Sunburn — The morning learn of what’s scorching in Florida politics — 2.14.24

Good Wednesday morning.

Earlier than we transfer to our celebration of V-Day, we ask you to take a second to recollect the victims of the capturing six years in the past at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Excessive College in Parkland.

We bear in mind Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang.

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Ron DeSantis orders flags at half-staff in remembrance of Parkland bloodbath — The Governor has ordered all Florida and U.S. flags flown on state grounds lowered to half-staff from dawn to sundown immediately. The order comes on the sixth anniversary of the capturing at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Excessive College in Parkland when a shooter killed 17 folks. A memo from DeSantis’ workplace states, “College students, lecturers and school confirmed nice braveness within the face of hazard. The sacrifices of those heroes, in addition to the courageous actions of first responders, won’t ever be forgotten.”

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If pink and pink aren’t your colours, you’re in luck. Wednesday is Gator Day on the Capitol, so that you’re all clear to bust out the orange and blue.

Gator Day is the College of Florida’s once-a-Session likelihood to spotlight its contributions to the state. Because the state’s flagship, they’ve rather a lot to spotlight, resembling record-breaking analysis spending and top-tier rankings in U.S. Information & World Report in addition to The Wall Road Journal.

And, simply in time for the Tally journey, UF received one other speaking level: The college ranked No. 2 within the variety of school chosen for the 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Students Program, up from No. 4 final 12 months and No. 7 simply two years in the past. This 12 months noticed 11 UF students make the record.

Whereas UF has lots to brag about, in addition they have a receptive viewers within the Capitol Complicated. Along with die-hard Gators resembling Sen. Blaise Ingoglia and Sen. Gayle Harrell (each of whom advised Florida Politics they’d be showing their Gator pride immediately), the Sunshine State has a triple-Gator on the Cupboard: Lawyer Basic Ashley Moody.

“I’m grateful for the College of Florida, the place I spent a lot of my youth and for the coaching and schooling which laid the groundwork for me to change into the Lawyer Basic of the state of Florida. I’m proud to be a triple gator and third-generation alumni. Go Gators,” she advised Florida Politics.

Official Gator Day occasions can be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the primary three flooring of the Capitol. UF will even maintain an out of doors celebration between the brand new and previous Capitols from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Particular company will embody UF President Ben Sasse, UF Board of Trustees members, UF Alumni Affiliation President Barbie Tilman, soccer coach Billy Napier, quarterback Graham Mertz and linebacker Shemar James. Napier, Mertz and James can be signing autographs.

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As a result of it’s Valentine’s Day and since this text is about Florida politics, we needed to once more do one thing romantic to begin the day. (However not earlier than I say how grateful I’m for the love of my life, Michelle Todd Schorsch, who makes each vacation, EVERY DAY, so particular. In the event you comply with us on social media, simply have a look at how superior she made our Tremendous Bowl get together.)

It takes a particular sort of individual to work within the strain cooker that’s Session. The stakes are excessive, the calls for are relentless, and the times may be verrrrrrrry lengthy.

Is it doable for 2 of those particular folks to seek out one another, fall in love, and deal with The Course of collectively?

Not simply doable, however extremely seemingly.

With Valentine’s Day right here (when you’re hoping to attain a dinner reservation or a flower supply at this level, you’re destined for disappointment), we need to share the story of 10 {couples} who’ve discovered success — each below the rotunda and of their love and household lives. Allison and Josh Aubuchon, Stephanie and Reggie Cardozo, Amanda Morrison Corbella and Gus Corbella, Keyna and Jack Cory, Keaton and Tom Griffin, Alice and Sam Kerce, Victoria and Kyle Langan, Paige and Nick Primrose, Julie and Jack Rogers, and Shannon and Dave Shepp.

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There are numerous causes to like Florida, and the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) has launched a marketing campaign to remind Sunshine State residents that in the case of shopping for Valentine’s Day items, they need to stick with Florida companies.

The Nationwide Retail Federation (NRF) estimates at the very least 53% of shoppers throughout America plan to purchase items for his or her family members for the unofficial vacation Feb. 14. On common, these prospects will seemingly spend $181.81 every on Valentine’s Day goodies. The group initiatives this 12 months’s Feb. 14 will see some $14.2 billion spent on these items throughout the nation.

FRF’s “Find it in Florida” venture is particularly designed to steer Floridians towards Sunshine State retailers. FRF President and CEO Scott Shalley mentioned Valentine’s Day buyers ought to step up and be a Cupid by displaying some love for Florida retailers.

“Customers are celebrating extra than simply their vital others this Valentine’s Day,” Shalley mentioned. “Buyers are shopping for for relations and buddies this 12 months, and Florida retailers are prepared to assist buyers ‘Discover It In Florida’ when searching for the proper reward for these they love.”

NRF predicts some reward areas will break data for Valentine’s Day spending this 12 months, together with jewellery at $6.4 billion, flowers at $2.6 billion, clothes at $3 billion and a night out of eating and leisure at $4.9 billion.

Essentially the most bought merchandise this 12 months can be sweet, with 57% of buyers planning to purchase one thing candy. Greeting playing cards and flowers adopted, with every on about two in 5 purchasing lists. A 3rd plan was to spend a night out whereas jewellery, clothes, and reward playing cards all hovered across the 20% mark.

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All the time a enjoyable learn: “Valentine’s Day is brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations” through me and Drew Wilson

And … “Fresh roses wither and die, but Florida-grown plants are a longer-lasting token for Valentine’s Day” through Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics

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Noticed — At Rep. Spencer Roach’s Celebration of “Mardi Grass”: Rep. Shane Abbott, Rep. Jessica Baker, Rep. Robin Bartleman, Rep. Adam Botana, Matt Caldwell, Rep. Darryl Campbell, Rep. Lindsay Cross, Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Rosanne Dunkley, Diana Ferguson, Mat Forest, Rep. Gallop Franklin and his spouse Chelsea, Rep. Mike Giallombardo, Chris Hansen, Jon Johnson, Rep. Sam Killebrew, Alexis LaRoe, Sen. Jonathan Martin, Eli Nortelus, Rep. Jenna Individuals-Mulicka, Matt Puckett, Richard and Nicole Reeves, Dr. Joel Rudman (who confirmed up with 8 full luggage of beads), Rep. Michelle Salzman, Rep. Tyler Sirois, Rep. Kelly Skidmore, Sam Wagoner and former Rep. Jennifer Webb.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@SkylerSwisher: Florida college students want a parental consent slip to take heed to a Holocaust survivor or a visitor lecture on segregation. The varieties have gotten extra frequent due to parental rights laws handed by Florida lawmakers.

—@DanRegan_Comedy: Daily is Lent when you gave up a very long time in the past.

Tweet, tweet:

Thanks @Kathleen4SWFL in your management in shaping the way forward for pediatric well being care in Florida. pic.twitter.com/ExZcy1SJFn

— Florida’s Specialty Hospitals for Youngsters (@FSH4Children) February 13, 2024

Tweet, tweet:

I do know tomorrow is Gator Day, however my rising assortment was lacking a @FloridaState helmet. Because of Coach Norvell for serving to me out! 🏈🏈🏈

Though, I have to say it is beginning to look extra like a males’s locker room and fewer like a women’ parlor in right here. 👠💄💅🍸 pic.twitter.com/u6l6DgPyvZ

— Kathleen Passidomo (@Kathleen4SWFL) February 13, 2024

—@GovGoneWild: Tomorrow is #Gator Day on the Capitol. I might need one thing humorous deliberate.

—@WesWolfeTandG: In some locations, like Jax, police are stepping into media manufacturing to allow them to management additional what they need to say with out interacting with an impartial reporter, which supplies the phantasm of transparency with out altering something.

