| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx | Hello and welcome to Thursday. The daily rundown — Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 5,571 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 2,184,354; active hospitalizations increased by 15 (0.4 percent), to 3,493; deaths of Florida residents rose by 83 (0.2 percent), to 34,616; 8,228,278 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Stop me if you think you've heard this one before — After multiple near-misses and agreements that have fallen apart in the rush to get them passed, could this be the year a gambling deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida gets done? The word is — Multiple sources with knowledge of the negotiations have told POLITICO that Florida is poised to approve a substantial gambling deal that could result in the nation's third-largest state allowing sports betting at casinos run by the Tribe as well at other gambling facilities. Here's where things get a tad murky — Several sources have said the deal is done, while others have been a tad hesitant. Said one person close to the process: "It's as close as it has ever been." Player — But apparently, Gov. Ron DeSantis has been personally involved in the negotiations for the weeks. The main points of the deal have been finalized, and one well-informed gaming lobbyist contended that the only hold up is signing off on the final wording in a written agreement. Coming back to Tally — The plan is to bring the deal between the Seminoles and Florida up in a special session that DeSantis wants "ASAP." Those tracking the negotiations maintain this has not fallen apart like previous efforts because of the persistence of both Senate President Wilton Simpson and DeSantis. Winner — If the deal comes to fruition as expected, it would hand another substantial achievement to DeSantis as he heads into a re-election campaign in 2022. He would have put together something that business executive and former Gov. Rick Scott could not quite piece together despite several efforts. When asked about it, a spokeswoman for DeSantis had no information on the topic. Katie Betta, a spokeswoman for Simpson, said "to our knowledge, negotiations are ongoing." What we know — Sports betting would be allowed at both tribe casinos and tracks, and other gambling facilities. The bets would all be run through the tribe and both sides would get a share of the revenue. The Seminoles would be allowed to become like full-blown Las Vegas casinos by also adding craps and roulette. The tribe would also be allowed to expand operations at some of its existing locations, such as the one in Brighton. Other parts — Running parallel with a new deal between the tribe and the state is a separate bill that would let existing tracks — save those with thoroughbred racing — offer gambling without having to run races. And these gambling locations would be able to keep what is known as designated-player games. Poker rooms use the rule to offer fast-paced poker games such as Texas Hold'em. Will it fall apart? — So there's reason to be skeptical after so many past efforts. Izzy Havenick with Magic City Casino acknowledged that he's heard all the rumblings, before adding that some of his lobbyists say there's a deal while others say there isn't. "It's the same rumor every session. Until I see something I don't believe anyone," he said. (With help from POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian.) — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in Jacksonville, where he will join UFC President Dana White and Mayor Lenny Curry at a UFC pre-fight press conference. 'PARENTS ARE POWERLESS': Most American schoolkids have struggled with remote learning, and in some states they might be forced to repeat a grade. This morning, POLITICO's Recovery Lab looks at the growing controversy around laws that require third graders to repeat a year of school if they don't do well enough on standardized tests. In 18 states including Florida, "mandatory retention" laws could force thousands if not millions of kids who fell behind during Covid to repeat a year… and the fallout could last for years. 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 | | |
|  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | THE MONEY GO-ROUND — "Florida Legislature is so used to budget cutting it's struggling to spend relief aid," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas and Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower and Kirby Wilson: "After a decade of honing their skills as budget cutters, Florida's Republican legislative leaders are having a hard time deciding how to spend. The $10.23 billion pot of one-time federal money arriving in the next year from President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act has created a bit of budget trauma as legislators try to wrap up the annual budget that this year is expected to exceed $100 billion." The plan so far — "But instead of directing one-time payments to residents and businesses recovering from the crisis, lawmakers have responded by doing what they know best: earmarking giant chunks of money to create infrastructure in already-established programs such as road repairs, sewer and water projects, and college and university building construction, while squirreling away another $2 billion of the federal money into existing state reserves." AND EVEN MORE MONEY — " Questions swirl around additional health money," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "Florida is getting another boost in federal money after the Biden administration extended a public-health emergency, but it's unclear if the Republican-controlled Legislature will use the extra cash to bolster health care spending. The state learned this week that it will receive about $400 million in additional federal Medicaid funds in the upcoming fiscal year, but lawmakers so far haven't included it in a proposed budget they are trying to finalize as the 2021 legislative session draws to an end." — "Billions in federal aid a 'monkey wrench' in Legislature's education budget process," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos DEAL IN WORKS — " Florida House and Senate align on school choice expansion," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury : Florida lawmakers appear to have reached agreement on the banner school choice package for the 2021 session, a massive $200 million proposal sought by GOP leaders to combine