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Good Wednesday morning.
Breaking in a single day — “Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment fails in stunning loss for House Republicans” by way of Andrew Solender of Axios — The Home on Tuesday didn’t impeach Secretary of Homeland Safety Mayorkas over his dealing with of an inflow of migrants throughout the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s a shocking loss for Home Republican management after a few of their members broke away and voted towards impeachment. The final cupboard secretary to be impeached was Warfare Secretary William Belknap in 1876. The ultimate tally was 214 votes for and 216 votes towards, with Home Majority Chief Steve Scalise absent as he recovers from most cancers therapy.
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It’s New School of Florida Day on the Capitol and the state college is hyping up its new curriculum primarily based on the Historical Greek ideas of “Logos” and “Techne.”
Logos is a Greek time period representing the ideas of knowledge and intelligence; Techne is expounded to creating or doing, although in trendy utilization it’s mostly outlined as “sensible data.”
The Logos-driven curriculum encourages college students to interact meaningfully with complicated points, ask questions, clear up issues and adapt to an ever-changing world. The Techne-driven curriculum goals to equip college students with the instruments, methods, and mindset essential to innovate and apply data in a tangible and purposeful method.
Merely put, NCF is providing training with its basis in nice canonical works paired with instruction on how the knowledge therein could be utilized of their lives and careers post-graduation.
“New School’s new core curriculum has been crafted to be a transformative academic expertise. By integrating the knowledge of the previous and revolutionary experiential studying, New School offers college students with the instruments, methods and mindset to succeed. With its deal with delivering each laborious and mushy abilities, the core curriculum cultivates curiosity, resilience and objective,” the college mentioned of its new curriculum.
Forward of New School’s higher-ups’ arrival in Tallahassee, the college launched a video highlighting the brand new curriculum. The three-minute clip options clips of speeches delivered by Apple founder Steve Jobs, journalist Fareed Zakaria, comic Invoice Maher and Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
A narrator closes, “Archimedes mentioned, ‘Give me a agency place to face and I’ll transfer the Earth. New School might be that agency place to face, and our college students will transfer the Earth.”
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@Fritschner: With respect to spectacular previous failures of Messrs. (Kevin) McCarthy and (Steve) Scalise, that was essentially the most embarrassing defeat I can keep in mind on the Home ground in over a decade working right here. How do you set an **impeachment** on the ground with out having the votes locked up? INCREDIBLE
—@JonFavs: Republican politicians have just one coverage, platform and objective: Donald Trump. They’ve proven little interest in governing, legislating, or advocating for something however no matter helps put him in energy, places him above the legislation and makes him comfortable. That’s it. Complete cult.
—@marianne_levine: “Trump has begun positing about replacements, together with Joe Gruters of Florida and Michael Whatley of North Carolina, in line with an individual acquainted with his pondering.” per @jdawsey1
—@AnnaforFlorida: The Florida State Senate remains to be assembly proper now, for a Committee to ban the motion of Accomplice Statutes. Think about if this similar sort of power and time was spent on property insurance coverage reform.
Tweet, tweet:
At the moment, on what would have been Trayvon Martin’s twenty ninth birthday, our museum shines gentle on his life and legacy. His mom Sybrina Fulton remembers him as an adventurous child who cherished planes and aspired in the direction of a profession in aviation. pic.twitter.com/X9F6Wpu3Rh
— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) February 5, 2024
—@LewisHamilton: The previous few days have been all love. Thanks all, the power and help means all the things. Can’t wait to begin this season. 2024 is all us
— DAYS UNTIL —
Nevada Republican Presidential Caucus — 1; Tremendous Bowl LVIII — 4; Ninth Annual Fits for Session begins — 13; Season 6 of ‘Drive To Survive’ premieres on Netflix — 16; South Carolina Republican Main — 17; Michigan Democratic Main — 20; James Madison Institute’s ‘Purple, White and Bluegrass’ dinner — 21; ‘Dune: Half Two’ premieres — 23; Michigan/Idaho/Missouri GOP Primaries — 24; Netflix to stream “The Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz faceoff — 25; Tremendous Tuesday — 27; State of the Union deal with — 29; final day of Common Session, if Legislature completes work in 60 days — 30; 2024 Oscars — 32; Georgia Democratic Main — 34; Arizona/Florida/Illinois/Kansas/Ohio Primaries — 41; James Madison Institute’s ‘2024 Naples Dinner’ with keynote speaker Laura Ingraham — 43; ‘3 Physique Downside’ premieres on Netflix — 43; The Supreme Court docket will hear arguments within the mifepristone/abortion tablet case — 48; Main League Baseball’s (MLB) 2024 season — 50; March Insanity Closing 4 (ladies’s) begins — 57; March Insanity Closing 4 (males’s) — 60; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Assembly — 64; The Masters start — 65; Kentucky Derby — 88; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 93; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 98; French Open begins — 103; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 105; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer season Tour begins in Tampa — 105; Monaco Grand Prix — 109; the 2026 World Cup begins — 125; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 143; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 159; the 2026 World Cup ends — 163; 2024 MLS All-Star Recreation — 168; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 170; Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 188; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 194; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 199; Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 254; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 254; 2024 Presidential Election — 269; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 285; MLS Cup 2024 — 303; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 373; ‘Moana’ premieres — 506; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 534; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 639; ‘Unbelievable 4’ reboot premieres — 639; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 681; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 818; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 834; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 1,045; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,185; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,144; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,866.
— TOP STORY —
“Donald Trump has no immunity from Jan. 6 prosecution, appeals court rules” by way of Rachel Weiner of The Washington Publish — “We can not settle for former President Trump’s declare {that a} President has unbounded authority to commit crimes that will neutralize essentially the most basic examine on govt energy — the popularity and implementation of election outcomes,” the panel of three judges wrote. “Nor can we sanction his obvious rivalry that the Govt has carte blanche to violate the rights of particular person residents to vote and to have their votes rely.”
