Sunburn — The morning learn of what’s scorching in Florida politics — 3.1.24

Good Friday morning.

Breaking in a single day — “Ex-Florida GOP Chair accused of rape told police he was more concerned about ‘PR’ than facts of case” by way of Michael Barfield of the Florida Trident — When Sarasota police detectives first interviewed Christian Ziegler after receiving a grievance from a lady accusing him of rape, he answered no questions, transcripts launched at the moment by the police division present. As a substitute, the now-former Florida GOP Chair requested detectives about when the knowledge would turn out to be public and expressed fear about his political future. “This shall be a nationwide story,” Ziegler informed police through the Nov. 1 interview at his dwelling. “I’m Chairman of the Republican Get together of Florida, so there’ll be a excessive public curiosity within the case.” It was Christian Ziegler, a longtime Republican operative, who introduced his spouse into politics — and he was clearly centered on their twin careers when questioned concerning the rape allegation. “I’m extra delicate concerning the PR facet, the political facet, than I’m concerning the information,” Ziegler informed police.

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The partisan divide is robust within the Sunshine State, in accordance with voter opinions on a few of the most-watched payments of the 2024 Legislative Session.

Polling carried out by Sachs Media discovered Republicans had been overwhelmingly supportive (74%) of an effort to show Ok-12 college students concerning the “horrors of communism” and instituting a ban on lab-grown meat (69%). By comparability, solely 41% of Democrats consider youngsters want a crash course on Soviet genocide whereas round 1 / 4 say meat ought to come from a butcher as an alternative of a beaker.

Each proposals seem more likely to hit the Governor’s desk this yr. Each communism payments (HB 1349/SB 1264) are prepared for flooring votes and the Senate on Thursday passed its version of the cultivated meat ban (SB 1084).

Although it nonetheless had majority help, Republicans had been comparatively lukewarm on a measure that may loosen labor legal guidelines for teenage employees, permitting them to work extra hours every week and later into the evening. Simply over half (55%) of GOP voters stated they accepted of the plan. Solely 29% of Democrats polled stated the identical.

Bipartisanship isn’t absolutely useless, nevertheless — majorities from each events, in addition to no-party voters, stated they weren’t on board with a ban on at the moment authorized hemp merchandise.

“These payments clearly have legs inside the legislative course of, but it surely’s equally clear that many Floridians don’t share lawmakers’ enthusiasm,” stated Karen Cyphers, Accomplice and Director of Analysis at Sachs Media. “For only one instance, legislators are practically unanimous in selling vital restrictions in Florida’s hemp trade, regardless that fewer than 1 in 3 Floridians assume it’s crucial.”

The survey additionally discovered broad voter help for measures that would supply mother and father extra time to give up an toddler underneath the “Protected Haven” legislation (88%); improve penalties in opposition to deported unlawful immigrants who return and commit new crimes (86%); exempt new moms from jury obligation (85%); crackdown on so-called “porch pirates” (82%); and revising how mother and father could alternate kids in little one custody circumstances (81%).

Jimmy Buffett, too, appears to transcend partisan politics. Sachs Media discovered three-quarters of these polled consider a stretch of A1A must be named after the long-lasting singer-songwriter. A invoice doing simply that (HB 91) has already cleared the Home and is awaiting a flooring vote within the Senate.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@JohnFetterman: It is a household in disaster and the leisure cruelty I see on social media must be out of bounds. I do know the influence this has on kids. I’m calling for restraint as a result of cruelty has substantial collateral injury. We are able to’t ever neglect that they didn’t join this.

—@DeanBlackFL: Betty Holzendorf, a terrific legislator and a robust chief for our metropolis, handed away at the moment. In her time within the Florida Home of Representatives and Senate; she was a passionate voice for her constituents and for the causes she held expensive. I need to lengthen my deepest condolences to her household at this troublesome time.

Tweet, tweet:

The vote heard spherical Leon County—

A number of shock flips because the Blueprint Reasonably priced Housing movement passes 8-4!

Maybe the most important vote in years.

Insiders fervently lobbied in opposition to, up til this morning https://t.co/MYaoyszkCv pic.twitter.com/qqIO0kNFJO

— Ryan Ray (@ryanray_Fla) February 29, 2024

—@AGlorios: I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be becoming a member of the @MiamiHerald‘s Tallahassee workforce as a state authorities reporter on Monday!! Hit me up.

— DAYS UNTIL —

Michigan/Idaho/Missouri GOP Primaries — 2; Netflix to stream “The Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz faceoff — 2; Tremendous Tuesday — 4; State of the Union tackle — 6; final day of Common Session, if Legislature completes work in 60 days — 7; 2024 Oscars — 9; Georgia Democratic Major — 12; Arizona/Florida/Illinois/Kansas/Ohio Primaries — 19; James Madison Institute’s ‘2024 Naples Dinner’ with keynote speaker Laura Ingraham — 20; ‘3 Physique Downside’ premieres on Netflix — 20; Donald Trump’s New York hush cash trial begins — 24; The Supreme Courtroom will hear arguments within the mifepristone/abortion capsule case — 25; Main League Baseball’s (MLB) 2024 season — 27; March Insanity Remaining 4 (girls’s) begins — 34; March Insanity Remaining 4 (males’s) — 37; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Assembly — 41; The Masters start — 42; Kentucky Derby — 65; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 70; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 77; French Open begins — 80; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 82; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer time Tour begins in Tampa — 82; Monaco Grand Prix — 86; the 2024 World Cup begins — 102; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 120; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 136; the 2024 World Cup ends — 140; 2024 MLS All-Star Sport — 145; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 147; ‘Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 166; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 172; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 176; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 231; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 234; 2024 Presidential Election — 249; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 262; MLS Cup 2024 — 277; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 350; ‘Moana’ premieres — 480; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 511; ‘Incredible 4’ reboot premieres — 511; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 616; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 658; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 795; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 811; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 1,022; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,162; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,121; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,843.

