| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. The daily rundown — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted information that there were 17,216 new Covid-19 infections reported by the state for Sunday and 16,476 new infections reported for Saturday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported on its dashboard that 15,962 beds were being used in the state for Covid-19 patients. The Florida Hospital Association reported Monday that 51.5 percent of adult patients in intensive care units are infected with Covid-19. Turning away — The chaotic and tragic scenes rising out of Afghanistan have blown away much of the national coverage of Gov. Ron DeSantis' management of Covid-19, shifting instead to President Joe Biden's competence in managing a crisis. Growing — But the Republican governor's quest to block mask requirements for school children continues to generate resistance. Miami-Dade County, the state's largest school district, appears poised to approve a mandate this week without a way for parents to easily opt-out. Hillsborough County, another large urban district, appears to be recalibrating as well. Next move — The State Board of Education is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday where it could — stress could — impose financial sanctions against the two districts that have already defied DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. (All eyes are on Corcoran and whether he will recommend that the governor suspend recalcitrant local officials.) The Biden administration has already said it will help out any district financially if they're punished for bucking the governor. 'Common sense' — Democrats have long hammered DeSantis over his Covid-19 response, and now Rep. Charlie Crist is the first one to go up on television with an ad tagging the governor . Crist is launching a "five figure" statewide cable buy against DeSantis Tuesday evening, including in the two counties that backed a mask mandate. "Florida leads the nation in new Covid cases, jammed hospitals and deaths," says Crist in the ad. "And now Ron DeSantis wants to defund schools where they're asking kids to wear a mask. That's not what we need, we need common sense and we need to do what's right." — 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 | | | | INTRODUCING OTTAWA PLAYBOOK : Join the growing community of Politicos — from lawmakers and leaders to pollsters, staffers, strategists and lobbyists — working to shape Canada's future. Every day, our reporting team pulls back the curtain to shed light on what's really driving the agenda on Parliament Hill, the true players who are shaping politics and policy across Canada, and the impact it all has on the world. Don't miss out on your daily look inside Canadian politics and power. Subscribe to Ottawa Playbook today. | | | | |
|  | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | GOING ITS OWN WAY — "Medical task force urges Miami-Dade schools to mandate masks. Carvahlo agrees," by Miami Herald's David Goodhue and Ana Ceballos: "Miami-Dade County public school students will likely be required to wear masks when they return to class next week, based on the unanimous recommendation a task force of medical experts advising the school district made Monday night. The nine-member Miami-Dade County School Board is expected to vote on the issue when it meets Wednesday morning. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said Monday he fully supports the task force's recommendation because Miami-Dade County continues to be hard hit by the delta variant of COVID-19. Rationale — "'I don't know what the threshold of acceptable pain in this community is. I don't know what the acceptable threshold or statistical probability of a single child dying is in this community,' he said. 'Just like I don't know what the threshold that anyone should accept as appropriate for teachers, custodial staff, police officers who may have underlying conditions, and that's not a crime, or not who may be hospitalized, who may be intubated or who may perish.'" | 
Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Alberto Carvalho. | AP Photo/Lynne Sladky | COMING TO A TV SET — "Crist hits DeSantis with new television ad over school mask mandates," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Florida Rep. Charlie Crist is launching his first television ad of the governor's race with an attack on Gov. Ron DeSantis for his opposition to mask mandates for schools. The new ad, which is scheduled to air statewide on cable television on Tuesday, notes the deaths of teachers in Broward County and shows pictures of patients in an intensive care unit. It takes aim at DeSantis for threatening financial sanctions against school districts that defy him on mask mandates. CHANGING COURSE? — "Early COVID counts push Hillsborough schools to consider stronger mask rules," by Tampa Bay Times' Marlene Sokol and Jeffrey S. Solochek: "With alarming numbers of COVID-19 cases reported in Hillsborough County public schools during the first week of classes, the School Board will hold a special meeting Wednesday to discuss additional protections against the virus. 