| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida | Hello and welcome to Friday. The daily rundown — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 21,183 Covid-19 infections in Florida on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 16,833 beds were being used in the state for Covid-19 patients. The Florida Hospital Association reported Thursday that 55.3 percent of adult patients in intensive care units are infected with Covid-19. By the numbers — We're beginning to get a better idea of how Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature will redraw the state's congressional districts when it begins its redistricting work in the next few months. Growth — A POLITICO analysis of recently released U.S. Census data shows 20 of Florida's existing 27 districts have populations hovering just above the average of 770,376 people-per-district or they are drastically over. This includes districts in Florida's fast-growing I-4 corridor, and the numbers back up the growing reality that legislators will likely put Florida's 28th district in that region. Way over — Florida's 9th congressional district — now held by Rep. Darren Soto — has nearly 956,000 people in it, meaning it will have to be scaled back. Other districts that are significantly over-populated include those held by Reps. Val Demings in the Orlando area, Vern Buchanan in southwest Florida and John Rutherford in northeast Florida. Florida's 1st Congressional District in northwest Florida — held by Matt Gaetz — is also over-populated but not to the extent of some others. The easy part — Changing some of these districts won't be that hard. Gaetz's district — which runs to the Alabama border — will likely shrink – and some of its residents shifted into the neighboring district of Rep. Neal Dunn, whose sprawling mostly rural district is a bit under-populated. The hard part — The real drama, however, could come in Florida's 13th congressional district — now held by Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist, who is stepping down to run for governor. Crist's district is one of those districts that is under-populated by more than 40,000 people according to the analysis. Legislators are supposed to draw seats without regard to political party (cough, cough) due to the state's Fair Districts standards but major changes to this seat could lead to it flipping in 2022. There will be a lot of eyes on this one. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Florida Playbook will not publish from Monday, Aug. 30, to Monday, Sept. 6. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Please continue to follow POLITICO Florida. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com |  | CAMPAIGN MODE | |
MAPQUEST — "Population growth fuels remake of Florida's famed I-4 corridor." by POLITICO's Gary Fineout and Matt Dixon: To understand how Florida's redistricting process will dramatically reshape the state's political lines and congressional map, look at Democratic Rep. Darren Soto's district along the fabled I-4 corridor. Soto's 9th District, which stretches from Orlando into the communities of Osceola County clustered near Disney World and then along the southern side of Interstate 4, saw the largest amount of growth of any congressional district in the nation between 2010 and 2020, according to a POLITICO analysis. His district now has nearly 1 million residents. But that rapid, sustained growth means the GOP-controlled Legislature is almost certain to pare it back when it tackles redistricting in the coming months.
DELINQUENT FRIED — Florida's constitution requires that elected officials file a financial disclosure on July 1. Well, it's nearly September and Agriculture Commissioner and candidate for governor Nikki Fried still has not submitted hers. Fried's campaign has tried to wave off the July 1 deadline because the state's ethics commission will not begin to impose a $25 a day late fine until Sept. 1. But the Florida Commission on Ethics — which does this to all late filers — has already sent Fried a notice by certified mail telling her she is delinquent. What's in your wallet? — Republicans have criticized Fried for failing to meet the July 1 deadline. Fried's finances are being scrutinized because shortly before jumping into the race for governor, she amended two financial disclosure forms, including one showing previously unreported earnings of $351,480. In both instances, Fried reported earning substantially more money from her lobbying business than she initially disclosed. Promises, promises — Kevin Cate, who is working as a media adviser and lead ad maker with Fried's campaign, said in an email that the disclosure forms will be filed soon. "Commissioner Fried has been focused on doing her job as Agriculture Commissioner and filling the void of leadership left by the governor — getting as many Floridians as possible vaccinated and protected during this pandemic," Cate said in an email. "The forms will be filed within the grace period allowed by law." | | A message from the Seminole Tribe of Florida: The new Seminole Compact is a historic deal between the people of the State Florida and the sovereign nation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Announced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. in April 2021 and approved by the Florida Legislature during a special legislative session in May 2021, the Seminole Compact was deemed approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior this August. Learn more… | | |
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Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried joins opponents to Florida election legislation | Gary Fineout POLITICO | PUSHING BACK — "Ad campaign targets DeSantis donors for 'funding an agenda that has killed thousands of Floridians,'" by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "A national political action committee is beginning an advertising campaign Thursday calling out high-dollar political donors to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The political group 314 Action said people will start seeing ads on Google, Facebook and via text messages that highlight four political donors. … One version starts with the declaration, '42,252 dead from COVID.' It then gives the name and picture of a donor and says the person 'funded Gov. DeSantis' COVID agenda.' The donors shown are Isaac Perlmutter, chairman of Marvel Entertainment, of Palm Beach; Daniel MacNeil, founder and CEO of WeatherTech, of Fort Lauderdale; Gale Lemerand, CEO of Stonewood Holdings, of Daytona Beach; and Bernard Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, of Daytona Beach." ONBOARDING — Nikki Fried announced that Alicia Pardo , a veteran of multiple campaigns, will join her campaign for governor as a finance consultant. Pardo recently served as Southeast finance director for the presidential campaign of Joe Biden. In that role, Pardo oversaw a team that raised money in seven states and two territories. During the 2020 election cycle, Pardo also worked as a senior adviser to the campaign of state Sen. José Javier Rodriguez. — " Sabatini's AR-15 raffle becomes a giveaway after he's told a raffle would be illegal," by Orlando Sentinel's Tiffini Theisen — "Charlie Crist dismisses argument that he can't beat Nikki Fried in 2022 primary," by Florida Politics A.G. Gancarski — "The real story behind the $25,000 Trump donation to Pam Bondi," by The Daily Beast's Jose Pagliery | | | | 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 | |
VANISHING ACT — "Amid COVID surge, Florida's top health official leaving office," by USA Today Network-Florida's Jeffrey Schweers: "Scott Rivkees, the state's surgeon general and Department of Health secretary who has been mostly absent from public view for more than a year, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic's delta variant surge, is stepping down as the state's top doctor. Rivkees will leave after his contract runs out Sept. 20, three months after his original two-year contract ended. 'The contract was extended to the full extent of our abilities in law,' Christina Pushaw, Gov. Ron DeSantis' press secretary, confirmed via email Thursday evening. 'We thank Dr. Rivkees for his meaningful work during the most challenging pandemic of our lifetime. We appreciate his service to the people of Florida and wish him the best in his future endeavors.'"
