| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Our Islands Our Future | It's Thursday morning. The daily rundown — Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 17,783 (nearly 1.3 percent), to 1,409,906; active hospitalizations went down by 42 (nearly 0.6 percent), to 7,303; deaths rose by 129 (nearly 0.6 percent), to 22,317. The end — While you were sleeping, following a chaotic, and ultimately tragic day in the nation's capital, Congress certified Joe Biden's win in the 2020 presidential election in the early morning hours. Mindhunter — The final vote, of course, came after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol and brought a halt to the proceedings. It was a shocking turn of events that Sen. Marco Rubio said made America look like "3rd World Anarchy" and delighted the nation's enemies. Several Florida Democrats blasted Trump and said he should be forced from office immediately for encouraging what they called an attempted coup. Former Gov. Jeb Bush said Trump had been "inciting insurrection." Late Wednesday, Rubio took to the Senate floor and said, "I think politics has made us crazy! Everybody in this country has lost their minds on politics." Florida's senators split — Rubio, who despite being mocked by Trump on the 2016 campaign trail, had become a willing ally of the president these last four years. Yet, Rubio had been an enigma heading into Wednesday's Electoral College vote. Ultimately, he decided to vote to certify the slates of electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania despite objections from other Republicans and criticism from pro-Trump activists. Florida's other senator — Rick Scott — tried to have it both ways. Scott voted for the Arizona slate, but then cast a vote against the Pennsylvania slate. Earlier in the day, Scott telegraphed his likely decision to vote against the Pennsylvania electors, citing changes to election procedures that occurred there. Consistency? — Scott's objections echoed those of several other Florida Republicans, who suggested that an election was illegitimate if a state used procedures that were not placed into law by their legislatures. One troubling fact: Florida in several ways conducted its election outside of the strict wording of state law too, including allowing hurricane-battered Bay County, a GOP stronghold, to expand early voting days and create super voting centers. Moving on or holding out? — Some of the state's GOP members of Congress — such as Rep. Vern Buchanan — voted to certify electors. "After witnessing the sad spectacle that occurred today, I voted to the certify the results of the Electoral College because it's time to move past this election." But other Republicans, including Trump acolyte Matt Gaetz, held on through the very end, with Gaetz even suggesting on the House floor with little evidence that the throngs of Trump supporters who stormed the Capital were infiltrated by antifa. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A message from Our Islands Our Future: Oil Drilling in The Bahamas Threatens Florida's Coast. Florida's coastline and tourism industry are in danger. An oil drilling company with a history of accidents will begin drilling for oil just miles off Florida's coast with Miami's beaches, Florida's entire Atlantic Coast, and the U.S. mainland downstream of prevailing winds and surface currents. Over 75,000 people have already signed a petition to stop this potential catastrophe. Will you? Learn more - ourislandsourfuture.org. | | |
|  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | IT'S OVER — "Congress certifies Biden's win after day of chaos and violence," by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney, Burgess Everett, Heather Caygle, Melanie Zanona and Sarah Ferris: A beleaguered Congress finalized President-elect Joe Biden's victory early Thursday morning, capping a day of riots that turned deadly and briefly ground the nation's most powerful institutions to a standstill. It was the last step in affirming Biden's election ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration, but one marred by violence fueled by the sitting president, Donald Trump, who urged his followers to march on the Capitol to pressure lawmakers to overturn the results. Vice President Mike Pence formally ascertained Biden's win as the clock struck 3:32 a.m. Thursday morning. | 
Win McNamee/Getty Images | FALLOUT — "The day Trump broke the GOP," by POLITICO's Burgess Everett, Marianne LeVine and Melanie Zanona: It literally took a riot of Trump supporters in the Capitol for many Republicans to finally confront the defeated president — a moment of bedlam that put those GOP lawmakers' own lives at risk. After his supporters stormed into the Capitol, vandalized the building and fought with police officers, several typically strong allies turned on Trump. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), one of the most steadfast supporters of the president, said bluntly that "it's past time for the president to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence." Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said he didn't want to hear anything more from Trump: "It was a tragic day and he was part of it." — "'He screwed the country': Trump loyalty disintegrates," by POLITICO's Gabby Orr, Anita Kumar and Meredith McGraw IT'S NOT US, IT'S THEM — "Trump loyalists push evidence-free claims that antifa activists fueled mob ," by NBC News Brandy Zadrozny and Ben Collins: "Radical conservative activists and allies of President Donald Trump quickly began to spread disinformation about the Capitol riots Wednesday, claiming with no evidence that pro-Trump protesters photographed breaking into congressional chambers were anti-fascist activists… On Wednesday night when Congress reconvened to resume the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's win, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., used his time to also float that antifa was behind the violence. 'I don't know if the reports are true, but The Washington Times has just reported some pretty compelling evidence from a facial recognition company that some of the people who breached the Capitol today were not Trump supporters, they were masquerading as Trump supporters, and in fact were members of the violent terrorist group antifa,' Gaetz said." AT THE SCENE — "As Trump rioters breached Capitol, Florida lawmakers tweeted scenes of mayhem," by The Palm Beach Post's Christine Stapleton, John Pacenti and Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson: "Barricaded in a small room and spooked by noises from the outside, U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel calmly said the mob of President Trump's supporters that descended on the Capitol on Wednesday would not deter her or other lawmakers from certifying the election of President-elect Joe Biden. When asked if she was safe at about 4 p.m., the former West Palm Beach mayor said: 'I hope so. I don't know.' The West Palm Beach Democrat said she had to speak very softly and could not disclose her location in the Capitol." — " Florida members of Congress condemn attack as 'coup,' '3rd world anarchy,'" by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello and Gray Rohrer — "Florida Rep. U.S. Al Lawson in lockdown: Trump needs to be immediately removed as president," by Tallahassee Democrat's James Call — "Impeach Trump, South Florida congresswoman says after his supporters take over Capitol," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man — "Charlie Crist: Remove Donald Trump from office by invoking 25th amendment," by Tampa Bay Times' Steve Contorno AT THE SCENE PART 2 — "Gas masks, a prayer and guns drawn. Inside the riot at the U.S. Capitol Building," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty and David Smiley: "From the third floor, as rioters began to roam the halls of the Capitol, a Miami Herald reporter could hear police tell everyone to lie face down on the floor. Gas masks were distributed as a precaution. Tear gas had been deployed in the rotunda, police said. A loud bang — possibly a gun firing — could be heard. Inside, officers pushed a table against the doors to use as a barricade and, crouching behind it, drew their firearms. Someone banged on the doors and broke a pane of glass. A face peered through the opening at officers, who had their guns drawn." BACK IN SOUTH FLORIDA — "'Trump should stay in power.' In Miami, rallies focus on overturning Biden victory," by Miami Herald's Lautaro Grinspan: "At gatherings near the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami and in front of the Versailles restaurant in Little Havana, flag-waving protesters falsely alleged that the presidential election was stolen from Trump. Many lamented not having traveled to the U.S. Capitol, which was under siege later Wednesday afternoon as mobs stormed the building, triggering a lockdown and a showdown with police." Going after Rubio — "'Marco Rubio is a traitor,' said Arce Gomez, a Cuban-American protester, in response to the state's senior senator's refusal to commit to the certification challenge. 'We have to clean house.' That sentiment of frustration — cited by many among the crowd — along with the rhetoric of the speakers who addressed the groups were indications of how a perceived lack of loyalty to Trump could emerge as an electoral threat to GOP politicians moving forward. 'We are not Republicans anymore. Those Republicans don't represent us,' Susy Taylor yelled into a bullhorn while standing in front of Versailles." — "Trump supporters from Southwest Florida tear-gassed in siege on U.S. Capitol, returning safely," by Naples Daily News' Thaddeus Mast — "Trump supporters, Proud Boys protest in front of Old Florida Capitol," by Tallahassee Democrat's Tori Lynn Schneider — "Across Latin America and in Miami, storming of U.S. Capitol recalls chaos at home," by Miami Herald's Andres Viglucci and Jacqueline Charles — "Orange Sheriff Mina, Orlando Mayor Dyer: Invaders at U.S. Capitol are domestic terrorists ," by Orlando Sentinel's Jeff Weiner | | | | GET THE BIG PRE-INAUGURATION SCOOPS IN TRANSITION PLAYBOOK: Inauguration Day is quickly approaching. Is the Biden administration ready? Transition Playbook brings you inside the transition and newly forming administration, tracking the latest from Biden world and the transition of power. Written for political insiders, this scoop-filled newsletter breaks big news and analyzes the appointments, people and emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today. | | | | |
