News : POLITICO Florida Playbook: Florida's gun law and D.C. dysfunction

Monday, June 6, 2022

POLITICO Florida Playbook: Florida's gun law and D.C. dysfunction

Jun 06, 2022

Hello and welcome to Monday. It's the 78th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy.

The Sunshine way — Could Florida be the model for a bipartisan solution on gun violence in Washington D.C.?

Florida law cited — Sen. Chris Murphy, the Connecticut Democrat involved in negotiations over a possible federal bill, on Sunday name-checked the four-year old Florida law passed in the aftermath of the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where 17 people — including 14 students — were killed.

GOP backed — Murphy noted that the law was passed by a Republican Legislature and signed by then-Gov. Rick Scott. He told CNN's Jake Tapper that it is the "kind of passage that I think can pass the Senate." He also added that "we have to make the case for Republicans right now that this is good politics."

What it did — The legislation from 2018 was multifaceted, but it raised the age to buy a rifle to 21, created a three-day waiting period on purchases, and put in place a "red flag" measure that allows law enforcement to ask a judge for permission to temporarily seize guns from someone deemed a danger to themselves or others. Legislators also poured in money for mental health and school resource officers, as well as create a "guardian" program that allows armed individuals to be on school campuses.

What's happened — More than 8,000 final risk protection aka "red flag" orders have been issued by judges since the 2018 law went into effect, according to the state courts administrator's office.

Going to the scene — Jared Moskowitz, a former Democratic state legislator deeply involved in the push for the law, said in an interview that a key part in getting legislation passed was making sure Republican leaders realized the scope of the Parkland tragedy. Top legislators visited the site in person within days of the mass shooting. "They saw what it looked like when there were bullet holes in the windows, there were backpacks stacked outside, there was pools of blood outside the doors," he said.

Lots of no votes — It is important to note that the legislation passed by Florida Republicans was not an easy lift. The bill barely cleared the state Senate, and while it passed the state House by a wider margin, the measure was opposed by Democrats who said it was too weak of a response and Republicans who considered it an infringement on gun rights. Two GOP legislators who voted no are now sitting in the U.S. House. Ron DeSantis, back when he was running for governor, said he would not have signed the bill into law. It's not clear that Scott or Sen. Marco Rubio would vote for a bill modeled after the Florida law.

A compromise? — Moskowitz said enough legislators put aside politics and a consensus emerged. He added that even though Scott didn't agree with everything in the bill "he too realized that even if it wasn't good for him politically, how was he going to tell 17 families we are not going to do anything?" He added that "if it can happen in Florida, it can happen in Texas, it can happen in D.C. It requires Democrats and Republicans to figure out what's possible."

— WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis.

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DRIVING THE DAY

A PATH FORWARD? — "Murphy calls Florida gun law the 'right one' as senators negotiate federal legislation ," by POLITICO's Brianna Crummy: The senators at the helm of negotiating gun legislation are looking to the Florida law passed in 2018 after the school shooting in Parkland as a potential blueprint for the nation, Sen. Chris Murphy said Sunday. Murphy (D-Conn.) said on CNN's "State of the Union" that the bill passed by a Republican legislature and signed into law by then-Republican Gov. Rick Scott has elements that senators are considering as they look to pass gun legislation following a school shooting that took place in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers.

— "Gun control advocates call on Marco Rubio to join their fight to end gun violence," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Brooke Baitinger

— " Gov. DeSantis finally comments at length on Buffalo, Uvalde, Parkland and Columbine mass shootings," by Florida Phoenix's Danielle J. Brown

— " Florida mayors urge Senate to pass gun safety bills after Uvalde, Buffalo mass shootings," by USA Today Network-Florida

CAMPAIGN MODE

COMING ATTRACTIONS — "Trump on the brink?" by NBC News Jonathan Allen: "Former President Donald Trump is bored at Mar-a-Lago and anxious to get back in the political arena — as a candidate, not a kingmaker — according to his advisers, who are divided over whether he should launch a third bid for the presidency as early as this summer. While many Trump confidants believe he should wait until after November's midterm elections — and caution that he has not yet made a final decision about running — some say he could move more quickly to harness supporters and deny fuel to the busload of GOP hopefuls in his rearview mirror."

Donald Trump speaks into a microphone at a rally.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a rally on May 28, 2022 in Casper, Wyoming. The rally is being held to support Harriet Hageman, Rep. Liz Cheney's primary challenger in Wyoming. | Chet Strange/Getty Images

BUT WAIT, WAIT — "DeSantis tops Trump overall, gets close among Republicans only: Nevada poll," by Newsweek's Natalie Colarossi: "A new poll asking Nevada voters to rate prominent politicians found that Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is generally favored over former President Donald Trump. The survey, conducted by the University of Nevada-Reno, asked voters to rate politicians such as Trump, DeSantis, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris on a scale of zero to 100, with a higher number reflecting a more favorable opinion. Overall DeSantis received a score of 48, compared to Trump with 42. However, the Florida governor trailed Trump when it came to just Republican voters, receiving a score of 69, versus Trump's 73."

