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Good Tuesday morning.
A top-of-the-‘burn birthday shoutout to the person who has dined at extra Michelin-starred eating places than even me, Fred Karlinsky of Greenberg Traurig. Fred was INFLUENCE Journal’s alternative for Insurance coverage Lobbyist of the Yr in 2023. You can read about his success by clicking here.
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Group rallies to ‘ban’ Bridget Ziegler from Sarasota College Board — SEE Alliance and Assist Our Faculties are internet hosting a “Ban Bridget Rally” at the moment at 5 p.m. The rally comes as College Board member Ziegler continues to face strain to resign. “Individuals all through Florida and the nation have had sufficient with Bridget Ziegler, Mothers for Liberty and their fascist politics,” Government Director Zander Moricz mentioned. “We’re going to sustain the strain till she is changed and Sarasota is given the chance to vote on her successor. ” The rally can be held at 1980 Landings Blvd. in Sarasota.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@GrayRohrer: Quote of the week contender: “We’re form of like a little bit noodle bar in Tokyo between Godzilla and King Kong preventing it out, between the insurance coverage corporations and the Florida Justice Affiliation.”
—@JacobOgles: Murphy’s regulation, political journalism version. When you solely care about invoice on the agenda, it should at all times be the final one taken up.
—@Carlos_Frias: WLRN abruptly canceled Sundial and let our entire group go. It’s my first trip of labor since I used to be 19. When you’re in search of a journalist with 30 years’ expertise, 2 James Beards, a share of a Pulitzer, skilled in all media, please DM. I’m desperate to work once more quickly.
—@PaulFox13: Barometric strain in #Tampa is 29.52“. Normally, when it’s that low, it means a tropical storm/hurricane is approaching. That’s not the case this time. Only a large space of low-pressure spinning overhead. Extra #ElNino impacts.
—@Chiefs1989: Do these of you who maintain hating on Taylor Swift understand what she simply did? She wrote 2 albums whereas doing re-records, went on a sold-out 3.5-hour-long tour, launched a film, AND nonetheless had time to wreck your soccer recreation all on the identical time. She deserves all of the respect
Tweet, tweet:
The Kelce’s had themselves a magical time at Disney World this previous weekend 🪄 @JasonKelce @WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/5O4vo9hkgc
— NFL (@NFL) February 5, 2024
—@KevinCate: So, the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. Sure, it’s that good and AR/VR goes to alter every little thing, ultimately.* *I’m not an influencer and won’t be posting AVP thirst lure pics. Completely happy to reply any questions.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Nevada Republican Presidential Caucus — 2; Tremendous Bowl LVIII — 5; Ninth Annual Fits for Session begins — 14; Season 6 of ‘Drive To Survive’ premieres on Netflix — 17; South Carolina Republican Major — 18; Michigan Democratic Major — 21; James Madison Institute’s ‘Crimson, White and Bluegrass’ dinner — 22; ‘Dune: Half Two’ premieres — 24; Michigan/Idaho/Missouri GOP Primaries — 25; Netflix to stream “The Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz faceoff — 26; Tremendous Tuesday — 28; State of the Union deal with — 30; final day of Common Session, if Legislature completes work in 60 days — 31; 2024 Oscars — 33; Georgia Democratic Major — 35; Arizona/Florida/Illinois/Kansas/Ohio Primaries — 42; James Madison Institute’s ‘2024 Naples Dinner’ with keynote speaker Laura Ingraham — 44; ‘3 Physique Downside’ premieres on Netflix — 44; The Supreme Courtroom will hear arguments within the mifepristone/abortion tablet case — 49; Main League Baseball’s (MLB) 2024 season — 51; March Insanity Remaining 4 (ladies’s) begins — 58; March Insanity Remaining 4 (males’s) — 61; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Assembly — 65; The Masters start — 66; Kentucky Derby — 89; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 94; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 99; French Open begins — 104; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 106; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer season Tour begins in Tampa — 106; Monaco Grand Prix — 110; the 2026 World Cup begins — 126; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 144; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 160; the 2026 World Cup ends — 164; 2024 MLS All-Star Sport — 169; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 171; Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 189; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 195; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 200; Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 255; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 255; 2024 Presidential Election — 270; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 286; MLS Cup 2024 — 304; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 374; ‘Moana’ premieres — 507; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 535; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 640; ‘Improbable 4’ reboot premieres — 640; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 682; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 819; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 835; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 1,046; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,186; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,145; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,867.
— TOP STORY —
“Ron DeSantis supports push to move homeless people off streets and into monitored camps” through Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Instances — DeSantis on Monday endorsed a statewide technique for coping with homelessness that Republican lawmakers say is the primary of its form. In brief, put homeless individuals in camps.
Legislators within the final week superior payments that might require counties to ban individuals on the road from sleeping in public locations and as an alternative permit them to remain in designated camps with safety, sanitation, and entry to behavioral well being providers.
Though DeSantis mentioned the laws remains to be a “work in progress,” he endorsed its objective of shifting homeless individuals off the streets. He additionally mentioned he was open to assigning cash to assist native governments deal with and home individuals with out houses.
“We really feel that if the Legislature is prepared to lean in on this, that we need to be there to have the ability to provide assist, but it surely’s obtained to be accomplished proper,” DeSantis mentioned throughout a information convention in Miami Seaside. “It’s obtained to be accomplished in methods that’s centered totally on guaranteeing public order, guaranteeing high quality of life for residents, guaranteeing that folks’s property values are maintained.”
To Democratic lawmakers and most homeless advocates, it’s a slipshod, one-size-fits-all strategy that can result in extra arrests of individuals experiencing homelessness. It might additionally run counter to federal greatest practices, which encourage shifting individuals off the streets and into transitional or everlasting housing.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“As State Guard goes to Mexican border, Legislature mulls leadership, logistics” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Legislature obtained its first official alternative to weigh in on this determination, which some consider exceeds the modest expectations that its principal operate is perhaps storm response in Florida, fairly than its finally extra expansive task. However these anticipating fireworks obtained fizzles as an alternative. The Senate Army and Veterans Affairs, Area, and Home Safety Committee unanimously superior the nomination of Mark Thieme of Apollo Seaside Monday afternoon, a Marine Corps veteran who says he has “distinctive insights” on learn how to construct a “civil-military group” very very similar to the State Guard. Democratic Sen. Vic Torres posed the primary query concerning the Texas deployment. Thieme famous he wasn’t concerned in decision-making, because it was the province of the Governor.
