[ad_1]
Good Friday morning.
New polling from Florida Atlantic College exhibits that Florida continues to be Trump nation and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s re-election marketing campaign — and doubtlessly Casey DeSantis 2026 — is doing even higher than the previous President.
The survey, performed April 15-17, discovered that fifty% of registered voters in Florida help Donald Trump in comparison with 42% who favor President Joe Biden. One other 5% opted for various candidates, whereas 3% remained undecided.
In the meantime, Scott has 51% help in a still-hypothetical contest in opposition to former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who has simply 35% within the trial warmth. FAU additionally discovered the First Girl with 38% help within the GOP Main for Governor in comparison with 16% for U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Notably, neither Republican has introduced a marketing campaign and different polling has indicated U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds — whom respondents weren’t requested about — would draw appreciable help ought to he enter the competition.
“There may be clear curiosity amongst Republican voters in seeing Casey DeSantis run for Governor in 2026,” mentioned Kevin Wagner, co-director of FAU’s PolCom Lab. “This ballot additionally means that the race continues to be open for brand spanking new candidates to emerge over the following couple of years.”
Moreover, the ballot discovered uncertainty for the 2 main constitutional amendments slated for the 2024 poll. Leisure pot enjoys simply 47% help with 35% opposed. The abortion rights modification has much less opposition at 49%-19% however continues to be nicely wanting the 60% share required for passage.
“The outcomes level to an 11% achieve that should occur between now and Nov. 5 for the poll initiative to go. Since virtually one-third of respondents have no idea how they might vote if confronted with the poll initiative, because of this it might go both means come November,” mentioned Luzmarina Garcia, an assistant professor of Political Science at FAU.
___
The Southern Group is bolstering its lobbying roster in South Florida with the addition of Olivia Vairo.
Vairo is the previous assistant director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the place she helped to efficiently advance and advocate for the federal Farm Invoice.
On the Bureau, Vairo labored with members throughout all 50 states to make sure legislative priorities have been supported. She was additionally liable for the coordination of fundraising for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Political Motion Committee.
“Ms. Vairo has been an impressive contributor to the Florida Farm Bureau Federation staff. She possesses and reveals impeccable character, spectacular competence and a exceptional work ethic. Our important loss is The Southern Group’s achieve,” mentioned Jeb Smith, Florida Farm Bureau Federation President.
Vairo, a Fort Lauderdale native who resides in Miami, holds an undergraduate diploma in advertising from Florida State College.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@byJasonDelgado: The Satanic Temple’s @LucienGreaves on the college chaplain invoice @GovRonDeSantis signed into legislation. “He’s immediately inviting satanic chaplains into public faculties. He can say he’s doing in any other case however he is not going to prevail in courtroom.”
—@skgoodell: I assume you’re too caught on eager to repeat your rhetoric and propaganda about issues that aren’t occurring in a Okay classroom that you’ve got missed my level. Okay college students are usually not geared up to even come near understanding the evils of communism. I assume I really care
—@Olivianuzzi: A potential juror, speaking about who he follows on Twitter, tells the courtroom, “Let’s go along with Twitter, I don’t name it X.”
—@ProjectLincoln: Should you ran for President, would your loved ones endorse you?
—@TheRickWilson: I’m guessing after two humiliating days of #DonSnoreleone that Trump is rocking a lot Adderall his eyes are vibrating.
—@MaxwellFrostFL: The Freedom Caucus created a bunch referred to as FART. You’ll be able to’t make these items up lol
Tweet, tweet:
He’s coming to search out Nagini recognized to Muggles as MTG https://t.co/V4GW22atLa
— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) April 18, 2024
—@FlaBryan: Native management of Gainesville’s native utilities is shifting ahead! The Metropolis Fee voted unanimously at the moment to put the elimination of the GRU Authority on the poll in November with the poll language seen right here: #RepealTheGRUAuthority #FlaPol
Tweet, tweet:
Effectively it’s official. Morgan and I are so glad to welcome Ivy 🎀 #GirlDad pic.twitter.com/yYSdz5sSuy
— Ebo (@Ebo_Entsuah) April 18, 2024
— DAYS UNTIL —
Florida Housing Summit ‘Blueprint for Higher Outcomes’ begins — 12; Kentucky Derby — 14; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 21; ‘The Blue Angels,’ a function documentary from J.J. Abrams opens in IMAX theaters — 28; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 29; French Open begins — 31; Particular Election to interchange Orlando Metropolis Commissioner Regina Hill — 32; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 33; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer season Tour begins in Tampa — 33; Monaco Grand Prix — 37; the 2024 World Cup begins — 53; season two of ‘Home of the Dragon’ returns to Max — 58; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 71; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 87; the 2024 World Cup ends — 90; 2024 MLS All-Star Sport — 95; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 97; ‘Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 116; Florida Main Election — 123; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 123; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 127; 2024 NFL season kicks off — 140; Packers will face Eagles in Brazil — 140; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 182; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 185; 2024 Presidential Election — 200; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 213; MLS Cup 2024 — 228; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 298; the 2025 Oscars — 317; Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session begins — 319; 2025 Session ends — 379; ‘Moana’ premieres — 429; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 460; ‘Implausible 4’ reboot premieres — 462; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 567; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 609; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 746; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 762; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 973; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,113; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,072; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,794.
