| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Secure Democracy | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. Mission accomplished? — This is the moment Florida has been waiting for the past 14 months. The only question is whether it is coming too soon. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has made his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic a central part of his political identity, said on Monday that the emergency is over — and that it was time for everyone in Florida to resume their pre-pandemic lives. It is decreed — The governor used his emergency powers (watch this now) to suspend all existing local emergency ordinances and mandates related to Covid-19 because, he argued, that there is no need to have these measures anymore. A new state law signed by DeSantis grants the governor broad authority to invalidate local restrictions. But since that law doesn't take effect until July 1, he went ahead and used his emergency powers to lift emergency-related rules. Blinded by science — DeSantis said those who want to keep restrictions in place were fueling suspicions about vaccines. "You really are saying you don't believe in the vaccines, you don't believe in the data," the governor said. Now, when asked, DeSantis did say that businesses — oh, let's say Disney — could keep mask mandates in place if that was their decision. Moving onward — Look, it's clear where this is going. DeSantis continues to contrast his handling of Covid-19 to blue states as he builds his case for re-election and beyond. (Interestingly, some of the blue states lifted a lot of their restrictions on Monday as well.) And in the months ahead, there will be much parsing of data — and continued talk about how the virus affected certain regions of the country versus others. The governor consistently frames the battle against the coronavirus as about lockdowns, school restrictions and economic success. He seldom acknowledges that even in Florida that more than 35,000 residents have died since March 2020 because of the disease. The counter message — Democratic mayors pushed back against DeSantis on Monday, insisting that the track record he has been able to tout over the last few months owes it success to local governments that kept restrictions after they were lifted statewide. "This isn't for the protection of Floridians, this is for politics," St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman said. On Twitter, he said : "To be clear, cities like St. Pete, Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Miami Beach, saved Florida and the governor's behind throughout this pandemic. Can you imagine if each city had been led by Ron DeSantis? How many lives would have been lost? What would our economy look like today?" Referendum — Voters ultimately will decide who took the right path. Polls show right now that DeSantis is in good shape as heads into a battle against Democratic candidates who look prepared to fault his actions since March 2020. Right now, DeSantis sounds eager to have the argument. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to be in Tallahassee for a meeting with the Florida Cabinet. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A message from Secure Democracy: Year after year, Florida's trusted, experienced, and independent election administrators step up to manage our elections with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every vote is counted. Across our state, these public servants advocate for Floridians' freedom to vote. We owe them our gratitude. Please take a moment to add your name to the virtual thank-you card for Florida's dedicated elections administrators. Secure Democracy will proudly deliver the card on your behalf. | | |
|  | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN — "DeSantis signs bill banning vaccine 'passports,' suspends local pandemic restrictions," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower and Allison Ross: "He said the state's pandemic emergency is over, even though last week he extended the state's emergency declaration for another 60 days. Jay Wolfson, a professor of public health at the University of South Florida, said it is certainly good that deaths from coronavirus have gone down thanks to the vaccines and improved treatment, but said the continued risk of infection is still serious and warrants continued safety measures like masks and social distancing where appropriate. 'There's a risk of this thing mutating into something that could be less affected by the vaccines, and then we run into this awful cycle again,' Wolfson said. 'Until we get more people vaccinated, we remain in dangerous territory.'" BRACKETING — "DeSantis goads 2022 challenger while touting his pandemic response," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped at a seaside seafood joint in St. Petersburg Monday to sign high-profile pandemic legislation, but the event came with a much larger political subtext: 2022. DeSantis held the splashy bill signing ceremony in the district of Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist, a former Florida Republican governor likely announcing a bid for his old job Tuesday in the same city. Yet on Monday, there stood DeSantis with GOP legislative leaders, where he signed a bill loosening many of Florida's remaining Covid restrictions, lauded his administration's response to the pandemic and trashed Democrat-led states like California and New York, which DeSantis has continually hammered publicly. THIS DOESN'T SOUND GOOD — "Reported COVID variant cases in Florida doubled in two weeks," by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich : "Over 10,000 cases of COVID-19 "variants of concern" have been reported in Florida, state health officials disclosed Monday, more than double the total just two weeks earlier and an indication that the spread is accelerating. Through May 1, nearly 500 of those cases have been reported in Orange County, nearly 200 in Osceola, 188 in