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Good Friday morning and blissful Groundhog Day.
Breaking in a single day — “Small plane crashes into Clearwater mobile home park, causes fire” by way of Emily Wunderlich of the Tampa Bay Instances — The crash was reported at Bayside Waters cellular dwelling park at 7:08 p.m. and the primary hearth crews arrived on scene at 7:15, based on a information launch. A number of companies have been responding. Officers stated there was no phrase but of accidents on the bottom or how many individuals have been on the aircraft. The majority of the exercise was on Pagoda Drive. Bayside Waters, previously often known as Japanese Gardens Cell Residence Park, is positioned at 19709 U.S. Freeway 19 North, south of the Clearwater Mall.
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Children in all probability don’t get the identical satisfaction out of seeing Ned Ryerson take a haymaker from Phil Connors as the remainder of us, however they will nonetheless get into the Groundhog Day spirit by a brand new ebook co-authored by Andrew Dolberg.
The MDW Communications Strategic Companion and Punxsutawney-native Rob Lengthy not too long ago launched “The Nice Climate Diviner,” a fantasy novel that blends the lore of Groundhog Day with a poignant message about local weather change and environmental stewardship.
“Rising up in Punxsutawney meant that Groundhog Day was a continuing a part of my life, and I wished to introduce a brand new era to this beloved celebration. We’re refreshing the idea by connecting the weather-predicting lore to trendy environmental points whereas celebrating my city’s traditions,” Lengthy stated.
Dolberg added, “Our novel, ‘The Nice Climate Diviner,’ is not only a enjoyable story; it’s a possibility to share a message about neighborhood resilience. We’re thrilled to carry this narrative to life proper right here in Punxsutawney, the place the custom and our story intertwine.”
He’ll me making the trek to Pennsylvania to see probably the most well-known non-animated rodent make his annual climate forecast in Barclay Sq. and participate in a collection of occasions, together with ebook signings and a library speak. He and Lengthy additionally plan to swing by Pittsburgh for extra promos.
“The Nice Climate Diviner” launched in November to universally constructive critiques — it’s additionally a semifinalist for the celebrated Gertrude Warner Ebook Award honoring excellence in middle-grade fiction novels, which might function a pleasant complement to the a number of Reed Awards lining MDW’s trophy case.
“The Nice Climate Diviner” is accessible at main ebook retailers, together with Amazon.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@APantazi: A federal appellate courtroom stated two Chinese language immigrants should buy property in FL, granting an injunction towards Florida’s regulation banning noncitizen immigrants from China & different “international locations of concern” from buying property.
—@Jason_Garcia: Ron DeSantis retains discovering mundane locations to choose tradition struggle fights. In the present day, the Legislature will take up a bunch of modifications sought by the state’s enterprise licensing company that might remove mentorship applications for girls and minorities who need to change into harbor pilots.
—@MikeGrunwald: The federal government isn’t actually able to massive conspiracies to do issues, like implant chips in vaccines or persecute (Donald) Trump or repair the Tremendous Bowl for Taylor Swift and (President Joe) Biden. However it will possibly conspire to not do issues, like cease farms from polluting or automotive sellers from committing fraud.
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ ultimate season premieres on HBO — 2; Nevada Primaries — 4; Nevada Republican Presidential Caucus — 6; Tremendous Bowl LVIII — 9; Ninth Annual Fits for Session begins — 18; Season 6 of ‘Drive To Survive’ premieres on Netflix — 21; South Carolina Republican Main — 22; Michigan Democratic Main — 25; James Madison Institute’s ‘Pink, White and Bluegrass’ dinner — 26; ‘Dune: Half Two’ premieres — 28; Michigan/Idaho/Missouri GOP Primaries — 29; Netflix to stream “The Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz faceoff — 30; Trump’s D.C. trial on prices associated to attempting to reverse his 2020 Election loss — 31; Tremendous Tuesday — 32; State of the Union handle — 34; final day of Common Session, if Legislature completes work in 60 days — 35; 2024 Oscars — 37; Georgia Democratic Main — 39; Arizona/Florida/Illinois/Kansas/Ohio Primaries — 46; James Madison Institute’s ‘2024 Naples Dinner’ with keynote speaker Laura Ingraham — 47; ‘3 Physique Downside’ premieres on Netflix — 48; The Supreme Court docket will hear arguments within the mifepristone/abortion capsule case — 53; Main League Baseball’s (MLB) 2024 season — 55; March Insanity Last 4 (ladies’s) begins — 63; March Insanity Last 4 (males’s) — 64; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Assembly — 68; The Masters start — 69; Kentucky Derby — 92; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 97; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 103; French Open begins — 108; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 110; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer time Tour begins in Tampa — 110; Monaco Grand Prix — 114; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 148; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 164; 2024 MLS All-Star Recreation — 173; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 175; Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 193; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 199; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 204; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 259; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 262; 2024 Presidential Election — 277; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 293; MLS Cup 2024 — 308; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 378; ‘Moana’ premieres — 511; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 539; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 644; ‘Implausible 4’ reboot premieres — 644; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 686; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 823; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 839; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 1,050; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,190; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,149; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,871.
— TOP STORY —
“‘Inflection point’: Gov. Ron DeSantis sends Florida National, State Guard to Texas” by way of Hanna Holthaus of The Florida Instances-Union — Florida Nationwide Guard and State Guard members will likely be despatched to Texas to help with putting razor wire alongside the southern border and stopping unlawful immigration, DeSantis introduced Thursday.
The Supreme Court docket dominated final week that the federal authorities had the facility to take away the controversial razor wire and different obstacles the Texas authorities erected alongside the border, however the Texas Nationwide Guard continued putting the wire final week.
Florida will ship as much as 1,000 of its personal Nationwide Guard members and State Guard volunteers to help Texas, because the state has performed with different Florida companies over the previous two years.
