| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by AARP | Hello and welcome to Friday. The daily rundown — Between Wednesday and Thursday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 6,640 (nearly 0.4 percent), to 1,892,301; active hospitalizations went down by 115 (2.8 percent), to 3,962; deaths rose by 138 (nearly 0.5 percent), to 30,478; 2,838,326 Floridians have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Money — Before heading into the 2021 session, let's take a quick look at the year that was. On the eve of session, the final round of lobbying compensation reports for 2020 were filed by the firms that employ anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 lobbyists. And what's striking is that despite the pandemic-induced collapse of Florida's economy, that didn't stop corporations, trade groups and local governments from spending a substantial amount of money contracting this work. Time — The final report aggregated by the state's registration office estimated that firms lobbying the Florida Legislature collected $139.4 million in 2020. (Important caveat as always: Since firms are allowed to report in ranges, the estimate assumed the mid-range amount.) Us and them — This amount — which is down about 5.5 percent from the 2019 total — is still in line with recent trends and is higher than the numbers posted during the last three periods that also coincided with election years. Local governments such as Miami-Dade and Broward, along with corporate interests like AT&T and Florida Crystals, and trade groups including the Florida Medical Association and Florida Justice Association, each shelled out hundreds of thousands of dollars to hire lobbyists. Shine on you crazy diamond — The final reports also indicate that the amount spent on lobbying Florida's executive branch went up in 2020. While the executive branch reports are collated in a slightly different way, the registration office estimated anywhere from $35 million to $150 million was spent to influence Gov. Ron DeSantis and state agencies. That's the highest it's been in the past five years. During the pandemic, DeSantis assumed near-total control of spending nearly $5 billion in federal aid and his administration doled out many contracts fighting Covid-19. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will give the opening address at the Conservative Political Action Conference being held in Orlando. The governor and first lady Casey DeSantis are also scheduled to hold a press conference at Orlando's Amway Center. 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. | | |
|  | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | UH-OH — "UK variant of COVID is overtaking Florida. Can vaccines stymie it or is surge coming?" by Miami Herald's Ben Conarck: "The more-infectious 'U.K. variant' continues to out-compete other strains of the COVID virus in Florida, causing about 15% to 20% of infections, according to estimates from one major private diagnostic and research lab, leading the rest of the country by far in confirmed and estimated cases. The variant has so far matched the rate in other countries where it had caused an explosion in cases, such as England and Ireland. But the strain is facing a tougher fight as it cements its foothold in Florida, where nearly half of the state's residents 65 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and nearly a third of the population may have already been infected by the virus, according to estimates." 'ONE SHOT AND BE DONE' — "Florida governor plans to take Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine," by Tampa Bay Times' Megan Reeves: "Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that he will eventually take the coronavirus vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson, which is set to be approved for emergency use this week as the country's first one-dose regimen against COVID-19. At 42, DeSantis said he will be 'closer to the back of the line' for vaccination in Florida, which has prioritized people 65 and older for shots without opening up access to other groups of the general public." — " Year 1 of Florida's coronavirus outbreak: 8 key DeSantis decisions," by Tampa Bay Times' Steve Contorno, Allison Ross and Kirby Wilson NEXT STEPS — "DeSantis ramps up Covid-19 vaccine efforts in Black communities," by POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday opened six new Covid-19 vaccination sites in underserved communities across Florida, a step forward in addressing the racial disparity among immunized residents. Why it matters — The new sites help address worries brought to DeSantis by a coalition of Black ministers and community leaders at the end of December that he wasn't helping underserved communities. DeSantis echoed those concerns Thursday during a news conference at Edward Waters College, a historically Black school in Jacksonville, which is serving as one of the six sites. "When you hear it from someone like a pastor, it does make a difference," DeSantis said. WHO WANTS TO KNOW? — " Florida officials, Publix still silent on 'innovative partnership' to administer COVID vaccine," by Tallahassee Democrat's Jeffrey Schweers: "Multiple requests for documentation of the agreement since January with the state and Publix have gone unanswered. The Governor's Office told one news outlet there was no 'contract' with Publix, but later confirmed to USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida that there was an agreement and would provide a copy. A Department of Health official also said there was an agreement with Publix and that the state had been diverting a portion of its weekly shipment to Publix, beginning Jan. 5. Neither have delivered the documents, even after reminders were sent out this week." 