The ruling comes days earlier than the Supreme Court docket considers one other untested query raised by Trump’s candidacy — whether or not the previous President is an insurrectionist barred by the Structure from returning to the White Home due to his actions round Jan. 6.
Trump has already indicated that he plans to ask the complete U.S. Court docket of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and the Supreme Court docket to evaluation the immunity ruling. The courtroom set tight deadlines for that evaluation, saying it could put the ruling on maintain till Feb. 12 for Trump to enchantment to the Supreme Court docket however wouldn’t look ahead to the complete D.C. Circuit to weigh in.
Whereas his authorized arguments hold failing in courtroom, even rulings towards him support his purpose of delaying any federal trial in D.C. till after the presidential election, wherein he’s the Republican front-runner.
Requested at that listening to whether or not Trump’s view of presidential impunity may permit for the assassination of a political rival, protection lawyer D. John Sauer didn’t disagree. He solely advised that such an motion would “speedily” lead to impeachment.
Sauer invoked his personal hypothetical harms, suggesting {that a} ruling towards Trump would result in “cycles of recrimination” wherein each former President is charged with a criminal offense.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“Bills dead or dying as House ends most Subcommittee meetings” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — It’s nearly midway via the Common Session, however a sequence of notable payments are both useless or on life help. Home Subcommittees — apart from price range Subcommittees — will cease assembly for the Session after this week. With Home guidelines barring payments that haven’t moved via one Committee being introduced up on the ground, most of them are basically useless. Which means payments to ban almost all abortions and to permit open carry of weapons in public, which by no means acquired a listening to, are finished for this 12 months. Additionally, the hope for payments with no Home or Senate companion that haven’t moved has possible been squelched.
“Lawmakers pitch radical idea to solve property insurance crisis” by way of Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Occasions — State Rep. Spencer Roach believes he has the answer to Florida’s property insurance coverage disaster. On Tuesday, a Home Committee gave him an opportunity to make his pitch. Throughout a 30-minute presentation and dialogue, Roach and Rep. Hillary Cassel described a radically completely different imaginative and prescient for owners insurance coverage in Florida. “We now have the answer,” Roach mentioned. As an alternative of Floridians paying hurricane premiums to personal, for-profit insurers, the state-run Residents Property Insurance coverage may cowl them and doubtless for cheaper. Residents would accumulate the cash, very like the Nationwide Flood Insurance coverage Program, the lawmakers mentioned.
“Condo hardening pilot project moves in Senate, but without cash” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — A invoice establishing a pilot mission to assist fund upgrades to condominiums to assist them face up to hurricanes and forestall injury is advancing within the Senate, however there isn’t any funding related to the measure. The invoice (SB 1366) is sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie and handed unanimously via the Senate Banking and Insurance coverage Committee. It instructs the Division of Monetary Companies to arrange the My Secure Florida Condominium Pilot Program and settle for and course of purposes. To be eligible, a condominium affiliation board should approve the appliance for an inspection. Inspectors would then advocate enhancements, together with upgrades to exterior doorways and reinforcing roof-to-wall connections. A condominium must lie inside 15 miles of the coast to qualify as effectively.
“Second House panel approves changes to defamation lawsuits against journalists despite pushback” by way of Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — A second Home panel has authorized laws that will make it simpler to efficiently sue information retailers for defamation, as Republican lawmakers have expressed concern that present legislation offers protections for journalists which might be almost unimaginable to beat. Rep. Alex Andrade is sponsoring the laws (HB 757). The measure would supply that, in a defamation swimsuit, “there’s a rebuttable presumption that the writer acted with precise malice in publishing the assertion” if it relied on an nameless supply. At present, below New York Occasions v. Sullivan, the plaintiff is required to show a defendant acted with precise malice, that means the defendant knowingly printed one thing false or acted with reckless disregard to the reality.
“Flag restrictions backed by Ron DeSantis stall in Senate” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Momentum has stalled in terms of eradicating probably controversial flags from authorities buildings. Maybe it was a matter of time. SB 1120, a invoice by Sen. Jonathan Martin, didn’t advance via the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee as a result of he needed to get to a different Committee and requested the invoice to be briefly postponed in the course of overwhelming public opposition to his piece of laws. The invoice is meant to “unite … all people, no matter who they’ve intercourse with, no matter what nation they’re from,” Martin mentioned.
“‘Right to Rock Act’ rolls through first Senate panel” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Republican Sen. Martin’s evocatively named “Proper to Rock Act” (SB 1206) holds that an “proprietor or operator of a public venue might not cancel a reside efficiency of an artist, a performer or a musical group due to the … lawful train of freedom of speech or … members’ private beliefs.” These protections don’t apply “to an proprietor or operator who cancels a reside efficiency primarily based on an inexpensive perception that the efficiency would violate any relevant state legislation or rule,” Martin added in introduction. Public venues may very well be “owned by or rented to a governmental entity, college, school, or college,” per the invoice, if these are “funded by or constructed with public or authorities funds.”
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“Health care spending agreement? House agrees to Senate’s Live Healthy funding levels” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — The Home and Senate have agreed to spend $717 million on a sweeping well being care plan meant to extend the state’s workforce by growing entry to graduate medical training and pupil loans and to extend reimbursements for an array of well being care suppliers. HB 1549 invoice sponsor, Rep. Michael Grant, advised members of the Home Well being Care Appropriations Subcommittee that the underlying coverage contained within the invoice will proceed to evolve because the proposal strikes via the Home. Grant advised Florida Politics following the assembly that the modification not solely brings the Home’s general spending on Reside Wholesome in keeping with the Senate proposal (SB 7016) however that the quantity of spending within the numerous Reside Wholesome parts can be an identical.