“Senate Judiciary moves ahead with social media ban for most children” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Laws barring most kids in Florida from social media superior within the Florida Senate. Nevertheless it nonetheless accommodates no exceptions for youngsters logging on with parental consent, one thing DeSantis has questioned. Sen. Erin Grall mentioned Huge Tech’s present practices pose too nice a menace towards kids to disregard. “If we as a authorities have recognized this hurt, that’s past the magnitude of actually anybody particular person to get in the midst of and management,” Grall mentioned. The Senate Judiciary Committee superior the laws (SB 1788) on a 7-2 vote. As written, the invoice would prohibit anybody beneath the age of 16 from opening or preserving a social media account.
“Bill lowering defamation lawsuit standards advances in Senate” through Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — The invoice (SB 1780), sponsored by Sen. Jason Brodeur was amended to take away a number of the harshest provisions derided by critics, together with a bit that might have eroded protections for journalists towards disclosing the id of a supply in a authorized continuing. However opponents of the measure nonetheless contend it should undercut free speech protections. One provision would create a presumption in regulation that if a information outlet revealed a false assertion by an nameless supply, they have been performing with “precise malice” — the usual in a defamation lawsuit. It’s not simply left-leaning organizations that oppose the invoice. People for Prosperity spoke out towards it, arguing it could erode anti-SLAPP legal guidelines that make it tougher to carry frivolous fits designed to burden critics with authorized prices.
“Safeguards for election workers advance with request for poll watcher protections” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A invoice that might criminalize intimidating election staff is advancing within the Senate — with requests that or not it’s amended so as to add equal protections for ballot observers some say are partly chargeable for the harassment. The measure (SB 562) would make it unlawful to harass, intimidate, threaten or coerce an election employee with the intent to impede or intervene with their official duties or to retaliate towards them for doing so. First-time offenders would face a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by as much as a yr in jail and $1,000 in fines.
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“Lawmakers rebuff DeSantis’ push to bring casino to famed Miami Beach hotel” through Gary Fineout of POLITICO — A legislative push to carry a long-sought on line casino to Miami Seaside fell aside once more regardless of DeSantis and his administration urging lawmakers to go the invoice. The Republican Governor couldn’t sway key legislative leaders to log off on the proposal that had drawn opposition from Miami Seaside leaders in addition to rich South Florida billionaires resembling hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin. DeSantis has loved super clout within the GOP-controlled Legislature however some have speculated that he could have much less clout now that he’s not a presidential candidate.
— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“Deferred again: Third-party litigation financing bill lingers in House Appropriations Subcommittee” through Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — For the second time in as many weeks, the Home Justice Appropriations Subcommittee deferred a vote on laws to crack down on the $13.5 billion third-party litigation financing business. Subcommittee member and Jacksonville Republican Rep. Wayne Duggan was absent, and Republican Committee members Reps. Mike Beltran and Mike Redondo didn’t assist the measure. That meant had the Democrats on the Committee voted in a bloc, the invoice would have died by an 8-7 vote. The invoice cleared its first Committee by a 10-7 vote. The payments are a high precedence for the Florida Justice Reform Institute and the American Tort Reform Basis, which repeatedly referenced third-party litigation financing in its 2023-24 Judicial Hellhole Report.
“Independent hospital districts required to analyze the benefits of going private under House bill” through Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Impartial hospital districts could have made sense years in the past, however a number one Home Republican contends they could be antiquated in Florida’s present well being care market. Rep. Randy Positive, Chair of the highly effective Well being & Human Providers Committee, filed laws (HB 1421) that requires the 26 unbiased hospital districts within the state to conduct a market analysis by the tip of the yr analyzing the prices and advantages related to changing their mannequin into a non-public nonprofit entity. “Simply because one thing was a good suggestion in 1948, 1928 or 1968 doesn’t imply it’s a good suggestion at the moment,” Positive instructed the members of the Home Choose Committee on Well being Innovation earlier than the panel voted 7-3 to advance the invoice.
ACLU rails towards Senate abortion invoice — The ACLU of Florida slammed the Senate Judiciary Committee’s determination to advance a invoice (SB 476) that might permit civil lawsuits for damages towards well being care practitioners offering abortion care. The Home companion (HB 651) has already handed one in every of its two Committees of reference. ACLU of Florida legislative director and senior coverage counsel Kara Gross mentioned, “Now we have grave issues concerning the real-world impacts of this overly broad invoice. This invoice might open the door to civil lawsuits for damages towards well being care suppliers offering abortion care, in addition to family and friends members supporting a pregnant particular person’s efforts to acquire the medical care they want. These aren’t hypothetical conditions — we’ve seen harmful circumstances like these introduced in Texas and Arizona. Beneath this invoice, civil lawsuits for damages might be introduced by any one who impregnates another person.”
— THE SKED —
— 8 a.m. Home Insurance coverage & Banking Subcommittee meets. Morris Corridor, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 8 a.m. Home Regulatory Reform & Financial Improvement Subcommittee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— 8:30 a.m. Senate Kids Households and Elder Affairs Committee meets. Room 37, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 8:30 a.m. Senate Training Pre-Ok-12 Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing, the Capitol.
— 8:30 a.m. Senate Atmosphere and Pure Assets Committee meets. Room 301, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 8:30 a.m. Senate Transportation Committee meets. Room 110, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 9 a.m. Home PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 11:30 a.m. Home State Administration & Expertise Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— 11:30 p.m. Home PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Morris Corridor, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 11:30 a.m. Senate Well being Coverage Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing, the Capitol.
— 11:30 a.m. Senate Agriculture Committee meets. Room 301, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 11:30 a.m. Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee meets. Room 110, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 11:30 a.m. Senate Felony Justice Committee meets. Room 37, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 12:30 p.m. Home Greater Training Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 314, Home Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 12:30 p.m. Home Well being Care Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 3 p.m. Senate Banking and Insurance coverage Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing, the Capitol.