— TOP STORY —
“President Joe Biden to visit Tampa next week” by way of Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Occasions — Biden is making a marketing campaign cease in Tampa on Tuesday in his newest go to to the donor-rich Sunshine State.
Extra particulars about his go to, together with whether or not he shall be making public remarks, are forthcoming.
Profitable Florida in November appears an uphill battle for the President. Trump has constantly led within the polls, and a Florida Atlantic College ballot of registered voters launched Thursday had the previous President up by eight factors.
However the marketing campaign believes it has a pathway to victory within the state based mostly on the GOP’s “poisonous political agenda,” together with abortion, in accordance with a marketing campaign memo launched this month.
Throughout a cease in South Florida in January, Biden raised greater than $6 million in a single fundraiser hosted by legal professional Chris Korge, a longtime Democratic donor.
— STATEWIDE —
“A national insurance company wrote a bill to obstruct asbestos lawsuits in Florida” by way of Jason Garcia of In search of Rents — A lobbyist for the Florida Chamber of Commerce urged lawmakers to go the invoice. So did somebody from Related Industries of Florida. Representatives from the Florida Insurance coverage Council, the Florida Justice Reform Institute, and the USA Chamber of Commerce all endorsed it, too. It was a robust show of public help. And it steered that quite a few corporations have been behind the laws, which might have made it simpler for company defendants to defeat lawsuits introduced by individuals who contract lung most cancers from publicity to asbestos — an simply inhaled fiber that was as soon as broadly utilized in building and manufacturing. However data present the invoice was despatched in to the state Home by one firm specifically: Nationwide, the enormous insurance coverage firm greatest recognized for its earworm promoting jingle. Nationwide turned a $1.3 billion working revenue final yr — however the insurer has additionally needed to cowl deep losses from asbestos-related claims lately and stays uncovered to additional claims sooner or later.
“Florida’s affordable housing agency rejects allegations from former director” by way of Gary Fineout of POLITICO — The inner evaluate, which was requested by Ryan Benson, the present Chair of the Board of the Florida Housing Finance Corp., appeared into whether or not the FHFC was sitting on practically $1 billion in “funding belongings” it was not tapping into, and whether or not the company had one other $2 billion unfold throughout 50 financial institution accounts with “little to no backup documentation.” However the inside evaluate — which was briefly mentioned by the Board of the FHFC at its final assembly in late March — didn’t cowl all of the allegations made by Mike DiNapoli, the previous government director, together with that Board members had potential conflicts of curiosity with initiatives that have been awarded cash or tax credit. The report refuted DiNapoli’s assertions and said that there was “accountability” with the accounts and that the $900 million in funding belongings had been “accessed each day.”
“Florida kicked their son off Medicaid in the ‘unwinding’ but not their daughter” by way of Phil Galewitz of NPR — Indira Navas of Miami discovered that her 6-year-old son, Andres, had been disenrolled from Florida’s Medicaid program when she took him to a physician appointment in March. She had scheduled Andres’ appointment months upfront and is annoyed that he stays uninsured. In the meantime, Navas mentioned the state couldn’t clarify why her daughter, Camila, 12, remained lined by Medicaid regardless that the youngsters stay in the identical family with their mother and father. “It doesn’t make sense that they might cowl one in all my kids and never the opposite,” Navas says. The Navas household are amongst tens of millions of People caught within the bumpy Medicaid unwinding, enjoying out throughout the nation over the previous yr.
“College crime surging back to pre-COVID levels. Here’s the crime at Florida colleges, universities” by way of C.A. Bridges of USA Right this moment Community — Not every little thing again to regular after the pandemic is sweet. Campus crime has risen again up, too. Authorities knowledge exhibits the variety of crimes reported on faculty campuses across the U.S. surged again as much as pre-pandemic ranges by 2022. Crime reported from practically 6,000 establishments rose about 8% from 2019, regardless that enrollments dipped throughout the identical interval. Specialists see little cause to fret and say the numbers are largely in step with what schools have been experiencing since 2013, in accordance with S. Daniel Carter, president of the consulting agency Security Advisors for Academic Campuses.
“Leading Dem slams offering $500 for college students to participate in politically focused state survey” by way of Recent Take Florida — A distinguished Democrat is criticizing Florida universities for making an attempt to spice up scholar participation in a politically charged state survey by providing a $500 bookstore raffle at their respective faculties. The Board of Governors introduced the raffles final week when it prolonged the deadline for finishing the survey to Friday from final week. Earlier this week, Recent Take Florida, a information service on the College of Florida Faculty of Journalism and Communications, reported that the survey of faculty and college college students features a host of latest questions this yr. Critics mentioned they thought the deadline extension and raffle with a monetary incentive stemmed from fears about low turnout.
— 2024 — FLORIDA —
“Ron DeSantis says Florida amendment allows abortions ‘until birth.’ What’s true?” by way of Alexandra Glorioso and Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Occasions — Because the Florida Supreme Court docket cleared an abortion-rights modification for the November poll, DeSantis has criticized the proposal as “extremely radical” and permitting “abortion up till beginning” — a declare the modification’s backers say is fake. “It’s not one thing that happens,” Floridians Defending Freedom Marketing campaign Director Lauren Brenzel mentioned.