— DAYS UNTIL —

Ninth Annual Fits for Session begins — 6; Season 6 of ‘Drive To Survive’ premieres on Netflix — 9; South Carolina Republican Main — 10; Michigan Democratic Main — 13; James Madison Institute’s ‘Purple, White and Bluegrass’ dinner — 14; ‘Dune: Half Two’ premieres — 16; Michigan/Idaho/Missouri GOP Primaries — 18; Netflix to stream “The Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz faceoff — 18; Tremendous Tuesday — 20; State of the Union tackle — 22; final day of Common Session, if Legislature completes work in 60 days — 23; 2024 Oscars — 25; Georgia Democratic Main — 27; Arizona/Florida/Illinois/Kansas/Ohio Primaries — 34; James Madison Institute’s ‘2024 Naples Dinner’ with keynote speaker Laura Ingraham — 36; ‘3 Physique Drawback’ premieres on Netflix — 36; The Supreme Court docket will hear arguments within the mifepristone/abortion capsule case — 41; Main League Baseball’s (MLB) 2024 season — 43; March Insanity Closing 4 (girls’s) begins — 50; March Insanity Closing 4 (males’s) — 53; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Assembly — 57; The Masters start — 58; Kentucky Derby — 81; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 86; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 91; French Open begins — 96; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 98; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer time Tour begins in Tampa — 98; Monaco Grand Prix — 102; the 2026 World Cup begins — 118; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 136; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 152; the 2026 World Cup ends — 156; 2024 MLS All-Star Sport — 161; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 163; Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 181; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 187; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 192; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 247; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 247; 2024 Presidential Election — 262; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 278; MLS Cup 2024 — 293; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 363; ‘Moana’ premieres — 496; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 527; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 632; ‘Incredible 4’ reboot premieres — 632; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 674; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 811; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 827; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 1,038; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,178; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,137; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,859.

— TOP STORY —

“Judge rules that restrictions on after-hour drop boxes don’t keep Floridians from voting” through The Related Press — Chief U.S. District Choose Mark Walker beforehand dominated that restrictions in Florida’s 2021 election regulation would have suppressed Black voters, however components of that call have been overturned by an appellate court docket and despatched again to the Tallahassee Choose to rethink. Walker made his newest ruling final Thursday.

Usually sounding conflicted about how to answer the appellate court docket choice, Walker mentioned in his newest ruling that the voting rights teams that had challenged Florida’s election regulation failed to point out that the restrictions on drop packing containers unduly burdened voters.

The Choose additionally mentioned that restrictions within the regulation on third-party voter registration teams additionally didn’t be confirmed unduly burdensome.

Florida’s Republican-led Legislature joined a number of others across the nation in passing election reforms after Republican Donald Trump made unfounded claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Democrats have known as such reforms a partisan try and hold some voters from the poll field.

Florida’s election regulation tightened guidelines on mailed ballots, drop packing containers and different well-liked election strategies. The modifications made it harder for Black voters who, total, have extra socioeconomic disadvantages than white voters, Walker wrote in his unique March 2022 ruling.

The eleventh Circuit Court docket of Appeals mentioned final April that Walker’s ruling was flawed, and that proof didn’t present that lawmakers intentionally focused Black voters.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Gov. DeSantis announces crackdown on ‘porch pirates’ in new Florida bill” through Shira Moolten of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — A brand new invoice shifting rapidly by the Florida legislature would intensify penalties for retail theft and “porch piracy,” making it a third-degree felony to steal packages price over $40.

DeSantis introduced the crackdown at a information convention in Cape Coral, describing it as a measure to keep away from a “tradition of lawlessness” in progressive states like California and New York.

“You’ve gotten Amazon will ship it, they drop these items off, and generally it’s gone,” DeSantis mentioned Tuesday. “And you’ve got the power with cameras now on folks’s doorsteps, that is simply solvable, however you’ve received to have sufficient penalties to have the ability to try this.”

The invoice, HB 549, was added to the Florida Home Judiciary Committee agenda Monday. Its companion invoice within the Senate is SB 824. Along with penalties for porch piracy, the laws additionally targets retail thefts, including new penalties for looting and “smash and seize” crimes and lengthening the period of time by which somebody may be prosecuted as a repeat offender from a month to a 12 months.

“In the event you go right into a pharmacy, and the toothpaste is behind lock and key — it’s nearly like Fort Knox, a few of these locations, only for regular gadgets — you realize you’ve received some issues,” DeSantis mentioned.

FRF praises Governor, Lawyer Basic for retail theft crackdown — The Florida Retail Federation is praising DeSantis and Moody for voicing assist for a invoice (HB 549) sponsored by Rep. Bob Rommel that might improve prison costs for organized retail theft. “Organized retail crime rings threaten the lives and livelihoods of Florida retailers and put shopper security at critical danger,” mentioned FRF President and CEO Shalley. “This laws will assist stop crime, hold our communities secure and permit Florida retailers to supply a safe retailer surroundings for workforce members and prospects. The Florida Retail Federation is proud to work alongside lawmakers to guard Floridians and Florida retailers by curbing retail theft in shops and holding criminals accountable for his or her actions.”

“House wants to trim sales-tax holidays, ignore DeSantis’ homeowners break” through the Tampa Bay Instances — A plan proposed by the Florida Home Methods & Means Committee on Wednesday would slash shopper gross sales tax holidays and ignore DeSantis’ name for a short lived waiver of taxes and costs on owners’ property insurance coverage premiums. However it might add extra tax breaks for companies. If left unchanged, the bundle would whole $647.3 million, or about half the $1.3 billion in tax breaks offered throughout the present fiscal 12 months. It isn’t a carried out deal. Home and Senate leaders will negotiate tax cuts as they put collectively a funds within the subsequent three weeks for the 2024-2025 fiscal 12 months that begins July 1.

“‘Condo 3.0’ bill boosting safety, Board accountability heads to final House panel” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A invoice designed to offer tooth to Florida’s rental legal guidelines and be certain that rental Board members are sincere and accountable is now one Home Committee OK shy of a ground vote. Members of the Home State Administration and Know-how Appropriations Subcommittee voted unanimously to advance the measure (HB 1021) after approving a pair of amendments to assist the invoice’s goals. The voluminous proposal builds on a few legal guidelines the Legislature accepted after the June 2021 rental collapse in Surfside to shore up deficiencies in constructing upkeep and the oversight and legal responsibility of rental Boards. Accordingly, Rep. Vicki Lopez, the invoice’s sponsor, has dubbed it “Rental 3.0.” And as soon as it’s handed, she mentioned, it’ll be a “game-changer.”

“DeSantis won’t back youth social media ban if he thinks courts will strike it down” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — “I believe that I’m not going to be supporting if I don’t assume it’s going to be one thing that’s going to move authorized muster within the courts,” DeSantis mentioned in Cape Coral. He reiterated earlier sentiments concerning the controversial Home invoice (HB 1) banning anybody below the age of 16 from social media. The invoice, a precedence of Home Speaker Paul Renner, was handed regardless of authorized challenges in Utah and Ohio relating to related payments. “What I’ve mentioned beforehand, these items have large authorized hurdles. They’ve been held up in courts. I don’t need to go down the highway of doing one thing that isn’t going to be going to move muster legally,” DeSantis mentioned.

“LGBTQ advocates say Florida social media minor ban would block lifesaving resources” through Douglas Soule and Ana Goñi-Lessan of USA At this time Community — As lawmakers attempt to block minors youthful than 16 years previous from social media platforms, Will Larkins mentioned determining which approach to lean on the invoice is “actually laborious.” To make sure, the 19-year-old Florida Atlantic College scholar is aware of the detrimental results of utilizing on-line platforms: “I had entry to social media at like 12 years previous, and I used to be 100% uncovered to issues I shouldn’t have been uncovered to.” Larkins added that “the algorithms are constructed to addict folks. They’re constructed to be a drug.” However Larkins, who based a Queer Scholar Union whereas in highschool, mentioned many younger LGBTQ teenagers who don’t have assist at residence typically flip to social media as a useful resource.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“House tax package eyes cuts for businesses, consumers” through Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Companies paying lease on industrial property and shoppers accustomed to purchasing throughout gross sales tax holidays can be the large winners below the Home tax minimize bundle. The invoice (PCB WMC 24-05) would save firms and shoppers $728.1 million over the following two fiscal years. The biggest single minimize within the invoice can be a transfer to scale back the enterprise lease tax minimize to 1.25% beginning July 1 and lasting for 12 months. The speed is at the moment 4.5% however is slated to drop to 2% in August. The discount is tied to the state’s unemployment belief fund, which wanted to be replenished after it was diminished throughout the COVID-19 pandemic however is being refurbished at a sooner charge than economists projected. 4 gross sales tax holidays are additionally included within the bundle, however some are pared again from what lawmakers accepted lately.

