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Good Thursday morning.
It’s Rural Counties Day on the Capitol.
The occasion, now in its sixth 12 months, is hosted by the Rural Counties Day Planning Committee and Rep. Bobby Payne. The occasion will function cubicles and reveals staged all through the Capitol Courtyard, all looking for to coach lawmakers and the general public on what Florida’s 28 rural counties deliver to the desk in addition to what they should be profitable.
“I’m excited as soon as once more in regards to the alternative to deliver folks collectively from Rural counties all through the state for Rural Counties Day. Rural Counties Day permits individuals to showcase their communities, improve community alternatives and meet with members of the Florida legislature to achieve assist for points of their county,” mentioned Payne, a Palatka Republican.
“This occasion has grown tremendously since 2018 after I first conceived of the thought. We’re extraordinarily pleased with what has been completed since then and need to thank so many for his or her assist and participation, together with the Rural Counties Day Planning Committee and every of the beneficiant occasion sponsors.
This 12 months’s Rural Counties Day occasion additionally included a reception Wednesday night, throughout which the Rural Counties Day Planning Committee offered Payne with the Rural Legislative Champion Award. As well as, the Committee introduced that the award could be renamed the Bobby Payne Florida Rural Counties Advocacy Award, in recognition of his dedication to serving rural communities throughout the state.
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The Home will honor the late Jimmy Buffett and his love and dedication to Florida at this time with “Jimmy Buffett Day on the Florida State Capitol.”
The occasion is devoted to “celebrating the life, music, legacy and philanthropy of the enduring singer, songwriter, bestselling creator, and environmentalist,” organizers mentioned.
It comes as lawmakers are set to contemplate payments that will rename the Florida stretch of AIA as “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Freeway” and create a Margaritaville specialty license plate, the proceeds of which might profit the charitable basis Singing for Change, a company lengthy represented by Jeff Sharkey and Taylor Biehl of Capitol Alliance Group.
Festivities embody a 12:30 p.m. information convention within the 4th Ground Capitol Rotunda celebrating the singer-songwriter’s life and contributions to the Sunshine State.
Audio system will embody Sen. Lauren E-book and Gayle Harrell, Reps. Linda Chaney and Chuck Clemons in addition to Savannah Buffett, Loraine Buffett McGuane, Melanie Buffett, Singing for Change’s Govt Director Judith Ranger Smith and Margaritaville’s CEO John Cohlan.
Moreover, at 12:45 p.m., Scotty Emerick, a member of the Coral Reefer Band, will play a musical tribute to Buffett within the Capitol Courtyard.
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Make {that a} triple-booking for advocacy days — it’s additionally Nationwide Florida Day.
Celebrated yearly on Jan. 25, Nationwide Florida Day places a highlight on all the pieces that makes the nation’s twenty seventh state distinctive.
What are a few of these issues? Florida Humanities, the nonprofit affiliate of the Nationwide Endowment for the Humanities, has compiled an internet information with almost 50 distinctive locations and occasions Floridians and guests alike can discover to connect with the humanities — and be rewarded alongside the way in which.
From the Panhandle to the Keys, the useful little booklet is split into six pathways: literature, music, historical past and heritage, meals, visible arts and the surroundings. It, after all, options acquainted names, however there are fairly a couple of little-known locations inside that fly below the radar.
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“‘It’s life-changing: $2M Sentara Cares Innovation Fund continues expanding dental care maternal and child care” through Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Nonprofit well being care supply system Sentara Well being is properly underway with its $2.7 million Innovation Fund, offering assets to federally certified well being facilities in underserved Florida communities to develop entry to well being care to these beforehand confronted with few selections, if any. Sentara is out with a brand new statewide digital marketing campaign updating the general public about advances which have already been made by the Innovation Fund. For instance, one advert options a number of medical professionals on the Jessie Trice Well being Care System speaking a few breakthrough dental apprenticeship program that’s successfully offering extra dental care to extra folks in the neighborhood than ever earlier than.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@DanPFeiffer: The excessive turnout in NH says as a lot about how (Donald) Trump drives turnout among the many individuals who need to vote in opposition to him because it does about enthusiasm for his candidacy.
—@EvanPower: It’s time for our Social gathering to comply with the lead of @RonDeSantis, @marcorubio and @ScottforFlorida and unite behind the presumptive nominee @realDonaldTrump
—@EricMGarcia: Since leaving the marketing campaign, DeSantis has hit Trump onerous and quick, mentioned that Trump has a number of vulnerabilities and posted a humanizing and enjoyable video together with his son speaking about soccer. Primarily, the stuff that he ought to have accomplished as a candidate.
—@MichaelScherer: No job fairly like a authorities job choosing fights with reporters over teenage farts. How group DeSantis bought its groove again.
Tweet, tweet:
One other completely superb #SenateFoodieFête! A fantastic, tasty meal ready by the gifted scholar cooks of @KeiserU! pic.twitter.com/BsKEY8Lngq
— Kathleen Passidomo (@Kathleen4SWFL) January 24, 2024
—@Jason_Garcia: The FL lawmaker carrying a invoice to ban gross sales of lab-grown meat mentioned he doesn’t even need it referred to as meat (one other thought the meat business is lobbying for): “If this ever was to return out, the very very first thing I’d do is run a invoice that claims it’s not allowed to be referred to as meat.”
Tweet, tweet:
Fairly unhappy to listen to Waterworks, considered one of my favourite locations in Tallahassee, has closed after 30+ years. There’s nothing else on the town prefer it and it’ll undoubtedly be missed. pic.twitter.com/nC8AAHPM7s
— Erich Martin (@erichm) January 24, 2024
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘Masters of the Air’ premieres on Apple TV+ — 1; federal marketing campaign finance submitting deadline — 6; Inter Miami CF 2024 season opener stand-alone — 7; second government-funding deadline — 8; ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ last season premieres on HBO — 10; Nevada Primaries — 12; Nevada Republican Presidential Caucus — 14; Tremendous Bowl LVIII — 17; Ninth Annual Fits for Session begins — 26; Season 6 of ‘Drive To Survive’ premieres on Netflix — 29; South Carolina Republican Major — 30; Michigan Democratic Major — 33; James Madison Institute’s ‘Crimson, White and Bluegrass’ dinner — 34; ‘Dune: Half Two’ premieres — 36; Michigan/Idaho/Missouri GOP Primaries — 37; Netflix to stream “The Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz faceoff — 38; Trump’s D.C. trial on prices associated to attempting to reverse his 2020 Election loss — 42; Tremendous Tuesday — 40; State of the Union tackle — 42; final day of Common Session, if Legislature completes work in 60 days — 43; 2024 Oscars — 45; Georgia Democratic Major — 47; Arizona/Florida/Illinois/Kansas/Ohio Primaries — 54; James Madison Institute’s ‘2024 Naples Dinner’ with keynote speaker Laura Ingraham — 55; ‘3 Physique Downside’ premieres on Netflix — 56; Main League Baseball’s (MLB) 2024 season — 63; March Insanity Ultimate 4 (girls’s) begins — 71; March Insanity Ultimate 4 (males’s) — 72; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Assembly — 76; The Masters start — 77; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 105; Kentucky Derby — 110; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 111; French Open begins — 114; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 118; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer season Tour begins in Tampa — 118; Monaco Grand Prix — 122; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 155; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 172; 2024 MLS All-Star Recreation — 181; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 187; Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 204; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 207; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 212; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 267; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 270; 2024 Presidential Election — 285; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 301; MLS Cup 2024 — 316; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 386; ‘Moana’ premieres — 519; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 547; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 652; ‘Implausible 4’ reboot premieres — 652; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 694; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 831; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 847; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 1,058; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,198; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,157; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,879.
