| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Monday. Thanks to Matt Dixon for taking the helm of Florida Playbook while I was spending part of July on the other side of the country. What's going on? — Let's turn our attention to the situation unfolding just a few miles south of Florida. As Sen. Marco Rubio put it on Sunday night: "We have NEVER seen a day like today in #Cuba. 62 years of misery, repression & lies boiling over into organic, grassroots protests in over 32 cities." Crisis in the region — The protests come as the Biden administration is already dealing with the turmoil in Haiti and trying to figure out an appropriate response following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Response — Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel responded to the protests by blaming U.S. efforts to tighten the ongoing embargo, according to the Miami Herald, contending it was trying to provoke an uprising that would justify military intervention. Context — What happens next could have reverberations in Florida, still considered a battleground state in 2022 and beyond. It's worth noting that the Biden administration has not rolled back some of the restrictions put in place by the Trump administration even though it was President Barack Obama who pushed to reconcile with the island nation. Democrats and Republicans in Florida on Sunday criticized the current regime. Florida Democratic Party chair Manny Diaz asked Americans to "stand with the Cuban people in this dark hour" and asked the Biden administration to "coordinate the proper response." Taking aim — Rubio is already faulting the Biden administration, however, taking aim at how top State Department officials are framing the protests as a response to rising Covid cases and medicine shortages and not opposition to the dictatorship. Rubio criticized President Joe Biden for not speaking up about the protests. He also contended Cuba would threaten another "Mariel" — the mass emigration of Cubans into Florida that happened in 1980. What's next — It's hard to predict what will happen next in Cuba. But it appears that the Biden administration's ability to sidestep the thorny politics that come with Cuba — and its connection to Florida — has reached its end point. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference in Green Cove Springs with Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle and Jamal Sowell, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | |
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jorge Lieva (C) joins other protesters gathered in front of the Versailles restaurant to show support for the people in Cuba who have taken to the streets there to protest on July 11, 2021 in Miami, Florida. Thousands of Cubans took to the streets across the country to protest pandemic restrictions, the pace of Covid-19 vaccinations and the Cuban government. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) | Joe Raedle/Getty Images | OUT IN THE STREETS — "Demonstrators in Havana protest shortages, rising prices," by The Associated Press' Andrea Rodriguez: "Thousands of Cubans marched on Havana's Malecon promenade and elsewhere on the island Sunday to protest food shortages and high prices amid the coronavirus crisis, in one of biggest anti-government demonstrations in memory. Many young people took part in the afternoon protest in the capital, which disrupted traffic until police moved in after several hours and broke up the march when a few protesters threw rocks. Police initially trailed behind as protesters chanted 'Freedom,' 'Enough' and 'Unite.' One motorcyclist pulled out a U.S. flag, but it was snatched from him by others." — "Florida officials, Tampa Bay residents show support for Cuba protests," by Tampa Bay Times' Michaela Mulligan GRIM TASK CONTINUES — "Death toll rises to 90 in Surfside condominium collapse. New victims includes 3 children ," by Miami Herald's Douglas Hanks: "Search crews have discovered an additional four victims of the Surfside condominium collapse, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced Sunday, bringing the confirmed death toll from the June 24 catastrophe to 90 with a remaining list of 31 people feared lost under the rubble. Police also released the identities of 10 victims found during the week, including three children ages 5, 6 and 9. The newly discovered victims announced Sunday were not identified at the daily media briefing that marked the 18th day of the search effort and the fourth since the county-led operation shifted from rescue mode to recovery." AFTERMATH — "Officials across Florida rethink condo inspection policies," by The Associated Press' Brendan Farrington: "Across Florida, people living in the thousands of condominiums rising above the state's 1,350 miles of coastline wonder if the building collapse in Surfside could happen to their home as state and local officials discuss what they can do to make sure it doesn't. Although building collapses are rare, local governments are looking at whether they need to adopt new inspection policies — the vast majority of counties don't require reinspection of a building once it's completed. 'We inspect bridges every two years and yet a high-rise can go up right on the coast and it's inspected at the time it's built and never again,' said Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower, who said residents have sent photos of damaged buildings." 