| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. The daily rundown — Between Sunday and Monday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 3,480 (nearly 0.2 percent), to 2,085,306; active hospitalizations increased by 123 (nearly 4.3 percent), to 2,988; deaths of Florida residents rose by 36 (0.1 percent), to 33,710; 6,357,049 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Come as you are — Greetings from Okaloosa County, smack in the heart of Florida's 1st Congressional District — a seat held by Rep. Matt Gaetz. In bloom — On Monday, Gaetz and his allies continued to mount a counteroffensive to the federal investigation into whether the 38-year-old congressman violated federal human trafficking laws and had an improper relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Something in the way — Gaetz authored an op-ed acknowledging that he's "no monk" but insisted he had done nothing wrong and that he wouldn't resign. Gaetz's congressional office also helped schedule a truncated — and somewhat strange — press conference held in the driveway of a Walton County home (love that spring break traffic on U.S. 98) where a former staffer said he was visited by FBI agents last week. Nathan Nelson explained how the visit left him convinced the allegations were "fabricated" although he didn't provide many details. Sliver — So far, many Republicans in Gaetz's district are holding firm. John Roberts, chair of the Escambia County Republican Party, said he doesn't condone someone having sex with an underage girl. But he said he hasn't heard "anything concrete." Former Rep. Mike Hill, who is taking a "wait and see" attitude, said many Republicans don't believe the allegations and see them as an effort to take down a conservative Republican. Drain you — That sentiment isn't shared by Cris Dosev, who ran against Gaetz in 2018 and against Gaetz ally Alex Andrade for a state House seat last year. Dosev, a real estate developer and veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War, blasted Gaetz as an "incredible reprobate." Added Dosev: "The fact he hangs out with guys like [indicted former Seminole County tax collector] Joel Greenberg and Roger Stone, how much more evidence do you need to know?" Stay away — So far, there are no signs that former President Donald Trump or many of his top supporters plan to throw support to Gaetz. "The reason you haven't seen people in MAGA world defending Gaetz is less about him being unpopular, which he is in a lot of circles, and more about the fact that he hasn't done a single thing to make people comfortable to defend him," one Trump confidant told POLITICO. — 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 Floridians for Affordable Rx: For too many Floridians, prescription drugs are unaffordable, and that's unacceptable. That's why it's time to take politics out of prescriptions and find real solutions to lower Rx costs for all Floridians. The key to lowering drug costs is through increased competition, not big government mandates on private-sector tools used to reduce costs. The independent pharmacy lobby's special interest agenda undermines access to affordable prescription drugs. Learn more: Floridians for Affordable Rx | | |
|  | TOP TALKER | | GHOSTING GAETZ? — "Trumpworld has no lifelines it wants to throw Gaetz," by POLITICO's Gabby Orr, Meridith McGraw and Sam Stein: Operatives inside Trump World say the silence is owed to a variety of factors. Among them is the fact that Gaetz has always been regarded as a grenade whose pin had already been pulled. The congressman had a reputation for a wild personal lifestyle that, associates say, occasionally bordered on reckless. Some of Gaetz's own aides would regularly send embarrassing videos of their boss to other GOP operatives, according to two people familiar with the videos. "Anyone that has ever spent 10 minutes with the guy would realize he's an unserious person," said one former Trump campaign aide. | 
Joe Raedle/Getty Images | 'SINISTER SPECULATION' — "Florida's Trump country stands with Gaetz," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: As the embattled 38-year-old congressman denies sex trafficking allegations at the center of a still unwinding federal investigation, Republicans in the heart of Trump country are deeply suspicious of the accusations and still support him. "I believe this is nothing more than fake news," said Larry Hetu, a Gulf Breeze activist who is part of a group trying to get a local bridge renamed after former President Donald Trump. "I don't believe anything coming from the mainstream media. Rep. Gaetz has denied it all." A PICTURE IS FOREVER — "Former lawmaker says Gaetz fought 'revenge porn' law: 'He thought that any picture was his to use as he wanted,'" by Orlando Sentinel's Jason Garcia: "While serving in the Florida Legislature, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz opposed a bill meant to stop people from sharing sexually explicit images of their ex-lovers because Gaetz believed that recipients of those images had a right to share them, according to the sponsor of the legislation. Former state Rep. Tom Goodson, a Republican from Brevard County, spent three years sponsoring legislation to outlaw nonconsensual pornography — sometimes called 'revenge porn.'" — " Former Rep. Katie Hill says Gaetz should resign 'if there even a fraction of truth' to allegations," by POLITICO's Nick Niedzwiadek — "Former Rep. Gaetz staffer claims all allegations against Gaetz are 'fabricated,'" by WEAR — " Florida Democrats demand Rep. Matt Gaetz resign amid FBI probe," by WTSP's Jillian Olsen — "Gaetz says he won't resign over 'false' sex allegations," by The Associated Press' Alan Fram WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? — "Gaetz's accused extorter confirms, denies $25 million shakedown," by The Daily Beast's William Bredderman and Justin Baragona: "The man Rep. Matt Gaetz has accused of trying to extort millions from his family—and blamed for recent allegations of sexual improprieties—admitted in a bizarre interview