Former President Trump's false attack questioning Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity comes as the number of people in the U.S. identifying as multiracial is surging — particularly in Florida.

Why it matters: Trump's comments illuminate how some Americans consistently misunderstand the complexities of people from multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds and how those identities shape their lives.

• In Florida, 16.5% of the population identify as multiracial, more than 3.5 million individuals.
• That's the fourth highest percentage in the U.S., behind Hawaii, New Mexico and Texas. The national figure is 10.2%.

Zoom in: Hillsborough County reported 246,032 multiracial residents in the latest Census count, while Pinellas reported 84,462.

Catch up fast: Trump's comments at the National Association of Black Journalists convention last week, saying Harris primarily identified as Indian and "became Black" recently, stirred discussions about her background.

Reality check: Harris regularly cites her background as the daughter of a South Asian immigrant mother and a Jamaican immigrant father.

• Harris graduated from Howard University (an HBCU), joined the historically Black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha and was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus as a U.S. senator.

Harris is hardly alone. People who identify as multiracial, or more than one race, are among the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census.

• The 2020 Census found that those who identify as multiracial almost quadrupled from 9 million in 2010 to 33.8 million a decade later.

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Hillsborough's GOP-led commission doubled down in its fight to stall the school board's tax referendum, voting to appeal a court order to place it on the ballot.

Why it matters: It's the latest escalation in a feud between the two government entities, leaving teacher raises in limbo.

• The vote lands two weeks before the printing deadline for the November ballot — and the county's appeal alone, if not expedited, endangers the referendum.

Catch up quick: Commissioner Joshua Wostal (R) made a motion in July to punt the ballot referendum to 2026, citing "increases in the costs of inflation."

• The school board then sued the commission. Earlier this month, a circuit court ruled that "commissioners have no discretion to choose a different date."
• Circuit Judge Emily Peacock's order directed the commission to adopt a resolution no later than Aug. 13, to put the referendum before voters.

Driving the news: The Hillsborough Commission voted 4-3 yesterday to appeal that order and hire outside counsel to pursue the case.

What they're saying: "The No. 1 complaint from my constituents has been increased expenses, the tough economy, and the burden being placed on families," Commissioner Christine Miller (R) said at yesterday's meeting.

The other side: "Statewide, we're doing terribly to compensate our teachers. But in Hillsborough County, we're doing especially terribly," said Commissioner Pat Kemp (D), who voted no.

• "Let the matter rest here. This vote belongs to the voters."

Go deeper

🎤 Ms. Lauryn Hill canceled her Miseducation Anniversary Tour just days before it was scheduled to begin in Tampa. (Creative Loafing)

🍺 Tampa-founded World of Beer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to slash its debt and close underperforming locations, citing financial strain from rising interest rates and inflation. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

⚖️ Gun rights groups filed a federal lawsuit against Florida's open carry ban, arguing it violates the Second Amendment. (Tampa Bay Times)

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell's Senate campaign plans to launch a six-figure, Spanish-language radio ad statewide this week, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: This is the most expensive radio ad blitz of her campaign so far.

Between the lines: The ad shows how eager Mucarsel-Powell is to reach Latino voters — a base that's swung increasingly out of reach for Florida Democrats in recent cycles.

What she's saying: "Over 30 years ago, my mother brought my sisters and me from Ecuador in search of a better life, more opportunities and freedom. And that's why I'm running for the Senate."

• "But today, corrupt politicians like Rick Scott have put our freedoms at risk. His economic plans increase our taxes, the cost of food, insurance, and housing."
• "Less money and fewer rights mean less freedom. And the truth is ... he won't stop. Unless we stop him. Because once they take away one freedom ... they never stop there."

Reality check: Mucarsel-Powell's ad mischaracterizes Scott's position on abortion, which he has softened in recent months.

The other side: "This is a desperate move from a broke campaign scrambling to win a primary," Scott's campaign spokesperson, Will Hampson, says.

• His campaign has also invested heavily in ads targeting Latino voters, positioning him as a champion against communism and socialism.

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Tampa Bay kids are heading back to school on Monday, and there are several events coming up to kick off the school year.

📓 Buy tax-free school supplies during Florida's 2024 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday which ends Sunday.

• View a list of qualifying items here.

🎉 Bring the family to Women Helping Others of Tampa Bay's Back-to-School Celebration, featuring free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), free food and drinks, and vendors offering information on health, education and community support programs.

• Saturday, 1-4pm, Giddens Park in Tampa. Free, no registration required.

🎒 Pick up a free backpack, plus free food, games and school supplies at the Back to School Backpack Giveaway, sponsored by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

• Saturday, 11am-1pm, Palmetto Youth Center.

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