| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Good Thursday morning. The daily rundown — Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 13,990 (0.9 percent), to 1,517,472; active hospitalizations went down by 136 (nearly 1.8 percent), to 7,584; deaths rose by 169 (0.7 percent), to 23,396. Predictable — The impeachment vote of Florida man and President Donald Trump went as expected. Florida's congressional delegation — partisan and hyperbolic — did not stray from their corners and voted on a straight party line. The world's a stage — For some of the state's Republicans, the swift debate gave them an opportunity to engage in some political theater. Rep. Brian Mast stood silently after he asked a rhetorical question about whether any of those who stormed the U.S. Capitol have been asked whether they did so because of the president. Mast's comments drew a bit of retort from CNN's Jake Tapper — who questioned if Mast cared about democracy, even though he lost both legs serving in the military. Mast shot back to Tapper on Twitter, and then his team sent out a fundraising email off it. Spotlight — Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose comments drew some jeering, engaged in whataboutism where he accused Democrats of having double standards over the Black Lives Matter protests. His comments drew swift praise from right wing media and were quickly spread far and wide. Too quick — Other Florida Republicans — such as Vern Buchanan and Michael Waltz — said they voted against impeachment because it was rushed and would further polarize the country. "With one more week until inauguration, what our country needs most is unity, not more fuel thrown on the fire," Waltz wrote on Twitter. Both Buchanan and Waltz voted to certify the election following the Capitol riots that sought to hijack that process. What wasn't said — Missing from the remarks of most Florida Republicans — in contrast to even Rep. Kevin McCarthy or Sen. Marco Rubio — was any suggestion that Trump's refusal to accept the election results, the president's tweets and lawyers playing on people's patriotism to tell Americans they'd been robbed of democracy or his exhortations to the crowd played any role in the deadly turmoil that followed. Here come the Democrats — But don't worry. Democrats had that covered. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz echoed other House Dems and called Trump a "clear and present danger." Rep. Val Demings said on Twitter that "I was in the Gallery, and after reflecting on the violent attack as a Member of Congress and as a former law enforcement officer, it baffles me that some of my colleagues on the other side would say that today's vote is a "rush to judgement." Demings added that "the attack and the loss of life were the culmination of the President's calls for violence over the last five years and my colleagues' refusal to hold him accountable." Aftermath — Amid an uncertain outcome in the U.S. Senate, the president will head back to Florida soon. It appears his entire family is following him south as well. And then what? — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will be in Austin, Texas, where he will participate in a roundtable with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at an event being held by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Florida Playbook will not publish on Monday, Jan. 18. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Please continue to follow Politico Florida. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | HAPPENING TODAY - THE COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT: What are the logistical challenges facing the coronavirus immunization campaign? Who is overseeing the process and working to overcome obstacles to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to the vaccine? Join POLITICO for a virtual discussion on the outgoing Trump administration's plan to prioritize lower-income, rural, and communities of color for vaccine distribution and what the Biden administration can do to streamline plans and fill in any gaps. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
|  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | A QUIET FLORIDA MAN? — Donald Trump finally discovers a spotlight he wants to ignore," by POLITICO's Gabby Orr, Meridith McGraw and Daniel Lippman: Shortly after being impeached for the second time on Wednesday, Donald Trump released a video that didn't reference the historic rebuke but did urge supporters and others alike to shun political violence. As notable as the content of the remarks, however, was the vehicle by which they were delivered. Using a teleprompter to stay on script, Trump spoke straight to camera. The clip was sent out by the White House Twitter feed, not his own, which has been shut down since the aftermath of those riots. He did not do a primetime address in front of the press. In fact, he hasn't done an interview at all. That's because, the nation's most press-hungry president has gone dark. — "Trump's grip on the GOP loosens ever so slightly," by POLITICO's Ally Mutnick and David Siders WARNING — "Rubio argues Trump could emerge a 'martyr,' stronger from impeachment ," by NBC 6's Tony Pipitone: "Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida's senior senator, is warning that impeachment -- which he opposed -- could turn Donald Trump into a 'martyr.' On Wednesday, Rubio told NBC 6 that the president, who a bipartisan majority of the House found incited a mob to insurrection leading to five deaths on the Capitol grounds, should not have been impeached. 