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Good Tuesday morning.
Metropolis officers from throughout Florida are gathering in Tallahassee for the Florida League of Cities Legislative Motion Days, an annual occasion highlighting the essential hyperlink between laws and native communities.
Virtually 300 elected officers representing cities of all sizes might be within the Capitol to talk with lawmakers and share how legislative choices affect their communities.
FLC stated these officers will communicate to matters spanning from addressing infrastructural wants and defending income sources to selling financial improvement and tackling environmental issues. The group added that their native tales will present lawmakers perception into how legislative decisions affect the on a regular basis lives of residents.
“Because the president of the Florida League of Cities, I’m impressed by the unity we foster throughout Legislative Motion Days,” stated FLC President Greg Ross, who can also be Mayor of Cooper Metropolis. “This gathering isn’t only a assembly; it’s a declaration of our dedication to efficient governance and a recognition of the pivotal position laws performs in shaping our communities.
“Collectively, we bridge the hole between policymaking and the every day lives of our constituents. Legislative Motion Days enable us to face united, amplify our collective voice, and guarantee legislative choices align with the varied challenges and successes of our cities.”
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The band is again collectively in South Florida.
With the addition of skilled consulting and communications skilled Katia Saint Fleur to The Southern Group’s South Florida workplace, a successful legislative and coverage staff has been reunited.
Saint Fleur’s transfer to The Southern Group brings her again along with former Sen. Oscar Braynon and Oneca Lowery, who’re each now lobbyists with the agency. Saint Fleur served as a legislative aide to Braynon whereas Lowery was Braynon’s Chief of Workers.
“It really does really feel like coming dwelling,” Saint Fleur stated. “These individuals helped form my profession, and it’s really an honor to be working with such a gifted staff and prestigious agency.”
Saint Fleur has compiled a formidable resume in native and state authorities in addition to the non-public sector. The final decade of that have has been within the Miami-Dade space, the place she began her personal all-purpose consulting enterprise.
“We love including people with expertise, connections and deep ties to the Miami-Dade space and Katia brings all of that to the desk,” stated Nelson Diaz, Managing Associate of The Southern Group’s South Florida places of work, which cowl Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. “Katia will assist ship even larger ranges of service and experience to our purchasers.”
Saint Fleur served as Braynon’s aide from 2011 to 2016. Throughout that point, she developed communications methods, maintained relationships with native and state leaders and dealt with constituent relations.
“The Southern Group has gained a passionate advocate in Katia Saint Fleur,” stated Sen. Tracie Davis. “Her years of expertise and experience in navigating complicated legislative issues might be an incredible asset to their staff and to the individuals of Florida.”
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Tampa Bay-based lobbying agency RSA Consulting is continuous to increase with the addition of occasion director Brittany DesMarais and new expertise Will George.
DesMarais joins the staff as Director of Consumer Relations and Particular Occasions, whereas George will work as RSA’s Authorities & Group Affairs Coordinator. The agency stated the brand new additions will assist its lobbying staff to boost the depth and breadth of its consulting providers and rising occasions providers.
With the brand new additions, RSA Consulting now sports activities a 10-person staff.
“As we develop our consumer roster each within the Tampa Bay area and throughout the state, Brittany and Will play a vital position in guaranteeing RSA continues to ship the high-quality providers which are tailor-made to the wants of each consumer,” agency President and CEO Ron Pierce stated.
DesMarais has greater than 15 years of expertise in hospitality and enterprise improvement. Her profession highlights embody rising a startup accent model from conception to market to turn into a multimillion-dollar worldwide retail firm inside two years. George initially joined RSA as an intern in January 2023 and can now work full time following his latest commencement from Florida State College.
“Will initially joined our staff for a short-term internship throughout final yr’s Session, however he rapidly proved himself to be an indispensable staff member. We had been delighted to increase his internship and subsequently convey him on full-time. Together with his willingness to step as much as any problem and knack for problem-solving, Will evidently has a shiny future forward of him.” stated RSA Vice President and COO Natalie King.
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Marleigh Kerr is being promoted to Senior Account Strategist at Cavalry Methods, the agency introduced.
Tuesday marks one yr since Kerr joined Cavalry, bringing the agency her experience in model promotion and media engagement. Throughout her tenure, Cavalry has helped purchasers land high-profile bookings on Fox Information, CNN, Glen Beck’s Blaze TV, 60 Minutes and extra.
“Marleigh is a fast examine and a tough employee. We’re proud to have her on the Cavalry Methods staff as a result of she understands the intricacies of consumer calls for all the best way from disaster administration to company communications for publicly traded corporations,” stated Cavalry Methods CEO Melissa Stone.
Marleigh was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and he or she graduated with a bachelor’s diploma from Hillsdale Faculty in 2023.
Cavalry Methods was based in 2016 by Stone, who beforehand served as Chief of Workers for former Gov. Rick Scott.
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Now that every one the information have been counted, the organizers behind final week’s Pink Canine Blue Canine fundraiser have declared a winner: Workforce Pink.
Republican Sens. Jennifer Bradley, Alexis Calatayud, Ileana Garcia and Jonathan Martin, in addition to Reps. James Buchanan, Demi Busatta Cabrera, Mike Giallombardo, Michelle Salzman and John Snyder raked in a complete of $6,817.
In the meantime, Sens. Lauren Ebook, Davis and Jason Pizzo, together with Reps. Daryl Campbell, Lindsay Cross, Dan Daley, David Silvers and Allison Tant collected $2,817.
Whereas the ultimate rating was lopsided, there actual winners listed here are all of the pets searching for houses within the Tallahassee space — they usually’ll be getting much more than the $9,634 stuffed into tip jars.
In complete, the occasion raised $48,351 in sponsorships, ideas and different donations, all of which go on to native animal welfare teams. With that in thoughts, a couple of extra thank yous — or meows and barks — are so as.
The presenting sponsor for this yr’s occasion was Lisa Miller & Associates, and the bar sponsor was Rubin Turnbull & Associates. Gold sponsors embody TECO, Moffitt Most cancers Heart, On3PR, Anheuser-Busch and McGuireWoods Consulting.
Despite the fact that the social gathering’s over, animal lovers can nonetheless present their assist by visiting reddogbluedog.org.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@MarioDBCamp: During the last three years (President Joe) Biden’s disastrous insurance policies have introduced us document inflation, an uncontrolled border, rampant crime, excessive vitality costs and the highest navy management in disarray. President (Donald) Trump has the document, expertise and the flexibility to undo the devastating penalties of Biden’s insurance policies. I wholeheartedly endorse Donald Trump to be our subsequent President.