— 3 p.m. Senate Neighborhood Affairs Committee meets. Room 401, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 3 p.m. Senate Training Postsecondary Committee meets. Room 301, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 3 p.m. Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee meets. Room 37, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 3 p.m. Home Well being Care Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Morris Corridor, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 6:15 p.m. Senate Particular Order Calendar Group meets. Room 401, Senate Workplace Constructing, the Capitol.
— 5:45 p.m. Senate Particular Order Calendar Group meets. Room 401, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— THE TRAIL —
“Florida researchers find voters are unhappy ahead of the presidential election” through Ari Angelo of WFSU — Researchers from the College of South Florida are releasing a collection of nationwide surveys shedding mild on essential election yr issues like inflation, border safety and the function of social media in political discourse. The primary within the collection polled 1,500 registered voters and was performed between Jan. 23-27. Three extra surveys can be launched between now and November. Lead researcher Stephen Neely is an affiliate professor on the USF College of Public Affairs. He mentioned the objective is to trace how public opinion adjustments as we get nearer to the election.
“Nikki Haley raises $16.5 million, fueling her fight against Donald Trump” through Jonathan Weisman of The New York Instances — Officers with Haley’s marketing campaign mentioned Monday that she had raised $16.5 million in January, her largest month-to-month fundraising complete so far, including a brand new infusion of money to the $14.6 million her marketing campaign introduced into the brand new yr to maintain the nomination battle with Trump going. Public polling has proven that Haley has made little progress in closing the hole with Trump, both in her dwelling state, which holds its Republican Major election on Feb. 24, or nationally.
“Haley asks for Secret Service protection after increase in threats” through John McCormick of The Wall Avenue Journal — Haley has utilized for Secret Service safety due to growing threats she has obtained as Trump’s final main opponent for the 2024 GOP nomination. “We’ve had a number of points,” Haley mentioned after a marketing campaign occasion right here. “It’s not going to cease me from doing what I have to do.” A request for her safety has been submitted to federal officers, and her marketing campaign is considering how extra intense safety would have an effect on her marketing campaign schedule and travels. Haley’s work on the United Nations involving Iran is also an element.
“Haley enters her YOLO stage” through Natalie Allison, Lisa Kashinsky and Meridith McGraw of POLITICO — She’s taking repeated, pointed pictures at an “unhinged” Trump’s psychological health and authorized issues. She’s taunting him to debate her: “Present me what you bought.” In latest days, her marketing campaign responded to an 815-word memo from Trump’s advisers — a doc arguing Haley is toast — with a “Why are you so obsessive about us?” meme from “Imply Ladies.” Few, if any, consider it should work. And Haley’s let-’er-rip strategy comes with critical threat. Attacking Trump so frontally might create a long-term branding downside for her. Already, the MAGA-dominated GOP has accused her of treachery. Trump allies say she’s successfully burned her profession in Republican politics. However Haley appears to have concluded that freedom is simply one other phrase for trailing by 20-plus factors.
“Most Americans want verdict on Trump election subversion charges before 2024 votes” through Jennifer Agiesta and Ariel Edwards-Levy of CNN — Most People need to see a verdict on the federal expenses Trump faces associated to election subversion in 2020 earlier than this yr’s election. And looking out forward, most count on Trump to pardon himself of any federal crimes he’s convicted of if he wins the presidency. About half of People, 48%, say it’s important {that a} verdict is reached earlier than the 2024 election, and one other 16% that they’d want to see one. Simply 11% say {that a} trial on the fees needs to be postponed till following the election, with one other quarter saying the trial’s timing doesn’t matter to them. A 72% majority of Democrats and 52% of independents say it’s important {that a} verdict is reached preelection. Republicans are extra cut up. Whereas 38% say {that a} verdict needs to be reached earlier than the presidential election, together with 20% who name that important, one other 39% say it doesn’t matter when the trial is held, and 23% that they assume the trial needs to be held after this election.
“The 91-year-old Republican suing to kick Trump off the ballot” through Patrick Marley of The New York Instances — Norma Anderson left the Colorado legislature almost twenty years in the past, however she nonetheless retains a duplicate of the state’s statutes in her dwelling workplace. She’s turned down a web page nook in that duplicate to mark the spot the place the 14th Modification seems. She has reread it a number of instances since becoming a member of a lawsuit final yr that cites the modification in in search of to cease Trump from operating for President. “He tried to overturn an election,” she mentioned. “The very first time I ever ran, I didn’t win. I didn’t exit and attempt to change the election. I mentioned, ‘Whoops, work tougher subsequent time, woman.’”
— MORE 2024 —
“Joe Biden has lost support among Black voters. His allies blame misinformation.” through Tinashe Chingarande and Jasmine Wright of NOTUS — The primary-in-the-nation official South Carolina Major on Saturday was a testing floor for Biden’s recognition amongst Black voters. Black voter turnout elevated by 13% from 4 years in the past and 6,000 new voters participated within the Democratic Major for the primary time, Christale Spain, South Carolina’s Democratic Celebration Chair, instructed NOTUS on Major night time. “It was actually about individuals not understanding the knowledge,” Spain mentioned. Throughout voter outreach, the SCDP discovered “voters didn’t know what Democrats needed to ship.” The outcomes, the place Biden handily gained each county within the state with over 95% of the vote, have been “a testomony” to that effort, she mentioned. In complete, over 115 occasions have been held in South Carolina forward of the Major, the DNC introduced Saturday.
“DeSantis’ Utah fade included Ping-Pong loss, David Wells snub” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — How did DeSantis go from a candidate keynoting a speech within the Spring to Utah Republicans — one which included a few of his first stump remarks concerning the just-signed six-week abortion ban and constitutional carry laws, together with a weird assertion that Florida was the “Utah of the Southeast” — to a remaining fade there that mirrored collapses elsewhere on the GOP Major map? The reply, per the Deseret Information, appears to be his failure to personally join with a number of the largest gamers within the Beehive State. DeSantis failed the take a look at when it got here to a pleasant recreation of Ping-Pong and an autographed baseball from a turn-of-the-century hurler for the New York Yankees. DeSantis apparently was reluctant to play a recreation of desk tennis with billionaire Scott Keller, with workers saying he didn’t have time earlier than DeSantis lastly agreed to play, and misplaced.