“Donald Trump leads Biden by eight points in Florida in new Florida Atlantic University survey” by way of Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Trump continues to carry a powerful lead over Biden in a brand new survey of Florida registered voters. The ballot of 865 adults from the Florida Atlantic College Political Communication and Public Opinion Analysis Lab and Mainstreet Analysis launched on Thursday exhibits Trump with 50% help, whereas 42% help Biden. One other 5% choose different candidates, whereas 3% stay undecided. When unbiased candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is included within the combine, Trump’s lead goes to 10 factors, with the previous President at 48% help, Biden at 38%, and Kennedy Jr. at 7%.
“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell continues to hammer Rick Scott on abortion restrictions” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Mucarsel-Powell hopes to win her occasion’s nomination to tackle U.S. Sen. Scott this Fall, and her marketing campaign is betting closely on the abortion concern galvanizing turnout. With the state’s Heartbeat Safety Act banning the process typically after six weeks of being pregnant, and a possible constitutional modification that might roll again Florida’s abortion legislation to allow termination of being pregnant “earlier than viability” of the fetus on the poll, the previous South Florida Congresswoman has repeatedly slammed Scott for rhetorical inconsistencies on the difficulty. A brand new press name provided extra of the identical, with the candidate ripping Scott for saying he would have signed the state-level abortion legislation and suggesting that if he might, he would impose a nationwide abortion ban. Mucarsel-Powell mentioned Scott “doubled down on his help for Florida’s close to complete abortion ban simply 24 hours after claiming that he now not supported it.”
— 2024 — PRESIDENTIAL —
“Kennedy clan endorses Biden, in a show of force against RFK Jr.” by way of Nicholas Nehamas and Michael Gold of The New York Occasions — A broad coalition of the Kennedy household endorsed Biden at a marketing campaign rally in Philadelphia, pointedly rejecting one in all their very own in Kennedy Jr., the unbiased candidate who many Democrats imagine poses a major risk to Biden’s re-election possibilities. Among the many kin of Kennedy who backed Biden have been his siblings Joseph, Kerry, Rory, Kathleen, Maxwell and Christopher. Roughly a dozen Kennedys appeared on the rally, the place Kerry Kennedy launched Biden. “He has us thriving once more, believing once more, behaving like good neighbors once more,” Kerry Kennedy mentioned of Biden as he and 5 of her siblings appeared on from the stage. “Almost each single grandchild of Joe and Rose Kennedy helps Joe Biden. That’s proper, the Kennedy household endorses Joe Biden for President.”
“James Comer refuses to learn anything from his investigation into Biden” by way of Philip Bump of The Washington Submit — Home Oversight Committee Chair Comer’s offended effort to rebut the Committee’s prime Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin, in the course of a listening to, bought off to an unusually promising begin. The now-discredited allegation that Biden had taken a hefty bribe from a Ukrainian enterprise proprietor was, in reality, not the “genesis” of the Republican-led investigation into Biden as Raskin had mentioned; as a substitute, it was merely one in all a number of in the end unproductive avenues of inquiry that Comer and his allies explored. Then, goaded right into a debate by Raskin, Comer rapidly misplaced the excessive floor. “Should you imagine that it could have been unlawful for Joe Biden to take $5 million from Ukraine — it definitely would have been,” Raskin requested. “What do you concentrate on Donald Trump taking greater than $5 million from the Chinese language authorities whereas he was President?”
“Trump’s trial now has 12 jurors — and one angry man” by way of Jose Pagliery of The Every day Beast — Regardless of the troubles plaguing Trump’s first felony trial in New York Metropolis, the method reached a milestone Thursday afternoon when the decide stuffed all 12 seats of the jury that can decide his destiny. However the slog is way from over, as prosecutors and protection legal professionals should now display dozens of different jurors to choose the half-dozen New Yorkers who will function alternates throughout the subsequent month or two — and won’t even make it into the deliberation room.
“Team Trump is undermining its bias claim against Juan Merchan” by way of Andrew C. McCartney of Nationwide Evaluate — Trump has a very good argument that Choose Merchan ought to recuse himself from the continuing “hush cash” trial on account of patent political bias. It’s true that Merchan has bent over backward to accommodate the doubtful authorized theories of Manhattan district legal professional Alvin Bragg, the elected progressive Democrat who has introduced this unabashedly political prosecution — though the decide has sprinkled in a few rulings that profit. Constant along with his MO, although, Trump is undermining a very good argument by scary dumb controversies in a clear try and painting Merchan as completely blinded by anti-Trump animus. As a result of this entails saying issues that aren’t true, it’s apt to guide reviewing courts to conclude that the true issues Trump has mentioned about Merchan are suspect. As ever, the Shopper from Hell is his personal worst enemy.
“Prosecutors: Trump violated gag order in hush-money trial seven more times” by way of Ivana Saric of Axios — Prosecutors accused Trump of repeatedly violating the gag order the decide positioned on him in his New York hush-money case. Trump is already in scorching water for criticizing potential witnesses Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, with prosecutors shifting earlier this week to carry him in contempt of violating the gag order. Choose Juan Merchan, who’s overseeing the case, had beforehand scheduled a listening to for subsequent Tuesday over prosecutors’ request to carry Trump in contempt for alleged gag order violations. Prosecutors on Thursday alleged that Trump has violated the gag order seven extra instances since Monday.