Tweet, tweet:
Thanks to @WhipKClark for coming to my highschool to see the aftermath of the taking pictures that devastated Parkland. What we noticed is horrific, and I hope we will convey the tales of the 17 victims again to our colleagues and act to guard our colleges from tragedies like this. pic.twitter.com/3Tc1SYAOQN
— Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) January 26, 2024
—@DanDaley: Submit Parkland, the Legislature raised the age to purchase a protracted gun to 21 and that regulation has helped maintain Florida safer. Now, simply weeks earlier than the sixth yr anniversary of MSD, they’re seeking to roll it again. Shameful. The invoice failed final yr, and I hope it does once more.
Tweet, tweet:
Thanks @WiltonSimpson for recognizing my efforts in efficiently passing SB264 final yr alongside @JayCollinsFL. This laws was essential to making sure our ag land is free and away from communist management. pic.twitter.com/NWT95UhvLX
— DavidBorreroFL (@DavidBorreroFL) January 29, 2024
—@1NadineSmith: HYPOCRISY ALERT: Brian Lamb, a (Gov. Ron) DeSantis appointee to the FL Board of Governors yesterday voted to ban Variety, Fairness, and Inclusion packages in any respect state universities. Right now his bio that when touted his position as World Head of DEI for @JPmorgan has been fully scrubbed.
—@JenkinsBrevard: Thanks @GovRonDeSantis from this twin educator family whose tiny elevate went instantly towards the doubled insurance coverage price we obtained months in the past to now being dropped. Florida certain is the free state, free from reasonably priced & dependable owners insurance coverage.
—@FloridaGators: Martin Fennelly’s phrases captured many memorable Gators moments and personalities. We’re saddened by Martin’s loss on Friday and pay tribute to him by sharing a few of his work.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Federal marketing campaign finance submitting deadline — 1; Inter Miami CF 2024 season opener stand-alone — 2; second government-funding deadline — 3; ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ closing season premieres on HBO — 5; Nevada Primaries — 7; Nevada Republican Presidential Caucus — 9; Tremendous Bowl LVIII — 12; Ninth Annual Fits for Session begins — 21; Season 6 of ‘Drive To Survive’ premieres on Netflix — 24; South Carolina Republican Major — 25; Michigan Democratic Major — 28; James Madison Institute’s ‘Pink, White and Bluegrass’ dinner — 29; ‘Dune: Half Two’ premieres — 31; Michigan/Idaho/Missouri GOP Primaries — 32; Netflix to stream “The Netflix Slam,” Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz faceoff — 33; Trump’s D.C. trial on prices associated to making an attempt to reverse his 2020 Election loss — 34; Tremendous Tuesday — 35; State of the Union tackle — 37; final day of Common Session, if Legislature completes work in 60 days — 38; 2024 Oscars — 40; Georgia Democratic Major — 42; Arizona/Florida/Illinois/Kansas/Ohio Primaries — 49; James Madison Institute’s ‘2024 Naples Dinner’ with keynote speaker Laura Ingraham — 50; ‘3 Physique Downside’ premieres on Netflix — 51; The Supreme Court docket will hear arguments within the mifepristone/abortion tablet case — 56; Main League Baseball’s (MLB) 2024 season — 58; March Insanity Closing 4 (ladies’s) begins — 66; March Insanity Closing 4 (males’s) — 67; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Assembly — 71; The Masters start — 72; Kentucky Derby — 95; 2024 Management Convention on Security, Well being & Sustainability — 100; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (half one) premieres on Netflix — 106; French Open begins — 111; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 113; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer time Tour begins in Tampa — 113; Monaco Grand Prix — 117; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 151; Republican Nationwide Conference begins — 167; 2024 MLS All-Star Sport — 176; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games on NBC/Peacock — 178; Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 196; Democratic Nationwide Conference begins — 202; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 207; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 262; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Assembly & Way forward for Florida Discussion board — 265; 2024 Presidential Election — 280; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 296; MLS Cup 2024 — 311; ‘Captain America: Courageous New World’ premieres — 381; ‘Moana’ premieres — 514; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 542; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 647; ‘Incredible 4’ reboot premieres — 647; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 689; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 826; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 842; One other untitled ‘Star Wars’ film premieres — 1,053; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,193; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,152; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,874.
— TOP STORY —
“Ron DeSantis backs 4 proposed amendments to U.S. Constitution” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — At a podium with a “Maintain Washington Accountable” affixed to the entrance, DeSantis stated it’s time to limit Washington’s worst excesses. “Let’s cease complaining about Washington and do one thing to restrain Washington for a change,” he stated.
With Home Speaker Paul Renner at his aspect, DeSantis referred to as for 4 separate amendments to the U.S. Structure, which might:
— Impose time period limits on members of Congress.
— Require Congress to move a balanced price range every year.
— Present the President with line-item veto energy.
— Prohibit imposing any regulation on residents that doesn’t apply to members of Congress.
The Home already handed concurrent resolutions for Florida to petition Congress to convene constitutional conventions on the primary two gadgets.
The Renner-led Home made these payments the primary that handed on the Home flooring this Legislative Session. He stated time period limits on Florida lawmakers and a constitutional accountability on the state stage to move a balanced price range every year have made Florida’s authorities responsive and financially wholesome.
“Nobody will ever confuse us for the federal authorities,” Renner stated.
Polling has proven broad assist throughout social gathering traces for time period limits and for a balanced-budget modification.
Nonetheless, the difficulty drew opposition from many Home Democrats, a lot of whom say they assist these insurance policies however worry a runaway constitutional conference. The U.S. Structure was born from the primary Constitutional Conference, held to create a alternative for the Articles of Confederation.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“Senate bill expanding Sheriffs’ budget authority moves forward” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — New laws transferring via the Legislature would explicitly assert that proper for Sheriffs in consolidated governments, giving chief regulation officers in a given county latitude to shift cash from budgetary silos as wanted. The Senate Group Affairs Committee unanimously superior Sen. Clay Yarborough’s measure (SB 1704) that enables a Sheriff, together with certainly one of a consolidated metropolis/county authorities, to maneuver funds with out the approval of the County Fee or Finances Fee after their price range is authorised by the legislative physique. This independence extends to procurement and personnel points.
“Senate panel approves bill allowing surplus lines carriers to take over some Citizens policies” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Surplus traces insurance coverage corporations, carriers that face little regulation by the state in comparison with conventional insurers, might take over second houses in Residents Property Insurance coverage Corp. if a invoice advancing within the Senate makes it into regulation. The invoice (SB 1716) obtained a rewrite earlier than passing unanimously via the Senate Banking and Insurance coverage Committee. Sen. Jim Boyd, a Bradenton Republican sponsoring the invoice, stated the purpose is to cut back the insurance policies in Residents, a state-run firm that may place assessments on all owners if a catastrophic storm wipes out its capability to pay claims. However surplus traces corporations aren’t regulated by the state the best way different admitted carriers are and prospects can’t sue them in Florida if a dispute over a declare arises.