“The purpose is to assist Texas fortify this border, assist them strengthen the barricades, assist them add obstacles, assist them add the wire that they should in order that we will cease this invasion as soon as and for all,” DeSantis stated from Jacksonville’s Cecil Airport Thursday morning. “And the states should band collectively.”
The brand new items are to assist Texas defend itself and its sovereignty, he stated.
“It’s unhappy that you just don’t have a president prepared to only, you recognize, put his foot down and say, ‘I’m not going to let this occur to my nation,’” DeSantis stated. “However within the absence of that management, within the face of the dereliction of responsibility, we’re going to step up and do our half.”
— LEGISLATIVE —
The Home on Thursday handed a pair of payments increasing the state’s faculty voucher applications to incorporate VPK college students struggling to hit early studying and math benchmarks (HB 1361) and to permit the cap on Household Empowerment Scholarship for Distinctive Talents to extend by 5% a 12 months (HB 1403).
Home Speaker Paul Renner stated the laws reaffirms Florida’s standing as “the undisputed chief in class selection, including, “Payments like these carry modern options to create new and higher instructional alternatives for our college students.”
VPK invoice sponsor Rep. John Temple stated his laws would assist college students lagging behind early of their faculty careers get again on observe early and “set them up for a profitable educational future.”
Rep. Josie Tomkow, who sponsored the FES-UA growth, stated rising the scholarship program would make sure the state is ready to present all Florida households who need to make the most of this system the power to take action.
“We should make sure the well timed and environment friendly distribution of training funding so that each youngster in Florida can entry the distinctive studying alternatives they want and deserve. I’m proud to work alongside Speaker Renner and my Home colleagues to ship on our promise to make sure each youngster can succeed within the classroom,” she stated.
Paul Renner lauds U.S. Senators for grilling social media execs — Home Speaker Renner despatched a letter to members of the U.S. Senate’s Judiciary Committee expressing “honest gratitude for bringing social media executives ahead to confront important issues associated to the addictive nature of their platforms and the dangerous results they’re having on America’s kids.” Renner’s letter follows a Wednesday listening to in Washington the place the Committee heard testimony from prime executives at Meta, TikTok, Snap, Discord and X. Renner’s letter additionally highlights his precedence invoice transferring by the state Legislature that might ban kids youthful than 16 from social media platforms. “I urge you to assist widespread sense age verification for social media corporations and stay up for working alongside you to maintain America’s kids secure. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to behave,” he wrote.
“House passes bill easing child labor laws” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Lawmakers took a big step to calm down restrictions on youngster labor legal guidelines because the Home handed a measure permitting 16- and 17-year-olds to work greater than 30 hours every week and as late as 11 p.m. on a college evening. The 80-35 vote on HB 49 fell principally alongside social gathering traces, with Rep. Mike Beltran the one Republican to affix Democrats voting towards it. It got here after Republicans rebuffed a collection of amendments supplied by Democrats to beef up protections for teenage employees. “That is 2024; this isn’t the 1900s, this isn’t the 1800s,” stated Home Democratic Chief Fentrice Driskell. “Simply because our youngsters wish to play Minecraft doesn’t imply we should always ship them again into the mines.”
“ALF lawsuit protections in play as House panel advances bill by a 12-5 vote” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Because the fourth week of the Session nears its finish, Home and Senate judicial panels have authorized an identical payments to deal with assisted residing services (ALFs) extra like nursing houses in civil litigation. Home Civil Justice Subcommittee Chair William Robinson prolonged Thursday’s assembly by quarter-hour so the panel may take into account HB 995, filed by Rep. Ryan Chamberlin. The invoice, which cleared the panel by a 12-5 vote, is an identical to SB 238, filed by Sen. Colleen Burton. The payments change ALF statutes to clarify that, much like nursing houses, “passive traders” can’t be sued in civil litigation. The payments use the definition of “passive investor” that was included 14 years in the past within the state’s nursing dwelling statutes.
“THC caps advance in House, in case recreational marijuana becomes legal” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A invoice capping the extent of delta-9 THC within the occasion voters determine to legalize adult-use marijuana moved ahead by a 13-4 vote in its first Home cease within the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee. However the invoice is watered down from its authentic submitting on the subject of flower. After an modification adopted in Committee, Rep. Ralph Massullo’s invoice (HB 1269) would restrict the psychoactive compound to a 30% stage in pre-rolls and entire buds, properly above the ten% stage within the authentic invoice. In processed substances, resembling vapes, shatter and wax, the cap could be 60% delta-9 THC if this invoice passes.
“House panel advances bill to honor 100 Florida women with historical markers” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — There are round 1,200 historic markers in Florida recognizing noteworthy locations, individuals and occasions throughout the state. Simply 20 are devoted to ladies. That’s far too few and it’s time that quantity will increase, based on a invoice now advancing within the Legislature. The Home Constitutional Rights, Rule of Legislation and Authorities Operations Subcommittee voted unanimously for HB 629. The invoice would launch the “Florida Ladies’s Historic Marker Initiative” to start including new, women-devoted markers by the tip of subsequent 12 months. “For a lot too lengthy, many nice ladies who’ve contributed to our state have gone unrecognized,” stated Rep. Fabián Basabe, the measure’s sponsor.
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“DeSantis is ‘100%’ against removing Confederate monuments” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis is unambiguous in his assist for maintaining Accomplice monuments up, portray such efforts as a slippery slope that might result in the removing of tributes to Martin Luther King Jr. if right now’s requirements are utilized to bygone historical past. “I’m 100% towards eradicating the monuments. I believe it’s simply gone too far,” DeSantis stated on the primary day of Black Historical past Month. DeSantis was responding to reporter questions on proposed laws that might impose punishments on localities for taking down the memorials to the Civil Conflict losers, which have a particular provenance to sure Floridians. “I’ve not seen the laws, however I’ve been very clear ever since I’ve been Governor, I don’t assist taking down monuments on this state,” DeSantis stated.