— TOP STORY —
“Florida 2024 Obamacare enrollment tops 4.21 million, sets record” through Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Greater than 4.21 million Floridians signed up for medical insurance by Obamacare based on last numbers for this 12 months’s open enrollment interval launched by the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Providers.
That’s a record-setting enrollment quantity for Florida, and the full variety of enrollees within the Sunshine State far exceeds that of the closest states. Texas had 3.48 million folks join, adopted by California with 1.73 million.
Greater than 21 million People are counting on well being protection both by Healthcare.gov or state-created marketplaces.
Federal officers within the President Joe Biden administration on Wednesday touted the elevated numbers — which embody greater than 5 million new enrollees nationwide — as proof that Obamacare, formally generally known as the Reasonably priced Care Act, is working.
“For many years, when it got here to federal packages we might rely upon to maintain People lined, three had been all the time prime of thoughts — Medicare, Medicaid and Social Safety, however now it’s crystal clear that we have to add a fourth — the Reasonably priced Care Act,” mentioned Well being and Human Providers Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Florida and Texas — the states with the best variety of folks enrolled for protection — are among the many 10 states which have rejected increasing Medicaid eligibility that was allowed below Obamacare.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“House passes bill blocking kids from social media” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Home has handed a ban on minors below age 16 preserving or opening social media accounts. However related laws has but to maneuver within the Senate. Representatives permitted laws (HB 1) on a 106-13 vote. Speaker Paul Renner made the laws a precedence for this Legislative Session, arguing life on-line has compromised the psychological well being of Florida youngsters and put them in danger. “Kids have all the time confronted imply women and boys,” Renner mentioned in a speech on the Home flooring at the beginning of the Session. “However social media has modified the sport and causes unprecedented injury to our kids’s psychological well being.” Sponsors mentioned the damaging surroundings discovered on social media networks can’t be ignored.
“House looks to boost teacher salaries in budget proposal” through Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Academics might see a pay elevate and PreK-12 colleges would get extra funds for distinctive college students below a Home finances plan launched by the Home PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee. The plan for the fiscal 12 months that begins July 1, places $28.4 billion towards PreK-12 colleges, together with $22.5 billion that’s a part of the Florida Training Funding Program (FEFP), the principle system for funding colleges. That may be a rise of $1.5 billion, or 7%, on the present 12 months’s FEFP. It represents $8,936 per scholar, or $217.50 greater than the present 12 months. A lot of the improve, about $1.27 billion, is devoted to the bottom scholar allocation, which faculty districts have essentially the most discretion to spend.
“Age verification demands for porn sites passed by House” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Necessities for pornography websites and others internet hosting content material “dangerous to minors” has handed within the Home. The decrease chamber voted unanimously for laws (HB 3) that pushes publishers to carry out affordable age verification. “Once you reside in a world the place there’s a trending downward age of youngsters that for the primary time are seeing hard-core pornography, from their telephones from their tablets from their computer systems, when younger women are believing that they should look a sure means simply be fascinating and younger boys consider they should behave aggressively simply to be fascinating, then members, it’s time to take a stand for our kids,” mentioned Rep. Toby Overdorf. No lawmakers argued in opposition to the invoice on the ground, and the invoice handed on a 119-0 vote.
“Bills creating harassment-free zone around first responders head to Senate, House floors” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After three failed makes an attempt, South Florida lawmakers are nearer than ever to passing laws that will create a harassment-free zone round police and different first responders within the line of obligation. Whereas the radius of that zone differs between the Senate and Home variations of the proposed legislation, each of the payments (SB 184, HB 75) at the moment are headed to their respective chamber flooring. The Senate Guidelines Committee gave approval to SB 184 after listening to from its sponsor, Sen. Bryan Ávila, and a number of other audio system for and in opposition to the measure. Ávila’s invoice, if handed, would make it unlawful for an individual to strategy or stay inside 14 ft of a primary responder performing their official obligation after receiving a warning to again away.
“Clay Yarborough amendment is a prescription for physician compromise” through Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Amid this Legislative Session, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo is laser-focused on reversing the state’s historic physician scarcity. However alongside got here SB 248, threatening to derail the President’s precedence by sending docs packing their stethoscopes and leaving Florida for extra physician-friendly states — all by increasing the Florida Wrongful Demise Act and probably sending docs’ already sky-high medical malpractice premiums into the stratosphere. Let me say proper off that I completely consider victims of malpractice errors deserve truthful compensation. In instances like this, compromise is required: holding negligent well being care suppliers accountable whereas not derailing efforts to repair our state’s physician scarcity. Enter Sen. Yarborough, who navigated this emotional minefield with a finesse that deserves greater than a well mannered nod. His strike-all modification to SB 248 wasn’t a legislative maneuver however a tightrope stroll over a canyon of competing pursuits.
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“House Committee passes bill repealing restrictions on firearms during emergencies” through Michael Costeines of Florida’s Voice — The Florida Home Constitutional Rights, Rule of Regulation & Authorities Operations Subcommittee favored a invoice 12-2 on Wednesday repealing a state statute that limits firearm and ammunition purchases if a state of emergency is asserted. Rep. Tommy Gregory and Rep. Tyler Sirois filed HB 1615. “This can be a part of Florida legislation that mechanically terminates a constitutional proper simply because an area sheriff or different designated public official declares a state of emergency,” Gregory mentioned to the Committee. “It particularly repeals part 870.044 computerized emergency measures.” Rep. Berny Jacques argued for needing constitutional rights essentially the most throughout a declaration of emergency.
