| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Ocean Conservancy | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. The daily rundown — Between Sunday and Monday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 2,862 (0.1 percent), to 2,011,211; active hospitalizations went up by 73 (nearly 2.6 percent), to 2,896; deaths of Florida residents rose by 37 (0.1 percent), to 32,779; 4,955,264 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Sunshine State showdown? — It wasn't the most accurate preview of 2024 but if you wanted a split-screen that highlighted potential contenders for president, it was on display in Florida on Monday. On the east coast — Vice President Kamala Harris touched down in Jacksonville — one of the bright spots in the state for the Biden-Harris campaign — to tout the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, while Gov. Ron DeSantis was attending convenience store openings and making education-related announcements just a little ways down Interstate 95 in Daytona Beach and Melbourne. Bathroom humor — DeSantis' stop at the grand opening of a Buc-ee's included him lauding the chain for having bathrooms that are like "a five-star restaurant" and joking that "I know my way around rest stops and service stations." DeSantis unchained — But it was the governor's press conference later in the day that highlighted the image that the top Republican contender has been cultivating in a run-up to the next presidential election. He stressed again his policy to open schools — and his "open for business" mantra that he said wasn't being followed in states led by Democratic governors — and his deepening disdain for what he is now calling the "corporate media." (Is this a suggestion that all media companies be non-profits?) Angry Ron — Then at one point while being questioned over campaign donations by Publix and the decision to use the grocery store chain for vaccines early on, DeSantis said a reporter was pushing a "fake narrative." As the reporter persisted DeSantis pushed back and bluntly said, "You're wrong, you're wrong, you're wrong" and "you don't care about the facts." Sidestep — Harris also did her own pushback against the press, but in a different way. In a brief exchange with reporters in Jacksonville, she was asked about the Miami Beach spring break controversy and Florida's decision to remain open for business. But she steered around discussing DeSantis. "I'm here to emphasize the importance of vaccinations and getting the vaccine," Harris responded. The closest she got to mentioning the governor was when she said it was a "good thing" that the governor had opened up vaccines to everyone 50 and older. Florida Times-Union columnist Nate Monroe also tried to ask her about the governor in a brief one-on-one and she avoided directly criticizing the governor again. Not this time — We didn't get a direct confrontation between Harris and DeSantis. But this won't be the last time Floridians get teased with a potential preview of the rumble that could be right around the corner: The heir to Donald Trump vs. the heir to Joe Biden. — 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 Ocean Conservancy: Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today's greatest global challenges. We're working in the places you care about to address the impacts of these threats – from sea level rise, to water quality, and more. Together, we can create solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Learn more. | | |
|  | Bidenology | | TOUR STOP — "VP Kamala Harris visits vaccination site, Feeding Northeast Florida in Jacksonville," by Florida Times-Union's David Bauerlein: "Vice President Kamala Harris, returning to Jacksonville for the first time since she was on the campaign trail last October, toured a COVID-19 vaccination site to see U.S. Navy personnel prepare shots and then sat down with local leaders at Feeding Northeast Florida to hear how the pandemic worsened long-standing hunger problems. Harris did not announce any new programs and she largely steered clear of questions about how Florida is handling the pandemic, other than to say it was a 'good thing' that Gov. Ron DeSantis lowered the eligibility age to 50 and up for getting the vaccine." | 
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a round table listening session at Feeding Northeast Florida, Monday, March 22, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. | AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin | STAYING ON MESSAGE — "A brief one-on-one interview with Vice President Kamala Harris," by Florida Times-Union's Nate Monroe: "Harris wouldn't bite: 'One of the reasons I'm here and back in Jacksonville ... is to remind people of the importance of getting the vaccine when it's your turn,' she told me when I asked her what she'd tell Floridians who are hearing diametrically opposite things from their governor and their president. I tried again. 'Masks work,' she said. I pried one last time by asking if it concerned her that people in positions of power were spreading fringe ideas about science and public health. 'I think it's important that we speak truth to the American people with the spirit of making sure they are safe and healthy. And what we know and the science tells us without any dispute or ambiguity is wearing masks saves lives.'" 'THIS IS A COUNTRY UNDER LOCK' — "Activists call on Biden to issue a new TPS for Haitians as nation's turmoil deepens," by Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charles: "Immigration advocates called on President Joe Biden Monday to end deportations to Haiti and offer a new Temporary Protected Status designation for Haiti, a move that would provide immigration protection to thousands of additional migrants already living in the United States from the troubled Caribbean nation. Haiti, they said, is no longer safe enough for them to return." — "Biden administration releases nearly $1 billion in education funds for Puerto Rico ," by El Nuevo Herald's Syra Ortiz-Blanes and McClatchy's Alex Roarty | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TO JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION : Power dynamics are shifting in Washington and across the country, and more people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. "The Recast" is a new twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics, policy, and power in America. Get fresh insights, scoops, and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country, and hear from new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out on this new newsletter, SUBSCRIBE NOW . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | CONFRONTATION COMING? — "GOP lawmakers lash out at University of Florida after conservative student groups punished," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: The University of Florida is defending its decision to crack down on three conservative student groups for breaking Covid rules — a move that angered state GOP lawmakers who said there could be "hell to pay." In a statement released Sunday, UF leaders said the interim suspensions leveled on the groups, which include the local Turning Point USA chapter, were meant to protect the health and safety of students, not silence them because of their political ideologies. The explanation has done little to quell top Republicans who see the sanctions as unfair punishment against conservatives amid the ongoing culture war. BACK TO THE FUTURE — "After 20 years, Florida Republicans look to ban ballot harvesting — again," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower: "After a spate of voter fraud cases in Miami-Dade County, a statewide grand jury in 2012 recommended Florida lawmakers crack down on vote-by-mail fraud. The jurors told the Republican-controlled Legislature to ban ballot harvesting, require Floridians to request a new vote-by-mail ballot each year and limit the amount of data candidates can get about voters. But lawmakers weren't interested. Now, after former President Donald Trump alleged widespread voter fraud that never happened, they are." BUT COULD STILL LEAD TO CUTS — "Senate's Bright Futures bill could be trimmed down," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: The sponsor behind the Senate's contentious proposal to reshape Florida's Bright Futures college scholarship program on Monday filed a new amendment that would wipe away a key piece of the legislation. A proposed rewrite of FL SB86 (21R), filed Monday morning by Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala), slashes 10 pages from the bill, including the controversial provision that tied Bright Futures awards to degrees that directly produce jobs. You mean it was unpopular? — In a letter to senators, Baxley laid out that his original intention behind the legislation was to "begin the discussion" about the cost — and value — of programs within the state higher education system. The scaled-back proposal still represents a "concrete" step forward on that front, Baxley wrote, noting that he made the changes after hearing feedback from lawmakers and constituents. "We have awakened a giant," Baxley wrote. "We have to reconnect the education and economic model and we have begun that process." FOREIGN POLICY — "House panel unanimously passes 'foreign influence bill,'" by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Under the legislation, ( FL HB7017 (21R) ), sponsored by Rep. Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach), state agencies and political subdivisions would be required to disclose to the Department of Financial Services all foreign donations of more than $50,000. It also requires Florida's chief procurement department to screen vendors at least every five years and requires universities and colleges to disclose foreign donations of more than $50,000. — " Senate committee delays vote on alimony reform bill after public testimony," by Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes — "Florida 'bed' tax money pitched to combat flooding," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders | | | | A message from Ocean Conservancy:   | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | SURGE — "As 40 and older can get COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County, 7,000 appointments gobbled up in minutes," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak: "It took just 13 minutes on Monday for 7,000 vaccine appointments to fill after Orange County opened up shots for people 40 and older, officials said. 'That's good news,' Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. 'That speaks to the demand.' 'I will not be apologetic' — "Demings' decision ignited terse words between he and DeSantis, who championed a 'Seniors First' approach, but the mayor shrugged it off Monday. 'I think it's a responsible thing to have increased the potential eligible pool of individuals,' Demings said, adding he did not expect backlash from the governor. 'My goal is to not make this a personal issue. This is about the life, health and safety of individuals in our community...My passion here is not meant to be at odds with the governor.'" FALLOUT — " New census data shows 13 percent spike in homeschooling across Florida," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida experienced the second highest increase of any state in students switching to homeschooling during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new data released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Breaking it down : Some 18.1 percent of households across Florida opted for homeschooling in the fall, marking a 13.1 percent jump when compared to 2020, the census data shows. Only Alaska, with its nearly 18 percent increase in homeschooling, posted a higher boost than the Sunshine State. WHY I'M RIGHT — "Ron DeSantis on the Pandemic Year: Don't trust the elites," Ron DeSantis for The Wall Street Journal: "The Covid-19 pandemic represented a test of elites in the U.S., from public-health experts to the corporate media. The results have been disappointing. Policy makers who bucked the elites and challenged the narrative have been proven right to do so." How many times can you say "corporate media"? — "Lockdowns proved a huge boon to America's corporate media, which primed its captive audience with fear and partisanship. Everything the corporate press did regarding Covid coverage was inseparable from its yearslong obsession with attacking Donald Trump. Weaponizing Covid in an election year superseded any obligation to present