| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Facebook | Hello and welcome to Thursday. Gathering of sorts — Gov. Ron DeSantis' appearance on Fox News with five other GOP governors gathered at the Republican Governors Association in Nashville wasn't quite the preview of 2024 that it could have been. Trail bits — But the late-night town hall hosted by Sean Hannity featured a couple of moments worth noting as the governor heads into his re-election campaign… and beyond. It's all about the base — DeSantis didn't hesitate to continue to align himself to former President Donald Trump. "Trump got the basics right," he said, and his Make America Great Again agenda is the right one for Republicans to follow as they try to retake control in Washington, D.C. (Sure to be a campaign issue in DeSantis' re-election campaign too.) Then there's the money — Part of the back-and-forth included moments where there were lamentations about the "shoveling" of federal cash as part of the Covid-19 relief efforts a.k.a. the "blue state bailout." DeSantis chimed in and said that if he had known there was so much money coming to Florida, he would not have vetoed $1 billion from last year's state budget. He also said that "a lot of that money is being frittered away." Whiplash — But then… a few minutes later, DeSantis touted the fact that Florida was soon going to give out $1,000 bonuses to first responders and police officers as a counter to calls to "defund the police." Wait, what? Where is the money for these bonuses coming from? The American Recovery Act passed by Democrats in Congress at the urging of President Joe Biden. Hours earlier — These comments about the federal aid also came the same day DeSantis hit three different media markets in the state trumpeting how Florida schools were open the past year, unlike many other states. During those stops in Macclenny, Sarasota and Destin, the governor emphasized $1,000 checks that will soon be going to teachers and principals as part of the soon-to-signed state budget. And where did that money come from? — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official scheduled for Gov. DeSantis. THE FUTURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE: Recovery Lab, POLITICO's project exploring the policy challenges on the road to pandemic recovery, is back this month to take a look at the future of infrastructure. Across the country, in communities large and small, Covid-19 has forced a reassessment of how we use public infrastructure, including street space, broadband, airports and even the Postal Service. Read our Recovery Lab package here. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Florida Playbook will not publish on Monday, May 31. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Tuesday, June 1. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | A message from Facebook: The internet has changed a lot since 1996 - internet regulations should too
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|  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | MORE TO JOIN IN? — "Demings is taking on Rubio. Now Florida's other big 2022 races are jumbled," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon and Gary Fineout: Rep. Val Demings' likely decision to take on Marco Rubio is scrambling several Florida congressional races ahead of 2022 — and could reshape the Democratic primary for governor. Democratic state Sen. Annette Taddeo of Miami, who had been wavering on whether to run for governor, is now seriously reconsidering jumping into the race that would pit her against her old running mate, Charlie Crist. Crist, who shared a ticket with Taddeo as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2014, is the best-known Democrat who is officially challenging Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. | 
In this Oct. 15, 2014 photo, Democrat Annette Taddeo, who is running for lieutenant governor in Florida, talks during an interview in Pinecrest, Florida. The importance of the Hispanic vote in Florida is such that for the first time, both major parties have a Hispanic candidate for lieutenant governor. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz) | AP Photo | What to watch — Among the names being circulated as a possible Democratic gubernatorial candidate within political circles is Sean Shaw, a Black former state representative who ran for attorney general in 2018. Shaw said, however, he is working on running election-related statewide ballot initiatives at the moment. "Sure, I have been approached," he said in an interview. "But right now I'm focused on the ballot stuff." Crist is by far the best known of any Democrat in the field, and is in an early position to help set the tone. "The thing that everyone is going to look for is what Charlie raises in the first month. Will it be $250,000? $500,000? I don't know," said one longtime Florida Democratic consultant, who added that Taddeo getting in would likely shift the dynamics of a one-on-one Crist-Fried race. | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | FLORIDA MAN AWAITS — "GOP frets behind the scenes over potential Trump 2024 bid," by POLITICO's Olivia Beavers and Burgess Everett: There's no shortage of possibilities who could carry a Trumpian mantle to the nomination in 2024: In the Senate, there are Floridians Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, Texan Ted Cruz, Missouri's Josh Hawley or South Carolina's Tim Scott. GOP governors from Ron DeSantis in Florida to Kristi Noem in South Dakota are also on everyone's radar. Then there's former Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley or even Trump's embattled House acolyte, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. Original recipe — Of course, some conservatives argue that if 2024 candidates are going to just replicate his platform, why not go with the man himself? Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), one of Trump's fiercest allies, said: "I'm for Trump, period. I don't care who else is running." "Why have a carbon copy?" said Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.). "Why would we not support the original?" But some congressional Republicans fear a Trump comeback will freeze the GOP field and potentially deter other potential 2024 candidates from laying the proper groundwork to challenge President Joe Biden, if he fulfills his vow to run again. DEFERENCE — "How Trump got a Bush to bend the knee," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo: No Republican political family has been as tormented by Donald Trump as the Bush dynasty. Now Trump has one more opportunity to twist the knife, as George P. Bush — the last remaining Bush in public office — prepares to launch a primary challenge Wednesday against Texas GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton. In what's expected to be a brutal contest pitting the Bush family scion against a scandal-plagued incumbent, Trump's endorsement will go a long way toward determining the winner. The former president remains popular with the Texas Republican base — so popular that Bush, Jeb Bush's son and currently the state's land commissioner, has studiously avoided his family's entanglements with Trump. Touting Trump — On Monday, Bush tweeted a picture of himself talking on the phone with the former president, saying that it's "great to speak with President Trump to discuss the future of Texas and how we are keeping up the fight to put America first. I appreciate the words of encouragement and support." Asked about his son's tweet, Jeb Bush said via email: "I love my son." ARRESTED — "Former Palm Beach County GOP leader charged in Capitol riot," by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave: "Using Facebook photos and video captured during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, the FBI this week accused a one-time Palm Beach County commission candidate and former GOP heavyweight of joining the deadly rampage. Jody Tagaris, 67, who lives near Jupiter, is charged with four federal misdemeanors, accusing her of illegally entering a restricted building and being disruptive and disorderly once inside. She faces a maximum year-long prison sentence on two of the charges and six months on the two others." | | Gaetz-gate | | OK THEN — "Matt Gaetz still eyes 2024 bid despite fed sex trafficking probe — unless Trump runs," by New York Post's Juliegrace Brufke: "He may be facing allegations of sex trafficking of a minor, but Rep. Matt Gaetz still has his eye on a 2024 presidential bid — as long as former President Donald Trump does not decide to run. 'I support Donald Trump for president. I've directly encouraged him to run and he gives me every indication he will,' the Florida Republican texted The Post Wednesday. 'If Trump doesn't run, I'm sure I could defeat whatever remains of Joe Biden by 2024.' Gaetz, who said he hasn't formally launched an exploratory committee, is facing a federal investigation into allegations of sex trafficking of a minor, a sexual relationship with a minor and potential public corruption in addition to a Congressional Ethics investigation. He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing." GREEN RUSH — "Orlando doctor pressed marijuana company seeking business in Florida to give $10k to Matt Gaetz campaign," by Orlando Sentinel's Jason Garcia: "An Orlando medical marijuana entrepreneur arranged access to U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz for the top executive at a cannabis-industry company looking to do business in Florida, while at the same time pressing the company's leader to donate $10,000 to Gaetz's reelection campaign, according to records reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel. The entrepreneur, Orlando hand doctor Jason Pirozzolo, in September 2017 invited the CEO of the company, Alternate Health Corp., to a small fundraiser that Pirozzolo was planning to host for Gaetz at an Orlando hotel during a conference organized by Pirozzolo's American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association." | | | |   | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | The daily rundown — Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 2,327 (0.1 percent), to 2,316,142; active hospitalizations decreased by 57 (nearly 2.7 percent), to 2,059; deaths of Florida residents rose by 66 (0.2 percent), to 36,647; 10,123,898 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. COLLISION COURSE? — "CDC approves first revenue cruise from Florida, but governor may stand in the way," by Miami Herald's Taylor Dolven: "Federal health officials have approved the first passenger cruise from the U.S. from Fort Lauderdale in June — but Florida's governor insists he will block company plans to require passengers be vaccinated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wednesday gave Royal Caribbean Group approval to start seven-night cruises to the Caribbean on its Celebrity Cruises brand ship, Celebrity Edge, on June 26, according to a CDC spokesperson. The ship is the first to win CDC approval for revenue cruises since the COVID-19 pandemic began." Fines threatened — "The restart plans clash with a law recently passed by the Republican-controlled state Legislature and promoted by Gov. Ron DeSantis that bars businesses, schools and government entities across Florida from asking anyone to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Under the new law, which takes effect on July 1, businesses can be fined up to $5,000 per violation. The only exemption in the law is for licensed healthcare providers. 'We've been very clear, the law is clear in Florida,' said Taryn Fenske, spokesperson for the governor. 'You can't mandate vaccine passports. We are interested to see how the CDC works with them so that they don't get these exorbitant fines.'" — "Cruise ships could start test sailings by late June, Port Canaveral leader says," by Orlando Sentinel's Richard Tribou — "UCF plans for full capacity at football games this fall," by Orlando Sentinel's Matt Murschel — "Gainesville doubles down on 'voluntary proof' of vaccine for city employees," by Florida Politics' Haley Brown
