| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Florida Education Champions | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. Forget the Legislature — It really shouldn't be surprising that one of the biggest flashpoints in the culture wars — especially in Florida — is happening at local school board meetings. This isn't entirely new — There's a long historical arc going back decades as the state — just like its northern counterparts — desegregated (kind of) and turned to busing as a way to help accomplish that. One way to guarantee conflict at a school board meeting was to propose shifting school zones around in a way that suddenly required families to send their children to a different school. How we got here — The last decade, however, has also seen an amplification of culture clashes over education that started with Common Core (which Florida's Republican leaders backed, then abandoned amid the backlash) and textbook lists. School board members who opposed private school vouchers were targeted for defeat and the Republican-controlled Legislature constantly looked for ways to take certain decision-making powers away from local school boards deemed too hostile to private schools and charter schools. Clashes — Now we have critical race theory and mask policies drawing the ire of everyone from Gov. Ron DeSantis to vocal parents groups. Routine — and often dull school board meetings — have transformed into vitriolic and angry forums. School board members say they have harassed and even threatened. And the Justice Department's announcement earlier this month that it may intervene raised the tensions dramatically. Something's happening — Republican pollsters this week working for Sen. Rick Scott — noting what's going in the Virginia governors race and elsewhere — said that school policies enacted during the pandemic had angered parents and suburban voters who deemed the last two years a failure. Response — Now school boards in Florida and other states are suggesting they may limit their interactions with the public in response to the escalating conflict. Previous efforts to shut down public access in Brevard County already caused blowback from one legislator — Rep. Randy Fine — who called school board members there "tinpot dictators." (Let's note briefly that if one institution does its best to limit public access and input it's the Florida Legislature.) What's coming next? — But the decision by school boards to take these actions is a calculated risk since DeSantis keeps promising to focus more on school board races in 2022. If DeSantis appears to be coasting to re-election (and that's been the situation so far), he could recast the entire race next year as an up-and-down overhaul of education in the state that will stretch from the school board to the governor's mansion. — 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 Florida Education Champions: Florida voters demanded their voice be heard on the issue of expanded gambling. Our amendment does just that allowing the people to vote to authorize sports and event betting at professional sports venues, pari-mutuel facilities and statewide via online sports betting platforms. The benefit is that hundreds of millions of dollars generated from tax revenues must go to supplement public school funding through Florida's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. Learn more and sign the petition. | | |
|  | DRIVING THE DAY | | EYE OF THE STORM — "'Threats of violence': School boards curb public comments to calm raucous meetings," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury and Juan Perez Jr: School leaders nationwide are beginning to eye ways to rein in public commentary at local meetings in an effort to quell raucous crowds over hot-button issues like mask mandates and critical race theory. The potential changes could add more strain between school boards and the public they serve, a domain that has emerged as a fierce culture war battleground amid the coronavirus. Clash — Already, Brevard's board is facing increased pressure from the public and a local state lawmaker who are questioning how they are handling the ongoing debate over masking students in school. Florida has been a hotbed for debate about the issue since Gov. Ron DeSantis banned school mask mandates. Lashing out — State Rep. Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay) filed a criminal complaint against Brevard's board earlier this month claiming it violated Florida's open government laws by clearing a public school board meeting that had turned rowdy and not allowing anyone back inside. Fine says the board is made up of "tinpot dictators" who are afraid to face the public over their decisions, including the school mask mandate that goes against the DeSantis administration's rules. | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET? — "Mystery donor — again — drops $350k ahead of expected Florida data privacy fight," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Propel Florida, the dark money group that in 2021 picked a fight with Florida's powerful business lobby, is once again gearing up for a lobbying fight over data privacy. The mysterious group in September gave $350,000 to two Florida political committees, timing that comes ahead of an expected fight in the Florida legislature over whether consumers can opt-out of companies selling their personal data and if they can sue companies over any violation of the law. It was one of the most heavily lobbied issues of the 2021 legislative session after business groups mobilized against the plan. Hmm — In September, it gave two $175,000 checks to Citizens for Principled Leadership, a political committee chaired by GOP consultant Bill Helmich, and Strong Communities of Southwest Florida, a political committee chaired by GOP consultant Dave Ramba. Ramba said that while his firm does the reporting and compliance for the committee, he is not directly involved and that some of his firm's clients, which include business groups, oppose data privacy efforts that resemble those considered last year. SCOTT WINS A ROUND — POLITICO's D.C. Playbook has a scoop this morning that "a local TV station in Nevada took down a pro-CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO ad Tuesday after the National Republican Senatorial Committee complained it included "flagrantly false" information about the vulnerable senator's GOP challenger. In its first ad of the