“House panel advances hemp restrictions with alt-cannabinoids ban, THC cap” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — HB 1613, which cleared the Agriculture, Conservation and Resiliency Subcommittee regardless of members of the general public calling it “discriminatory,” a “witch hunt,” and worse, adjustments the statutory definition of “hemp.” The brand new language would ban delta-8 and delta-10-THC, THC acetate, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), that means these various cannabinoids, that are native to the plant itself, could be banned from the state’s hemp market. The present type of Rep. Tommy Gregory’s proposal additionally presents “regulatory steerage” for delta-9 THC, limiting the controversial substance stated to induce euphoria by some and reduction by others to 2MG per serving and 10MG per container.
—“Floridians struggling with illness decry the possibility of the state banning delta-8 hemp products” by way of Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix
“House panel OKs bill blocking local coastal zoning, clearing resiliency grants for water purity” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Home lawmakers have given preliminary approval to a invoice that might maintain coastal zoning authority out of native palms whereas enabling metropolis and county governments to pursue state grants for ingesting water purity. The measure (HB 1079), which the Home Agriculture, Conservation and Resiliency Subcommittee OK’d unanimously, is supposed to “shield coastal communities from each imprudent building and saltwater intrusion,” stated its sponsor, Rep. Fiona McFarland. The invoice’s goals are slim however wide-reaching. It could take away the Division of Environmental Safety’s capability to delegate to native governments say over coastal building zoning or the placement of the state’s coastal building management line, a coast-hugging boundary meant to limit seaside improvement.
“House Committee advances bill creating 2-mile protection buffer around Everglades” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Laws to create a two-mile buffer zone across the Everglades Safety Space (EPA) is once more advancing within the Home after lawmakers gave the invoice unanimous approval in its first Committee cease. If handed, the measure (HB 723) would heighten restrictions on probably dangerous improvement and zoning adjustments close to the endangered wetlands on which the state has spent billions to restore and safeguard. “Every year, this Legislature allocates funds to guard the Everglades and for Everglades restoration. This can assist proceed these efforts,” stated Rep. Busatta Cabrera, who sponsored the measure this yr and in 2023. Home Agriculture, Conservation and Resiliency Subcommittee members voted unanimously to advance the invoice Monday.
New vid touts ‘Clear, Inexperienced, Quiet’ CNG machines — As lawmakers debate laws (SB 1624) by Sen. Jay Collins that might encourage the development of infrastructure for pure gas-powered autos, the Florida Nationwide Gasoline Affiliation is rolling out a video touting the advantages of the choice gasoline supply. “This laws strengthens pure fuel infrastructure resiliency and reliability, that are vital to the state’s financial system, the flexibility to get well from pure disasters and the well being, security, welfare and high quality of lifetime of Floridians,” stated Dale Calhoun, govt director of the Florida Pure Gasoline Affiliation. “We commend Sen. Collins for prioritizing vitality diversification and encourage bipartisan assist for the continued improvement of dependable and reasonably priced vitality sources for Florida households and companies.”
To look at the video, please click the image below:
“Lawmakers may force cities and counties to ban public camping” by way of Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — As battles rage across the nation over the rising variety of unhoused people sleeping on sidewalks and in parks, Florida lawmakers are pondering a hard-nosed strategy: Prohibiting cities and counties from permitting public tenting, and allowing individuals and companies to sue governments that don’t take away encampments. If Home Invoice 1365 turns into regulation, this state would turn into the newest to pursue such insurance policies which have gained traction in locations like Texas and Missouri, pushed partly by a conservative assume tank searching for to redefine what it sees as a failed progressive strategy to housing and homelessness. Opponents of tenting bans say they criminalize homelessness and ignore the basis drawback — hovering rents and a scarcity of reasonably priced housing.
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“Florida’s next Governor could get a big pay raise” by way of Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida’s subsequent Governor — in addition to a number of different state elected officers — might get a big bump in pay below a price range measure rolled out by Home Republicans. The laws would additionally repeal the state regulation that at present spells out when legislators can get a elevate and as an alternative would require that salaries be included within the annual price range invoice handed by lawmakers. Legislative salaries have been frozen since 2010 and there aren’t any plans to lift them this yr. DeSantis at present earns $141,400, which is barely under the nationwide common.
—“These 3 controversial Florida bills aren’t likely to move forward” by way of Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Occasions
“Miami lawmaker’s push to ban almost all abortions among Florida bills unlikely to pass” by way of Romy Ellenbogen of the Miami Herald — Tradition battle points have dominated the Legislature in Tallahassee for the previous couple of years. However this yr, whereas a number of Republican-backed payments have garnered nationwide media consideration, state management has moved rapidly to say that these payments aren’t going anyplace. Final week, a GOP Senator’s invoice to make use of Florida taxpayer cash to repay Trump’s authorized bills was torpedoed by a brief social media publish from DeSantis. DeSantis made clear that the “Florida Republican who wields the veto pen” had no real interest in the laws. DeSantis, who till lately had centered a lot of his consideration on his White Home bid, has to date been quieter on his agenda for state points.
“Another ‘Lost Cause?’ House Committee to hear bill protecting Confederate monuments” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A invoice that would impose extreme penalties on politicians and localities that take away Accomplice monuments and different tributes to bygone wars and historical past may have its first Committee listening to subsequent week within the Home. The State Affairs Committee will contemplate CS/HB 395, “Safety of Historic Monuments and Memorials,” on Tuesday. The Rep. Dean Black invoice proposes state “safety of historic monuments and memorials” and authorizes “all actions to guard and protect all historic monuments and memorials from removing, harm or destruction.”
They’re nonetheless centered on this — “Anti-groomer bill clears Florida House panel, lawmaker wants pedophiles ‘hunted,’ prosecuted” by way of Owen Girard of Florida’s Voice — Laws creating offenses for lewd and lascivious grooming in Florida handed its second committee task on Monday. Reps. Taylor Yarkosky and Douglas Bankson are the sponsors for HB 1135. Sen. Jonathan Martin is the sponsor of the Senate model, SB 1238. The invoice unanimously handed the Florida Home Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. The anti-grooming invoice would make it a third-degree felony for any individual above the age of 18 to make use of sexually inappropriate communication and conduct with somebody below the age of 16 with a purpose to entice, excite, or compel them to take part in unlawful sexual exercise in line with the invoice textual content.
“Ban on out-of-pocket charges for breast exams clears first Senate hurdle” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The measure (SB 932) wouldn’t require insurers to offer new protection. It could merely amend affected person cost-sharing guidelines in Florida Statutes to ban insurance coverage corporations from demanding what, in some instances, are cost-prohibitive copays for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams. “Everyone knows early detection of breast most cancers saves lives, and by having this invoice we might be saving lives,” stated Boynton Seaside Democratic Sen. Lori Berman, the measure’s sponsor. Berman, a breast most cancers survivor, famous that 20 different states — together with Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas — have adopted comparable laws. “I hope Florida will be part of (them) in turning into No. 21,” she advised the Senate Banking and Insurance coverage Committee, which voted 9-0 Monday to advance the invoice.