“New Lincoln Project ad warns of grim future under ‘angry, petty and cruel’ Trump” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The one-minute video “What Might Be” warns voters towards re-electing a divisive commander in chief who “nearly broke us aside.” “Have so many already forgotten what the Trump years have been — chaos, corruption, ugliness, cruelty, violence, a wrecked economic system, and over half one million lifeless People? That’s the previous that Trump’s presidency introduced, and it could be our future, too,” a voice-over within the video says. “He’s worse than ever — unstable and indignant, petty and merciless, promising dictatorship and retribution, assuring his legion of unhinged fanatics that he’s their instrument of vengeance. He’s not even hiding it, and never one American can disguise from it.”
To look at the advert, please click the image below:
“Bill Maher says a ‘pretty famous’ person lashed out at him for ‘platforming’ Republicans on his HBO show” through Joseph A. Wulfsohn of Fox Information — Maher mentioned he obtained scorn from a “fairly well-known” particular person for welcoming Republicans on his HBO present. In an interview revealed Monday by Motive Journal, Maher was requested how usually he’s accused of “platforming,” a rising sin among the many left of permitting a conservative on a mainstream liberal platform. “I had DeSantis and Ted Cruz on this yr, and Invoice Barr. And sure, to reply your query, I can consider two individuals — and I gained’t say who they’re; one in every of them is fairly well-known — simply yelling at me in an e mail about that,” Maher mentioned. “And my reply to that’s: F— off. You already know what? You reside in your ivory tower. I’m going to speak to all people within the half of the nation that you simply discover so deplorable. They’re not going to self-deport, even when they’re deplorable. And a few of them are! And a few on the left are deplorable too, and extremely obnoxious. That’s the nation!”
“Oversight Board urges Meta to rethink its policy on manipulated media in high-stakes election year” through Ali Swenson of The Related Press — An Oversight Board is criticizing Fb proprietor Meta’s insurance policies relating to manipulated media as “incoherent” and inadequate to deal with the flood of on-line disinformation that already has begun to focus on elections throughout the globe this yr. The quasi-independent Board on Monday mentioned its overview of an altered video of Biden that unfold on Fb uncovered gaps within the coverage. The Board mentioned Meta ought to develop the coverage to focus not solely on movies generated with synthetic intelligence, however on media no matter the way it was created. That features pretend audio recordings, which have already got convincingly impersonated political candidates within the U.S. and elsewhere. The corporate additionally ought to make clear the harms it’s making an attempt to forestall and will label pictures, movies and audio clips as manipulated as an alternative of eradicating the posts altogether, the Meta Oversight Board mentioned.
— OTHER STATEWIDE —
“DeSantis repeats warning against Spring Break ‘melee’ scenarios” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — In Miami Seaside, DeSantis repeated his provide to offer state sources to keep away from conditions which have occurred in previous years. “Proactively, the state will present sources that the town right here wants to have the ability to be sure that Spring Break isn’t become some melee,” he promised. “You shouldn’t even actually know that it’s Spring Break or not as a result of issues needs to be orderly. So, we’ll have sources that each Freeway Patrol and Florida Division of Regulation Enforcement can be working with not simply Miami Seaside, however wherever within the state.” The State Guard could also be a part of the answer, he added, for “in all probability a handful of spots” together with Miami Seaside.
“‘Delay and obfuscate’: Disney fights DeSantis for public records, joining others” through Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — As Disney tries to rebound from a serious authorized setback, the leisure large is battling DeSantis and state officers on one other entrance: entry to public data. The company’s legal professionals are demanding textual content messages, emails and paperwork associated to the DeSantis-led effort to overtake the particular district offering authorities providers to Disney World. Disney’s legal professionals are accusing the Governor’s Workplace of partaking in “obstructionist conduct” and stonewalling them on “good-faith” efforts to acquire paperwork related to their authorized dispute. “At each flip, EOG (govt workplace of the Governor) has responded to these efforts with gamesmanship designed to delay and obfuscate the invention course of,” Disney’s legal professionals wrote in a courtroom submitting.
“Florida drops death penalty pursuit for man accused of child sex abuse” through Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Instances — Although prosecutors sought the loss of life penalty for a person accused of sexually abusing a toddler, making use of a brand new regulation DeSantis signed, the accused man as an alternative pleaded responsible and was sentenced to life in jail. Joseph Andrew Giampa, 36, could have been the primary particular person to face the potential of a loss of life sentence for a intercourse crime beneath the state’s new regulation. The regulation seeks to increase the loss of life penalty to individuals who sexually abuse kids, regardless of current Supreme Courtroom precedent that claims the loss of life penalty shouldn’t be used for something apart from homicide.
“The worst-kept secret on many major construction sites: undocumented workers” through the Tampa Bay Instances editorial board — You’re prone to discover undocumented staff on most main development websites within the nation. They swing hammers, pave roads and join bridges. They’re right here illegally, however we want them. They’re integral to getting the roles completed on time and on price range. Their presence is a kind of worst-kept secrets and techniques. Everybody is aware of, however the pretense continues — with the occasional compulsory political bluster, after all. The present system fails the undocumented staff, the businesses that rent them and the taxpayers who pay for the veneer of enforcement. It’s time that modified. Let’s get one thing out of the way in which. Sure, many undocumented staff broke the regulation to come back to the U.S. Sure, corporations that knowingly rent them or settle for clearly phony identification are additionally probably breaking the regulation. However there’s a very good cause the system so usually appears to be like the opposite manner: Development is large enterprise — a serious contributor to tax coffers and the economic system as an entire.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Neal Dunn wants inspector general to investigate Tallahassee mail, Postal Service woes” through Arianna Otero of the Tallahassee Democrat — Tallahassee’s mail supply downside is once more coming to a head: Tallahassee’s Congressman now could be getting concerned. He’s demanding solutions. He desires the U.S. Inspector Basic’s Workplace on the case. And he’s slamming the publish workplace’s shoddy service as “negligence.” Since 2018, subpar mail supply has been a degree of rivalry for Tallahassee residents, many taking their complaints to social media and elected officers. “This isn’t clearly a brand new downside; this time final yr, it was actually, actually unhealthy,” mentioned Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch, who has been advocating for higher mail service since his election in 2020. U.S. Rep. Dunn shared with Welch a timeline describing the problems which have been ongoing. A few of these points embrace stolen mail, mail not getting delivered, and even escalating to unlawful test cashing.