— TOP STORY —

“Kathleen Passidomo: Gov. Ron DeSantis will veto social media minor ban” by way of Douglas Soule of the USA As we speak Community-Florida — The Legislature would then ship one other invoice to the Governor with language extra palatable to him, she defined.

“My understanding is that they’re in a very great spot,” the Naples Republican informed reporters throughout a Thursday afternoon information convention.

She’s referring to DeSantis and Home Speaker Paul Renner, who’s term-limited this yr. The ban (HB 1) was his precedence invoice this Session, slated to finish subsequent Friday.

He and DeSantis met Monday, in accordance with a day by day calendar launched by the Governor’s Workplace. When requested concerning the assembly Wednesday, Renner stated they had been “taking a look at options” however that he didn’t have something to announce it.

If in reality the invoice is vetoed, Passidomo predicted the Home would shortly carry ahead one other invoice (HB 3) and modify it with language DeSantis agrees on.

That invoice, in its present kind, requires age verification for pornographic web sites. It has remained out of the highlight for weeks, as its provisions had been added to the social media invoice now earlier than DeSantis.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“DeSantis signs bill in Palm Beach to release grand jury’s Jeffrey Epstein records” by way of Shira Moolten of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis signed a invoice Thursday paving the way in which for the discharge of the grand jury testimony in Epstein’s 2006 sexual abuse case, seemingly someday this coming Summer time. Minutes after the invoice was signed, the Palm Seaside County decide overseeing the information’ launch dominated in opposition to releasing them now, however strongly hinted he would rethink after the legislation goes into impact on July 1. A Palm Seaside Publish investigation alleged that prosecutors had sabotaged their very own case again in 2006, influenced by Epstein’s personal legal professionals. He obtained just one cost: soliciting a prostitute. “There have been loads of questions on what occurred the place you had a sweetheart deal,” DeSantis stated. “The fact is the investigation was stymied since you didn’t have entry to the grand jury supplies. I agree there must be a mechanism in these uncommon circumstances the place folks ought to have the ability to get the reality so we are able to pursue justice.”

—“Judge says Palm Beach Post must wait until July like everyone else to see Epstein records” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

“Homeless camping ban that DeSantis wants is ready for House vote” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Republican Rep. Sam Garrison’s invoice has been referred to as a “carrot and stick” method to managing the homeless drawback within the state. HB 1365 bans counties and municipalities from allowing public sleeping or public tenting on public property with out express permission, in a transfer deemed by the invoice language to satisfy an “essential state curiosity,” with what Garrison has referred to as a “Florida mannequin” for dealing with the difficulty. Counties can be charged with establishing encampments that ban medicine and alcohol and embody rehabilitative social companies as a means of imposing the prohibition in opposition to tough sleeping. The camps may solely be in a single place for 365 consecutive days. These situations embody clear restrooms, operating water, safety on-premises, and bans on medicine and alcohol. They have to even be positioned in locations that don’t influence the worth of close by properties.

“Lawmakers advance Casey DeSantis-backed cancer research changes, add more funding” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — First Woman Casey DeSantis’ push to proceed to bolster the state’s effort to fight most cancers seems poised to get added funding and new floor guidelines on how these {dollars} must be spent. Price range negotiators earlier this week agreed to direct an extra $40 million towards the Florida Most cancers Innovation Fund. The Senate additionally handed a invoice (SB 7072) championed by DeSantis, a most cancers survivor. Sponsored by Sen. Gayle Harrell, SB 7072 basically codifies into legislation the “Most cancers Join Collaborative” first introduced by DeSantis a couple of yr in the past. The laws establishes a six-member collaborative and directs it to evaluate all Florida Most cancers Innovation Grant functions and to advise the Division of Well being (DOH) on how the grants must be awarded. The state Surgeon Common would function Chair of the six-member collaborative however wouldn’t be a voting member.

“‘Taking a proactive stance’: Legislature approves definition of antisemitism in state Statutes” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Florida Statutes will quickly have a broadly making use of definition for antisemitism that state lawmakers uniformly agreed upon. Home members voted 115-0 for a invoice (HB 187) offering that Florida defines antisemitism as “a sure notion of Jews, which can be expressed as hatred towards Jews,” and rhetorical and manifestations of such hatred “directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish people, their property, group establishments and spiritual amenities.” The measure, which Senators handed 40-0 Wednesday earlier than sending it to the Home for approval the next day, contains 11 examples of antisemitism that line up with its definition. They embody “dehumanizing” stereotypes that Jews management industries and authorities, “demonizing” symbols and pictures related to basic antisemitism similar to blood libel, Holocaust denial, and double requirements when criticizing Israel, the one Jewish-majority nation.

“Bill lowering gun purchasing minimum age to 18 moving through House despite Senate resistance” by way of Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The Home gave a second studying to a invoice (HB 1223) that may reverse gun management guidelines enacted after the Parkland capturing by decreasing the minimal age to purchase a gun from 21 to 18. However the Senate has already made clear these adjustments are useless on arrival. Rep. Anna Eskamani lamented the truth that the Home is constant to push to undo elements of the bipartisan legislation handed after Parkland. “I used to be very pleased with this Legislature for coming collectively and supporting these measures, a lot of which, on each side of the aisle, took political threat to take action,” Eskamani stated. “I simply can’t fathom the concept of regressing on this problem.” However invoice sponsor Rep. Bobby Payne argued that banning 18-year-olds from shopping for shotguns and rifles was unconstitutional since these youngsters might be charged as adults with felonies, signal contracts or be a part of the army. They need to be allowed to buy weapons too, he stated.