'I don't believe the House should move forward with impeachment,' Rubio said, 'not because the president doesn't bear some responsibility -- because I believe he does -- but because I think it will further inflame an already divided country at an already difficult moment.'" — "Miami Republicans vote against impeaching Trump after deadly riot," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty — "Disney joins companies not contributing to Republicans who objected to Biden's win," by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello | 
Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) gives a tour to National Guardsmen in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 13, 2021. | Erik Wasson/Bloomberg | UNHAPPY — "GOP lawmakers dodge metal detectors added after Capitol riots, blast them as an 'atrocity,'" by Washington Post's Jaclyn Peiser: "The metal detector protests were the latest act of defiance by a GOP faction that supported President Trump's attempts to overturn the election results based on false claims of mass election fraud, a baseless allegation that helped fuel the insurrection at the Capitol….On the House floor, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) blasted the metal detectors, calling them an 'atrocity' and 'appalling.' 'Take note, America,' Steube said. 'This is what you have to look forward to in the Joe Biden administration.'" JOINING IN — "Florida National Guard to support inauguration in D.C.," by Tampa Bay Times' Ileana Najarro: "The Florida National Guard will be sending 600 soldiers and airmen to Washington, D.C., for inauguration support, according to a Guard spokesperson. Once there, they will fall under the direction of the D.C. National Guard. This follows the activation of thousands of guardsmen from other states in response to the siege at the U.S. Capitol last week. As of Wednesday afternoon, there had been no formal request for Guard support at the state capitol in Tallahassee, said Lt. Col. Caitlin Brown." — " FBI hosts security call with Florida law enforcement over concerns of pro-Trump rallies," by Miami Herald's Jay Weaver, Charles Rabin and Mary Ellen Klas — "Central Florida, state brace for inauguration unrest. Experts say extremism won't stop there," by Orlando Sentinel's Desiree Stennett, Grace Toohey, Monivette Cordeiro and Jeff Weiner FLORIDA LOSES OUT — "US Space Command site to be located in Huntsville, Alabama," by Associated Press' Kim Chandler: "Colorado officials lambasted the move, saying military officials had recommended to Trump that Space Command remain at the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, but they were 'overruled for politically motivated reasons.' They did not say what those alleged political reasons were. Trump won Alabama in the November election and President-elect Joe Biden won Colorado. 'This move threatens jobs, could cause serious economic damage, and upend the lives of hundreds of military and civilian families that were counting on U.S Space Command staying at home in Colorado Springs as well as harm military readiness,' Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera said in a statement." BOTTLED UP? — "Trump and DeSantis want Florida to import prescription drugs. Does Biden?" by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson: "The Biden administration's decision will have big implications for Florida — at least politically. Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Sunshine State has already submitted a plan to allow Floridians to import drugs from Canada. A federal rule change that happened under the Trump administration made that possible." — "Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle to exit NYC, join family in Florida," by New York Post's Jennifer Gould — "Police: Ex-officer jailed over DC-related online threats," by Associated Press' Curt Anderson | | | | KEEP UP WITH THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WITH TRANSITION PLAYBOOK: It was a dark week in American history, and a new administration will have to pick up the pieces. Transition Playbook brings you inside the last days of this crucial transfer of power, tracking the latest from President-elect Biden and his growing administration. Written for political insiders, this scoop-filled newsletter breaks big news and analyzes the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | DANGEROUS SITUATION — "White House Task Force warns Florida of 'significant' COVID deaths,'" by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich: "As new COVID-19 vaccination sites open across the state, the latest White House Coronavirus Task Force report warns that Florida faces 'significant fatalities' in the coming weeks from the rapidly spreading infection. Florida continues to be in the most dangerous 'red zone' for its number of new infections, the report notes, citing an acceleration that began shortly before Thanksgiving. The report, dated Jan. 10 but not immediately released, found more than 10,000 Floridians were newly hospitalized for COVID the first week of 2021, a 14% increase from the previous week, and that nearly 1,000 people died from COVID across the state. 