| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. Tripped up — The Cuba protests have propelled Sen. Marco Rubio into the daily spotlight with plenty of appearances on Fox News and other media outlets, but it appears that his chief Democratic rival is having trouble finding her footing on the issue. Enter Congress — Rep. Val Demings on Tuesday attended a congressional hearing on Cuba that included a focus on the fate of the current U.S. embargo against the island nation. Progressive Democrats favor scrapping the embargo — a move opposed by Florida Republicans like Rubio and as well as Democrats such as Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. No stance — Demings, who last month announced her challenge to Rubio, has issued statements in support of Cuban protesters but has stopped short of advocating any changes in American policy. So Miami Herald reporter Alex Daugherty tried to pin Demings down on the embargo following the hearing and the Orlando Democrat "declined to take a position." On second thought — It was later in the day that Daniel Gleick, a spokesman for Demings clarified that she does support keeping the embargo but that the focus needs to be on those seeking change in Cuba and not "political games. She doesn't support lifting the embargo and believes that we need to keep our eye on the ball and take tangible steps to support the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom." Sharp criticism — That statement didn't stop the National Republican Senatorial Committee from bashing Demings as "weak" and contended that she "is terrified of the radicals in her own party who defend the Cuban regime and blame America for the plight of the Cuban people." Game on — OK, politically charged hyperbole set aside (the NRSC issues several press releases a day criticizing every would-be Democratic candidate), it still would seem like someone taking on a Cuban American incumbent should expect questions about the embargo and what she wants the Biden administration to do about the ongoing situation. — 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 | | | | 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. | | | | |
|  | DRIVING THE DAY | | 'NO LONGER JUST A SOUTH FLORIDA ISSUE — "Cuba protests ignite 2024 GOP primary," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo: Cuba policy isn't just a Miami political issue any more. In the days after the historic uprisings, Cuba has emerged as a central focus among Republican presidential contenders who have elevated the calls for democracy on the island to a top-tier issue in the 2024 shadow primary. Breaking it down — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has speculated that the Biden administration told Cubans not to come to the United States because they tend to vote Republican. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton called out Major League Baseball for its silence about the push for democracy on the island in light of the decision to cancel its all-star game in Georgia after the state tightened voting restrictions. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have called on Cuban military leaders to rise up against the regime. They've also sharpened contrasts with the Biden White House by calling for a plan to beam wireless internet access into Cuba. FRONT AND CENTER — "'Nothing short of historic.' Congress holds first hearing after Cuba protests," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "The Democrats and Republicans at the hearing, including Florida U.S. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Val Demings, agreed that sanctions should be considered in response to the protests, and the U.S. should prod its allies to speak out more forcefully in favor of the protests on July 11th. But other actions sparked disagreement. Salazar, a Cuban-American Miami Republican, said she's been frustrated by the Biden administration's response, which includes a review of increasing embassy staff in Havana and a working group to consider remittances for families. 2022 — "Two of the Floridians present on Tuesday, Demings and Wasserman Schultz, aren't members of the Foreign Affairs Committee but joined the discussion to highlight the efforts of Afro-Cubans in the ongoing protests. Wasserman Schultz is a Democrat who represents thousands of Cubans in her Broward-based district that includes portions of Miami-Dade County while Demings, a Democrat who represents the Orlando area, is running to challenge Cuban-American U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio in the 2022 election. Their presence highlighted the importance of Cuba policy in South Florida — and the perceived strength of the GOP among Cuban-American voters in Miami after the 2020 election." | 