The hook — "His public appearances started becoming less frequent in April 2020. That was when he was walked out of a news briefing in the Florida Capitol's Cabinet room after he said people would have to continue social distancing until a vaccine could be approved. 'So as long as we're going to have COVID in the environment, and this is a tough virus, we're going to have to practice these measures so that we are all protected,' Rivkees said, adding it could be a year or more before a vaccine was available. Helen Aguirre Ferre, then the governor's communications director, walked over to Rivkees and whispered in his ear. Rivkees said 'OK' before Ferre escorted him out." THE TOLL — "Florida reports COVID-19 resurgence: State reports 901 new deaths, bringing 7-day average to pandemic high," by Sun Sentinel's David Schutz: "Florida reported another 901 previously unreported COVID-related deaths on Thursday, sending the 7-day average soaring to the highest it's been through the pandemic. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control also showed 21,183 new cases. The 901 deaths is the highest number reported in Florida, which has been releasing death counts in batches based on the date the deaths occurred. The 7-day trend based on the date the death was reported stands at 242, according to the Sun Sentinel's analysis of the CDC data." AWFUL — "AdventHealth morgues reach capacity due to COVID-19 deaths," by Orlando Sentinel's Caroline Catherman and Skyler Swisher: "Morgues throughout AdventHealth's Central Florida Division have reached capacity due to COVID-19 deaths, the organization said in an email obtained by the Orlando Sentinel Thursday. 'The Central Florida Division of AdventHealth has reached capacity of our hospital morgues due to an influx of COVID-19 patients,' the email said. 'We have begun utilizing rented, refrigerated coolers at 10 of our campuses throughout Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, & Volusia counties. These coolers are quickly becoming filled also.'" THE SITUATION HAS CHANGED — "DeSantis promotes Regeneron COVID treatment but hasn't pushed vaccines the same way in months," by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello: "Gov. Ron DeSantis has crisscrossed the state almost every day over the past two weeks promoting Regeneron, a treatment for people who already have COVID-19. But the last time he held an event specifically to encourage getting vaccinated was four months ago. Instead, he's downplayed the vaccines, citing the breakthrough infections the shots don't prevent and their apparent failure to achieve herd immunity." GETTING ROUND FOR ROUND 2 — " Florida judge 'still wrestling' with school mask case ahead of ruling," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: A Florida judge is expected to rule Friday in a lawsuit that could overturn the DeSantis administration's efforts to block local school mask mandates. But the case appears far from finished. As both sides delivered closing arguments Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would "obviously" appeal if the ruling goes against the state, an indication that the weekslong battle over masks in schools could continue into next week. ON AN ISLAND — "'Waste of time': Florida's federal GOP officials aren't backing DeSantis in mask fight," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "South Florida's Republicans in Washington aren't getting behind Gov. Ron DeSantis' fight against local mask mandates in schools. Sen. Marco Rubio has said that mask mandate debates — on all sides — are a 'waste of time.' Sen. Rick Scott said, 'I don't believe the government should be mandating things.' And Miami's three Republicans in the House of Representatives have declined to weigh in on DeSantis' behalf after local elected officials on the Miami-Dade County School Board voted 7-1 to impose a mask mandate in public schools over the objections of the Florida Department of Education. 'That's a state issue,' Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez said in an email." — "Duval Schools top 1,000 COVID-19 cases in third week of class, total expected to double in weeks," by Florida Times-Union Beth Reeve Cravey and Emily Bloch — " Only 7 ICU beds available in Palm Beach County due to COVID," by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave — "Child abuse charged reduced against anti-mask protester at school," by Sun Sentinel's Austen Erblat | | | |   | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | |
DESANTIS V. WHITE HOUSE CHAPTER 29 — "DeSantis spars with Biden administration over undocumented immigrants in Florida," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer: "Gov. Ron DeSantis wants President Joe Biden's administration to stop sending undocumented immigrants to Florida. But he also acknowledged the total number of immigrants who have entered the U.S. without detection or released by the Biden administration since he took office is unclear. Still, DeSantis wants the Biden administration to give the state more information about the scope of any transportation of immigrants to Florida."