—“Florida House pushes tax cuts for utilities, dialed-back relief for average Floridians” through Lawrence Mower and Emily Mahoney of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Instances

“Protections from political party switches at the DMV head to final House Committee” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Laws to stop motorists from unknowingly deregistering from their political get together whereas renewing their driver’s license is now one Committee cease from a Home ground vote. If handed, the measure (HB 135) would be certain that a voter may solely change to or go away a celebration in the event that they imply to take action and require a number of authentication steps to stop unintended modifications. Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, the invoice’s sponsor, mentioned that tons of of hundreds of Florida voters might have had their get together registration modified as a result of an issue with the Division of Freeway Security and Motor Automobiles (DHSMV) software program used to each replace voter registration playing cards and renew or exchange driver’s licenses.

“Second House panel OKs bill requiring K-12 schools to teach history of communism” through Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A Home Subcommittee superior a invoice that might require Okay-12 college students to find out about communism regardless of objections from Democrats and others towards mandating instruction on the polarizing matter that’s change into a part of the GOP cultural conflict. If handed, HB 1349 would require public faculties to show about communism in grades Okay-12 beginning within the 2026-27 college 12 months. College students would be taught concerning the motion’s historical past, overseas atrocities dedicated by communists, cultural Marxism and extra. Rep. James Buchanan mentioned the concept got here from a constituent, whom he didn’t title. Buchanan in contrast his invoice’s framework to different payments carried out for Holocaust and Black historical past schooling.

“All aboard? Tommy Gregory proposes tort train to move controversial third-party financing bill” through Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Republican Rep. Gregory has been unable to maneuver his proposal (HB 1179) to crack down on third-party financing in civil lawsuits, so now he’s suggesting to merge it with a invoice (HB 569) that might enhance the state’s sovereign immunity caps. The Home Judiciary Committee will take into account the proposed Committee substitute on Wednesday. Gregory’s transfer mirrors an effort within the Senate the place a invoice that might revamp who can sue for medical malpractice was tied to an effort to place caps on damages awarded within the lawsuits. In each cases, it represents an effort to bridge gaps between teams that need to restrict lawsuits and people representing Florida’s trial attorneys.

“Bill with more ‘hoops’ for unemployment benefits advances in House” through Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Laws requiring extra stringent verification of these making use of for unemployment insurance coverage advantages and imposing extra work search necessities to remain on the rolls is gaining floor within the Home, passing by its second Committee reference. Critics contend the invoice (HB 1289) places extra hurdles in the best way of getting advantages which can be already meager. However Rep. Shane Abbott, sponsoring the invoice, defended it as a approach to assist folks get again to work, pointing to a different provision designed to match candidates’ ability units with job openings. “The aim is to not enhance poverty. The aim is to get folks into jobs and positions that get them out of poverty,” Abbott mentioned.

“State employees could get free skin cancer screenings” through Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Workers coated by the state group medical insurance plan may have free entry to annual pores and skin most cancers screenings efficient July 1 below payments which can be shifting by the Legislature. The Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Atmosphere, and Basic Authorities unanimously accepted SB 56. That sends the invoice, filed by Sen. Gayle Harrell, to its final cease on the Senate Appropriations Committee. HB 241 is the companion measure and it’s an identical to the Senate invoice. The Home measure has cleared two Committees and subsequent heads to the Well being & Human Companies Committee. The invoice requires that the annual examination be performed by both a dermatologist or a sophisticated follow registered nurse who’s below the supervision of a dermatologist.

“Driving without a license in Florida could result in jail time” through Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Motorists pulled over and located to not have legitimate driver’s licenses would face necessary jail time if arrested thrice for that offense, in accordance with a proposal shifting its approach by the Legislature. The measure (SB 1324) sponsored by Hernando County Republican Blaise Ingoglia, would topic an individual discovered driving with out a license to second-degree misdemeanor penalties of as much as 60 days behind bars. A second offense would change into a first-degree misdemeanor topic to as much as one 12 months in jail, and any third or subsequent offense would, as well as, convey a compulsory minimal of 10 days in jail. “We’ve seen a number of cases of individuals coming into the state of Florida, whether or not they’re authorized residents if they’re right here illegally, and driving with out ever having a license,” Ingoglia mentioned. Ingoglia pressured that the invoice was not about penalizing motorists who’ve been issued a driver’s license however don’t have it of their possession.

“Bill could boost Florida’s ‘renewable’ fuel industry. Critics say it will cost consumers” through Ashley Miznazi of the Miami Herald — There may be booming curiosity throughout Florida in turning cow manure, city sewage and different nasty stuff as soon as thought-about waste into “renewable” fuel. If used as an alternative of oil and different fossil fuels, such different sources of vitality may, at the very least doubtlessly, assist gradual emissions driving local weather change and the rising seas that threaten communities up and down the coast. However such experimental initiatives come at appreciable prices — prices that, below a invoice being thought-about by Florida lawmakers, can be handed on to shoppers, not the businesses that stand to revenue from the operations. “We need to be vitality various on this state, and this invoice very merely needs to advertise that kind of funding,” the invoice’s sponsor, Sen. Nick DiCeglie, mentioned throughout a Senate Committee assembly final month.

— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“How conservative billionaires shape decisions inside the DeSantis administration” through Jason Garcia of Looking for Rents — Late final 12 months, the DeSantis administration made it more durable for older Floridians to get meals stamps. Earlier this month, the DeSantis administration sued the federal authorities for the proper to take away poor youngsters from public medical insurance. And final week, the Republican Governor got here out in assist of a plan to spherical up homeless folks throughout Florida and — doubtlessly — put them into secured camps. Every transfer was, at the very least on the floor, a disparate govt choice. However they share one thing in frequent: They’re all concepts promoted by conservative billionaires and the right-wing assume tanks they fund. Taken collectively, the strikes provide a window into how superrich megadonors form motion throughout DeSantis’ state authorities.

“Mike Beltran is on a mission to provide each Circuit Judge a law clerk” through Jim Ash of The Florida Bar — Rep. Beltran is urging fellow attorneys to foyer for a invoice that might assign a regulation clerk to each Florida circuit choose. The Riverview Republican asks the viewers of the most recent ABOTA Ft. Lauderdale podcast, hosted by ABOTA Florida President Jeff Adelman, to “politely” ask their legislators to assist HB 617. “Everybody’s received a state consultant, everybody’s received a state Senator, and everybody votes for Governor,” Beltran mentioned. “Allow them to know your ideas.” Neither HB 617 nor SB 1204, an an identical companion by Republican Sen. Erin Grall, has acquired a listening to.

“Bill capping house-rattling blast mining levels gets a workshop, but no Committee hearing” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Rep. Tom Fabricio has been making an attempt for years to get limestone mining firms in northwest Miami-Dade County to scale back the facility of their explosions, which residents complain harm their houses. He’s filed laws yearly since 2021 to mandate decrease blast ranges in and round residential areas. It was a prime marketing campaign precedence when he ran for workplace in 2020. And accordingly, it’s been the main focus of the primary invoice the Miami Lakes Republican recordsdata yearly earlier than Session. To date — and sure once more this 12 months, because the Home ends most Subcommittee conferences — lawmakers have ignored his proposal. However some heard testimony final week from exhausted residents and consultants on the difficulty at a Home panel dialogue Fabricio organized to assist educate his friends and provides his trigger traction.

“‘That’s bullcrap’: Conservative media bashes Florida defamation bill” through Douglas Soule of USA At this time Community — Conservative radio host Trey Radel bickered with a Republican Florida Home member on his program Monday night, railing towards laws that might change the state’s defamation legal guidelines. If handed, the modifications will result in elevated legal responsibility towards journalists and others accused of creating false statements about one other that harms that individual’s repute. “I completely sympathize and agree with you, however I do have points (with) the invoice,” Radel mentioned. Rep. Alex Andrade shot again: “However you bought to be sincere with listeners and say you that you just need to defend the ‘get out of jail free card’ to defame folks.”

— THE SKED—

— 9 a.m. Senate Guidelines Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing.

— 9 a.m. Home Schooling & Employment Committee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.

— 9 a.m. Home Judiciary Committee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.

— 9 a.m. Home State Affairs Committee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.

— 2 p.m. Home Appropriations Committee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.

