| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. The daily rundown — Between Monday and Tuesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 5,556 (nearly 0.3 percent), to 2,090,862; active hospitalizations increased by 31 (1 percent), to 3,019; deaths of Florida residents rose by 70 (0.2 percent), to 33,780; 6,437,330 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. The backstory — The latest legal drama surrounding Rep. Matt Gaetz traces back to his alliance with former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg. And that's quite a complicated tale to tell. (And one that has been chronicled in great detail by the Orlando Sentinel.) Not your normal bureaucrat — Before Greenberg was arrested, his office was the only one in the state where employees were armed with pistols and body armor. He wore his own law enforcement badge and carried a sidearm at tax collector conferences. He let people pay property taxes with Bitcoin. He tweeted out Islamophobic comments and handed out fat contracts to his groomsmen shortly after winning the usually humdrum Orlando-area office with a campaign to stop "crony capitalism." Now Greenberg is sitting in jail charged with more than two dozen counts including identity theft, stalking and sex trafficking. Seems like an understatement — "You couldn't make this story up, it's so crazy," David Bear told POLITICO's Marc Caputo. Bear is an attorney for a Greenberg political rival, who the now-former Seminole County tax collector is accused of falsely smearing as a pedophile two years ago. The Gaetz-Greenberg connection — Caputo writes that the two men shared more than one girlfriend, according to interviews with eight friends and associates who know both. Gaetz described Greenberg as a "wingman" to some acquaintances, and even promoted him as a potential congressional candidate. Now some suspect Greenberg might be cooperating with prosecutors to build a case against Gaetz. Gaetz keeps pushing back — Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has decried a probe into his personal life. In an op-ed this week, the Republican congressman acknowledged that he was "no monk" but that he was not going to resign. He texted POLITICO and said "I have never paid for sex" and "I haven't had sex with a seventeen year old since I was seventeen." One take — "Ultimately, it's about abuse of power and how the Republican Party lost its way with guys like this," Bear told Caputo. "As one of the few remaining Never Trump Republicans, nothing could make me happier than seeing Matt Gaetz and his kind being taken down. They're the embodiment of Trumpism." — 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 | | JUST FRIENDS — "The congressman and his wingman," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo : Thirty-something scions of wealthy families, Gaetz and Greenberg were elected to their respective offices during the first Trump wave that swept Florida in 2016 and became close friends because of their shared interest in brash populist politics, cryptocurrencies and attractive young women. Sounds complicated — The Gaetz-Greenberg relationship wasn't one of equals, according to mutual friends, who say the tax collector looked up to the congressman. A former state legislator, Gaetz was a regular fixture on Fox who had the president's ear. Greenberg introduced him to a handful of young women he met on SeekingArrangement, a dating website that connects attractive women with so-called sugar daddies, friends claimed. Greenberg regularly trolled the site for dates. — " Joel Greenberg claimed to have explosives during hours-long negotiation before bond-violation surrender, records say," by Orlando Sentinel's Jeff Weiner HMM — "Matt Gaetz, loyal for years to Trump, is said to have sought a blanket pardon," by The New York Times' Michael S. Schmidt, Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Fandos: "In the final weeks of Mr. Trump's term, Mr. Gaetz sought something in return. He privately asked the White House for blanket pre-emptive pardons for himself and unidentified congressional allies for any crimes they may have committed, according to two people told of the discussions." Response — "A spokesman denied that he privately requested a pardon in connection with the continuing Justice Department inquiry. 'Entry-level political operatives have conflated a pardon call from Representative Gaetz — where he called for President Trump to pardon 'everyone from himself, to his administration, to Joe Exotic' — with these false and increasingly bizarre, partisan allegations against him,' the spokesman said in a statement. 'Those comments have been on the record for some time, and President Trump even retweeted the congressman, who tweeted them out himself.'" Additional response — POLITICO's Benjamin Din and Matt Dixon reported that "a week ago, the congressman had denied that he had sought a pardon from Trump when asked about the possibility by POLITICO. Reached by phone on Tuesday night, Gaetz stood by that statement but said he had not read the Times article. "The recent false allegations against me are not something I've ever discussed with Trump, pardons or otherwise," he previously told POLITICO. MEANWHILE — "Gaetz to be featured speaker at pro-Trump women's group event," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Rep. Matt Gaetz, mired in an ongoing federal sex trafficking investigation, is headed to former President Donald Trump's resort in Doral this Friday where he will be a featured speaker at a summit hosted by a conservative pro-Trump women's group. Women for America First announced late Tuesday that Gaetz would be a speaker at the three-day "Save America Summit." This is the same group that helped organize the "March for Trump" rally in Washington that took place just hours before the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol that left five people dead. — " Rep. Matt Gaetz fundraises off teen sex-trafficking probe," by The Daily Beast's Sam Brodey | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | DATELINE D.C. | | R.I.P. — "Congressman Alcee Hastings, after career of triumph, calamity and comeback, dies at 84," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "Congressman Alcee Hastings, whose life was marked by perseverance, calamity and a comeback, has died. He was 84. Hastings crusaded against racial injustice as a civil rights lawyer, became a federal judge who was impeached and removed from office, and went on to win 15 congressional elections, becoming Florida's senior member of Congress. Fighting until the end — "In late 2018, Hastings was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. For much of the ensuing two years, he continued public appearances between medical treatments, but more recently he hadn't been in public. In recent days, he had been in hospice care. 'Alcee was a fighter, and he fought this terrible disease longer than most. He faced it fearlessly, and at times even made fun of it,' said Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness." | 