'THE TRAGEDY CAUSED US TO LOOK' — "Investigation: Lax enforcement leaves South Florida condos at risk, Surfside catastrophe reveals," by Sun Sentinel's Brittany Wallman, Mario Ariza, Spencer Norris, Susannah Bryan and Lisa J. Huriash: "Officials have loosely enforced regulations meant to keep condo residents safe, the Sun Sentinel found, and only now are some building officials running for their files to see which towers failed or missed a safety checkup. In some cases, the warnings of trouble had been sitting in their files for years. Officials are likely unaware of many other issues because they didn't audit whether buildings failed or never applied for their mandated 40-year electrical and structural safety check, the Sun Sentinel found. In Palm Beach County, there is no 40-year requirement at all." — "Search at collapse site revives memories of past tragedies," by The Associated Press' Bobby Caina Calvan | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | FRIED ADDITION — Democratic candidate for governor Nikki Fried is adding Jeremy S. Gold as national finance adviser. Gold is president of The Gold Standard LLC and has served as a fundraiser and adviser for a long line of federal candidates including Sen. Joe Manchin and former Sens. Bill Nelson, Tom Harkin, and Barbara Boxer. Gold is coming into the Fried camp at a time when Gov. Ron DeSantis is bolstering his fundraising operation even though he already has a tremendous advantage over both Fried and Rep. Charlie Crist. 2024 WATCH — "'Make America Florida.' Ron DeSantis goes national with an eye toward the White House," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher: "It was one of the recent signs that [Gov. Ron] DeSantis is gearing up not just for his reelection campaign next year but for a possible run for the White House in 2024. While DeSantis insists he is focused on serving as governor, four people who have worked closely with him said they are convinced he has his sights on Pennsylvania Avenue. 'He is planning on running for president,' one ex-staffer said. 'I can guarantee you that.'" — "Trump, DeSantis lead CPAC straw poll ," by The Hill's Mychael Schnell — "South Dakota's Kristie Noem is already readying her attacks against Ron DeSantis," by Raw Story's Sarah K. Burris FLORIDA MAN NOW IN TEXAS — "' We don't like bullies, egomaniacs or jerks': Allen West crashes Texas governor's race," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo: Even for a pol known for chaos and controversy, Allen West had a doozy of a first week as a Texas gubernatorial candidate. Top state Republicans called on him to quit his post immediately as state GOP chair Tuesday, citing a conflict of interest with his campaign (he refused). He called the party's vice chair "a cancer" on Wednesday (she's a cancer survivor). Then West committed a Texas-sized error by heading Friday to Alaska for a joint Texas-Alaska GOP fundraiser bearing a title that strikes at Lone Star pride: "THE HEART OF ALASKA IS BIGGER THAN TEXAS." NOT WANTED — "Orange County cancels Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene's planned America First rally," by Orange County Register's Brooke Staggs: "A Laguna Hills event center canceled plans to host an 'America First' rally on July 17 after learning the speakers were slated to be two of the most controversial Republicans in Congress: Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene. 'We just want to stay clear of that,' Javad Mirtavoosi, general manager of Pacific Hills Banquet & Event Center, said by phone Friday. Greene's campaign disputed that account of how the cancellation transpired. And they're still selling tickets for a rally, though they're still trying to find an Orange County venue for the same day." — "Matt Gaetz allies promoted 'official' CPAC speech. Conference officials tell a different story," by Salon's Zachary Petrizzo — "Judge grants another delay in case over alleged threats to Anna Paulina Luna," by Tampa Bay Times' Romy Ellenbogen — "Democratic gubernatorial hopeful claims DeSantis has divided Florida," by Villages-News' David Towns | | | | THE ROAD TO TOKYO 2020 – A TUESDAY CONVERSATION WITH FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF THE IOC ANITA DEFRANTZ: The Tokyo Olympics kick off July 23, 15 months after being postponed. One problem … Japan's capital city is in a Covid state of emergency and has prohibited fans from attending. With financial pressure to push forward and potential punishment for any athletes involved in protests or demonstrations during the sporting event, these Olympics Games will be unlike any other. Join Global Translations author Ryan Heath for a POLITICO Live conversation with Anita DeFrantz, First Vice President, International Olympic Committee, on what's at stake in the Tokyo Olympics, as a global health crisis, sports and politics all come to a head. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | RAINBOW BRIDGE — "Jacksonville's bridge Pride display shut down by state despite previously being allowed," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: The move prompted a swift political backlash for the transportation department and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who administration includes FDOT, and for months a mystery surrounded exactly why the transportation department shuttered the display. DeSantis' office and FDOT leadership insisted the June 8 decision was made at the local level, and it did not involve administration leaders. Surprise — According to emails and text messages POLITICO obtained through public records requested after the June 8 incident, the decision caught officials with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority off guard. FDOT had never previously asked