| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs | Hello and welcome to Friday. The daily rundown — Between Wednesday and Thursday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 5,065 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 1,962,651; active hospitalizations went down by 53 (nearly 1.7 percent), to 3,158; deaths rose by 92 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 32,040; 3,895,656 Floridians have had at least one dose of a vaccine. Well, let's see how this goes now — President Joe Biden gave his first prime-time presidential address Thursday night where he said all American adults will be eligible for coronavirus vaccination by May. Counting down — Biden's new timeline came just hours after Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that Florida may open up vaccine eligibility sooner. The governor already announced that Florida would lower its age restriction to 60 years old on Monday, and plans to drop the threshold to 55 sometime later this month. "We could be in a position, sometime in April, where it's just available, and people can get it," DeSantis said during an appearance in Lake City. Pushback — Biden also suggested a return to normalcy by July 4, a statement that drew ridicule from some Florida Republicans who said the state was already living it due to DeSantis' anti-lockdown stance and insistence that schools be reopened. Not smooth — But the vaccine rollout in Florida continues to be confusing and bumpy. That's been especially the case as federal sites have come on board and pharmacies have embraced Biden administration policies, such as offering vaccines to all teachers and school staff regardless of age. There remain unanswered questions about why certain pop-up sites — including those in southwest Florida and the Florida Keys — were chosen or allowed to have access to vaccines. Democrats continue to ratchet up their criticism and demand investigations. It could be cleared up, but won't — A lot of this political theater and rhetoric could be pushed aside if the DeSantis administration decided to open up and explain who the governor talked to, how Publix was chosen for distribution, and why certain sites were selected. But that's unlikely to happen because part of DeSantis' communications strategy right now is sparring with the media. On the very least — The DeSantis administration could coordinate with federal authorities and explain how the state goals and the federal targets will align and spell out reasonable timelines for when the rest of Florida will get a chance to get a shot. That doesn't seem too much to ask. — 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 the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs: PBMs work with Florida's employers and the Medicaid program to keep health care more affordable for millions of Floridians and are poised to save consumers and the State $70 billion over the next 10 years. Today, as Florida faces a global pandemic and multibillion budget shortfall, now is the time for legislators to maintain, not limit, the PBM tools that employers and consumers rely on to manage costs and ensure access to medicines. Learn more. | | |
|  | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | NEW GOALS — "'We all lost something': Biden honors Covid victims, accelerates vaccine timeline," by POLITICO's Adam Cancryn and Benjamin Din: In his first prime-time presidential address, President Joe Biden said on Thursday night that he would order states to make coronavirus vaccines available to all American adults by May 1, in an effort to accelerate the mass vaccination effort critical to ending the pandemic. Coming on the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic, Biden used the speech to pay tribute to those affected — nearly 530,000 lives lost and countless more impacted — while pointing to the United States' success in ramped-up vaccinations and looking forward to what's next and life after the pandemic. | 
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as he gives a primetime address to the nation from the East Room of the White House March 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Biden gave the address to mark the one-year anniversary of the shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) | Alex Wong/Getty Images | ROLLOUT ROULETTE — "As feds increase vaccine efforts, Gov. Ron DeSantis loses grip on Florida shots," by Orlando Sentinel's Ryan Gillespie: "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is losing his grip on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the state, which for weeks he held tightly, as the federal government moves to expand eligibility and local officials test the boundaries of the governor's rules. Federal supplies of shots produced by Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson have increased in recent weeks as the Biden administration has ramped up distribution to pharmacies under a federal program and to sites throughout Florida run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency." REQUEST — "Levine-Cava has a plan to lower COVID-19 age barriers. She urges DeSantis