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) speaks during a debate at a committee meeting July 29, 2014 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. The committee met to formulate a rule on providing the authority to begin litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) | Win McNamee/Getty Images | WHAT HAPPENS NEXT — "Hastings' death narrows Dem majority, sets off race for his seat," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon and Ally Mutnick: The race to replace him in a yet-to-be-scheduled special election sets up what will likely be intense regional jockeying among some of the area's most prominent political figures. Thurston says he will run — While a special election to replace Hastings will be held under the old lines, the seat is not expected to be drastically redrawn during the upcoming redistricting process so it can continue to allow minority candidates to win election there, which means the early short list of candidates has quickly been established. The list includes some of South Florida's most prominent Black politicians. "I join with a heavy heart the community in south Florida in mourning the passing of Congressman Alcee Hastings," said state Sen. Perry Thurston, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat. "He was a mentor, a friend and a fraternity brother, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family." When asked by POLITICO about the now-open seat, Thurston said, "Yes. I'm running." — "Hastings seat draws Democratic interest, but DeSantis will play an important role," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty AFTER CONGRESS — " Latina ex-Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell takes new role on personal mission: Gun control," by NBC News' Carmen Sesin: "Seeing her father's body with gunshot wounds was one of the most traumatic moments for former Florida congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell as she grappled with the shock and grief of losing him to gun violence in 1996. The former Democratic lawmaker, who was the first South American-born member of Congress, will now be working on what she calls her 'life mission' by joining Giffords, a gun control advocacy group, as a senior adviser, the organization is announcing Tuesday." | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | $$$ — "Florida budget writers get $2 billion surprise," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Florida lawmakers on Tuesday just got a $2 billion present. Ahead of final budget negotiations, state economists say Florida will bring in $2 billion more in general revenue than previously anticipated in December, the last time they projected general revenue for the current and next fiscal years. Still careful — Legislative leaders have long known they would get a $10 billion infusion of federal pandemic stimulus aid. But because it is a one-time influx of money, they have been careful, a sentiment Senate President Wilton Simpson continued in response to the new revenue forecast. "While encouraging, there is still reason to be cautious," he said in a statement. "We know estimates can, and often do, change without much notice." DESANTIS PRIORITY WATERED DOWN — " Consumer privacy push in Florida limps forward," by The Associated Press' Bobby Caina Calvan: "Big Data won a key concession from Florida lawmakers Tuesday when it persuaded a legislative committee to defang a proposal advertised by Gov. Ron DeSantis as a call to arms against tech giants' unfettered powers to share and sell consumers' personal information. Intense lobbying from business advocates prompted lawmakers to strip away a provision that would have allowed consumers to sue for the unauthorized collection and sale of their personal data. After winning that concession from the Senate Rules Committee, lobbyists for the business community then attempted to kill the bill in its entirety — arguing that the remaining provisions would still be too expensive and overly burdensome." HOUSE COUNTER OFFER? — "New Florida higher education package emerges in the House — and it includes COVID-19 legal protections," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: The Florida House crafted a new higher education package on Tuesday that combines numerous leadership priorities like tuition breaks for students, heightened accountability measures around private college grants and a legal shield protecting schools from coronavirus lawsuits. The wide-ranging proposal, FL HB1261 (21R), is now ready for consideration from the full chamber after passing the top House education committee by a 14-6 vote with some Democrats in opposition. MOVING THE MONEY — "After drawing heat, Republican leaders boost housing money — but still take most of it," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's John Kennedy: "With a plan to cut almost $300 million from affordable housing funds drawing widespread criticism, Republican leaders agreed Tuesday to steer more dollars into the program — but still cut it by more than half. The move would put another $59 million into housing — bringing funding to $200 million for the coming year. But if lawmakers left the housing trust fund untouched, $423 million would be available next year to build and repair lower-cost housing and help Floridians buy homes." | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx:   | | |