'We're at that place. It's unavoidable,' board chairperson Lynn Gray said Monday. Hillsborough's case count stood at 731 at midday, nearly 20 times higher than it was after the first week of fall classes in 2020. As of 7 a.m., the district said 5,599 students and 316 employees were either in isolation, having tested positive for COVID-19, or in quarantine, which means they had close contact with a positive case." CRUISE CEO HITS DESANTIS — "Florida appealing vaccine 'beyond bizarre; it's shameful': Norwegian Cruise CEO," by Yahoo Finance's Anjalee Khemlani: "Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCLH) resumed operations for the first time in 18 months Sunday, with a 100% vaccination mandate for all guests and staff. CEO Frank Del Rio told Yahoo Finance he is hoping other companies follow suit, and says it's a failure of leadership in the country to not have a similar vaccine mandate nationwide. 'Our leadership has failed us,' Del Rio said. 'Can you imagine if 700,000 people died of anything other than covid, the outrage that there would be, what government would do to stop that? And this government, whether we're talking about local, state or federal — and I'm not talking Republicans, I'm not talking Democrats, I'm talking government,' Del Rio said." Befuddled — "The company scored a win in a legal battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who banned vaccine passports back in April. The cruise line won in federal court, but now faces an appeal. 'It's beyond bizarre. It's shameful,' Del Rio said. 'I mean, come on, give it up. This is a pandemic we are talking about, people are dying every day, Florida now is the epicenter of the epicenter. What does it take for common sense to rule?' he added." CRISIS — "Declare state of emergency over COVID, commissioner says; health official calls case spike 'dire,'" by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave: "Palm Beach County's tiny, rural public hospital in The Glades is overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and other medical centers are unable to help because they too are at the breaking point, health care officials said Monday. Calling the situation 'dire,' the county's tax-funded health care district said steps must be taken to make sure beds are available for critically ill patients. 'The hospital system in Palm Beach County is not functioning this way for COVID-19 patients due to the overwhelming COVID-19 patient volume,' district spokesman Robin Kish said in a statement." MEANWHILE — "DeSantis promotes COVID-19 treatment in Orlando, downplays vaccine effectiveness," by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello: "Asked why he hasn't been promoting vaccinations with the same enthusiasm he has for the monoclonal antibody treatment, [Gov. Ron] DeSantis downplayed the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing the spread of the virus and said 'our entire vulnerable population has basically been vaccinated.' 'Even though we've done all the nursing homes, for example, we still see people that are testing positive in the nursing homes,' DeSantis said. 'So yeah, they're vaccinated. That's great. That was the right thing to do. I do think it reduced for at least a few months the number of infections in nursing homes. But it's not just Florida, you're seeing now more people are testing positive. So then what do you do?'" — "Florida schools struggle to find bus drivers as virus surges," by The Associated Press' Terry Spencer and Kelli Kennedy — "South Florida healthcare giant mandating COVID vaccines for workers and volunteers ," by Miami Herald's Michelle Marchante — "As Florida colleges near fall semester, students and staff question forced return to 'normal,'" by The Gainesville Sun's Danielle Ivanov | | DATELINE D.C. | | HOW DEMOCRATIC — "Rick Scott raises removing Biden from office over Afghanistan," by POLITICO's Marianne LeVine: Sen. Rick Scott, the chair of the Senate GOP campaign arm, questioned Monday whether President Joe Biden's Cabinet should remove him from office, a near impossibility, over the sudden collapse of Afghanistan. Scott, who is widely viewed as a potential 2024 presidential candidate tweeted: "We must confront a serious question: Is Joe Biden capable of discharging the duties of his office or has time come to exercise the provisions of the 25th Amendment?" On message? — While Senate Republicans have widely lambasted Biden for his administration's handling of the troop withdrawal, Scott is the only one so far to bring up the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment, which lays out the presidential order of succession. So, President Kamala Harris? | | | | 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. 