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | VICTORY TOUR — "Gov. DeSantis touts teacher bonuses, calls for return to normal at schools after difficult year," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson: "As one of the most difficult school years Floridians have experienced comes to a close, Gov. Ron DeSantis toured the state Wednesday to tout $1,000 bonus payments for teachers and principals who juggled the challenges of educating students during the pandemic. The governor also sought to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror when it comes to schools, saying he expects districts to revert to normal operations during the next school year. 'Next school year is going to be a normal school year and students are going to be back in the classroom,' DeSantis said during an event at Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences, adding: 'it's going to look like January of 2020.'" — "'A mystery wrapped in an enigma': How Florida hospitals won (again)," by Barred Owl Press' Alexandra Glorioso | | DATELINE D.C. | | NEW ROLE — "Nelson: NASA expanding mission to include study of climate change on Earth," by Spectrum News' Samantha Jo-Roth: "Under the leadership of new NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, the agency is expanding its mission to tackle climate change. 'When you look out the window of a spacecraft, it really gives you a different perspective,' Nelson said in an interview with Spectrum News. As it explores the heavens, NASA is now also going to take a closer look at what's happening here on Earth, by studying how the climate is changing. It's a mission that is personal for Nelson, a former U.S. Senator and astronaut who flew on the space shuttle Columbia 35 years ago. 'I was seeing how we were messing up our planet, and that made me much more sensitive — to want to be a good steward of our climate,' Nelson said. 'It indeed informed my public service.'" | | | | 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 | | UNITED — "'This must stop.' Jewish leaders, politicians address surge in anti-Semitic incidents," by Miami Herald's Carli Teproff: "Wednesday's meeting held via Zoom had more than 1,200 people listening to Jewish community leaders and politicians — both Democrat and Republican — who pledged support for Israel and denounced Hamas. In addition to [Rep. Debbie] Wasserman Schultz, the speakers included: Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott, Greater Miami Jewish Federation President and CEO Jacob Solomon, Miami-Dade Republican U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, Broward Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio and Miami Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. 'We are going to do everything we can to defend Israel's right to defend itself,' said Scott. 'And we're going to call Hamas exactly what it is — a terrorist organization.' Said Deutch: 'What we have seen in the attacks on our community here is abhorrent. It must be condemned and there must be outrage.'" DIVIDED — "School leaders berated as communists and Nazis — for opposing 'white advantage,'" by Sun Sentinel's Scott Travis: "A pledge to root out 'white advantage' in Palm Beach County schools led to an outcry from some parents, prompting a divided School Board to remove it from a statement on student equity and diversity. The School Board voted 4-3 Wednesday to make the change after more than an hour of debate and four hours of public speakers. Opponents of the diversity statement called board members words like communists, socialists and Nazis. The issue surrounded an equity statement approved by the School Board on May 5. One of the five paragraphs in the statement said the district 'is committed to dismantling structures rooted in white advantage and transforming our system by hearing and elevating underrepresented voices, sharing power, recognizing and eliminating bias and redistributing resources to provide equitable outcomes.'" ARRESTED — "Ex-official in Bolivia charged for bribes in tear gas deal," by The Associated Press' Joshua Goodman: " Bolivia's former interior minister has been arrested in the U.S. for allegedly taking part of $602,000 in kickbacks from Florida-based businessmen accused of selling tear gas at inflated prices to the conservative government of former interim President Jeanine Áñez. Arturo Murillo was charged with a single count of conspiring to commit money laundering, according to a Department of Justice statement on Wednesday." — " Florida State settles free speech lawsuit filed by former student leader," by Tallahassee Democrat's Byron Dobson — "UM fires its law school dean, setting off outrage among faculty, alums and students," by Miami Herald's Jimena Tavel — " University of Tampa moves to quell housing shortage with tuition breaks," by Tampa Bay Times' Divya Kumar | | A message from Facebook: Why Facebook supports updated internet regulations
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| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "'I've lost count.' Notorious Opa-locka police sergeant German Bosque fired for seventh time," by Miami Herald's David Ovalle: "German Bosque, the Opa-locka police sergeant who became notorious for repeatedly getting fired and getting his job back, has been canned yet again. 'I've lost count. I don't know if it was seventh or eighth time,' Bosque said when reached on Wednesday evening. 'It's a wrongful termination. Again, I'll be getting my job back again.' It's actually the seventh time Bosque has been fired in the nearly 28 years he's worked for Opa-locka police. He's also been arrested, and cleared, three times — most notably, Bosque went to trial and beat allegations he unlawfully handcuffed and punched a youth counselor who wanted to file a complaint against him." — "Operation Thou Shall Not Steal nets church theft suspects," by The Associated Press' Brendan Farrington: "A Florida-based group of Romanian nationals stole $740,000 from hundreds of churches by taking donation checks from their mailboxes and cashing them, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Wednesday. Four people were arrested and two others are wanted in what authorities are calling 'Operation Thou Shalt Not Steal.' The group was based in Orlando, but traveled throughout Florida and other states stealing checks, investigators said. In all, authorities identified 636 churches that were victims, including 355 in Florida."
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