— 2 p.m. Home Methods & Means Committee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.

— 2 p.m. The Senate holds a ground Session. Senate Chambers.

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

— LOBBY REGS —

Matt Blackburn: Aurora Innovation

Carlecia Collins, GrayRobinson: LifeLink Basis

Brooke Evans, The Mayernick Group: Verra Mobility

Patrick Gillespie, Adams and Reese: Carvana

Jon Hoffman: American Kidney Fund

Lacey Hofmeyer, Avery Lopez, Seth McKeel, The Southern Group: Affiliation of Florida Schools, McLane Firm, William Daniels Mills Theater Firm

Robert Holroyd, Tripp Scott PA: Worldwide Signal Affiliation

Sha’Ron James, Gunster Yoakley & Stewart: Robinsun

Daniel Johnson, Phillip Rizzo: Oracle America

Tim Meenan, Daniel Olson, Meenan PA: Roblox Company

Sean Pittman, Pittman Regulation Group: Leon County Board of County Commissioners

Andrew Rutledge, Gary Rutledge, Rutledge Ecenia: Out of doors Amusement Enterprise Affiliation

Paul Singer, Abigail Stempston, Kelley Drye & Warren: DebtBlue

— THE TRAIL —

“Siding with smugglers? Lincoln Project founder says it’s Donald Trump compromising border security” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Lincoln Undertaking working advertisements within the Mar-a-Lago market appears to be having its desired impact: driving Trump loopy. The By no means Trumper group ran its newest advert final week solely in South Florida and South Carolina, the place a Republican Presidential Main contest is unfolding between Trump and Nikki Haley. The spot asserted that congressional Republicans and Trump have been against a border safety deal for purely political causes. Trump responded to a brand new tv advert by calling The Lincoln Undertaking workforce names.

To look at the advert, please click the image below:

“Nikki Haley’s hard-line immigration record runs counter to Trump’s attacks” through Jazmine Ulloa of The New York Instances — Trump and his allies have spent weeks portray Haley as a bleeding coronary heart on immigration as he seeks to dispatch her as his final remaining rival for the 2024 Republican nomination. In Trump’s telling, Haley is a “globalist” who flip-flopped on her assist for Trump’s hard-line insurance policies earlier than she served as his ambassador to the United Nations. Forward of a showdown between the 2 candidates in South Carolina’s Main on Feb. 24, his surrogates have accused her of being a secret liberal who helps open borders and received’t do sufficient to curb the flows of migrants and refugees into the nation.

“Joe Gruters follows Trump’s lead, endorses Michael Whatley for RNC Chair” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Gruters, Florida’s Republican Nationwide Committee member, is endorsing Whatley as the following chief of the Republican Nationwide Committee (RNC). The information ends a interval of transient hypothesis about whether or not the Sarasota Republican can be tapped for the job. The state Senator received the election this weekend because the state’s Nationwide Committee member. However Trump endorsed Whatley, the North Carolina Republican Social gathering Chair. Gruters has now adopted swimsuit. “That is the President’s get together, and he deserves to have his alternative as the following (Chair),” Gruters mentioned. “I assist the President 100% and absolutely endorse Whatley.”

“Joe Biden forcefully condemns Trump’s NATO comments as ‘un-American’” through Amy B Wang of The Washington Submit — Biden forcefully condemned “un-American” feedback by Trump by which he mentioned he would encourage Russia to invade NATO allies if these nations didn’t spend sufficient cash on protection. Biden delivered the remarks Tuesday to induce Congress to move a $95 billion nationwide safety bundle to assist Israel, Ukraine and different U.S. allies. The Senate handed the invoice early Tuesday morning, however Home Speaker Mike Johnson has already rejected the bundle. Talking from the White Home, Biden mentioned Trump’s feedback had despatched a harmful and “shameful” sign to the world. Biden was referring to a speech Trump had given at a marketing campaign rally in South Carolina by which he imagined a NATO nation asking if the US would defend them from a Russian assault in the event that they didn’t pay.

“Former DeSantis aide looks back on a ‘downright embarrassing’ campaign” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis’ at the moment suspended presidential marketing campaign is providing a possibility for individuals who have been a part of the hassle to hold forth about what went incorrect. Former speechwriter Nate Hochman left the DeSantis marketing campaign in July and reportedly was let go after he shared a video with DeSantis’ face superimposed on a “Sonnenrad,” a logo utilized by the German Nazi get together. Months after the dissociation, Hochman is having his say about that incident, and concerning the marketing campaign. Relating to the Sonnenrad, he writes that what’s “true is that I retweeted a video containing what I might later come to be taught was a Sonnenrad and instantly un-retweeted mentioned video and alerted my superiors on the marketing campaign employees once I discovered what the image meant.”

“Former DeSantis Wall Street fundraiser to bolster Trump’s campaign war chest” through Brian Schwartz and Dasha Burns of CNBC — Veteran Wall Road govt Omeed Malik is planning to boost over $3 million and donate at the very least $100,000 in assist of Trump’s marketing campaign. Malik, who’s the CEO of Farvahar Companions, mentioned in an interview that after serving to to boost cash and provides voice to the likes of DeSantis and impartial candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he now plans to show to his in depth community to assist finance Trump’s marketing campaign for President. “What I’m committing to doing is placing the assets that I’ve, and Rolodex I’ve, each of that are materials, behind the President on a go-forward foundation,” Malik mentioned.

— MORE 2024 —

“A Trump-Hillary Clinton analogy that could give Biden comfort” through Nate Cohn of The New York Instances — The 2016-era considerations about Trump’s health for workplace, as mirrored in polling, steered {that a} majority of voters harbored essentially the most fundamental doubts about his means to do the job.

In Biden’s case, these doubts have stemmed from his age. For Trump, it was his lack of expertise and unpresidential temperament.

The doubts about Trump set the stage for a unstable marketing campaign, as an important section of conventional Republican-leaning voters recoiled at their get together’s nominee in pre-election polls. At instances, Trump’s proportion of assist amongst Republican-leaning voters was as little as the 70s, and it was within the 80s because the election approached. At this time, Biden finds himself in a considerably related place, as defections amongst Black, Hispanic and youthful voters have given Trump a slender lead within the early polls.

Trump’s weak spot amongst Republican-leaning voters wasn’t solely as a result of they questioned whether or not he may do the job successfully. Many Republicans have been repelled by his insults towards ethnic teams or John McCain’s navy service, or his therapy of ladies — together with the “Entry Hollywood” tape. Many opposed his views on commerce, immigration and overseas coverage. Others doubted his dedication to conservative causes, like opposition to abortion rights. Equally, many historically Democratic voters are skeptical of Biden’s dealing with of the economic system or the Israeli-Palestinian battle.

However as with Biden and the difficulty of age immediately, Trump’s inexperience and unpresidential conduct have been a serious facet of their misgivings.

— OTHER STATEWIDE —

“DeSantis blames electric vehicles for insurance rate spikes” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Governor mentioned electrical autos contributed to an over 20% year-over-year hike in automotive coverage prices, by the use of commenting on the just-released Client Worth Index report. “You have a look at issues like auto insurance coverage. Sure, we have now had main provide issues over a few years for autos that affect the power to restore. However then I believe these EVs are much more costly to restore and I believe that impacts these charges as effectively,” DeSantis mentioned. The Governor made the feedback as an apart whereas arguing that the My Protected Florida Residence program would assist to chop charges.

“State regulators cite mismanagement at FPL nuclear plants, request $11M refund for replacement power” through Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida — State regulators need FPL to refund greater than $11 million charged to prospects for what they’re calling persistent mismanagement on the utility’s two nuclear crops. Public Service Fee employees final week filed testimony and an company audit report that blames administration issues for among the greater than 40 shutdowns and fines on the Turkey Level and St. Lucie nuclear crops. One of many fines levied towards Turkey Level concerned falsifying upkeep data. FPL has taken steps to enhance its operations since 2022, the audit report mentioned. However the Fee employees mentioned in testimony filed final week that prospects shouldn’t need to pay for the utility to purchase alternative energy amid three plant shutdowns between 2020 and 2022.

