| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by AARP | Hello and welcome to Monday. The daily rundown — Between Saturday and Sunday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 5,065 (0.2 percent), to 1,868,772; active hospitalizations went down by 53 (nearly 1.3 percent), to 4,160; deaths among Florida residents rose by 93 (0.3 percent), to 29,906; 2,693,953 Floridians have at least one dose of the vaccine. It's a small world — The biggest stars of the conservative political world and the Trump movement will descend upon central Florida in the coming days, including former President and Florida man himself Donald Trump. Florida men and women — The detailed agenda for the Conservative Political Action Conference released late Sunday also shows that a long line of Florida GOP politicians will be in place as well: Rep. Byron Donalds will discuss criminal justice reform, Rep. Matt Gaetz gets not one but two speaking slots, while Sen. Rick Scott will discuss "unlocking our churches, our voices and social media accounts." Rep. Kat Cammack and Rep. Greg Steube are scheduled to appear and state Rep. Fiona McFarland will be on stage twice as well. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi — who remained relatively quiet during the post-election fallout — will also make an appearance. Leadoff hitter — But kicking off the conference that will feature a bevy of potential 2024 presidential contenders will be Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose Friday morning speech is billed as "Florida welcomes CPAC: Open for business." It's all about the base — Given the title of his address it's reasonable to expect DeSantis to rail against lockdown measures and the national media. But also expect in the words of someone in DeSantis' circle: "Lots and lots of red meat." Priorities, priorities — DeSantis will give his speech just four days before the 2021 session of the Florida Legislature kicks off. The session comes after a year where the Covid-19 pandemic has killed nearly 30,000 Floridians, nearly wrecked the state's economy, and left thousands of people unemployed. But the governor's top objectives for the upcoming session are tailor-made for the CPAC audience: A crackdown on tech firms, legislation prompted by last year's Black Lives Matter protest and now moves against mail-in balloting. (There weren't any problems with mail-in balloting in Florida of course, but it seems likely the governor will highlight the practice in a conference that has seven separate events billed as "protecting elections.") — 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 AARP: Don't cut quality care for nursing home residents. Nearly 10,000 residents and staff of Florida nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities have died from COVID-19. Now is the time to strengthen protections for our loved ones — not cut them. Vote 'No' on HB 485/SB 1132. | | |
|  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | FLORIDA MAN — "Trump gears up for war with his own party," by POLITICO's Gabby Orr and Meridith McGraw: For weeks now, Trump has rejected meetings with everyone from former South Carolina governor and 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley to House and Senate GOP candidates vying for his ear — preferring to spend his days leisurely calling friends, binging cable news, golfing with a rotating cast of partners and basking in standing ovations whenever he arrives for dinner on Mar-a-Lago's outdoor patio. One person close to the ex-president said he's become "unreachable" to anyone outside his limited circle of loyal aides, longtime friends and die-hard political allies. The plan — That's about to change. According to three people familiar with the planning, Trump will soon begin vetting candidates at Mar-a-Lago who are eager to fulfill his promise to exact vengeance upon incumbent Republicans who've scorned him, and to ensure every open GOP seat in the 2022 midterms has a MAGA-approved contender vying for it. In the loop — "We are in the process of putting together a more formal schedule for candidates who want to come get his endorsement," said senior Trump adviser Jason Miller, noting that Trump's meetings so far have been limited to golf friends, Mar-a-Lago members and "folks with the ability to contact him themselves." | 