'Florida is in full COVID-19 resurgence, which will drive significant fatalities for many weeks and stress the staffing of the hospital system,' the report said." — "'I'm not trying to be dramatic': Sarasota County officials warn of unprecedented COVID spike," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Timothy Fanning — " COVID pushes Orlando area ICU beds to near capacity," by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich WHAT'S GOING ON? — "State and local officials urge better vaccine communication," by POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian: State Sen. Aaron Bean on Wednesday told Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees to get better at communicating with localities about the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine, echoing the same chagrin from localities across the state. Bean, a Republican from Fernandina Beach, told Rivkees during a Wednesday Senate Health Policy Committee meeting that Nassau County officials are frustrated with the lack of communication by the Florida Department of Health. "I want to impart on both of you that we need help — we need a clear direction and path," Bean said. "People will be patient if they know there's a plan in place." After the meeting, Rivkees said Bean's frustration was from pent-up demand for the vaccine, which he called a "ray of hope" to end the coronavirus pandemic. "It's very difficult to ask people ... [to] being patient during a pandemic," Rivkees said. "All of our county health departments are playing a tremendous role in trying to get vaccines out to the public, and they will continue to do so." A SHOT AND A BEER? — " Florida downplays reports of medical tourism for vaccines," by Associated Press' Terry Spencer, Tamara Lush and Bobby Caina Calvan: "Florida was one of the first states to throw open vaccine eligibility to members of the general public over 65, leading to rumors that tourists and day-trippers are swooping in solely for the jab. State officials have moved quickly to disavow such scuttlebutt. Gov. Ron DeSantis said stories of people flying to Florida, getting vaccinated and returning home are overblown. While there have been scattered reports of such interlopers, DeSantis said the nonresidents who are getting shots are almost entirely 'snowbirds,' residents who live in the state for several months during the winter and who could infect others if they aren't vaccinated. 'I think it's totally fine if they wanted to' be vaccinated, the Republican governor said at a recent news conference." Fried isn't buying it — "But Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat who is contemplating a run against DeSantis next year, said her office is getting numerous complaints from Floridians who are angry that nonresidents are getting shots and who allege that some are not 65 or older." MOVING AHEAD — "Business liability protections clear first hurdle," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "A House panel on Wednesday night voted along party lines to back a proposal that would provide broad immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits to businesses that have "substantially" complied with public-health guidelines. The House Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee voted 11-6 to advance the proposal (HB 7), with state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in attendance championing the measure. Patronis, whose family has long owned a Panama City Beach restaurant, testified at the meeting and called the bill monumental." — " COVID vaccine: Publix portal expands to 105 stores across 12 Florida counties," by Northwest Florida Daily News' Joe Callahan — "COVID vaccine: Shots begin for those 65 and older at Florida State University," by Tallahassee Democrat's Byron Dobson — "More than 88% of Collier students expected to be on campus next semester," by Naples Daily News' Rachel Fradette — "Florida hospitals worry about second dose supply after vaccine announcement," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | THE MONEY GO-ROUND — "'Blood out of turnips': Lawmakers prepare to wrestle a $2.7B deficit," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Florida lawmakers are for the first time starting to directly grapple with how to build a state budget pummeled by a revenue-draining pandemic that will likely mean deep spending cuts and a bleak three-year outlook. House budget-writing committees and subcommittees got their first close-up look Wednesday at Covid-19's impact on Florida's bottom line roughly 10 months into the crisis — and it's bad…."I don't think it is lost on this committee we have to systematically change the way we build this budget," House Appropriations Committee Chair Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) said during an hour-long Wednesday meeting. "We are going to need to look hard and