| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Ocean Conservancy | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. The daily rundown — Between Monday and Tuesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 5,302 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 2,016,513; active hospitalizations went up by 40 (nearly 1.4 percent), to 2,936; deaths of Florida residents rose by 41 (0.1 percent), to 32,820; 5,057,939 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Welcome to Paradise — Gov. Ron DeSantis has consistently trumpeted for months that Florida had gotten rid of lockdowns and is open for business. It's been part of his selling point about his response to Covid-19. And he's ratcheted pressure up on cities and counties to follow his lead. Last fall, he suspended collection of any fines associated with violations of coronavirus-related restrictions. Then, without warning, he pushed the state clemency board to wipe out any outstanding fines charged by local governments. What happens in South Beach — Well, if you want open season, then it's open season. This past weekend, thousands of visitors crashed onto Miami Beach. In response, local officials imposed curfews in the city's entertainment district after police clashed with party-goers, images that flashed across television screens across the country. "DeSantis rolled out the red carpet for visitors, and he left us to deal with the aftermath," Miami Beach City Commissioner David Richardson, a Democrat told POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian. "People call it spring break and I correct them — this is a high-impact period." Hello, governor? — DeSantis — who has made a bill cracking down on civil disorder one of his top priorities this legislative session — has said little about the situation in Miami Beach over the last few days as he continued to tout his handling of coronavirus. When asked about the lax spring break support from the state, DeSantis spokesperson Meredith Beatrice told POLITICO that the governor's office sent Florida Highway Patrol troopers and Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents to Miami and Miami Beach. The cost of doing business? — 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. | | |
|  | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | WELCOME MAT — "DeSantis erodes Florida Covid rules — and spring breakers go wild," by POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian: But the most dramatic news came over the weekend, when this year's revelers brought guns, incited street brawls and made everyday life impossible for Miami Beach's roughly 90,000 residents. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said the city was happy when DeSantis left emergency restrictions such as beach closures and mask mandates to the localities. Not happy — But, Gelber said, DeSantis also failed to consider the consequences of bringing millions of visitors to one of the few warm weather vacation destinations in the country. "Well, I'm not a fan of the way he's handled this," Gelber said. "When you have a sense of the chaos here, no one — not one of the visitors — are thinking about wearing a mask." — "Florida's Matt Gaetz gives Spring Break warning as Miami Beach arrests pass 1,000 ," by Newsweek's Jack Dutton | 
Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a protective face mask during a news conference. | AP Photo | EXCELLENT QUESTION — "DeSantis says contact tracing didn't work. So why is Florida paying for the app?" by Tampa Bay Times' Steve Contorno: "Gov. Ron DeSantis' newest target in his ongoing clashes with public health experts is one of the bedrocks of their profession: contact tracing. It 'has just not worked,' DeSantis flatly told reporters last week in Palm Harbor. A day later, DeSantis convened a panel of his go-to scientists, who took turns picking apart the disease control tool." Follow the money — "Despite these criticisms, DeSantis' administration continues to pay a hefty sum for a New York company to supply the state with a contact tracing mobile application. The developer of the app, Twenty Labs, has received $4 million from Florida so far, according to the state's online contracts database. And there's this — "Florida hired Twenty Labs last summer with a no-bid emergency contract. The company had little track record in the arena of epidemiology before 2020, but its coronavirus app, Healthy Together, had received a plug on national TV from Vice President Mike Pence. The startup's co-founder is the son of a Palm Beach billionaire and a donor to former President Donald Trump, a close ally of DeSantis." PAY ATTENTION — " Weeks into Spring Break, adults under 50 spur COVID rise in Florida tourism hubs," by Miami Herald's Ben Conarck: "Florida's pandemic month of March has been defined by the dueling dynamics of a mass vaccination effort focused on older people and a tourism surge to the metro areas of Miami, Tampa and Orlando, among other locales. Those forces appear to have come to a head over the last week, with a rise in cases among people under 50 after months of decline, driving an uptick in the number of tests coming back positive and cementing transmission of the virus at a fairly high level, especially in Miami." — " Florida rescinds nursing home visitation orders," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton — "Boca becomes first in Florida to increase fines for littering masks," by Sun Sentinel's Austen Erblat and Brooke Baitinger — " Emergency fund pitched for governor's office under Florida pandemic relief measure," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | COORDINATED EFFORT — "GOP and allies draft 'best practices' for restricting voting," by The New York Times' Nick Corasaniti and Reid J. Epstein: "To head its election integrity committee, the Republican National Committee tapped Joe Gruters, the Florida Republican Party chairman who in January used a #stopthesteal hashtag and advertised ways for Republicans to attend the Jan. 6 rally that ended with a riot at the Capitol. 