| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. Up next — The next stop in Gov. Ron DeSantis' war against Covid-19 mandates are Florida's businesses that require their employees to get vaccinated. How we got here — DeSantis has taken swipes at vaccine mandates — and the idea of requiring proof of vaccination — but even he acknowledged back in May that the Covid-19 law passed this year by state legislators did not block private employers from requiring their employees to get shots. Texas, then Florida — Since that time the Biden administration announced plans for a variety of vaccine mandates, including for large employers. The Republican governor has responded by saying repeatedly that no one should lose their job if they refuse to get a shot. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday, however, issued a broad executive order that bars vaccine mandates including among businesses. A day later, DeSantis said he's ready to ask the Legislature for a similar ban — presumably hitting companies such as Disney, which already put in a mandate for many of its workers. What the governor said — "In Florida, we should be providing protections. I think you need the Legislature to pass a law. I don't know that it can be done unilaterally through executive agencies, although we'll look, but I think you need a law to be able to just say, you shouldn't be terminated for this reason," DeSantis said during a press conference yesterday in St. Pete Beach. DeSantis added that he thought some businesses had pursued mandates because they were afraid of the federal government. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a Tuesday briefing that both Abbott and DeSantis were "putting politics ahead of public health." Overshadowed — The governor's decision to pursue a blanket ban on vaccine mandates wasn't widely noticed — due in part — to the Tuesday announcement that the DeSantis administration has levied a $3.57 million fine against Leon County because local officials imposed a vaccine requirement for its workers. This action is based upon the premise put forth by the administration that the law passed this year not only barred "vaccine passports" but vaccine mandates for local governments. Enter the Legislature — State Sen. Danny Burgess, the prime sponsor of that bill, said on Tuesday that the current law does not block private employers from imposing vaccine mandates. But the Pasco County Republican is willing to consider a new law that would. "We've reached a fever pitch with this discussion and it's just a scary time," Burgess told Playbook. "I don't think we should pull anything off the table." — 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 | | A message from the Seminole Tribe of Florida: Seminole Compact is now in full effect across Florida. The historic agreement guarantees billions in revenues for our state, creates thousands of new jobs and brings mobile sports betting to Florida. The Seminole Compact is the bipartisan deal that is already working for Florida. It's guaranteed. Read more. | | |
|  | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | The daily rundown — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that there were 2,890 Covid-19 infections on Saturday, 1,886 on Sunday and 2,608 on Monday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 3,593 beds were being used in the state for Covid-19 patients. The Florida Hospital Association reported Tuesday that 15.5 percent of adult patients in intensive care units are infected with Covid-19. THE HAMMER — "Leon County facing $3.57 million state fine for vaccine requirement," by Tallahassee Democrat's Karl Etters: "Gov. Ron DeSantis has made good on his threat to fine local governments that require employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, giving Leon County until Nov. 5 to pay a $3.57 million penalty. After Leon County Administrator Vince Long made vaccines a requirement of employment, all 714 employees had to get vaccinated or fall under a select few exemptions by Oct. 1. In all, 14 employees were fired because they declined to do so." Response — "Democratic lawmakers representing Tallahassee admonished the decision to impose a fine as an overreach by the governor's office. 'The governor has gone too far,' said Rep. Ramon Alexander D-Tallahassee. 'Local governments cannot just sit on their hands and should have the ability to issue emergency standards. Vaccines are an important tool that is helping us control this pandemic.'" ALL RIGHT NOW — " DeSantis prediction of Florida monoclonal antibody shortage hasn't come true," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson: "In social media posts and appearances at news conferences and on television, [Gov. Ron] DeSantis protested what he said was a partisan and 'cruel' decision by the federal government meant to penalize Florida. His office forecasted a dire shortage of the promising COVID-19 treatment: Christina Pushaw, a DeSantis spokesperson, said last month the state was looking to be shy as many as 41,000 doses per week because of the policy change. 'There's going to be a huge disruption, and patients are going to suffer as a result of this,' DeSantis said on Sept. 16 in Fort Lauderdale. But nearly a month after the federal government cut back Florida's supply, the state isn't running low." — "Orlando water emergency ends with decline of COVID-19 hospitalizations," by Orlando Sentinel's Kevin Spear — "There's not much 'tracing' in Florida's COVID-19 contact tracing program," by Tampa Bay Times' Anastasia Dawson — "Tampa Bay companies 'under review' for allegedly violating Florida vaccine passport law," by Tampa Bay Times' Kirby Wilson and Jack Evans | | | | THE MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2021 IS HERE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from one of the largest and most influential gatherings of experts reinventing finance, health, technology, philanthropy, industry and media. Don't miss a thing from the 24th annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, from Oct. 17 to 20. Can't make it? We've got you covered. Planning to attend? Enhance your #MIGlobal experience and subscribe today. | | | | |