| | TRAIL MIX | | FLIPPED — "Democrats retake the Senate with Georgia sweep," by POLITICO's James Arkin, Andrew Desiderio and Quint Forgey: Democrats have won the Senate majority after a remarkable pair of runoff victories in Georgia, giving the party control of Congress and smoothing the path for President-elect Joe Biden to enact the agenda he ran on in 2020. Jon Ossoff's and Raphael Warnock's victories over Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler will bring the balance of power in the Senate to 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris able to cast tie-breaking votes once she is inaugurated later this month. The first of those will make Sen. Chuck Schumer the majority leader, relegating current Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to the minority after six years in charge of the Senate. Loss of clout, new mission — Republicans losing control of the Senate is expected to have immediate ramifications for both of Florida senators. Sen. Marco Rubio last year ascended to the position of acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, a role he appeared likely to keep had the GOP maintained control of the chamber. Rubio was also chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, where he played a key role in draw up the Paycheck Protection Program. Sen. Rick Scott, as incoming chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, now has the job of trying to win back control of the U.S. Senate for Republicans in 2022. | | | |   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | DESANTIS' PROTEST PRIORITIES — Amid the turmoil and unrest in Washington, D.C., caused by supporters of President Donald Trump, one of the president's biggest allies — Gov. Ron DeSantis — rolled out on his top 2021 session priorities late Wednesday evening. House and Senate Republicans released identical bills that propose a crackdown on "violent agitators." The legislation would increase penalties against those involved in looting and violence. "In light of today's events at our United States Capitol, we have no time to waste to uphold public safety," DeSantis said in a statement about the bill. UNDETERMINED — "Florida House, Senate differ on Covid-19 liability protections for health care providers," by POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian and Matt Dixon: "Battle lines in the Florida House and Senate in the fight over legal protections for businesses worried about coronavirus-related lawsuits are forming around a key and politically powerful industry: health care. Both chambers of the Florida Legislature are led by Republicans, but early session talks over pandemic liability protections will begin with disagreement over how to handle the long-term care industry, according to unreleased draft versions of House and Senate proposals reviewed by POLITICO." CALLING THEM OUT — "Florida House, Senate unveil COVID-19 business protections," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "But prominent Orlando plaintiffs' attorney John Morgan blasted the possibility of providing additional legal protections to nursing homes, where thousands of residents have died because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. 'We now know nursing homes are murder factories. Half of the deaths are there because they are filthy,' Morgan said. 'Tort reform has made it already impossible to sue them. Cameras should be in every room. We have cameras on our dogs at the vet.' | | | | A NEW YEAR MEANS A NEW HUDDLE IS HERE: Huddle, our daily congressional must-read, has a new author! Olivia Beavers took the reins this week, and she has the latest news and whispers from the Speakers' Lobby. Don't miss out, subscribe to our Huddle newsletter, the essential guide to all things Capitol Hill. Subscribe today. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | CASHING IN — "Thousands of Florida inmates defrauded California coronavirus unemployment fund, report says," by Associated Press: "More than $40 million in California funding intended to help people left jobless by the coronavirus pandemic probably went to inmates in out-of-state jails and prisons, it was reported Tuesday. The state has acknowledged that its Employment Development Department was bilked out of hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 unemployment funds that went to fraudsters, including some in the name of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. But a December analysis commissioned by the state's EDD found that the department approved more than 6,000 claims totaling more than $42 million involving people who probably were incarcerated out of state, including at least 2,000 Florida county jail and state prison inmates that included a man serving time for second-degree murder who received $10,800 in payments from California, the Los Angeles Times reported after reviewing the analysis." SPECIAL TREATMENT — "In Hernando, a gated community gets