— "Trump loses to DeSantis in 2024 straw poll at Conservative Summit – again," by Newsweek's Jason Lemon

MEANWHILE — " Look who's placing ads to support Iowa GOP: Trump and other potential 2024 contenders," by Fox News' Paul Steinhauser: "At the top of the list is former President Donald Trump, who 16 months removed from the White House remains the most popular and influential politician in the GOP as he repeatedly flirts with making another national run in 2024. Trump's Save America PAC placed their large ad in the tabloid's centerfold position. Also paying to have their ads appear in the tabloid, which can be found on the Iowa GOP's website, are former Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, through his CAVPAC; and Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Tim Scott of South Carolina, through their Senate reelection committees."

JUMPING IN — "Bean officially launches bid for Congress," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Republican Florida Sen. Aaron Bean on Friday announced his long-anticipated bid for a newly-drawn Jacksonville-area congressional district. Bean's move sets up what's likely to be a bruising primary with state Rep. Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville), who has already filed to run for the 4th Congressional District, which includes portions of Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.

Sen. Aaron Bean speaks during session in Tallahassee, Fla.

Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, closes on his sponsored bill to allow electronic prescriptions during session Wednesday May 1, 2019, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon) | AP Photo/Steve Cannon

WEEKEND OUTING — "Gov. Ron DeSantis visits last night of Gulf Coast Jam," by WMBB's Jake Holter: "Over 20,000 people a day attended the festival. But tonight's headliner, Brooks and Dunn, wasn't the biggest name there, Governor Ron DeSantis made an appearance for the second year in a row speaking to the crowd for a few minutes. 'This state is free because we've led and we've made the decisions to keep it free,' Gov. DeSantis said. 'That can change very quickly with each of these elections so what I want to ask all of you to do is join our efforts this November to keep this state free.'"

CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP — Rep. Charlie Crist, the Democratic frontrunner in the governor's race, on Monday picked up the endorsement of the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club, the environmental advocacy group that has 240,000 members in the state. "We believe that Charlie Crist is the only candidate in this race that can defeat Ron DeSantis, take action to protect our environment and confront the ongoing climate crisis," Luigi Guadarrama, political director of Sierra Club Florida, said in a statement. … Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on Sunday endorsed former state Rep. Jared Moskowitz in his bid for Florida's 23rd Congressional District. Cava praised Moskowitz for his work pushing gun legislation in the aftermath of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and his work as Florida's emergency management director when he was part of the DeSantis administration.

— "Florida's Democratic gubernatorial candidates are debating how many debates to have," by Steve Bosquet for WFSU

... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ...

SECOND CHANCE — "Gov. DeSantis expected to name Renatha Francis to Florida Supreme Court after 2020 bid was derailed ," by Palm Beach Post's Jane Musgrave: "Two years after Florida Supreme Court justices blocked Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Renatha Francis from joining their ranks, she is widely viewed as a shoo-in for the latest opening on the state's highest court. While a judicial nominating commission Monday will begin interviewing the 17 candidates who applied to replace retiring Justice Alan Lawson, most legal observers agree that the exercise is just window-dressing. 'I would be very surprised if (Gov. Ron DeSantis) doesn't pick her,' said Robert Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University."

'MOST PEOPLE HAVE HAD IT BY NOW' — "Special Olympics reverses vaccine requirement after Florida threatens $27.5 million fine," by POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian: The Special Olympics reversed its Covid-19 vaccine mandate for upcoming competitions in Orlando after Florida threatened event organizers with a $27.5 million fine over the requirement. The Special Olympics issued a statement on Friday saying it will lift its mandate as directed by state officials on May 27 "based upon the Florida Department of Health's interpretation of Florida law."

— " Top lawmakers passed DeSantis' priorities. It didn't save their Tampa Bay priorities," by Tampa Bay Times Emily L. Mahoney

— "Gov. DeSantis' vetoes slash Senate's sprinkle list, goes light on House's ," by Florida Politics' Gray Rohrer

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DATELINE D.C.

THE NEXT STEPS — "Jan. 6 committee's private divide," by Axios's Jonathan Swan and Hans Nichols: "Jan. 6 committee members have privately discussed other potential legislative recommendations, though nothing has been decided. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) has argued for legislation to improve coordination among intelligence and security agencies, similar to what happened after 9/11, according to a source with direct knowledge. Murphy has also argued the committee should explore strengthening sentencing and punishment for seditious conspiracy and insurrection."

HMM — " Rick Scott says 'rich kid' Joe Biden doesn't understand inflation," by Florida Politics A.G. Gancarski : "U.S. Sen. Rick Scott took questions from the Fox and Friends weekend crew Sunday, revisiting inflation with some new material to hammer the President. Scott — the richest man in the U.S. Senate — posited that 'rich kid' Joe Biden doesn't understand inflation because he's out of touch with the working class. 'We've got Biden at the beach,' he complained. 'And we've got people who moved to Florida to enjoy the beach going back to work. You can't make this stuff up.'"

