| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Good Wednesday morning. Ring — The morning after the notice landed in his email, Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ caucus, was on the phone with the executive director of the Florida Democratic Party. He was trying to figure out why Democrats had booked a Disney World resort for their big annual fundraiser. What's going on? — Gaskill had raised alarm bells the minute he saw the initial announcement Monday night that the "Leadership Blue" convention and gala would be held at Coronado Springs in June. He said he was "pissed" and immediately started texting both Manny Diaz, the party chair, and Marcus Dixon, the party executive director. No answers — Gaskill told POLITICO that a call with Dixon didn't solve the mystery. "I can't say I gleaned any information as to the rationale why it and when it is happening," Gaskill said. His organization then decided to announce a boycott of the upcoming fundraiser, calling party leadership "tone deaf" and telling them to "read the room." He said there was no way LGBTQ Democrats would go to Disney amid the continued backlash the company is getting over its handling of Florida's recently passed "Parental Rights in Education" bill — the measure dubbed the "don't say gay" bill by its critics. Ripple effects — The decision by the LGBTQ Caucus to boycott the event led Florida's lone statewide Democrat — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried — to follow suit. Rep. Charlie Crist, who is running for governor, also suggested the party move the event. By Tuesday night, Diaz and FDP leaders scrapped it and said the party would choose a new venue — and a different date. (The days selected for the party conference also coincided with Pride Month events and Juneteenth.) Response — Gaskill did praise party leaders for changing their minds: "While it may seem like a family squabble that spilled into the street, this situation underscores that the many groups, organizations and individuals that make up the FDP can pull together when the cause is right," he said in a statement. "We appreciate FDP's willingness to listen and change course." Warning sign? — The whole incident was an "unforced error," as one Democratic consultant put it, that put donors and candidates in an "impossible position." And of course, Republicans — who are also clashing with Disney — reacted gleefully from the sidelines. The sequence of events, however, could also be seen as another reminder that Democrats remain disorganized and ill-prepared as they head into what is shaping up to be a GOP wave in Florida in the fall. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing officially announced for Gov. DeSantis. THE COUNT: It's been 19 days since the Florida Legislature approved a new congressional map but it still hasn't been sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has promised to veto the map. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
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REGISTER HERE. | | | | | |  | DRIVING THE DAY | | 'NOT IDEAL' — "Florida Dems back down after LGBTQ caucus threatens boycott of annual gala amid Disney dust-up ," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: The Florida Democratic Party late Tuesday night abruptly scrapped plans to hold its biggest annual fundraiser at Disney World after the party's LBGTQ caucus and other top Democrats threatened to boycott the event amid the fight over controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation. Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz, confronting a mounting crisis, acknowledged that he had heard the "feedback" about holding its "leadership Blue" gala at Disney's Coronado Springs resort, which was blasted as "tone deaf" and led to a growing chorus of opposition. The party had announced the location of a gala on Monday. Response — "Our timing was not ideal," Diaz said in a statement. "We also acknowledge that in our fight for freedom and fairness, we can always do more. In that spirit, the Florida Democratic Party will choose new dates and venues to hold Leadership Blue. MEANWHILE — " Disney employees stage walkout over Florida's 'don't say gay' bill," by Orlando Sentinel's Katie Rice: "About 100 Walt Disney Co. employees in California walked out of work Tuesday to protest the company's response to the so-called "don't say gay" bill approved by the Florida Legislature two weeks ago. The Los Angeles Times reported the demonstrators gathered outside the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank to show support of LGBTQ+ coworkers and their families. Video taken by a CNBC producer showed dozens of people, identified as Disney employees, marching outside the property chanting, "say gay!" But in Orlando, an apparent lone protester held a sign outside an entrance to Walt Disney World, wearing a rainbow mask and waving a sign that read, "Trans rights are human rights." — "DeSantis says he will soon sign so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill, again criticizes Disney," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson DIVING IN — "DeSantis rails against NCAA over transgender athlete," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday slammed the NCAA for allowing a transgender swimmer to compete for and win a women's championship, continuing the Republican governor's attack on corporations and organizations over their positions on LGBTQ policies. In criticizing the organization over Lia Thomas, the University of Pennsylvania's athlete, DeSantis has joined the cast of conservatives who have railed against the NCAA over its stance on transgender athletes. Transgender women have been allowed to compete in women's categories in the Olympics since 2003 and the NCAA since 2010. — "Critics of Rocky Hanna read aloud 'Don't Say Gay' bill in full at Leon school board meeting," by Tallahassee Democrat's Ana Goñi-Lessan | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS? FLORIDA CABINET-STYLE — It's been six months since