'NOT IN LINE' — "As Miami-Dade vaccinates younger residents for COVID, Black seniors feeling left behind," by Miami Herald's Bianca Padro Ocasio: "While Miami-Dade County is reaching nearly 45% of residents 65 and older who have received their first dose as of Tuesday, according to the COVID-19 Dashboard created by epidemiologist Jason Salemi, and Jackson Health System is expanding access to at-risk residents over 55, Dukes and other residents in South Miami-Dade are sounding the alarm over what they say is a continued lack of vaccine access in their neighborhoods." — " Publix will offer COVID-19 vaccines at all of its Florida stores with pharmacies," by Orlando Sentinel's Austin Fuller — "Manatee sheriff investigating whether Baugh broke state law with vaccine event, VIP list," by Bradenton Herald's Jessica De Leon — "Florida universities planning for in-person graduations this spring," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | THE PLAN — "Trump shares plans for new super PAC in Mar-a-Lago meeting," by POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt: President Donald Trump told political advisers Thursday that he's chosen longtime ally Corey Lewandowski to run a yet-to-be-formed super PAC as part of his expanding post-presidential political apparatus, according to multiple people familiar with the discussion. The decision was made in a multi-hour meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on Thursday. Trump gathered his top political lieutenants, including Donald Trump Jr., former campaign manager Bill Stepien, former deputy campaign manager Justin Clark, former campaign manager Brad Parscale, former White House social media director Dan Scavino and senior adviser Jason Miller. Alex Cannon, an attorney who has been advising the Trump team on the post-White House plans, was also present. | 
President Donald Trump greets the crowd after speaking at Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2020, at the National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) | Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo | WHAT HAPPENS IN ORLANDO — "Conservative gathering to feature Trump's false fraud claims," by The Associated Press' Jill Colvin and Steve Peoples: "A gathering of conservatives this weekend in Florida will serve as an unabashed endorsement of former President Donald Trump's desire to remain the leader of the Republican Party — and as a forum to fan his false claim that he lost the November election only because of widespread voter fraud. Matt Schlapp, chairman of the Conservative Political Action Conference and a Trump ally, said discussion panels on election integrity would highlight 'huge' evidence of illegal voting in Georgia, Nevada and elsewhere that ultimately swung the election for Democrat Joe Biden." FLORIDA MEN, FLORIDA WOMEN — "Trump is headliner at CPAC in Orlando. But really it's conservative Florida's coming-out party," by Palm Beach Post's Antonio Fins and Wendy Rhodes: "'The reason why Florida is the conservative hub of the universe at the moment is a lot of conservatives believe that the road back to power is highlighting Florida as a conservative model of government for the rest of the nation,' said Ford O'Connell, a Naples-based Republican strategist and former presidential campaign operative. 'Given the fact that we are shut out of all three levels of the federal government, the one place Republicans are thriving is Florida.'" — " Matt Gaetz suggests CPAC is beholden to big donors: There's a 'whole lot of corporate America' represented, and they like having 'control,'" by Mediaite's Reed Richardson | | DATELINE D.C. | | CHANGING SIDES — "Miami Republican flips vote on bill to provide protections for LGBTQ people," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "After voting in 2019 to expand federal protections for LGBTQ people, Miami Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart changed his position on Thursday. Diaz-Balart voted against the Equality Act, a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act to explicitly include new protections. He was one of eight Republicans to vote in favor of the bill two years ago." The explanation — "In a statement, Diaz-Balart said he changed his position because House Democrats did not amend the bill to protect individuals, religious organizations and medical professionals who object to LGBTQ rights based on their religious beliefs. 'I have always fought against discrimination in all its forms, which is why I voted for this bill last Congress and outlined some severe flaws that needed to be addressed to obtain bipartisan support,' Diaz-Balart said." PRESSURE — "Miami Republicans want answers from Biden administration on Homestead detention center," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "Two Miami Republicans who visited the Homestead detention center when it operated during the Trump administration are now pressing the Biden administration for more details after the Miami Herald reported that the center will reopen. Reps. Carlos Gimenez and Mario Diaz-Balart will send a letter to the Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) on Thursday asking for more transparency as the Biden administration braces for an influx of unaccompanied immigrant children amid a pandemic that limits bed space at existing facilities." — "Rick Scott calls for Biden's 'immediate attention' on moving 2022 Olympics from China," by Fox News' Brooke Singman | | | |   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | OVERRULING THE VOTERS — "Florida Supreme Court strikes down Hillsborough transportation tax," by Tampa Bay Times' Caitlin Johnston: "One thing's for sure: A voter-approved plan to increase the sales tax a penny on the dollar for better bus service and other transportation improvements is dead. The Florida Supreme Court, in a ruling released Thursday, decided 4-1 that restrictions on how and where the revenue from the tax could be spent were unconstitutional. But now, authorities are scrambling to figure out what to do with the $502.3 million already collected since the tax took effect in Hillsborough County on Jan. 1, 2019. The justices did not address that question, but the plaintiffs and the defendants in the case may ask them to revisit it." Please define an activist court — This case did not get a lot of attention outside of the Tampa Bay area, but it sends yet another important signal about the direction of the state's high court remade by Gov. Ron DeSantis. First, it's worth noting that this decision marks the second time in the past week that a higher court in Florida has decided to overrule the will of voters. (The first involved a legal challenge involving charter schools in Palm Beach County .) Secondly, the state's Republican-controlled House and Senate weighed in on this case back in 2019 and urged the court to overturn the voter-approved referendum. It might be instructive to rewind the tape to when Republican legislators bitterly complained about the state Supreme Court when it upended their redistricting plans and blocked proposed constitutional