| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Monday. No bets allowed — OK, let's try our best to avoid worn-out gambling cliches. Setting the scene — But lawmakers arrive back in Tallahassee on Monday for a five-day special session that involves a lot of money, a lot of behind-the-scenes lobbying, and the possibility of yet another legislative victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Oh, and let's not forget the possibility of every gambler in the state being able to soon bet on a football game from their couch. But — This special session also doesn't appear to be a routine scripted affair, which means things could go sideways (sort of). Here's some key things to remember — DeSantis wants the 30-year gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida approved. So does Senate President Wilton Simpson. House Speaker Chris Sprowls, who wasn't involved in the negotiations, is telling his members that he supports the agreement with the tribe as well. But the House is not pressuring its members to vote yes either. There is strong support for beefing up Florida's enforcement of gambling (which is technically illegal in the state, wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Rest of the story — Yet, despite that backdrop a lot of people aren't happy. Yes, there's the anti-gambling group No Casinos that is poised to go into court the minute this is approved. Reasons to hate it — But some Republican legislators don't like the contours of the deal, which grants a monopoly to the tribe. National players like DraftKings have brought on extra lobbyists to try to kill it. Another argument against it: It could open the door to a casino in Miami Beach in the future or even at Donald Trump's hotel in Doral. (Under the negotiated compact, that's is .2 miles outside the no-compete zone with the tribe.) And there's the provision in the compact that allows for future negotiations between the tribe and state about online gambling. (It doesn't say online gambling is a given, but it's enough of an issue that the tribe has tried to reassure legislators about that part.) The governor's favorite expression — "At the end of the day," is this enough to cause the plan to fall apart like the past decade's worth of previous gambling deals? Well, it is hard to imagine a majority of lawmakers voting against DeSantis. But there are fault lines between the House and Senate, and some of the added bills dealing with bingo and fantasy sports, may not make it through. Oh, and some of the bills require a 2/3 supermajority vote. That's tricky too. Overture, curtains, lights. This is it. — 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 | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO WEST WING PLAYBOOK: Add West Wing Playbook to keep up with the power players, latest policy developments and intriguing whispers percolating inside the West Wing and across the highest levels of the Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | |
|  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | LOOK WHO'S BACK IN TOWN — "'Feeding frenzy': Florida's big push to remake gambling," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Gov. Ron DeSantis and the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature could be just days away from approving a multibillion-dollar deal designed to reshape gambling in the tourist mecca. Just don't expect everyone to be happy about it. If state lawmakers sign off on a sweeping package of gaming bills during a special session that begins Monday, it will bring sports betting to the nation's third largest state for the first time and expand casino-style games at tribal facilities. Politically, it will be a signature victory for DeSantis, a Republican who will accomplish something that former Gov. Rick Scott couldn't pull off. Follow the money — Before the courtroom drama even starts, however, the governor and top Republicans this week must withstand a flurry of behind-the-scenes lobbying, including an effort by a major fantasy sports company, DraftKings, to kill the deal outright. State legislators are also worried that they could open the door to future casinos, including one at former President Donald Trump's resort near Miami. "You cannot put that much money on the table and not have a feeding frenzy," said state Rep. Evan Jenne, one of the leaders of the House Democrats. NEIGHBORS WORRIED — "Hollywood in 'emergency mode' over new gaming deal that could cost the town millions," by Sun Sentinel's Susannah Bryan: "A controversial new gaming deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida has Hollywood scrambling to safeguard its stake at the table over the next 30 years — a stake worth tens of millions. Mayor Josh Levy was one of several Hollywood officials shocked to learn Davie would get a dramatically bigger cut at Hollywood's expense from the state-revenue sharing deal with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. 'We're now in emergency mode,' Levy said Sunday. 'This was a surprise. And a very disproportionate one at that.'" — " Casino opponents pledge lawsuit if FL Legislature expands gambling, but how strong is the case?" by Florida Phoenix's Michael Moline — "DeSantis uses sports betting to craft gambling deal that would bring Florida $2.5 billion," by USA Today Network-Florida's John Kennedy — "Special session on Seminole Compact: How we got here," by Florida Politics' Scott Powers NARROWING THE FIELD — "Richard Corcoran out of FSU presidential search; three academics move on," by Tampa Bay Times' Divya Kumar: "After a sternly worded letter from a regional accreditation board and the first round of interviews, state education commissioner Richard Corcoran is out of contention to become the next president of Florida State University. The three finalists selected Saturday to lead Florida's oldest institution of higher learning all have academic backgrounds." | 