“National freedom of expression group puts Florida in ’10 Worst Censors of 2023′ list” through Douglas Soule of the USA At this time Community — The Basis for Particular person Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nationwide free speech group, has positioned “Florida state officers” on its just-released “10 Worst Censors of 2023” record. “Florida isn’t the place ‘woke’ goes to die — it’s the place the First Modification goes to retire,” the group mentioned on its web site Tuesday. “In Florida, officers have performative censorship right down to an artwork — whether or not on campus or onstage.” The group’s gripe? A number of issues. As an example, it denounced an anti-drag present regulation handed final 12 months that was halted by the courts, and the way Florida went after a drag present venue even after undercover brokers mentioned they noticed no “lewd” acts in entrance of minors. The venue ended up settling with the state anyway for $5,000.

“Florida’s immigration crackdown is scaring patients away from seeking care” through Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — Certainly one of DeSantis’ most controversial immigration strikes has led to girls shunning mammograms and prenatal care out of worry that they’ll be pressured to disclose their immigration standing. At concern is a brand new Florida regulation requiring hospitals that obtain Medicaid {dollars} to ask sufferers about their immigration standing. Undocumented migrants in Florida at the moment are steering away from hospitals and clinics, frightened that they’ll be arrested or deported, in accordance with 10 immigration advocates, lawmakers and well being care officers.

“U.S. Supreme Court asked to scrap sports betting in Florida” through Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida on line casino operators are attempting to persuade the Court docket as soon as once more to dam the $2.5 billion playing deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida that opened the door to sports activities betting. Legal professionals for 2 playing operations late final week filed a petition with the excessive court docket asking it to overturn an appeals court docket choice that gave a inexperienced gentle to the compact with the Seminoles. The deal was accepted by the Legislature on the urging of DeSantis.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Marco Rubio, Rick Scott vote against foreign aid package passed by Senate” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The U.S. Senate handed a overseas assist bundle, however neither of Florida’s Senators supported the deal. After an all-night Session, the Senate early Tuesday voted 70-29 in favor of a $95.3 billion spend. However each U.S. Sens. Rubio and Scott solid “nay” votes. Scott helps funding for Israel however spoke on the ground concerning the nation’s historical past in conflicts overseas. Throughout a 40-minute presentation of laws on blocking cash from reaching Hamas, he steered the Founding Fathers would favor a extra measured strategy.

— DOWN BALLOT —

“Evan Power says being both Party Chair, lobbyist is natural fit to strengthen Florida GOP” through James Name of USA At this time Community — The 250 members of the Florida Republican Social gathering’s Govt Committee who arrived in Tallahassee final month to take away the Social gathering Chair and elect a brand new one have been greeted by the then-Vice Chair with a handshake and a smile. Energy stood within the doorway of the Tallahassee Convention Heart, simply off the interstate, subsequent to a Cracker Barrel and minutes away from securing a long-sought aim — to be named chief of the Florida Republican Social gathering. “I inform folks that is my Tremendous Bowl,” Energy mentioned. “I actually really feel the get together management is my true match, working with elected officers, working with grassroots to construct a typical trigger in order that we are able to win elections.” Energy was speaking as a lot about his profession as he was concerning the marketing campaign to change into Florida GOP chief.

Rep. Lindsay Cross endorses Whitney Fox in CD-13 race — Cross, an advocate for environmental protections, has thrown her assist behind Fox, emphasizing her distinctive understanding of how environmental stewardship fuels each the native economic system and high quality of life. “Via her work in transportation and tourism, Whitney Fox understands the important position defending the environment performs in our economic system and high quality of life,” Cross mentioned. “I endorse Whitney for Congress as a result of I do know she’s going to champion the environmental safety and sustainability efforts we’d like for our residents to get pleasure from Pinellas County for generations to return.”

“Pembroke Park Commissioner pleads not guilty to misusing 911 system” through Lisa J. Huriash of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — Pembroke Park Commissioner Geoffrey Jacobs has been charged with misuse of the 911 system after alleging the Mayor was recognized to have a gun and that he feared for his security, in accordance with police. The incident occurred simply earlier than a City Fee assembly on Nov. 8 when Jacobs known as the Broward Sheriff’s Workplace to speak about Mayor Ashira Mohammed, police mentioned. “It was expressed by Commissioner Jacobs grievance that Mayor Mohammed has been displaying threatening conduct by yelling at him and that Mayor Mohammed is thought to hold a firearm coupled along with her boasting a few firearm,” in accordance with a Pembroke Park police report.

“St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce apologizes after Tax Collector candidate’s email blast sent” through Colleen Wixon of Treasure Coast Newspapers — A Tax Collector candidate’s e-mail mailer to Chamber of Commerce members despatched chamber officers scrambling this week to guarantee members the message was not a political endorsement. It additionally prompted a revision of chamber coverage on related emails. Christy Romano, a Republican candidate for Tax Collector, despatched out the advert by what’s referred to as an e-mail blast to members. Chamber coverage permits members in good standing to ship paid e-mail blasts, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Terissa Aronson mentioned in her personal e-mail despatched hours later to members apologizing for the e-mail. The coverage can be modified instantly, she mentioned.

“Two Floridians charged with submitting phony signatures for abortion rights amendment” through USA At this time Community — The Florida Division of Regulation Enforcement has charged two paid petition collectors with submitting phony signatures for a proposed abortion rights constitutional modification. George Edward Andrews III was arrested and booked into the Hernando County Jail on 10 felony counts, every of prison use of non-public identification data and signing one other individual’s title or a fictitious title to a petition. An arrest warrant has been issued for a resident of the identical metropolis and for a similar costs: Jamie L. Johnson, 47. FDLE mentioned the duo submitted 133 invalid petitions in Sumter, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“‘I feel like there’s still people inside’: Parkland’s 1200 building houses unwelcome, haunting memories” through Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — The 1200 constructing at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Excessive College, the scab overlaying Parkland’s deepest wound, has not been in use since Feb. 14, 2018. It’s scheduled for demolition this Summer time. For some, it will possibly’t come down quickly sufficient. For some, however not for all. You’ll be able to’t inform why from the surface. It simply seems like a nondescript, fenced-off, three-story edifice displaying the earliest indicators of neglect. Why trouble touching up the outside paint job or cleansing the home windows of a college constructing no baby will ever set foot in once more?

“A permanent memorial to the Parkland 17: Panel to decide among 6 designs” through Lois Okay. Solomon of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — A panel that can select a monument to the 17 who died in Parkland hopes one in every of six closing proposals creates a spot for peace after six years of sorrow. A location has been chosen: A 1-acre web site on the border of Parkland and Coral Springs on the former Heron Bay Golf Membership. The land, which is able to home a everlasting memorial to the scholars and lecturers killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Excessive College in 2018, was donated by the North Springs Enchancment District, which gives water therapy and stormwater administration in northwest Broward County. The six proposals have been posted final week on the Parkland 17 Memorial Basis web site.

“Six years after Parkland shooting, Democrats say Republicans ‘don’t have the guts’ to address gun violence” through Anthony Man of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — Florida Democrats excoriated Republicans on Tuesday, the eve of the sixth anniversary of the Parkland capturing. “Daily we bear in mind the scholars (and) the employees who misplaced their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas college, and the households whose lives can be in ache for a lifetime. It’s solely been six years and the Republican Social gathering are already siding with the gun foyer to roll again the Parkland-era gun security regulation,” mentioned Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Social gathering. “Republicans have made it clear that we can not belief them to place the security of our households and communities of their palms,” Fried mentioned. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost mentioned “hypocrisy” can be on show by individuals who proclaim their sorrow on the anniversary of the bloodbath “however don’t have the center to do something about the issue.”

“Ousted Miami Commissioner facing criminal charges sues city over voting map change” through Joey Flechas of the Miami Herald — As former Miami Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla awaits trial on corruption costs, he’s suing the town over latest modifications to the voting map that he says are unlawful. Díaz de la Portilla and Jose Garcia, the pastor on the Allapattah church New Hope Ministries, accuse the town of violating state regulation when Commissioners accepted a change to Miami’s voting map in January. In a 3-1 vote, Commissioners shifted the boundary for District 1 to incorporate the longtime household residence of Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela, whose home had been excluded from the district in a earlier voting map accepted in June.