— DOWN BALLOT —
“Annette Taddeo files to run for Miami-Dade Clerk” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After months of contemplating a run, former state Sen. Taddeo is formally within the race for Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller. “I’m proud to announce my candidacy,” Taddeo mentioned. “We want public servants who will put our county residents first versus particular pursuits or political agendas. Our Clerk (performs) an important function in native authorities, guaranteeing that transparency, accountability and accessibility in our justice system is powerful. And now with the addition of Comptroller, I can be laser-focused on defending our residents’ tax {dollars} and dedicated to being a steward of our $11.7 billion price range.”
“Former prosecutor Sam Stern to run for Palm Beach County State Attorney” through Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Stern, a former federal and Palm Seaside County prosecutor will run for State Legal professional in Palm Seaside County’s fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Stern is the primary Republican to enter the race. 4 Democrats have already filed, together with Alexcia Cox, Gregg Lerman, Rolando Silva and Craig Williams. Stern comes from a protracted line of prosecutors and public servants. His father, Herbert J. Stern, labored as an assistant district legal professional in Manhattan for greater than 25 years, together with because the U.S. Legal professional for New Jersey and as a federal Choose. His grandfather, Samuel Stern, was a bureau chief within the New York State Legal professional Basic’s Workplace for greater than 30 years. “I’m operating for Palm Seaside County State Legal professional as a result of that is the place my spouse and I are elevating our two boys, and it’s the place our dad and mom name dwelling,” Stern mentioned.
“Tampa defense attorney to challenge State Attorney Suzy Lopez for Hillsborough’s top prosecutor job” through Gloria Gomez of Fox 13 Information — There’s a brand new face within the race for Hillsborough County’s State Legal professional. Elizabeth Martinez Strauss is now the Democratic candidate, and he or she’s at present a protection legal professional in Tampa with deep roots within the Bay Space. She’s going to problem the present Hillsborough State Legal professional, Republican Lopez, for the highest job. “I completely see myself as the following state legal professional, I do,” mentioned Strauss. The mom of two mentioned she believes in having a robust partnership with regulation enforcement and needs to revive what she thinks is at present missing — together with transparency, equity and the general public’s belief within the State Legal professional’s Workplace.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Miami City Attorney investigated by Florida Bar over ties to alleged house-flipping scheme” through Sarah Blaskey of the Miami Herald — The Florida Bar is investigating Miami Metropolis Legal professional Victoria Méndez and her shut connection to corporations that bought houses belonging to susceptible Miami residents at effectively below-market-value after which offered them — typically the identical day — at a big revenue. The investigation, which has not been beforehand reported, has been open since no less than final April, in line with an e mail despatched on the time from Rick Courtemanche, Deputy Basic Counsel of the Florida Bar, which was obtained by the Herald. A consultant for the Bar instructed the Herald the investigation is ongoing however offered no additional data. A Bar investigation alerts deepening issues for the Metropolis Legal professional.
—“Judge mutes Miami City Attorney’s mic during heated testimony in home-flipping lawsuit” through Tess Riski of the Miami Herald
“Pollution taints even the most remote parts of Everglades, canoe journey reveals” through Invoice Kearney of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — 100 and twenty-five years in the past, explorer Hugh Willoughby grew to become the primary non-Native American to cross the southern Everglades from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. He traveled with a information by canoe and stored notes on water high quality in his journal. In 2022, a gaggle of adventurers, together with College of Florida scientist Tracie Baker, canoed the exact same extraordinarily distant 130-mile path. Alongside the way in which, Baker took far more subtle water assessments at 12 websites spanning the width of the Everglades, from the Harney River on the Gulf of Mexico to the Miami River.
“Spirit, JetBlue appeal of decision that blocked its merger to be heard in June. Will it be too late?” through Mike Diamond of the Palm Seaside Publish — JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airways must wait till June earlier than a federal courtroom hears their attraction of a ruling that blocked JetBlue’s proposed $3.8 billion buy of its smaller rival. The schedule set by the First U.S. Circuit Courtroom of Appeals in Boston is a month later than the airways had hoped. They requested for an expedited listening to in Could so the courtroom might rule earlier than a July 24 deal-closing deadline of their merger settlement. The airways argued in a courtroom doc filed on Feb. 1 that if their request for a Could date was not granted, it’s “unlikely” the attraction could be determined in time.
“This Florida mall has Gucci, Prada … and soon, affordable housing?” through Patricia Mazzei of The New York Instances — In Bal Harbour, an oceanside village north of Miami Seaside, a luxurious mall says it desires to assist sort out one of many nation’s — and Florida’s — most intractable issues: an absence of reasonably priced housing. In a uncommon occasion of bipartisan settlement, the Florida Legislature handed a regulation final Spring meant to encourage initiatives just like the one which the proprietor of the mall, Bal Harbour Outlets, has in thoughts. Referred to as the Dwell Native Act, the regulation permits builders to bypass sure native zoning guidelines and to qualify for tax breaks if their initiatives embrace sufficient “workforce housing.”
“Get ready to party, South Florida! Hard Rock Stadium to host seven 2026 World Cup games” through Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald — South Florida, get able to expertise the equal of seven Tremendous Bowls within the span of a month. The 2026 World Cup schedule was introduced on Sunday afternoon, and Exhausting Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens was chosen to host seven matches: Group Stage matches on June 15, 22, 24, and 27; a Spherical of 32 matches on July 3; a Quarterfinal July 11 and the Bronze Medal Sport July 18. “Very thrilling instances,” mentioned Miami Host Committee Co-Chair Rodney Barreto. “We’re blessed as a result of Exhausting Rock Stadium, (Chair) Tom Garfinkel, he and his crew know learn how to do large occasions. They deal with the stadium and we’ve got nothing to fret about. We’ll do some nice activations all through Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Seaside. That is what we do greatest, proper? We’ve hosted 11 Tremendous Bowls. They’re coming to a group that’s not the most well liked metropolis in America; it’s the most well liked metropolis on this planet.”