— BUDGET NOTES —

“Budget conference: House moves on road projects, but deal on jobs program elusive” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — The street to a price range deal is paved with transportation venture cash, and the Home took a step alongside it by providing vital funding for a sequence of street initiatives favored by the Senate. In some circumstances, the Home went from not funding a venture to overshooting what the Senate most well-liked. As an illustration, the Senate had $3 million for enhancements to the Wauchula Municipal Airport, however the Home provided $10.5 million. The Senate’s $2 million for the Melbourne Orlando Worldwide Airport operations heart was boosted to $5 million by the Home, which didn’t fund the venture in its preliminary price range.

“Budget conference: Ocean remains between Senate, House funding for Mote Marine” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Lawmakers on each side of the Capitol need funding for Mote Marine Laboratory. However on funding ranges, chambers stay an ocean aside. The newest supply from Senate Agriculture, Atmosphere, and Common Authorities Appropriations contains solely $1 million for the Sarasota analysis establishment. In the meantime, negotiators with Home Agriculture and Pure Assets Appropriations have $6 million put aside for the establishment. Both means, it’s a small quantity of what lawmakers need for the marine laboratory. Rep. Fiona McFarland, a Sarasota Republican, filed a request for $10 million for a Massive Information Analytics and Visualization Coaching program that Mote leaders need to function in partnership with New School.

“Budget conference: Senate, House budgets both set aside $54M to upgrade to PALM” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The final word software program replace could have simply downloaded one other $54.3 million, in {dollars}, not information. The newest supply from the Senate Agriculture, Atmosphere, and Common Authorities Appropriations Committee rings in with that a lot and extra to improve the state’s Nineteen Eighties-era software program system. The quantity dollar-for-dollar matches the final supply from the Home State Administration and Know-how Appropriations Subcommittee. That seemingly means the chambers have come collectively on one of the vital costly expertise appropriations objects. The Florida Accounting and Data Useful resource, or FLAIR, is an accounting system nonetheless used for a lot of the state’s accounting and monetary administration features.

“Budget conference: After brief snub, Senate agrees to $30M for condo-hardening program” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Nicely, that didn’t take lengthy. After briefly providing nothing, Senate lawmakers have agreed to spend $30 million on a proposed pilot program to assist condominium house owners strengthen their properties in opposition to seasonal storms. Home lawmakers proposed the nonrecurring expenditure Tuesday. In the meantime, the Senate held out on committing something to this system. That modified Wednesday at 9 p.m., when the Legislature’s higher chamber concurred with the Home’s earmark plan, providing the complete $30 million to the My Protected Florida Condominium Pilot Program. Launch of the cash from the state basic income fund is contingent on laws authorizing this system (SB 1366, HB 1029) passing.

“$2M in public money could go to Lake Apopka project tied to controversial former water district Chair” by way of Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — A pair of Central Florida Republican lawmakers are requesting $2 million in public cash that may go to an entity related to a number of outstanding GOP figures and cooperated by John Miklos, a controversial former Chair of the St. Johns Water Administration District. The taxpayer funds can be used to plant aquatic vegetation on 141 acres in long-polluted Lake Apopka, in accordance with the price range requests submitted by Rep. Taylor Yarkosky of Montverde and Sen. Jason Brodeur of Sanford. However to date, the Florida Senate has included $500,000 for the venture in its model of the state price range, though that determine may change as lawmakers hammer out particulars of the spending plan over the approaching days.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“House readies bill preempting local wage, heat exposure laws for final vote” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Laws wiping out native ordinances setting a minimal wage for contractors and subcontractors is poised for a vote within the Home after Republicans fended off a sequence of amendments from Democrats aimed toward weakening the measure. The invoice (HB 433) additionally prevents cities and counties from passing legal guidelines to guard employees from warmth overexposure. Rep. Tiffany Esposito, the sponsor of the invoice, famous that it requires the Division of Commerce to enact laws associated to warmth publicity for employees by 2028 if the OSHA doesn’t launch them on the federal stage.

“House moves along anti-trans bill that has no future” by way of Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — “This invoice could be very problematic. It shouldn’t even be heard,” stated Angela Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat. “It’s not going to be heard within the Senate, so I actually don’t know why we’re right here.” However invoice sponsor Rep. Doug Bankson argued, “It is a good invoice that suffered some unhealthy press and created some unfounded fears.” Underneath HB 1639, driver’s licenses can be required to state somebody’s intercourse assigned at delivery. At present, people who find themselves transgender can change their licenses to mirror their gender. Underneath the invoice, medical health insurance corporations protecting prescriptions or procedures as a part of transgender care may even present protection for remedy to de-transition “for an acceptable extra premium” beginning Jan. 1, 2025, in accordance with the workers evaluation.

“House poised to tighten child exploitation penalties” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Republican Rep. Jessica Baker’s invoice (HB 1545) would improve the factors that prosecutors and judges use within the offense severity rating chart (OSRC) formulation to find out penalties for quite a lot of heinous crimes involving “possession, promotion, and manufacturing of kid sexual abuse materials.” The Jacksonville Republican famous when the invoice was up on Particular Order that, amongst crimes of this kind, “Florida has persistently decrease ranges of scoring and punishment tips because it pertains to on-line little one exploitation as in comparison with different states and the federal authorities.” These embody prohibiting an individual from utilizing a toddler in a sexual efficiency, prohibiting an individual from selling a sexual efficiency by a toddler, prohibiting an individual from possessing little one pornography with the intent to advertise, and prohibiting an individual from possessing or deliberately viewing little one pornography as a third-degree felony.