to remove decorative bridge lights. Not only was the order new, but was coming somewhat frantically and late into June 8, which was a Tuesday evening. "I tried to call you at your desk and on your cell," read a June 8 email sent at 4:55 p.m. from FDOT district deputy director Mark Kuhn to Andy Rodgers, Jacksonville Transportation Authority's construction manager. "We have received several complaints regarding the color scheme on the Acosta Bridge. Attached the original permit and approved color scheme (by date). Please adhere to your permitted color scheme effective tuesday june 8, 2021." FOLLOW THE MONEY — "For years, Florida collected millions for condo owner education. Lawmakers diverted the money instead," by The Daytona Beach News-Journal's Clayton Park and Tallahassee Democrat's Jeffrey Schweers: "The state of Florida collected $13.7 million in fees in 2020 from condominium owners associations, vacation timeshares and mobile home parks. But instead of using that money for its intended purpose — including training condo associations about things like maintenance — the Florida Legislature swept $5 million of it into the state's general fund. It's a pattern that's been going on for years, a review of records by the USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida revealed. In the wake of the collapse of the Surfside condominium in South Florida, some legislators believe it's a practice that needs to stop." — "DeSantis' first veto favored local control: his overruling Key West voters indicates otherwise," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer — "Judge weighs challenge to new insurance law," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders — "State withholds spending records of Matt Gaetz associate Halsey Beshears," by WKMG's Mike DeForest | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | DETAILS EMERGING — "Haitian doctor with Florida connections arrested in Jovenel Moise assassination plot," by Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charles and Jay Weaver: "A Haitian doctor who has been a fixture in Florida for more than two decades has been arrested in Haiti under suspicion that he was one of the leaders behind the middle-of-the-night assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last week, sources familiar with the investigation told the Miami Herald. Christian Emmanuel Sanon's name has been cited by several of the people who are in custody in the case, the Herald learned, leading the national police to arrest him as part of the ongoing investigation into the leadership of the group of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans suspected of carrying out the assassination. Police have also put several presidential security guards under house arrest." — "Biden team visits Haiti amid power struggle and request for troops after assassination," by Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charlies and Michael Wilner AWFUL — " 2021 is already the deadliest year on record for Florida manatees. Why are they dying?" by Treasure Coast Newspapers Max Chesnes: "More manatees have already died in 2021 than any other year in state history, as biologists point to seagrass loss in the Indian River Lagoon as a catalyst for starvation and malnutrition. At least 841 manatees have died in Florida waters, mostly in Brevard County's stretch of the 156-mile-long lagoon, from Jan. 1 to July 2, according to the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data available Friday. That breaks the previous record set in 2013, when 830 manatees died after exposure to red tide toxins killed many of the sea cows." | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | WHAT HAPPENS IN FLORIDA — "Trump World wants distance from QAnon even as he winks at it," by POLITICO's Tina Nguyen and Meredith McGraw: This past weekend, two promoters of QAnon conspiracy theories were given press credentials to Donald Trump's MAGA rally in Sarasota, Fla.The men took selfies with their badges, taunted journalists covering the event as "fake news," showed off their wristbands printed with the movement's slogan — "#WWG1WGA" — and generally reveled in the access they'd scored. Not everyone was happy to see them there. Trump's press team said the two men, Jeffrey Pedersen and his podcast co-host Shannon Shadygroove:, were not welcome, and had registered for the rally with "Red State Talk Radio," a network that has sent people who, a Trump aide said, "appear to be legitimate" to events before. | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | COMING BACK — "Canadians ready to return to South Florida as COVID restrictions ease," by Sun Sentinel's David Lyons: "Now, many businesses, from local restaurants to airlines, are looking toward the early fall for a substantial increase in business. 'We know for sure they are coming,' said Francois Grenier, general manager of Dairy Belle, a Dania Beach eating spot favored by visitors from Quebec who like poutine — which consists of thick beef gravy on French fried potatoes. 'A lot of them when they left had left their cars here.'" | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: Former Rep. and Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum … Erin Gaetz, founder of Southpaw Content … Christine Armario, deputy editor for The Washington Post … Craig Varn of Manson Bolves Donaldson Varn … Bob Rackleff, Big Bend Voting Rights Project and former presidential speechwriter … (Was Sunday) State Rep. Fred Hawkins … (Was Saturday) Rep. Brian Mast … former Rep. Ron Klein
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