“‘Not man enough?’: Bodycam shows Miami Beach Commissioner’s confrontational approach” through Aaron Liebowitz of the Miami Herald — When a Miami Seaside marine patrol officer was sitting in his boat close to the unit’s headquarters on the Maurice Gibb Memorial Park pier late final month, he seen one thing uncommon on the close by dock: Miami Seaside Metropolis Commissioner David Suarez arguing with a neighborhood boater. The officer rapidly turned on his body-worn digital camera to seize their interplay. A second officer, who was coming back from lunch, additionally seen the dispute and walked over to attempt to intervene. The newly launched body-camera footage, which exhibits the freshman Commissioner telling a boater he isn’t “man sufficient” and grilling a marine patrol officer about boating legal guidelines, is emblematic of Suarez’s confrontational strategy as he pursues an formidable agenda throughout his first 12 months in workplace.

“14 violations at a Miami Beach house where a worker, 22, was killed, OSHA says” through David J. Neal of the Miami Herald — An incompetently inspected scaffold and a lacking pully pin have been among the many security violations resulting in the demise of a 22-year-old engaged on the development of a Miami Seaside home, the Occupational Security and Well being Administration (OSHA) mentioned in an inspection report. The U.S. Division of Labor’s office security arm needs Homestead’s Stucco Works, run by President Miguel Jimenez and agent Christopher Jimenez, to pay $74,555 in fines. Stucco Works, which has no different Occupational Security and Well being Administration citations within the final 10 years, has contested the fines. “Stucco Works’ failure to make worker security a precedence led to the lack of a younger employee’s life,” OSHA Space Workplace Director Condell Eastmond mentioned.

“Coral Gables’ City Manager has been fired by a split vote” through Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — The Coral Gables Metropolis Fee voted Tuesday to fireside Metropolis Supervisor Peter Iglesias. Commissioner Kirk Menendez made the tiebreaker vote, ending the will-he-or-won’t-he questions swirling round Metropolis Corridor for the previous week. Menendez additionally made a brand new proposal Tuesday: that Iglesias get replaced by Ralph Cutié, director and CEO of the Miami-Dade Aviation Division. Menendez mentioned Cutié has expressed to him that he’s “prepared, prepared and in a position” to start these discussions. Assistant Metropolis Supervisor Alberto Parjus took over Tuesday as appearing Metropolis Supervisor. Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson voted towards firing Iglesias, who started hugging staff in Metropolis Corridor on Tuesday afternoon throughout a break earlier than the Fee formally voted to terminate him.

“In Miami, croquetas sell themselves. But 1 cafe is getting a MAGA boost” through Max Greenwood of the Miami Herald — There are many locations to seek out croquetas in Miami, however Alberto Madruga’s Chicken Street cafe often is the just one bearing Trump’s title. Simply over per week in the past, Madruga and his spouse, Aida, changed the signal on their namesake cafe with a banner bearing a picture of the previous President flashing a thumbs-up, with an American flag within the background and “Trump Croquettes” spelled out in capital letters massive sufficient to see from the road. Since making the change, Madruga says, enterprise has been good. “I simply created the signal for Trump — to point out assist for him,” Madruga, 65, mentioned after slinging cafecitos out a ventanita.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Orlando Uber and Lyft drivers to join nationwide Valentine’s Day strike” through Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — About 100 drivers for Uber, Lyft and different app-based gig providers are happening strike Wednesday in Orlando, becoming a member of quite a few others in cities throughout the nation protesting what they name “poverty wages,” fears of being unfairly deactivated from the app and unsafe working circumstances. The nationwide Valentine’s Day work stoppages may hamper journey for some — although representatives of Uber and Lyft say earlier strikes have had minimal impacts on wait instances and trip costs. Many drivers in Orlando and elsewhere are anticipated to proceed working regardless of the Wednesday job motion. Adalberto Perez, a full-time driver utilizing each main platforms who plans to not work on Wednesday, is hoping the strike results in enhancements in pay.

“Osceola County sees another dip in tourist tax funds” through Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel — Following a record-breaking 12 months, Osceola County’s vacationer improvement tax (TDT) funds have slowed in latest months, a pattern that’s anticipated to proceed. TDT funds have been 5% under the earlier 12 months in November, at $6.1 million, and down 4% year-over-year in December, to $7.1 million. Regardless of the dip in funds, collections are nonetheless on the second-highest tempo within the county’s historical past because it closes its first quarter, in accordance with Expertise Kissimmee, the county’s tourism authority. The county’s present fiscal 12 months started in October. “We anticipate that for the remainder of the 12 months there … can be a slight softening in comparison with the collections of final 12 months, however we have now to do not forget that was a document excessive,” mentioned Frida Bahja, Director of Analysis for Expertise Kissimmee.

“At Disney World, Splash Mountain gets rebranded with Tiana character” through Sharon Kennedy Wynne of the Tribune Information Service — Tiana’s Bayou Journey will open at Magic Kingdom someday this Summer time, Walt Disney World introduced Tuesday morning. The corporate additionally revealed a primary have a look at an animatronic for the title character. The trip is a alternative for and a transforming of the 30-year-old trip Splash Mountain. Disney closed it in January 2023 after years of requires change as a result of it included a number of characters from Disney’s 1946 movie “Track of the South,” which featured racist stereotypes. The brand new attraction relies on Disney’s first Black princess, featured within the 2009 movie “The Princess and the Frog.”

— LOCAL: TB —

“John Legg amps up campaign for Pasco Schools Superintendent” through Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Former Sen. Legg has been within the race for Pasco County Colleges Superintendent since mid-2022, however his marketing campaign is simply now hitting the fuel when it comes to public outreach. Legg has launched a sturdy web site and two social media channels, on Fb and X. Legg formally filed for the race on June 22, 2022, making him the primary candidate to hitch the race. He faces Michelle Mandarin, who filed about six months after Legg in December, and Chris Dunning, who simply filed earlier this month. The previous lawmaker has a leg up on his opponents within the race in fundraising, with greater than $163,000 raised as of the top of December. Dunning, in the meantime, has raised lower than $15,000 and Mandarin simply over $1,500.

“In race for Hillsborough state attorney, challenger wants public debate” through Sue Carlton of the Tampa Bay Instances — The Tampa lawyer who just lately filed to run towards Hillsborough State Lawyer Suzy Lopez now needs to debate her. Democrat Elizabeth Martinez Strauss despatched a letter to Republican Lopez final week, inviting her to debate “our differing viewpoints” at a public discussion board. Subjects Strauss needs to incorporate: what she known as a “trial tax” that reduces sentences for defendants who enter pleas as an alternative of going to trial; points with how protection attorneys obtain proof towards their purchasers, referred to as discovery.

“Tampa Council to vote on $14M settlement in wrongful conviction lawsuit” through Dan Sullivan and Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Instances — The Tampa Metropolis Council plans to vote Thursday on a decision that can award $14 million to settle a lawsuit introduced by Robert DuBoise, who was wrongfully convicted of homicide and spent 37 years in jail earlier than being exonerated. DuBoise was freed in 2020 after new DNA testing indicated that two different males, who had no connection to him, have been accountable for the 1983 homicide of Barbara Grams. A 12 months after his launch, DuBoise filed a federal lawsuit towards the town, the retired law enforcement officials who investigated the case and a forensic dentist who had opined that his tooth matched a chunk mark on the sufferer.

“Citrus County blocks stop-work order in Inverness development before it starts” through Mike Wright of Florida Politics — A plan to cease all development in an Inverness improvement plagued with highway and drainage issues has died earlier than it began. Citrus County Commissioners voted per week in the past to halt exercise on 90 energetic constructing permits in Inverness Villages 4 in hopes of encouraging ideas to barter an answer. County Administrator Steve Howard later advised Commissioners that state regulation says an unlicensed individual can not direct licensed constructing officers to behave on permits.