“Lawmakers seek to root out ‘bad actors’ as school vouchers grow” by way of Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Occasions — As their 2024 Legislative Session winds down, the identical lawmakers who pushed for voucher development are poised to throttle again the objects past tuition and tutoring that households should purchase with the cash. “Sadly, oftentimes the unhealthy actors, the abuse, results in restrictions,” Sen. Corey Simon, a Tallahassee Republican, defined throughout a latest listening to on SB 7048, the Senate’s voucher “tweak” laws. “If we don’t begin tightening down the screws with a program of this dimension and at this juncture of this second, then we could lose management altogether,” Simon stated. As is perhaps anticipated, some households that loved this system’s advantages opposed such adjustments. Lawmakers stated they sympathized. But on the identical time, they stated, they should make sure the voucher program doesn’t “incentivize dwelling education for the incorrect motive,” as Sen. Erin Grall, a Vero Seaside Republican who has homeschooled her personal kids, put it.

— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“House votes to keep Algebra I, 10th grade English exams intact for graduation requirements in Florida” by way of Jackie Llanos of Florida Phoenix — Involved about decreasing requirements in Florida’s public excessive colleges, the state Home on Thursday voted to stay with the unique necessities: Teenagers should go statewide Algebra 1 and tenth grade English Language Arts exams to have the ability to get their diplomas. The Senate must vote on the laws. Throughout the first week of this yr’s Legislative Session, the Senate handed a bundle of payments aimed toward “deregulating” Florida public colleges via measures similar to eradicating Algebra I and tenth grade ELA exams from the commencement necessities in Florida. That turned controversial, with Home Speaker Renner vehemently against easing the commencement necessities. Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy, who sponsored the schooling deregulation invoice within the Home, took the identical stance as Renner, that means, leaving Algebra 1 and ELA 10 commencement necessities intact.

—“A bill would give high school dropouts a second chance at a college education” by way of Adrian Andrews of WFSU

“House passes disclosure requirement for AI in political ads” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Candidates for workplace in Florida could possibly be required to reveal whether or not the advertisements they run used synthetic intelligence, underneath a invoice handed by the Home. The invoice (HB 919) handed on a 104-8 vote, with some Democrats opposing the measure, a few of whom expressed concern concerning the prison penalty for violating the brand new requirement. Any candidate or political committee that places out an advert utilizing AI with out disclosing it will commit a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of 1 yr and a fantastic of $1,000. “The explanation why we wished to present this a bit extra tooth … is as a result of now there’s a actual concern to actually change actuality on folks,” stated Rep. Alex Rizo, a Miami Republican and sponsor of the invoice. Rep. Dotie Joseph warned a prison penalty is just too harsh for such a brand new problem grappling with the prevalent use of synthetic intelligence.

“House approves condo-focused expansion to My Safe Florida Home grant program” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Apartment house owners alongside Florida’s coast could quickly have the ability to faucet state {dollars} to strengthen their properties in opposition to seasonal storms, per laws Home lawmakers simply accepted. The invoice (HB 1029) authorizes the creation of the My Protected Florida Condominium Program, a pilot program that would supply condominium associations inside 15 miles of the shoreline with hurricane-mitigation inspections and steerage on roof- and entryway-improving grants. This system is an offshoot of My Protected Florida Dwelling, a 17-year-old home-hardening grant program lawmakers resurrected in 2022 and have since apportioned $433 million for roof-, door- and window-improving initiatives. On Thursday, the Home voted 116-0 for the invoice. It would now be despatched to the Senate.

“Senate votes for state control over food delivery apps” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Tallahassee legislators could have a spot at your dinner desk quickly, because the Senate unanimously accepted a preemption invoice giving the state management over meals supply apps. SB 676, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, would preempt the regulation of “meals supply platforms” that corral orders from a number of eating places to the federal government in Tallahassee. The laws is supported by quite a few influential teams, together with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Affiliation, Grubhub, the Related Industries of Florida, Uber Applied sciences, the Florida Chamber, TechNet and the James Madison Institute. The Digital Restaurant Affiliation opposes the invoice, in the meantime. The invoice requires supply platforms to acquire the written or digital consent of eating places earlier than selecting up orders. Platforms are required to take away eating places inside 10 days of a request to take action as nicely.

“Senate passes ban on sale of cultivated meat” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Senators voted to make Florida the primary state to ban the sale of lab-grown meat. However a majority rejected a proposal to place a five-year sundown on that restriction. As lawmakers debated an agriculture bundle (SB 1084) on the ground, Sen. Jay Collins stated he doesn’t assume cultured meat merchandise shall be prepared for consumption anytime quickly. “We’d like extra time than 5 years,” the Tampa Republican stated. The measure in the end handed on a 26-10 vote, however solely after just a few delays to work out issues elsewhere within the legislative bundle. All votes in opposition to the invoice got here from Democrats. However Senators did approve a Democratic modification establishing rule-making authority in preemption of native laws on electrical automobile charging stations.

— THE SKED —

— 10 a.m. The Senate holds a flooring Session. Senate Chambers.

— 10 a.m. The Home holds a flooring Session. Home Chambers.

— 6:15 p.m. Senate Particular Order Calendar Group meets. Room 401, Senate Workplace Constructing.

— 6:15 p.m. Home Guidelines Committee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.

— WEEKEND TV —

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Presidential historian Talmage Boston, creator of “How the Greatest Did It: Management Classes From Our High Presidents,” and political analyst Dr. Susan MacManus.

Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday present supplies viewers with an in-depth have a look at politics in South Florida and different points affecting the area.

In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay Information 9/CF 13: A have a look at Spring Break security in Florida and what native officers are doing to ensure college students and group members have a trouble-free expertise within the Sunshine State. Becoming a member of Walker are Matt Reinhart, District 2, Volusia County Council; Chief Jakari Younger, Daytona Seaside Police Division; and Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff’s Workplace.

Political Connections on Bay Information 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday present is launching as a joint weeknight present airing Monday via Friday at 7 p.m.

The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama Metropolis (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with Rep. Michele Rayner and lawyer Sean Pittman.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, Jacksonville College Public Coverage Institute Director Rick Mullaney, and CEO Champion Ladies and Olympic gold medalist swimmer Nancy Hogshead.