“Educate the blue: House panel OKs continuing education requirement for dementia, Alzheimer’s” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Because the variety of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s illness grows, so does the necessity to educate regulation enforcement officers and different front-facing staff on learn how to finest determine individuals with dementia and the most effective methods to guard them. To that finish, the Home Justice Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously authorised laws (HB 801) sponsored by Rep. James Buchanan. The invoice requires the Florida Division of Legislation Enforcement (FDLE) to develop and implement a brand new on-line continued schooling coaching element regarding Alzheimer’s illness and associated types of dementia.
“Brazilian butt lift bill clears House health care spending panel” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — Lawmakers look like knee-deep in ass as soon as once more this yr. A Home well being care spending panel unanimously authorised a invoice (HB 1561) that closes loopholes in a statute regulating Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) that was handed final yr. “I do know we’ve heard this concern prior to now. It’s an ongoing drawback right here in Florida. Persons are coming all throughout the nation to get this process performed,” the HB 1561 sponsor, Rep. Cabrera Busatta, advised members of the Home Healthcare Appropriations Subcommittee.
“Fantasy sports bill barring those under 21 years old from playing advances in Senate” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Sen. Travis Hutson’s measure (SB 1568) would enable anybody sufficiently old to drink legally to take part in industrial fantasy sports activities legally, however with caveats. Along with barring these below the age of 21 from the contests of “talent,” the Fantasy Sports activities Contest Amusement Act would require all entry charges to be paid out as prizes on the finish of seasons and would additionally cap prize cash at $1,500 per season or $10,000 yearly. The Hutson invoice would require industrial fantasy sports activities operators to be licensed by the Florida Gaming Management Fee, with charges ($1 million for preliminary licensing and $250,000 for renewal) hooked up by way of separate laws (SB 1566).
“Bills creating license plates to celebrate Florida boating, recycling speed ahead” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Laws recognizing Florida because the “Boating Capital of the World” and celebrating its recycling efforts with a pair of specialty license plates is dashing via the state Capitol. A pair of payments (SB 858, HB 911) by Sen. Shevrin Jones and Rep. Kelly Skidmore would create two new tags. One would commemorate Florida because the U.S. state with essentially the most leisure boats. The opposite would attraction to eco-conscious motorists with the motto, “Recycle Florida.” Jones’ invoice superior final week via the primary of three Committee stops with unanimous assist.
Lauren Ebook calls on Congress, different states to behave following Taylor Swift deepfakes — Senate Democratic Chief Ebook responded to the latest launch of nonconsensual, express AI-generated “deepfake” photos of pop star Swift. “Sadly, on this digital age, deepfake photos and the proliferation of AI-generated materials aren’t unusual. I do know firsthand as a result of it occurred to me. Let’s be clear: anybody concerned within the proliferation of nonconsensual pornographic photos like those of Taylor Swift must be held accountable below the regulation,” Ebook stated, highlighting a 2022 Florida regulation upping penalties for proliferating such photos. “Each single state within the nation and the federal authorities should observe Florida’s lead by updating its legal guidelines to fight this digital predation and guarantee these perpetrators are held accountable.”
— THE SKED —
— 9 a.m. Senate Agriculture Committee meets. Room 301, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— 9 a.m. Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee meets. Room 110, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— 9 a.m. Senate Prison Justice Committee meets. Room 37, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— 9 a.m. Senate Well being Coverage Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing.
— 10 a.m. Home Commerce Committee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— 10 a.m. Home Well being & Human Companies Committee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 10 a.m. Home Infrastructure Methods Committee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 12:30 p.m. Home Schooling & Employment Committee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 12:30 p.m. Home State Affairs Committee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— 12:30 p.m. Home Judiciary Committee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 1 p.m. Senate Kids Households and Elder Affairs Committee meets. Room 37, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— 1 p.m. Senate Schooling Pre-Ok — 12 Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing.
— 1 p.m. Senate Surroundings and Pure Assets Committee meets. Room 301, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— 1 p.m. Senate Transportation Committee meets. Room 110, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home Postsecondary Schooling & Workforce Subcommittee meets. Room 17, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home State Administration & Know-how Appropriations Subcommittee meets. Room 212, Knott Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home Power Communications & Cybersecurity Subcommittee meets. Room 102, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 3 p.m. Home Prison Justice Subcommittee meets. Room 404, Home Workplace Constructing.
— 3:30 p.m. Senate Guidelines Committee meets. Room 412, Knott Constructing.
— 5:45 p.m. Senate Particular Order Calendar Group meets. Room 401, Senate Workplace Constructing.
— THE TRAIL —
“DeSantis has doubts about Donald Trump as 2024 GOP standard-bearer” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Requested about “our possibilities” in 2024, DeSantis began off with a quip earlier than cataloging lots of the issues that animated his speeches in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina in latest months. “Properly, clearly I wouldn’t have run if I didn’t assume my possibilities had been the most effective on all of this. So, I will not be the suitable man, however look, this stuff occur and, in the end, it’s up (to) candidates to have the ability to go on the market and make the case going ahead,” DeSantis stated in Naples. Whereas DeSantis believes Biden is a “failed President,” he additionally thought the Democrat was a “failed candidate” 4 years in the past. And Biden’s bumbling doesn’t in itself make the case for Trump, he added.
“Trump rages at U.A.W. president after Joe Biden endorsement” by way of Maggie Astor of The New York Occasions — A couple of days after the United Auto Staff endorsed Biden for re-election, Trump raged on the union’s chief, Shawn Fain, on Sunday evening. Trump wrote on his social media platform that Fain “is promoting the Vehicle Trade proper into the large, highly effective, palms of China.” He claimed that Biden’s assist for electrical autos would destroy the American auto trade and ship jobs abroad. “Shawn Fain doesn’t perceive this or have a clue,” he wrote. “Eliminate this dope & vote for DJT. I’ll convey the Vehicle Trade again to our Nation.”
“Lincoln Project ad highlights sex assault, defamation damages against Trump” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Three days after a jury ordered Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for defamation, the Lincoln Challenge is releasing an advert aimed toward tying Trump’s remedy of girls to all Republicans who assist him. “Donald Trump should hand over $83 million as punishment for tormenting his sufferer and igniting the savagery of his on-line followers with a purpose to destroy her life,” stated Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Challenge, in a launched assertion. “Anybody who nonetheless helps Donald Trump is becoming a member of the battle on ladies he and the remainder of the GOP are waging.”