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump speaks to supporters at Joint Base Andrews before boarding Air Force One for his last time as President on January 20, 2021 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Trump, the first president in more than 150 years to refuse to attend his successor's inauguration, is expected to spend the final minutes of his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. (Photo by Pete Marovich - Pool/Getty Images) | Pete Marovich - Pool/Getty Images | FLORIDA MAN PART 2 — "Trump to speak at CPAC," by POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt: The conference will take place Feb. 25-28 in Orlando, Fla. Trump is scheduled to speak Feb. 28. Trump has been a [Conservative Political Action Conference] regular since making his first appearance there in 2011, years before he became a presidential candidate. During Trump's White House tenure, the conference was a four-day celebration of his administration, with appearances from Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence and other top advisers. Since leaving office, Trump has given several TV interviews on friendly outlets and released public statements, but has yet to speak before an audience. — "GOP Civil War barely registers at conservative conference where Trump will speak," by Newsweek's Jason Lemon STONE ZONE — "Justice Dept. is said to be examining Stone's possible ties to Capitol rioters," by The New York Times' Katie Benner: "The Justice Department is examining communications between right-wing extremists who breached the Capitol and Roger J. Stone Jr., a close associate of former President Donald J. Trump, to determine whether Mr. Stone played any role in the extremists' plans to disrupt the certification of President Biden's electoral victory, a person familiar with the matter said on Saturday. Should investigators find messages showing that Mr. Stone knew about or took part in those plans, they would have a factual basis to open a full criminal investigation into him, according to the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a continuing inquiry." — "Former Florida cop went live on Facebook during the Capitol riot. Now he's charged," by Miami Herald's Aaron Leibowitz | | | | NEW - "THE RECAST" NEWSLETTER: Power dynamics are changing. "Influence" is changing. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. "The Recast" is our new twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics, policy and power in America. And POLITICO is recasting how we report on this crucial intersection, bringing you fresh insights, scoops, dispatches from across the country and new voices that challenge "business as usual." Don't miss out on this important new newsletter, SUBSCRIBE NOW. Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | TRAIL MIX | | THE BIG FIX — "DeSantis pitches mail-in voting crackdown in Florida despite few problems," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday called for imposing new restrictions on mail-in balloting after an election where nearly 44 percent of Florida voters — including a spike in Democrats — turned to the system amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The move comes ahead of what's likely to be an expensive and brutal reelection campaign for the state's top Republican. Confidence plan — DeSantis also said he wants to block election officials from accepting grants from outside groups, even though his administration spent about $200,000 from a nonprofit group largely funded with donations from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. "We need to make sure that we continue we stay ahead of the curve and we need to make sure our citizens have confidence in the elections," DeSantis told a throng of cheering supporters gathered at a West Palm Beach hotel that resembled a campaign rally. "Obviously, we want everyone to vote but we don't anyone to cheat." Quick reaction — Some of the proposals drew swift opposition from Democrats who said the governor is angling to fuel the Republican base and tamp down Democratic turnout when DeSantis is on the ballot rather than targeting voter fraud. "Gov. DeSantis and his Republican allies are just continuing Trump's campaign of disinformation on election fraud and a stolen election that led to a violent insurrection and an attempt to overthrow our government," Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat, said. THE 2022 COUNTDOWN — "Lots of Democrats are thinking of running for Florida governor. Who will step up? Can any defeat Ron DeSantis?" by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man and Skyler Swisher: "Seeking the state's top job is tempting for Democratic politicians, but also daunting. While Democrats assert victory is within reach, many also acknowledge that denying Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis a second term would be exceedingly difficult. 'Can we win in 2022? It's going to be tough,' said Gwen Graham, the former north Florida congresswoman who finished a close second in the multi-candidate 2018 gubernatorial primary. 'Of course, it's possible.' Graham said the November 2018 election 'was a cakewalk compared to what 2022 is going to be for Democrats. We've got to be honest about it.'" — "Vern Buchanan already gearing up to protect seat after tough votes earl in the cycle," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson | | | |   | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | PLEASE COME — "DeSantis reverses course as Florida snags federal vaccine sites," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Florida is getting four federally-backed Covid-19 vaccination hubs in largely low-income communities of color, an announcement that comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis initially clashed with the Biden administration over federal vaccine help. The new sites, which were announced Friday, will be in areas of Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami and Orlando picked through a federal vulnerability index that considered things like minority population, socioeconomic status and housing types. When up and running in roughly two weeks, the four sites are expected to collectively give 12,000 daily vaccines, giving a boost to areas that have most struggled to secure vaccines. 