“Judge rejects Trump’s effort to delay Jan. 6 civil cases” by way of Alan Feuer of The New York Occasions — A federal decide on Thursday rejected Trump’s try and delay a bunch of lawsuits which are looking for to carry him accountable for uplifting the violence on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump had sought to have the fits placed on maintain till after the completion of his federal felony trial related to lots of the identical occasions. However in a nine-page ruling, the decide, Amit P. Mehta, determined that the lawsuits might transfer ahead with out working the danger that Trump would possibly injury his possibilities within the felony case by revealing his protection technique prematurely or making statements that prosecutors would possibly use in opposition to him. Final month, when legal professionals for Trump first requested Choose Mehta to postpone the civil instances, it was the most recent instance of the previous President looking for to pit his a number of authorized issues in opposition to each other in an effort to delay them.
“Trump is funneling campaign money into cash-strapped businesses. Experts say it looks bad” by way of Zac Anderson and Erin Mansfield of the Palm Seashore Submit — Trump’s fundamental 2024 White Home marketing campaign fundraising operation sharply elevated spending on the former President’s properties, together with his Mar-a-Lago resort, in latest months, funneling cash into his companies at a time when he’s dealing with critical authorized jeopardy and desperately wants money. Trump’s joint fundraising committee wrote three checks in February and one in March to his Mar-a-Lago membership in Palm Seashore, Florida, totaling $411,287 and one other in March to Trump Nationwide Doral Miami for $62,337, in accordance with a report filed to the Federal Election Fee (FEC) this week. Federal legislation and FEC laws permit donor funds to be spent at a candidate’s enterprise as long as the marketing campaign pays honest market worth, specialists say.
— DOWN-BALLOT —
“Laurel Lee has drawn plenty of challengers. But do any of them have money?” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A name by President Trump for somebody to Main Lee appeared to hurry candidates to file. However to this point, it’s unclear who has the assets to problem the incumbent in a swing district. Lee, a Thonotosassa Republican, raised practically $278,000 from the beginning of the yr till the tip of March. That brings her complete fundraising for the cycle to almost $628,000. She additionally spent practically $69,000 this quarter. With all issues collectively, she closed March with greater than $781,000 in money available, practically 29 instances as a lot as any challenger.
“Vern Buchanan outraises Eddie Speir 17-to-1” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Buchanan massively outraised GOP Main opponent Speir within the first quarter of 2024. Buchanan, who serves as Vice Chair of the Home Methods and Means Committee, added practically $263,000 in new contributions between the beginning of the yr and finish of March. That introduced his complete contributions this election cycle to greater than $1.1 million. In the meantime, he spent lower than $117,000 over the identical time interval. He wrapped the interval with upward of $1.7 million in money available. In the meantime, Speir, founding father of Inspiration Academy in Bradenton, raised lower than $16,000 in Q1. That mentioned, he spent greater than $60,000 on his Main problem bid in opposition to Buchanan.
“Jared Moskowitz taps local donors, national groups to add $474K in Q1 toward CD 23 defense” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Moskowitz added $474,000 to his re-election struggle chest in Florida’s twenty third Congressional District final quarter by means of a mix of progressive and Israel-supporting donations from three dozen political committees and advocacy organizations. After spending roughly a 3rd of that between Jan. 1 and March 31, he had $614,000 left to spend going into the second quarter, together with a $181,000 self-loan that’s totally refundable if unused. In the meantime, a former supporter of Moskowitz’s — ex-Palm Seashore County Commissioner Robert Weinroth — led a crowded Republican Main discipline with $223,000 raised since Jan. 2. Of that, $100,000 was self-loaned. Weinroth’s first quarter positive aspects have been greater than the mixed fundraising of half a dozen different candidates looking for the GOP nod in August.
“Inside the war chests: Christian Caban political committee raises $125K; Rudy Ferguson pulls closer to Jack Porter” by way of Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Regardless of having no opposition, Leon County Commissioner Caban raised an enormous amount of cash — over $145,000 — final quarter, way over any of the opposite candidates. Ferguson — in one in all two races that might resolve management of Metropolis Corridor — is amongst 4 candidates difficult Metropolis Commissioner Porter for Seat 1. His fundraising final quarter pulled him inside about $7,000 of the incumbent, who has raised $72,762.
“Filmmaker Billy Corben says he will run for Miami-Dade Democratic Party Chair” by way of Max Greenwood of the Miami Herald — Corben, an award-winning filmmaker who moonlights as an acerbic political activist, is launching a bid to guide the Miami-Dade Democratic Get together. His announcement, which is anticipated Friday on his podcast “As a result of Miami,” will put him in direct competition with state Sen. Shevrin Jones, who this week grew to become the primary particular person to leap into the race for occasion Chair. Jones already has the backing of a few of Miami’s most distinguished Democrats, together with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson. In a profanity-laced interview with the Miami Herald, Corben described the election of Miami-Dade Democratic Get together’s subsequent Chair as an tried “coronation” of Jones.
“Fort Lauderdale is maxing out on cemetery space. Could closed Broward schools be the fix?” by way of Raisa Habersham of the Miami Herald — Fort Lauderdale is working out of cemetery house. One potential answer? Turning shuttered Broward County faculties into extra burial house. Throughout a Metropolis Fee convention, Mike Watson, the District 1 consultant for town’s Cemetery System Board of Trustees, urged Commissioners to contemplate it as an choice, saying city-owned cemeteries are virtually full and extra space is required. Final yr, the Broward County Faculty Board requested Superintendent Peter Licata to determine 5 faculties to shut or repurpose by 2025 due to low enrollment. “I truthfully perceive the Faculty Board has not decided however wish to be sure you are conscious of the necessity,” Watson advised the Fee.