“Bill tightening Florida’s Brazilian butt lift law clears Senate panel” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — The Senate Well being Coverage Committee authorized laws (SB 1188) which modifies a 2023 legislation relating to the favored cosmetic surgery procedures and the doctor’s places of work the place the surgical procedures are carried out. The invoice is an identical to HB 1561, which cleared a Home well being care spending panel final week. Jacksonville well being care lawyer Christopher Nuland mentioned, as at present written, a requirement within the invoice that every one surgical procedure facilities re-register with the state in line with a yet-to-be-published Division of Well being timeline would successfully shut the 724 surgical procedure facilities at present registered with DOH as a result of a 2023 legislation required that state surgical procedure heart inspections be finished in individual by DOH medical high quality assurance employees.
“Senate panel advances THC caps as hedge against pot legalization” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Senate Well being Coverage Committee’s laws (SB 7050) would cap THC in flower, resembling the sort one would possibly use in a pipe or a pre-roll, at 30%. The extra onerous cap for the potential business: a 60% restrict on the THC in concentrates. Edibles wouldn’t have the ability to have a efficiency variance better than 15%, per an modification adopted Tuesday. Members of the general public decried the laws as a “preemptive strike” towards the poll initiative, with one marveling that such a factor may occur within the “Free State of Florida.” However these rhetorical appeals fell on deaf ears.
Rural hospital leaders make Tallahassee trek — Hospital leaders from Florida’s rural counties gathered in Tallahassee Tuesday as a part of the Florida Hospital Affiliation’s inaugural “Rural Hospital Day,” which spotlights challenges confronted by the state’s rural hospitals. Members rallied help for funding below the Rural Hospital Capital Enchancment Grant Program, which helps rural hospitals replace and harden their amenities. Additionally they reiterated their help for laws (HB 309/SB 644) that will leverage a brand new Medicare supplier sort, permitting rural emergency hospitals to keep up Medicare reimbursement. “Not solely are rural hospitals important to the lifeforce and well-being of their communities, they’re additionally an indispensable a part of Florida’s well being care continuum,” Jackson Hospital CEO Brooke G. Donaldson mentioned. “Rural Hospital Day creates a mandatory discussion board devoted to fostering dialogue associated to insurance policies and applications that may considerably bolster well being care within the Sunshine State’s small and rural communities.”
— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“Prodded by business lobbyists, lawmakers may cut more Floridians off from unemployment insurance” by way of Jason Garcia of Looking for Rents — Cheered on by lobbyists for among the state’s greatest firms, Republican lawmakers in Florida are poised to chop off entry to unemployment insurance coverage for extra Floridians who’ve misplaced their jobs via no fault of their very own. The Home will maintain an preliminary listening to on a invoice (HB 1289) that will give state officers extra energy to disclaim unemployment advantages to laid-off staff. An identical invoice (SB 1260) is already transferring via the Senate. The unemployment laws seems to be a precedence for a few of Florida’s largest business-lobbying teams and a billionaire-backed suppose tank.
“Treading on difficult ground, lawmakers want to define ‘antisemitism’” by way of Desiree Stennett of the Orlando Sentinel — Rep. Mike Gottlieb, a Plantation Democrat, mentioned the purpose is to curb hate speech towards Jews and Israel that has been on the rise throughout the nation for years. Although his invoice was launched within the days following the Oct. 7 Hamas assault on Israel that left greater than 1,000 useless, he was engaged on the invoice lengthy earlier than the struggle erupted. However the invoice’s definitions and examples are frightening concern amongst pro-Palestinian activists and those that wish to defend their proper to criticize Israel, at a time when many individuals are battling the query of what’s antisemitic.
“What is cultural Marxism? GOP lawmakers want little kids and teens to learn the dangers of it” by way of Jackie Llanos of the Florida Phoenix — Florida public college college students begin studying about communism in seventh grade. That’s too late for some Republicans within the Home, who need lecturers to instruct college students as younger as kindergartners on ideas resembling “cultural Marxism.” However what’s it? The Home invoice transferring within the Legislature doesn’t present a definition for the time period, elevating questions on how little youngsters may perceive cultural Marxism. The Senate model of the invoice doesn’t embrace cultural Marxism in its laws. Nonetheless, HB 1349, handed in a Home committee on Feb. 1. The invoice evaluation says that beginning within the 2026-27 college 12 months, the historical past of communism have to be included in instruction in grades Okay-12 in Florida’s public faculties.
“Could the Legislature block Winter Park’s leaf blower ban?” by way of Ryan Gillespie and Tayeba Hussein of the Orlando Sentinel — The Senator who represents Winter Park has drafted legislative language that takes goal on the metropolis’s deliberate ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. Sen. Jason Brodeur, a Lake Mary Republican, filed an modification that will stop cities and counties throughout the state from regulating gas-powered leaf blowers any in a different way than electrical ones. Its creation comes days after Metropolis Commissioners in Winter Park held the road on their plan to ban gas-burning fashions, as an alternative requiring landscapers and residents to make use of corded or battery-powered units to clear garden clippings and fallen leaves. In a Senate Committee listening to, Brodeur withdrew the modification — which he had sought to connect to a separate native authorities invoice — from consideration with out rationalization.
— THE SKED —
— 9 a.m. Florida Elections Fee meets. Room 12, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 9 a.m. The Senate will maintain a ground Session. Senate Chambers.
— 10:30 a.m. Home Training & Employment Committee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 10:30 a.m. Home Judiciary Committee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 10:30 a.m. Home State Affairs Committee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— 2 p.m. The Home holds a ground Session. Home Chambers.