“Who’s funding your lawsuit? Bills would require disclosure” through Ron Hurtibise of the Orlando Sentinel — As authorized charges develop bigger, extra plaintiffs are compelled to borrow cash to fund lawsuits in opposition to events they contend brought about their accidents. However there’s no requirement to tell defendants — together with massive companies and insurance coverage firms — when a third-party funds a plaintiff’s lawsuit. Neither is there a means for the state to know whether or not these financiers embody overseas pursuits with anti-American objectives. Payments within the state Home and Senate would appropriate these issues, supporters say. Opponents say that plaintiffs could be deprived if compelled to offer copies of their finance agreements to defendants and their attorneys.
“Pornhub supports age verification, but owners don’t like how states have managed regulation to date” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Pornhub helps age verification necessities. However officers behind the huge on-line platform say the federal government typically does a poor job at regulating internet use. The Home took up laws (HB 3) demanding higher age verification by web sites that publish materials “dangerous to minors.” On the ground, lawmakers famous that in different states like North Carolina and Montana, Pornhub responded to related laws by blocking entry to their website for anybody logging on in these states. In a company assertion to Florida Politics, Aylo, the father or mother firm for Pornhub, declined to invest on a nonetheless hypothetical legislation. But it surely mentioned any rules should be crafted with the consumer in thoughts.
Home advances invoice aimed toward decreasing recidivism — The Home Commerce Committee moved ahead with bipartisan laws (HB 133) that goals to scale back recidivism after tacking on an modification increasing its scope. The laws would make it simpler for folks with felony data to enter the barbering, cosmetologist and bartending industries. “First, let me lengthen my gratitude to the Commerce Committee for sharing my imaginative and prescient on the methods wherein we, as a Legislature, can work towards significant options that lower the recidivism price in Florida,” mentioned Rep. Kevin Chambliss, who’s co-sponsoring the invoice alongside Rep. Rachel Saunders Plakon. “Gaining significant employment is essentially the most essential step a reformed particular person takes to actually enhance their life, and we should proceed to do our half to assist their efforts.”
ACLU condemns Home passage of social media invoice — The ACLU of Florida criticized lawmakers for passing a invoice that will mandate extra stringent age verification necessities for on-line platforms and banning minors below age 16 from creating social media accounts, calling the laws “a sweeping censorship invoice aimed toward stifling freedom of expression on-line.” ACLU of Florida interim Govt Director Howard Simon mentioned, “This vote to ban younger folks below 16 from having social media accounts even with the consent of their dad and mom exhibits that the declare of ‘dad and mom’ rights’ of the final two Legislative Classes was only a cowl for censorship.” ACLU of Florida Legislative Director Kara Gross added, “The legislature continues to show it has no regard for the First Modification and free speech. … It’s troubling to see how unbothered Florida’s legislature is about undermining parental rights when it fits their pursuits.”
— THE SKED —
— 8 a.m. Home Insurance coverage & Banking Subcommittee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 8 a.m. Home Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 314, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 8 a.m. Home Civil Justice Subcommittee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 8 a.m. Home Selection & Innovation Subcommittee meets. Room 102, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 9 a.m. The Senate holds a flooring Session. Senate Chambers.
— 11:30 a.m. Home Transportation & Modals Subcommittee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 11:30 a.m. Home Training High quality Subcommittee meets. Room 102, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 11:30 a.m. Home Native Administration Federal Affairs & Particular Districts Subcommittee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 11:30 a.m. Home Agriculture & Pure Sources Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home Legal Justice Subcommittee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home Vitality Communications & Cybersecurity Subcommittee meets. Room 102, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home Postsecondary Training & Workforce Subcommittee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home State Administration & Expertise Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— THE TRAIL —
“Joe Biden’s campaign says 2024 GOP Primary is over and voters have a ‘clear choice’” through Rebecca Shabad of NBC Information — Biden’s 2024 presidential marketing campaign mentioned it’s basically coming into the Normal Election section of the 2024 cycle now that former Trump has received New Hampshire’s GOP Major. “The outcomes out of New Hampshire verify that Donald Trump has all however locked up the GOP nomination and the election-denying anti-freedom MAGA motion has accomplished its takeover of the Republican Social gathering,” Biden-Harris marketing campaign supervisor Julie Chávez Rodríguez instructed reporters on a press name. The selection American voters face in November is coming into sharp focus, she mentioned.
“As GOP rivals collapse, Wall Street warms to second Donald Trump term” through Jeff Stein of The Washington Publish — Wall Avenue executives who had pined for a GOP various to Trump face a stark dilemma after Tuesday’s New Hampshire Major appeared to affirm that Trump is on his solution to turning into his get together’s presidential nominee for the third consecutive election. By the top of Trump’s first time period, lots of the greatest names in company America and excessive finance had been brazenly criticizing Trump over his denial that he misplaced the 2020 election and his subsequent position in fueling the Jan. 6, 2021, revolt on the Capitol. However with Trump more likely to face Biden once more this 12 months, some enterprise titans have publicly softened their opposition in current days, probably signaling a need to work with Trump if he lands again within the White Home.
— MORE 2024 —
“Republican Party of Florida to endorse Trump for President” through Eric Daugherty of Florida’s Voice — The Republican Social gathering of Florida will transfer to endorse Trump within the 2024 Presidential Election at its subsequent get together assembly. Citing the outcomes of Iowa and New Hampshire’s respective Caucuses and Major, state get together Chair Evan Energy mentioned Republicans should “come collectively and put 100% of our give attention to defeating Joe Biden and his failed administration in November.” The get together mentioned Wednesday that the vote will likely be held at their annual assembly on Feb. 10.
Even Energy endorses you-know-who.
— OTHER STATEWIDE —
Kathleen Passidomo, Paul Renner named to GOPAC Board — GOPAC has rolled out its record of 2024 Legislative Leaders Advisory Board members, and some Florida pols made the lower. The highest-billed of twenty-two state Senators from throughout the nation named to the Board Florida Senate President Passidomo. The Home record, in the meantime, options Speaker Renner. Every will serve a one-year time period on the Board, which promotes concepts they’re championing by addressing elected officers, candidates, and members at GOPAC occasions and through its digital program. As well as, Board members have the chance to appoint up-and-coming state lawmakers to GOPAC’s Rising Leaders Program and supply updates on key legislative and political developments. “Members of our 2024 Legislative Leaders Advisory Board are important in our efforts to coach and elect Republican leaders who’re targeted on making People’ lives simpler, safer, and higher,” mentioned GOPAC Chair David Avella.