“Before septic tanks fail, more South Florida homes are switching to sewers” by way of Lisa J. Huriash of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — As South Florida faces sea-level rise, flooding and storm surge, officers are working to modify hundreds of septic tanks throughout the area into sewer connections. “Inside numerous years, they’re going to fail and that shall be horrible,” Broward County Commissioner Steve Geller, who is also the Chair of the Water Advisory Board. And as extra sewage seeps into the groundwater that “in fact impacts the protection of our consuming water,” he mentioned. Till now, Broward has eradicated 16,424 septic tanks, in accordance with county officers. Many extra changes are on the best way. A septic tank is a buried container constructed to obtain and partially deal with uncooked home sanitary wastewater, in accordance with the Environmental Safety Company.
“A children’s library at home, for free: Miami-Dade literacy program expands to 60,000 families” by way of Kate Payne of WLRN — Dad and mom of younger kids know there’s solely so many hours within the day when your infants aren’t screaming, crying or in want of a diaper change. And in these valuable moments of calm, these sleep-deprived younger mother and father are most likely not doing a deep-dive into the most effective new kids’s books. However households in Miami-Dade County have another choice — the Kids’s Belief E-book Membership. Launched in 2015, the initiative run by the taxpayer-funded group sends a free guide each month to younger kids from beginning till they flip 5.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Prepping for a nightmare scenario: What happens if there’s a condo collapse in Volusia County?” by way of Sheldon Gardner of the Daytona Seashore Information-Journal — From mass shootings to monster hurricanes, Volusia County emergency administration officers and first responders should be prepared for something. This week, some are coaching on how to reply to what can be a real nightmare: A rental collapse in Daytona Seashore Shores. The Federal Emergency Administration Company is internet hosting the coaching on the county’s Emergency Operations Middle. Volusia County and selected the situation. The county’s shoreline is lined with condos and motels, and a few have been evacuated as a precaution due to Hurricane Ian and Tropical Storm Nicole. The middle is the hub for catastrophe response within the county, the place legislation enforcement, firefighters, native governments and others all have representatives to coordinate assets and save lives.
“As guardian program volunteers, Brevard Schools employees can be trained to carry guns” by way of Finch Walker of Florida Right this moment — After six months of debate, Brevard Public Colleges (BPS) is shifting forward with permitting staff to participate in Florida’s guardian program, a plan that can let skilled people apart from college useful resource officers carry weapons on Brevard campuses. How the choice to implement the voluntary program in Brevard was made stays murky. Within the occasion of a faculty capturing, guardians — who is not going to embody tutorial employees at BPS — are supposed to act to guard college students and employees. Whereas the concept to develop this system was initially raised in October of final yr by Board Chair Megan Wright, little motion was taken after public outcry in opposition to extra weapons at school on the following two Board conferences in November and December.
“Volusia County School employees will see a nearly 6% increase on health insurance” by way of Mary Ellen Ritter of the Daytona Seashore Information-Journal — Volusia County Colleges staff can count on an virtually 6% enhance of their medical health insurance charge subsequent yr. Per the April 9 assembly agenda, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin really helpful that the Board approve the rise beginning Oct. 1, 2024, with the addition of the submitted attachment introduced earlier than the Board. The movement handed 3-2 with Chair Jamie Haynes, Carl Persis and Jessie Thompson in favor and Anita Burnette and Ruben Colón opposed. In line with the Worker Advantages Renewals Plan for the yr of Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, included within the April 9 Faculty Board assembly agenda, this approval will end in a 5.9% enhance in Florida Well being Care insurance coverage.
“County ramps up $100 million in transportation work after tax effort suspended” by way of Ryan Lynch of the Orlando Enterprise Journal — The county voted to droop bringing a tax to fund transportation must the poll in 2024, however nonetheless is placing a few of its funds ahead for initiatives.
“Disney, Universal report leg injuries, loss of consciousness on rides” by way of DeWayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — Guests at Walt Disney World and Common Orlando skilled leg accidents, shortness of breath and lack of consciousness on rides at their theme parks within the first three months of 2024, a state report revealed Thursday. The doc listed eight visitor accidents at Disney and two at Common from January by means of March. In January, a 63-year-old customer injured her leg whereas leaving the experience car for the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, and a 70-year-old visitor fell and injured her leg whereas loading into Epcot’s Spaceship Earth attraction. At Magic Kingdom, a 32-year-old feminine misplaced consciousness whereas aboard House Mountain, and a 46-year-old had head ache and nausea after driving Tron Lightcycle / Run curler coaster. Each have been reported in January.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Gus Bilirakis announces kickoff tour for re-election effort” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Bilirakis will formally launch his re-election marketing campaign within the coming weeks. Bilirakis initially deliberate to open with a kickoff tour on April 20, however postponed “on account of a beforehand unscheduled Saturday vote within the U.S. Home of Representatives.” A marketing campaign electronic mail explains that Home Speaker Mike Johnson has “scheduled votes on 5 crucial payments for this Saturday,” prompting its resolution to postpone so Bilirakis could possibly be current to vote. The marketing campaign says particulars on a rescheduled date will comply with.