and expand the state's voucher programs toward private schools. The Senate is preparing to take up the House's school choice bill that lawmakers approved in a floor vote Wednesday, a move that marks a deal on a critical education policy issue. The legislation would pave the way for some 61,000 new students to qualify for reshaped scholarship programs that Democrats have fought against throughout session, advocating for increased accountability around the vouchers funded through the state budget. — "Florida House passes school voucher expansion; families making nearly $100k could qualify," by Orlando Sentinel's Leslie Postal TO COURT — "Civil rights lawyer files lawsuit over Florida's 'anti-riot' bill," by POLITICO's Giulia Heyward: A civil rights lawyer has filed a lawsuit against the state's recently passed "anti-riot" legislation, marking the first legal action taken since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on Monday. Orlando lawyer Aaron Carter Bates filed the bill on behalf of the Lawyers Matter Task Force, a legal advocacy organization for victims of police brutality and racial injustice. The lawsuit lists its defendants as DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Orange County Sheriff John Mina. SHIELD — "College COVID-19 legal protections approved," by News Service of Florida's Ryan Dailey: "The Florida House on Wednesday passed a wide-ranging higher education bill that, in part, would protect colleges and universities from coronavirus-related lawsuits. Sponsor Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa, said the bill (HB 1261), passed in a 92-22 vote, 'prioritizes students and families.' Some House Democrats who opposed the bill, however, expressed concerns about offering the legal protections. Under the proposal, public and private colleges and universities would be shielded from lawsuits stemming from campuses being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and students being forced to learn online." INSIDE THE BUBBLE — "Florida may be an 'oasis of freedom' in COVID reopenings — but the Capitol is still locked down," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher : "The state Capitol complex is still effectively locked down — months after DeSantis lifted remaining restrictions on bars and restaurants. A sign at the Capitol's entrance informs visitors that the building is 'temporarily closed' to protect the public and employees. 'The state of Florida is open for business everywhere but the Capitol,' said Rich Templin, a lobbyist for Florida AFL-CIO. 'Why is the Capitol so sacrosanct that it has to be shut down because of the virus, but bars and restaurants down the street are open, and everyone is there?'" COUNTDOWN CLOCK — With just eight days left in the 2021 session Florida lawmakers have so far approved 57 bills. The Florida Legislature usually winds up approving between 200 to 300 bills each session. Get ready for the lightning round. — "Florida House sends bills on gas stations preemption, expanding property rights to Senate," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie — "Lawmakers grapple over jobless system, benefits as session nears end," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer — "Randolph Bracy compromises with historians, adds second Emancipation Day to bill," by Florida Politics' Haley Brown — "Wilton Simpson: Increased unemployment benefits is still alive," by Florida Politics' Renzo Downey | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TO JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION : Power dynamics are changing in Washington and across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. Our twice-weekly newsletter "The Recast" breaks down how race and identity shape politics and policy in America, and we are recasting how we report on it. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | THE NEXT CHAPTER — "Book wins backing as Senate Democratic leader, will forgo statewide run in 2022," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: State Sen. Lauren Book will lead Senate Democrats as they head into a potentially bumpy election season that could be complicated by redistricting. Senate Democrats on Wednesday held a closed-door caucus meeting in the Senate chamber, where they selected Book to take over as the Democratic leader in November 2022. After the short vote, both Republican and Democratic legislators could be seen hugging the South Florida Democrat. The decision takes Book out of the running for any statewide campaigns, including a potential challenge to incumbent Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. | 
AP Photo | — "Defamation suit over mailer brings Miami drama into Coral Gables runoff," by Miami Herald's Samantha J. Gross | | DATELINE D.C. | | BLASTING OFF — "Senators show Bill Nelson lots of love in his NASA confirmation hearing," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "[Bill] Nelson was introduced by two Republicans, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and former Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, and the bipartisan compliment-fest didn't stop there. South Dakota Republican Sen. John Thune used part of his question time to show a photo of him holding a python while visiting Nelson in the Everglades, and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said Nelson was one of the few Biden nominees he isn't opposed to. 'There are not many Biden nominees about which I am enthusiastic, and your nomination is a notable exception to that,' Cruz said." And that other Florida senator — "And while the reception between Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who narrowly defeated Nelson in 2018 after a recount, and Nelson wasn't as warm, the sitting senator didn't criticize Nelson during his question time, asking him about the importance of space-related industries to Florida's economy and the increasing presence of Russia and China in space. 'Senator Nelson, it's nice to see you,' Scott said. 