“Judge orders Ron DeSantis to show why School Board election winner shouldn’t be seated” through Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — A Leon County Circuit Decide says a Faculty Board election winner ought to be allowed to take his seat — regardless of DeSantis’ government order that saved Rod Velez from the dais. The administration has 40 days to argue in any other case, based on writs of quo warranto issued by Circuit Decide John Cooper. A Governor’s consultant dismissed the importance of the order, nevertheless. Velez was elected to serve on the Broward County Faculty Board in 2022, however his election was clouded by a 1995 felony conviction. Cooper’s submitting might have implications for others awaiting the restoration of their voting rights below Modification 4, he and his legal professionals say.
“Democrats call on DeSantis to do more to address ‘affordable housing crisis’” through Tarik Minor of News4Jax — Lawmakers and Jacksonville-area residents are calling on DeSantis to do extra to deal with what economists name an “reasonably priced housing disaster.” Excessive demand and brief provide, together with different elements, have resulted in exploding mortgage charges for owners and renters. Florida gained nationwide recognition through the COVID-19 pandemic and shortly grew to become the fastest-growing state. Whereas being a well-liked state is nice, it has additionally resulted in excessive mortgage prices and lease costs. One lawmaker mentioned now that extra folks than ever are right here, the state wants to ensure they will afford to reside right here. ″What can we do now? As a result of Floridians want reduction now, folks want reduction now, it’s impacting everybody, once more, not simply younger folks however younger folks, working households, our seniors,” mentioned U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost.
“DeSantis called for ‘energy dominance’ during campaign. His plan still is relevant to Floridians” through Inside Local weather Information — Satellite tv for pc Seaside is located in one of the extremely eroding areas in Florida. With the Atlantic Ocean on one aspect and the 156-mile Indian River Lagoon on the opposite, the water is a treasured draw and rising risk. Hurricane Nicole washed away some 13 ft of seaside, leaving 4 houses uninhabitable, after making landfall roughly 42 miles to the south as a Class 1 storm. Throughout Florida, communities are grappling with the largest environmental risk going through the state: local weather change. DeSantis has invested greater than $1.6 billion towards hardening the infrastructure in opposition to rising seas and flooding.
“Florida rejects books on voting, Tuskegee Airmen for museum’s story time” through Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida’s Division of State tossed all the slate of books advisable by the civil-rights Grove Museum for the primary six months of its 2024 month-to-month story time program for younger youngsters, together with books on voting rights and Black historical past. The books had been deemed not applicable for the time of 12 months they had been being provided; they weren’t age-appropriate or not on the state Division of Training’s pre-approved studying record. Among the many books rejected was “VOTE!” by Eileen Christelow, scheduled for this month. The e book was on the state’s pre-approved record and rated for first- by fourth graders. “You’re joking,” Christelow mentioned.
“Risk of mosquito-borne illness on the rise for Floridians in 2024” through Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Early forecasts warn of a wet, moist 12 months forward, offering a great surroundings for mosquitoes to develop and thrive and creating elevated threat for people of contracting a mosquito-borne sickness. This warning, shared at a information convention, comes after historic mosquito-borne diseases final 12 months, together with the biggest dengue fever outbreak in additional than 75 years and the primary domestically transmitted case of malaria in Florida in additional than 20 years. Sen. Jim Boyd was readily available with members of the Florida Mosquito Management Affiliation (FMCA) on the information convention on the State Capitol.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Supreme Court will hear arguments against DeSantis’ congressional map” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida Supreme Court docket will hear minority advocates’ case in opposition to a congressional map designed and signed by DeSantis. Justices referred to as on plaintiffs within the case to file their preliminary briefs by Feb. 28, offering greater than a month to submit arguments. A date hasn’t been set but for oral arguments, elevating questions as to how shortly the case could be resolved. The state’s excessive court docket accepted jurisdiction on the redistricting case. Justices took on the case greater than a month after Florida’s 1st District Court docket of Enchantment upheld the congressional map and struck down a lower-court ruling discovering the political strains denied minority communities the proper to elect Representatives of their selection.
“House investigators probing Rep. Matt Gaetz contact ex-associate Joel Greenberg” through Will Steakin of ABC Information — The Home Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Gaetz has reached out to Greenberg, a one-time shut buddy of Gaetz who was sentenced to 11 years in jail after pleading responsible to federal prices. The probe, which was reopened final summer season, continues to ramp up, because the Committee in current weeks has contacted a number of new witnesses as a part of its ongoing investigation into the Florida congressman, sources mentioned. Among the many witnesses contacted is the lady who allegedly had intercourse with the congressman as a minor, sources accustomed to the Committee’s work mentioned.
“Maxwell Frost, FL House Dems urge solutions for affordable housing, insurance crisis” through Jackie Llanos of Florida Phoenix — Frost was in Tallahassee and joined Florida Home Democrats in highlighting the state’s housing issues. The primary-term congressman, Home Democratic Chief Fentrice Driskell and Orlando State Rep. Anna Eskamani referred to as for speedy reduction for housing affordability for renters and skyrocketing property insurance coverage charges. The Democrats mentioned they see housing woes as one of many points most essential to voters within the 2024 Election. “Let’s be sincere, the Home of Representatives is stagnant proper now in the USA Congress. It’s full chaos. We’re going from disaster to disaster being held hostage by the far-right wing, Marjorie Taylor Greene–Gaetz wing of the Republican Social gathering,” Frost mentioned.
— DOWN BALLOT —
“Former prosecutor Destinie Baker Sutton launches bid for open House seat in central PBC” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Lawyer and Palm Seaside County native Destinie Sutton hopes to use her authorized experience within the Florida Capitol. She’s working to succeed term-limited Palm Seaside County Rep. David Silvers, a fellow Democrat, in Home District 89. Baker Sutton filed paperwork this week to hunt Silvers’ seat after virtually 20 years working in legislation, the vast majority of which in authorities. She labored for 11 years within the Palm Seaside State Lawyer’s Workplace, together with time as a particular prosecutor in its Organized Crime Unit, and three years as an Assistant County Lawyer for the Palm Seaside Fee. In 2019, she went into personal apply with Destinie Regulation P.A., a authorized agency specializing in eminent area, private harm and felony protection circumstances. Now she needs to have a hand in crafting the legal guidelines she labored to uphold since 2005.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Alexcia Cox ended 2023 with $137K toward Palm Beach State Attorney bid” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Cox, Deputy Chief Assistant on the Palm Seaside State Lawyer’s Workplace, amassed greater than $137,000 in 2023 to succeed Dave Aronberg later this 12 months as Palm Seaside State Lawyer. That features a $43,500 haul final quarter that got here principally by private checks. Since submitting to run in June, Cox’s marketing campaign acquired 574 contributions, the preponderance of which had been grassroots. Her common donation was $245. Cox, who could be the primary lady and African American to function Palm Seaside State Lawyer, mentioned in an announcement that she is “extraordinarily humbled and honored” by the assist she’s acquired to date.