— 3:30 p.m. Senate Fiscal Coverage Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing.
— 6:15 p.m. Senate Particular Order Calendar Group meets. Room 401, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— THE TRAIL —
“Trump leads Joe Biden in number of small donors” by way of Albert Solar, Okay.Okay. Rebecca Lai, Andrew Fischer and Rebecca Davis O’Brien of The New York Occasions — Trump was trailing President Biden in general marketing campaign money readily available on the finish of 2023, however he dominated fundraising final 12 months by no less than one important measure: his variety of small donors. An evaluation of Federal Election Fee information by The New York Occasions reveals that about 668,000 donors gave lower than $200 to Trump, in contrast with 564,000 for Biden. Small donors have at all times been intrinsic to Trump’s political momentum. Not solely have they powered his three presidential bids, however they’re additionally a significant measure of his broad enchantment to an immovable grassroots base. Most giant donors have thus far saved their distance from Trump this cycle.
— OTHER STATEWIDE —
“Trying to ‘stay relevant,’ DeSantis keeps bashing Biden, D.C. ‘ruling class’” by way of Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis’ 2024 presidential marketing campaign barely lasted into 2024, however he sounds as if he’s nonetheless within the thick of the race. DeSantis isn’t addressing urgent state points resembling hovering owners insurance coverage charges or the necessity for extra reasonably priced housing. On Jan. 29, as an example, he pushed for a nationwide constitutional conference so as to add time period limits and balanced price range amendments. “One factor Florida has at all times taken the lead on … is holding Washington accountable,” DeSantis mentioned earlier than a cheering crowd in Naples. “We’re going to work with different states to rein on this ruling class in Washington.”
“DeSantis will be ‘very active’ in keeping Spring Break from going ‘off the rails’” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Throughout a information convention in Orange Metropolis, the Governor mentioned individuals “can rely on us to be very lively because the circumstances require” and that his administration could be “working with our native communities up and down the state of Florida.” “We’re not going to permit issues in a few of these pockets of Florida when Spring Break occurs to only type of go off the rails prefer it’s gone on down there,” DeSantis mentioned. “That applies to wherever within the state, wherever that any native governments, native communities that need our help, we wish to be there. However we’ve had to enter Miami Seashore and assist out and we wish to try this on the entrance finish in order that we’re not spoiling it for everyone else as a result of there’s so much to see and do all all through the state.”
“Florida primary care provider Cano Health files for bankruptcy” by way of Cindy Krisher Goodman of the South Florida Solar Sentinel — Miami’s Cano Well being, with greater than 1,000 staff and first care places of work throughout Florida, filed for Chapter 11 chapter safety. The corporate makes a speciality of senior care. Its Florida places of work are closely concentrated in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Seashore counties with some places on the west coast in Tampa and Central Florida in Kissimmee/St. Cloud. Cano’s docs deal with greater than 310,000 sufferers, a lot of whom are Medicare enrollees lined below value-based plans, in line with an organization description.
“Tiger King’s Carole Baskin asks Florida Supreme Court to review defamation lawsuit ruling” by way of The Related Press — Baskin, who grew to become a popular culture sensation on account of Netflix’s docuseries “Tiger King,” has requested the Florida Supreme Court docket to evaluation an appellate courtroom’s ruling that mentioned she isn’t shielded from a defamation lawsuit introduced by a former assistant. Baskin final week requested the excessive courtroom to rethink its earlier denial of her enchantment within the defamation case introduced by Anne McQueen, a former assistant to her lacking husband. A provision of the Florida Structure and the U.S. Structure conflicts with the appellate courtroom’s ruling, Baskin mentioned in her submitting with the Florida Supreme Court docket. The lawsuit mentioned that Baskin defamed McQueen by posting video diary entries on YouTube and on a web site in 2020, claiming McQueen embezzled cash from her and her then-husband, who disappeared below mysterious circumstances greater than 20 years in the past.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Rick Scott pillories Mitch McConnell after collapse of border deal” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The collapse of a border deal within the U.S. Senate has lawmakers demanding a special method. U.S. Sen. Scott criticized his personal caucus’s management for the state of affairs, perhaps laying the groundwork for a management marketing campaign. The Naples Republican led a information convention with self-described Senate conservatives. He and different contributors criticized Senate Minority Chief McConnell as often as Biden. “McConnell determined we aren’t going to have one thing that compelled a lawless administration to safe the border,” Scott mentioned. McConnell, at a convention assembly, really useful Republican Senators vote “no” Wednesday on a price range deal anticipated to go to the ground. That was after a majority of Senators within the caucus publicly mentioned they opposed the deal, together with each Scott and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
— DOWN BALLOT —
Taking place right now — Floridians Defending Freedom, the marketing campaign to place Modification 4 on the 2024 poll in Florida, will maintain a media availability following the Florida Supreme Court docket listening to oral arguments to substantiate that the modification satisfies the necessities for placement on the poll. 1 p.m., Florida Supreme Court docket, 500 S. Duval Avenue, Tallahassee. Please register here for the virtual conference.
“Whitney Fox unrolls endorsements from Tampa Bay and across the state” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A dozen Democratic leaders have began to rally round Democrat Whitney Fox as she challenges Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. That features distinguished Democrats within the Tampa Bay area seeking to show Pinellas County stays purple. “I’m honored to have the enthusiastic help of many revered leaders in Pinellas County and all through Florida, who consider in my marketing campaign,” mentioned Fox, a Democrat working in Florida’s thirteenth Congressional District.