To look at the advert, please click the image below:
“Nikki Haley’s dilemma in South Carolina: winning over voters who like her, but love Trump” by way of Invoice Barrow of The Related Press — For South Carolina’s conservatives, deciding whether or not Haley’s document warrants a promotion to the Oval Workplace appears much less about her expertise and talents and extra in regards to the man standing in her manner: Trump. “Ms. Haley did some fantastic issues as Governor — however Donald Trump is the person!” declared Doug Roberts, a retired electrician who got here to a latest Haley rally carrying a Trump T-shirt. “Donald Trump is simply not a daily man.”
“The in-plain-sight race to be the GOP’s Trump backup.” by way of Byron York of the Washington Examiner — There’s one other race occurring concurrently the traditional marketing campaign, one which Haley will nonetheless be a part of it doesn’t matter what occurs in South Carolina. And that’s the race to be the Republican backup candidate ought to Trump implode. Trump’s authorized troubles, together with 91 felony counts, are by no means distant. Simply take a look at his latest schedule of campaigning and attending trials. That can proceed and probably speed up within the months to come back. Take a look at it this fashion: There are 91 cruise missiles launched within the air and focused at Trump proper now. Some are wildly off-course, some are duds, and in opposition to all of them, Trump has vital defenses. However nonetheless — 91 cruise missiles. Does anybody assume not a single one will hit the goal?
— MORE 2024 —
“Inside Biden’s anti-Trump battle plan (and where Swift fits in)” by way of Reid J. Epstein, Lisa Lerer, Katie Glueck and Katie Rogers of The New York Occasions — Biden is making a rare gamble, betting that Trump stays such an animating drive in American life that the nation’s present chief can flip the 2024 election right into a referendum not on himself however on his predecessor. The President’s aides plan to couple a direct assault on Trump with a heavy give attention to abortion rights, casting the difficulty as symbolic of bigger conservative efforts to limit private freedoms. They imagine that the extra the general public sees and hears Trump, the less individuals have a tendency to vote for him, and the extra the Biden marketing campaign will be capable of use his phrases on points like abortion and well being care in opposition to him. The largest and most influential endorsement goal is Swift, the pop sensation and NFL fanatic, who can transfer thousands and thousands of supporters with an Instagram publish or a mid-concert apart.
“Biden wooing battleground states and red states with research funds” by way of Eva Dou of The Washington Submit — Biden administration officers on Monday introduced $150 million in analysis funding for 18 states, most of that are contested or purple, as a part of a raft of insurance policies to spice up the nation’s manufacturing industries forward of the election. President Biden’s high financial adviser, Lael Brainard, director of the Nationwide Financial Council, advised reporters that this system was an “integral” a part of the President’s plan to assist innovation “in areas that had been neglected of the latest a long time’ know-how increase.” Biden’s funding push for U.S. manufacturing — dubbed “Investing in America” — could bolster his stance in opposition to Trump, who touts his commerce battle in opposition to China as a key accomplishment of his presidency.
— OTHER STATEWIDE —
“Andrew Warren continues legal fight, but uncertainty over timing, election remains” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Warren has received latest courtroom battles. However he’s nonetheless shedding the battle to regain his seat as Hillsborough County State Lawyer. DeSantis suspended him in August 2022, primarily over Warren’s resolution to signal a pledge to not prosecute abortion-related instances within the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court docket’s resolution to overturn Roe v. Wade. Whereas a federal district courtroom choose and a unanimous three-judge panel on the eleventh Circuit Court docket of Appeals have dominated the suspension violated Warren’s First Modification rights, he hasn’t been reinstated. DeSantis changed Warren with Susan Lopez. Final week DeSantis requested a full listening to earlier than the eleventh Circuit to attraction the ruling, which despatched the case again to the decrease courtroom.
“Democrats call out DeSantis for fighting state attorney’s reinstatement” by way of Sue Carlton and Chris Urso of the Tampa Bay Occasions — Nikki Fried advised reporters she expects a “robust” Democratic candidate within the race in opposition to Republican Lopez, who was appointed by the Governor to exchange Warren. “My hope is that this comes via rapidly and that it’s Andrew,” she stated.
“Migrant relocation flyers came from DeSantis administration contractor, records show” by way of Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — The agency that left flyers selling free migrant relocation journeys at a Latino church in east Orlando — sparking controversy and questions amongst native advocates — is a state contractor for DeSantis’ highly-publicized relocation initiative, data present. Leaflets in English, Spanish and Creole had been positioned on the doorstep of the church a couple of week in the past from a corporation calling itself My Vivid Horizons. State data present My Vivid Horizons is definitely a fictitious identify for Entry Restoration Companies, a Texas-based firm that’s certainly one of three corporations receiving a profitable contract below this system authorizing the state to move migrants to different states. Throughout Central Florida, entities starting from church buildings, regulation enforcement and a nonprofit have obtained queries from the corporate searching for assist in discovering migrants to move.
“Florida leads nation in immigration court backlog as cases surge across U.S.” by way of Juan Carlos Chavez of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — 1000’s of immigration purposes await their day throughout the nation amid a authorized backlog of historic proportions. In response to federal information collected by Syracuse College’s Transactional Data Entry Clearinghouse, the U.S. courtroom backlog has surged previous 3 million instances within the final yr, together with instances of asylum-seekers and immigrants, some who’ve been within the nation for years, searching for everlasting residency. Florida’s backlog of instances is greater than 481,000, a large leap in comparison with 2012, when there have been solely 17,000 pending instances.
“Schools turn to metal detectors as kids bring guns” by way of Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Occasions — Some Florida colleges are once more heightening safety amid rising threats of violence and weapons on campus. A number of need to shield their perimeters. Vero Seaside Excessive Faculty in Indian River County has partnered with the Sheriff’s Workplace to position metallic detectors in any respect its entrances, TC Palm stories. The college had been conducting checks at sporting occasions however determined to increase the hassle after a pupil introduced a gun to high school final week. The Palm Seaside County faculty district continues so as to add metallic detectors at its excessive colleges, too, with one other 4 set to come back on-line throughout the subsequent few weeks, WPTV stories. Police officers stated they’ve discovered no weapons on the 4 colleges already utilizing the tools.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“State Department urges Bahamas travelers to use ‘extreme caution’ when visiting Nassau” by way of Ron Hurtibise of the Orlando Sentinel — United States residents touring to the Bahamas ought to train “excessive warning” in Nassau within the wake of 18 murders since Jan. 1, the State Division stated in a brand new journey advisory. “Murders have occurred in all hours together with in broad daylight on the streets,” in line with a safety alert that was posted on Jan. 24 by the U.S. Embassy within the Bahamas. Retaliatory gang violence has been the first motive, the alert stated. In Nassau, apply elevated vigilance within the “Over the Hill” space (south of Shirley Road) the place gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a excessive murder price primarily affecting the native inhabitants,” the advisory stated.