some of the first coronavirus vaccine doses," by Tampa Bay Times' Barbara Behrendt and Bailey LeFever: "Spring Hill resident Sharon Swanson has repeatedly called the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. So far, she hasn't gotten through. At 76, Swanson knows she is in a high-risk category for the disease, and she wants to be vaccinated as soon as possible. But Swanson said she didn't expect that when the health department phone system buckled under the crush of calls, officials there would reach out to a gated community nearby, the Wellington at Seven Hills, to offer its residents hundreds of vaccine doses. According to its website, the Wellington at Seven Hills is where "discerning home buyers looking for the perfect 55 and up community can be pampered." It is home to Andrew Ingoglia, father of state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, who previously headed up the Republican Party of Florida." INVESTIGATION LOOMING — "Florida company accused of steering vaccines to rich donors," by Associated Press' Terry Spencer: "Florida launched an investigation Wednesday into an upscale nursing home amid reports that it administered coronavirus vaccines to wealthy donors and members of a country club along with its residents and employees. The Washington Post and New York Post both reported that MorseLife Health System, a nonprofit that operates a nursing home and assisted living facility in West Palm Beach, has given vaccinations to donors and members of the Palm Beach Country Club, whose foundation has donated at least $75,000 to MorseLife since 2015, tax records show." SOMEBODY BLINKED — "State agrees to settle Orlando Sentinel lawsuit over COVID reports," by Orlando Sentinel's Naseem S. Miller: "The state has agreed to settle Orlando Sentinel's lawsuit, which stemmed from unreasonable delays by Gov. Ron DeSantis' office in providing the weekly White House Coronavirus Task Force reports to the newspaper. As part of the settlement, the state has agreed to release the future weekly task force reports within two business days and pay $7,500 in attorney fees." — "Hard Rock Stadium opens up for COVID-19 vaccines, more confusion follows, " by Miami Herald's Samantha J. Gross, Ana Claudia Chacin, and Mary Ellen Klas — "AdventHealth escalates status to red due to COVID-19 patient volume," by Orlando Sentinel's Naseem S. Miller — " DeSantis on COVID-19: Mandates, lockdowns and fines for violating mask restrictions don't work," by News Service of Florida Jim Turner — "COVID-19: Tallahassee hospitals see record numbers of positive patients," by Tallahassee Democrat's CD Davidson-Hiers | | MEDIA MATTERS | | NOT A GOOD SIGN — "Tampa Bay Times will move printing to Gannett plant in Lakeland," by Times staff writer: "Times Publishing Co. announced Wednesday it will outsource printing of its newspapers starting in March and will close its own production facility in St. Petersburg. The company has signed a three-year agreement with Gannett, the country's largest newspaper chain, to print the Tampa Bay Times at its operations center in Lakeland. That plant already produces some of Gannett's own newspapers, plus the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Times Publishing issued a required 60-day notice to about 90 full-time and 60 part-time workers who will lose their jobs when the transition is complete. Gannett intends to expand its own operations team in Lakeland and has said some jobs could go to Times employees." | | | | A message from Our Islands Our Future: Oil Drilling in The Bahamas is About to Ruin Our Coast.
Florida's coastline and tourism industry are in danger. An oil drilling company with a history of accidents will soon begin drilling for oil in Bahamian waters, just miles from Miami's beaches, with the entire Atlantic Coast of Florida and the U.S. mainland directly downstream of prevailing winds and surface currents.
The Bahamian Prime Minister has the power to revoke the drilling license, even though it's dangerously close to our coastline and threatens marine-protected areas. With a U.S. moratorium on offshore drilling in effect, this drill is happening in face of open opposition from a bi-partisan group of elected officials, with more than a dozen members of Congress signing a letter to the State Department expressing their strong opposition.
Over 75,000 people have signed the public petition to stop this potential catastrophe. Will you?
Visit ourislandsourfuture.org to learn more. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: Diane Roberts, author, columnist, radio commentator and professor at Florida State University ... Former University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft ... Phil Galewitz , senior correspondent at Kaiser Health News ... DeeDee Rasmussen, chapter president/CEO of ABC North Florida and Leon County School Board member ... Mark Lane, metro columnist for The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
| Want to make an impact? POLITICO Florida has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Sunshine State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.
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