“Ban on charitable donations from ‘America’s enemies’ clears first House hurdle” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A invoice that might prohibit charitable organizations in Florida from soliciting or accepting contributions or different help from seven “overseas international locations of concern” is advancing after clearing its first Home hurdle. If handed, the measure (HB 1327) would make it unlawful for charities to simply accept any monetary presents from the governments of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela. Contributions from their authorities officers, political events, corporations, organizations, brokers or companies appearing on their behalf, and any particular person residing in these international locations who isn’t a everlasting resident or citizen of america, would even be banned.
“House moves on Citizens-surplus lines bill, but clash with Senate awaits” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Three days after the Senate superior a invoice permitting flippantly regulated surplus traces corporations to take over some Residents Property Insurance coverage Corp. insurance policies, a Home panel authorized an analogous invoice. However the Home model (HB 1503) is considerably totally different from the Senate invoice (SB 1716), organising a possible dispute between the chambers. The primary distinction is over which sort of properties would qualify to be taken out of Residents and put right into a surplus traces provider. The Senate desires to permit second houses to be taken out, whereas the Home model would apply to business residential properties.
“Short-term vacation rental bill passes in Senate, but regulations on the issue remain unsettled” by way of Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Florida lawmakers took important steps Thursday towards regulating short-term trip rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, however native officers concern that the measure received’t resolve the conflicts which have existed for years of their communities. That stated, the Florida Senate handed a measure [SB 280) that includes the issue of occupancy for statewide vacation rental regulations: The bill says that the maximum overnight occupancy of a vacation rental cannot exceed two persons per bedroom, plus an additional two persons in one common area, or more than two persons per bedrooms if at least 50 square feet per person, plus an additional two persons in one common area, whichever is greater. The bill also gives the property owner up to 15 days to cure a problem.
“House clears ‘illegal slot machine’ measure, but questions remain about clarity, ‘unintended consequences’” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — A House bill seeking to crack down on illegal gambling operations in the state has cleared its second Committee, but concerns remain about unintended consequences and a potential lack of clarity. The bill (HB 189) cleared the House Appropriations Committee after debate established some potential drawbacks, including ensnaring unknowing employees into legal trouble. Broadly, the bill increases penalties for operating an illegal gambling house or establishment with illegal slot machines, establishes fines for violations and prohibits advertising unauthorized betting establishments.
“House panel approves upping stripper age requirements to 21-plus” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The House Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee is advancing legislation that would combat human trafficking by making it harder to work in the adult entertainment industry. HB 1379, carried by Rep. Carolina Amesty, prohibits employment of people younger than 21 years of age in adult entertainment establishments, such as adult bookstores, adult theaters, special cabaret and unlicensed massage parlors, which the Windermere Republican calls “modern-day slavery” and a “significant part of the sex trafficking network.” The bill, which the sponsor said would be “transformational for our state,” would make any such employment at adult businesses a second-degree felony.
American Civil Liberties Union decries House ‘Trans Erasure Bill’ — The ACLU of Florida is criticizing a bill (HB 1639) that would require transgender persons to keep their sex assigned at birth rather than their gender on their driver’s licenses and ID cards. The bill would also require health plans to cover the “widely discredited practice of conversion therapy” and make it more difficult for insurers to cover gender-affirming care. ACLU of Florida legislative director and senior policy counsel Kara Gross said the bill “seeks to erase from public life … Politicians are not only trying to censor and erase the very existence of trans individuals, but they are also forcing individuals to choose between their gender identity or lawfully driving.” Gross added, “HB 1639 is harmful, vague, and does nothing to improve the lives of Floridians.
“Bill clearing $1.5M to Pasco man injured in school bus crash finally gains traction” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After more than a decade of legislative efforts that went ignored, Florida lawmakers finally voted for a bill that would clear $1.5 million to a Pasco County man who suffered life-altering injuries in a gruesome crash 18 years ago. Every member of the House Civil Justice Committee approved a measure (HB 6017) to provide long-sought relief to Marcus Button and his mother, Robin Button, for pain, suffering and costs incurred in a 2006 collision with a Pasco County school bus. It marked the first time since former Sen. Mike Fasano first filed legislation on the Buttons’ behalf in 2011 that lawmakers officially weighed in on the issue.
“Legislature backs constitutional conventions on balancing federal budget, term limits” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Legislature has formally voted to seek constitutional conventions to make changes to the nation’s founding document. The Senate passed two concurrent resolutions seeking amendments to the U.S. Constitution. One (HCR 703) seeks a requirement for Congress to pass a balanced budget. The other (HCR 693) calls for term limits on members of Congress. The Senate votes took place after the House already passed the resolutions on the first day of the Legislative Session. The action of the full Legislature makes Florida the 26th state calling for a constitutional convention on a balanced-budget amendment. It’s the 16th to demand a convention on term limits. The Constitution requires petitions from two-thirds of states, currently 34, for a convention to actually be called.
“Millions of dollars at stake in statewide bankers vs. lawyers dispute” via Louis Llovio of Business Observer — Two identical bills are working through the Florida Legislature to address an obscure rule change that governs how much interest banks pay on specific trust accounts held by lawyers. HB 1253 and SB 1336 call for the state’s Chief Financial Officer to set the interest rate that banks pay on IOTA — Interest on Trust Accounts — on a quarterly basis, capping what banks have to pay at 2.55%. Many bankers say the Supreme Court’s rule change is forcing them to pay higher transaction accounts, nearly the same as what they normally pay on long-term deposit accounts, cutting into their bottom lines. The Florida Bar, however, argues the new rules give banks an incentive to bring in more business by offering higher yields.