'THAT IS THE REALITY' — "Dearth of sites still leave minorities in vaccine desert," by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave: "While Blacks account for 14% of the roughly 116,000 coronavirus cases that have been reported in the county, they represent 25% of those who have been hospitalized, said Dr. Kitonga Kiminyo, a Boynton Beach infectious disease specialist…As the system is now crafted, it favors those who have the niceties of life, said Sue Jones, president of the county's Black Nurses Association. 'Residents with the time, computer systems and transportation are going to get the vaccines more than people of color,' she said of the online registration used by Publix and the county's Health Care District. 'That is the reality.' REQUEST — "Charlie Crist asks DOJ to investigate DeSantis' pop-up vaccine sites for wealthy Florida neighborhoods," by WFLA: "US Representative Charlie Crist announced Sunday he has sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, asking that the US Department of Justice investigate concerns surrounding Governor Ron DeSantis' decision to establish vaccination sites in wealthy neighborhoods, such as Lakewood Ranch." MASKS, WHAT MASKS? — "Hotel issued warning after hosting DeSantis event with maskless attendees," by Palm Beach Post's Hannah Morse: "At some points during DeSantis' news conference, attendees yelled 'no more masks' and celebrated digs at political rivals like President Joe Biden. County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, a Democrat, was dismayed by the violation of rules meant to combat the coronavirus pandemic. 'It's unfortunate that there was a blatant disregard for our community's safety today as photos emerge from the governor's political rally at the Airport Hilton,' McKinlay said. 'It isn't that hard to wear a mask to keep others safe.'" — " When will cruises resume from the US? Here's what we know," by Sun Sentinel's Ron Hurtibise — "Outrage follows Sarasota mask mandate decision," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Timothy Fanning | | | | JOIN US TUESDAY TO MEET THE FRESHMEN: The freshman class of the 117th Congress took office just three days before an armed mob stormed Capitol Hill and in the middle of a once per century pandemic, making its first month in office just a bit different from any previous class. Join POLITICO for "Red, Fresh and Blue," featuring live interviews with newly elected members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. Huddle newsletter author Olivia Beavers will moderate back-to-back live interviews with Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) and Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-Ga.). REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY — "Democrats called Gov. DeSantis' order to lower flags in honor of Rush Limbaugh 'an embarrassment to Florida,'" by Sun Sentinel's Amber Randall: "[Gov. Ron] DeSantis, who made the announcement before starting a press conference in West Palm Beach about election reform, said he is making the order because of the 'magnitude' of the death of Limbaugh. Sen. Gary Farmer, Democratic leader of the Florida Senate, criticized the move, calling on DeSantis to rescind his decision to honor someone who 'helped drive hatred and inflamed the prejudices' against marginalized groups in America." EXECUTIVE ACTION — The Florida Commission on Ethics reports that in early 2021 Gov. Ron DeSantis imposed penalties on 20 public officials who ran afoul of the state's ethics laws. Some of the cases involve ethics complaints that were first filed as long as four years ago. Included in the list of those fined by the governor is former Broward County Supervisor of Elections Pete Antonacci. Antonacci was picked in December by DeSantis and the Cabinet — over the objections of Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried — as the new chief judge of the Division of Administrative Hearings. The state's ethics commission had recommended that the governor impose a $1,750 fine because Antonacci filed an incomplete 2019 financial disclosure. — "Kelli Stargel refiles proposal to exempt legislators personal information from public record," by Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | RISING TOLL — "Horses are dying at Gulfstream Park – 113 in two years," by Sun Sentinel's Susannah Bryan: "More than 100 horses have died in the past two years at Gulfstream Park, making it one of the deadliest racetracks in Florida. Fifty-eight horses died there in 2019. Last year, the death