Monday to asking the Florida Republican's dad to finance an international plot to "rescue" an American citizen widely believed to be dead in Iran. Air Force veteran and "research consultant" Bob Kent verified to Sirius Radio personality Michael Smerconish that he had approached Gaetz's deep-pocketed father, former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz, last month seeking a $25 million loan." | | DATELINE D.C. | | MOVING THE OLYMPICS — Citing the controversy over Georgia's voting law, Sen. Rick Scott today will call on President Joe Biden to support moving the 2022 Winter Olympics out of China. Scott has been urging the removal of the Olympics from the communist country for more than a year now. But Scott's latest call comes in the aftermath of Major League Baseball moving the All-Star Game out of Georgia due to the backlash over the state's contentious new voting law. That decision came with the backing of Biden, who has sharply criticized some of the changes required by the new law. Wants U.S. to host the games — Scott had already requested to meet with Biden to discuss moving the Olympics now scheduled for February 2022. But so far he has not gotten a response. "Biden and the Democrats need to be called out for their hypocrisy and face some pretty basic facts: Election security is not racist. Genocide is wrong. General Secretary Xi's atrocious acts can't be ignored and Communist China can't be allowed to whitewash its crimes on an international stage," Scott said in a statement. "President Biden has immense power to help facilitate the relocation of the games, which I have urged him to do." Scott adds that Biden should offer to host the Olympics and help provide federal help to accomplish that goal. BRUSHBACK PITCH — "Rubio asks MLB commissioner if he'll give up Augusta golf membership," by The Hill's Alexander Bolton: "Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) on Monday sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred asking if Manfred would give up his membership at the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club in the wake of the league's decision to pull the 2021 All-Star Game from Atlanta to protest Georgia's controversial new voting law. Rubio took a personal shot at the head of MLB after Manfred said the decision to pull the All-Star Game and the MLB Draft from Georgia was 'the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport.'" — " Democrats target Rubio, Scott in billboard on Beachline in Orlando," by WFTV's Christopher Heath | | | | JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION, SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" NEWSLETTER: 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 our 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 important new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | AFTERMATH — "County commissioner slams mayor after 60 Minutes report on vaccines," by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave: "A 60 Minutes story that detailed how Gov. Ron DeSantis blocked low-income Glades residents from getting the coronavirus vaccine ignited a feud on Monday between two Palm Beach County commissioners. Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, who represents the predominantly Black farming community, lashed out at County Mayor Dave Kerner on Twitter. Her online attack against a fellow Democrat came after Kerner took the unusual step of issuing a statement, defending DeSantis despite a decision that for a brief period in January made Publix the sole provider of vaccines in the county." — "Ron DeSantis slams '60 Minutes' hit as 'smear' driven by 'malicious intent,'" by Florida Politics' A.G. Gancarski SAIL AWAY — "Norwegian Cruise Line is ready to sail again, but you'll need a vaccine," by Sun Sentinel's Ron Hurtibise: "Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings on Monday became the first cruise company to announce plans to resume sailing from ports in the United States — but only if you've been vaccinated against COVID-19. The company said it would resume voyages from U.S. ports starting July 4 at 60% capacity, with full vaccinations required for guests and crew members at least two weeks before their cruises." — " Family kicked off Spirit Airlines flight from Orlando after 2-year-old doesn't wear mask," by Orlando Sentinel's David Harris | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | WHAT COULD GO WRONG? — "Talk of a Donald Trump presidential library has some open records watchdogs wary," by Palm Beach Post's Christine Stapleton and Antonio Fins: "A new question has been added to the who, what, where and when already raised about a presidential library for former President Donald Trump. Should Trump be entrusted with a presidential library? And if so, who should be in charge of telling the story of the Trump presidency? 'I think the risk that he would use that kind of institution to perpetuate lies and untruths is so harmful to our democracy,' said Anne Weismann, who litigated Freedom of Information Act and presidential records laws for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. 'It is too great of a risk.'" | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx:   | | |