'No matter where I go as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, it's basically the only thing everybody is talking about among the base,' Mr. Gruters said." Mum's the word — "Like nearly all of the Republicans involved in the party's voter integrity efforts, Mr. Gruters declined to characterize Mr. Biden's victory as legitimate, despite there being no evidence of widespread fraud and multiple state audits reaffirming the results. 'There are a lot of people who have a lot of questions about the 2020 race.'" Pushing legislation — "The Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative organization in Washington, is teaming up with grass-roots social conservative outfits, like the Susan B. Anthony List, to mobilize supporters and lobbyists in state capitals to enact new restrictions on voting access. Heritage, through its politics arm Heritage Action for America, is planning to spend $24 million across eight states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, Texas and Wisconsin." FIELD GETTING BIGGER? — "Orlando state Sen. Bracy releases video amid hints at running for governor," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer: "Orlando Democratic Sen. Randolph Bracy, who is considering a run for governor in 2022, released a campaign-style video on his website Tuesday, another indicator that he's inching closer to a bid for the governor's mansion. The nearly two-minute spot features Bracy talking about the toll of the pandemic on the state and the need for a governor to work in a bipartisan way, although he doesn't mention Gov. Ron DeSantis by name." Yet still — Bracy told The Associated Press in a phone interview "that the video posted on his website isn't an announcement that he's getting in the race. 'I want to be a part of the conversation in picking a leader from the Democratic Party. I think this video just explains that,' he said. 'I have not committed to running.' He said it's too early to make a decision to run." FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Ron Be Gone, the new political committee started by Democrats such as former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell to go after Gov. Ron DeSantis, is coming out with new videos that zing the Republican governor . The videos, recorded in English and Spanish, mock DeSantis over vaccine distribution by seizing on news stories that pointed out that neighborhoods with ties to DeSantis donors and allies got access to vaccine doses. (DeSantis has denied any connections.) The video says "Are you still waiting for a Covid vaccine? Well, your wait is over. Just send an express donation of $100,000 or more to Ron DeSantis's political campaign and you can cut the line just like his other big donors." The videos can be found here and here. | | | | A message from Ocean Conservancy:   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR — "Budget week: Expect 'Red Wedding' early, but greener pastures ahead," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Budget week has arrived in the Florida Legislature amid a global pandemic, which is likely to create initial deep cuts but with the economic forecast improving by the end of the legislative session in May. The Senate will present its proposed budget in a budget subcommittee meetings Wednesday, and the House later this afternoon will notice its budget subcommittees, and release a spending plan by Thursday. Game of Thrones metaphors — The expectation among several appropriations lobbyists eagerly watching the process is that this week will be filled with across-the-board cuts, but things are likely to get better before lawmakers must pass a final spending plan. "You can just call this week the red wedding," said one veteran lobbyist familiar with budget talks. STILL MOVING FORWARD — "Funding concerns linger over Bright Futures scholarships," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: " Despite the changes, students remain concerned that the bill still allows lawmakers to set scholarship amounts through the budget process, rather than keeping them tied to the cost of tuition and fees. 'It would not guarantee how much money we are given,' said Grant Stacey, a Port Charlotte high school senior who has been part of the student-led group 'Save Bright Futures.' How about keeping a 3-year-old promise? — "Bright Futures scholarships currently cover 75 percent or 100 percent of students' tuition costs, based on merit and high academic achievements. Stacey said the group plans to keep emailing lawmakers to ensure they don't change that policy. [Sen. Dennis] Baxley, however, said the Legislature should have spending flexibility over scholarship amounts to meet the 'realities of current economic environments.' 