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | DEMINGS' BIG QUARTER — Rep. Val Demings will report that she raised $8.4 million in the third quarter of 2021, a total that her campaign maintains is the largest sum raised by a candidate for U.S. Senate in an off-year. In a memo, campaign manager Zack Carroll says this significant total for the Orlando Democrat was "built on 308,000 donations of an average of $28.45 to our campaign." Carroll said that the campaign has $6 million in cash on hand "and our warchest will only grow as the campaign progresses." Federal Election Commission filings show that as of June 30, Sen. Marco Rubio had $6.2 million cash on hand. In his memo, Carroll said that "make no mistake: we expect to be outspent" and he predicted that "tens of millions" in outside money will wind up being spent on the closely-watched race. | 
Rep. Val Demings speaking at Democratic Club of North Florida campaign kick off as Rep. Charlie Crist watches | Gary Fineout POLITICO | SAYING NO — "DeSantis: No need for audit after 'successful election' in 2020," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday brushed aside a push by some Republicans to audit the 2020 election even though former President Donald Trump easily won the state. DeSantis, during a press conference held in St. Pete Beach, instead said that the state had a "successful election" and that Florida took further steps to guard against future problems when the Legislature passed a law this year that imposed new voting restrictions, including placing limits on how mail-in ballots can be collected. From the governor — "What we do in Florida is, there's a pre- and post-election audit that happens automatically," DeSantis said. "So that has happened. It passed with flying colors in terms of how that's going. But part of the reason we had a successful election is because we were very much tuned into this from the very beginning of my administration and made sure we didn't have repeats of what we've seen throughout this state." BY THE NUMBERS — The Republican Party of Florida pulled $3.49 million into its state account during the third quarter, according to newly filed campaign reports with the Division of Elections. Those new reports also show that the two affiliated party committees run by GOP legislative leaders pulled in nearly $4.69 million. Who gave? — One of the big donors to the party is connected to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which recently pushed a new gambling deal through the Florida Legislature during a May special session. Seminole Gaming gave $600,000 to the party during the past quarter and $100,000 to the GOP Senate committee led by Senate President Wilton Simpson. Simpson meanwhile steered $250,000 from the Senate committee into the party coffers. Another notable donor to the party this past quarter was the Florida Justice Association , the group that represents trial lawyers. The organization gave $175,000. The opposition — The Florida Democratic Party reported raising $1.34 million during the last quarter. One of the largest Democratic donors was People Over Profits, the group run by former Rep. Sean Shaw, which gave $100,000 to the party. The affiliated party committee run by Sen. Lauren Book — which itself raised $180,000 during the third quarter — donated $100,000 to the party. Chicago businessman James Crown also donated $100,000. THE SOUND OF SILENCE — " Florida redistricting roadshow is a no-go amid transparency concerns," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner: "Proposed maps for new congressional and legislative districts could be in front of state lawmakers before they begin the annual legislative session in January, but public input might be limited to a special website and people who journey to the Capitol. Legislators and staff members likely don't have enough time to travel the state to take comments for the once-a-decade reapportionment process, leaders said, while the potential for virtual meetings or live-streamed public input sessions has not been determined." 'OUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT' — " 'Get off Zoom calls and start interacting.' Hispanic Dems say they're ignored in FL-20," by Miami Herald's Alex Daugherty: "But since longtime U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings died in April, triggering a special primary election scheduled for November 2, Barrero, who lives in Hastings' district, said he's heard from just one of the 11 Democrats running. 'There's absolutely no outreach to Hispanic voters,' Barrero said. 'Only one of them made an attempt on a Zoom call to address the Hispanic community.'" THE T WORD — "Political purity tests shake up Miami Beach race, while candidates push crime initiatives," by Miami Herald's Martin Vassolo: "'Trump. DeSantis. Beattie. Here we go again,' reads one attack ad targeting Melissa Beattie, a registered independent and first-time political candidate. The mailer labeled Beattie an "extremist" because her campaign manager — once chief of staff to a Democratic former Miami Beach mayor — has worked for Republican candidates." — "No, Charlie Crist did not endorse DeSantis in a tweet. He's just trying to be hip," by Sun Sentinel's Angie DiMichele | | | | A message from the Seminole Tribe of Florida:   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | 'I'VE GOT FAITH IN HER' — "DeSantis on wife Casey's breast cancer diagnosis: 'We've got a road ahead,'" by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower: "Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Tuesday that his family has 'a road ahead' since First Lady Casey DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer, but that she's already met with doctors and is facing it head-on. In his first public comments since last week's announcement of her diagnosis, the governor talked about her mindset ahead of treatment. 