| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by CVS Health | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. The daily rundown — Between Sunday and Monday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 2,826 (0.1 percent), to 1,979,634; active hospitalizations went up by 159 (5.5 percent), to 3,027; deaths rose by 93 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 32,348; 4,252,250 Floridians have had at least one dose of a vaccine. Just a few years ago — When former President Barack Obama opened the door to reengaging with Cuba, it came at a time when analysts and pundits thought there was a chance that attitudes — and political support — was shifting among Cuban Americans in Florida. A poll from the 2012 presidential election showed that Mitt Romney edged out Obama among those voters just 52 percent to 48 percent. Well, those times are over — After four years of President Donald Trump, who threw out many of the Obama policies, Cuban Americans are throwing their support to Trump and Republicans. And just as importantly, they are now strongly opposed to normalizing relations. Swinging back — A new poll done earlier this month by Bendixen & Amandi International, which has gauged Cuban American opinion for years, found a dramatic swing among registered Cuban American voters in Florida. For example, the survey showed a jaw-dropping shift in support of keeping the trade embargo against the island nation. Six years ago, only 36 percent favored retaining the embargo. Now, 66 percent say they favor keeping it in place. The poll also found a majority — 56 percent — oppose easing travel restrictions. Summing it up — These new numbers have ramifications as Democrats and the Biden administration consider Cuba policy and its impact on the sort-of battleground state of Florida. Fernand Amandi, president of the firm, put it bluntly: "A lot of the gains Democrats were making and did make during the Obama years seemed to have been wiped out as a result of Trump's four years in office." Republican senators not surprised — Both Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott were highly critical of Obama's policies toward Cuba and say the poll backs up their positions. Rubio, in a statement, said Florida Democrats "naively believe" that the Cuba's regime can be persuaded to change through tourism. "Anyone that sides with this so-called 're-engagement' doesn't just play into the regimes hands, they also do so at their own political peril," he said. — 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 CVS Health: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, CVS Health has been there. We're nearly 300,000 employees ensuring millions of Americans can access health care services. We've opened thousands of COVID-19 test sites and administered millions of tests. Now, we're providing the vaccine in designated states and long-term care facilities. We've been on the frontlines, making health care easier to access and afford. That's health care, from the heart. Learn more. | | | |  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | 'BACK TO THE FUTURE' — "New poll shows Cuban-American voters align with GOP," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: During Barack Obama's presidency, studies, exit polls and voting patterns indicated that the exile community's hardline positions about Cuba had begun to soften, prompting Obama to make a historic visit to the island in early 2016 — a move that brought a torrent of criticism from Florida Republicans including then-Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio. But now 66 percent of those polled by Bendixen & Amandi International opposed reverting back to Obama policies toward Cuba. In a poll done by the same group in 2015, 51 percent backed the president's effort. The new poll also showed a major shift in support for keeping an the decades-old trade embargo against Cuba. Six years ago, only 36 percent favored retaining the embargo. Now 66 percent say they favor keeping it in place. The poll also found a majority — 56 percent — oppose easing travel restrictions. DEMINGS STILL MULLING RUN — Rep. Val Demings told fellow Democrats Monday evening that she and her husband — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings — are getting a lot of phone calls, text messages and emails encouraging her to run for statewide office, which could include a bid to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis. Demings, speaking on a virtual meeting of the Democratic Club of North Florida, said she still has not made any "definite decisions" but added that "It is something that I'm seriously considering." During her remarks, Demings pointed out that she grew up in Florida and that "I have had opportunities to live other places and chosen not to." She took a swipe at the DeSantis administration over vaccine distribution plans that have favored the "affluent," but also added that Democrats have two years to "get work done" while they hold the majority in the House and Senate. | 
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) speaks during the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law hearing on Online Platforms and Market Power in the Rayburn House office Building, July 29, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The committee was scheduled to hear testimony from the CEOs of Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Google. (Photo by Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Images) | Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Images | 'WE CANNOT LET THIS MAN COAST' — "Hoping to deny DeSantis re-election — and end his presidential hopes — Democrats launch operation 'Ron Be Gone,'" by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "Democrats announced formation of 'Ron Be Gone' on Monday, a fundraising, advertising and organizing vehicle aimed at preventing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis from winning re-election next year. A bonus, if they contribute to defeating DeSantis, would be imploding his prospects as a 2024 Republican presidential candidate. Even the name, which sounds like a pest removal product, shows the depth of Democratic animosity toward the Republican governor. 'We cannot let this man coast to re-election,' said Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons, one of the public leaders of the new effort. 'He's put his own political career above the welfare and well-being of the people of Florida.'" BILLBOARDS? — "Biden road trip to sell stimulus: Is Florida in play as DNC posts billboards aimed at Scott, Rubio," by Palm Beach Post's Antonio Fins: " The Democratic National Committee on Monday unveiled billboards in Miami and Tampa to highlight the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion stimulus plan's benefits — and remind voters that Florida's two U.S. senators, Republicans Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, opposed the measure. 