Then House Speaker Richard Corcoran on opening day of the 2018 session of the Florida Legislature | Gary Fineout POLITICO | But is it really over? — The question is whether supporters of Corcoran's plan to do an end run around the search committee and try to get the FSU trustees — or the Florida Board of Governors (which usually just ratifies picks and doesn't derail the process) to take action. POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury notes in his weekly higher education newsletter that a decision last week by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to weigh in on FSU's hunt for a new leader clearly agitated committee members who said they were "disturbed" by the move. Some said that SACS "skewed" the search by interfering, effectively bullying and handcuffing the board of trustees. SACS attempted "to subvert diversity of thought," one committee member said. Last-minute push — One trustee — Craig Mateer — made a big push to include Corcoran in the final slate of candidates that advanced Saturday, contending his experience in the Florida Legislature and leading the DOE outweighed university "No. 2's." During his Saturday morning interview, Corcoran said that SACS' decision to speak out could eventually lead to backlash — like schools seeking alternative accreditation methods. Corcoran told the committee that there is "no risk" facing FSU, yet the university's general counsel said there are "some risks" because SACS is an independent board. "What SACS is doing is in many ways, in and of itself, undue influence," Corcoran said. "SACS needs FSU — and needs Florida — more than Florida and FSU need SACS." And there's this — Shortly after FSU advanced its final three candidates, Board of Governors member Alan Levine (a University of Florida grad) posted on social media that the SACS letter served as a "tortuous intrusion" on the school's presidential search. Levine said he would "struggle to vote to confirm" if he heard search committee members were "unduly influenced." So in other words, a search that excluded the politician from the list could get very political and possibly sparking the type of national attention that FSU supporters probably weren't craving. R.I.P. — "Ralph Turlington, former Speaker of House, education commissioner, dies at 100," by The Gainesville Sun's Mickie Anderson: "Ralph D. Turlington, who used keen political skills to create laws that shaped his home state, died Wednesday in North Carolina at age 100. Among legislation he wrote and pushed through that changed Florida: the Government in the Sunshine law, the state employees' pension system, lowering the voting age to 18 and the state's first corporate income tax. He represented Alachua County for 24 years in the state Legislature and along with state Sen. William Shands and state Rep. Osee Fagan secured a huge prize for their hometown: the initial funding for a medical center at the University of Florida — now the statewide system known as UF Health." — "What Ron DeSantis' media strategy reveals about him," by Sun Sentinel's Steve Bousquet | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | RAMPING UP — "Holder-led group helping Florida progressives prepare for GOP-led redistricting fight," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Progressive groups in Florida are in the early stages of plotting out their defense against Republicans re-drawing state political lines in a way that further entrenches their congressional and legislative majorities. It's a redistricting fight that once again will almost inevitably end up in court. During a non-public online meeting Thursday night, a handful of Democratic groups, including an offshoot of former Attorney General Eric Holder's National Democratic Redistricting Committee, offered up the blueprint for their early redistricting strategy. It comes ingrained with an inherent distrust of Gov. Ron DeSantis and GOP legislative leaders that will run the process, and currently control all levers of power in Florida government. DETAILS — "What does the hotly debated new Florida elections law do? Here's what it actually says," by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello: "'Confusion and inconvenience,' said Democratic Osceola elections supervisor Mary Jane Arrington when asked to sum up the new law. Republican Lake County supervisor Alan Hays told legislators the bill was a 'travesty,' which seemed