“Internet roasts Mayor Francia Suarez over 2026 World Cup announcement” through Naomi Feinstein of the Miami New Instances — “Only a second in the past, FIFA introduced that Miami can be getting the bronze recreation for the 2026 World Cup,” Suarez mentioned in a video on X. “That is an effort that I’ve been engaged in serving to carry to our metropolis over many months and even some years.” X customers who know the lay of the land have been fast to level out that Exhausting Rock Stadium is positioned in Miami Gardens, a separate municipality 15 miles away from the Metropolis of Miami. Commenters apparently felt a little bit extra readability and deference to Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris was so as. “Miami Gardens is internet hosting the sport not the Metropolis of Miami. Possibly this video is best served from @MiamiDadeCounty or @CityofMiaGarden,” consumer @RealJavi G wrote. “Liar liar,” one consumer chimed in.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Jerry Demings wants to discuss raising the sales tax for transportation again” through Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Demings desires to present a gross sales tax to fund transportation one other go. However primarily based on the voters’ unfavorable response final time round, it’s not clear if different politicians are prepared to go alongside. The Mayor set a dialogue for this morning with Orange County Commissioners to contemplate an attraction to voters in November to hike the gross sales tax by one cent, with proceeds marked for bettering a chronically snarled community of roads and rail. In a memo to the Board late final month, Demings mentioned the transportation challenges round Orlando will solely worsen and not using a reliable funding supply to maneuver the hundreds of thousands of annual guests and the rising variety of residents.
“Federal grant could spark improvement on 6 of Orlando’s most dangerous roads” through Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — An inflow of federal {dollars} will assist information security enhancements to a few of Orlando’s most harmful roads as the town strives towards the lofty objective of eliminating visitors deaths by 2040. Town gained a federal grant of $606,000 to look at stretches of Kirkman Highway, Colonial Drive, Orange Blossom Path, Orange Avenue, Rosalind Avenue and Semoran Boulevard over the following 18 months. The chosen areas fall inside Orlando’s “high-injury community,” the place a disproportionate variety of crashes leading to extreme accidents or deaths occur. “These are a number of the most harmful areas of Orlando,” mentioned Christina Martin, the deputy transportation director.
“With pipes in need of repair, Orlando residents face paying much higher stormwater fees” through Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando property homeowners might see a steep improve within the price they pay to keep up and improve the town’s stormwater system. The present price, unchanged for 15 years, is $9.99 month-to-month for many single-family houses and industrial properties. Nevertheless it doesn’t rake in sufficient to fund the town’s annual stormwater operations and falls far in need of paying for wanted repairs and upgrades for growing old infrastructure throughout the town, Public Works Director Corey Knight instructed Metropolis Commissioners. He proposed a rise of roughly $3.50 month-to-month every year, with the price topping out at $21.24 per 30 days in 2028.
“Osceola County approves land sale for controversial clean energy project” through Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel — Following months of protests and a number of adjustments to a proposed clear power park, Osceola County Commissioners voted to approve a deal to promote land for the mission to CMG Clear Tech. Initially the France-based firm was in negotiations with Osceola County to buy over 300 acres of Mac Overstreet park near the big Bellalago group however going through vigorous opposition from neighbors, CMG Clear Tech moved its chosen website to a 63-acre property subsequent to the SunRail station in Poinciana in September. County Commissioners unanimously authorized a deal to permit Panacea, a CMG Clear Tech affiliate, to buy the SunRail website for $85,000 per acre in phases, with stipulations for proof of economic functionality.
“Public speakers will no longer be shown on the videos of Brevard County Commission meeting” through Dave Berman of Florida As we speak — The federal government can’t cease you from talking. Nevertheless it doesn’t should broadcast your face on TV as you accomplish that. That’s Brevard County’s place anyway. Public audio system will not be proven on the Area Coast Authorities Tv video feeds of Brevard County Fee conferences. County Communications Director Don Walker, who oversees the government-access tv operation, mentioned he applied the transfer to ensure the conferences run successfully. That features making it clearer to Area Coast Authorities Tv viewers watching the assembly which particular agenda merchandise is being mentioned by the members of the general public.
“Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education protests banned books in Volusia County” through Mary Ellen Ritter of the Daytona Seaside Information-Journal — Through the week of Jan. 21, Florida faculties participated in Rejoice Literacy Week, a statewide initiative reminding college students to learn recurrently and worth books. In Volusia County, college students have been inspired to “consider of their ‘shelf’” by taking part in varied actions resembling themed dress-up days, silent studying time, e book swaps and gala’s, literary-based artwork initiatives, and storybook parades. College Board members and district workers additionally made classroom visits as visitor readers. “We all know how vital it’s — studying, studying, studying,” Superintendent Carmen Balgobin mentioned on the Jan. 23 College Board assembly. “In each material that we’ve got, studying is vital.” However these within the classroom weren’t the one ones who acknowledged the facility of books.
“Study: Toxins linger in the Indian River Lagoon even in the absence of algae blooms” through Jim Waymer of Florida As we speak — Algae blooms within the Indian River Lagoon usually produce toxins which can be a hazard to marine life and people. A brand new examine finds that toxins linger within the lagoon, even when there aren’t any algae blooms. Now scientists are attempting to establish what’s producing the toxins, if not extra algae. Right here’s the upshot, in line with Florida Atlantic College’s (FAU) Harbor Department Oceanographic Institute’s write-up concerning the examine, revealed not too long ago within the journal “Toxins”: Over three years (2018-2021), the FAU researchers collected water samples from 20 websites all through the lagoon throughout moist and dry seasons.