'Voters in Tampa won't be able to miss this message: help is here, and it's because of President Biden, not Senators Rubio or Scott who opposed this bill and the relief it provides Floridians,' said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison in a statement." — " Candidate yet? Stephanie Murphy's campaign goes after Marco Rubio," by Florida Politics' Scott Powers | | | | JOIN THE CONVERSATION, SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST": Power dynamics are shifting in Washington, 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. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | PUSHING BACK — "South Florida counties send united message to DeSantis: 'Common-sense' COVID measures still needed," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher and Brooke Baitinger: "As spring breakers jammed beaches, South Florida counties issued an 'extremely rare' joint statement Monday expressing concerns that Gov. Ron DeSantis' decision to cancel COVID-19 fines sends a message that masks and other "common-sense" health measures are no longer needed. DeSantis wiped away COVID-19-related fines last week, part of his push to block local governments from enforcing mask mandates and other public health measures. Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties — the state's most populous metro area and a popular destination for spring breakers — responded Monday. 'While our positivity rate continues to trend in the right direction and vaccination efforts are accelerating, now is not the time to throw caution to the wind as we are so close to putting this pandemic behind us,' the statement reads." — "Confusion and distrust: "Nikki Fried renews attack on Ron DeSantis' vaccine distribution," by Florida Politics' A.G. Gancarski WHO WANTS TO KNOW? — " Are Black people getting COVID-19 vaccines at Florida's federal sites? State won't say," by Miami Herald's Nicholas Nehamas and Ben Conarck: "The state of Florida says the federally supported vaccination sites, set up in greater Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando on March 3, are a success: More than 45,000 of the 101,000 people vaccinated as of Wednesday night were members of the state's 'minority population,' according to recently released official figures. 'Florida's strategy of providing walk-up locations in predominantly minority areas is working,' said Jason Mahon, a spokesman for the Florida Division of Emergency Management. But the state data actually give little insight into whether the sites are vaccinating Black residents in significant numbers." THE NEXT STEPS — "'I'm ready to cry': Floridians rejoice as the vaccination age falls. Younger people could be eligible soon," by Sun Sentinel's Andrew Borgya and Lisa J. Huriash: "After months of waiting, people as young as 60 fanned out to get their COVID-19 vaccines Monday, a process that seemed to go more smoothly than the chaos of last week and raised hope than even younger people soon could follow. Thousands of Floridians logged onto the websites of Publix, CVS, Walgreens and health departments, but the best bet in South Florida might have been the FEMA-supported sites in Miami, where appointments are not necessary. Despite the pandemonium there last week, many people Monday were in and out in 30 minutes." — " Are you vaccinated? South Beach food festival will require proof or test to attend," by Miami Herald's Carlos Frias — "Man charged with spitting at Disney guard who asked for mask," by The Associated Press — " 482,000 Floridians still out of work in January, as unemployment rate falls below 5%," by Orlando Sentinel's Caroline Glenn — "UFC intends to welcome fans next month in Jacksonville," by The Associated Press' Greg Beacham | | | |   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | OOPS — "DeSantis refutes Florida Republican's story of surprise appointment," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: That was the day [Graham] Fountain claims he got a call from Gov. Ron DeSantis' chief of staff informing him that the governor had appointed him to the board of a small Florida college — even though he never applied for the coveted gubernatorial appointment. It was another line on the longtime Florida Panhandle Republican's lengthy political resume, one he bragged he received because of his clout. But there is one problem: DeSantis' office says it's not true. "The fact is that the Governor did not, nor did anyone on his staff, call anyone about appointments on Christmas Day," said DeSantis spokesperson Meredith Beatrice. PRESSING ON — "Florida GOP bill targeting 'Big Tech' social media moves forward despite constitutionality concerns," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer: "Rep. Randy Fine voted for the bill but raised the specter of users filing paperwork to become candidates for office just to be able to spout racist or anti-Semitic views online. He pointed to an opponent of his last year who called for his 'extermination' as an example, and noted all it takes is filling out two forms to become a candidate for office. 'My concern is about potential candidates, about crazy people, Nazis and child molesters and pedophiles who realize they can say anything they want — and by the way it can't even be deprioritized under this bill, it's got to be at the top of the page — if all they do is fill out those two pieces of paper,' said Fine, R-Brevard County." TWEAKED — "Bright Futures overhaul sees changes ahead of first hearing," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida Senate leaders on Monday released a rewritten version of their proposal to reshape the state's $650 million Bright Futures college scholarship, keeping intact key policy ideas tucked into the contentious financial aid package. The new take on FL SB86 (21R) alters the original legislation by requiring state education officials to craft a list of degrees that don't lead directly to employment instead of compiling fields that do produce jobs. The reworked bill also pushes back the start date of those new scholarship rules one year until 2023-24. RTFB. Details that are important — While there are new technical adjustments to the legislation, one of the more substantial provisions stayed the same — future award amounts for Florida's top scholarships would be set in the state budget. Bright Futures scholarships cover between 75 percent to 100 percent of tuition, a policy that has been in place since 2018 when the Legislature restored the top awards following cuts triggered by the Great Recession. ROUND 2 — "New House school safety package picks up where lawmakers left off in 2020," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: The Florida House this week is proposing a new school safety package that carries over numerous policies that failed to pass last session, including granting more power to the Education commissioner to punish school leaders who don't comply with security regulations. The wide-ranging bill is slated to be introduced Tuesday by the Early Learning & Elementary Education Subcommittee as the Legislature continues to address the fallout from the 2018 Parkland shooting. 