Gov. Ron DeSantis and the three statewide elected officials who make up the Florida Cabinet have held a full meeting. They are finally scheduled to get together next week but they won't be considering several topics that were suggested by Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. Let's talk about this — Fried's office says it asked DeSantis to schedule agenda items dealing with the state's homeowner's insurance crisis, affordable housing, divestment of $300 million worth of Russian assets from the state pension plan, and condominium inspections. Not completely on point but — Not all of those items fit within the purview of the Cabinet. But the governor and Cabinet do oversee the Office of Insurance Regulation and the hiring and or firing of the insurance commissioner. OIR officials are scheduled to go before the Cabinet next week, but only to discuss proposed rules for the agency. This meeting comes amid some insurers going under, homeowners getting hit with rate hikes and the state's insurer of last resort continuing to grow bigger and bigger. Also not being discussed — The agenda for next week's meeting also includes several items from the State Board of Administration — which oversees Florida's nearly $200 billion pension plan — but nothing on Russia. (DeSantis and two other Cabinet meetings act as the SBA board. Fried is not a member but she usually remains in the room when SBA items are discussed.) Both Fried and Rep. Charlie Crist — two candidates challenging DeSantis — have called on Florida to divest about $300 million in assets it has with Russia-based companies. No response — The governor's office did not respond to a question on why the items requested by Fried were not considered. — "Florida teachers will get pay raises July 1. But how much and who can expect them?" by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos — "Move over March Madness, it's veto season," by Florida Politics' Christine Jordan Sexton — " DeSantis signs bill requiring a financial literacy course for graduation," by News Service of Florida — "' Not what I planned to do': Stargel finishes influential career in Florida Legislature," by The Ledger's Gary White
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | JUMPING IN — "Frederica Wilson gets primary challenge from former Miami-Dade chair Audrey Edmonson," by Miami Herald's Douglas Hanks and Bianca Padró Ocasio: "Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami, faces a primary challenge this year from a well-known Miami politician in Florida's heavily Democratic 24th District after former Miami-Dade County commissioner Audrey Edmonson joined the race Tuesday. 'The fact of the matter is, our District 24 congresswoman has failed her constituents, the needs of the district, and of our state,' she said of the 79-year-old congresswoman who was a frequent ally during Edmonson's tenure as a county commissioner representing part of Wilson's district. 'I take no pleasure in challenging her, as we agree on most issues.'" CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP — The voting rights group End Citizens United/Let America Vote Today — which spent more than $60 million to help candidates in 2020 — announced on Tuesday it was endorsing Rep. Val Demings in her race for U.S. Senate against Sen. Marco Rubio ... Senate President Wilton Simpson, who is running for agriculture commissioner this fall, was endorsed Tuesday by the Florida Forestry Association … John Etienne, who had been digital organizing director for Nikki Fried's campaign for governor since last November, is moving to Washington, D.C., to take over digital fundraising efforts for the House Majority PAC … State Rep. Michele Rayner , who is running for Florida's 13th Congressional District, announced the endorsements of several local officials, including two members of the St. Petersburg City Council … Lakeland-based United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625 endorsed Rep. Charlie Crist for governor. The union represents more than 15,000 workers, including 5,000 local Disney employees… Former State Rep. Jared Moskowitz has racked up more than 60 endorsements for his congressional campaign, including a dozen new ones on Tuesday from several Democratic state senators as well as Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor. — " Rusty Roberts, Mica's longtime chief of staff, enters crowded congressional race," by Orlando Sentinel's Skyler Swisher — "Orlando-area 'Queen of Versailles' will fundraise for Rachel Plakon ," by Florida Politics' Scott Powers — "DeSantis tipped balance in Tampa Bay state Senate race. Is it a trend?" by Tampa Bay Times' Romy Ellenbogen and Emily L. Mahoney
| | | | DON'T MISS POLITICO'S INAUGURAL HEALTH CARE SUMMIT ON 3/31: Join POLITICO for a discussion with health care providers, policymakers, federal regulators, patient representatives, and industry leaders to better understand the latest policy and industry solutions in place as we enter year three of the pandemic. Panelists will discuss the latest proposals to overcome long-standing health care challenges in the U.S., such as expanding access to care, affordability, and prescription drug prices. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | DATELINE D.C. | | DAY 2 — "Supreme Court nominee Jackson defends her record as judge, public defender in marathon hearing," by Washington Post's Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner, Mariana Alfaro, Eugene Scott and Amy B Wang: "Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson defended her record as a federal public defender and district court judge on her second day of confirmation hearings for a seat on the Supreme Court. Tuesday's proceedings stretched past 10 p.m. — more than 13 hours after they began. At one point toward the hearing's end, in response to questioning by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jackson grew emotional as she paid tribute to her parents and grandparents and spoke about the difficult decisions she has had to make as a working mother."