cycle, Senate Majority PAC ran a spot praising the Nevada Democrat and suggesting Republican ADAM LAXALT opposed the child tax credit, "relief" for Nevada's economy and lowering prescription drug costs for seniors. NRSC Chair RICK SCOTT wrote a memo to the stations airing the ad, refuting the points and threatening legal action. Fighting back — The CHUCK SCHUMER-aligned SMP, through prominent Democratic lawyer MARC ELIAS' law firm, wrote back to defend the ad's assertions. But one station's lawyers sided with Scott. "I have consulted with our attorneys and while this is a difficult decision, we will be pulling the ad as of tomorrow unless new documentation or information comes in that changes the course of our decision," an executive at Reno's CBS affiliate, KTVN 2 News, wrote to both parties. (The ad is still airing on other stations in Nevada.) | | | | JOIN TODAY FOR A PLAYBOOK INTERVIEW WITH SEN. MARK WARNER : President Joe Biden's ambitious domestic agenda is in political limbo as the White House tries to reach a deal among congressional Democrats to vote on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. Join Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza for a conversation with Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who helped write the bipartisan infrastructure bill, to discuss the fate of Biden's legislative agenda, including the more comprehensive reconciliation package as well as Virginia's tight gubernatorial race and what its outcome could mean for the Democratic Party. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | The daily rundown — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 2,024 Covid-19 infections on Monday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 2,323 beds were being used in the state for Covid-19 patients. THE DOCTOR WHO DOESN'T LIKE MASKS — " Florida surgeon general nominee explains why he refused to wear mask in meeting with lawmaker diagnosed with cancer," by POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian: In a statement posted on Twitter, surgeon general nominee Joseph Ladapo wrote that he meant no disrespect to state Sen. Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton) when he refused to wear a mask in her office in the state Capitol. He said he even offered to meet with Polsky outside. He refused to wear a mask, he continued, because face coverings make conversations difficult. "I attempted in good faith to find some way for us to communicate that would respect each of our preferences," Ladapo wrote in the statement. "Having a conversation with someone while wearing a mask is not something I find productive." CHANGED A LITTLE — "Broward County scales back its school mask mandate — but only for high schools," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: School leaders in Broward County relaxed their student mask mandate on Tuesday only for local high schools, leaving the district out of compliance with the DeSantis administration's rules against stringent face covering policies. The change, approved by a 5-3 school board vote, eases Covid-19 restrictions for one of Florida's largest school districts, yet still doesn't go far enough to end Broward County's ongoing fight with the state Department of Education. — " Leon superintendent adjusts mask rule, bringing district into compliance with DeSantis order," by Tallahassee Democrat's Ana Goñi-Lessan — "Orange schools superintendent to announce Thursday whether or not mask mandate expires Saturday," by Orlando Sentinel's Leslie Postal | | DATELINE D.C. | | | 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 14: United States Representative Matt Gaetz is seen at a #FreeBritney Rally at Stanley Mosk Courthouse on July 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Gaetz is currently drafting legislation to change current conservatorship laws. The group #FreeBritney is calling for an end to the 13-year conservatorship lead by the pop star's father, Jamie Spears and Jodi Montgomery, who have control over her finances and business dealings. Planned co-conservator Bessemer Trust is petitioning the court to resign from its position after Britney Spears spoke out in court about the conservatorship. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images) | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images | CHARGED — "Man arrested for allegedly threatening Matt Gaetz," by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein, Marc Caputo and Kyle Cheney: A man was arrested last week for allegedly making a death threat to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) earlier this year, just days after the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. Authorities arrested Eugene Huelsman last week in the Los Angeles area on an indictment returned in May by a federal grand jury in Pensacola, Fla., court records show. Federal prosecutors say that on Jan. 9, Huelsman called the office of someone described in the indictment solely as "M.G." and issued threats to him and his family. "Tell [M.G.] to watch his back, tell him to watch his children," Huelsman allegedly said, according to the indictment. "I'm coming for him… I'm gonna f---ing kill him... I'm gonna put a bullet in you and I'm gonna put a bullet in one of your f---ing kids too." YES, BUT — "Time change: Didn't Florida agree to do away with the whole clock-changing thing?" by The Daytona Beach News Journal's Ginny Beagan: "Fifteen states have enacted legislation to make daylight saving time year-round. The Sunshine State has been on the side of keeping longer daylight hours permanent since 2018 when U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the bill, called the 'Sunshine Protection Act.' The Florida Legislature almost unanimously voted for it. But it still hasn't happened. That's because the law requires congressional approval to take effect." | | | | A message from Florida Education Champions:   | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET? — "PSC approves FPL rate settlement as opponents criticize public counsel's role," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a settlement agreement providing for a four-year, $1.5 billion rate increase for Florida Power & Light Co. The PSC backed the deal between FPL and intervening groups including the Office of Public Counsel, the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Not everyone on board — But the deal still faces opposition from