“Randy Fine boasts $1.5M in cash on hand for Senate bid” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Positive has greater than $1.5 million in money readily available for his Senate run. Positive, who final 12 months introduced a marketing campaign for an open seat in Senate District 19, has cash raised between his marketing campaign account and a devoted political committee. The sitting Consultant can not increase cash in the course of the ongoing Legislative Session, however collected the funds via the shut of 2023. He additionally raised greater than six figures within the first week of 2023, earlier than Session started. “As Session hits full swing, I’m humbled by the overwhelming monetary help my Senate marketing campaign has acquired,” Positive mentioned.
“James Reyes campaign for Miami-Dade Sheriff reports $200K raised in first two weeks” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Reyes’ bid to be the county’s first elected Sheriff in additional than half a century is getting off to a strong begin. Reyes’ camp stories it raised greater than $200,000 in its first two weeks — a powerful haul that will put him on tempo to meet up with and probably overtake the race’s fundraising front-runners. “I’m humbled at my early outpouring of help for my marketing campaign to serve and defend Miami-Dade as our neighborhood’s subsequent Sheriff,” Reyes mentioned. “As Sheriff, I’ll deliver the identical type of results-driven management I’ve demonstrated via my 25-year legislation enforcement profession to maintain our residents and households protected.” One in all 17 candidates now working for Sheriff, Reyes entered the race on Jan. 22 because the highest-ranking legislation enforcement officer within the county to file after former Miami-Dade Police Chief Freddy Ramirez dropped out.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Biden says he wants to win Florida. Local Dems also focused on Commission, legislative races” by way of Antonio Fins of the Palm Seashore Publish — When Biden stopped by Palm Seashore County on the finish of January, he mentioned that he needed to “win” Florida. However county Democrats have extra native targets on the outset of the 2024 election 12 months. High priorities embrace flipping a County Fee seat to revive a Democratic majority and taking two Florida Home seats, mentioned Palm Seashore County Democratic Celebration Chair Mindy Koch. “These are actually necessary races,” Koch mentioned. “And if we actually deal with these actually necessary races that we expect that we will win, I feel it could make a distinction.”
“Controversy arises as schools seek parental consent for Black History Month events” by way of Hatzel Vela of WPLG Native 10 Information — February marks Black Historical past Month, an necessary matter being taught at South Florida faculties, however now dad and mom are being requested to log off on whether or not they need their kids to take part in among the academic occasions. “I used to be shocked,” mentioned involved guardian Jill Peeling, who mentioned she thought she might have misunderstood the doc. “I’m involved. I’m involved as a citizen.” The permission type asks dad and mom if they need their youngsters to take part in: ” … class and schoolwide displays showcasing the achievements and recognizing the wealthy and numerous traditions, histories, and innumerable contributions of the Black communities.” Miami-Dade Faculty Board Member Steve Gallon mentioned all of it has to do with getting parental consent when people come on campus.
“West Palm attorney Santo DiGangi named Palm Beach County’s newest Judge” by way of Hannah Phillips of the Palm Seashore Publish — DiGangi, a accomplice on the West Palm Seashore legislation agency Critton, Luttier & Coleman, will grow to be the world’s latest county Choose. DeSantis tapped the lawyer in January to exchange Choose James Sherman, who was promoted to the circuit courtroom bench final 12 months. DiGangi practiced complicated business litigation, private damage, wrongful dying, complicated probate and belief litigation, and authorized malpractice on the Critton, Luttier agency. Earlier than becoming a member of the agency, he served as an Assistant State Lawyer with the Miami-Dade State Lawyer’s Workplace, the place he served because the assistant chief of county courtroom and was chargeable for the prosecution of felony prison circumstances. DiGangi beforehand labored as a trial courtroom legislation clerk with the fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida in West Palm Seashore.
“A reporter asked why a building wasn’t on the tax rolls. Now the one next door is.” by way of Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — The relocation of Fort Lauderdale’s police division to a constructing off Cypress Creek Street had unintended penalties for the constructing subsequent door. It’s now going again on the tax rolls after not getting a property tax invoice for years. How did that occur? The South Florida Solar-Sentinel performed a job when one in all its reporters requested why one of many buildings wasn’t getting billed. Kaplan College as soon as occupied two buildings, one at 1515 and the opposite at 1525 W. Cypress Creek Street. Each buildings sit on land owned by town of Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale’s police division moved into the 1515 constructing in September and can stay there till a brand new $140 million headquarters opens.
“Broward teachers could get average 3.96% raises after months of negotiations” by way of Scott Travis of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — Broward lecturers would get a mean 3.96% annual increase, on high of referendum {dollars} they’ve already gotten, below a tentative settlement. The settlement was reached between the Broward Lecturers Union and the varsity district after months of contentious negotiations. It nonetheless have to be authorized by a vote of lecturers and the Faculty Board to take impact. Underneath the plan, which might be retroactive to July 1: Lecturers ranked extremely efficient below the pay-for-performance plan would get 4.56%; lecturers ranked efficient would get 3.42%; and lecturers within the grandfathered tenure system, largely lecturers employed earlier than 2011, would get 3.65% if they’re rated efficient or extremely efficient.
“F-bomb investigation: Commissioner’s remark didn’t rise to level of harassment, attorney says” by way of Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — Rather a lot can occur in 26 seconds. That’s how lengthy Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman had left his seat on the dais throughout a controversial assembly. In that quick time, Glassman dropped on F-bomb backstage at The Parker, triggering a criticism from Commissioner Warren Sturman’s Chief of Workers. Her criticism, in flip, led to an outdoor investigation given a inexperienced gentle by Sturman and two of his colleagues, John Herbst and Pamela Beasley-Pittman. Glassman admits to dropping one F-bomb. His accuser, Jeri Pryor, claims he made two. Ria Chattergoon, the lawyer employed to analyze the incident, has concluded that Glassman’s comment didn’t rise to the extent of bullying and harassment and didn’t violate town’s office bullying coverage.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Orange County faces April deadline on sales tax decision” by way of Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — If Orange County Commissioners plan to ask voters this November to go a gross sales tax enhance to pay for transportation tasks — the identical subject rejected by 58% of those that solid a poll two years in the past — the Board should determine by April 23. The tight deadline is critical to adjust to a state statute that requires an evaluation by the Workplace of Program Coverage Evaluation and Authorities Accountability earlier than a tax referendum is added to the poll. Talking with the Mayor for the primary time since he proposed in a Jan. 26 memo resurrecting the 1-cent gross sales tax hike, Board members doubted there was sufficient time to win over skeptical constituents and even persuade themselves.