amendments. WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET? — "Schools of Hope facing $50M cut as it eyes expansion, " by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Schools of Hope, a school choice program championed by Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, is facing a nearly 20 percent budget cut this year just as the operation is starting to grow. Gov. Ron DeSantis is recommending a $50 million cut for the program in the face of massive statewide budget scale-backs triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers in the meantime are attempting to find new ways to send money to Hope, which would still have more than $200 million if the Republican governor's proposed cut is carried out. Governor's position — "The governor supports the continuation of the Schools of Hope program and believes the over $200 million in carry forward funds are sufficient to support current and impending projects," wrote Cody McCloud, press secretary for DeSantis, in a statement to POLITICO. — " Lawsuit protections weighed for long-term care facilities," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton — "Joe Geller, Lori Berman raise concerns over curious reassignment for progressive hate crime bill," by Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes | | | | TUNE IN TO GLOBAL TRANSLATIONS: Our Global Translations podcast, presented by Citi, examines the long-term costs of the short-term thinking that drives many political and business decisions. The world has long been beset by big problems that defy political boundaries, and these issues have exploded over the past year amid a global pandemic. This podcast helps to identify and understand the impediments to smart policymaking. Subscribe and start listening today. | | | | |
| | THE GUNSHINE STATE | | CALLED AN 'UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT' — "Fort Lauderdale police officer cleared in shooting of protester with rubber bullet," by Sun Sentinel's Andrew Boryga and Brooke Baitinger: "A Fort Lauderdale police officer who shot a protester in the face with a rubber bullet, breaking her eye socket, didn't do anything wrong, a police investigation has found. Detective Eliezer Ramos was aiming at someone else who had been throwing tear gas canisters at police during a volatile protest May 31 in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Interim Police Chief Patrick Lynn said Thursday. But Ramos missed and hit protester LaToya Ratlieff in the face." Rebuttal — "Michael Davis, an attorney for the injured protester, called the investigation a 'sham' that never intended to provide real accountability. 'This investigation has never been about finding out what actually happened,' he said. 'This investigation has always been about trying to justify what happened.'" STAND YOUR GROUND WATCH — "Self-defense or murder? Florida case divides law enforcement ," by The Associated Press' Terry Spencer: "A Florida homicide detective believes an Army veteran committed murder when he pursued and fatally shot a drunk, unarmed neighbor who pounded on his door after midnight, saying prosecutors should have rejected the shooter's self-defense claim. Lee County sheriff's Lt. David Lebid recently disputed prosecutors' contention that Steve Taylor's 2016 shooting of Ryan Modell is protected under Florida's controversial 'stand your ground' law. Modell's father wants Gov. Ron DeSantis to appoint a special prosecutor to review the local state attorney's decision not to charge Taylor." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | 'THE CITIES HAVE LED THE WAY' — "Diverse group of cities have highest rates of gay households," by Associated Press' Mike Schneider: "Once known for singer Anita Bryant's anti-gay rights campaign and a ban on gay and lesbian adoptions, Florida is now home to two metro areas with among the highest concentrations of gay and lesbian coupled households in the U.S., according to a new report released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Orlando and Miami had the fourth and sixth highest percentages respectively of same sex coupled households in the U.S., according to the report released this week using data from the bureau's 2019 American Community Survey." DEADLY TREND — "Manatees dying in droves as poor water quality, sea grass losses lead to starvation," by Fort Myers News-Press Chad Gillis: "It's turning out to be a deadly year for Florida manatees. More sea cow deaths have been documented through the first two months of the year than were recorded during those same two months in 2019 and 2020 combined, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission records. Three hundred and seventeen manatee deaths occurred through Feb. 12. Former FWC commissioner Ron Bergeron said he thought the number was closer to 350 sea cows." OUT OF HERE — " Mike Huckabee hauls in $9.4 million for Florida beach house," by Los Angeles Times' Jack Flemming: "Politician Mike Huckabee has sold his Florida beach house — a cause of headaches and controversy during the time he owned it — for $9.4 million. Late last year, he announced he was moving back to Arkansas, where he served as governor from 1996 to 2007. It was a speedy sale for Huckabee. He listed the home in Santa Rosa Beach for $9.5 million in late December and had an offer in hand about a week later, according to the Multiple Listing Service." | | | | 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 | | — "Florida restricting sales of pythons and lizards amid fears of invasive species," by Tampa Bay Times' Zachary T. Sampson: "Florida is restricting the possession and private breeding of certain exotic animals, including Burmese pythons, green iguanas and tegu lizards, citing concerns about invasive species overrunning the state. The move comes in the face of fervent opposition from reptile enthusiasts and dealers. 'The environment trumps the livelihood on this one, unfortunately,' said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He and fellow members voted unanimously Thursday to support the policies. 'It's not an easy decision, but it's one we need to make.'" BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. David Silvers … Ana Cruz of Ballard Partners ... Former state Rep. Ron Greenstein ... Former state Rep. Jerry Paul ... Jason Dearen , investigative reporter at Associated Press … Photographer Mark Foley
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