“Group of Miami Cuban Americans urge GOP to drop effort to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas” through Alyssa Johnson of the Miami Herald — A bunch of outstanding Miami Cuban People is talking out in opposition to efforts in Washington to take away the Secretary of the Division of Homeland Safety, Mayorkas, and exhibiting assist for his or her fellow Cuban American in an open letter. Well being care mogul Mike Fernandez and different co-signers of the letter, wrote that Mayorkas, who was born in Havana, has a deep love for the USA. The try to impeach Mayorkas, they wrote, “undermines the Structure” as a result of Republicans are attempting to take away him based mostly merely on “coverage variations.” “We name on the Republican management to place apart political stunts like impeachment, and get to work to assist repair our issues on the border,” the letter states.
“A mass resignation of elected officials. Now, a legal battle over the new law that led them out.” through Lisa J. Huriash of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — A rising variety of cities in South Florida and different elements of the state are becoming a member of a deliberate lawsuit in opposition to a finance disclosure legislation that has led quite a few elected metropolis and city officers to resign. The brand new legislation’s proponents say filling out extra detailed monetary varieties will present extra transparency, whereas the legislation’s opponents say it’s an intrusion of privateness and dangers their security. In current months, greater than 125 metropolis elected officers have resigned in Florida on account of this legislation, based on Jamie Alan Cole, the Weston metropolis lawyer spearheading the hassle to problem the legislation. Beneath the legislation, metropolis and municipal elected officers should file a Type 6, a public disclosure detailing their actual internet price, 401(okay) plans and private property and liabilities over $1,000. It already has been a requirement for greater than a decade for County Commissioners, state lawmakers and the Governor.
“Seaquarium response to Miami-Dade Mayor: We’re still here and fighting ‘misinformation’” through Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Confronted with an eviction risk from Miami-Dade County’s Mayor, the Miami Seaquarium accused the administration of sharing solely partial details about current enforcement motion by federal animal inspectors. Days in the past, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava despatched the Seaquarium’s father or mother firm a letter citing a current discover by the U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA) that it deliberate to confiscate 4 animals from the for-profit attraction after inspections discovered points with veterinary care. A USDA spokesperson confirmed the discover was issued Jan. 19 however mentioned that the Seaquarium “took needed corrective motion to return into compliance” with federal animal welfare legal guidelines.
“Broward needs a new 911 center, leaders agree. But where should it be built?” through Lisa J. Huriash of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — Broward taxpayers are more likely to fund a brand new facility to deal with the county’s 911 dispatch heart. However discovering the proper location, partially, might hinge on who would retain oversight of the providers. Sheriff Gregory Tony appealed to County Commissioners together with his proposal for a seven-story parking storage, a four-story, 62,750-square-foot constructing housing a 911 name heart and an 11,800-square-foot, on-site day look after as much as 100 youngsters of Sheriff’s Workplace staff. About 85% of the staff are girls, Tony mentioned. He needs the brand new complicated to be constructed alongside the Sheriff’s headquarters and a brand new coaching heart in Fort Lauderdale that would open inside months at 2601 W. Broward Blvd.
“Fort Lauderdale will spend up to $25K to investigate F-bomb controversy” through Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — Fort Lauderdale Commissioners have agreed to spend as much as $25,000 on an outdoor lawyer to analyze a grievance filed by a staffer in opposition to Commissioner Steve Glassman. Jeri Pryor, Chief of Employees for Commissioner Warren Sturman, has accused Glassman of cursing at her backstage at The Parker after a controversial vote on Jan. 9. Glassman says he cursed, however not at Pryor. Three of Fort Lauderdale’s 5 Commissioners — Sturman, Pamela Beasley-Pittman and John Herbst — voted “sure” on hiring the surface lawyer. Glassman recused himself from the vote. Mayor Dean Trantalis voted “no,” arguing taxpayer cash shouldn’t be spent to settle the F-bomb controversy when an apology would do.
“Lubby Navarro had other jobs. At least 1 of them is probing her spending after her arrest” through David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — Navarro, the previous Miami-Dade County Faculty Board member accused of stealing greater than $100,000 from taxpayers by means of her district-issued bank cards, is below investigation by the Broward hospital chain that put her on unpaid go away after she was arrested. However Navarro additionally had one other job — Govt Director on the nonprofit Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Basis, which gives scholarships to Cuban American college students, based on her 92-page arrest warrant, filed Jan. 10 by the Miami-Dade State Lawyer’s Workplace. Representatives from the inspiration didn’t return cellphone calls from the Herald asking in the event that they had been conducting an inner investigation within the wake of Navarro’s Jan. 11 arrest.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“‘I’m here.’ Bridget Ziegler attends 1st in-person Disney meeting after GOP sex scandal” through Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — Ziegler attended her first assembly of DeSantis’ Disney World Oversight Board in individual since a intercourse scandal involving her and her husband made nationwide headlines, costing him his job as Florida’s GOP Chair. Requested after the assembly about hypothesis she would resign from the Disney Board, Ziegler mentioned, “I’m right here.” She referred to as into the Disney Board’s Dec. 6 assembly, attending just about as an alternative of in-person. Debie McDonald, a public speaker at that assembly, accused Ziegler of hypocrisy and referred to as on her to step down, saying she has performed a job in “demonizing members of the LGBTQ group … whereas she has apparently been part of the letter B in that group.”
“Tourist-tax plan makes smaller-than-expected trim of Visit Orlando budget” through Stephen Hudak and Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County leaders signed off on a much-debated spending plan for the county’s profitable vacationer tax, pledging over $600 million to improve Tenting World Stadium and the Kia Middle whereas handing a reprieve to the Go to Orlando advertising company, which had been threatened with deep cuts. “I consider we have now ended up in a very good place,” mentioned County Mayor Jerry Demings, whose spending preferences had been detailed in an eleventh-hour memo to Orange County Commissioners and adopted principally intact by the 6-1 vote. Commissioner Emily Bonilla solid the lone “no.” She had favored chopping Go to Orlando’s 30% share of Vacationer Improvement Tax income by 5 proportion factors.
