainable growth, economic resilience, and quality of life across the state.
At its core, FPP focuses on complex issues such as housing affordability, insurance, criminal justice reform, and transportation—moving conversations beyond headlines and toward long-term solutions grounded in Florida’s unique regional and demographic realities.
One of FPP’s signature strategies is convening stakeholders from across sectors. Through initiatives such as the Florida Housing Solutions Summit and the Florida Autonomous Vehicle Summit, FPP brings together public officials, private industry, nonprofits, and academic institutions to foster informed dialogue, reduce polarization, and encourage collaboration rooted in shared goals rather than ideology.
Housing policy, in particular, has become a central focus of FPP’s work. Through regional research initiatives and statewide summits, the organization has examined barriers to housing supply, affordability gaps, and the downstream effects on workforce stability and economic growth.
“By focusing on research, collaboration, and pragmatic solutions, FPP helps ensure that Florida’s future is guided by insight, accountability, and a shared commitment to the public good,” Maguire said. “To be more involved and stay abreast of our research, please sign up on our website or contact Amy at maguire@flpolicyproject.com.”
Brandes: Best Practices Are the Path Forward
Asked what he hoped attendees would take away from the discussion, Brandes didn’t hesitate.
“I really want people to take away that Florida needs to move towards best practices,” he said. “Florida has a lot of challenges that other states have faced, and if we follow the best practice model, we can actually radically accelerate our change and move in that direction. And there’s lots of opportunities to be engaged in this conversation.”
Brandes was equally candid about the road ahead. As Florida heads into the 2026 legislative cycle, which opened January 13, he cautioned attendees to manage expectations. Ongoing infighting between the Florida House and Senate and concerns surrounding the proposed elimination of property taxes have left elected officials across Florida’s 400-plus cities and 67 counties on edge.
Still, Brandes remains optimistic about Florida’s future—and its next generation of leaders.
“Always optimistic,” he said when asked about incoming legislators. “It’s a great place to live. It’s a great place to raise a family. We have some challenges—every state has challenges—but I would much rather be in Florida than virtually any other state in the country. We’re not always going to get it right, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
Young Tigers Rise to the Moment
While seasoned politicos in the room absorbed the sobering realities laid out during the presentation, it was the Flagler Tiger Bay Club’s Young Tigers who left energized and hopeful.
Students from Flagler Palm Coast High School and Matanzas High School stayed after the luncheon ended, engaging Brandes in one of the most in-depth question-and-answer sessions a speaker has held with the group. Their optimism stood in stark contrast to the daunting challenges discussed—but it was optimism rooted in curiosity and commitment.
Among them was Sofia Fretterd, a junior at Flagler Palm Coast High School, who arrived with a list of questions for the former senator and left feeling empowered.
“I think that if our youth can be a part of something and making a change, I think they definitely should,” Fretterd said. “Even if it’s advocating, doing something for their school, or bringing awareness to the fact.”
Fretterd is Vice President of her Student Council, treasurer-elect on the Florida Association of Student Councils Executive Board, and a recent selectee for Florida Girls State—a nine-day mock legislative program held in Tallahassee at Florida State University.
“It teaches you about how to create laws, how to make laws, how to change them, how to do debates, and how to run for elections,” she said. “So, I’m very excited to participate in that.”
Looking Ahead
Brandes may have left some attendees “shellshocked” with his blunt assessment of Florida’s policy landscape, but the Young Tigers offered a powerful counterpoint: a generation ready to engage, ask hard questions, and step into leadership.
If Florida’s future depends on best practices and bold collaboration, it’s clear the next generation is already paying attention—and preparing to lead.