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | NO DEAL — "Governor rejects plea to drop charges in voter-hacking case," by Fresh Take Florida's Stephany Matat : "Gov. Ron DeSantis is refusing to agree to have criminal charges dropped against a 20-year-old Naples man accused of hacking the governor's voter registration file, and a plea offer by the prosecutor in the felony case was set to expire this week, according to messages between the state attorney's office and defense lawyers. DeSantis, who has been subpoenaed in the case to testify at a possible trial, would not consent to a so-called 'diversion offer,' Collier County prosecutor Deborah Cunningham wrote in an email. The defendant wrote a letter of apology to the governor, his defense lawyer said." | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | 'KEEPING OUR OPTIONS OPEN' — "Realtors set up $3 million political committee as lawmakers eye housing trust fund cuts," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: The Florida Realtors, an industry lobbying arm, has stockpiled $3 million for a new political committee as lawmakers consider whether to make permanent the state's affordable housing trust fund, a move the group opposes. The new committee, Floridians for Housing, is chaired by Margaret Grant, the Florida Realtor's general counsel and CEO. And the group put $3 million into the committee, it's lone contribution, on March 31, according to campaign finance reports. 'KILL A COMMUNITY OVERNIGHT' — "Rural North Florida counties worry about 'devastating' prison closures,'" by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "But local officials say the potential closures could have a devastating impact in rural counties, where prisons for generations have been woven into the fabric of the local culture. 'You could literally kill a community overnight by closing a prison, if it's in the right location. You're talking about generational changes that would affect our citizens,' Levy County Commissioner John Meeks, chairman of the state's Small County Coalition, told The News Service of Florida in a phone interview." — " Lawmakers boost Sadowski fund after affordable housing advocates decry funding deal," by Florida Politics' Renzo Downey — "After MLB pulls game from Georgia, a top House Dem says 'very bad' voting bills could hurt FL tourism too," by Florida Phoenix's Laura Cassels — "Ocoee Democrat, GOP House Speaker join together to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer | | | | 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 | | CONTINUING CRISIS — "Piney Point wastewater leak continues but no new breach is found," by Tampa Bay Times' Zachary T. Sampson: "Late Monday, the Department of Environmental Protection said there is only one confirmed breach in a wall that crews continue to monitor. In what was another example of the urgency and uncertainty of the predicament, engineers determined it was safe to continue working on the site. Officials have four major lines and smaller pumps moving water out of the site, Saur said. They fear pressure from the leak could break apart stacks of phosphogypsum around the pond. Phosphogypsum is a radioactive byproduct of the fertilizer industry." PAYING TO FIX IT — "Florida Senate seeks to use federal COVID relief money to clean up Piney Point site," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Jesse Mendoza: "State lawmakers are pushing a bill to fund a complete cleanup and closure of the phosphogypsum stacks at Piney Point with American Rescue Plan funds, an effort that could cost upwards of $200 million. On Monday evening, Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) announced that the Senate will consider a budget amendment on Wednesday when it considers Senate Bill 2500, known as the General Appropriations Act." — " Will a deep well put an end to Piney Point? State officials say funds are available," by Bradenton Herald's Ryan Callihan FALLOUT — "LGBTQ group revokes Coral Gables mayoral endorsement after Carrollton letter surfaces," by Miami Herald's Samantha J. Gross: "Coral Gables mayoral candidate Vince Lago lost an endorsement and faced new political attacks over the weekend after the Miami Herald reported that Lago was among dozens of parents who signed a letter that denounced a Miami Catholic school's effort to address racism." — "Tribune Publishing confirms rival bid, says it could lead to 'superior proposal' for Orlando Sentinel parent company," by Chicago Tribune staff — "Colorful and controversial, new police chief says we're going to be the 'Miami Love Boat,'" by Miami Herald's Charles Rabin — "A Memorial Day curfew? Miami Beach mayor floats idea after county says it's lifting curfew," by Miami Herald's Martin Vassolo — "Ex-Trump spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany selling Tampa house," by Tampa Bay Times' Emily L. Mahoney | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx: It's time to stand up to special interest lobbies trying to increase prescription drug costs for Florida families. Florida's independent pharmacies claim that they're struggling, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses around the country were forced to close, while there were 20 more independent pharmacies in the state. In fact, there are 13 percent more independent pharmacies in Florida today than there were 10 years ago. In fact, there are 13 percent more independent pharmacies in Florida today than there were 10 years ago. Florida needs a competitive marketplace to reduce Rx costs, not special-interest-backed legislative mandates that restrict the tools used by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reduce Floridians' prescription drug costs. It's time for the independent pharmacies lobby to come to the table with real solutions to lower Rx costs in Florida.
Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx. Learn More. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "A Florida bar owner didn't get in trouble for banning masks. But a strip show landed him in jail," by Washington Post's Teo Armus: "Early on Friday morning, police in West Melbourne, Fla., arrested [Gary] Kirby, Westside's 31-year-old owner, and charged him with knowingly operating the strip show without a license, according to an arrest affidavit. Kirby, though, claims the whole case is actually blowback against his no-mask policy. 'There's nothing sexual. There were no genitals involved,' he told The Washington Post early Monday, pointing out that he had hosted four similar shows before the pandemic. 'It became a problem only because of the hatred that the bar had received, shaming us for banning masks.'" BIRTHDAYS: Olivia Perez-Cubas, vice president Bullpen Strategy Group ... Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes ... journalist Jeremy Wallace ... photographer Colin Hackley
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