to approve it," by Miami Herald's Devoun Cetoute: "Shortly after President Joe Biden directed states to make the COVID-19 vaccine available for all by May, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava drafted a plan to begin slowly moving toward the president's goal. On Thursday, Cava tweeted she had sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis calling on him to create a schedule to expand eligibility to all adults. In her letter, Cava detailed an 'aggressive plan' on lowering the age requirement." TOOL TIME — " Fried says DeSantis uses COVID-19 vaccine as 'political weapon' against opponents," by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello: "Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried slammed Gov. Ron DeSantis for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccine rollout, alleging that the governor has not only been using vaccines as a 'political tool' to reward supporters but also as 'a political weapon' to shut out Democratic officials. 'He's not been not transparent, he hasn't been giving the correct facts, he's showing no leadership on his own,' Fried said Thursday in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel." COUNTERPUNCH — "As Florida wipes away COVID-19 fines, confusion looms over Spring Break safety rules," by Sun Sentinel's Lisa J. Huriash and Wells Dusenbury: "A battle over COVID-19 fines and safety enforcement is igniting in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis just wiped away any COVID-19-related fines against people and businesses over the past year, saying such penalties were 'out of control' and 'heavy handed.' But Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties pushed back Thursday, planning to work around DeSantis to keep enforcing safety-oriented rules to curb the spread of the virus." 'WE HAVE BEEN DECISIVE' — " Demings blasts governor for waiving COVID fines: 'I believe Gov. DeSantis loves to create confusion,'" by Orlando Sentinel's Jeff Weiner, Austin Fuller, Stephen Hudak and Steven Lemongello : "Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings unloaded on Gov. Ron DeSantis, who he accused of hypocrisy and putting politics ahead of public safety, the day after the governor invalidated fines that local governments have used against businesses violating COVID-19 rules. 'I believe Gov. DeSantis loves to create confusion,' Demings said, as he began a roughly 5-minute rebuttal to the governor's claim that counties and cities had issued 'unprecedented' penalties against people and businesses based on bad science." — " Florida's COVID variants soar as spring breakers arrive," by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich — "DeSantis draws fire for quashing COVID fines; Democratic leader asks 'Why'?" by Florida Phoenix's Michael Moline | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TO JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION: 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. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | ATTENTION LOBBYISTS — "Simpson: Federal stimulus cash should go to 'one time' projects," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon : Senate President Wilton Simpson said his priority for Florida's roughly $8 billion in federal pandemic stimulus money is "one time" projects like road repair or water projects. Simpson told reporters on Thursday that because the money is one-time, non-recurring revenue, he does not want to spend it on areas of the state budget that require more than one-year worth of funding. BACKING DOWN — " Florida vacation rental plan 'clearly a work in progress,'" by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "A controversial proposal dealing with vacation rentals underwent a major overhaul on Thursday, after the bill sponsor stripped out a provision that would have blocked local governments' ability to license and inspect the properties. The fight about oversight of short-term rentals has escalated in the Legislature as the popularity of vacation properties advertised on platforms such as Airbnb has mushroomed." BY THE NUMBERS — "New report: Undergrad enrollment down, graduate enrollment up in Florida," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Undergraduate enrollment in Florida's colleges and universities has dropped nearly 7 percent this spring compared to last year, following a national downward trend that spilled over from 2020 due to the pandemic, according to new data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The report, released Thursday, details how Covid-19 continues to hammer higher education and community colleges, with undergraduate enrollment declining 4.5 percent across the nation. But graduate enrollment showed growth in Florida and beyond as flocks of students pursued new certifications. — "House committee clears minimum arrest age, but not without pushback," by Florida Politics' Haley Brown — "Plan to use online sales tax to replenish unemployment fund gets House support," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner — "Bills to address effects of climate change receive full committee support," by Florida Politics' Haley Brown | | | |   | | |