'Her view is, 'Better me than somebody who may not be able to deal with it,' he said. 'That's just kind of her spirit. I got faith in the big guy upstairs, and I've got faith in her, and I know that this is a bad break, but she's got an awful lot to live for for the rest of her life.'" OBJECTION — "Florida school boards blast national request for federal security aid." by News Service of Florida's Ryan Dailey: "The organization that represents Florida school boards has 'great concern' for the safety of board members and school officials after recent reports of threats, but is rejecting its national counterpart's request that the federal government step in. The Florida School Boards Association is refusing to pay membership dues to the National School Boards Association after the Washington, D.C.-based organization wrote in a letter to President Joe Biden's administration that the country's 'public schools and its education leaders are under an immediate threat.'" FINAL DECISION — "Daniel Baker sentenced to federal prison in Florida Capitol threat case," by Tallahassee Democrat's Jeff Burlew: "Daniel Baker, the U.S. Army veteran turned overseas militia member who posted a violent 'call to arms' online ahead of feared right-wing protests at the Florida Capitol, was sentenced Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor sentenced Baker to 44 months, or a little over 3½ years, in prison during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Tallahassee." | | | | "A FOREIGN POLICY BUILT FOR WOMEN" – JOIN US THURSDAY FOR A WOMEN RULE CONVERSATION: Building a foreign policy agenda with women at the center has shown that it can advance broader social, economic and political goals. It also requires having women in influential decision-making positions. Join POLITICO Magazine senior editor Usha Sahay for a joint conversation with Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, the State Department's chief diversity and inclusion officer, and Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, undersecretary for arms control and international security, focused on the roadblocks preventing more women from rising through the ranks of diplomacy and why closing the foreign policy gender gap matters. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | DUCK AND COVER — "Mayor joins chorus to cut loose Miami Police Art Acevedo. He may not go quietly," by Miami Herald's Charles Rabin, Joey Flechas and Samantha Gross: "The man who lured Police Chief Art Acevedo to Miami cut him loose on Tuesday. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who for weeks had steered clear of the political train wreck surrounding a high-profile hire he had dubbed the 'Michael Jordan' of police chiefs just six months ago, finally offered his thoughts on the embattled chief. For any slim hope to survive, Acevedo needed a lifeline. He got tossed an anchor instead, with Suarez calling the drama surrounding him an 'unfortunate episode for the city of Miami.'" ON YOUR RADAR — " Cuban activists say pro-democracy march will go ahead despite government disapproval," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gámez Torres: "Cuban local authorities denied a request Tuesday for an islandwide anti-government demonstration planned for Nov. 15 by a broad coalition of young Cubans, artists and dissidents, arguing it was a provocation backed up by the U.S. government aimed at destabilizing the country. The organizers said they intend to march regardless, according to a statement published in Facebook in the afternoon." BEHIND THE CURTAIN — "Pandora Papers leak solves riddle: the ID of Saudis behind Florida real estate shopping spree," by McClatchy DC's Shirsho Dasgupta: "But a Miami Herald investigation based on leaked documents has solved a long-running mystery surrounding these deals: Which Saudis? What is the true extent of their business empire? And how close are they to the ruling monarchs? That family, the Herald found, is the Ibrahims — among the most influential families in Saudi Arabia. One member, Jawhara Al-Ibrahim was the wife of King Fahd, who ruled the country from 1982 until his death in 2005. Their attorney in Florida: C. David Brown II, Republican fundraiser and friend of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush." — "Gabby Petito's cause of death was strangulation, Wyoming coroner confirms," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Patricia McKnight — "Town blames rival for blocking big-money detention center. Now it wants $150 million," by Sun Sentinel's Susannah Bryan | | A message from the Seminole Tribe of Florida: The Seminole Compact
Keeping its promises to the people of Florida
With overwhelmingly bipartisan support, the Seminole Compact is law throughout Florida. The Compact guarantees $2.5 billion in revenues for Florida within the first 5 years and creates an estimated 2,200 jobs.
Coming this fall, the Seminole Compact also creates Florida's only safe, legal sportsbook through Hard Rock Sportsbook, where you can place online and mobile sports bets anywhere in Florida.
The Seminole Tribe is keeping its promises to the people of Florida. Already, hundreds of new jobs have been created and thousands more are soon to be filled. With the Seminole Compact, Floridians can rest assured that revenues generated stay local and help Floridians; not sent out-of-state to profit outsiders. The Seminole Compact is a partnership built on trust that's already working for us. It's guaranteed! Learn more. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: Moni Basu, lecturer for narrative nonfiction at University of Florida's department of journalism
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