to have some effect in toning down the law. The law already faces court challenges, with a lawsuit by the League of Women Voters of Florida and other groups having been filed almost immediately after it was signed. Daniel A. Smith, chair of political science at the University of Florida, said there was 'shockingly little information presented ... and virtually no data on how the various aspects of this law are going to affect voters.'" — "Broward lawmaker fails to disclose how she spent $47,994 in campaign cash. Prosecutor looking at whether she violated election law," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man — " Sarasota candidate touting MAGA views once called Trump wretched and his supporters bigots," by Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson | | | | JOIN WEDNESDAY - "THE RECAST" LIVE CONVERSATION: Earlier this year, we launched "The Recast" newsletter breaking down the changing power dynamics in America and how race and identity shape politics, policy and power. We are recasting how we report on this crucial intersection by bringing you fresh insights, scoops, dispatches from across the country and new voices that challenge "business as usual." Join Brakkton Booker, "The Recast" newsletter author and national political correspondent at POLITICO, for a live conversation with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.); Malika Redmond, co-founder, president and CEO of Women Engaged; Sonal Shah, founding president, The Asian American Foundation; and Lauren Williams, co-founder, CEO and editor in chief of Capital B, about redefining power in America. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | Gaetz-gate | | A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT — "Gaetz 'wingman' set to plead guilty to trafficking a minor and agrees to cooperate with feds," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: A key figure in the federal probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz will plead guilty to six federal crimes, including sex trafficking of a child, in a plea deal that could spell trouble for the Republican congressman. As part of his deal with federal prosecutors, Joel Greenberg, a former Florida county tax collector, has also agreed to "cooperate fully with the United States in the investigation and prosecution of other persons, and to testify" in future proceedings, according to court documents filed Friday in Orlando federal court. THEN THIS HAPPENED — "Matt Gaetz equates sex trafficking investigation with earmarks in Ohio speech," by NBC News' Henry J. Gomez: "Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Florida Republican mired in controversy, told a crowd of Republican activists Saturday that sexual misconduct allegations involving him are as benign as legislative earmarks. 'I'm being falsely accused of exchanging money for naughty favors,' Gaetz said at the Ohio Political Summit, a gathering sponsored by the Strongsville GOP in suburban Cleveland. 'Yet, Congress has reinstituted a process that legalizes the corrupt act of exchanging money for favors, through earmarks, and everybody knows that that's the corruption.'" AND THERE'S THIS STORY — "Rep. Matt Gaetz snorted cocaine with escort who had 'no show' gov't job," by The Daily Beast's Jose Pagliery and Roger Sollenberger: "When Rep. Matt Gaetz attended a 2019 GOP fundraiser in Orlando, his date that night was someone he knew well: a paid escort and amateur Instagram model who led a cocaine-fueled party after the event, according to two witnesses. The Florida congressman's one-time wingman, Joel Greenberg, will identify that escort to investigators as one of more than 15 young women Gaetz paid for sex, according to a source familiar with the investigation." | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | The daily rundown — Between Saturday and Sunday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 2,482 (0.1 percent) to 2,292,004; deaths of Florida residents rose by 19 to 36,074; there were 2,410 active hospitalizations on Sunday; 9,577,875 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. FIRST IN LINE — "As seniors sweated to get vaccines, doctors with wealth clients got thousands of doses," by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave: "During the chaotic early days of the coronavirus vaccine rollout, concierge doctors in Palm Beach County snapped up thousands of doses while physicians who serve less wealthy patients were left behind, recently released state records show. Dr. Joel Silverman, a Boca Raton internist who is affiliated with a national concierge network called MDVIP, got 1,200 vaccines. Dr. Ronald Goldin, a Palm Beach Gardens internist who is also a member of the network, got 800 shots, records released by the Florida Department of Health show." — " Disney World, Universal and Sea World all drop outdoor mask rules for guests, effective immediately," by Orlando Sentinel's Gabrielle Russon — "Miami lawmaker wants American branding on all vaccines sent abroad," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty — "Florida doing worse than other big states on COVID-19 cases, shots," by Palm Beach Post's Chris