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Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson arrives for her confirmation hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on Tuesday. | Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images | 'A TESTAMENT TO THE HOPE' — "Jackson's family: Miami segregation to precipice of Supreme Court in 'one generation,'" by Miami Herald's Bryan Lowry: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson reflected Tuesday how within "one generation" her family has gone from experiencing segregation in Miami's public schools to her potential confirmation as the first Floridian on the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson's reflection on her Miami roots and the city's civil rights history stemmed from a question about a speech she delivered in 2020 at the University of Chicago School of Law in which she quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." 'I AM FLORIDA PROUD' — " Florida Senate candidate Val Demings slams GOP criticism of historic Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson: 'I'm familiar with the attacks,'" by Insider's Kimberly Leonard: "Democratic Rep. Val Demings slammed Republicans on Tuesday for their attacks on President Joe Biden's historic nominee to the Supreme Court, saying she understands the type of scrutiny Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson faces. 'I served as the first woman police chief in Orlando,' said Demings, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Senate in Florida to unseat GOP Sen. Marco Rubio. 'I'm familiar with the attacks. But when I was the police chief I was prepared to serve my community and nothing was going to stop me from that,' she added." — " Tampa Bay's Christopher Hill confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Serbia," by Tampa Bay Times' Romy Ellenbogen — " GOP Rep. John Rutherford of Florida bought Raytheon stock the same day Russia invaded Ukraine," by Insider's Kimberly Leonard
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | BACKLASH — "'Only emergency is that Black people are on the Beach.' Critics blast spring break curfew," by Miami Herald's David Ovalle and Charles Rabin: "Miami Beach, using the standard of 'clear and present danger of a riot or other general public disorder,' has previously employed such declarations for hurricanes, a global pandemic and the catastrophic collapse of a condo tower in neighboring Surfside. So the decision to elevate spring break crowd control into a community emergency has earned quick backlash from critics who charged that city leaders are overreacting, again, to large — mostly Black — crowds that have mostly been peaceful so far during this year's gathering." Response — "'The only emergency is that Black people are on the Beach,' said Stephen Hunter Johnson, a member of Miami-Dade's Black Advisory Board, adding: 'I don't understand how this town has been doing spring break for at least 25 years and can't figure it out.' Michael Grieco, a state lawmaker and former Miami Beach commissioner, also said the step was heavy-handed: 'The state of emergency is an abuse of governmental power, and it scares the crap out of me.'" — "' We're not as wild and crazy': As Miami Beach enacts Spring Break curfew, Fort Lauderdale embraces different vibe," by Sun Sentinel's Brooke Baitinger and Susannah Bryan TO COURT — "' Toxic lead': How a lawsuit could curb hunting, fishing in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge," by Tallahassee Democrat's Karl Etters: "A Montana lawsuit aims to roll back expanded hunting and fishing opportunities in eight National Wildlife Refuges, including two in Florida, on the claims that recreationalists introduce lead into the landscape which harms wildlife that lives there. The November lawsuit was filed by the conservation group Center for Biological Diversity in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana Missoula Division. It looks to pull back the expansion by the Trump administration of recreational opportunities on 2.3 million acres of land in dozens of refuges." RULING — "Prohibited tourism': Miami judge deals major blow to cruise companies that traveled to Cuba," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gámez Torres: "In a consequential ruling Monday night, a Miami federal judge said four major cruise lines with South Florida ties — Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises — engaged in 'prohibited tourism' and 'trafficking activities' by carrying passengers to Cuba and profiting from the use of Havana port facilities confiscated by the Fidel Castro-led government, the first decision of its kind that could affect similar lawsuits. "By using the Terminal and one of its piers in various ways, Carnival, MSC SA, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian committed trafficking acts," U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom concluded." — "USF chooses a new president: Rhea Law," by Tampa Bay Times' Divya Kumar
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Deputies: Man mauled by tiger at Florida airboat attraction," by The Associated Press: "A tiger mauled a worker Tuesday afternoon at a Florida airboat attraction, officials said. The attack occurred at Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours in Ochopee, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office. According to Wooten's website, the attraction includes an animal sanctuary that features two tigers, two lions, otters, turtles, crocodiles and alligators. A caretaker was feeding a tiger in its enclosure when another worker who wasn't authorized to be with the tiger entered the enclosure, deputies said. The tiger attacked the 50-year-old man and caused injuries to both of his arms, officials said." BIRTHDAYS: Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel … State Sen. Kelli Stargel | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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