“Tampa Police give all-clear after bomb threat, suicide in FDOT parking lot” by way of Jason Lanning of Bay Information 9 — Bomb squad officers have been referred to as to a Division of Transportation workplace Wednesday after a person dedicated suicide within the car parking zone. McKinley Drive between Busch Boulevard and Fowler Avenue reopened to site visitors early Thursday as soon as investigators decided the realm was protected. Police mentioned the person, in his 60s, made threats he had a bomb and was going to drive into the FDOT workplaces. Tampa police responded to the scene when 911 calls began coming in. Officers mentioned once they approached the person’s automobile to speak to him, he took his personal life. In a single day, when the person’s physique was faraway from the automobile, investigators mentioned they discovered wires and different suspicious objects that required the bomb squad to research.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Bob Graham, Florida Governor and U.S. Senator, to lie in state at Tallahassee’s old Capitol” by way of James L. Rosica of the Tallahassee Democrat — Graham will lie in state on the Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee, recognized informally because the “outdated Capitol,” 11 a.m.-1 p.m. subsequent Friday. Funeral director Rocky Bevis additionally mentioned a non-public graveside service would comply with later that day on the metropolis’s Oakland Cemetery alongside Bronough Road, not removed from the Governor’s Mansion the place Graham spent eight years (1979-87) because the state’s chief government. A celebration of life is about for Could 11 at Miami Lakes Congregational Church, the “Graham household’s residence church,” Bevis added.
“Former Jacksonville Deputy General Counsel Lawsikia Hodges joins private firm” by way of Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Former Jacksonville Deputy Common Counsel Hodges has been employed by the legislation agency Smith, Gambrell & Russell. Hodges has joined the Jacksonville workplace of the agency, which relies in Atlanta. Hodges will head up the agency’s governmental affairs observe in Jacksonville. She’ll even be a member of the agency’s actual property group. “We’re happy to welcome Lawsikia to SGR and salute her a few years of public service to the Metropolis of Jacksonville,” mentioned Steven E. Brust, managing accomplice of the Jacksonville workplace. “Her expertise in metropolis, county, and native authorities shall be a beneficial useful resource to our purchasers.”
Personnel be aware: Leah Courtney heads to NFIB — U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn’s Communications Director, Courtney, is leaving Capitol Hill to affix the Nationwide Federation for Impartial Enterprise as a Senior Media Supervisor. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with you all through the previous 4-5 years — a few of you, I’ve labored with for even longer,” she mentioned in an electronic mail to the press. “Serving in Congressman Dunn’s workplace has been a wild experience. Between impeachments, a worldwide pandemic, and hurricanes, you all have been very affected person with me, and I can not thanks sufficient.” Courtney added that Dunn’s workplace is working to rent a everlasting substitute “ASAP.” Alex Vargo will function the interim contact for Dunn’s workplace.
“Group replacing New World Landing scales back plans for new downtown Pensacola hotel” by way of Jim Little of the Pensacola Information Journal — A lodge group that plans to interchange New World Touchdown with a brand new constructing is scaling again their plans for the South Palafox property. 3H Group Resorts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, had beforehand received approval from the Pensacola Architectural Evaluate Board to construct an eight-story lodge, however at the moment are scaling again their proposal to a seven-story, 220-room lodge. The brand new plans, which must be authorized by the ARB on Thursday, take away the deliberate rooftop bar and pool and add a second-floor patio overlooking Palafox and Cedar streets. The constructing will now be 87 toes tall versus the practically 100 toes of the earlier design.
“Ascension St. Vincent’s appoints new CEOs for Jacksonville area; here’s their credentials” by way of Beth Reese Cravey of the Florida Occasions-Union — Ascension St. Vincent’s has named new leaders for 2 of its 4 Jacksonville-area hospitals. Kevin Rinks is now president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Southside, and Bryan Walrath is president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Clay County. Rinks and Walrath are longtime well being care professionals and have already assumed their new duties. Each oversee day-to-day operations at their respective hospitals, specializing in “advancing affected person entry to specialty care within the area, bolstering the standard of the affected person and affiliate expertise at every hospital and strengthening ties with stakeholders in every neighborhood,” in accordance with Ascension. The Catholic well being care system’s services are among the many Jacksonville space’s 10 full-service hospitals. The system additionally operates 90 different well being care services and employs about 5,300 folks.
“The results: Will any of Newberry’s schools convert to public charter?” by way of Lillian Lawson of The Gainesville Solar — The votes to find out the doable conversion of Newberry’s three public faculties to constitution faculties have been counted Wednesday on the Mentholee Municipal Constructing in Newberry. In abstract, the conversion motion failed in all three instances, although it’s disputing one set of outcomes. Town of Newberry introduced a plan on Feb. 19 in collaboration with Schooling First for Newberry to transform its public faculties — Newberry Elementary, Oak View Center and Newberry Excessive — to public constitution faculties. Since then, the group spearheading the marketing campaign had been unable to supply many ensures to the general public. The plan had additionally been up to date a number of instances amid residents voicing their considerations and opposition to the proposed conversion.
“Thousands expected at Tallahassee Pridefest at Kleman Plaza” by way of Kenya Cardonne of WTXL — Celebrating visibility and illustration of the LGBTQ neighborhood, Saturday marks the second yr of Pridefest for the reason that COVID-19 pandemic interrupted annual Tallahassee Satisfaction festivities. As many as 5,000 individuals are anticipated to affix the enjoyable. “Discovering neighborhood in different individuals who appear to be them, after which for our allies yeah simply to help and love on this neighborhood that we all know is so lovely and value being seen,” mentioned Interim Chair of Tallahassee Satisfaction, Lauren Kelly-Manders.