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

A SUMMER WAVE? — "COVID Comeback: Much of Florida at high risk of straining hospitals; indoor masks urged," by Palm Beach Post's Chris Persaud: "The latest wave of COVID-19 infections, driven by omicron subvariants of the coronavirus, has surged so much that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people in most of central and southern Florida should mask up while indoors. The CDC's 'COVID-19 Community Levels' system says the disease has a high risk of straining hospitals in much of Florida, including its east coast south of St. Johns County; Alachua County; counties along Interstate 4; and the parts of Interstate 75 stretching from Tampa Bay through Sarasota County."

PENINSULA AND BEYOND

FLORIDA MAN — "Palm Beach County 'lib' accused of threatening to use 'second amendment tool' against conservative Congresswoman Boebert," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Rafael Olmeda: "A Palm Beach County man is facing federal charges for making online threats against Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, a conservative darling known for her unwavering support of the Second Amendment and the 45th president. Officials say Matthew Lee Comiskey made several posts on Twitter last summer threatening violence against Boebert. 'I got my second amendment tool all ready to destroy Lauren's face,' he allegedly wrote in one post. 'Hopefully in front of her kids.'"

SIGNALS — " Radio Mambi is sold to new media group with ties to national Democrats," by Miami Herald's Bianca Padró Ocasio: "Two Latina entrepreneurs — backed by a slew of investors — have negotiated a $60 million deal with TelevisaUnivision to buy 18 Spanish-language radio stations across 10 U.S. cities, including Miami's Radio Mambi, a fixture of South Florida's conservative Cuban community. The massive buy is the first for the newly created Latino Media Network, a Latina-owned and operated media company that has raised close to $80 million, a figure the group says amounts to the largest capital raised by a Latina-led startup in U.S. history."

WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? — "Did Florida's adoption system fail Jupiter teen forced to live in a locked garage room?" by Palm Beach Post's Katherine Kokal: "This dearth of support is playing out in Jupiter, where an adopted 14-year-old and the teen's siblings are now in the custody of the state as their parents face aggravated child abuse and false imprisonment charges. Both have pleaded not guilty. Timothy and Tracy Ferriter were arrested Feb. 8 after police found evidence they locked their adopted child in an 8-by-8-foot garage room for up to 18 hours at a time. The family had adopted the teen, who told police they were physically assaulted by their parents, just before the child turned 2 years old."

SWAMPED — "Cars stalled. Fish swam: Scenes from South Florida neighborhoods after the heavy rain," by Miami Herald's Joey Flechas and Jimena Tavel: "Cars were marooned in the middle of Brickell's waterlogged streets. A county worker stayed up all night filling trash bags with debris collected from clogged storm drains in west Miami-Dade. Neighbors in Pompano Beach cruised down the street on paddleboards. Fish swam up through the a parking garage's storm drain at a condo near Miami Shores. A tropical disturbance has dumped nine to 11 inches of rain across South Florida, flooding neighborhoods from the coast to the edge of the Everglades. The soggier side of this hurricane season's first potential tropical cyclone started to soak the region Friday and continued through a dreary Saturday."

— "Tampa's Ann Turner Cook, the original Gerber baby, dies at 95," by The Associated Press

— " Investors say Miami crypto whiz kid took them to the cleaners," by Miami Herald's Allie Pitchon

— "Broward School District banning backpacks for final three days of school year ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Wells Dusenbury

— "Miami-Dade schools to ask voters to pay more for teachers and school safety," by Miami-Herald's Sommer Brugal

— "Fences dramatically cut suicide at Tampa Bay's Skyway Bridge," by Bradenton Herald's Jessica De Leon

ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN

— "Most, but not all, Rays show their LGBTQ+ support," by Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin: "In an effort to make their commitment more visible, the Rays this year decided to follow the lead of the Giants and add rainbow-colored logos to their Pride Night uniforms, to the 'TB' on their caps and a sunburst on their right jersey sleeves. In doing so, the team learned that not all players wanted to be included. No exact breakdown was provided, but well more than half the players appeared to participate. Pitchers Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson were among those who did not, electing to peel off the burst logo and wear the standard hat. Adam, chosen by team officials to speak for the players who opted out, said it was primarily a matter of religious beliefs and not wanting to encourage the 'behavior' of those in the LGBTQ+ community."

— "The Fugitive Next Door," by Greg Donahue for The Atavist Magazine: "For the previous 35 years, Tim Brown had been living a carefully constructed lie. He wasn't just an aging retiree with a passion for aviation. In fact, he wasn't Tim Brown at all. His real name was Howard Farley Jr., and law enforcement alleged that he'd been the leader of one of the largest drug-trafficking rings in Nebraska history. As he was placed under arrest, a wry grin spread across his face. 'I had mentally prepared myself for being caught,' he would later say. 'When it happened, with men pointing guns at me, the only thing to do was smile.'"

BIRTHDAYS: Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez … former Rep. Allen Boyd … former state Sen. Paula Dockery … Cathy Schroeder, deputy staff director for Florida Senate Democratic office