“Matt Gaetz rips fellow Florida GOP lawmaker, says some are ‘husks of humans’ after interview” by way of Mariana Labbate of Messenger — Gaetz on Monday stated some Republican colleagues are “husks of people” whereas linking to an interview with fellow Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. Throughout her interview, Salazar was requested about funds she was bragging about having come to her district, with the host noting that they had been allotted in payments that the lawmakers had voted in opposition to. She stated she would wish to ask her workers about it. “So many lawmakers in each events are husks of people who merely hand their vote card to the management,” Gaetz wrote on X. “Then, stuff like this occurs.”
— DOWN BALLOT —
Rick Scott re-election marketing campaign lands 80 lawmaker endorsements — U.S. Sen. Scott’s 2024 re-election marketing campaign introduced it has obtained endorsements from 80 Florida legislators. The brand new crop of backers consists of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and President-designate Ben Albritton, in addition to Home Speaker Renner and Speaker-designate Daniel Perez. “I’m honored to obtain the endorsement of this group of public servants as we speak and stay up for our continued partnership to finest serve the communities they characterize,” Scott stated in a information launch. Scott’s marketing campaign famous that he labored alongside lots of the lawmakers who endorsed him throughout his two phrases as Governor. The lawmaker endorsements observe the Scott marketing campaign’s latest announcement that 60 of the state’s county Sheriffs had been backing his marketing campaign.
Occurring as we speak — Sen. Scott will maintain a information convention in Tallahassee: 9:20 a.m. Jap time, tackle offered upon RSVP. Credentialed media should RSVP to [email protected].
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Marco Rubio, 4 state lawmakers endorse Kevin Marino Cabrera for Florida GOP Vice Chair” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Add U.S. Sen. Rubio to a rising record of notable Florida Republicans backing Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marino Cabrera’s bid to be the state social gathering’s second-highest-ranking member. In a press release, Rubio endorsed Marino Cabrera for Republican Social gathering of Florida (RPOF) Vice Chair. “Kevin is a patriot who is aware of what’s at stake within the 2024 elections,” he stated. “He has the expertise needed to assist lead the social gathering and maintain Florida purple in November.” Different new endorsers of Cabrera’s Vice Chair marketing campaign embody state Sens. Alexis Calatayud and Jay Collins, in addition to state Reps. Mike Caruso and Spencer Roach.
Daniella Levine Cava touts first-term accomplishments in new advert — Miami-Dade Mayor Levine Cava’s re-election marketing campaign launched its first TV and digital advert purchase this week. The purchase is backing a spot that highlights the first-term Mayor’s accomplishments to this point. “As Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I’m proud to steer with compassion and ship with motion,” Levine Cava stated in a information launch saying the advert. “Once I was elected three years in the past, I promised to serve with imaginative and prescient, integrity, and outcomes — and as we speak, we’ve made good on these guarantees by fixing vital points affecting our residents’ high quality of life, from housing affordability to financial alternative, public security, and lengthy overdue investments in infrastructure. Collectively, together with your assist, we’ll proceed delivering future-ready outcomes for residents and their households as a result of it’s what our neighborhood deserves.”
To look at the advert, please click the image below:
“FSU suspends student group after it interrupted meeting with pro-Palestinian chants” by way of Douglas Soule of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida State College has suspended a pupil group after its members interrupted a gathering of the college’s governing board with pro-Palestinian chants. FSU’s chapter of College students for a Democratic Society has misplaced its acknowledged pupil group standing till Might 15, 2025. It has a chance to attraction the choice by the tip of the week. Amongst different issues, the transfer means the group can’t participate in official college occasions. “As an academic establishment, Florida State College welcomes free inquiry, numerous thought, rigorous debate and peaceable meeting,” FSU spokesperson Amy Farnum-Patronis stated. “Nevertheless, college students and pupil organizations could not disrupt college enterprise, pupil studying or the conventional operations of the college.”
“Special Counsel to investigate whether Richard Del Toro violated Hatch Act” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The U.S. Workplace of Particular Counsel will examine whether or not a St. Lucie County Sheriff candidate violated the Hatch Act. The federal company obtained a criticism alleging Del Toro can’t function Port St. Lucie’s Interim Police Chief and run for Sheriff. The submitting accused Del Toro of knowingly violating a federal regulation that prohibits public officers from utilizing their “official authority or affect for the aim of interfering with or affecting the outcomes of an election or a nomination for workplace.” The criticism cites reporting by Florida Politics on potential violations of federal regulation by Del Toro’s marketing campaign, each in serving as a Police Chief whereas operating and for marketing campaign fundraising emails figuring out different Police Chiefs as supporters.
“Police chiefs union backs ‘extraordinary public servant’ Keith Touchberry for Indian River Sheriff” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Touchberry’s marketing campaign for Indian River County Sheriff now has the backing of a statewide regulation enforcement union he led final yr. The Florida Police Chiefs Affiliation (FPCA) introduced its assist of Touchberry’s bid this yr to unseat Sheriff Eric Flowers. “Chief Touchberry is a rare public servant (and) confirmed champion for regulation enforcement and public security,” FPCA President Charles “Chuck” Broadway stated. “We stay up for proceed working with Chief Touchberry on behalf of the individuals of Indian River County and the state of Florida.” FPCA First Vice President Charlie Vazquez added, “Chief Touchberry has the information, expertise, and relationships needed to handle complicated public questions of safety, and that’s why the FPCA endorses him as the following Sheriff of Indian River County.”
“More VIP events, expanded hospitality area for Delray Beach Open tennis tournament” by way of Jasmine Fernández of The Palm Seaside Submit — For the previous 31 years, the Delray Seaside Open has introduced South Florida a whole bunch of 1000’s of tourists. This yr, the match will convey that rising record of spectators some facility upgrades. The match, which is Feb. 9-18 on the Delray Seaside Tennis Heart, may have an expanded hospitality space, extra VIP occasions, a ladies’s tennis problem, extra food and drinks choices and upgrades to services. “The Delray Seaside Open continues to develop yearly,” Adam Baron, the match’s govt director stated. “We’re all the time centered on enhancing the fan expertise with extra occasions, more room, and extra meals and beverage choices.”
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Longtime enthusiastic ‘arts instigator’ Terry Olson to leave Orange County post” by way of Matthew J. Palm of the Orlando Sentinel — Olson, the one Arts & Cultural Affairs Administrator Orange County has ever recognized, is retiring in Might after 23 years on the job. Olson, 71, shouldn’t be eager on the phrase “retire.” “I’m not going anyplace,” he stated. “I’ll nonetheless be round advocating for the humanities.” However he received’t be doing it, as he has since 2001, as an Orange County worker. That yr, the county’s Arts & Cultural Affairs Workplace was established, with oversight of how nation funds are distributed to arts nonprofits. In 2001, arts organizations had been added to the recipients of funds from the vacationer improvement tax, a levy on resort and different lodging stays.