— OTHER STATEWIDE —

“Owners of second homes in Florida could be moved out of Citizens insurance” by way of Lawrence Mower of the Orlando Sentinel — Some Floridians with state-run Residents Property Insurance coverage may quickly discover their householders insurance policies shuffled to an unregulated insurer. In a primary for the state, lawmakers are poised to permit corporations often known as surplus strains insurers to take out insurance policies from Residents. As much as 80,000 Floridians — these whose second properties are lined by Residents — may discover themselves with insurance policies missing primary shopper protections, similar to a assure that their declare could possibly be paid. Senate Invoice 1716 and Home Invoice 1503 have sailed via the Legislature with few questions requested and virtually no debate. However it will be a marked shift in coverage for the state. For many years, solely regulated insurers had been allowed to take insurance policies out of Residents, the insurer for Floridians who can’t in any other case discover protection.

“Orlando Health confirms 4 measles cases, but there’s no local spread, state officials say” by way of Caroline Catherman of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando Well being has seen 4 confirmed measles circumstances at its Central Florida emergency departments inside the previous month, the hospital system says, however state officers say there isn’t a outbreak within the Orlando space. One case was in an grownup, and three had been in kids lower than 2 years outdated, stated Lisa Maria Garza, a consultant for Orlando Well being. No different particulars had been launched on Thursday. The Florida Division of Well being has reported solely two measles circumstances in youngsters lower than 2 years outdated in 2024, which suggests at the very least one measles case handled by Orlando Well being this month was not recorded within the state’s public tally.

— 2024 —

“Joe Biden amasses cash lead as Donald Trump bleeds money in 2024 fight” by way of Invoice Allison of Bloomberg — Biden faces quite a few obstacles on the street to re-election. Cash gained’t seemingly be one in every of them. Teams allied with Biden have already dedicated to spending greater than $700 million to assist him beat Trump within the 2024 Election. That’s along with the $130 million his marketing campaign reported having readily available firstly of February. Trump’s monetary scenario, by comparability, is beginning to present cracks. His marketing campaign spent greater than it raised in January and allied political motion committees are spending thousands and thousands on his authorized protection that may in any other case go to re-election efforts. The Republican Nationwide Committee’s fundraising additionally lags behind its Democratic counterpart.

“Democrats push to get skeptical young voters behind Biden” by way of Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Democrats fear about Biden’s help from younger voters, who’re more and more bombarded on social media about his age, scholar mortgage debt and the struggle in Gaza. In Florida, the social gathering is making an attempt fervently to achieve out to them. Amongst latest efforts are a younger Democratic leaders PAC and a rally and live performance organized by Gen Z U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost on Saturday that includes “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Biden has even joined TikTok, along with his marketing campaign posting 43 movies because the first on Tremendous Bowl Sunday on Feb. 11. Democrats face loads of work to fight the messages younger persons are getting on-line implying there’s little distinction between Biden and Trump, one political analyst stated.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Trump pushes Steve Daines to succeed Mitch McConnell as GOP’s Senate leader” by way of Stef W. Kight and Stephen Neukam of Axios — Trump quietly has been urging Sen. Daines to run for GOP Senate chief — and was doing so even earlier than Sen. McConnell introduced he was stepping apart as chief. Trump’s involvement alerts there could possibly be an extended race for the management publish forward. Trump is consolidating his energy over the GOP and Republicans in Congress, and his blessing, together with a triumphant November election, may place Daines for the Senate management job when the brand new Congress begins in January. Daines, who is also Chair of the Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee, has demurred about the potential of succeeding McConnell, however hasn’t stated no. Daines “appreciates the President’s help however must give attention to taking again the Senate” in November, one supply stated.

— DOWN BALLOT —

Invoice Posey endorses Dave Weldon for state Home — U.S. Rep. Posey is backing Republican candidate Weldon within the race for Home District 32. “If the folks of Brevard need somebody with a observe file of being a confirmed conservative who’s approachable, hardworking and really efficient at serving them in Tallahassee, Dr. Dave is that man. He’s a veteran and a doctor who we are able to belief to get the job carried out. Dave is a champion for our values and creating good jobs in Brevard. Dave will stand sturdy in opposition to unlawful immigration and the Democrats’ radical agenda,” Posey stated. “I encourage all voters to get behind Dr. Dave Weldon to battle for us in Tallahassee.” HD 32 is at the moment held by term-limited Republican Rep. Thad Altman.

“Ruth’s List Florida backs Yvette Drucker for re-election to Boca Raton Council” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Longtime group volunteer Drucker’s bid to remain on the Boca Raton Metropolis Council for 3 extra years now has help from Ruth’s Record Florida. The Democratic, pro-women group introduced its endorsement of Drucker, calling her “precisely the form of lady that we need to uplift and shield in workplace.” “Council member Drucker has been an advocate for girls and kids even earlier than turning into elected and has continued to make sure the voices of her constituents are heard,” Ruth’s Record CEO Christina Diamond stated. “She is a shining instance of the kind of leaders we want on the native stage proper now.” Drucker stated she appreciates the nod. “Ruth’s Record is aware of the way to make Florida a greater place for girls and households,” she stated in a press release.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“‘Unfailing integrity’: Daniella Levine Cava endorses James Reyes for Miami-Dade Sheriff” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Levine Cava is endorsing Reyes, a longtime jail warden she appointed final yr because the county’s first Chief of Public Security to supervise the Police, Corrections and Fireplace departments. “I’m proud to endorse Chief James Reyes for Miami-Dade County Sheriff as a result of he believes deeply in public service and leads with unfailing integrity,” she stated in a Thursday assertion. “His management … has delivered confirmed outcomes, constructed group belief, and saved our residents and households secure. Rising up in Miami-Dade, James understands that the range of our group is our biggest asset, and he is aware of firsthand why the freedoms we cherish in our nation should at all times be protected.”