Spotted — Strategos Group Managing Partner Adam Giery made the February 2024 edition of Florida Trend, which spotlights how he went from an aspiring classroom teacher who couldn’t find a job during the Great Recession to the leader of a multistate firm and one of the top lobbyists and consultants in the education sector. Read it here.
— THE SKED —
Happening today — Moms for Liberty in Florida is hosting its third annual legislative days with a rally at the Capitol: 8:30 a.m., Capitol Complex. Speakers will include Moms for Liberty Co-Founder Tina Descovich, joined by Reps. Rachael Plakon, Michelle Salzman, Berny Jacques and Doug Bankson.
— 9 a.m. House Select Committee on Health Innovation Committee meets. Room 17 House Office Building.
— 9 a.m. Senate holds a floor Session. Senate Chambers.
— Noon. House holds a floor Session. House Chambers.
— LOBBY REGS —
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
David Allen, GrayRobinson: AvMed
Yvonne Barton: AbbVie
Brewster Bevis: Associated Industries of Florida
Gregory Black, Black Consulting: Grubhub
Ron Book: FBE Limited, Gift of Life Adoptions
Russell Brown: Freedom Foundation
Matt Bryan, Teye Carmichael, Smith Bryan & Myers: OmniTRAX Holdings Combined
Tori Deal, Holland & Knight: Victoria McCullough
Laura Donaldson, Manson Bolves Donaldson Tanner: Professional Firefighters & Paramedics of Palm Beach County
Marty Fiorentino, Davis Bean, Melissa Braude, The Fiorentino Group: Changing Homelessness, CareerSource Northeast Florida
Ron Greenstein: Broward County, C3 Investment Group U.S., City of Oakland Park, Ohana Solutions, Seed & Bean Market
— THE TRAIL —
“Poll: Joe Biden leads Donald Trump head-to-head, but trails Nikki Haley” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Southeast Politics — A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows Biden leading Trump in a rematch, with 50% support for Biden and just 44% support for Trump. That’s an improvement for Biden who, as of the previous Quinnipiac poll taken in late December, was in a statistical dead heat with the former President, at 47% to 46%, respectively. Republican presidential candidate Haley, Trump’s remaining competition for the GOP nomination, likes the results. The poll shows that if she were in a head-to-head matchup with Biden, she’d have the edge, with 47% support compared to 42% for Biden.
— MORE 2024 —
“4 ways DeSantis and his allies burned through $160 million” via Max Greenwood of the Miami Herald — DeSantis and an allied super PAC spent a combined $160 million over the course of his presidential bid. He dropped out of the race before the New Hampshire Primary. Federal filings made public on Wednesday underscore just how loosely the Florida Governor’s campaign and the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down spent their cash, even as donor interest in DeSantis’ presidential ambitions tapered off and his poll numbers declined. The rapid clip of spending ultimately earned DeSantis a distant second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses. After pulling in $145 million last year, Never Back Down entered January with just $14.5 million left in the bank. DeSantis’ campaign finished 2023 with $9.7 million, though much of it could not be used in the Republican Primary.
“How DeSantis blew $154 million and won nothing” via Jack Gillum, Anthony DeBarros, and Alex Leary of The Wall Street Journal — After spending millions last year in what amounted to roughly $6,500 per vote in Iowa’s Republican caucuses, DeSantis and his financial backers exited the presidential race with nothing to show for it. DeSantis and his allies racked up more than $154 million in expenses last year to try to elbow Trump out of the GOP primaries. Then came a slowdown of donations to his campaign in the Fall, new data show, followed by DeSantis’ distant second behind the former President in Iowa and his withdrawal from the race days before the New Hampshire Primary. The about-face in financial windfalls for DeSantis’ presidential campaign marks a stark end to a GOP hopeful seen only months ago as a viable alternative to Trump. DeSantis had argued he was the best person to beat Biden this November.
— OTHER STATEWIDE —
“DeSantis promises Texas 1,000 troops from Florida for the border” via Anna J. Keiser of Bloomberg — DeSantis, fresh off a failed presidential bid, says he’s readying 1,000 troops from the state’s National Guard to assist his Texas counterpart with a controversial crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border. The troops will be deployed to Texas based on the state’s needs as it seeks to stem rising illegal immigration, DeSantis said in a statement Thursday. The Republican Governor, who drew headlines in recent years by sending “migrant flights” from the border to Democratic-dominated states such as Massachusetts and California, said Florida State Guard personnel are also ready to go to Texas. “Our reinforcements will help Texas to add additional barriers, including razor wire along the border,” said DeSantis, who has already sent 90 officers from Florida state agencies to the border.
“Disney appeals judge’s dismissal of lawsuit against DeSantis” via Jay Cridlin of the Tampa Bay Times — The Walt Disney Co. has appealed a federal judge’s decision this week to dismiss its lawsuit against DeSantis and others over what it saw as retaliation for the company’s opposition to a Governor-backed education law. The notice of appeal, filed Thursday, followed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor on Wednesday that the company’s free-speech suit against DeSantis lacked merit and standing. Disney had vowed to push forward with its case against the Governor, which it brought when the state disbanded the special district that oversaw much of the Central Florida land on which Walt Disney World sits.
—”Disney’s activist investor showdown set for April 3 shareholder meeting” via Alex Weprin of The Hollywood Reporter
“While touting “family values” agenda, the Zieglers were on the “hunt” for threesome partners, police report reveals” via Michael Barfield of the Florida Center for Government Accountability — While Republican power couple Christian and Bridget Ziegler publicly pushed for “family values” and backed an agenda widely viewed as anti-LGBTQ, they were secretly on the “hunt” for threesome lovers and had prior concerns the woman who alleged Christian sexually assaulted her was too “broken” to properly consent to their advances, newly released police reports from the now-closed rape investigation reveal. Among the startling evidence recovered from Christian’s cellphone, according to the report, was a list of women, including the alleged sexual assault victim’s name, with a one-word subheading: “Fuck.”