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| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | THIS NEVER ENDS — "Florida's unemployment system still struggling, even as claims fall," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower: "When the pandemic hit last year, Florida's unemployment system was in turmoil, with Floridians spending hours on hold with call centers and waiting weeks or months to receive benefits. Sixteen months later, Floridians using CONNECT are facing some of the same problems — but cyberattacks, not the pandemic, are to blame, the state says. At least 58,000 applicants had their personal information, including Social Security numbers and bank information, stolen during a data breach, and some haven't been able to get benefits since. Thousands of others have been locked out of their accounts, the result, the state says, of 'bad actors' trying to log in." PRICETAG — "Florida spent about $5 million protecting DeSantis, his family and governor's mansion," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner: "Florida taxpayers spent nearly $4.85 million during the past fiscal year to protect Gov. Ron DeSantis, his family, the governor's mansion and various visiting dignitaries, according to a state report released Monday. The bulk of the costs during the 2020-21 fiscal year, nearly $4.82 million, went to guarding DeSantis and members of the first family, along with securing the governor's mansion, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's annual 'Report of Transportation and Protective Services.'" Fewer VIPs — The annual report also details how much Florida taxpayers spent protecting out-of-state VIPs, including members of the Trump family and governors. The effect of Covid-19 clearly played a big role. In 2019-20, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement spent more than $274,000 as it provided security for more than 50 visits by outside officials. But in the fiscal year that ended on June 30 state law enforcement spent slightly more than $33,000 on 17 details — including ones for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, former second lady Karen Pence, and Lara Trump. FWIW, Florida did not spend any money providing security for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's much-scrutinized March trip to the state. BALLARD HEADS WEST — Ballard Partners, the Florida-based firm that made a name as one of the top lobbying shops in D.C. during the Trump administration, is wading into the California market via a strategic partnership announced today with Sacramento-based Resolute Company. Resolute's nine partners specialize in tech, social media, finance, energy, education, water, health, education and gambling, and will expand Ballard's reach from its existing offices in Florida, D.C. and Tel Aviv into the largest state in the nation. "Ballard Partners is committed to fully serving our clients' needs wherever they may arise," Brian Ballard, the firm's founder, said in a statement. The partnership comes as Ballard has quickly added more Democrats and lobbyists with ties to the Biden administration following four strong years because of Ballard's relationship with former President Donald Trump. The firm also recently named former Florida Democratic Rep. Robert Wexler the managing partner of its D.C. office. (From POLITICO Influence) FALLOUT? — " The NCAA made a statement on transgender athletes. What does it mean for Florida?" by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson: "Despite the apparent tension, it's unclear what — if any — penalty the state might one day suffer. When asked what kind of conversations the NCAA has had with Florida championship hosts, a spokesperson said the organization had 'nothing further to share at this time.' When asked about the NCAA's statement, state Rep. Chris Latvala, R-Clearwater, a vocal supporter of the transgender athlete bill as it cleared the Legislature, said he believes the organization is bluffing. 'I think the NCAA was just trying to be woke, and just trying to placate the liberal folks,' Latvala said. 'But I doubt very seriously that they're going to pull the championships out of Florida.'" — "Tropical weather, continued COVID greet FSU President Richard McCullough on first day," by Tallahassee Democrat's Byron Dobson | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | AZAR'S NEW JOB DRAWS FLAK — The University of Miami announced earlier this month that former Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar will join the university with a teaching and policy research position this fall. The hire was lauded by UM officials as well as former HHS Secretary — and UM President — Donna Shalala, a Democrat. Shalala said she's "looking forward" to having Azar, who helped with Operation Warp Speed, the effort to create Covid-19 vaccines, join her in her classroom "to offer students an exceptional learning experience." On display — But one group is ripping the university for hiring the former Trump administration official. Accountable.US says it is putting up a billboard in Miami that criticizes UM for hiring Azar. The billboard — splashed in UM's colors of orange and green — says "Live your lives and drop Alex Azar." "Azar's hiring goes against the University of Miami's proclaimed values, and runs afoul of its own immigration advocacy," said Accountable.US president Kyle Herrig. "The university's administration owes their students, teachers, alumni, and communities a serious explanation