“Miami-Dade Sheriff candidates call for public corruption unit to investigate government officials” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — As a number of politicians in Miami-Dade face scrutiny for wrongdoing, two candidates for Sheriff are independently calling for the creation of a public corruption unit to analyze probably unscrupulous officers. Democratic Miami-Dade Police Main John Barrow and retired Main Mario Knapp, a Republican who led post-incident operations after the Surfside condominium collapse, agree that native legislation enforcement wants to raised confront abuses of presidency energy. And the top of Miami-Dade’s ethics company believes such a unit would profit the county. In a press word, Barrow stated he plans to ascertain a unit on Day One to “root out corruption and assist restore residents’ religion of their elected leaders and native authorities.” The 18-year Miami-Dade Police veteran envisions the unit as “consisting of seasoned investigators and attorneys from the division’s authorized workers,” who will “work hand-in-glove with the State Lawyer’s Workplace on their corruption investigations.”

“Miami Seaquarium’s chief veterinarian resigns after critical report about its animal care” by way of Devoun Cetoute and Linda Robertson of the Miami Herald — Miami Seaquarium’s chief veterinarian has resigned, one other signal of a rising disaster on the Virginia Key marine park that has made Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava speed up her efforts to terminate the county’s lease with Seaquarium operator The Dolphin Firm. “Miami-Dade County is taking all steps essential to implement compliance with our present lease settlement as we transfer nearer to termination,” Levine Cava and County Commissioner Raquel Regalado stated in a joint assertion. “As we speak’s information reaffirms the county’s issues and the urgency to find out the following steps in the most effective curiosity of the animals residing on the Seaquarium.” County officers came upon Wednesday that head vet Dr. Jessica Comolli had resigned.

Miami-Dade County inks lobbying contract with Ballard Companions — Ballard Companions has added the county authorities in Miami-Dade to its shopper sheet. Filings present that agency founder Brian Ballard, Jose Diaz, Hunter Morgen and Dan McFaul have registered to foyer for the county with the contract stating the agency, along with advocating for laws, will advise the county on “potential alternatives relating to transportation, seaport, airport, and financial improvement points.”

“It’s back to the drawing board for Port St. Lucie’s City Attorney search process” by way of Wicker Perlis of Treasure Coast Newspapers — The Metropolis Council goes again to the drafting board in its seek for a brand new everlasting Metropolis Lawyer after members stated they had been sad with the introduced candidates. Port St. Lucie is on the lookout for its fifth Metropolis Lawyer within the final 10 years, after former Metropolis Lawyer James Stokes stepped down in October. Deputy Metropolis Lawyer Richard Berrios was elevated to Interim Metropolis Lawyer and was one in every of 4 finalists for the everlasting job. Within the decade since longtime Metropolis Lawyer Roger Orr retired in 2014, amid a Sunshine Regulation violation scandal, the workplace has been affected by turnover and additional scandals.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Community leaders sign Central Florida Pledge to stand against hate” by way of Desiree Stennett of the Orlando Sentinel — Leaders throughout Central Florida representing metropolis and county governments, legislation enforcement businesses, enterprise, non secular teams and faculty campuses gathered Thursday in downtown Orlando to signal the Central Florida Pledge, a doc denouncing Islamophobia, antisemitism and different types of hate. Within the months after the Oct. 7 assault on Israel and the brutal struggle that adopted within the Gaza strip, outstanding group figures got down to ease a few of the pressure that bubbled throughout the area, hundreds of miles away from the battle. Longtime enterprise proprietor and philanthropist Alan Ginsberg had the concept to create a pledge that members of the group may signal to vow that they’d not solely refuse to take part within the hatred of others however would additionally intervene once they witnessed weak folks being focused by these espousing hate.

“State lawmakers move to block proposed growth limits in Orange County” by way of Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida legislators are on the verge of upending a proposal from a residents’ Committee to ask Orange County voters in November to limit improvement on rural lands east and west of Orlando. The Orange County Constitution Assessment Fee has not but accepted the proposed “Rural Boundary Modification” urged by a subcommittee after six months of research, however the potential impacts on future improvement caught lawmakers’ consideration. The legislative efforts, which have gained public discover solely in the previous couple of days, would thwart a significant effort to manage the world’s development with out letting residents weigh in. On Wednesday, the Florida Senate voted 38-1 in favor of a measure to dam any “citizen-led county constitution modification” proposing to overrule present land improvement laws. The Florida Home Friday could focus on the same prohibition.

“‘Should not have happened’: Grand jury report rebukes Osceola sheriff, deputies who killed Jayden Baez” by way of Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Osceola County deputy sheriffs may have prevented killing Baez in April 2022 if not for his or her defective judgment and their division’s poorly crafted insurance policies on the usage of acceptable drive in response to minor crimes, a grand jury report launched Thursday concluded. The report, introduced by Orange-Osceola State Lawyer Andrew Bain, slams the deputies’ techniques within the minutes resulting in the capturing demise of the 20-year-old Baez, who drove a automobile carrying two passengers accused of shoplifting $46 in pizza and Pokémon playing cards. Deputies in unmarked automobiles blocked Baez in his parking spot, then fired as he rammed their automobiles making an attempt to flee. Two of his companions, Joseph Lowe and Michael Gomez, survived regardless of being struck a number of occasions by gunfire.