“In ‘Suncoast’ movie, Clearwater shines. Most of it wasn’t filmed here.” through Paul Guzzo of the Tampa Bay Instances — Clearwater is the principle backdrop of the film “Suncoast,” about a youngster dealing with the pending demise of her brother. Native landmarks and companies populate scenes, and a fictitious college bears the town’s title on its constructing, van and uniforms. However little or no of the film starring Woody Harrelson and Laura Linney, which is now streaming on Hulu, was truly filmed right here. A crew shot a couple of days of exterior B-roll footage in Pinellas County to determine the world as the point of interest. All the pieces else was filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, and its surrounding space. And it’s as laborious to inform the distinction between the actual and faux Clearwater as it’s an actor from a stunt double in a well-made motion flick.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Court hearings set stage as Florida pursues Jacksonville teacher’s license over Black Lives Matter flag” through Charlie McGee of The Tributary — Florida may ban a youth advocate and former Jacksonville instructor from its schooling system for displaying at college a Black Lives Matter flag and anti-Confederacy face masks three years in the past. Court docket hearings featured testimonies and debate on the Florida Division of Schooling’s allegations towards Amy Donofrio. This administrative regulation case checks the extent of Florida’s guidelines limiting what lecturers are allowed to say and do within the classroom. Donofrio taught for almost a decade at Riverside Excessive College — previously Robert E. Lee Excessive College — till 2021, when the Duval County Public Colleges district reassigned her to a warehouse. She received $300,000 from the district a couple of months later in a lawsuit settlement.

“New search for next Duval schools superintendent starts March 15; final choice by May 23” through Steve Patterson of The Florida Instances-Union — Duval County’s College Board will begin promoting for a brand new superintendent subsequent month and select the varsity district’s subsequent chief Could 23, members agreed throughout a workshop Tuesday. The nationwide search would be the second attempt at figuring out a long-term chief for the nation’s Twentieth-largest college district, with advertisements asserting the opening from March 15 to April 15 and the Florida College Boards Affiliation dealing with the search work typically carried out by govt headhunters. The Board tried that strategy final Summer time however shelved the search in October after receiving solely 10 functions, a number of from individuals who didn’t meet minimal job {qualifications}.

—“Jefferson County School sees improvement under new principal, earning a passing grade” through Alicia Devine of the Tallahassee Democrat

“State of the City: Gainesville Mayor says gun violence, traffic safety among top issues” through Nora O’Neill of The Gainesville Solar — Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward delivered his 2024 State of the Metropolis tackle on the Santa Fe Faculty Blount Heart Tuesday morning, concerning gun violence, site visitors security, sustainability efforts, and leisure and tradition, amongst different issues. Ward’s speech follows a tumultuous 12 months for the town because the Mayor needed to grapple with dramatic funds cuts and job layoffs, and the town being stripped of its management over Gainesville Regional Utilities. Ward was even known as on by a state lawmaker to resign. Regardless of the challenges, he mentioned, the town is constant to make progress. “As we glance again at 2023, I can let you know we’re shifting ahead,” Ward mentioned. “We’re enhancing our know-how, our sustainability, our equitable improvement, our entry to the humanities and to financial alternative. We’re working to boost site visitors security and forestall gun violence.”

“Video shows Florida prison officer hitting inmate” through Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Instances — The Florida Division of Corrections has fired officers proven in a video of a guard slapping an inmate. The video, posted to social media on Friday, exhibits an inmate standing nonetheless and going through officers when one in every of them strikes him throughout the face. It’s unclear when the video was shot and by whom. Ian Manuel, the person who posted the video on X, advised ABC Motion Information that he was given the footage by an inmate at Hamilton Correctional Establishment in Hamilton County. Manuel, who was beforehand incarcerated in Florida, referred to the incident as a “Energy Slap competitors” in his social media publish.

“Tallahassee Historical Society brings back its ‘Apalachee’ publication” through Airanna Otero of the Tallahassee Democrat — One native publication has been introduced again to life simply in time for the town’s bicentennial celebration. Apalachee, Tallahassee Historic Society’s journal, is again after 27 years since its final publication in 1996. Bob Holladay, the society’s president, wrote a letter within the latest concern letting members know that the brand new publication seems to “differ from its predecessor in various methods.” Solely a choose few will be capable to get their palms on the brand new version, as solely paying members of the Tallahassee Historic Society will obtain copies.

“Pensacola delays first ‘Skate Spot’ meeting, walks back East Hill as skate park location” through Jim Little of the Pensacola Information Journal — A public enter assembly for the proposed “Protected Spot Skate Spot” is on maintain as Pensacola waits for potential designs, however Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves walked again the town’s earlier announcement that the skate spot can be constructed within the East Hill neighborhood. Earlier this month, the town introduced a public enter assembly can be held on Feb. 24 for a small skate park venture known as a “skate spot” in partnership with Upward Instinct that “can be situated within the East Hill Neighborhood District.” Reeves mentioned Tuesday that the announcement was untimely. “That’s not one thing I’m dedicated to,” Reeves mentioned. “At this level now, we’ll entertain it. I’m not saying it received’t (be situated in East Hill) both, however I believe therein lies the purpose. I believe we’re slightly too early proper now.”

“Cold January for Northeast Florida home sale prices” through Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Residence sale costs within the six-county Northeast Florida area took a tumble in January, reflecting state developments. Whereas figures declined, NEFAR officers say the modest lower in residence costs exhibits indicators of a stabilizing market which noticed the price of houses skyrocket in 2023. The median sale value for a house was $375,000 in your complete Northeast Florida area, a drop of two.2% in comparison with December. The variety of days a home was in the marketplace elevated to 56, a bounce of 24.4% over the earlier month. Stock additionally elevated to five,638 houses, up by 22.1%.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Rick LoCastro bonds out of jail, appears at Collier Co. meeting remotely” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Collier County Commissioner LoCastro was arrested and has bonded out of the Collier County Jail. However for the second, he nonetheless holds workplace. A warrant for the Marco Island Republican was issued final week by the Monroe County State Lawyer’s Workplace, however he was not instantly arrested due to a medical emergency. The reason for his hospitalization has fueled hypothesis in political circles within the county, however he was finally launched on Monday and surrendered to authorities. The Collier County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned the 57-year-old was in jail for a quick time earlier than paying a $1,000 bond. Information present he was booked on a single battery cost. DeSantis took questions on LoCastro at a Tuesday information convention and mentioned he received’t hesitate to droop LoCastro if the case warrants that motion.

“Medicated without consent? Collier leaders halt fluoride being added in drinking water” through Liz Freeman of the Naples Every day Information — After three hours of public testimony on the deserves and harms of fluoride being added to the county’s ingesting water, the Collier County Fee voted unanimously to finish the follow. The choice was largely primarily based on the county’s Well being Freedom Invoice of Rights ordinance adopted final 12 months to safeguard the well being care freedoms of residents and never impose medical therapy with out their consent. Commissioner Dan Kowal put the difficulty on the agenda after some folks introduced it to his consideration and what he present in his personal analysis. “So, in actuality, as we sit right here immediately, we’re in violation of our personal regulation,” Kowal mentioned.

“Faces of Black Heritage: A look at Black heritage with Sarasota leaders, trailblazers” through Samantha Gholar of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — In celebration of the nationally noticed and acknowledged Black Historical past Month, the Herald-Tribune is introducing the Faces of Black Heritage collection, showcasing native Black leaders and changemakers who share their views on Black heritage and historical past. Sarasota performs an integral half within the total cloth of the nation’s Black historical past relationship again to the early 1900s when the primary settlers arrived right here — amongst them was Sarasota’s first Black pioneer, Leonard Reid. The historic Reid home, now residence to Sarasota’s first African American cultural and historical past museum, is among the many items of Black historical past that paved the best way for immediately’s residents. Right here’s what tradition, historical past, and heritage imply to those leaders and trailblazers.

— TOP OPINION —

“What I saw inside the DeSantis campaign” through Nate Hochman of The American Conservative — DeSantis was certain to lose this Main. It brings me no pleasure to say this: DeSantis was the very best Republican Governor of my lifetime, and his previous two years in Florida are a prime contender for the best string of conservative coverage victories in fashionable U.S. historical past.

However the underwhelming — at instances, downright embarrassing — approach DeSantis prosecuted his case teaches many classes about what has change into of the set of establishments that we used to name “motion conservatism” and the more and more obvious chasm between these establishments and the broader political forces animating the Republican Social gathering.

Trump-aligned political motion committee launched an advert about DeSantis’ alleged assist for reducing Medicare and Social Safety.

The video’s narrated message was underlaid with clips of a person consuming chocolate pudding along with his fingers — an apparent reference to broadly circulated reviews of DeSantis’ alimentary fake pas.