“TCC trustees sign resolution, unveil new academic seal in honor of ‘historic’ rebranding” by way of Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Tallahassee Neighborhood Faculty — soon-to-be Tallahassee State Faculty beginning July 1 — introduced out the Champagne Tuesday proper after its Board of Trustees adopted a decision to acknowledge the rebranding. The school’s new TSC tutorial seal was unveiled throughout a reception that adopted the Board assembly in TCC’s Hinson Administration Constructing on campus, the place President Jim Murdaugh and trustees made a toast to the brand new beginnings. “That is such a historic day as we have a good time TCC shifting into Tallahassee State Faculty,” TCC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Karen Moore mentioned.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Transcript from Christian Ziegler sex video details decision not to pursue rape charge” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A transcript of a intercourse video supplied by Ziegler confirms particulars that in the end undermined a rape accusation in opposition to him. However the identical data batch additionally offers extra context of a earlier threesome between the lady, Ziegler and his spouse, Sarasota County Faculty Board member Bridget Ziegler. The data have been launched to the Florida Middle For Authorities Accountability, which has fought for the discharge of paperwork across the now-closed felony investigation of Ziegler. The just-released video transcript confirms graphic particulars that police sources had beforehand relayed to the group. “Police have been capable of authenticate that the video was taken on 10/2/23,” the police report mentioned, referencing the date of a sexual encounter between Ziegler and the lady.
“Sarasota Republican club lawsuit alleges former members stole funds to start new group” by way of Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A dispute over management of the second largest Republican membership in Sarasota County has shifted to the courts, because the Republican Membership of South Sarasota County (RCSSC) has sued 4 of its former members and officers, alleging they stole membership funds and property once they broke away earlier this yr to create a brand new group — the America First Southwest Florida Caucus. However a lawsuit filed on April 12 within the twelfth Judicial Circuit Court docket by the Republican Membership of South Sarasota County alleges that the founding officers of the brand new group had no authority to dissolve the RCSSC’s constitution and seeks $63,000 in damages.
“What will ‘wilderness’ designation mean for the Big Cypress, swamp buggy riders?” by way of Chad Gillis of the Fort Myers Information-Press — Hunters, swamp buggy fans, politicians, Gladesmen and others are preventing to maintain the federal authorities from giving a wilderness designation to the Huge Cypress Nationwide Protect outdoors of Naples. A number of environmental teams help the transfer, which might doubtless prohibit swamp buggy and airboat utilization in a lot of the protect. They’re battling over a wilderness designation that was triggered by an ecological evaluate of the Huge Cypress. Designating an space as official “wilderness” is the very best stage of safety that may be afforded to lands in the USA. “Motorized can be off-limits, just like the sawgrass in Everglades Nationwide Park,” mentioned Matthew Schwartz, with the South Florida Wild Lands Affiliation, who helps the designation.
“Manatee officials argue over illegal immigration’s effects on local hospitals, governments” by way of Jesse Mendoza of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Manatee County officers gathered for a particular assembly to debate any financial impression potential unlawful immigration might have on native hospitals and authorities companies. The assembly drew criticism from the Manatee County Democratic Get together, which issued a written assertion chastising the assembly as divisive and calling for federal legislators to take a bipartisan strategy towards immigration coverage reform. “It’s disappointing to witness our elected officers prioritize divisive rhetoric and partisan gamesmanship over the well-being of Manatee County residents,” the Democratic Get together said. “If the Board actually cares about immigration reform, we urge them to direct their efforts the place they will make a significant impression: advocating for bipartisan immigration reform on the federal stage.”
— TOP OPINION —
“Why we must teach true history of communism in schools” by way of Manny Diaz, Jr. for the Miami Herald — It’s broadly understood that those that fail to be taught historical past are doomed to repeat it, and that’s precisely why the true historical past of communism ought to be taught in public faculties.
In Florida, we’re taking the lead.
Starting within the 2026-2027 college yr, public college college students will be taught that 110 million folks died below communist rule from 1900 to 1987 and that this horribly flawed political and financial philosophy has spawned distress and despair throughout the globe. Sadly, even at the moment, communist rule subjugates tens of millions of harmless folks.
Whether or not it’s North Korea, Venezuela, China, the previous Soviet Union, or every other communist regime, their fabled utopia is at all times across the subsequent nook — however by no means comes.
— OPINIONS —
“Florida got it right on common-sense vape policy where federal government failed” by way of Rep. Alex Rizo for the Miami Herald — As we’ve got finished many instances, the Florida Legislature stepped up when the federal authorities didn’t. This Session, I supported laws to make sure the protection and well-being of Floridians from dangerous, unregulated vape merchandise with out proscribing protected, FDA-authorized vape merchandise to assist grownup people who smoke kick the behavior. The truth is there was a proliferation of unlawful, disposable flavored vapes from China flooding our state. The Biden administration and the FDA merely aren’t doing a very good job of implementing the vape market, and now, throughout the USA, gross sales of illicit disposables exceed $2.6 billion yearly by means of monitored channels alone. Nevertheless, projections point out this determine might double when contemplating the unmonitored market.