“Pressed by Moms for Liberty, Florida school district adds clothing to illustrations in classic children’s books” via Judd Legum and Tesnim Zekeria of Popular Information — Since its initial publication in 1970, millions of children have read In The Night Kitchen, the classic picture book by celebrated author Maurice Sendak. The book is about a young boy who has a surreal dream about baking a cake that needs to be finished by morning. At least two copies of In The Night Kitchen are available in elementary school libraries in Indian River County. This concerned Jennifer Pippin, the Chair of the local Moms for Liberty chapter, because the main character, Mickey, is sometimes depicted without clothes. Pippin submitted formal challenges to the Indian River County School District seeking the removal of In The Night Kitchen, which she calls “pornographic.” Following Pippin’s challenges, the books were removed from the library shelves.
“Amid worries about LGBTQ rights, many Pride parades will march on in Florida this year” via Lisa Huriash of the South Florida Sun Sentinel — Pride event organizers are forging ahead with this year’s celebrations across Florida. And they’re hoping to draw larger crowds than last year when some celebrations were canceled due to the state’s political climate. Among the hurdles that organizers say they’re now facing: It has become more challenging to secure sponsors. Not all companies want their names connected to Pride events “because of economic concerns but also political concerns,” said Patrick Gevas, representative for Miami Beach Pride.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Inside Kevin McCarthy’s vengeance operation against the Republicans who fired him” via Ally Mutnick and Olivia Beavers of POLITICO — McCarthy is not done trying to exact revenge on the fellow Republicans who ended his Hill career. After a devastating ejection from the speakership that he spent 16 years pursuing, the California Republican and his allies are mobilizing to oust the eight GOP lawmakers who joined Democrats to depose him. A top McCarthy ally, Brian O. Walsh, is overseeing an attempt to recruit Primary challengers to take on members of the infamous “Gaetz Eight,” the Capitol’s nickname for Rep. Matt Gaetz and seven Republicans who supported his fire-McCarthy push. The McCarthy revenge campaign is ready to marshal the former speaker’s considerable donor network on behalf of Republican Primary candidates who are deemed strong enough to pose a credible threat to one of the eight.
— DOWN BALLOT —
“Constitutional amendment campaign for Medicaid expansion officially kicks off” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Florida Decides Healthcare is re-upping its efforts to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot in November 2026. “Today is the first day of the signature collection for the ballot initiative,” Florida Decides Healthcare Campaign Manager Jake Flaherty said. “We need to gather roughly 1 million signatures.” Flaherty said he expects the effort to cost between $12 million and $18 million but said the recent success of proposed constitutional amendments to protect access to abortion and to make recreational marijuana legal for adults has assuaged previous fundraising concerns. To date, the campaign has raised $1 million for the efforts and has $200,000 on hand.
“Maria Elvira Salazar’s opponent slams her in video after interview debacle” via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Salazar’s Democratic opponent attacked her in a video just days after the Congresswoman couldn’t recall the House votes she cast during an interview with a South Florida TV station. In a campaign video titled “Salazar Lied” released Thursday, Democrat Lucia Báez-Geller slammed the Congresswoman for voting against an estimated $24 million in federal funding for her district — the topic of a contentious interview Salazar had with CBS News Miami’s Jim DeFede earlier this week. “What we see here in Miami-Dade County is that a lot of the advancements that are happening happened despite her and not because of her,” Báez-Geller, a School Board member in Miami-Dade County, said of Salazar.
“Whitney Fox outraises Anna Paulina Luna in Q4” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Southeast Politics — Fox, launching an underdog campaign for Florida’s 13th Congressional District in hopes of ousting Luna from the now-red district, has shown strong momentum with more than $200,000 raised in the fourth quarter of 2023. Luna, the Republican incumbent, raised just shy of $165,000. Fox has raised more, by far, than any of her Democratic opponents in the CD 13 Primary. “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support our campaign has received,” Fox said. “The people of Pinellas County are fed up with the chaos in Washington and Luna’s self-serving political games. That’s why we’re organizing in every corner across the district to talk about the issues that matter to voters — like the high cost of groceries and rent and protecting a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.”
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Former Trump aide ‘The Mooch’ has things to say on Miami, economy and former President” via Vinod Sreeharsha of the Miami Herald — Some people may know Anthony Scaramucci more for his brief time in the Trump administration than the impact he has made in the financial world. On the political stage, he made headlines and a quick exit. People called him “The Mooch.” But Scaramucci is a longtime American financier based in New York City. He founded SkyBridge Capital in 2005 following a stint as a Goldman Sachs executive. SkyBridge started the SALT conference, or SkyBridge Alternatives Conference, a yearly investment conference and one of the most important in global finance. He briefly served as White House communications director in the first year of Trump’s administration.
“Francis Suarez bashes ‘radical liberal activists’ after ethics complaint dismissal” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Suarez serves in a technically nonpartisan capacity, but that didn’t stop him from lashing out at “radical liberal activists” and the “local leftist media” after the Florida Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against him. The complaint, filed in November by Democratic activist and Miami resident Thomas Kennedy, alleged Suarez violated state ethics law by spending city funds on personal security during his short White House bid. On Wednesday, the state Ethics Board confirmed it had tossed the complaint aside for “lack of legal sufficiency.” Shortly afterward, Suarez released an official city statement declaring vindication and lashing out at Kennedy and local media outlets. “The Commission’s action exposes the coordinated coup attempt that radical liberal activists, political mercenaries, and their allies in the local leftist media have perpetrated in the City of Miami,” he said.