for why they think this enabler of cruelty is worth compromising those values for now." | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | PROGRESSIVES BACK HARDY — Three progressive Democratic legislators — all from central Florida — are jumping into the primary for Florida's 20th Congressional District and are endorsing state Rep. Omari Hardy in the crowded field. Hardy is one 11 Democrats running in the South Florida contest to replace the late Rep. Alcee Hastings. Fellow Reps. Anna Eskamani, Carlos Guillermo Smith, and Travaris McCurdy announced Tuesday that they are supporting Hardy over other Democrats, including Rep. Bobby DuBose and state Sen. Perry Thurston. Eskamani, who flirted with a bid for governor, said "Hardy has been one of the strongest voices pushing back against special interests that dominate Florida politics" and that the special election is for "the soul of our party." | | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | UNWELCOME VISITOR — "Fred drenches U.S. Southeast; Grace again a tropical storm," by The Associated Press: "Fred weakened from a tropical storm to a depression early Tuesday as it trekked inland, spreading heavy rains over the U.S. Southeast, while earthquake-damaged Haiti reeled under a drenching from Grace, a depression that regained tropical storm status overnight. No deaths have been reported from Fred, though thousands of Florida Panhandle residents were reported without power in the hours after its late Monday landfall. Emergency crews in the Panhandle were repairing downed power lines and clearing toppled trees in Fred's aftermath." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | AFTERMATH — "'Only God can save me.' After Haiti earthquake, hospitals struggle to treat the injured," by Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charles and Daniel Chang: "At a government-run hospital in this rural coastal city on Monday, there were dozens of earthquake victims with broken bones but not enough plaster to cast them. Basic medicines, such as painkillers, antibiotics and intravenous saline, were also scarce. The most seriously injured were rushed to the airport on a school bus so they could be evacuated by airplane for better medical care elsewhere in the country. But the window was quickly closing as approaching Tropical Depression Grace threatened to drench the country — adding to the already difficult challenges for international rescue efforts after Saturday's magnitude 7.2 earthquake leveled buildings along Haiti's southwestern peninsula. The latest confirmed death toll also rose to 1,419, along with nearly 7,000 injured, and more than 37,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed." RESPONSE — "U.S. sends more aid to Haiti after quake but much more needed," by POLITICO's Jonathan Custodio: Members of Congress are also keeping a close eye on the situation on the ground in Haiti, said Rep. Frederica Wilson, who represents the Little Haiti area in Miami. The Congressional Haitian Staff Association is working with the House Appropriations Committee and the Haitian Consulate General's office in Miami to assess how much funding should be directed to disaster response efforts in the southern part of the country, which has suffered the most damage, Wilson said. "I'm sure [a number will be reached] by the end of the week," she said. "I don't think, right now, I can put a total price tag." — "'Everything is devastated': Orlando's Haitian community reeling after deadly earthquake," by Orlando Sentinel's Desiree Stennett GENTLE GIANTS — "Conservation groups plan to sue FWS to update Florida manatee critical habitat ," by Treasure Coast Newspapers Max Chesnes: "Three conservation nonprofits plan to sue the federal government regarding Florida manatees' record die-off this year, they announced Monday. At least 905 manatee deaths were recorded between Jan. 1 and Aug. 6, mostly in Brevard County's stretch of the Indian River Lagoon, according to state wildlife data. That surpasses the previous record of 830 set in 2013. The nonprofits want the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to recognize the biological factors threatening manatee habitat — including seagrass loss, declining water quality and waning natural warm-water refuges — and expand the pre-existing critical habitat designation outlined by the agency since 1976." — "County building officials recommend 25-year inspections for structures east of I-95," by Palm Beach Post's Hannah Morse | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Bob Stiff, former St. Petersburg Times editor, dies at 89," by Tampa Bay Times' Michaela Mulligan: "Bob Stiff, a veteran news reporter and editor who spent nearly 25 years at the St. Petersburg Times and its sister paper, the Evening Independent, died Saturday of COVID-19-related complications, his wife said. He was 89. Mr. Stiff spent 54 years in the newspaper business, retiring from The Dispatch in North Carolina as its executive editor in 2006." BIRTHDAYS: State Sen. Ben Albritton … state Rep. Vance Aloupis … former state Rep. Sharon Pritchett
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