“Rural east Orange residents triumph over development again” through Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Residents in rural east Orange County celebrated the dramatic early morning defeat of the most recent mega-development proposing to construct a whole lot of houses on a former cattle ranch within the environmentally delicate Econ River basin. Many, sporting their purple “Cease City Sprawl” T-shirts from earlier fights, endured a marathon Orange County Fee assembly Tuesday to cheer the 4-3 vote in opposition to requesting a land-use change from state authorities. However some had been satisfied they hadn’t seen the final such proposal for the realm. Builders had been asking the Board for “transmittal” of their plan, a compulsory step in Florida’s course of to make large-scale land-use adjustments and, on this case, to show the ranchlands into Sustanee, because the developer had dubbed the undertaking of almost 1,800 houses.
“Discipline trends still show disproportionate rates for Black Brevard students in 2023-24” through Finch Walker of Florida At the moment — Following tendencies offered in October, Brevard Public Colleges noticed a soar in self-discipline referrals through the first semester of the 2023-24 faculty 12 months in comparison with the earlier 12 months, with Black college students disproportionately disciplined in comparison with all different races. A threat ratio is a quantity that the state Division of Training makes use of to find out if the district is “in danger” based mostly on the variety of suspensions inside a sure inhabitants. A threat ratio of two.5 is an “alert standing,” whereas a 3.0 is when motion have to be taken, mentioned Chris Reed, director of scholar providers. On the flip aspect, a threat ratio below 1.0 implies that the inhabitants is receiving fewer referrals when in comparison with different demographic teams.
“Cameras, quad gates being planned for Melbourne rail crossings after Brightline crashes” through Tyler Vazquez of Florida At the moment — Melbourne officers are promising security upgrades at railroad crossings within the metropolis following two deadly crashes inside one week at a single crossing simply south of downtown. Upgraded gates, automated camera-enforced citations, and extra public schooling are all on the desk going ahead as Melbourne Metropolis Council addresses the way forward for town’s relationship with the high-speed passenger rail now hurtling by the group. 5 deaths in Brevard since Brightline’s Orlando-Miami route debuted in September have made the general public cautious and lots of are looking for options to stop future deaths. Two deadly crashes in a single week on the crossing with WH Jackson Avenue occurred earlier this month.
“‘Slaughterhouse-Five’ and ‘The Kite Runner’ will stay on Brevard high school shelves” through Finch Walker of Florida At the moment — Although Brevard’s Faculty Board spent lower than a minute on the subject when it got here time to vote, the dialogue of e book bans dominated public remark throughout their Board assembly. Two books — “Slaughterhouse-5” by Kurt Vonnegut and “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini — had been on the agenda, with the Board set to vote on whether or not or to not take away the books from all district colleges. In two separate Committee conferences, the district E-book Overview Committee made up of members chosen by Board members, made a suggestion to maintain the books obtainable to excessive schoolers. A sole member, Katie Delaney, who was appointed by Board Vice Chair Gene Trent, mentioned each books ought to be faraway from all colleges.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Ex-Tampa Judge Jared Smith resists testifying in case of former opponent” through Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Instances — Decide Smith, who in 2022 misplaced a bitter marketing campaign to maintain his seat on the Hillsborough circuit bench, needs to keep away from testifying within the self-discipline case in opposition to Nancy Jacobs, who defeated him. Jacobs is accused of violating guidelines governing judicial campaigns throughout her race in opposition to Smith. In a court docket paper filed this week, Smith’s lawyer argues that his testimony at a forthcoming deposition within the case is “irrelevant, unduly burdensome and harassing, and improper.” “Certainly, Decide Jacobs is on trial for her conduct — not Decide Smith,” the doc states. “And Decide Smith shouldn’t be compelled to arrange for and attend a deposition, taking him away from his essential public duties, that may elicit no related, admissible proof however quite quantities to nothing greater than harassment, annoyance, embarrassment, and undue burden.”
“Tampa Bay restaurants make strong showing in Yelp’s top 100” through Sharon Kennedy Wynne of the Tampa Bay Instances — The Tampa Bay space had a fairly robust exhibiting in Yelp’s Prime 100 Locations to Eat within the U.S. 2024 rating. The crowdsourced restaurant evaluation web site collects consumer scores and ranks the scores, opinions and quantity of submissions to identify tendencies. Florida was an enormous one this 12 months, with the Sunshine State Yelpers speaking up Orlando’s standing-room-only sushi scorching spot EDOBOY (No. 44) and pizza lovers in Boca Raton digging the artistic sourdough-crust pies at How Ya Dough’n (No. 70). Within the Tampa Bay space, Mio’s Grill and Cafe in St. Petersburg ranked excessive at No. 12 with its Turkish and Greek delicacies. The fast-casual Mediterranean-American joint is understood for its baba ghanouj, falafel, Greek salad and baklava.
“Residences at 400 Central developer ups Florida commitment to $2 billion” through Breanne Williams of the Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal — The developer of St. Petersburg luxurious apartment tower The Residences at 400 Central says his agency needs to take a position $2 billion in Florida actual property within the coming years — doubling a dedication his father made in 2022. John Catsimatidis Jr., who took the helm at Crimson Apple Group on Jan. 3, mentioned the corporate is “actively looking” for his or her subsequent undertaking in St. Petersburg and hopes to spend the corporate’s subsequent $2 billion in improvement in Florida. Crimson Apple Group is the father or mother firm of Crimson Apple Actual Property. It’s the developer of The Residences at 400 Central, a 46-story luxurious condominium tower in downtown St. Pete. Catsimatidis Jr. is the son of Crimson Apple Group founder and CEO John Catsimatidis Sr.
“2024 BusinessWoman of the Year honorees revealed” through Alexis Muellner of the Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal — Thirty girls will likely be honored within the 2024 Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal’s BusinessWoman of the Yr Awards. The awards acknowledge a few of the most dynamic and influential businesspeople in Tampa Bay. The honorees are business leaders in banking, legislation, expertise, well being care, sports activities enterprise, building and innovation. Candidates submitted greater than 200 nominations for this 12 months’s awards. An inner judging panel comprised of the Enterprise Journal’s editorial group and the writer reviewed every submission, evaluating nominees for his or her profession trajectory, achievements and impression on each the organizations and corporations they serve and the broader Tampa Bay group.