“Miami Beach officials want to remove a civil citation option for marijuana possession” via Aaron Leibowitz of the Miami Herald — While much of the country has moved toward decriminalization and more lenient enforcement of marijuana laws in recent years, city leaders in Miami Beach say they want to go in the opposite direction. The City Commission voted 4-3 to give initial approval to the repeal of a 2015 ordinance that gave police the option to issue civil citations for possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana. The proposal will face a final vote later this month. “Maintaining it decriminalized sends the wrong message,” said Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who proposed the change. Fernandez said he has smoked marijuana himself, but only in private.
“Broward tourism industry looks for growth, higher visibility as rival destinations vie for business in 2024” via David Lyons of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — In March 2000, as COVID-19 savaged the local economy, Michigan auto dealer Timothy Zacharias and a traveling companion had Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas district practically to themselves. Bumped from a cruise in Barbados amid the onset of the pandemic, they took up a temporary residence at a nearly deserted Ritz-Carlton on the beach to await a flight home. Zacharias said he’s been a repeat visitor ever since. “I rent at the Conrad from January to the end of March,” he said by phone. “We’re coming back next week.” Zacharias is among millions of tourists who have returned to the region as the pandemic eased its grip.
“‘Time to do something different’: Families plead for probe into Broward inmate deaths” via Devoun Cetoute and Grethel Aguila of the Miami Herald — Families of inmates who have died while being held in Broward jails joined together at the courthouse, conveying pain and bewilderment as they called for oversight due to decrepit conditions inside correctional facilities across the county. Broward NAACP President Marsha Ellison and Broward Public Defender Gordon Weekes comforted the families — shedding some tears themselves — as loved ones painstakingly voiced how their lives have forever changed. Anthony Kirk, through stifled tears, shared how difficult it has been for him since learning of his nephew Joseph Kirk’s death. Joseph was an inmate at the Broward jail’s detoxification unit who died while in the hospital on Jan. 22.
“A Fort Lauderdale lawyer disappeared. An auditor said he misappropriated $452K” via David J. Neal of the Miami Herald — Shortly after a Broward court said a Fort Lauderdale lawyer owed a former client $234,000, a Florida Bar audit said that lawyer misappropriated $452,000 from another client’s estate. John Jenkins, aka “Spencer,” hasn’t disputed the above. That’s part of the problem — he’s gone dark. Jenkins stopped responding to both those clients and a third. When the Florida Bar inquired about the first two clients, he ghosted that organization, too. He didn’t file paperwork by September to keep Jenkins Law Firm registered as doing business in Florida. His mobile phone number has been disconnected. The number to his New York office also isn’t connected.
“Manolo Reyes announces that his cancer is in remission” via Joey Flechas of the Miami Herald — Months after he was diagnosed with leukemia, Miami Commissioner Reyes announced his cancer is in remission. Reyes, 79, was diagnosed in late September as he was running for a second full term representing District 4. He underwent treatment as he campaigned and tended to city business, keeping his diagnosis private for weeks. He publicly confirmed his illness in early November. He participated in some Commission meetings through video calls. Reyes returned to Commission meetings in person within a few months. He easily won re-election with 86% of the vote. Reyes told the Miami Herald that he was grateful to his family, friends and everyone in the community who prayed for his health.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez predicts 111 possible Space Coast launches for 2024” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — If 2023 felt like a lot of launches, by the time 2024 is over, Floridians may hurt their necks looking over their shoulders for the telltale streaks of light carving their way up from the Space Coast. With seven launches in the books by the end of January from either Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the Space Coast is on pace for 84 launches for the year, which would surpass the record 72 it saw in 2023, which was, in turn, a big jump from the 57 it had in 2022. “We have no signs of slowing down. So, we look to 2024. We’re anticipating over 111 launches from Florida Space Coast,” said Florida Lt. Gov. Núñez during a speech Wednesday during the commercial space symposium SpaceCom at the Orange County Convention Center. “On any given day, you can look up and see one of those amazing launches.”
“Randy Dye raises $235K in county Chair race; Hosseinis and their firms among top donors” via Sheldon Gardner of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Local business owner Dye has far outpaced his competitors in fundraising for the Volusia County Council Chair race. After launching his campaign in May 2023 through the end of the year, Dye’s campaign received about $235,441 in monetary contributions, according to the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Office. “I’m grateful, thankful, blessed beyond measure to be in this position so far on the fundraising effort,” Dye said. Dye, a car dealership owner, has no previous experience in a political office. He has two competitors so far, incumbent Chair Jeff Brower and Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette. Burnette raised about $21,412 through the end of 2023. Brower raised $14,560.
“To beat Florida developers, community activists learn to be persistent” via Craig Pittman of Florida Phoenix — I had never thought of “dogged persistence” as a superpower. If that’s true, though, then add the group Save Orange County to the pantheon of Marvel-ous modern superheroes. The Central Florida organization has had to repeatedly fight off developer assaults on its rural eastern Orange community adjacent to the Econlockhatchee River. The most recent fight climaxed last week with a County Commission hearing that drew hundreds, lasted nearly six hours and resulted in a suspenseful split vote at 1 a.m. Their opponent for this round has been a Texas-based company named Columnar Holdings LLC that 10 years ago spent $15.5 million to buy a chunk of a 100-year-old ranch. It has been trying ever since to change the zoning to a higher density than one home per 10 acres.
What Alix Miller is reading — “Federal funding to help tired I-4 truckers find place to rest” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — Long-distance truckers will soon find it easier to park their big rigs off Interstate 4 and take a break, thanks to $180 million in federal funding dedicated toward filling a dearth of truck parking spots along the thoroughfare. “This is great news,” said Alix Miller, president and Chief Executive Officer for the Florida Trucking Association in Tallahassee. “Truck drivers spend an average of 56 minutes every day looking for a place to park and rest. That’s not only a safety issue, but that’s time lost in freight moving forward.” The money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
— LOCAL: TB —
“‘Shocking and damaging’: Strategist pleads guilty to charges related to 2022 Polk County School Board election” via Staci DaSilva of WFLA — Polk County School Board member Lisa Miller told a judge Thursday she hopes political operatives take note of what happened to her. “I am grateful that prosecutors chose to draw a line here in our community between dirty politics and petty crime. I hope others with warped ambitions and broken moral compasses pay attention to the consequences of illegal actions,” Miller told the court. On Thursday morning, James Dunn pleaded guilty to seven counts of violating text message disclosure requirements. Dunn, a political strategist, traveled from Texas to help elect School Board candidates in Polk County in 2022.