the facts with needed context and perspective." SEEKING STATE CONTROL — " Florida business groups eye rules for next crisis," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner: "Lobbying groups for small businesses, restaurants, hotels and retailers expressed a need to senators Monday for statewide rules for the next health crisis, with a focus on mask mandates. Officials with the National Federation of Independent Business-Florida, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Florida Retail Federation told members of the Senate Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response that a wide range of city and county regulations has been among the biggest issues they have faced since the pandemic began slightly more than a year ago." — "Another grim record: Florida first state to cross 1,000 mark in coronavirus variant cases," by USA Today Network's Mike Stucka — "Pandemic gives Florida 'golden opportunity' to reimagine senior care, advocate says," by Tampa Bay Times' Bailey LeFever — "Royal Caribbean announces return to cruising this summer – from the Bahamas," by Sun Sentinel's Ron Hurtibise — "Collier County's tourism industry still fighting to recover from COVID-19," by Naples Daily News' Laura Layden | | | | Did you know that POLITICO Pro has coverage and tools at the state level? All the state legislative and regulatory tracking, budget documents, state agency contact information, and everything else you need to stay ahead of state policy movement integrate into our smart and customizable platform. Learn more and become a Pro today. | | | | |
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | NEXT STOP? — "After Spring Break chaos in Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale is leery of trouble," by Sun Sentinel's Eileen Kelley and Austen Erblat: "Spring breakers are on the move — with some of them starting to head to Fort Lauderdale to avoid a curfew sparked by violence and unruliness in Miami Beach. The trouble to the south led to mounting concern Monday among workers who've started bracing for more crowds along Broward County's beaches. Workers say they're leery of trouble. 'I was really shocked and scared because Fort Lauderdale is the hottest beach next to Miami,' said Amaya Etheart, a clerk at Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custards on Las Olas Boulevard. 'So South Beach is closed, a lot of them come over here.'" — "2 spring breakers drugged, raped woman, then partied, cops say. She died in South Beach hotel," by Miami Herald's David Ovalle — "Sen. Marco Rubio: Packed Miami Beach looks 'unsafe'…have fun, don't wild out," by TMZ TOXIC — "Study: More than half of Florida's manatees have the herbicide glyphosate in their bodies," by Fort Myers News-Press Amy Bennett Williams: If you've seen a manatee lately — surfacing in a ring of river water, basking in their namesake park in Lee County or drifting the Gulf — odds are the creature has herbicide coursing through its veins. To the list of woes plaguing the warm-blooded mammals, already dying in droves from red tide, boat collisions, habitat loss and scarce food, a paper released last week adds glyphosate. — " Ormond Beach Proud Boys organizer now accused of helping to plan Capitol riot," by Orlando Sentinel's Grace Toohey — "Pensacola gun buyback event nets 71 guns, exhausts available funds in first 30 minutes," by Pensacola News Journal's Jim Little | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | STONE ZONE — "Roger Stone keeps appearing in Capitol breach investigation court filings," by Washington Post's Spencer S. Hsu, Manuel Roig-Franzia and Devlin Barrett: "Roger Stone's name and image were invoked by prosecutors and defendants in court filings over the last week, underscoring the increasingly visible presence of former president Donald Trump's political confidant in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach investigation. On Wednesday, U.S. prosecutors produced a photograph they said was shared on Facebook on Dec. 15 showing two Florida members of the right-wing Oath Keepers group who were later charged in the riot posing with five others next to someone who appears to be Stone at a book signing." | | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | WHEN THE WIND BLOWS — "US weather model upgraded to better forecast extreme events," by The Associated Press' Seth Borenstein: "The National Weather Service has turbocharged its lagging forecast model to better predict extreme weather events such as hurricanes, blizzards and downpours, as well as day-to-day weather. By including much higher layers of the atmosphere, increased factoring of ocean waves and other improvements, the weather service's update to its Global Forecast System is trying to catch up with a European weather model that many experts consider superior." — " Florida: Money from arrest goes missing, 3 deputies resign," by The Associated Press | | | | A message from Ocean Conservancy: Florida has an iconic natural environment. It is surrounded by and dependent on clean water. From the Panhandle to the Treasure Coast to the Florida Keys, you're never more than 60 miles from the ocean. Florida's coasts serve as treasured sanctuaries and economic engines – places to enjoy as well as earn a living and build a life. With offices in St. Petersburg and Miami, Ocean Conservancy is actively working in these treasured Floridian places to address the impacts of today's greatest global challenges – from sea level rise, to water quality, and more. Together, we can create solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Learn more. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Sewage spill turns a Fort Lauderdale street into a 'lazy river of toilet paper and poop,'" by Sun Sentinel's Brooke Baitinger: "Bradley Thornbrough looked outside his East Fort Lauderdale home Sunday night and saw what he described as a 'lazy river of toilet paper and poop' floating down the street. It was yet another sewage spill that sent more than 1,000 gallons of raw sewage spewing into the neighborhood overnight Sunday into Monday morning, according to a public notice." BIRTHDAYS: State Sen. Kelli Stargel … Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel
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