What Michelle Schorsch is studying — “UCF athletics continues to build its budget with move into Big 12” by way of Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel — College of Central Florida (UCF) athletic division’s year-end NCAA price range report reveals a few of the monetary challenges the Knights confronted transitioning from the American Athletic Convention to the Massive 12. The division reported $84.6 million in complete working income in the course of the 2023 fiscal yr (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023), down barely from the $89.2 million in 2021-22. UCF reported an working expense of $88.2 million, a rise from $69 million reported final yr, a few of which was as a result of faculty’s transfer to the Energy 5 Convention. The report, nevertheless, doesn’t paint the entire monetary image as a result of the NCAA doesn’t contemplate funding capital initiatives, working funds, and capital presents.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Tampa General Hospital to open community garden, food pharmacy to advance health, wellness for residents” by way of Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Tampa Basic Hospital (TGH) is working with town of Tampa to extend entry to nutritious meals and common wellness in Tampa Bay by opening a brand new neighborhood backyard and meals pharmacy. The TampaWell Meals Pharmacy and Group Backyard, positioned on the TGH Household Care Heart Healthpark, is TampaWell’s newest initiative, a joint effort by TGH and town to create a sustainable wellness tradition and enhance the neighborhood’s general well being. Each John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa Basic, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor had been available Monday to chop the ribbon and formally open the backyard and meals pharmacy.
To look at a video of the groundbreaking, please click the image below:
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Elizabeth Emmanuel resigns from Downtown Improvement Authority on a high note” by way of TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — 5 years in the past, Emmanuel got here into her place on the Tallahassee Downtown Enchancment Authority with 10 objectives to succeed in inside 10 years — she did it in 5. Her objectives centered round a necessity to assist residents return or fall in love with downtown and construct consciousness of the present companies ‒ and entice new ones. Emmanuel needed to construct the DIA’s “neighborhood goodwill and organizational relevancy” at a time when her predecessor, Paige Carter Smith, was going through public corruption prices and was later sentenced and launched from federal jail for her position in a bribery scheme involving former Metropolis Commissioner Scott Maddox and enterprise proprietor J.T. Burnette.
“Bird lovers watch in horror as hunter guns down Tundra swan that rarely appears in Florida” by way of Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — Chook watchers eagerly gathered Saturday morning at Crowder Touchdown to verify a uncommon sighting: two Tundra swans that migrated to Florida. However the chook lovers had been horrified once they noticed a hunter gun certainly one of them down proper earlier than their eyes. Hunters at Lake Jackson witnessed the “useless killing” and instantly reported the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee. The person shot at each massive, all-white birds, that are federally protected and might’t be hunted within the state. One managed to fly away, however he tracked the opposite down in his kayak. Hawkins stated it appeared like he wrung the chook’s neck, shoved it underwater, then slung it onto his boat.
Personnel notice: Meagan Perkins named NEFBA president — The Northeast Florida Builders Affiliation put in their 2024 Government Officers and Board Members final week, naming Perkins of Hart Assets as its eightieth president. Perkins, who will serve for the following yr, was offered with the gavel by her father and 1996 NEFBA Previous President Curtis Hart. “The legacy of NEFBA is constructed on 80 years of trade management. This affiliation has offered assist and a collective voice for the house constructing trade in Northeast Florida,” Perkins stated. “I’m humbly honored to function president for the approaching yr and stay up for working with our Board and members to increase NEFBA’s contribution to the neighborhood.”
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Florida GOP Chair backs April Culbreath in Manatee County REC power struggle” by way of Jesse Mendoza of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The brand new Chair of the Republican Social gathering of Florida is siding with Manatee County Republican Government Committee (REC) Chair Culbreath in an ongoing dispute with members. Two members stated they resigned from the Manatee REC’s Government Board in December over monetary administration, citing questionable bills by the Government Board, an absence of fundraising, and concern that the Committee’s coffers have dwindled by about $42,200 over the previous yr. Manatee County REC members met final week for a particular assembly referred to as by Vice Chair Nathan Knight. Members voted to fill two vacant seats on the Government Board and enacted new monetary administration insurance policies aimed toward limiting the Board’s spending capability.
“Volunteers help rebuild as south Sarasota County homeowners still recovering from Ian” by way of Earle Kimel of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Like a lot of their neighbors in Venice Ranch Cellular Residence Estates, Jackie Wheeler, her son Curtis Brown, brother C.J. Hatter and mom Midge Ellis rode out Hurricane Ian within the improvement’s neighborhood middle. After six days had handed, Jackie and her household returned dwelling, although they’d no energy and wanted a generator to run the fridge. They’d return to the middle for normal sizzling meals. However returning to a standard life would take for much longer. The cellular dwelling — which she bought in November 2019 for $5,000 —— could be repaired partly via donated labor crews offered by the nonprofit World Renew Catastrophe Restoration Group and different volunteer efforts.
“Demolition and recovery: Sanibel, Captiva leaders discuss bounce back since Hurricane Ian” by way of Amy Bennett Williams of the Fort Myers Information-Press — Sanibel Metropolis Supervisor Dana Souza appeared out on the crowd and repeated a query he’s heard a whole bunch of occasions since Sept. 28, 2022: “How are you doing? How are you actually doing?” That’s what the 232 individuals staring again at him at Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa had come to study. Organized by Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber Of Commerce in partnership with the Group Basis of the Islands, the primary State of the Islands summit served as the large reveal of an financial outlook report since Hurricane Ian shredded Southwest Florida’s barrier islands.
“FWC: 4 panther deaths in two weeks, latest near proposed Kingston development” by way of Chad Gillis of the Fort Myers Information-Press — The numbers are mounting: 4 Florida panthers had been killed in a two-week interval this month. The most recent of the large cats to be killed by a automobile strike was discovered close to the proposed website for the Kingston improvement, which is anticipated to trigger as much as 23 panther street kills per yr. The ten-year-old male was hit and killed by a automobile alongside the japanese stretches of Corkscrew Highway, close to the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. This space is often thick with panthers as that is how they get north and out of the core breeding vary in Massive Cypress Nationwide Protect and Everglades Nationwide Park.
— TOP OPINION —
“Biden, Iran and three dead Americans” by way of The Wall Road Journal editorial board — The sorry reality is that these casualties are the results of the President’s coverage decisions. Biden has tolerated greater than 150 Iranian proxy assaults on U.S. forces within the Center East since October.
Solely sometimes has he or the administration registered greater than rhetorical displeasure by retaliating militarily, and solely then with restricted airstrikes.
The President refused to alter course even after U.S. troops suffered traumatic mind accidents. A Christmas Day proxy assault in Iraq left a U.S. Military pilot in a coma.