“Tampa airport CEO announces he will step down in 2025” via Justin Garcia of the Tampa Bay Times — Tampa International Airport Chief Executive Officer Joe Lopano received a standing ovation when his retirement was announced. When his current contract ends in April 2025, Lopano will leave the airport to spend time with his grandchildren, travel and go fishing, he said during a Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board meeting. “People talk about everything we’ve accomplished and they give me credit,” Lopano told the Board and a crowd of dozens at the airport SkyCenter One boardroom. “But everything we do involves us as a team, and it has been a privilege to be a part of that.”
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Senate puts up $5M for Pensacola’s effort to acquire old Baptist Hospital” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — The Legislature appears set to back Pensacola’s effort to redevelop the old Baptist Hospital property with $5 million. House and Senate Committees backed their version of the state’s budget plans — $115.5 billion on the House side and $115.9 billion on the Senate side — and included in the Senate version was $5 million for “Live Local Pensacola” the name of the city effort to acquire and demolish the old Baptist Hospital property. The city’s working plan is to clear the property and find a developer who can transform the campus into a new mixed-income community with all levels of affordable housing.
“Lawsuit: Duval jail’s neglect led to heart transplant recipient’s death” via Nichole Manna of The Tributary — Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters faces a new federal lawsuit filed this week by the family of a man who died after a short stint in Duval County’s jail. The lawsuit accuses the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office of violating 54-year-old Dexter Barry’s constitutional rights after denying him medication for a heart transplant. The Sheriff’s Office did not return The Tributary’s request for comment Thursday. During his arrest, Barry told McKeon at least seven times that he needed to take his anti-rejection medications every day to survive, according to body camera footage reviewed by The Tributary. The next morning, according to the court transcript, Barry told Judge Gilbert Feltel the same. Jail records show that Barry never got his medication.
“Mike Martin, longtime FSU baseball coach, dies at 79” via The Associated Press — Martin, a member of the College Baseball Hall of Fame who won an NCAA Division I record 2,029 games in 40 seasons as Florida State’s baseball coach, died Thursday after a three-year battle with dementia. He was 79. The school announced Martin’s death on social media. Martin was the head coach at Florida State from 1980 through 2019, getting to the College World Series a record-tying 17 times in that span — including his first and last seasons in Tallahassee. The Seminoles finished second twice at the CWS and third on three other occasions under Martin, who never won a national title. He passed Texas’ Augie Garrido as the NCAA wins leader on May 5, 2018, when Florida State beat Clemson 3-2. That was win No. 1,976 for Martin; he would add 53 more to the total before retiring after the 2019 season.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
WTF, David? — “New College of Florida Dean of Students performs comedy routine some call ‘homophobic’” via Steven Walker of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A recording of New College of Florida’s dean of students making jokes about homosexual sex at a downtown Sarasota comedy club has circulated social media platforms, with some calling the jokes he made homophobic. David Rancourt, a former lobbyist and now dean of students at New College of Florida, participated in what appeared to be a New College-sanctioned group comedy class at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. In his seven-minute segment uploaded to YouTube on Jan. 25, he joked about his child self-exposing his genitalia to a girl, a drill sergeant sticking a baton up his anus and native Amazonians forcing him and his Peace Corp battalion to have gay sex.
To watch the set, please click the image below:
“Recruited to play sports, and win a culture war” by way of Susan Dominus of The New York Instances Journal — Many New Faculty athletes had no thought they have been a part of DeSantis’ assault on “woke ideology.” Then the semester started. Jayleigh Totten got here to New Faculty as a result of she wasn’t blissful on her crew at Southern Nazarene College in Oklahoma Metropolis. Totten didn’t totally notice that she was signing on for greater than only a new crew. She and about 140 different athletes who confirmed up final fall at New Faculty, a college of about 700 individuals in Sarasota, have been all, knowingly or not, additionally consenting to be change brokers, simply by being themselves.
“Sarasota County elections office is ready for 3-election year” by way of Bob Mudge of the Venice Gondolier — One of the simplest ways for voters to prepare for a 12 months through which there are three elections is to do it properly upfront, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner stated. And his workplace practices what he preaches — it’s been waiting for 2024 since December 2022. It is a Presidential Election 12 months, so the rapid concern is the Presidential Main on March 19. About 70,000 county voters have been notified that they’re in a unique precinct and could also be voting in a unique location from the one they’re used to. Inhabitants development required a “re-precincting” that started greater than a 12 months in the past and only in the near past ended, Turner stated.
— TOP OPINION —
“Look what you made me do” by way of Jonah Goldberg of The Dispatch — I wished to write down concerning the Swift Panic. To start with, when am I going to discover a believable excuse to write down a couple of pop star and soccer participant once more? Not precisely my “beat.”
However the “story” has already superior to this point; just about all the things that may be stated concerning the primary, baseline idiocy of all of it has already been stated.
However simply to set the stage, let’s recap. Swift, when you haven’t heard, may be very profitable. It’s very bizarre to have to inform this to individuals as a result of that is identified by even individuals like me, who could be hard-pressed to call greater than a handful of her songs.
By the way in which, one masochistically enjoyable pastime is to take any urgent controversy and sort “Jews” into the Twitter search engine to see what you discover. Do you know that individuals like Swift as a result of the Jews instructed them to? Or that conservatives are making a stink about Swift to distract from the Jeffrey Epstein and “Jew tunnels” story? It really works on just about any subject. Trying to find “Jews” and “COVID” is like opening a portal to a demonic realm hiding in plain sight.