SOUNDS LIKE A CRISIS — " Slammed by staff shortages and 'desperation,' some North Florida prisons to shutter," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos and Ben Conarck: "The Florida Department of Corrections will soon close multiple prisons in North Florida, a last-ditch effort to grapple with severe staff shortages, according to a union representative who talked to Corrections Secretary Mark Inch about the move on Thursday. Prison officials plan to shutter Baker Correctional Institution and New River Correctional Institution in the coming weeks, said Jim Baiardi, the president of the Corrections Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association. Cross City Correctional Institution, which has been closed due to flooding damage, will continue to be closed for an indeterminate amount of time." SETTLEMENT — "State recovers $5 million from ex-CEO of Florida domestic violence center and insurers," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas: "The state of Florida has recovered $5 million of the $7.5 million paid to the former CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and her staff, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a Thursday morning press conference. Tiffany Carr, who resigned in November 2019 from the agency she had worked at for more than two decades, will pay $2.1 million cash, according to a settlement agreed to with the state. The insurance companies representing the former FCADV officers will pay more than $1.7 million to the Department of Children and Families and a court-appointed receiver." WHAT'S GOING ON? — "It's 'unconscionable' that Ron DeSantis hasn't applied for food aid for kids, Fried says," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower: "Child hunger groups and Florida's top elected Democrat urged Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday to tap into $820 million in federal aid money that would provide meals for more than 2 million children in low-income households. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said it was 'unconscionable' that DeSantis' administration hasn't requested the money, which has no strings attached. All the state has to do it ask, Fried said." | | | | 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. | | | | |
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
'A GLARING HOLE' — "Designed to fail: How Florida's lack of condo board oversight could mean another Surfside," by The Daytona Beach News-Journal's Clayton Park: "A USA Today Network analysis of property records in the coastal communities of Miami Beach, Fort Myers Beach, Daytona Beach and Palm Beach show more than a thousand condos three stories or taller close to the water constructed in 1981 or earlier. There are likely many more across the state. Some date back to the early 1960s. With so many aging oceanfront condos, could a collapse happen again? A network examination of the way high-rise condos are regulated and maintained in Florida shows why some experts believe the system was designed to fail. And human nature plays a part: Many condo boards defer repairs because of the costs. Too much economizing could be deadly."
— "Prosecutors grill Broward schools spokeswoman about organizing Runcie rally after arrest," by Miami Herald's David Goodhue — "Jacksonville evictions displace many as renters, landlords face problems during pandemic ," by Florida Times-Union's Steve Patterson — "Florida says Piney Point will be under new management," by Tampa Bay Times' Zachary T. Sampson | | A message from the Seminole Tribe of Florida: The New Seminole Compact
Historic Deal for Florida. Billions Guaranteed. Thousands Of New Jobs.
The historic Seminole Compact between the people of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida is the largest gaming compact in U.S. history. The compact guarantees billions of dollars in new revenues, sets a new standard for revenues generated for the state and ensures protections for Florida's pari-mutuel industry and the local jobs they create.
The New Seminole Compact Benefits Florida:
· Provides Florida $6 billion in revenue over the next decade, guaranteeing $2.5 billion in the next five years.
· Estimated to create over 2,200 new Florida jobs.
· Modernizes the gaming industry by creating a legal construct for sports betting in Florida and provides a structure for local pari-mutuels to participate.
· Keeps Florida family-friendly by limiting casinos.
· Billions more in economic impact for our state and businesses.
Learn more about this historic moment in Florida history. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Miami judge rejects self-defense claim by man who pulled gun on Black teens, used racial slur," by Miami Herald's David Ovalle: "A Miami-Dade judge on Thursday night rejected a self-defense claim by a man who pulled a gun on a group of Black teenage protesters and hurled racial slurs in an episode that garnered national attention. Circuit Judge Alberto Milian ruled that Mark Bartlett, 54, of Broward County, did not act reasonably in getting out of his SUV and pulling a pistol on a group of teen protesters who had stopped traffic near the Brickell Bridge in downtown Miami. He declined to dismiss the case. 'The use of racial comments shows he was simmering,' Milian said Thursday evening, after a two-day Stand Your Ground hearing." BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. Robin Bartleman … Roger Stone … Former Florida LG Jennifer Carroll …. Melissa Sellers Stone, CEO Calvary Strategies … former state Rep. Wengay Newton … POLITICO's Darius Dixon
| Want to make an impact? POLITICO Florida has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Sunshine State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.
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