“Tampa General Hospital earns Top Five national ranking for transplants” through Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Tampa Normal Hospital (TGH) accomplished 756 transplants final 12 months, making it the No. 4 heart for transplants by quantity within the nation. As well as, Becker’s listed the educational well being system among the many prime 20 hospitals in its annual Becker’s Hospital Overview “100 Largest Hospitals and Well being Methods within the U.S.” The transplants carried out final 12 months at TGH had been up 11% over 2022. Of the 756 transplants carried out, 459 had been kidney transplants and 209 had been liver transplants — making TGH second within the nation by quantity for kidney transplants and fourth for liver transplants. TGH additionally carried out coronary heart, lung and kidney/pancreas operations and efficiently accomplished 5 dwelling donor transplants. Tampa Normal is considered one of simply 4 hospitals in Florida included among the many prime 20 based on the 2023 Becker’s Hospital Overview “100 Largest Hospitals and Well being Methods within the U.S.” record.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Mayor Donna Deegan: “political retribution and gamesmanship” behind City Council criticism” through David Bauerlein of The Florida Instances-Union — Mayor Deegan fired again at criticism from Metropolis Council members by saying they’re “splitting hairs for political retribution and gamesmanship” in taking political low-cost pictures on the authorized recommendation and contract award used for eradicating two statues from the Accomplice monument in Springfield Park. “If some Metropolis Council members need to proceed litigating the Civil Warfare for his or her perceived political achieve, that’s their selection,” Deegan mentioned. Deegan’s criticism got here because the Metropolis Council can have a particular assembly Thursday to query Normal Counsel Michael Fackler about his authorized opinion that there was no want for the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Committee to situation a certificates of appropriateness for eradicating the statutes.
“Jacksonville Housing Authority Board member quits amid controversy” through Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A member of the Jacksonville Housing Authority has stepped down because the company stays embroiled in controversy. Andre Inexperienced has submitted his resignation. One information outlet experiences Inexperienced truly submitted his resignation Friday. He apparently has been changed by Lisa Unusual Weatherby who was appointed to fill the Board emptiness by Jacksonville Mayor Deegan. The Jacksonville Housing Authority has been below investigation in current weeks for unnecessarily spending in extra of $1 million in federal funds and a sequence of utility cost playing cards that allegedly had been misused. Housing Authority CEO Dwayne Alexander has been referred to as into query in regards to the spending.
“Judge sentences Florida man to decades in prison over sexual relationship with 13-year-old he met on Snapchat” through Contemporary Take Florida — Calling it a case of “really horrible conduct,” a federal Decide sentenced a self-described sugar daddy in north-central Florida who groomed and sexually exploited a 13-year-old woman to just about three a long time in jail in a very disturbing case. The FBI mentioned the woman, who was 12 on the time, was amongst a bunch of younger women promoting sexually specific pictures of themselves over Snapchat and the suspect as soon as picked her up in his automobile at her constitution center faculty in Gainesville for a sexual encounter. U.S. District Decide Allen Winsor sentenced Justin Ray Crosby to 320 months in jail — almost 27 years — after Crosby pleaded responsible to felony prices of manufacturing and distribution of kid pornography. Crosby additionally was ordered to pay $20,000 to the younger woman he victimized. It wasn’t clear whether or not he had that a lot cash.
“After 32 years, iconic Tiki bar and restaurant Waterworks abruptly closes” through Kyla A Sanford of the Tallahassee Democrat — Waterworks, a beloved Tallahassee leisure staple and gathering spot, has abruptly closed its doorways after 32 years in enterprise. The midtown landmark situated at 1133 Thomasville Street shocked longtime patrons of the Tiki bar and restaurant with the announcement of their closure in a Wednesday afternoon Fb publish. The publish learn: “We’ve had 32 years of ridiculously amusing instances with Hearty White, Dr. Gorrie, Golden Carrots, Glam, Disco, Promenade, Science Salons, Capris, and the most effective quantity calling gorilla within the enterprise, Jungo. It’s a very good time to wrap it up and we did, final Saturday. Thanks for 3 enjoyable a long time!”
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Bridget Ziegler to police: No threesome planned with woman who accused husband of rape” through Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota County Faculty Board member Ziegler instructed police she by no means deliberate to take part in a sexual encounter on Oct. 2 along with her husband and a girl who accused him of rape, regardless of testimony from the alleged sufferer and textual content messages indicating Ziegler’s husband mentioned his spouse could be concerned. Bridget Ziegler’s testimony in newly launched Sarasota Police Division paperwork raises questions on whether or not Christian Ziegler misled the alleged sufferer and used his spouse to entice her with out Bridget Ziegler’s information. In an interview with police on Nov. 1, Bridget Ziegler mentioned that she participated in a three-way sexual encounter along with her husband and the alleged sufferer two years in the past however “there has not been any speak about one other threesome.”
“Sarasota City Commissioner faces legal action after falling for hoax social media post” through Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota Metropolis Commissioner Kyle Battie faces an impending lawsuit after he accused an area activist of creating a racist social media publish, one which Battie angrily shared with the Fee at a current assembly. The publish turned out to be a hoax. Metropolis Lawyer Robert Fournier plans to schedule a dialogue of town’s choices going ahead on the Fee’s subsequent assembly on Feb. 5. If Battie should retain authorized counsel to deal with the lawsuit, the Fee might want to decide whether or not he was appearing in his official capability as an elected official when he made the feedback and if town would reimburse him for his authorized charges, based on metropolis spokesperson Jan Thornburg.
“Survivors speak out as budget cuts reduce human trafficking resources in Bradenton” through Michael Moore Jr. of the Bradenton Herald — Native nonprofits are struggling to offer susceptible human trafficking survivors in Bradenton with key assets after a sequence of federal finances cuts. The cuts slashed cash offered by the Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, which was created by Congress in 1984 to assist direct providers to victims of crime, offering issues reminiscent of emergency shelters, disaster intervention and counseling to victims. For a lot of nonprofits, VOCA is the lifeblood of their group. That cash permits them to supply a wide selection of providers to survivors of human trafficking, home violence and extra. Selah Freedom, a Sarasota-based anti-trafficking nonprofit, is one group that relies on VOCA cash to offer these providers.
“Proposal for limited building moratorium to address traffic woes fails in Collier County” through Laura Layden of the Naples Day by day Information — An thought to impose a one-year moratorium designed to curb or gradual improvement in elements of jap Collier County has run out of gasoline. The County Fee had an hour-long public listening to on the proposal by Commissioner Burt Saunders. Involved in regards to the rising site visitors from bigger residential and industrial developments, he needed to place a brief maintain on new purposes for rezonings, or site-specific land use adjustments on rural estates zoned property alongside Immokalee and Vanderbilt Seaside roads, east of Interstate 75. After dozens of residents spoke in favor of the proposal, Saunders motioned to promote and convey again an ordinance for consideration at a future Board assembly, but it surely met with silence and died.
— TOP OPINION —
“Nikki Haley can’t beat Trump, but she can sting him” through Charles Blow of The New York Instances —Trump received’t simply go away; he’ll should be defeated. And Haley can’t defeat him as a result of she has no reply for the central drawback: She wants the assist of a bunch of voters who’re religiously dedicated to him.