'We can't promise forever promises,' Baxley told senators. — " Out of state students with Florida grandparents could get in-state tuition," by the Tampa Bay Times' Jeffrey S. Solochek DON'T USE THE E WORD — "Florida House offers plan to boost maternal health," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls on Tuesday threw his support behind a proposal to allow women to maintain Medicaid benefits for a year after they have babies --- a bit of turnabout for the Republican-controlled Legislature. Sprowls, flanked by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, was careful not to use the word "expansion" while discussing the Medicaid plan. But he said he wants the House to spend an additional $98 million in state funds to draw down additional matching federal dollars. In all, the plan would provide $244 million for benefits, which also include mental health counseling." THIS. KEEPS. COMING. BACK. — "Alimony battle flares again in Florida Legislature," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "After former Gov. Rick Scott twice nixed similar proposals, an acrimonious effort to overhaul the state's alimony laws is on the move in the Florida Legislature. A plan under consideration this year would do away with permanent alimony but, unlike a version that prompted a Scott veto, would not be retroactive to past alimony cases. The measure approved by a House panel Tuesday, however, would apply to pending cases and those under appeal." — " Chris Sprowls and Wilton Simpson's infrastructure plan pulls from affordable housing," by Florida Politics' Renzo Downey — "Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey: 'Anti-riot' legislation 'tramples' home rule authority," by Tallahassee Democrat's Tori Lynn Schneider — "Bill targeting transgender athletes moves in Senate despite pushback," by Florida Politics' Renzo Downey — "Florida Senate panel approves new fee to build electric vehicle charging stations," by Tallahassee Democrat's James Call — "Environmental groups appeal to Ron DeSantis to keep Key West cruise regulations in place," by Florida Politics Ryan Nicol | | DATELINE D.C. | | FAMILIAR MOMENT — "Rep. Ted Deutch renews call for gun reform following Boulder shooting that 'hits really hard,'" by CBS Miami: "The shooting in Boulder comes a little more than three years since the tragedy in Parkland, and the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting before that. There have been calls for major gun reform each time. Yet, little has changed. Ten lives were claimed in the Boulder shooting, where a gunman opened fire at a supermarket. 'And that's why we need to act. And that's why we can't just shake our head and say that's one more thing and move on and wait for the next one,' said Rep. Ted Deutch." — " Federal officials to help study why so many Florida manatees are dying," by Tampa Bay Times' Zachary T. Sampson | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | Bidenology | | FAMILIAR CHORUS — "Ted Deutch, new HHS chief tout stimulus, call on Florida to expand Medicaid," by Palm Beach Post's Antonio Fins: "A day after Vice President Kamala Harris touted the the $1.9 trillion stimulus plan in Jacksonville, a new Biden Cabinet member joined Congressman Ted Deutch and Florida grassroots advocates to highlight the plan's boost for health care coverage. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who has been at his post less than a week, joined the Boca Raton Democrat on a Zoom call heralding how the American Rescue Plan expands health care in Florida. And they called on Florida state Republican leaders to take advantage of an additional potential 'windfall' from federal dollars by expanding Medicaid." | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | PALM BEACH DISPATCH — "Trump doesn't want back on Twitter, even if he were invited," by POLITICO's Gabby Orr and Meridith McGraw: Sad news for loser @jack (chocker?) and all the haters. Despite what many people are calling "heavy demand," @realDonaldTrump will not be returning — like a dog — to his once Favorite part of The Big, Beautiful internet. Donald Trump may be entertaining a potential reemergence on social media, including the development of his own platform. But there is one path that the former president has indicated to aides he is increasingly unwilling to take: Getting back on Twitter. — " Ormond Proud Boys organizer pleads not guilty to new conspiracy charges in Capitol riot," by Orlando Sentinel's Grace Toohey | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | AIDE TO STEVE GELLER — "Mayor's aide under investigation after widow alleges fraud," by Sun Sentinel's Mario Ariza: "An aide to the mayor of Broward County is under criminal investigation after she was accused of befriending a newly widowed woman and conning her out of thousands of dollars, police records show. Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are looking into allegations that Bina Fink, 58, gained the trust of the 61-year-old woman and persuaded her that her friends and family were out to get her, according to a police report obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel." — " Feds say they busted Cuban migrant smuggling ring operating out of the Keys," by FLKeysNews.com's David Goodhue — "Students rally behind Black Tampa cop fired for using racial slur," by Tampa Bay Times' Tony Marrero | | | | 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 | | — "Cult City Tour attendee arrested after damaging Scientology cameras with laser," by Tampa Bay Times' Tracey McManus: "As Robert Harris was walking around Church of Scientology buildings on a Cult City Tour last month, he said he decided to point his pocket laser at the church's various security cameras as a way to say: 'Hi, I'm here, here's my face, I see you'…But Harris's laser allegedly ended up causing $2,091 in damage to six security cameras on three Scientology buildings, according to Clearwater police." BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. Anthony Rodriguez … Former state Rep. Adam Hattersley … Abby Goodnough with The New York Times
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