“Orlando Health plans new corporate office tower in SoDo neighborhood” by way of Laura Kinsler of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando Well being is planning a brand new 200,000-square-foot company workplace tower close to its principal campus in Orlando’s SoDo district, in line with a report in GrowthSpotter. Members of the corporate’s improvement group and their planning agency, GAI Consultants, held a pre-application assembly with metropolis employees to debate the mission, which might rise at 1227 S. Division Ave. Orlando Well being bought the positioning in 2018 for $1.6 million from AT&T, which beforehand operated a small workplace and a warehouse, each inbuilt 1959, on the positioning. The hospital additionally purchased the adjoining warehouse at 1309 S. Division Ave., growing the scale of the property to three.68 acres.
“Split Oak Forest dispute headed to court later this month” by way of Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Defenders of Cut up Oak Forest insist Orange County can’t comply with something that harms the conservation land — arguing that ought to nix a plan for a toll highway to slice throughout 60 acres of the protect in neighboring Osceola County. Greater than two dozen Cut up Oak defenders, some holding indicators that learn “Save Cut up Oak” or “Land Swap = Trickery,” urged the Board to struggle the highway and reject a improvement group’s provide of 1,550 different acres in trade. However whether or not Orange County can cease the highway is unclear as an hourlong Board dialogue revealed Tuesday. “It might be out of our management to cease the expressway,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings mentioned, noting the route most popular by the Central Florida Expressway Authority travels via the southern a part of the forest, all in Osceola.
“County Council shifts gears, rejects development moratorium paving way for fuel terminal” by way of Sheldon Gardner of the Daytona Seashore Information-Journal — In a shocking flip of occasions, Volusia County Council members voted 5-2 to reject a moratorium that will have stalled the event of a proposed gas storage and distribution facility close to Ormond Seashore. Council Chair Jeff Brower and Vice Chair Troy Kent have been in favor of the moratorium. The choice to reject a improvement pause in heavy industrial-zoned land implies that the county now has to course of Belvedere Terminals’ web site plan for the ability at 874 Hull Street. The transfer got here after months of public opposition to the mission, a number of hearings with packed Council chambers, and a grassroots effort that sprang as much as cease the mission. Thirty-seven individuals spoke throughout public remark, with solely 4 opposing or questioning the moratorium.
“Eastern Florida State College President gets raise; contract extended to 2029” by way of Finch Walker of Florida At the moment — Japanese Florida State School opted to increase the varsity President’s contract to 2029 this week, citing his “distinctive efficiency and visionary management.” The transfer to increase Jim Richey’s contract was made unanimously by the varsity’s five-member Board of Trustees following a efficiency evaluation, in line with a information launch. Richey, who grew to become President in 2012, has proven nice energy in listening to the neighborhood, mentioned Board Chair Ron Howse. He’s additionally helped create new applications in nursing and flight upkeep that present new alternatives for people and enhance the native financial system. “It’s simply unimaginable,” Howse mentioned. “All these persons are employed as quickly as they graduate. That’s what it’s all about. All I can say is excellent job.”
— LOCAL: TB —
“Pete Boland files for St. Pete City Council, hopes to replace Ed Montanari” by way of Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Boland has filed to run for St. Petersburg Metropolis Council in District 3, the seat at present held by Montanari. Montanari shouldn’t be in search of re-election on account of time period limits and is as an alternative working for a Home seat. Boland’s entrance into the race with give voters within the district a candidate selection extra in keeping with their present consultant — Montanari can be a Republican. District 3 is one in all solely two districts within the metropolis with a voter registration that favors the GOP; the opposite is District 1. In District 3, Republicans outnumber Democrats by 8,850 voters to 7,239.
“Kathleen Beckman says Bruce Rector will ‘stoop to any level’ to win” by way of Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Clearwater Metropolis Council member and mayoral candidate Beckman is pushing again on latest information regarding her marketing campaign, arguing it’s the results of “disturbing marketing campaign ways” by her opponent, fellow Metropolis Council member Rector. At subject is information that Beckman now faces an ethics criticism, which former Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard has mentioned he’ll file, accusing her of utilizing metropolis assets for political achieve. Hibbard overtly helps Rector within the marketing campaign for Mayor. Beckman additionally takes subject with the letter Hibbard despatched to Clearwater residents explaining his determination to help Rector. In that letter, Hibbard claims that Beckman “as soon as advised our former Metropolis Supervisor Invoice Horne that I used to be evil as a result of I used to be a Republican.” Horne has since died and can’t reply as to whether the declare is true.
“Citrus County to stop all construction in beleaguered Inverness development” by way of Mike Wright of Florida Politics — Citrus County Commissioners proceed to place the squeeze on these they are saying are creating the mess in Inverness Villages 4. Commissioners voted 4-1 to cease all constructing exercise in what’s referred to as IV 4 till April 15, inserting 90 property house owners with unfinished homes in a state of the unknown. The transfer coincides with a moratorium Commissioners positioned on new constructing permits in IV 4. Each the moratorium and stop-work order expire the identical day, although Commissioners don’t have a plan past that. Chair Holly Davis is spearheading makes an attempt to get the “nondeveloper,” Anton Van Usen, to promote vacant heaps to the county to be used as drainage. IV 4 is a 400-home platted improvement with public roads that aren’t publicly maintained.