“Shark bites are up in 2023, report says; Florida, Volusia County top list again” through Brenno Carillo of the Daytona Seaside Information-Journal — The College of Florida launched a report outlining worldwide areas of unprovoked shark assaults final yr. And much like latest years, Volusia County topped the nationwide checklist of most shark bites. There have been 69 unprovoked shark assaults in 2023 worldwide, in line with the College of Florida’s Worldwide Shark Assault File, up from 57 in 2022; nonetheless, the quantity is per the five-year common of 63. Of these 69 incidents, the U.S. leads all different nations with 36; Florida leads all U.S. states with 16; and Volusia County leads all Florida counties with eight.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Hillsborough transit agency, looking to overhaul policies, sticks with its general counsel” through Henry Queen of the Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal — The Board overseeing the Hillsborough Space Regional Transit Authority voted Monday to retain GrayRobinson, P.A. because the company’s basic counsel. Macfarlane, Ferguson & McMullen, P.A. was additionally trying to win the contract. Each regulation corporations supplied a flat annual price of $9,000 for 3 years, with Macfarlane’s option-year costs growing barely increased than GrayRobinson’s. Board members cited GrayRobinson’s expertise dealing with conditions just like the departure of former CEO Adelee Le Grand after a number of scandals as the explanation for carrying on.
“New Rays stadium will elevate St. Pete’s identity on the national stage” through Michael Tillman of the Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal — The Tampa Bay Rays not too long ago introduced a $1.2 billion deal for a brand new stadium that can anchor $6 billion in mixed-use improvement. The mission will assist St. Petersburg step out of Tampa’s shadow on the nationwide stage, making it a real vacation spot in its personal proper. Those that know St. Pete understand how particular it’s, however the Historic Gasoline Plant redevelopment could also be what reveals that secret to the remainder of the world. St. Pete is prepared. Like many cities in Florida, the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA has seen an inflow of expertise from the pandemic. The inhabitants has steadily elevated over the previous seven years. Between 2015 and 2022, the Tampa Bay MSA grew by greater than 10%, from 3 million to three.3 million.
What Helen Levine is studying — “Florida Holocaust Museum to permanently house survivor Elie Wiesel’s collection” through Sara Filipe of WFLA — The Florida Holocaust Museum, positioned in St. Petersburg, introduced that they may completely home the belongings of Wiesel, a survivor of the Holocaust. The Wiesel Assortment will embrace his Nobel Prize, unfinished manuscripts, letters from world leaders, paintings, pictures, and recordings, a few of which haven’t been seen earlier than, together with contents from his private workplace.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Busy week for housing authority ends with new acting CEO who makes some history” through David Bauerlein of The Florida Instances-Union — The rapid-fire adjustments on the Jacksonville Housing Authority continued Friday when the Board met in an emergency session and chosen Vanessa Dunn as performing CEO — the primary lady to carry that publish within the authority’s historical past. Dunn can be performing CEO whereas the Board launches a nationwide seek for the publish left vacant by the resignation this week of Dwayne Alexander. Alexander introduced his resignation Tuesday and mentioned he would proceed to fill that function for 30 days. He then notified the authority on Thursday he would function an unpaid volunteer. The Board met Friday afternoon and unanimously backed Dunn, the COO, to be performing CEO for the following 60 days.
“Pensacola awarded $4M for Fricker Center, giving city $9.5M total for upgrades, new services” through Jim Little of the Pensacola Information Journal — DeSantis awarded Pensacola $4 million to assist improve the Fricker Neighborhood Useful resource Heart as a part of $223 million broadband growth program funded with federal infrastructure {dollars}. The $4 million grant award means the town now has $9.5 million to place towards a renovation of the Fricker Heart. In July, the town was awarded a $5.5 million grant by means of a Hurricane Sally catastrophe restoration grant administered by the state of Florida. These funds have to be spent on hardening the construction to withstand future storms, together with making stormwater enhancements. The enhancements embrace demolishing the social corridor a part of the constructing and changing it with a brand new two-story social corridor.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Sarasota County picks firm to design Legacy Trail connector at Nathan Benderson Park” through Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota County agreed this week to pay a design agency to plan a portion of the Legacy Path connector at Nathan Benderson Park. The extension would run alongside seventeenth Avenue’s north facet to Honore Avenue, then north alongside Honore’s east facet to the park. The 12-foot-wide asphalt path extension would run about 1.5 miles. The county’s design consists of lighting and alerts. At a Jan. 30 assembly, the County Fee finalized an settlement to pay Kimley-Horn and Associates about $440,000 for the path design. The agency has beforehand consulted with the county on development initiatives at Sarasota’s Boulevard of the Arts and for additions to the seventeenth Avenue athletic services.
“Naples condo owners battle HOA over Ian repairs” through Kate Cimini of the Fort Myers Information-Press — Hurricane Ian’s storm surge took lower than 24 hours to flood houses and rip down partitions, however some Southwest Florida householders have waited greater than 10,000 hours for his or her houses to be livable once more. 9 residents of Naples’ Vanderbilt Towers III, which stands simply off the Gulf close to Delnor-Wiggins Go State Park, have banded collectively to file an injunction towards their home-owner’s affiliation after their first-floor condos have been gutted all the way down to the studs and concrete after which left uncovered to the open air. They’ve remained so till January 2024. “The entire first flooring was wide-open,” mentioned apartment proprietor Nancy Penoyer. Penoyer is without doubt one of the 9 first-floor apartment homeowners suing the Vanderbilt III HOA.
“Naples City Manager to decide fate of Four Seasons porte cochere by mid-February” through J. Kyle Foster of the Naples Each day Information — Whether or not 4 Seasons’ Naples Seaside Membership can have a coated drop off or porte cochere and the way massive it may be is now as much as Metropolis Supervisor Jay Boodheshwar, who is predicted to resolve by mid-February. The principle situation, along with architects asking for a serious design change after website plans have been authorized, is {that a} correct porte cochere for a five-star resort resembling this one being constructed on Gulf Shore Boulevard will break set-back guidelines. These minimal distances required round a constructing are set forth within the metropolis’s Land Use Ordinance. The 216-room resort is beneath development by The Athens Group the place the Naples Seaside Lodge & Golf Membership stood for 70 years.
— TOP OPINION —
“Yes, it’s a Florida public record. Good luck getting it.” through John Hill of the Tampa Bay Instances — Wouldn’t Hillsborough County taxpayers prefer to understand how a lot of their cash the state is holding from an ill-fated transportation tax?
We thought so, too — which is why I’ve been asking state businesses that query for weeks, to no avail.
Sadly, there’s a giant distinction in Florida between the open authorities legal guidelines and open authorities in follow.