'It's nice to see a Floridian nominated for NASA.'" — "Biden's NASA nominee says he'll try to stick to Trump's schedule for return to the moon," by Washington Post's Christian Davenport and Cat Zakrzewski — " Vice President Kamala Harris, congressional leaders pay tribute to the late Rep. Alcee Hastings at U.S. Capitol ceremony," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx:   | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | AUDIENCE OF ONE — "Lincoln Project to air ad in Palm Beach County taunting Trump by calling Mitch McConnell GOP leader," by Palm Beach Post's Christine Stapleton : "The presidential election is over but The Lincoln Project has not finished poking fun at former President Donald Trump — and has chosen Trump's home county to launch its latest salvo. The group's latest ad, launching Thursday, touts Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as the true respected leader of the Republican Party. The ad claims that Josh Holmes, McConnell's former chief of staff who hosts a popular conservative podcast called Ruthless, 'acts like you (Trump) are a nobody and laughs about how Mitch ignores you.'" Rick Scott cameo — "'And they will come to Mar-a-Lago, tricking you with cheap gifts, like a Dollar Store silver bowl," says the commercial's narrator in making reference to a silver bowl U.S. Sen. Rick Scott gave to Trump during a recent visit to the president's private club." Here's the ad. — " Former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn buys property in Englewood, Florida," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | FINAL DOSE — "Jackson Hospital, major vaccinator of Miami-Dade residents, to end first doses soon," by Miami Herald's Ben Conarck: "As vaccination demand drops, Miami-Dade's public hospital, Jackson Health System, is ending its four-month run as a key COVID vaccine provider in Florida's most populous county. As the rollout progressed from nurses and healthcare workers in December to the general public in January, Jackson became one of the largest vaccinators in Miami-Dade." SENTINEL WINS AGAIN — " Florida health officials agree to release variant data, pay attorney fees in Sentinel lawsuit," by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich: "A judge on Wednesday ordered the Florida Department of Health to release information on COVID-19 variant cases to the Orlando Sentinel and pay the newspaper's legal fees, settling a lawsuit over the state's withholding of critical public health data. The agreement calls for the department to release future information on variant infections within one business day — barring "unanticipated circumstances," in which case the department must provide the information "as expeditiously as possible," according to the settlement. The case marked the second time in four months the newspaper has prevailed in its legal attempts to obtain public health information from state officials." — "Hillsborough COVID-19 spike caused by variants, virus 'fatigue,'" by Tampa Bay Times' C.T. Bowen | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | THE GUNSHINE STATE | | FEDERAL LAWSUIT COMING — "No charges against Brevard deputy for fatal shootings of two Cocoa teens," by Orlando Sentinel's Lisa Maria Garza and Grace Toohey: "A Brevard County deputy who fatally shot two Black teenagers in Cocoa last year will not face criminal charges, the Seminole-Brevard State Attorney's Office said on Wednesday. Sincere Pierce, 18, and 16-year-old Angelo "A.J." Crooms were killed Nov. 13 after deputies Jafet Santiago-Miranda and Carson Hendren made a traffic stop on a car the two teens were in that was suspected of being stolen. Investigators later determined the car driven by A.J., a gray Volkswagen Passat, was not the stolen vehicle deputies in the area were looking for." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | UM, WHAT? — "Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie charged with perjury; his lawyer says he doesn't know why," by Sun Sentinel's Scott Travis, Lisa J. Huriash and Rafael Olmeda: "Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie and General Counsel Barbara Myrick were arrested Wednesday as part of a statewide grand jury probe into the district's operations. Runcie was arrested on a charge of perjury in an official proceeding, a third-degree felony. Myrick was arrested on a charge of unlawful disclosure of statewide grand jury proceedings, also a third-degree felony." What's this all about? — "Agents of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Runcie, 59, and Myrick, 72, for their testimony before the grand jury, which was impaneled to investigate possible failures in following school-related safety laws and mismanaging funds solicited for school safety initiatives. Both were arrested at their attorneys' offices Wednesday and released on their own recognizance. The FDLE has been handling investigations for the grand jury, which has been impaneled since 2019. The exact allegations against Runcie and Myrick are unknown because grand jury proceedings are secret." | | MEDIA MATTERS | | STATIC — "FCC Commissioner rips Democrats trying to block Florida radio station sale to conservative outlet," by Fox News' David Rutz: "A commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has accused Democrats of crossing a 'clear line drawn by the First Amendment' by pressuring the agency to block the sale of a popular Miami Spanish-language radio station. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus called last week for the FCC to stop the sale of WSUA-AM to America CV, owner of the conservative América TeVé network. Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr objected in a tweet on Monday." | | | | 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 Miami defendant accidentally broadcast someone getting a butt injection during her Zoom court hearing," by Insider's Jacob Shamsian: "A Florida woman broadcast someone getting a butt injection during a Zoom court hearing Wednesday over her grand theft charges. The defendant, Niurka Aguero, posted a video of a needle apparently going into someone's butt while waiting before her case was brought before the judge, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office." — "Duck killed in front of horrified Sunday brunch diners at West Palm vegetarian restaurant," by Palm Beach Post's Kimberly Miller : "A quiet Sunday brunch turned traumatic at a popular vegetarian restaurant in West Palm Beach when a man shot and broke the neck of a duck within view of waterfront diners. According to the owners of the plant-based bistro Darbster, a handful of patrons and a waitress on a deck that overlooks the C-51 canal heard a series of popping noises and an outburst of quacking during the special Sunday service that includes breakfast burritos with tempeh taco meat and tofu eggs." BIRTHDAYS: Former state Sen. Frank Artiles
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