toll hit 55. The track logged another death on Jan. 15, when a 3-year-old gelding died after running his first race. The track is the busiest in Florida, and the high number of horses leads to more deaths, said Aidan Butler, chief operating officer for Gulfstream's parent company, Stronach Group." CC: JIMMY PATRONIS — "Post investigation: Ex-PBC clerk took favors from vendor, boosted his business," by Palm Beach Post's Andrew Marra: "In the years before his indictment on federal bribery charges, debt-collection magnate Donald Donagher showered Florida's clerks of court with money and attention in a push to expand his business. But one public official drew particularly attentive treatment: longtime Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller Sharon Bock. Donagher bankrolled Bock's political campaigns, invited her to dinners and special events, chauffeured her on his private helicopter — even helped her find a diamond for her engagement ring, a Palm Beach Post investigation found." DISCLOSURE — "Multi-millionaire French heirs to Hermes fortune own stake in Tampa rental houses," by Tampa Bay Times Emily L. Mahoney and McClatchy's Ben Wieder: "They are among hundreds of homes around Tampa Bay — particularly concentrated in Hillsborough County — owned by a real estate investment company that counts several heirs to the French luxury goods company Hermès among its investors. While the Hermès family is among the wealthiest in the world, with an estimated net worth approaching $64 billion, the homes owned by the investment company are much more modest, typically worth under $150,000. That's less than what versions of Hermès' signature Birkin handbag, prized by celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, have fetched at auction." LIFTOFF — "Space Station launch honors 'Hidden Figures' mathematician," by The Associated Press' Marcia Dunn: "A space station supply ship named after the Black NASA mathematician featured in the movie 'Hidden Figures' rocketed into orbit Saturday, the 59th anniversary of John Glenn's historic launch. Northrop Grumman's Cygnus capsule — dubbed the S.S. Katherine Johnson — should reach the International Space Station on Monday following its launch from Virginia's eastern shore. Johnson died almost exactly a year ago at age 101." — " Jacksonville lynching victim killed by police, then put on display in 1925 honored Sunday," by Florida Times-Union's Teresa Stepzinski — "Latest red tide bad news: It's killing royal terns and sending some humans to the emergency room," by Fort Myers News-Press Amy Bennett Williams | | | | A message from AARP: PROTECT NURSING HOME RESIDENTS NOW
Right now, nursing home residents receive much of their daily care—like bathing and vital checks— from Certified Nursing Assistants, who must obtain at least 120 hours of training. But a proposal in the Florida Legislature would permanently allow that hands-on assistance to come from Personal Care Assistants with a mere 8 hours of training. Florida's most vulnerable residents deserve better.
Nearly 10,000 residents and staff of Florida nursing homes, assisted living and other long-term care facilities have died from COVID-19. Now is the time for commonsense solutions that strengthen protections for our loved ones — not cut the quality of their care. Tell state lawmakers: Vote 'No' on HB 485/SB 1132. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "'This is my country.' Pro-Trump Miami doctor charged with hate crime for attacking Hispanic man," by Miami Herald's David Ovalle: "A Mount Sinai Medical Center anesthesiologist has been arrested and charged with a hate crime after police say she attacked a Hispanic man at a Hialeah Publix, vandalizing his car, calling him a racial slur and vowing to "get rid of every single one of you." She became enraged, police say, after the man asked her to maintain social distancing while in line at the supermarket. Dr. Jennifer Susan Wright, 58, a white ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been charged with criminal mischief, tampering with a victim and battery with prejudice, a "hate crime" enhancement that upgraded the charge to a felony." — "Feds: Florida woman threatened agents probing Capitol riot," by The Associated Press: "The U.S. Attorney's Office said Suzanne Kaye, 59, was contacted by the FBI last month but she denied having traveled to Washington. Authorities had received a tip with information Kaye had made Facebook posts saying she was at the Capitol on Jan. 6. However, after reviewing her social media accounts, they had not found anything related. Kaye posted a video on her Facebook page days after the FBI called her, saying she would not speak to the agents without counsel and that she would exercise her Second Amendment rights and shoot them if they went to her house, the criminal complaint says." BIRTHDAYS: JoAnn Carrin ... Robby Cunningham … (Was Sunday) State Rep. Jay Trumbull … former state Rep. Katie Edwards-Walpole … (Was Saturday) state Rep. Joe Casello
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