Seminole and 130 in Lake. By far, the most common variant was the B.1.1.7 — the strain first detected in the United Kingdom — reported in 9,050 cases statewide. Estimated to be 60% more infectious than the original dominant strain of COVID-19, it is also believed to result in more severe illness and higher hospitalization rates. The most recent estimate is that it is 67% more deadly." — "Stripped of mandates, Miami-Dade urging 'common sense' when it comes to mask wearing," by Miami Herald's Douglas Hanks, Aaron Leibowitz and Martin Vassolo — " Mayor Jerry Demings blasts Gov. Ron DeSantis order nixing emergency orders: 'We expect better,'" by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak and Ryan Gillespie — "Move by DeSantis to suspend local COVID-19 orders may thwart Sarasota mask mandate push," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Timothy Fanning — "Palm Beach County officials mull impact of DeSantis order ending COVID measures," by Palm Beach Post's Hannah Morse — "Santa Rosa County school district drops mask mandate immediately," by Pensacola News Journal's Madison Arnold — "Leon County says mask ordinance 'no longer in effect' after DeSantis executive order," by Tallahassee Democrat's Karl Etters | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. 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 | | 'FLORIDA FOR ALL' — Rep. Charlie Crist is expected to officially launch his campaign for governor later this morning in St. Petersburg and he will immediately head out on the road. Crist's campaign told Playbook that he will go on a five-day statewide tour that will include stops in Orlando, Miami, Pensacola, Jacksonville and Lake County. Crist's campaign motto for his third bid for governor will "Florida for All." Location chosen for a reason : As for the campaign launch itself, the announcement will be made in the historic St. Petersburg neighborhood south of downtown known as "the Deuces." For decades, it was the home to many Black-owned businesses and was a center of Black culture. Crist is expected to be joined by several local business owners at his campaign kickoff. | 
Democrats say they like and appreciate Charlie Crist. But there's a sense among many that his time might be past. | Joe Raedle/Getty Images | JUMPING IN? — Former State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced on Monday that she is exploring a run for the U.S. Senate in 2022 against Marco Rubio. In a video posted to social media, Ayala said "you know me as a lover of truth and justice, a principled fighter for what is right" and someone who "values and respects science." Disruptor — Ayala, who was the lead prosecutor for Orange and Osceola counties, garnered statewide attention during her four years in office due to her battles with Gov. Rick Scott after she announced she would no longer seek the death penalty. Ayala's progressive credentials — not to mention the past backing she has gotten from groups aligned with George Soros — could allow her to shake up a Democratic primary, especially if she runs against Rep. Stephanie Murphy. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS — Texas Tribune's Patrick Svitek reports that a long line of potential 2024 presidential contenders, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are scheduled to be in Austin on Friday where they be interviewed by members of the Texas congressional delegation. According to the Tribune, the event is being hosted by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. John Cornyn, and "it is meant to serve as a show of appreciation to donors who raised millions of dollars last year for efforts to keep Texas red and register new GOP voters." | | | | A message from Secure Democracy:   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | AMONG THE VERY LAST TO OPEN — "Florida Capitol set to reopen to the public, days after legislative session ends," by News Service of Florida's Christine Sexton: "After nearly 14 months of being closed to the public, the Florida Capitol will reopen this week ahead of a special legislative session on gambling. Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, made the announcement Monday, but it's not clear if other parts of state government will follow a public-health advisory by Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees to open back up as the COVID-19 pandemic continues." LINKED IN — " Scott and Patronis ally in line for top job at Florida's Citizens Property Insurance," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Florida's state-created insurer may hire a long-time ally of Sen. Rick Scott as its next general counsel and chief legal officer. Tim Cerio, whose law firm has worked for Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis' political committee, is one of two remaining finalists for the job of top lawyer at Citizens Property Insurance. The resume — Cerio was Scott's general counsel for two years when he was governor. Cerio currently works at the Tallahassee offices of GrayRobinson, the powerhouse politically connected law firm run by former House Speaker Dean Cannon. He is also a member of the state board that oversees Florida's university system, a post he was appointed to by Scott in 2017. In an email, Cerio said he was aware he was a finalist for the Citizens job, but would not discuss the matter further while the selection process is ongoing. OOPS — "Fried's department fingers DEP in spat with GOP lawmaker over Florida farms," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: State agriculture officials said Monday the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has failed to take action against more than 6,000 farms that are not complying with pollution reporting requirements. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services responded to U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), who accused Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried of violating state law and 'shielding polluters from accountability.' Mast said in a news release that Fried's department is required by 2020 legislation to gather data on nitrogen and phosphorus used on farms, conduct inspections and submit records quarterly to the Department of Environmental Protection. The records and inspections involve the use of agricultural best management practices, called BMPs. — "10 issues that died when Florida's legislative session ended last week," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders — " Daniel Baker, charged in Florida Capitol threats case, goes on trial this week," by Tallahassee Democrat's Karl Etters — "Lawmakers spiked pharmacy bills after DeSantis officials moved to debunk claims pushed by advocacy group," The Capitolist's Brian Burgess — "Shevrin Jones predicts 'uprising of the people' over GOP's legislative wins," by Florida Politics' Renzo Downey | | | | JOIN TODAY FOR A CONVERSATION ON SMALL BUSINESSES AFTER COVID-19: About one in six small businesses in the U.S. closed their doors since the pandemic began. The ones that remained open are getting by with fewer employees after laying off workers or a hiring freeze. What is ahead for small businesses in 2021 as they try to weather the ongoing economic uncertainty? And how does President Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package intend to support small-business owners? Join POLITICO for a virtual conversation with White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein and Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, on what small businesses need to survive and thrive beyond the Covid economic crisis. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | DATELINE D.C. | | 'PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION' — "Rep. Frederica Wilson is always dressed up. A new Netflix series explores why," by Miami Herald's C. Isaiah Smalls II: "Rep. Frederica Wilson didn't deliberately don her signature hat to make change. But you can't argue with results. 'When you stand out in a crowd of policymakers, people pay attention to what you have to say,' Wilson said in a new Netflix docuseries. 'It helps you get shit done.' Wilson was among the many people featured in 'Worn Stories,' a limited series that explores why individuals wear what they do. The congresswoman appears in the 'Uniform' episode where she details how her fascination with fashion and, simultaneously, equality began." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | COMING BACK — "Alejandra Juarez returning to Central Florida 3 years after traumatic deportation to Mexico," by Orlando Sentinel's Lisa Maria Garza: "After three years of being separated from her Davenport family, Alejandra Juarez is coming home. Juarez is the wife of a U.S. Marine veteran whose traumatic deportation scene at Orlando International Airport in 2018 made headlines worldwide. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted her a temporary reprieve." — "Tate High School homecoming queen will be charged as an adult in election scandal," by Pensacola News Journal Madison Arnold — "Rights of Nature lawsuit pits 2 lakes, 2 creeks and marsh against developer in Lake Nona," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak — "Boca Raton telemarketing company owners face federal charges in $46 million health care fraud ," by Sun Sentinel's Brooke Baitinger | | | | A message from Secure Democracy: It's time for Floridians to acknowledge the impressive role that our trusted, certified, and independent election administrators have in the preservation of our democracy.
Each season, these dedicated public servants manage our elections with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every vote is counted.
In 2020, despite the pandemic and other hurdles, voters showed up in record numbers to do their job. And our election administrators did theirs – verifying and counting every eligible ballot, just as they have in every previous election.
This legislative session, many of these same election administrators stepped forward to safeguard Floridians' freedom to vote and preserve Florida's reliable voting laws. We owe them our gratitude.
Please take a moment to add your name to the virtual thank-you card for Florida's dedicated elections administrators. Secure Democracy will proudly deliver the card on your behalf. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Former circus elephants begin to arrive at Florida sanctuary," by The Associated Press: "Former circus elephants are starting to arrive at a new wildlife sanctuary in north Florida. The White Oak Conservation Center announced Monday that a dozen female Asian elephants have already arrived at the Yulee refuge, located north of Jacksonville. Up to 20 more elephants are expected once more areas are completed at the planned 2,500-acre (1,010-hectare) space. The pachyderms are coming from the Center for Elephant Conservation in Polk County. Most of the animals previously traveled with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus until they were retired in 2016." — "A mammoth discovery: Divers find ice age bones in Florida," by Orlando Sentinel's Patrick Connolly: "For two Florida scuba divers, ancient history resurfaced when they discovered a 4-foot, 50-pound mammoth bone dating back to the ice age. The fossil could be tens of thousands of years old. Derek Demeter and Henry Sadler, both avid explorers and amateur paleontologists, made their big discovery when diving in the dark waters of the Peace River near Arcadia on April 25. "[Henry] came up, and he's like, 'Derek, I found something amazing,' and he's just freaking out," said Demeter, the planetarium director at Seminole State College." WELCOME TO THE WORLD — Ava Ann Sarkissian was born Monday afternoon to parents Jenna Sarkissian and Arek Sarkissian. Jenna Sarkissian and Ava Ann Sarkissian are doing great, reports Arek. BIRTHDAYS: State Sen. Tina Polsky … Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg
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