The unhappy story will get sorrier by the yr as elected officers and bureaucrats develop ever artistic and comfy in concealing public data. Finances paperwork, arrest stories, hiring data, buy agreements — that is solely a number of the data slipping from public view. The web impact is that Floridians are more and more denied a transparent image of how selections are made, who’s pulling the strings and the way governments spend our cash.
The episode displays how far Florida has sunk from its status because the Sunshine State, whose open data and conferences legal guidelines have been a mannequin for the nation. With many businesses at the moment, throughout all ranges of Florida authorities, getting a easy query answered may be like pulling tooth. It’s turn out to be one other wall between taxpayers and the providers they fund.
It wasn’t at all times this manner. A part of the issue is how the federal government’s idea of speaking with residents has developed. Media relations workplaces used to attract closely from the ranks of former journalists, nonetheless infused with the general public’s proper to know. These workplaces now usually recruit partisan careerists who’re deft at branding however not at answering questions.
Altering attitudes is a giant activity for an additional day. However Floridians all for sustaining muscle mass on the Sunshine Legal guidelines should proceed requesting data — and proceed urgent authorities officers to publicly clarify their actions.
— OPINIONS —
“Haley paints herself into a corner” through Byron York of The Washington Examiner — With the South Carolina Major lower than three weeks away, Haley has turn out to be extra overtly essential of Trump. In spite of everything, Haley is operating towards Trump one-on-one. Lagging far behind Trump, Haley has ramped up her assaults as the one solution to meet up with Trump. However on the identical time, Haley has few, if any, main coverage variations with Trump which may usually type the premise of latest political assaults. So, the Haley offensive towards Trump has been largely primarily based on private attributes: Trump is outdated, he’s out of it, he’s unhinged, he’s imply. When she hits Trump that manner, Haley does two issues. One, she wins constructive reinforcement from the elements of the political and media world that love that form of assault on Trump. For her work, Haley obtained an anti-Trump pat on the pinnacle from the individuals who give out pats on the pinnacle. The opposite factor Haley is doing is alienating lots of the Republicans whose assist she might want to accomplish her seemingly not possible objective of overtaking Trump.
“Who should be Trump’s No. 2?” through Kellyanne Conway for The New York Instances — “Who ought to President Trump select for V.P.?” is without doubt one of the hottest questions among the many political cognoscenti proper now. It’s comprehensible. I’m an admittedly well-intentioned however disastrous matchmaker, however I obtained one proper when, in Could 2016, I really useful the then-Indiana Governor, Mike Pence, as a stable operating mate to Trump. Trump’s V.P. ought to assist him win and assist him govern. Trump will maintain us all guessing. His shortlist can be lengthy and dynamic. One factor he doesn’t have to do is rush this determination.
“Eviscerating ethics oversight in less than a dozen words” through the South Florida Solar-Sentinel editorial board — Florida legislators typically make it not possible to earn the general public’s respect. Living proof: The Senate’s 39-0 vote for a invoice to cripple the Fee on Ethics. The Ethics Fee has by no means been standard with lawmakers or with native officers, however the Florida Structure protects it from being abolished. The credit score for that goes to Reubin Askew, the Governor within the Nineteen Seventies and an anti-corruption crusader who embedded it in an ethics initiative that just about 80% of voters authorized in 1976. From the outset, the Legislature hobbled it by permitting it to behave solely in response to sworn complaints from others. Now its enemies would additional weaken the watchdog by requiring complaints to be “primarily based on private information or data apart from rumour.”
“Bob McClure, Joseph Visconti: JetBlue-Spirit blockade — how Biden’s administration undermines American consumer interests” through Florida Politics — This merger isn’t merely about company achieve; it’s about preserving a low-cost journey choice for customers. Furthermore, the function of Extremely Low-Value Carriers (ULCCs) like Spirit in selling competitors by providing reasonably priced journey can’t be understated. The merger might reinforce this phase, probably resulting in aggressive pricing methods towards main carriers, finally benefiting customers. This comparability demonstrates the modesty of the JetBlue-Spirit merger when it comes to market influence, significantly when seen towards the backdrop of earlier main airline mergers. The proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit by JetBlue was far more than a mere company transaction; it was a partnership between two uniquely American corporations geared toward making a extra equitable enjoying discipline in an airline business at present dominated by main gamers.
What Will Weatherford is studying — “USF doubles down on its commitment to community partnerships” through the Tampa Bay Instances — Each nice metropolis on this planet has an awesome college. When the College of South Florida (USF) was based almost 70 years in the past, a robust group connection was already in our DNA and has since been a part of our strategic plan. The community-engaged work that our college, workers, college students, and directors have undertaken resulted within the Carnegie Basis recognizing USF as a “community-engaged college.” We’re proud to announce an elevated dedication to group engagement by means of a newly created Workplace of College Neighborhood Partnerships, which gives a welcoming, constant and user-friendly manner for group organizations of all types to entry and collaborate with the college.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Florida gas prices dip after 12-cent jump” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Gasoline costs in Florida are dropping once more after rising 12 cents final week, in line with AAA — The Auto Membership Group. Pump costs within the Sunshine State elevated to a three-month excessive of $3.27 per gallon Thursday due largely to rising crude oil and gasoline futures costs. Then, as fuel futures costs dipped, so did fuel costs. “Futures costs reversed course final week, enabling pump costs to drop 4 cents prior to now three days,” AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins mentioned in an announcement. “Sunday’s state common was $3.23 per gallon and falling.” On Monday morning, the common value statewide was $3.22 per gallon, 7 cents increased than the nationwide common.
“How much for thin mints? Some Girl Scouts raise cookie prices.” through Julie Creswell of The New York Instances — Throughout the nation, Lady Scout troops have been seeing jumps in cookie costs over the past couple of years. However they aren’t all seeing them on the identical ranges. That’s as a result of the 111 councils that make up the Lady Scouts of the united statesA. function as particular person nonprofit organizations and negotiate separate contracts with the 2 bakeries which can be licensed to fabricate the cookies. The assorted councils additionally resolve when to promote the cookies.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating at the moment is Sen. Clay Yarborough, former Rep. turned Choose Eric Eisnaugle, Katie Kelly, and Michael Steinberg.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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