diligently at how everything is funded." SLOW WALK — "Corcoran: It's 'grossly wrong' teacher raises are still being negotiated," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Teachers in about a third of Florida's school districts have yet to see a pay raise from the $500 million pot of state cash Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature carved out for educators this year, according to new data released by the Department of Education. That mark, which includes six districts currently at impasse over contract negotiations, led Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran on Wednesday to criticize "union bosses" whom he said are being "unruly" and "irrational." Corcoran said during a state Board of Education meeting that the historic pay increases will be awarded by the end of the 2020-21 academic year. ON ALERT — "TPD Chief Revell: No 'specific' threat against Tallahassee amid warnings of violence," by Tallahassee Democrat's Jeff Burlew and Karl Etters: "Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said there are no specific threats against Florida's Capitol, but that law enforcement is girding for the possibility of violence given recent FBI warnings. Revell, during the Tallahassee City Commission's retreat on Wednesday, said the Tallahassee Police Department is collaborating with all of its law enforcement partners. He said they would meet later in the day to 'make sure we have the resources that may be required.' 'We do not have any specific intelligence,' Revell said." NEW NORMAL — "Lobbyists shift away from Florida Capitol amid COVID-19," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "The marbled halls of the Capitol building in downtown Tallahassee would typically be buzzing during the committee-meeting kickoff, as lobbyists rub elbows with legislators and aides while advocating for issues ranging from medical marijuana to budget items. But the coronavirus pandemic has transformed the 22-story edifice and adjacent buildings into an eerily desolate landscape as lawmakers and their staff, lobbyists and reporters comply with new restrictions aimed at keeping as few people as possible from roaming inside the Capitol complex." — " Report: Visit Florida provides good return on investment, even as critics attack agency," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | LONDON CALLING? — "Jacksonville City Council rejects deal to fund Jaguars' Lot J development," by Florida Times-Union's Christopher Hong: "The Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday rejected a $233 million development deal with Jaguars owner Shad Khan to build his proposed Lot J development next to TIAA Bank Field, as the deal was unable to overcome a barrage of criticism that it required too much of taxpayers and offered too little in return. The surprising vote bookended a turbulent month for the effort to pass the deal, which faced increasing opposition and scrutiny that derailed a final vote scheduled before the end of the year." 'RE-EARN MY CHOPS' — " Puerto Rico's deposed governor describes his family's panicked flight from the island," by New York Times' Frances Robles and Patricia Mazzei: "As signs emerge that the powerful old guard that Mr. [Ricardo] Rosselló so embodied is loosening its decades-long grip on Puerto Rican politics, Mr. Rosselló would like to put aside the summer that blew up his political career. After nearly a year-and-a-half in exile, the former governor wants, if not to be forgiven, at least to be understood. He would like his good name back. He has hired publicists to help him do it. 'It was painful to lose the job as governor,' he said over a video call in December from suburban Washington. 'It was painful, because I worked so hard for it, and I thought we were doing good things. But I think what was really painful was the sort of complete devastation of my reputation.'" — "Former Broward schools administrator arrested in grand jury corruption probe," by Sun Sentinel's Scott Travis — "Cape Coral mayor Joe Coviello, champion of Cape Coral businesses, growth, dies at age 65 ," by Fort Myers News-Press David Dorsey | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "UCF moves to fire professor accused of racist tweets for 'misconduct' in classroom," by Orlando Sentinel's Annie Martin: "UCF intends to terminate a professor who came under fire over the summer for tweets described as racist by students and alumni after a university investigation found he created a "hostile" classroom environment, deterred students from filing complaints about his classroom conduct, failed to report that a student said she had been sexually assaulted by one of his teaching assistants and provided false information during the probe. The University of Central Florida launched an investigation into Charles Negy, an associate professor in the psychology department, over the summer after receiving more than 500 messages about him, including some that said he subjected students to 'discriminatory harassment' in the classroom." BIRTHDAYS: Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls … Jennifer Liberto, deputy economics editor with The Washington Post
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