groups represented by the Earthjustice law firm and by Floridians Against Increased Rates Inc., which was formed in March after FPL announced it would seek a rate increase. Some critics aimed their criticism on Tuesday at Public Counsel Richard Gentry for agreeing to the deal. He replaced J. R. Kelly, who fought utility initiatives during his 14 years leading the office before resigning in January. TRANSITIONS — Savannah Kelly Jefferson is now director of external affairs for Gov. DeSantis. She most recently was director of communications at the Florida Hospital Association. Mara Gambineri, who had been external affairs director, is now deputy secretary for land and recreation at the Department of Environmental Protection. | | THE GUNSHINE STATE | | BACKUP — "Florida finds uncommon allies in gun law fight," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "Groups seeking stricter gun-control laws frequently have clashed with Republican leaders in Florida, a testing ground for National Rifle Association-backed legislation. But gun-control organizations --— and 16 states — are joining forces with the 'Gunshine State' to defend a Florida law that raised the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase rifles and other 'long guns.'" | | | | BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we've got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don't miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now. | | | | |
| | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | CLOSE TO THE END — "Will hurricane season end with a whimper? Watch La Niña, scientists warn," by Tampa Bay Times' Josh Fiallo : "There hasn't been much happening in the tropics since Hurricane Sam dissipated on Oct. 5. This is rare for the Atlantic in October. It's just the third time since 1995 the tropical Atlantic did not have a single active storm from Oct. 6 to Oct. 27, according to Colorado State Researcher Phil Klotzbach. It's also great news for Tampa Bay, which is most susceptible to tropical systems on the back end of a hurricane season that runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Does this mean the 2021 hurricane season coming to an early end?" | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | GOING, GOING, GONE? — "Florida is ditching palm trees to fight climate crisis," by CNN's Allison Chinchar: "When you think of Florida, beaches and palm trees come to mind. But what if those palm trees were slowly replaced with other trees? That could happen over time because of climate change, and communities in South Florida are trying to save the world from the climate crisis, one tree at a time. 'Palm trees do not sequester carbon at the same rate as our native canopy trees and do not provide shade, cool down streets and sidewalks to help counter the urban heat island effect that canopy trees do,' said Penni Redford, the Resilience and Climate Change Manager for West Palm Beach." 'EVERY POSSIBLE OPTION' — "U.S. deploying 'significant' assets to free Haiti hostages as Biden briefed daily on crisis," by Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charles and McClatchy DC's Michael Wilner: "The White House said Tuesday that President Joe Biden is directly engaged in an effort to rescue 17 missionaries, including five children, being held hostage by a gang in Haiti since they were kidnapped 11 days ago, and that 'every possible option' is on the table to secure their freedom. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Biden continues to be briefed daily on the hostage situation, which involves 16 Americans and a Canadian citizen who work for Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries." CONFRONTATION — " Government's crackdown intensifies in Cuba weeks ahead of a planned opposition march," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gámez Torres: "Cuban authorities have threatened organizers of a pro-democracy march called for November with legal charges, while conducting a vast security operation to intimidate ordinary Cubans who express support of the initiative or criticize the government on social media." | | | | A message from Florida Education Champions: Monopoly.
It's not just a board game, but a bad business practice that flies in the face of free market principles and competition.
When one entity owns and controls the market on any business, Floridians lose. And who else loses? In this case, Florida public education.
Florida Education Champions' amendment authorizes hundreds of millions of dollars generated by its passage and implementation to go directly to supplement Florida's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund – without raising taxes.
By signing the Florida Education Champions petition, you can demand the ballot question be asked to allow Floridians, 21 and older, to use their favorite online sports betting platforms and ensure any new revenue MUST go to increase education funding in Florida.
Competition. Free Market. More Options. Education Funding.
That's what will be on the November 2022 Florida ballot, with your help. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus planning 2023 comeback — without animals," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Jay Handelman: "The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which shut down in 2017 after a storied 146-year run of three-ring entertainment around the world, could be making a comeback. Officials from Ellenton-based Feld Entertainment, which owns the circus operation, said during a recent panel discussion for venue operators that a new version of the circus without animals is expected to make its debut in 2023. Many observers believe that animal rights protests targeting Ringling Bros. contributed to a decline in ticket sales that led the company to cease operations." — "Monkey sanctuary could be beginning of end for decades-old Dania Beach colony. They would be safer, fed — and sterilized," by Sun Sentinel's David Fleshler: "A colony of wild monkeys in Dania Beach soon may get a permanent home, complete with fences, medical care and regular meals. But the creation of a monkey sanctuary east of the Fort Lauderdale airport may mark the beginning of the end of a bizarre wildlife population that has survived on a wedge of swampy forest for more than 70 years." BIRTHDAYS: Matt Drudge … Bryan Glazer, co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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