Everybody is aware of that the true orchestrator of those assaults is Iran. However the President has put his anxieties about upsetting Iran and risking escalation above his obligation to defend U.S. troopers overseas. It could have been extra trustworthy (if an indication of weak point) to withdraw American troops from the area, somewhat than consign them to catching Iranian drones for months.
The irony of Biden’s technique — keep away from escalation with Iran above all else — is that he’ll now need to strike again more durable than if he had responded with devastating drive the primary time U.S. forces had been hit, and each time since.
That most likely consists of hitting Iranian navy or industrial property. There are definitely dangers of escalation from doing so. However Iran and its proxies are already escalating, they usually haven’t any incentive to cease except they know their very own forces are in danger.
Right here’s one concept: Put the Iranian spy ship that has been prowling the Pink Sea on the ocean flooring.
— OPINIONS —
“The wing nuts have spoken about Travis Kelce and Swift” by way of Charles Pierce of Esquire — I’ve to say that watching the MAGA crowd, and particularly its He-Man Girls Haters auxiliary, lose its shit over the romance of Swift and Kansas Metropolis tight finish Kelce has made me right into a Chiefs fan, a minimum of for the interminable two-week run-up to the sport, which is an annual competition of closely coated non-news and nonsense. There might be no finish to tales in regards to the completely happy couple which, if we’re all actually fortunate, may have heads exploding in all corners of the wing nut media universe. And Sunday’s end result already has launched one other wing nut fever dream — the NFL has rigged the playoff in order that the Swift-Kelce Chiefs win all of it, which is able to persuade everybody to get vaccinated and vote for Biden.
“Why haven’t Republicans unified to stop Trump? Because they can’t.” by way of Megan McArdle of The Washington Submit — Republicans are caught with Trump as a result of their social gathering has been unable to beat its collective motion drawback. For 9 years now, they’ve recognized that they’d all be higher off with Trump gone but additionally that anybody who tried to make that occur would threat the anger of his voters. So particular person politicians maintain retreating to the identical playbook: keep quiet on the sidelines in hopes that destiny will intervene or that another person will muster the braveness to take him out. That is each morally derelict and ineffective. Vicious collective motion issues are hardly ever overcome by ethical exhortation. We resolve them by creating establishments that present the suitable incentives. Sadly, America’s capability for institution-building has been undermined by inside failures and exterior challenges. Which is, in fact, how we ended up with Trump within the first place.
“Goodbye, Casey DeSantis” by way of Heather Schwedel of Slate — This meatball is glad to be out of the oven. The voters who weren’t planning to indicate up for him certain received’t miss him. Is anyone upset in regards to the DeSantis marketing campaign’s collapse? Properly, sure, there’s a minimum of one individual I’d think about to be fairly damaged up over the entire affair: DeSantis’ spouse, Casey DeSantis. Whereas Ron by no means fairly took to the marketing campaign path, Casey was able to be first woman of the USA. Casey needed it in a manner her husband didn’t appear to. A method this was most evident was in how she appeared to have taken it upon herself to decorate for the a part of First Woman. Although Casey could also be confined to the skies above Florida for a short while, the traditional knowledge is that Ron DeSantis might be again to run once more in 2028, and he or she’ll little doubt be proper by his aspect. Although the ambition she displayed was neither admirable nor uncommon in a subject that tends to draw monsters and narcissists, the nakedness of it was fairly notable.
“Florida police who use force should not go unnamed” by way of the Tampa Bay Occasions editorial board — Florida voters handed the Marsy’s Legislation modification in 2018 for one cause: to provide crime victims a much bigger voice within the justice system. They didn’t intend for authorities to withhold crime data. They didn’t intend to hide the names of cops who used lethal drive. However that’s what Republican laws within the Home would do, and right-thinking lawmakers ought to reject it. The Marsy’s Legislation modification to the state structure offers crime victims express rights, aimed toward guaranteeing that victims aren’t forgotten as a defendant’s case cycles via the felony justice system. Amongst them is the suitable to “forestall the disclosure of knowledge or data that may very well be used to find or harass the sufferer or the sufferer’s household.”
“Bears aren’t the only ones who should be worried when the Legislature’s in Session” by way of Diane Roberts of the Florida Phoenix — They’re right here, they’re not cool sufficient to be queer, they usually’re hellbent on turning Florida into Hungary with humidity. I communicate of our legislators, in fact, collectively as sorry a bunch of venal twits as yow will discover anyplace within the nation. I embody Mississippi. They don’t care in regards to the insurance coverage disaster; they don’t care about runaway rents; they don’t care about hungry youngsters or sick ladies or the local weather disaster or air pollution or the instructor scarcity or something that you just and I and anybody else with two mind cells to rub collectively would determine as urgent issues right here within the more and more dysfunctional state of Florida.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Super Bowl tickets are more expensive than they’ve ever been” by way of Rebecca Mezistrano of the Miami Herald — In the event you’re hoping to attend Tremendous Bowl 58 in Las Vegas between the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, it’s going to value you. It’s already the costliest Tremendous Bowl ticket so far. The get-in value on the web site, which is the most cost effective ticket up on the market, is at present $8,000. The most cost effective ticket at the moment final yr would have run you slightly below $6,000. However, once more, that’s simply the value to get within the constructing. The common ticket value at present sits at round $9,800 — about 70% costlier than what a ticket value in 2023.
“Florida gas prices rise 16 cents alongside crude oil costs” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After sinking under $3 for the primary time since New 12 months’s Day, Florida fuel costs rebounded final week, rising to $3.18 per gallon halfway via the week earlier than settling at $3.15 per gallon Monday — 16 cents larger than seven days earlier than. The trigger, in line with Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA — The Auto Membership Group, is a mixture of elevated crude oil costs and gasoline futures. “Regardless of declining via the weekend, fuel costs are going through renewed upward stress, after crude oil and gasoline futures shot up late final week,” he stated. “This might contribute to larger costs on the pump this week or subsequent. How a lot larger stays to be seen.”
“Gummy before you fly? Miami airport looking for an edibles retailer in a CBD store” by way of Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami Worldwide Airport has a brand new concept to take the stress out of flying in 2024: hemp-based edibles. The county-owned airport lately posted the specs for a “Cannabidiol Retail Store” promoting hemp-based merchandise broadly referred to as CBD. CBD shops promote gummies, lotions and serums produced from hashish crops however with out the chemical compounds wanted to make somebody excessive. State and federal regulation restricts CBD merchandise to extraordinarily tiny quantities of THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana. Authorized in Florida, CBD retailers tout the calming properties of their merchandise, promoting factors that MIA thinks will attraction to a minimum of a few of its passengers.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating as we speak are former Sen. Perry Thurston and Mario Rubio of Indelible Options.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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