Florida Rep. Val Demings, a Democrat, plans to run against Republican Sen. Marco Rubio next year. | John Raoux/AP Photo | 'THIS STARTS THE HEALING PROCESS' — "'We're left to pick up the pieces': As search mission nears end, Surfside looks ahead," by Miami Herald's Martin Vassolo: "As the search-and-recovery operation at the collapse site nears its end and what's left of the Champlain Towers South is hauled away as evidence, residents of Surfside are beginning to emerge from the emotional wreckage of a tragedy that tore apart 97 families overnight. The reopening of the town's community center to campers and the rest of the community is one step the town is taking toward finding some closure, said Parks and Recreation Director Tim Milian." | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | PROBE — "Florida GOP chair investigated for alleged sexual harassment," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: In a statement released Tuesday night, the party said the accusation was investigated for three months before the independent law firm tasked with conducting the probe concluded it was "unable to substantiate the allegations and no accuser with firsthand knowledge was willing to come forward with a complaint of allegations of harassment or other misconduct." [Joe] Gruters, 44, is a close ally of Donald Trump and spoke at the former president's rally earlier this month in Sarasota, a city he also represents in the Florida Senate. Prior to joining the Florida Senate in 2018, he served in the Florida House for two years. In the dark — Some party executive committee members said they are frustrated that they are just now learning about an ongoing internal party investigation involving their chair, a potential scandal that comes as they gear up for what will be a contentious 2022 election cycle. "I don't really have any official details other than what I was told last night, so I'm not sure what to think," said former state Rep. Matt Caldwell, who serves on the party's executive committee. "But there are questions I want to answers to." NEW GREEN DEAL — "Florida medical marijuana deal has some questioning '5 percent' rule," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson and Diti Kohli: "According to that law, anyone who owns more than 5 percent of a company licensed to sell medical marijuana may not buy any part of any other medical marijuana company in the state. Regulators at the Florida Department of Health — which oversees the state's medical marijuana program — are now mulling approval of a potential sale that some fear could violate that law. If the sale were to be approved by regulators, the hedge fund Gotham Green Partners could, in theory, wield power over GrowHealthy and MedMen Enterprises Inc., two licensed medical marijuana treatment centers in Florida." | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | FOR YOUR RADAR — "Miami's mayor has raised $4.6 million this year. A mystery donor gave $100K in June," by Miami Herald's Joey Flechas: "Running for reelection, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez raised about $900,000 in June across multiple political campaign accounts, another mammoth haul that included a six-figure contribution from a mystery donor previously entangled in a Federal Election Commission complaint. Campaign finance reports posted last week show Tread Standard LLC gave a committee backing Suarez $100,000 on June 30. An April 2016 report from the FEC's general counsel suggested the company may have incorporated in 2015 to conceal the "true source" of its $150,000 contribution that year to the political committee supporting Jeb Bush's ill-fated presidential campaign." IN THE MIX — "Amanda Makki jumps into Florida District 13 House race," by Tampa Bay Times' Romy Ellenbogen: "Amanda Makki, who ran in the 2020 Republican primary against Anna Paulina Luna for Florida's 13th Congressional District, has announced she's going up against Luna for the same U.S. House seat again. Makki, a former Washington, D.C.-based lobbyist, announced her candidacy Tuesday at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo. She's the latest candidate to announce their intentions for the competitive seat being vacated by Rep. Charlie Crist, who is running for governor. The 13th District covers the southern half of Pinellas County." — " Ingoglia, former Florida GOP chair, tees up Senate campaign," by News Service of Florida — "Kathy Castor draws Republican challenger Jay Collins," by Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | 'ACTING LIKE THE PANDEMIC IS OVER' — "'A pandemic of the unvaccinated.' Miami hospital urges patients, workers to get shots," by Miami Herald's Daniel Chang: "Facing a resurgence of COVID-positive patients — and a stubborn reluctance to the vaccines among many Miami-Dade residents and even its own employees — leaders of Jackson Health System, the county's public hospital, came out on Tuesday with a single-minded message: Get vaccinated. 'This is a pandemic of the unvaccinated,' Jackson Health CEO Carlos Migoya said during a video conference call with media. On Tuesday, there were 143 COVID-positive patients at Jackson Health — a 117% increase over the 66 patients hospitalized just two weeks ago." — "Covid-19 testing ends early two days in a row at Barnett Park after reaching capacity," by Orlando Sentinel's Caroline Catherman and Ryan Gillespie — "Masks expected to be optional in Broward schools, but COVID's surge could change that," by Sun Sentinel's Scott Travis | | DATELINE D.C. | | RIPPED FROM D.C. PLAYBOOK — SCOTT AND McCARTHY LEAD CUBA LETTER — Sen. Rick Scott and House Minority Leader KEVIN MCCARTHY are leading 143 congressional Republicans in a letter to member nations of the Organization of American States and EU as well as Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN regarding the unrest in Cuba. The missive requests that member states and the U.S. hold the regime accountable by forming a criminal tribunal for human rights abuses, end financial support, coordinate humanitarian assistance and do everything in their power to reconnect Cubans with internet access.