By now it ought to be apparent that I believe all of that is so incandescently idiotic, so profoundly moronic, that … properly, phrases escape me. Every thing about it’s silly. It’s silly on the “deserves” — the scare quotes are essential as a result of there aren’t any deserves. It’s silly politically in each regard. I don’t suppose a Swift endorsement would matter very a lot.
However all of this performative ass-clownery means her inevitable endorsement will matter extra, and to Biden’s profit.
Certainly, now that so many of those individuals have invested on this sweeping and grandiosely insipid conspiracy principle they’ll be obliged to scream “The PSY OP IS HAPPENING!” on the prime of their lungs which will likely be a pas-de-deux of idiocy as a result of it is not going to solely amplify her endorsement, it’ll additionally amplify the message that right-wingers are utterly out of their gourds.
— OPINIONS —
“Trump’s running mate? It’s gotta be Vivek Ramaswamy.” by way of Frank Bruni of The New York Instances — In case you’re Trump, your entire model — your entire level — is to defy norms and break guidelines. Everybody else calls Putin a snake within the grass? You declare him the bee’s knees. Everybody else says tomato? You say ketchup. And when you’re Trump, you suppose — no, you recognize — that your best asset is your supreme, inimitable, undiluted Trumpness, so that you need a second serving of that, a power multiplier of it, a strolling, speaking tribute to, emulation of and genuflection earlier than it. You need Ramaswamy. You search for excessive unscrupulousness, peak opportunism. Ramaswamy takes the cake. Then he feeds it to Trump baby-bird-style and wipes the glistening corners of the orange emperor’s mouth with a high-quality linen serviette.
“C Edward Meadows: Investing in education — a case for allocating $87M to integrate Florida College System into state group insurance program” by way of Florida Politics — Because the Florida Legislature grapples with budgetary selections, it’s crucial to acknowledge the crucial position the 28 establishments that make up the Florida Faculty System play in shaping the way forward for the state’s workforce. One such avenue deserving consideration is the proposal to allocate $87 million to combine the Florida Faculty System (FCS) into Florida’s State Group Insurance coverage Program (SGIP). This initiative aligns with each the state’s dedication to training and Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s Live Healthy Act — by elevated entry to high quality, reasonably priced insurance coverage and well being look after FCS staff and their households — and permits for a extra sturdy and resilient greater training system.
“NeoCity investments support U.S. strategic interests” by way of John Newstreet of the Orlando Sentinel — The latest investments by each state and federal policymakers into NeoCity have been heralded as an financial driver for the area. Nonetheless, the bigger story is that NeoCity positions the area and our state to play a crucial position in advancing U.S. nationwide safety pursuits over the approaching many years towards China and different U.S. adversaries. Florida’s native economic system has lengthy benefited from supporting the U.S. nationwide protection and U.S. pursuits overseas. For instance, main protection contractors, like Lockheed Martin, Harris Corp., and Raytheon, have employed Floridians for the higher a part of a century, paying excessive salaries and supporting native economies. On the identical time, these non-public sector employers have additionally allowed our state to play an necessary position in supporting our nationwide army and house applications.
—WEEKEND TV —
ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Political analyst Dr. Susan MacManus; monetary strategist Mike Crews; ABC Information political director Rick Klein.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday present supplies viewers with an in-depth have a look at politics in South Florida and different points affecting the area.
In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay Information 9/CF 13: A have a look at American Coronary heart Month and cardiovascular well being and what you are able to do to maintain your coronary heart wholesome. Becoming a member of Walker are Dr. Adam Waldman, Heart specialist, Cardiovascular Heart of Florida; Jimmy Readability, vice chairman of Neighborhood Impression, American Coronary heart Affiliation; and District 5 Sumter County Commissioner Donald Wiley.
Political Connections on Bay Information 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday present is launching as a joint weeknight present airing Monday by Friday at 7 p.m.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama Metropolis (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with Steve Vancore and legal professional Sean Pittman.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Jacksonville Metropolis Council’s Terrance Freeman.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
What John Lux is studying — “Mission: Impossible 7 scenes with Tom Cruise filmed at St. Pete studio” by way of Josh Rojas of Spectrum Information — A film scene with Cruise for “Mission: Unattainable — Lifeless Reckoning Half One,” the seventh installment within the iconic movie collection, was shot at Litewave Media in St. Petersburg. The media firm will start manufacturing on a brand new Rom-Com later this month, based on founder Christian Cashmir. “Apparently, Tom Cruise spends a while within the space,” he stated. “It might need been a handy place for him to movie.” Cashmir stated the set for the scene was shipped to Florida from the UK. The scene seems close to the start of the film when Cruise, who performs Ethan Hunt, will get his directions from a self-destructing message.
“Universal’s Epic move could prompt Disney World to up its game, too, experts say” by way of Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — Recent particulars from Common Orlando about its upcoming Epic Universe theme park are the most recent flex within the long-running competitors for tourism {dollars} by leisure titans, together with standing champion Walt Disney World, which trade analysts predict may quickly strike again. Common’s Epic bulletins verify massive information such because the park’s lands being themed to Nintendo, “The way to Practice Your Dragon,” Harry Potter and Common’s basic monsters. They usually unveil finer particulars resembling restaurant names and the velocity of the racing curler coaster. The batch of info intensified the excitement concerning the park, set to open subsequent 12 months. And it has some watchers questioning if a Disney countermove is coming quickly.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Blissful birthday to one in all Florida’s greatest lobbyists, our good friend and Fulton and Anna‘s mother, Katie Webb of Colodny Fass. Additionally celebrating right now are Matt Bogdanoff and Eric Jontz.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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