'THIS IS NOT ABOUT SPORTS' — "Florida bills would stop transgender athletes from playing women's sports," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson and Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: "The latest front in the culture wars has made its way to the Florida Legislature. Republican lawmakers have proposed a bill that would ban transgender athletes from competing in school-sponsored girls' sports, arguing that the integrity of gender-specific competition is at stake. Activists for transgender rights say the legislation is thinly disguised bigotry that purports to solve a problem that does not exist. 'This is not about sports, this is about marginalizing and demonizing the transgender community in all aspects of life,' said Gina Duncan, the director of transgender equality at the LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida." — "Bill to ban smoking at beaches, parks clears Senate committee," by Florida Politics' Jason Delgado — "Florida lawmakers advance $73M plan to upgrade CONNECT unemployment site to a cloud system," by Orlando Sentinel's Caroline Glenn — "Capitol doors won't swing open anytime soon," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner — "Future not so bright for solar in Florida schools legislation," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Ryan McKinnon | | | | 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 | | JOINED MCCARTHY — "Gimenez, Salazar visit U.S.-Mexico border, criticize Biden's immigration policy," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "Miami's two first-year members of Congress visited the U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso on Monday as part of a Republican effort to criticize President Joe Biden's immigration policy amid a rush of migrants that has overwhelmed existing federal resources. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar and Carlos Gimenez joined House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California for a tour with United States Border Patrol and a view of the wall at the U.S.-Mexico border." | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | PALM BEACH STORY — "Republicans flock to Mar-a-Lago for Trump fundraising, photo-ops," by ABC News Libby Cathey, Soo Rin Kim and Will Streakin: "Since leaving the White House, Trump has hosted numerous other Republican allies at Mar-a-Lago as he continues to exert his influence over several potential contenders in upcoming elections. The price tags of the recent Mar-a-Lago fundraisers have not yet been publicly reported and it's unclear how much money the Trump allies are raking in from those fundraisers. But they're likely lucrative deals for the former president's business, based on the five to six-figure expenditures that the Trump campaign, the Republican National Committee and various other GOP allies have reported in connection with hosting fundraisers at Mar-a-Lago in recent years." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | DETAILS — "Longtime FSU prof resigned in sexual misconduct case: 'There is a huge sense of distrust over the allegations,'" by Florida Phoenix's Lucy Morgan: "Dr. Richard Feiock, 62, was the subject of a voluminous report prepared by FSU Human Resources officials, but the university was unable to reach a final determination on the allegations because his departure ended the inquiry, officials said. While emails and text messages between Feiock and the student were at the heart of the inquiry, the report describes the dismay of faculty members upset that the university didn't take stronger action sooner against the professor, who was counseled after previous allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to at least 1991, the records show." NEW TOP COP — "Houston's police chief brings bravado to Miami PD: 'We will not tolerate mediocrity,'" by Miami Herald's Joey Flechas and Charles Rabin: "Not known to be interested in leaving Texas, much less angling for a job in Miami, [Houston Police Chief Art] Acevedo was announced Monday as the surprise pick to be Miami's next top cop. He will take the reins of the city's 1,400-person police force around the start of May, bringing bravado to a force just released from federal supervision. Acevedo, 56, is leaving behind the fourth largest police department in the country in Houston, where he rose to national prominence by marching and kneeling with police protesters and firing barbs at prominent politicians." | | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the pandemic, in Florida and all across the country, CVS Health has been delivering essential care. Thanks to the efforts of our employees, we've opened 4,800 COVID-19 test sites and administered over 15 million tests at our stores and through partners in underserved communities. With millions staying home, we are increasing access to prescription delivery, virtual visits and mental health services. Now, we're providing vaccines in designated states and long-term care facilities. Every day, CVS Health works to bring quality, affordable health care closer to home—so it's never out of reach for anyone. That's health care, from the heart. Learn more. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Pensacola assistant principal, daughter arrested in homecoming queen vote scandal," by Pensacola News Journal's Colin Warren-Hicks: "An assistant principal at Bellview Elementary School and her teenage daughter have been arrested for allegedly using the mother's privileged access to the Escambia County School District's internal system to cast fraudulent votes in favor of the daughter winning homecoming queen at Tate High School. Laura Rose Carroll, 50, of Pensacola, and Emily Rose Grover, 17, were both arrested Monday, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement." BIRTHDAYS: Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran … State Rep. Chip LaMarca
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