“Voters will decide whether gas-powered blowers can be used in Winter Park” by way of Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Two years after banning gasoline leaf blowers of their metropolis, Winter Park Commissioners have determined to present voters the ultimate phrase. In a 3-2 vote, Metropolis Commissioners agreed to place the ban on the 2025 poll, underneath menace that Sen. Jason Brodeur, a Lake Mary Republican whose district contains Winter Park, would in any other case transfer to dam all bans of the gas-powered garden gear throughout the state. Brodeur, who sided with disgruntled landscapers, has since pushed for the Senate to fund additional research of gasoline vs. electrical blowers. Mayor Phil Anderson supported the poll measure alongside Commissioners Sheila DeCiccio and Kris Cruzada. Commissioners Todd Weaver and Marty Sullivan voted in opposition to it.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Amid employee morale issues, Dade City considers City Manager’s future” by way of Barbara Behrendt of the Tampa Bay Occasions — The Dade Metropolis Fee this week confronted a barrage of criticism leveled in opposition to Metropolis Supervisor Leslie Porter by previous and current staff to go together with a suggestion from one Board member that it was time to switch her. Mayor Professional Tem Normita Woodard questioned whether or not it was time for a change at a gathering earlier within the month. However on Tuesday evening, the main focus was on former and present staff who crammed seats within the assembly room and spoke via a letter delivered to the Fee by native enterprise proprietor Jenny Williams. “Morale is the bottom it has been,” Williams informed officers, due to mishandling of metropolis points, intimidation of staff and a hostile work surroundings underneath Porter’s six years as supervisor. The letter additionally stated that Porter had employed “like-minded” division leaders, together with Karin Decker, the human assets director, and Georgina Cid, the group and financial improvement director.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Judge overseeing JEA trial closes courtroom, Times-Union and media object” by way of Nate Monroe of the Florida Occasions-Union — The federal Choose overseeing the corruption trial of JEA’s former high executives closed the courtroom whereas prosecutors and protection attorneys heard testimony from an upcoming witness, a choice the Occasions-Union objected to and plans to problem in court docket filings. U.S. District Choose Brian Davis dismissed media and the general public earlier than holding a Kastigar listening to — a specialised continuing that permits the decide to vet the testimony a witness plans to supply outdoors the view of jurors and, on this case, the general public. Davis didn’t differentiate why this listening to was completely different from comparable proceedings held all through the Summer time and within the weeks earlier than the trial, throughout which the media and public had been permitted to view the overwhelming majority of the testimony.

“JEA trial: Former JEA No. 2 says potential big payouts were clear to executives” by way of Nate Monroe of The Florida Occasions-Union — Melissa Dykes, JEA’s former chief working officer, who additionally had a number of temporary stints because the utility’s chief, informed jurors within the conspiracy and fraud trial of JEA’s former CEO and CFO that she absolutely understood the potential for big payouts from an incentive plan the board of administrators accepted in the summertime of 2019, underscoring a key level made by federal prosecutors all through the trial. Dykes’ testimony concurrently bolstered the federal government’s case whereas providing a lifeline to one of many co-defendants, former JEA CFO Ryan Wannemacher, a longtime good friend of Dykes and one she stated was one of the vital sincere folks she knew. Dykes stated she believed that her former boss, ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn, had absolutely defined how the controversial incentive plan labored to members of the JEA board. “He stated, ‘everyone who wants to know it understands it,’” she stated.

“Betty Holzendorf, 1939-2024: Longtime legislator who represented Duval dies at the age of 84” by way of ActionNewsJax — A former Florida Senator and Consultant from Northeast Florida has died, Motion Information Jax has confirmed. Holzendorf died Thursday. In accordance with her Florida Home biography, she was 84 on the time of her demise. She was an alum of each Edward Waters College and the College of North Florida, receiving her bachelor’s diploma from the previous and her grasp’s in academic administration from the latter. Holzendorf, a Democrat, served within the Florida Home of Representatives from 1988-1992 and within the Florida Senate from 1992 to 2002, in accordance with her Home and Senate biographies.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“New College of Florida hires professor who argued in favor of colonialism” by way of Steven Walker of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — New School of Florida is hiring a professor who as soon as printed an article arguing in favor of colonialism, the school introduced in a information launch Thursday. Bruce Gilley, a political-science professor at Portland State College and the creator of “The Case for Colonialism,” shall be one of many faculty’s first hires as “Presidential Scholar in Residence,” a non-tenure observe instructing place on the faculty akin to a visiting professorship. He joins Stanley Fish, Joseph Loconte and Andrew Doyle. Gilley will take a sabbatical from his tenured place at Portland State College to work at New School.

“Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert will run for a third term as City Commissioner” by way of Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Alpert has introduced a re-election marketing campaign for what she stated can be her third and sure remaining time period as a Metropolis Commissioner. “I believe the message is one in every of engaged on and persevering with the progress that we’ve made within the metropolis,” Alpert informed the Herald-Tribune of her re-election bid. “I believe within the final 4 years, we’ve made loads of strides so far as getting issues carried out.” The 2 greatest points Alpert has heard about from constituents and voters could also be unsurprising for these monitoring Sarasota politics: reasonably priced housing and development. The Mayor envisions a stability of the 2 points by encouraging elevated housing density and improvement in downtown Sarasota and alongside the busy journey corridors.

“Collier Commission advances affordable housing project that would tap taxpayer money” by way of Laura Layden of the Naples Each day Information — Collier Commissioners reconsidered, then reapproved a developer’s utility for taxpayer cash to construct reasonably priced housing. Whereas all of them appeared to agree the venture was imperfect, Commissioners voted unanimously to maintain shifting it ahead. After the applying gained unanimous approval in late January, Commissioner Invoice McDaniel requested for a reconsideration at a Board assembly just a few weeks later. A majority of the Board then agreed to rehear it the following time they met. After the primary vote, McDaniel stated new data had come to gentle that triggered new questions and issues in his thoughts, which he wished the developer and county workers to handle within the public eye.

“FEMA OKs $17.1M in debris reimbursement for Charlotte County” by way of the Port Charlotte Solar — Charlotte County will obtain greater than $17.1 million in grant funding to offset the price of eradicating particles after Hurricane Ian. The Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) issued a information launch saying the reimbursement grant. The discharge famous that greater than 1.6 million cubic yards of vegetative particles had been faraway from county roads and public property because of the storm, together with roughly 241,794 cubic yards of “hurricane-generated particles.” “The storm left in depth particles, leading to a menace to public well being and security,” the discharge learn. The grant funding is supplied via FEMA’s Public Help program.