Somewhat than interact with the “pudding fingers” allegation, the response centered on fact-checking the entitlement-cutting jab, airing a clip of DeSantis promising to not “mess with Social Safety,” adopted by one other clip of Trump floating the potential for welfare cuts himself.

Writing within the New York Instances, the progressive columnist Michelle Goldberg seen one thing perceptive: “(T)he actual message, which was that Ron DeSantis is a creep who eats pudding along with his fingers. The coverage argument is simply an excuse for the disgusting visuals,” Goldberg wrote. “The purpose is to not disagree with DeSantis, however to humiliate him.”

DeSantis, Goldberg wrote, was “making the error of believing that the Main race is about points, whereas Trump instinctively understands that it’s about dominance … It is going to be about who’s weak and who is robust.”

The DeSantis marketing campaign was largely oblivious to this dynamic.

— OPINIONS —

“Democrats should pick a new presidential candidate now” through Damon Linker of The Atlantic — How did we find yourself on this state of affairs? The lion’s share of the blame belongs to Biden himself. His choice to run for re-election, after initially indicating in 2019 that he’d in all probability serve just one time period, is comprehensible in human respects however indefensible in political ones. It’s quite common for an getting old individual — particularly a person — to disclaim the reality about his decline and the necessity to pull again from obligations. Such transitions sometimes contain a painful, arduous battle for any household going through the state of affairs. A superb a part of it’s cussed satisfaction. However decline itself can impair judgment. Regardless of the supply of this drawback, Biden is placing his self-regard forward of the great of the nation.

“Carlos Giménez helps create chaos, not solutions, on immigration” through Phil Her for the Miami Herald — Miami U.S. Rep. Giménez has been a go-to man on immigration, at the very least in a method. Each week, you’ll see him go to a Fox Information or Republican-friendly information outlet and make outrageous and extremely partisan costs about what’s happening on the southern border. A few of his claims are doubtful …. A few of Gimenez’s claims are distasteful …. After which, there are a few of Gimenez’s statements which can be downright harmful, Together with the false declare that this administration is intentionally enabling unlawful immigration, a part of the odious however ascendant “white alternative idea” that Trump is selling when he says migrants “poison the blood” of America. In brief, Gimenez makes a whole lot of noise about immigration, however his document ends at simply noise.

“Lawmakers should pass bill that could open Jeffrey Epstein’s grand jury records” through the Miami Herald and the South Florida Solar-Sentinel editorial boards — Another batch of sealed court docket data have to be made public in Florida to totally perceive how Epstein, a politically related Palm Seaside millionaire, was capable of function a sex-trafficking ring and abuse underage women with impunity. A invoice within the Legislature, HB 117, sponsored by Rep. Gossett-Seidman, and SB 234, co-sponsored within the Senate by Sen. Tina Polsky, seeks to encourage the discharge of Epstein grand jury proof from 2006 by increasing the circumstances below which such data may be made public. “Florida has an opportunity to fill the lacking chapters of the story,” mentioned Gossett-Seidman. The invoice is at the moment within the Home’s Prison Justice Subcommittee.

“Why Florida’s proposed libel laws undermine conservative principles” through Drew Metal for Florida Politics — Alas, these proposed legal guidelines are misguided and threaten to undermine long-cherished conservative ideas. Nevertheless well-intentioned, they contravene elementary tenets that conservatives have lengthy championed — restricted authorities, free markets and particular person liberty. By inviting extra regulation and litigation, they develop state energy on the expense of non-public freedom. Their precise impact can be to relax speech, imperil small media retailers and open the door to the very “lawfare” techniques liberals have used so successfully towards conservatives. One can envision the cottage trade of lawsuits trade this laws would spawn and the chilling impact it might have.

“Legislators are correct in their efforts to outright ban intentional releases of balloons” through Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker for the Tallahassee Democrat — What goes up, should come down, together with balloons. Irrespective of how massive the milestone or how joyous the event highlighted by a balloon launch, balloons ultimately float again right down to earth, threatening our treasured surroundings and animals each on land and at sea. And that’s nothing to have fun. Fortuitously, the Florida Legislature is contemplating a ban on the intentional launch of balloons below the state’s litter regulation. The payments, SB 602 sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie and HB 321 by Rep. Linda Chaney embrace a commonsense, simple strategy to defending our stunning coastlines and wildlife all through Florida.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“U.K. online casino ranks Florida 7th most romantic state” through Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Florida is the seventh most romantic state within the U.S. The corporate analyzed the variety of common month-to-month Google searches for key phrases associated to romance, Valentine’s Day and love and ranked states primarily based on the very best variety of month-to-month searches per 100,000 folks. With 1,593 searches per 100,000 folks, Florida nabbed the No. 7 spot, simply behind Maryland and North Carolina. Massachusetts took prime honors, adopted by New York, New Jersey and Virginia.

“Miami-Dade Clerk to wed 20 couples on Valentine’s Day at historic courthouse” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Valentine’s Day goes to be particularly memorable this 12 months for 20 {couples} in Florida’s most populous county. They’ll be tying the knot on the Dade County Courthouse, a Nationwide Register of Historic Websites entrant in-built 1928, with Miami-Dade Clerk and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin officiating. “I’m honored to supply this chance to twenty {couples} (who’re beginning) their new lives collectively,” he mentioned. “This ceremony has a particular significance, as it’s seemingly the final time that such an occasion can happen at our beloved historic Dade County Courthouse, as our new courthouse is slated to be accomplished later this 12 months.”

“Love (and 460 million flowers) are in the air for Valentine’s Day, but not without a Miami layover” through The Related Press — Whereas Valentine’s Day might not be referred to as a busy time for air journey, it’s a busy time at Miami Worldwide Airport, the place most of the nation’s recent minimize flowers arrive from South America. Round 90% of the roses and fresh-cut flowers being bought for Valentine’s Day in the US come by Miami. They arrive on tons of of flights into Miami on their journey to florists and supermarkets throughout the U.S. and Canada. That equates to some 18,000 tons of flowers passing by Miami. “This season we transported round 460 million flowers from Ecuador and Colombia,” Diogo Elias, senior vp of Avianca Cargo, mentioned Monday throughout a information convention in Miami.

“The case for corny, cheesy, embarrassing love” through Stephanie Hayes of the Tampa Bay Instances — Valentine’s Day is: Gasoline station roses and grocery retailer playing cards/Advertisements for alarming underwear made by Rihanna/Taylor and Travis (Kelce) making out advert infinitum/“Perhaps we are able to do Cheesecake Manufacturing unit after the canine’s dental cleansing” Valentine’s Day has arrived with its laundry record of romantic obligations on hump day. Annually I ponder: Is that this company lovefest what the poets supposed? Did Brontë want-ay chocolate-dipped strawberries and “Bluey” valentines, all this chaotic stimuli flattening us into the identical Publix sweet coronary heart? Moreover, when Maya Angelou mentioned, “Within the flush of affection’s gentle we dare be courageous,” did she imply on a Wednesday? I’m simply saying, Lord Byron, it might be extra handy to stroll in magnificence just like the evening on a Saturday.

“College Football Playoff, ESPN agree to 6-year extension worth $1.3 billion per year” through Andrew Marchand, Nicole Auerbach, Stewart Mandel and Chris Vannini of The Athletic — ESPN and the Faculty Soccer Playoff are in settlement on a six-year, $7.8 billion extension that can make the community the house of the 12-team event by the 2031-32 season as soon as CFP leaders type out the specifics of how the postseason’s new period will function.

“$8.4M in upgrades: How Broward is readying to host Cricket World Cup games” through Lisa J. Huriash of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — There are only a few months left till the cease clock. In June, Broward County will change into the official host for its first worldwide sporting occasion when it hosts the Cricket World Cup. Now, it has till then to begin — and end — $8.4 million price of renovation at Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium, simply off State Street 7 in Lauderhill. Some particulars have already been labored on: Allowing with the town of Lauderhill is effectively underway, sidewalks have been moved due to water-retention points, and burrowing owls have been relocated with the blessing of state officers. “There have been a whole lot of problems,” mentioned Dan West, director of the county’s Parks and Recreation Division.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating immediately are Kari Hebrank, R.J. Myers of Shumaker Advisors, Cari Roth, VP of Governmental Affairs at Lykes Bros, and former U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala.

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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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