“Ryan Gorman replaced Jack Harris on 970 WFLA. How’s that going?” by way of Paul Guzzo of the Tampa Bay Occasions — Internet hosting morning information radio shouldn’t be a simple gig. Properly, not when you sort out the job like Gorman of NewsRadio 970 WFLA’s “The Ryan Gorman Present.” His workday begins effectively earlier than dawn, ends effectively after sundown, and offers little time for a private life. Why would anybody wish to topic themselves to that? “I’m psychotic,” laughed Gorman, who then turned critical. “My dream was at all times to do morning radio. However, yeah, it’s not simple.” It was even more durable when he began the 5 to 9 a.m. weekday slot in March 2023, having absorbed the 2 early morning hours from native radio legend Harris’ “AM Tampa Bay” present.
“Architect Joe Chillura, who proposed the sales tax that kept the Bucs in Tampa, has died” by way of Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal — Chillura Jr., a Tampa architect who served eight years as a Hillsborough County Commissioner, has died. Chillura, 84, died Feb. 3. He served as a County Commissioner from 1990 to 1998 and got here up with the Neighborhood Funding Tax, a 30-year, halfpenny gross sales tax that funded a number of objects — most notably, the development of Raymond James Stadium, in addition to faculties, sidewalks, public security automobiles and infrastructure repairs. He proposed the CIT after a number of different initiatives to fund the development of a brand new stadium, which was important to maintaining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, had failed. “Joe had quite a lot of perseverance,” Mary Helen Chillura, his spouse of 60 years, mentioned. “If he made up his thoughts to get one thing finished, he made it occur. He needed to make Tampa a greater place, and I feel he did that.”
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Jail didn’t give transplant medicine despite knowing a Jacksonville man needed it, records confirm” by way of Nichole Manna of The Tributary — Jail employees knew Dexter Barry wanted “pressing” transplant remedy final November however by no means gave the medication to him, new Duval County jail information reveal. After two days in jail, the Jacksonville man died. The newly launched medical information verify The Tributary’s earlier reporting about Barry, a coronary heart transplant recipient who was arrested in November and advised jail medical officers that he wanted to take his anti-rejection medicines. Jail employees who processed Barry’s consumption famous his medicines have been “pressing,” they usually verified the medicines with the Walmart pharmacy Barry used, however the employees by no means administered the medicine. Barry was arrested on Nov. 18. He spent two days in jail and was launched after he paid a $503 bond. He died three days later.
“Inside Project Osceola: Florida State sports’ 9-figure private equity plan” by way of Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Occasions — The primary recognized point out of the two-word phrase that would revolutionize Florida State sports activities sits on the highest of the third web page of a money projections spreadsheet from September 2022. Mission Osceola. The title is a nod to the Seminoles’ spear-planting image. The mission is a possible nine-figure personal fairness funding into FSU sports activities that would speed up convention realignment and contact all the things from the Tampa Bay Lightning to Minor League Baseball. After the sports activities enterprise web site Sportico first reported FSU’s personal fairness talks in August.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Could the Sanibel Causeway become ‘Ron DeSantis Sanibel Causeway’?” by way of Claire Galt of WINK Information — The title change is inflicting fairly a stir with these on the island. Nearly all of individuals WINK talked to on Sanibel mentioned that including the Governor’s title to the causeway is simply too political. Plus, DeSantis remains to be alive. Sometimes, we title bridges after somebody has died, however Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman mentioned the Governor’s management after Hurricane Ian was something however typical and deserves a unprecedented “thanks.” Hamman mentioned he was so touched by the Governor’s swift motion he made him a promise: “I wish to be sure we title this bridge after you sometime.”
“Kyle Battie doubles down on false claims, Sarasota City Commission agrees to pay legal expenses” by way of Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The Sarasota Metropolis Fee voted to cowl the authorized bills of embattled Commissioner Battie as much as $15,000, with extra installments doable as he faces an impending lawsuit. Battie, who’s Black, publicly accused native activist Kelly Franklin of referring to him and native enterprise proprietor Tanya Borysciewicz as “gorillas” in a Fb publish. The proof Battie introduced earlier than the Fee was later discovered to be a hoax. Franklin’s lawyer, Richard Harrison of Tampa, advised the Herald-Tribune he expects to file a proper lawsuit towards Battie subsequent week. Throughout public remark, the lawyer referred to as on Battie to resign. Battie remained indignant within the face of blistering outcry towards his conduct.
“Cape Coral Council to adopt new penalties for resident removed from Council chambers” by way of Luis Zambrano of the Fort Myers Information-Press — The Cape Coral Council plans to replace its guidelines to keep away from disruptive conditions, resembling eradicating members of the general public from conferences. The modifications define extra particular penalties for residents who’re eliminated and make a distinction between those that have been arrested consequently or just escorted from Council chambers. “I feel quite a lot of them have been led to due to the incidents that we’ve had in chambers and it simply type of clarified what we will do and what was anticipated and what was anticipated of residents ought to there be an incident,” Tom Hayden mentioned. “So, I feel simply clarifying the procedures helps everybody out.” Cape Coral Council member Robert Welsh concurs.
“2 Manatee County school employees face charges after tying up 7-year-old, police say” by way of Ryan Ballogg of the Bradenton Herald — The Bradenton Police Division introduced arrest warrants for a trainer and a trainer’s aide who allegedly tied up a 7-year-old boy throughout recess. Distinctive Pupil Training trainer Carina Chindamo, 31 and trainer’s aide Taylor Internicola, 39, might be charged with false imprisonment, the police division mentioned in a information launch. In keeping with police, Chindamo and Internicola have been recorded on a safety digicam tying the wrists of the scholar, who’s nonverbal, on the playground throughout recess at G.D. Rogers Backyard-Bullock Elementary Faculty, 515 thirteenth Ave. W., Bradenton. The nylon rope was then wrapped across the leg of a chair, which Chindamo and Internicola took turns sitting on to maintain the kid from getting free, the police division mentioned.