— TOP OPINION —

“Nikki Haley’s not running against Trump. She’s using him to launder her image.” by way of Frank Bruni of The New York Occasions — She’s not operating for President, or at the very least that’s not her sole and even principal objective in 2024.

She’s operating for a unique form of glory, and to a point, she’s profitable it, regardless that she doesn’t deserve it. That’s why she sounds so surprisingly joyful at occasions. It’s the supply of her curiously strong power.

As 2024 dawned, Trump’s dominance endured and Haley grappled with the truth that she didn’t have any job apart from her candidacy to return to, she recognized the following smartest thing to beating Trump: utilizing him, for so long as potential, as a yardstick. Being measured in opposition to him.

Daily that she formally stays an alternative choice to him — regardless of how technical, regardless of how notional, regardless of her failure to get even 30% of the vote in Michigan this week — is a day when Individuals with an unfavorable view of him (the bulk, thoughts you) have a newly favorable view of her. It’s a day when journalists raptly path after her, when she’s welcome on just about any tv information present when at the very least just a few pundits will reward her guts and her gusto for standing as much as Trump, regardless that she bowed right down to him for a lot, for much longer.

When that is throughout, her talking charges shall be astronomical.

In her unbroken string of Republican Major losses, she could also be making a win-win. If it’s Biden-Trump in November and Biden beats Trump, Haley will get to say to Republicans, “I informed you so.” If Trump wins, strikes again into the White Home, and sucks us right into a nonstop, democracy-imperiling, quasi-autocratic melodrama, Haley additionally will get to say, “I informed you so.”

— OPINIONS —

“DeSantis is right about social media ban. This misguided idea deserves his veto” by way of the Miami Herald editorial board — Give DeSantis some credit score. He’s at the very least being constant along with his criticism of the Florida Legislature’s try and ban minors from social media. If lawmakers gave mother and father the ability to take away books and sue colleges for speaking about issues like sexual orientation and race in ways in which make them uncomfortable, shouldn’t additionally they give mother and father a say on the varieties of web sites their little one can entry? Simply hours earlier than the Legislature handed the invoice to maintain kids underneath 16 from platforms which have “addicting options,” DeSantis stated there have been “legit points that gotta be labored out” and that folks must be allowed to override the state’s heavy-handed ban. The Legislature defied the Governor and accepted Home Invoice 1 anyway as a result of it’s a precedence of the Home Speaker. DeSantis ought to veto HB 1.

“Venezuela’s dictator and Trump spread lies about mass exodus” by way of Andres Oppenheimer of the Miami Herald — Faux information alert: Because the exodus of Venezuelans to america reaches new heights, each Latin America’s old-guard left, and America’s Trumpist proper are spreading a false narrative concerning the estimated 8 million Venezuelans who’ve fled their nation in recent times. Should you take heed to the disinformation marketing campaign by Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his Latin American allies, the Venezuelan exodus has been attributable to U.S. sanctions in opposition to Venezuela. Echoing Maduro’s false declare, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote on Feb. 17 in his X, previously Twitter, account that “what has prompted the migration of thousands and thousands of Venezuelans is an financial blockade.” He added that america “blockaded the worldwide sale of (Venezuelan) oil, and that’s what Venezuela’s society lived from. The instant impoverishment produced migration.”

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

Instagram rolls out new function to stop on-line scams — Instagram unveiled a brand new function that may show warning labels when it detects suspicious exercise linked to identification theft and fraud scams. The platform will flag questionable hyperlinks or direct messages with a pop-up warning asking customers to evaluate and acknowledge the potential rip-off. In accordance with Instagram, Floridians are ranked third most weak within the nation to be affected by identification theft and fraud. Older Floridians are particularly weak to on-line scams, together with scams on social media. Instagram cited information displaying that of all people who’ve reported shedding cash to fraud since 2021, one in 4 stated that it began on social media.

“The computer will see you now: Artificial Intelligence usage grows at Central Florida hospitals” by way of Caroline Catherman of the Orlando Sentinel — Central Florida’s two main well being programs, Orlando Well being and AdventHealth Central Florida, are extensively utilizing synthetic intelligence for administrative work and, more and more, to sound early alarms about potential diseases, together with lethal pancreatic most cancers and sepsis. Finally, some consultants assume AI may even be used to diagnose sufferers and make remedy choices. On one hand, a rising physique of analysis suggests this might make sufferers safer as a result of the pc software program that generates AI doesn’t get drained or make errors like overworked medical workers. However lots of people are alarmed by the prospect. A 2023 Pew Analysis ballot discovered 60% of Individuals are uncomfortable with AI getting used of their well being care.

“Universal unveils DreamWorks Land details, including its Trollercoaster” by way of Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — Common Orlando has revealed extra particulars concerning the DreamWorks Land set to open at Common Studios theme park someday this Summer time. Among the many components: a Trolls Trollercoaster experience, Po’s Kung Fu Coaching Camp and Shrek’s Swamp Meet. The realm is underneath building on the footprint of what was previously often known as KidZone. The refurbishment will embody character interactions, playgrounds, themed meals and shops. The Trollercoaster shall be “family-friendly,” Common stated, with Caterbus-themed experience automobiles and spiders amongst their webs. Will probably be close to Poppy’s Playground, which is able to function bouncing and climbing constructions beneath a 20-foot mushroom. Trolls Treats shall be an ice-cream kiosk reworked from Poppy’s boombox seen in “Trolls Band Collectively.”

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating at the moment are former U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, Ralph Lair, Adrianna Sekula, David Singer, Sally West, and Stephanie Grutman Zauder.

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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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