This is an issue that has divided the Democratic Party in elections and will put the spotlight on Biden over how he addresses a matter of huge concern especially to Latinos in Florida. | 
President Joe Biden listens to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady speak during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House,. | AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta | THE CHAMPS — "Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including Tom Brady, visit White House," by POLITICO's Nick Niedzwiadek : The Super Bowl winning quarterback got laughs from Biden and others in attendance by jokingly comparing those who deny the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election with people who have doubted the Buccaneers. "Not a lot of people think that we could have won; in fact about 40 percent of people still don't think we won. Do you understand that Mr. President?" Brady also said some people started calling him "Sleepy Tom" after he momentarily lost track of things during a game against the Chicago bears, alluding to the "Sleepy Joe" label Trump pinned on Biden during the campaign. PIECE OF ME — "Charlie Crist unveils 'Free Britney Act' amid Spears conservatorship fight," by The Associated Press' Meg Kinnard: "Prompted by Britney Spears' conservatorship fight, a bipartisan legislative effort has emerged to reform the process created to protect the rights of more than 1 million people across the United States under the protective arrangements. On Tuesday, Reps. Charlie Crist and Nancy Mace unveiled 'The Free Britney Act,' designed to give more options to people placed under conservatorships." | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | ANOTHER ONE — "Another Tampa man pleads guilty to storming U.S. Capitol," by Tampa Bay Times' Josh Fiallo: "A 20-year-old Tampa man pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Caleb Berry is charged with conspiracy and one count of obstruction of an official proceeding. A news release from the U.S. Department of Justice said Berry is a member of the Oath Keepers, which proclaims itself as a far-right, anti-government militia movement. Berry, as part of his plea agreement, has sworn to help federal investigators search for further suspects involved in the breach of the Capitol." | | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | HOPEFULLY A LONG, LONG TIME — "Hurricane season: How long will it stay quiet?" by Sun Sentinel's David Fleshler: "After a furious start to hurricane season, an eerie calm reigns over the tropics. No storms have appeared in the Atlantic since Tropical Storm Elsa struck northwest Florida two weeks ago. And nothing is expected for another week or more, as a global climate system causes air to sink over the Atlantic, suppressing the formation of tropical storms or hurricanes." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | MEET THE NEW BOSS, SAME AS OLD BOSS? — "A new day in Haiti? Many Haitians have their doubts," by The New York Times' Catherine Porter: "Haiti's leaders have called the political truce a new chapter, a historic turning of the page that, in the words of the interim prime minister, shows 'that we can actually work together, even if we are different, even if we have different world outlooks.' But for many in country, it does not seem like a change. The list of cabinet ministers published in the government's official gazette featured several familiar names from Mr. [Jovenel] Moïse's governing party, including the new prime minister and the new foreign minister, both of whom had been angling to take over since the president was killed." WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET? — "Disney will get millions in tax refunds after property appraiser settles languishing cases," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak: "The Walt Disney Co. will get millions in refunds from state and local taxing authorities after settling a 2015 legal dispute with the Orange County Property Appraiser's Office over the fair market value of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and a dozen other Disney theme park properties. The settlement was reached through mediation, ending a court battle that began about five years ago. The total refund has not yet been calculated, but Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph said Monday Disney would be due about $1.3 million for tax year 2015 and probably similar amounts for tax years 2016 through 2020, also covered by the agreement approved by Circuit Judge Kevin B. Weiss last week." HMM — "Miami-Dade mayor drops MCM fight, will negotiate MIA deal with FIU bridge contractor," by Miami Herald's Douglas Hanks: "Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava dropped out of the roughest contracting fight of her young administration on Tuesday, announcing she would negotiate a new airport contract with MCM despite a county investigation critical of the firm. Levine Cava's brief Tuesday memo announcing that a new MCM contract at Miami International Airport 'will be forthcoming' marks the second big win for MCM at County Hall after its role as the contractor behind the Florida International University bridge that collapsed in 2018." — " Canada border changes could help Florida tourism," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: state Sen. Gayle Harrell
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