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | LINING UP — "Trump dives into battle for Senate," by POLITICO's Burgess Everett: In reality, the GOP's worst-case scenario would be running campaign operations at odds with Trump in must-win states across the country next year. With that in mind, Republican senators are making a fresh effort to ensure they and Trump are aligned as much as possible — especially given lingering tensions between the ex-president, their leadership and the seven GOP colleagues who recently voted to convict him at his impeachment trial. "He brought a bunch of new voters into the party that we want to keep," said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who is running for reelection and has spoken recently to Trump. "He's the most influential Republican in America. He's not going to ride off into the sunset, write his memoirs and open a library." BREAKING BREAD (FROM POLITICO'S PLAYBOOK) — After the back-and-forth last week between the former president and the GOP's campaign committees over using his name for fundraising, DONALD TRUMP dined at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday night with NRSC Chair RICK SCOTT (R-Fla.). They discussed candidate recruitment and getting Trump's support for certain incumbents in 2022, according to a source familiar. Trump did not budge on his opposition to Sen. LISA MURKOWSKI (R-Alaska), the source said. But Scott mainly wanted Trump's take on finding the best candidates for the midterms and how they can team up. After dinner, Trump and Scott made the rounds of the dining area to chat with resort members including Newsmax CEO CHRIS RUDDY, who was dining with actor JON VOIGHT. DISCONNECT — "Floridians, including most Republicans, want more access to voting, poll finds," by Tampa Bay Times' Steve Contorno: "As Florida Republicans move swiftly to put new restrictions on casting a ballot, a new poll shows most Floridians — including a majority of GOP voters — want them to make voting easier. For example, after the record-breaking early voting turnout of 2020, two-thirds of registered voters surveyed said lawmakers should add more early voting days to the calendar." Yet the Legislature is going the other way — "The poll was commission by Secure Democracy, an organization focused on election integrity, and it was conducted by Ryan Tyson, one of the state's best-known Republican pollsters. Tyson over-sampled GOP primary voters in his survey — a demonstration of how even a majority of President Donald Trump's supporters also back more access to voting. The survey found that voters overwhelmingly think voters should be allowed to receive assistance returning a ballot from a family member or caregiver." DEAR SENATOR — ' Retire Rubio' attack ad shines spotlight on Florida senator's NRA links," by Newsweek's Darragh Roche: "A political action committee opposed to the re-election of Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will air a new ad starting on Monday that focuses on the Republican's approach to gun control. The Retire Rubio PAC will spend a five-figure sum on digital advertising for the new video, entitled 'Parkland.' Newsweek has had an exclusive look at the ad, which highlights Rubio's ties to the gun industry. The ad recounts details from the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people died, and transitions to criticizing the senator's pro-gun policies." — "Tech investors pump another $350k into Miami mayor Francis Suarez's reelection bid," by Miami Herald's Joey Flechas — "Political Party with Adam Smith: Pinellas County's topsy-turvey political landscape | | Bidenology | | CALL FOR ACTION — "To 'Rebrand' with Florida's Latino voters, allies want Biden to sell policies on the ground," by Newsweek's Adrian Carrasquillo: "Former congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell who fought for the TPS designation while in Congress, lauded Biden's move so Venezuelans 'can stop living in fear' and provide for their families back in Venezuela, but said she would like to see a physical presence in Florida from the White House to sell the move. 'One of the important things for the administration to understand is our Latino culture is extremely personal, fosters close relationships, and there is a need to ensure they are present in our community,' she told Newsweek." | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | DATELINE D.C. | | CHANGING SIDES — "Miami Republicans split on bill to expand background checks on gun purchases," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "Two years ago, Miami Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart was one of eight Republicans to vote in favor of expanding background checks on every gun sale. On Thursday, Diaz-Balart switched his position, voting against similar legislation he once supported. But Miami's two other House Republicans, Reps. Carlos Gimenez and Maria Elvira Salazar, voted yes. Diaz-Balart's 'no' vote didn't stop the House of Representatives from passing the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and sending it to the U.S. Senate. The bill was approved by a 227-203 vote, with eight Republicans joining 219 Democrats to vote for the bill." Other flips — "Treasure Coast Republican Rep. Brian Mast also switched his position to vote against the background check bill after supporting it in 2019. In a statement, Mast said the current version of the bill gives the attorney general more power to intervene in gun transactions. 