Persaud — "Tampa Bay students lost ground during the pandemic, mostly in math," by Tampa Bay Times' Marlene Sokol — "'This is a relief': Vaccination drive targets undeserved Hispanic community," by Palm Beach Post's Andrew Marra | | DATELINE D.C. | | 'MAYBE IT HAS A SIMPLE ANSWER' — "UFOS regularly spotted in restricted U.S. airspace, report on the phenomena due next month," by 60 Minutes Bill Whitaker: " After receiving classified briefings on [unidentified aerial phenomenon], Senator Marco Rubio called for a detailed analysis. This past December, while he was still head of the intelligence committee, he asked the director of national intelligence and the Pentagon to present Congress an unclassified report by next month. … Marco Rubio: 'We're gonna find out when we get that report. You know, there's a stigma on Capitol Hill. I mean, some of my colleagues are very interested in this topic and some kinda, you know, giggle when you bring it up. But I don't think we can allow the stigma to keep us from having an answer to a very fundamental question.'" | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | SUMMER OF SLIME?— "'Impending disaster.' Worsening algae bloom on Lake Okeechobee threatens coasts again," by Miami Herald's Adriana Brasileiro: "The scene at Pahokee marina on Lake Okeechobee last week was a warning sign: A thick mat of algae in various shades of green, brown, gray and fluorescent blue covered the area around boat slips. In some spots, the gunk was so dense it stuck out two inches above the water. Elsewhere on the lake, the algae wasn't as chunky, but satellite photos were just as shocking: NOAA monitoring images on Wednesday showed nearly two-thirds of the lake, or 500 square miles, were covered with blue-green algae, the potentially toxic stuff that has fouled rivers and canals in the west and east coasts of Florida in past years, killing fish and scaring tourists away." HELP WANTED — "Staff shortages now forcing some South Florida restaurants to go dark, limit hours," by Sun Sentinel's Phillip Valys: "But why? Answer: Experts say workers are leaving the industry for good. In a Florida Atlantic University poll of 4,000 hospitality and tourism workers in March and April, one-third said they'd looked for jobs in a different industry. Another two-thirds felt the hospitality sector failed to protect its employees enough against COVID-19 exposure. 'For years, the industry has struggled with a public relations problem of long hours, low pay and demanding guests,' says Peter Ricci, director of FAU's Hospitality and Tourism Management. 'The industry needs more than just a PR campaign. It needs a full overhaul in its staffing levels, pay rates and employee treatment.'" — "'Like gas to a fire': Hot SWFL housing market brings top prices, frustrated home seekers," by Naples Daily News' Laura Layden — "Sharks use Earth's magnetic field as a GPS, FSU researchers say," by Associated Press — "Carlie Brucia killer gets new sentencing hearing," by News Service of Florida — "'Never crossed my mind': Ex-deputy Zachary Wester takes the stand, denies planting drugs," by Tallahassee Democrat's Jeff Burlew — "Orlando Sentinel staffers, supporters rally against Alden Capital's bid to buy Tribune papers," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak: | | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Damon Weaver, kid reporter who interviewed President Obama, dies at age 23," by Palm Beach Post's Julius Whigham II: "As an intrepid student reporter whose dreams carried him all the way to an interview in the White House with President Barack Obama, Damon Weaver found himself in the national spotlight at a young age. It was the Pahokee native's dream to tell the stories of others as a professional journalist. Weaver, who in 2009 became the youngest person to conduct an interview with a sitting president, died May 1 at age 23, his sister, Candace Hardy, confirmed Thursday. She said his death was due to natural causes. Weaver was just 11 years old and a student at Canal Point Elementary School when he met with President Obama for about 10 minutes in the White House Diplomatic Room on Aug. 13, 2009, asking 12 questions that focused primarily on education and schools." WEEKEND WEDDING — Via naitonal Playbook: Lila Nieves-Lee, VP of government affairs at Auto Drives America and a Sen. Tim Scott alum, and Adam Farris, legislative director to Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), got married this weekend at Immaculate Conception Church, followed by a reception at the District Winery that featured a cake in the shape of the U.S. Capitol. Pic … Another pic BIRTHDAYS: Peter Wallsten, politics editor for The Washington Post … Axios Denver's John Frank … Shannon Gravitte, VP for public affairs at AdventHealth … (Was Sunday) Rep. Lois Frankel …. Fox News' (and part-time Florida man) Tucker Carlson … state Sen. Tom Wright … state Rep. Bobby Payne … Matthew Ubben, government and public affairs consultant and former executive director of Florida Transportation Commission… Cindi Lane, Volusia County schools community information specialist.
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