“Yes, Biden can win the working-class vote” by way of Timothy Noah of The Nationwide Evaluate — Final yr, a staff working for Navin Nayak, president of the Middle for American Progress Motion Fund, the advocacy arm of the liberal nonprofit Middle for American Progress, or CAP, reviewed a database containing each information launch, tweet, and Fb put up from each Home and Senate Democrat throughout the Midterm Election yr of 2022. These added as much as 570,000 particular person communications. The purpose was to quantify how incessantly congressional Democrats addressed the financial considerations of working-class voters, historically the Democratic Get together’s core constituency, and to contemplate crucial changes for 2024.
“Robert McClure: Secret study on credit card interchange doesn’t belong in Florida’s budget” by way of Robert McClure for Florida Politics — Florida has an extended historical past of transparency and openness in authorities relationship again to Gov. Reubin Askew’s administration practically 50 years in the past. We name it “Authorities within the Sunshine.” Few states have public conferences to barter each jot and tittle of the budgeting course of, with “affords,” as we name them, handed forwards and backwards between the Home and the Senate throughout the legislative budget-making course of. This excessive transparency is exactly why it was unusual to find that the 2024-2025 Florida finances, which has not but been despatched to DeSantis for motion, incorporates a secret “research” aimed on the bank card interchange system.
“Republicans wanted a crackdown on Israel’s critics. Columbia obliged.” by way of Michelle Goldberg of The New York Occasions — Columbia’s exceptionally poised President Nemat Shafik clearly has no intention of taking place like the previous heads of Harvard and the College of Pennsylvania, each pushed from their jobs following disastrous appearances earlier than a congressional Committee investigating campus antisemitism. Testifying earlier than the identical panel on Wednesday, she readily agreed with Republicans’ premise that pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia is shot by means of with anti-Jewish bigotry, and defined how, below her management, Columbia is cracking down. Fifteen college students, she mentioned, had been suspended, and 6 extra have been on disciplinary probation. By bending over backward to be agreeable, Shafik emerged from the four-hour grilling largely unscathed. All that’s been broken is Columbia’s assure of educational freedom.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— WEEKEND TV —
ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Ex-CIA analyst David McCloskey, creator of “Moscow X”; ABC Motion Information political analyst Dr. Susan MacManus; Southeast Florida writer Janelle Irwin Taylor; and ABC Information political director Rick Klein.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday present offers viewers with an in-depth take a look at politics in South Florida and different points affecting the area.
In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay Information 9/CF 13: A dialogue of environmental points dealing with the state of Florida, and what lawmakers are doing to stability progress and environmental protections. Becoming a member of Walker are former State Sen. and Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice and Haley Busch, outreach director for 1000 Mates of Florida.
Political Connections on Bay Information 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday present is launching as a joint weeknight present airing Monday by means of Friday at 7 p.m.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama Metropolis (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Will Lahnen of Jacksonville Metropolis Council District 3; Duval County Colleges Board Chair Darryl Willie; and Chris Hand, a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Bob Graham.
— ALOE —
“For the first time in 1 billion years, two life-forms truly merged into one organism” by way of Laura Baisas of Fashionable Science — Evolution is sort of a wondrous and prolonged course of, with some random bursts of exercise which are liable for the range of life on our planet at the moment. These can occur on giant scales like with the evolution of extra environment friendly limbs. In addition they happen on the microscopic mobile stage, comparable to when totally different elements of the cell are first fashioned. Now, a staff of scientists has detected an indication of a serious life occasion that has doubtless not occurred for at the very least 1 billion years. They’ve noticed major endosymbiosis — two life-forms merging into one organism. This extremely uncommon occasion occurred between a kind of ample marine algae and a bacterium that was noticed in a lab setting. For perspective, crops first started to dot our planet the final time this occurred. The outcomes are described in two papers not too long ago revealed within the journals Cell and Science.
“Intimate artifact from warship sunk off Key West found stashed in piece of furniture” by way of Mark Worth of the Miami Herald — The usAmesbury is well-documented as a hazardous shipwreck cut up in two off South Florida, however a thriller has emerged from its heyday as a naval destroyer in World Battle II. A log that particulars the ship’s travels was present in Massachusetts, caught in a chunk of furnishings. Who wrote it, what occurred to the creator, and the way it ended up in Massachusetts are amongst many unanswered questions. The pocket book’s content material intrigues maritime archaeologist Matthew Lawrence of the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary. “There are little gems of knowledge that present perception into somebody’s expertise with USS Amesbury. If solely we knew who wrote it,” he advised McClatchy Information.
“Carnival Cruise Line shuts down illegal onboard activity” by way of Daniel Kline of The Road — Cruise ships crusing from the U.S. typically function below U.S. federal legal guidelines, however they need to additionally comply with the principles of the assorted ports they cease in, at the very least whereas in port. The scenario can confuse passengers in sure areas. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Traces, Virgin Voyages and Margaritaville at Sea all use 21 as their onboard consuming age. Passengers below that age might be able to drink in sure ports the place the authorized age is decrease, however they’re not allowed to imbibe on board.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Glad birthday to Secretary of State Twine Byrd, Sen. Colleen Burton, our pal Towson Fraser, Scott Jenkins of Delegal | Aubuchon Consulting, Jennifer Motsinger, and one in all St. Pete’s greatest, Rob Kapusta.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
Submit Views: 0
[ad_2]
Source link