“Bradenton teacher got drunk at school, officials say. She could be charged with a crime” by way of Michael Moore Jr. of the Bradenton Herald — A former Bayshore Elementary Faculty trainer is below prison investigation for allegedly consuming whereas at work. The State Lawyer’s Workplace is investigating Brandi Lee Snyder for baby neglect with out nice bodily hurt after she was found “with medicine and alcohol in her bag” whereas in school on Dec. 18, 2023, in line with a Manatee County Sheriff’s Workplace report obtained by the Bradenton Herald. The Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned Snyder seemed to be below the affect of both medicine or alcohol, blowing a .095 within the Breathalyzer. After blowing over the authorized restrict of .08 whereas at work, Snyder was fired from her job, in line with the sheriff’s workplace report.
— TOP OPINION —
“Biden has openings for a comeback on two weak points” by way of Nate Cohn of The New York Occasions — For the primary time for the reason that 2022 Midterms, Biden has an unmistakable political opening. If he can’t capitalize within the months forward, it is going to heighten doubts about his political viability.
The 2 huge developments have come on what voters say are Biden’s greatest weaknesses on the problems: the financial system and the border.
During the last three months, client confidence has surged to the very best degree since July 2021. Decrease inflation, sustained development and Fed statements have introduced the conclusion {that a} mushy touchdown is at hand. The inventory market has additionally made large positive factors — the S&P 500 is now round 20% greater than over the last wave of New York Occasions/Siena School battleground state polls in late October.
It could be too quickly to anticipate the bettering financial image to assist Biden within the polls. Even now, most voters nonetheless don’t say the financial system is sweet or glorious. They only consider it isn’t so dangerous and isn’t getting worse.
Second, there’s immigration. Voters more and more fee immigration as a high drawback going through the nation and overwhelmingly say Trump would do a greater job dealing with it. The problem is so difficult for Biden that it has been laborious to see how he would possibly defend himself.
Now, his protection is evident. On Sunday, a bipartisan group of Senate Democrats and Republicans introduced a deal on laws to handle the border and support to Ukraine. The deal seems to be useless within the Home, in no small half as a result of Trump opposes it. As a consequence, it’d simply be useless within the Senate as effectively.
Biden could have a believable path in charge Republicans — and by extension Trump — on the problem that should be greatest for Republicans. Within the arms of a deft marketing campaign, Republicans may very well be made to pay a political price for blocking the deal.
— OPINIONS —
“William Mattox: We’ve got 90,000 problems — and easels ain’t one” by way of Florida Politics — A latest report from Step Up for College students recognized a significant issue in our state’s applications. For the present college 12 months, greater than 90,000 Florida households utilized for and have been awarded scholarships that they then selected to not use. The scale of this hole means that the provision of studying choices is failing to maintain up with demand. A part of the issue seems to be that some present personal faculties have adopted a “wait-and-see” angle about taking part in Florida’s scholarship applications. Unusually, the Florida Legislature could also be about so as to add to this local weather of tension by “pulling the rug out from below” one other traditionally cautious inhabitants — homeschoolers.
“Skylar Zander: Energy abundance is critical to Florida’s economic success” by way of Florida politics — We now have seen power prices undergo the roof and proceed to rise. And, regardless that there isn’t a ton we will do on the state degree on power coverage, the Florida legislature is working laborious to make sure Florida can enhance our power provide as a lot as doable; we wish to be sure we’re as numerous and resilient as doable Senate Bill 1624 and House Bill 1645 would guarantee a cheap, numerous, and reasonably priced power provide by lifting numerous overburdensome laws whereas maintaining our power assets safely equipped in our state. Not solely will it scale back taxation on power, so we will save a buck or two, however the invoice is meant to make sure that we produce extra of our personal power and that we meet provide and demand extra easily.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“After Bud Light’s tough year, it’s bringing in Post Malone, Dana White and a genie for Super Bowl reboot” by way of Alex Weprin of The Hollywood Reporter — Bud Mild is prepared for a model reboot, and it’s betting on the Tremendous Bowl to assist ship it. 2023 was a troublesome 12 months for the model, which noticed its gross sales decline double digits following an influencer-marketing marketing campaign that included transgender TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney. It was additionally a 12 months wherein the AB InBev model used the large sport to take a extra refined method to market in a marketing campaign starring Miles and Keleigh Teller. Now, the beer model is reversing course and leaning into among the traits that made its earlier Tremendous Bowl adverts classics of the style: Humor, wacky characters, and a few huge sports activities and music stars.
“Juvenile right whale spotted in the waters off Melbourne Beach” by way of Jim Waymer of Florida At the moment — Name it a pilgrimage of types. An endangered proper whale, born final 12 months to a mom named Pilgrim, has been making her personal waves this week within the waters off Melbourne Seashore. There have been no less than 17 endangered proper whales born on this calving season. The firstborn died after being hit by a vessel. Proper whales steer some captains to frustration. Whale advocates are asking captains to be looking out for the younger whale within the Melbourne Seashore space. The whale’s look is a hopeful signal, but it surely’s among the many only a few for a species of lower than 400 animals.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Greatest needs to U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, former Rep. Brad Drake, Josh Burgin, Michelle McGovern, vice chairman of Authorities and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast, Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta, Andy Taylor, and Rachel Witbracht, director of Authorities Relations on the University of West Florida.
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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