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | 2024 CONTENDER TO HELP RUBIO — Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, seen as a possible candidate for president, is hosting a lunch Friday fundraiser at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort for Sen. Marco Rubio's re-election campaign. Many potential Republican contenders for 2024 — including Rubio — are headed to Palm Beach for the Republican National Committee spring donor retreat where many are scheduled to speak. Rubio is scheduled to speak at the retreat on late Friday afternoon. Rubio, who mounted an unsuccessful bid for president in 2016, is seeking a third term next year. CC RON DESANTIS — "GOP mandating negative COVID test for entry to spring donor retreat in Florida," by Washington Examiner's David M. Drucker: "The Republican National Committee is requiring attendees of the party's spring donor retreat in Florida to get tested for the coronavirus and submit proof of a negative result as a condition for gaining entry to the event. Wealthy contributors to the RNC and other GOP causes are set to gather later this week in Palm Beach to hobnob with top party officials and hear from former President Donald Trump. Trump is set to host a portion of the retreat for a dinner speech at Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence that has turned into a redoubt for ex-administration officials and Republican donors and businessmen." | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | CHANNELING JACK NICHOLSON — "DeSantis threatens CBS with 'consequences' over 'pay for play' vaccine story on '60 Minutes,'" by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello: "Gov. Ron DeSantis threatened CBS with unspecified 'consequences' over Sunday's '60 Minutes' story about coronavirus vaccine favoritism, saying he was 'going to bite back and hold [CBS] accountable.' 'What they're saying is a total crock, that somehow only Publix was getting [the vaccine] is nonsense,' DeSantis said at a press conference in the Panhandle on Tuesday, as he denied again that the grocery giant's $100,000 contribution to his campaign influenced vaccine decisions. 'And we told them it was that and they cut it out. They spliced it because they can't handle the truth. … So they went for the smear.'" — "60 Minutes just gave Ron DeSantis a massive gift," by CNN's Chris Cilliza OOPS — "DeSantis' vaccine passport ban confounds cruise line reopening plans," by Palm Beach Post's Christine Stapleton and Wendy Rhodes : "An executive order signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday that prohibits businesses from requiring customers to provide vaccination documents could effectively keep Florida's cruise industry from reopening. DeSantis signed the order banning businesses from requiring 'vaccination passports' — documents that prove a person has been vaccinated. However, proof of vaccinations for crew and passengers is now a requirement included in most cruise lines' safety plans. Mandatory vaccinations on cruise ships also aligns with safety protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal Maritime Commission." FINALLY — "Florida starts vaccinating inmates after blocking access for months," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: "Gov. Ron DeSantis refused to send COVID-19 vaccines to state prisoners for several months, but state officials announced Tuesday that about 30,000 doses have been earmarked for the Florida Department of Corrections. Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz told the Miami Herald the state is sending doses within the next week. Once supplies arrive, corrections officials have indicated that they have the ability to vaccinate all inmates who want a shot within 10 days." — " Thousands of Florida children lost a parent to COVID, according to a new study," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | LOOKING FOR CLUES — "What a photo of Trump's new office reveals about how he wants to be remembered," by POLITICO's Daniel Lippman: The image, showing a smiling Donald Trump and Stephen Miller with palm beach trees in the background outside, rocketed around social media, with amatuer online sleuths analyzing everything from the collection of tsotchkes populating the room to the bottle hiding behind Trump's phone. POLITICO decided to do its own deep dive into Trump's office, with the help of four former White House officials. Here's our best reported effort to figure out which mementos the 45th president chose to keep around him in his new Florida life — and what it says about how he views his legacy. LOCKED UP — "Feds want to keep Ormond Beach Proud Boys organizer jailed before trial," by Orlando Sentinel's Grace Toohey: "Federal prosecutors have requested Ormond Beach Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs be detained as he awaits trial on charges that he helped plan the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, arguing his current home detention cannot adequately 'guard against further attacks by his followers.' Prosecutors at a hearing Tuesday argued that Biggs — as well as co-defendant and fellow Proud Boy Ethan Nordean, known as 'Rufio Panman' — should not remain out of custody. In a motion to revoke his release, the government argued Biggs presents a danger 'not only based on his own acts of defiance and violence, but through the actions of those who still undoubtedly support him.'" | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | THIS COULD BE A BIG DEAL — "Police officers get 'Marsy's Law' protections," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "Siding with a union that represents law-enforcement officers, a state appeals court on Tuesday unanimously decided that a constitutional amendment expanding victims' rights can shield the identities of police officers who were threatened in use-of-force incidents. The decision by a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal came in a lawsuit filed on behalf of two Tallahassee police officers who maintained that, as victims, they were entitled to privacy protections included in the 2018 constitutional amendment known as 'Marsy's Law.'" CRISIS EASING — "Evacuation over as officials say risk of Piney Point catastrophe has lowered," by Tampa Bay Times: "Evacuation orders ended late Tuesday around a leaking wastewater pond at the old Piney Point phosphate plant as officials said the risk of an immediate crisis had dropped substantially. 'Our residents and business owners can return home safely tonight,' said Manatee County Commission Chairwoman Vanessa Baugh. Ecological concerns for Tampa Bay, meanwhile, continued to come into focus. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection estimated that 165 million gallons of wastewater have been released into the deep channel at Port Manatee on Tampa Bay." — "Lawsuit questioned how hedge fund manager purchased Piney Point, site of wastewater leak," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Chris Anderson — "Nikki Fried: Problems at Piney Point were 20 years in the making," by WUSF's Susan Giles Wantuck | | | | 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 | | BIRTHDAYS: State Sen. Annette Taddeo … Journalist and author Sydney P. Freedberg … Chris Turner, AARP associate state director for outreach
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