'Changes to this legislation have subverted the original purpose of the bill and dramatically expanded the power of unelected DC bureaucrats to unilaterally implement new gun control measures,' said Mast, who supported a ban on assault weapons in 2018 after Parkland. Sarasota Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan voted in favor of expanding background checks on Thursday after previously supporting the bill in 2019." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | WATER WARS — "Companies bottle and sell Florida's spring water. Should the state get paid?" by Tampa Bay Times' Zachary T. Sampson: "The multi-year controversy over the permit application in High Springs has invigorated activists who say businesses are overusing the aquifer, to the detriment of the state's sparkling rivers and springs. If private companies profit off Florida's water, they say, then Florida should at least get paid. 'It's a simple idea, but it's a new idea,' said Joseph Little, a University of Florida law professor emeritus who is considering filing the suit. He wants residents to wonder: 'Holy mackerel, who owns this water? It's not owned by the person who happens to own a piece of land. The water doesn't just fall on this piece of land. The water is flowing underground.'" TO COURT — "Lawsuit: Pasco intelligence program violated citizens' rights," by Tampa Bay Times' Romy Ellenbogen and Kathleen McGrory: "Four Pasco County residents are suing Sheriff Chris Nocco in federal court, alleging his intelligence program violated their constitutional rights. The plaintiffs, three of whom were featured in a recent Tampa Bay Times investigation into the Sheriff's Office's intelligence arm, say they were harassed, fined and even arrested by overzealous deputies who overstepped their bounds. They want a judge to put an end to the program, which targets people the Sheriff's Office deems likely to commit future crimes and their friends and family members." GENTLE GIANTS — "Florida's manatees are dying at an alarming rate this year and contaminated canals are partially to blame," by Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins: "An alarming number of manatees have died in Florida already this year, on pace to be one of the deadliest years for the mammals in the past decade. Scientists say the unusually high death count is due to a combination of cold weather and a decline in available sea grass for the vegetarians to feed on due to development, contaminated waterways and other human activity." — "Dad, son who bribed Broward commissioners tried to extort money from developer, agents say," by Miami Herald's Carli Teproff — "Jeffrey Epstein's NYC mansion sells for $51 million. Women abused there will share proceeds," by McClatchy's Kevin G. Hall — "Florida is one of the best US states, according to US News & World Report," by Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins | | | | A message from the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs: Employers in Florida provide prescription drug coverage for nearly 8.5 million Floridians. In order to help keep care more affordable, employers work with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who deploy a variety of tools to reduce prescription drug costs and help improve health outcomes. PBMs also work with the Florida Medicaid program in the same way to help control costs. In fact, PBMs are poised to save consumers and the State $70 billion over the next ten years. Today, as Florida faces a global pandemic and a multibillion budget shortfall, now is the time for legislators to maintain, not limit, the tools that employers, consumers and the State are relying on to manage costs and ensure consumers can access the medicines they need. Learn more. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Human remains from a lost cemetery have been found in Clearwater," by Tampa Bay Times' Paul Guzzo: "Archaeologists have confirmed the presence of human remains under the footprint of the former St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, which was moved in the mid-1950s. The cemetery was for Black residents of the since-razed community of Clearwater Heights. Today the property is home to the FrankCrum company's Clearwater campus at 100 S. Missouri Ave. 'On behalf of myself and my family, I want to acknowledge the past, take pause to learn what we can about it, and pay our respects to the African American families, both present and past, who call this community home,' Matt Crum, co-president of FrankCrum, said in a statement." BIRTHDAYS: Rep. Val Demings ... author Carl Hiaasen ... Beth Labasky ... journalist and columnist Steve Bousquet
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