Nevertheless, I do consider that the longer she stays within the race, the extra injury she’ll do to Trump’s bid. She has begun to focus on his shopworn, confused-sounding rants. We’ve spent loads of time specializing in Biden’s age and acuity, however Trump is nearly as outdated. He flubs and gaffes, too. Haley is drawing out a small piece of the unvarnished model of Trump.
As McKay Coppins well noticed this month in The Atlantic, Trump has turn out to be an abstraction to voters, current in lots of People’ minds “as a hazy silhouette — fashioned by preconceived notions and outdated impressions — quite than as an precise one who’s telling the nation on daily basis who he’s and what he plans to do with a second time period.” And what he plans is fairly terrifying.
It’s in all probability not her intention, however Haley is offering a service to the nation: a comfortable launch of reminding voters that Trump is a chaos agent of the best order who put the nation by a dizzying sequence of pointless crucibles that examined the very sturdiness of our establishments and our capability to resist his anti-democratic onslaught.
I arrived in New Hampshire troubled in regards to the prospect of a second Trump presidency — a really actual risk — however I go away it buoyed by the sense that he’s weaker than he seems and that Haley’s jabs, although not that efficient, are solely the precursors to the haymakers that the Biden marketing campaign might land.
— OPINIONS —
“It’s fair to ask: Is the Republican race over?” through Nate Cohn of The New York Instances — Not fairly, but it surely’s an inexpensive query after New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation Major delivered a transparent victory for Trump. And in case your definition of “over” is whether or not Trump is now on observe to win and not using a severe contest, the reply might be “sure.” He received 55% of the vote. His solely remaining rival, Haley, received 44%. What makes Trump’s victory so essential — and what raises the query about whether or not the race is over — is that New Hampshire was Haley’s absolute best alternative to vary the trajectory of the race. It was arguably her absolute best alternative to win a state, interval. If she couldn’t win right here, she may not be capable of win anyplace — not even in her dwelling state of South Carolina, the place the race turns subsequent.
“The Legislature’s heartless response to homelessness” through the South Florida Solar-Sentinel editorial board — Cities and counties throughout Florida wrestle day by day with homelessness. There isn’t any single and efficient answer. The best choice — reasonably priced everlasting houses for everybody who wants them — merely isn’t achievable, although we agree with native companies which might be embracing an idea referred to as “speedy re-housing.” Shelter area for the homeless is just insufficient to satisfy the necessity. Regardless of group funding and broad assist amongst authorities leaders and the enterprise group, there’s no solution to sustain. The issue is throughout us — and with a extreme housing disaster, it’s getting worse. Because the cultural and tourism hub of Broward and its largest metropolis, Fort Lauderdale has grappled with homelessness for many years. At a current goal-setting workshop, Commissioners mentioned a survey of residents’ attitudes in regards to the metropolis wherein a “sense of total security” was listed as a serious concern.
“Donna Sabatino: Florida can decrease patient costs for medications” through Florida Politics — As a nurse and advocate, I’m deeply involved about the usage of copay accumulator packages. Copay accumulators are administration protocols that medical insurance firms and PBMs make the most of to ban copay help from counting towards sufferers’ medical insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums whereas directing these funds to their very own backside strains. At the moment, almost 90% of Market insurers have these dangerous administration protocols in place. To place it merely, insurers and PBMs are double-dipping by amassing the funds made by the affected person in addition to preserving the funds lined by copay help. All monetary help is utilized to the acquisition of a affected person’s prescription, whether or not from a producer’s copay card, a nonprofit program, or monetary help from a relative, must be utilized to the affected person’s deductible or out-of-pocket spending cap.
“JoAnn Newman, Rachel Kerestes: STEM key to Florida prosperity” through Florida Politics — In 2021 Florida was dwelling to 4.1 million STEM professionals, a rise of 450,000 over 5 years. They symbolize 33% of the state’s workforce, generate $447 billion in financial exercise and account for 36% of Florida’s gross home product. Greater than half (55%) of Florida’s STEM professionals don’t maintain a bachelor’s diploma — incomes their coaching by apprenticeships, group schools, vocational coaching, the army and extra. Regardless of the present demand for expert STEM staff and the alternatives for dynamic and well-paid careers STEM gives, we’re failing to coach, practice and construct the STEM workforce of the long run in ample numbers. The Orlando Science Middle established STEM Day on the Capitol a decade in the past to focus on how STEM schooling engages our college students, prepares them for a lot of superb profession paths and conjures up our subsequent era of innovators.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Michael Mann sets untitled global manhunt crime novel follow-up to ‘Heat 2’ under his William Morrow imprint deal” through Mike Fleming Jr. of Deadline — The e book is meant to function the primary in a sequence. It is going to be the second novel from Michael Mann Books. Mann signed a three-book, multimillion-dollar publishing take care of the HarperCollins division William Morrow. Warmth 2 editor Jennifer Brehl will likely be again for the brand new e book. Coming off directing his ardour undertaking Ferrari, Mann is presently scripting Warmth 2, a prequel and sequel to his 1996 crime traditional Warmth. Mann is writing, producing and directing. He’ll recast the important thing roles, however these selections are a means down the street.
“Jon Stewart to return to ‘The Daily Show’ as a host and executive producer” through Oliver Darcy of CNN — Stewart is heading again to “The Day by day Present.” The comic, who throughout his 16-year run as host of the Comedy Central program established it as an leisure and cultural drive, will return to host the present every week on Mondays beginning Feb. 12, Showtime and MTV Leisure Studios introduced Wednesday. Stewart, who returns because the 2024 Presidential Election season heats up, can even government produce the present and work with a rotating lineup of comedians who will helm this system the remainder of the week, Tuesdays by Thursdays. With the 2024 election that includes Biden and Trump, Stewart is more likely to don’t have any scarcity of fabric to work with.
“Webb’s City Cellar in St. Pete is Tampa Bay’s only James Beard semifinalist” through Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal — A St. Petersburg brewery is the Tampa Bay area’s solely semifinalist for a James Beard Basis Award. Webb’s Metropolis Cellar, owned by Inexperienced Bench Brewing Co., is a semifinalist for the Beard Basis’s Excellent Bar award. The brewery and tasting room are adjoining to Inexperienced Bench’s Baum Avenue location and opened in 2019. It’s an avant-garde brewery specializing in combined cultures and bitter and wild ales. South Florida and Orlando are dwelling to extra semifinalists than another area of the state.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating at this time are U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, Sean Cooley, our nice buddy Gus Corbella of Greenberg Traurig, Beth Kennedy, Adam Ross, and Austin Stowers, former Legislative Affairs Director to CFO Jimmy Patronis.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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