| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the University of Central Florida | Hello and good Friday morning. Iowa bound — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, fresh off a stop in Alabama, touches down in his first early state on Friday as the hype about his looming presidential run remains an ever-growing roar. Hitting the road — It’s self-evident that he’s running, with each day bringing more signs that the pieces of a potential campaign are being put in place. The visit on Friday to Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa, will be followed by a trip to Las Vegas on Saturday. Visits to New Hampshire and Ohio are in the works too. Building it out — Adding to the buzz on Thursday was news that former Virginia attorney general and Trump administration official Ken Cuccinelli has started an organization called Never Back Down aimed at boosting DeSantis. In his video, Cuccinelli asks DeSantis to run for president and says that “America’s future is Ron DeSantis.” Fox News reported that the organization would have the “governor’s blessing” should he wind up running. Side note — The organization has been billed as a super PAC. It’s not operating as such. Instead it’s limiting donations — which are going officially to a newly formed committee called Run, Ron, Run — to $3,300 it says that any money raised will be forwarded onto a DeSantis presidential campaign account should he run. The camera eye — DeSantis’ first visit to Iowa appears destined to get a lot of national attention as many are keen to see how his sometimes grumpy persona and distaste for glad-handing will go over. His stop comes just a few days before former President Donald Trump is scheduled to drop by. So the race is underway with or without an official kickoff by DeSantis. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will be in Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa where he will be promoting his book and “The Florida Blueprint” at stops that will also feature Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. 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 University of Central Florida: UCF is unleashing the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world. With our research, innovative approaches and powerful talent pipeline, we’re focused on solving the state’s problems in engineering, immersive technologies, energy, and healthcare by meeting the demand for Florida’s critical jobs and attracting new industry. That’s why UCF has been ranked a “Top 20 Most Innovative University” (U.S. News & World Report) for 5 years. See how UCF propels Florida’s prosperity. | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | OTHER VIEWS — Don’t Be Fooled’: Why leading GOPers are taking aim at both Trump and DeSantis, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin: As Gov. Ron DeSantis heads to Iowa Friday for what’s effectively the start of his presidential bid, his initial strength with Republican contributors and voters alike is prompting the other would-be candidates to divide or at least pair their attacks. With former President Donald Trump appearing to have an unshakable core of support, and the nature of the primary shaping up to be who can emerge as the strongest alternative to him, the rest of the potential field plainly feels pressure to dislodge DeSantis from his early perch as that candidate. — DeSantis is leapfrogging Trump among grassroots leaders, by Seth Masket for POLITICO Magazine |  PINELLAS PARK, FLORIDA - MARCH 08: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets people during an event spotlighting his newly released book, “The Courage To Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint For America’s Revival” at the Orange County Choppers Road House & Museum on March 08, 2023 in Pinellas Park, Florida. Gov. DeSantis is reportedly preparing to run in the 2024 presidential election. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) | Getty Images |
HEARTLAND — “Ron DeSantis faces his first major Iowa test in dueling events with Trump,” by NBC News’ Jonathan Allen and Allen Smith: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enters the first crucible of the 2024 GOP presidential primary campaign Friday, with Donald Trump looming right over his shoulder. Trump and DeSantis, first and second in national polling of the Republican presidential primary race, will nearly cross paths in Davenport, on the edge of the Mississippi River: DeSantis in his first trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state as a prospective candidate on Friday, and Trump, on Monday, in his first visit since he announced his campaign last year. The split screen of the two heavyweights signals the unofficial start of the Iowa caucuses.”
— “DeSantis indicates privately he intends to run in 2024 as allies prepare,” by Washington Post’s Hannah Knowles and Isaac Stanley-Becker — “Florida Democrats warn Iowa against Ron DeSantis ahead of early 2024 campaign stops,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski RESPONSE — Florida prosecutor says DeSantis coming after her because she’s a Democrat, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: A Central Florida prosecutor whose handling of a recent mass shooting case was questioned by Gov. Ron DeSantis snapped back on Thursday, contending that she was being called out because she is a Democrat who “is not politically aligned with his philosophy.” State Attorney Monique Worrell also said that facts “don’t matter” to DeSantis and Sen. Rick Scott, who has openly called for Worrell to be removed from office. — “Ron DeSantis’ memoir sold more copies in its first week than books by Donald Trump, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton,” by Insider’s Kimberly Leonard — “Social video site favored by conservatives just moved to Florida. DeSantis is ‘thrilled,’” by Bradenton Herald’s Ryan Callihan
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | REJECTED — Federal appeals court blocks Florida subpoena in Medicaid gender dysphoria lawsuit, by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian: A federal appeals court has given the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association and other medical groups a temporary reprieve from an extensive subpoena filed by Florida’s Medicaid regulator in a lawsuit challenging a ban on gender-affirming care. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a ruling late Wednesday night that granted the medical advocacy boards an emergency halt to a subpoena filed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration that sought records that show the internal process used to adopt guidelines for gender-affirming care. NO SALE — “Despite DeSantis support, lawmakers exclude open carry from gun legislation,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Romy Ellenbogen: “While Gov. Ron DeSantis was recorded by a pro-gun group last week saying he was in support of permitless open carry, legislative leaders have stayed firm that the measure will only apply to the concealed carry of guns. DeSantis has said he won’t veto the bill just because it may not include ‘everything I want.’” HAPPENING TODAY — The Florida Ethics Commission will decide whether to drop a case against former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried over how she disclosed how much lobbying money she made prior to taking office in early 2019. After getting elected, Fried amended her financial disclosure reports to show she received more money than previously reported, which prompted a Leon County Republican Party official to file an ethics complaint against her. The commission initially found probable cause in December 2021 when Fried — who is now chair of the Florida Democratic Party — was still running for governor. But now an attorney who works for the commission is recommending that the case be dismissed after Fried’s attorney presented statements from lawyers and accountants who worked for Fried explaining how the mistake happened. — “Ron DeSantis’ political future becomes flashpoint in permitless carry debate,” by Florida Politics’ Gray Rohrer THE LIST — “Florida GOP lawmakers take aim at defining sex and gender,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello and Jeffrey Schweers: “Republican bills aimed at preventing transgender children from transitioning have led to a firestorm of criticism from Democrats and the LQBTQ community. One proposal would allow the state to take a child away from a parent even ‘at risk’ of doing so. But in this year’s legislative session, the issue is just one part of a larger GOP focus on defining sex and gender in general.” — “Drafted local bill would take away control of GRU away from City Commission,” by The Gainesville Sun’s Andrew Caplan — “Florida Republicans are prepping changes to local election laws and school board races,” by WFSU’s Lynn Hatter — “House panel ‘likes’ TikTok ban, restrictions on social media, cell phones in schools,” by Florida Politics’ Jesse Scheckner — “A woman takes on Florida’s ‘two-strikes’ law to free her life-sentenced fiancé,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Douglas Soule — “As state ‘unwinds’ Medicaid, lawmakers eye expanding eligibility for Florida KidCare,” by Florida Politics’ Christine Jordan Sexton — Florida medical marijuana telehealth bill sails through first stop, by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian
| | | | A message from the University of Central Florida:   | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | LOOMING — “Prosecutors signal criminal charges for Trump are likely,” by The New York Times’ William K. Rashbaum, Ben Protess and Jonah E. Bromwich: “The Manhattan district attorney’s office recently signaled to Donald J. Trump’s lawyers that he could face criminal charges for his role in the payment of hush money to a porn star, the strongest indication yet that prosecutors are nearing an indictment of the former president, according to four people with knowledge of the matter. The prosecutors offered Mr. Trump the chance to testify next week before the grand jury that has been hearing evidence in the potential case, the people said.” THE COLLECTOR — Trump can’t help but show off his letters from Kim Jong Un in his new book, by POLITICO’s Meridith McGraw: Donald Trump’s letters with Kim Jong Un were both historic and politically consequential, sparking major debates about nuclear diplomacy and presidential record retention practices. For the former president, they were also essential reading for his new book. The letters are one of many that Trump shares in “Letters to Trump” — a collection of exchanges that he had in his business and political lives. But the Kim exchange may be among the most fascinating, in large part because their relations were one of the more bizarre — and high stakes — aspects of his time in the White House.
| | THE GUNSHINE STATE | | UPHELD TWICE NOW — Florida law passed after Parkland upheld by federal appeals court, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: A federal appeals court has upheld a Florida gun law that was enacted just weeks after the Parkland massacre that left 17 people dead. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta rejected a lawsuit from the National Rifle Association that challenged the part of the law that banned the sale of firearms to anyone under the age of 21. From the ruling — “Tragically, under-21-year-old gunmen continue to intentionally target others—now, with disturbing regularity, in schools,” wrote U.S. Circuit Judge Robin S. Rosenbaum, who was appointed by President Barack Obama. “So along with math, English, and science, schoolchildren must become proficient in running, hiding, and fighting armed gunmen in schools. Their lives depend upon it. But state governments have never been required to stand idly by and watch the carnage rage.” Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), who attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas and gave an emotional speech about the bill when he was in the Legislature, quipped in an interview Thursday by phone: “Thoughts and prayers for the NRA.” | 
Rep. Jared Moskowitz. | AP Photo/Phil Sears | | | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | DATELINE D.C. | |
CONFRONTATION — “Democrats repeatedly attack Twitter Files witnesses at contentious hearing: ‘Elon Musk’s public scribes,’” by Fox News’ Nikolas Lanum: “When [Matt] Taibbi attempted to interject and denounce her characterization, [Rep. Debbie Wasserman] Schultz reclaimed her time and instructed Taibbi not to interrupt. She then insinuated that Taibbi had knowingly peddled one-sided information for profit. ‘Elon Musk spoon-fed you his cherrypicked information which you must have suspected was a slanted viewpoint, or at the very least generate another right-wing conspiracy theory. You violated your own standard and appeared to have benefited from it,’ she said.”
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | TAKEN IN — “5 in custody for cop shooting. Suspected trigger man’s dad is on Miami-Dade School Board,” by Miami Herald’s David J. Neal, Sommer Brugal and Charles Rabin: “Police took the son of a prominent Miami-Dade County School Board member into custody early Thursday after the ambushing and shooting of a police officer as he was making an arrest during a traffic stop, according to multiple law enforcement sources. Steve Gallon IV, the 32-year-old son of longtime School Board member and former Miami Northwestern High School principal Steve Gallon III, was captured after an all-night manhunt just outside of Miami’s Design District neighborhood, police said.” ALL APOLOGIES — “Commissioner Sam Parker apologizes for anti-Semitic remark amid firestorm of condemnation,” by Pensacola News Journal’s Tom McLaughlin: “Ahead of Thursday's regular County Commission meeting, during the portion set aside for comments from the public, Parker stated he would like to ‘address the video shown during Monday's (committee of the whole) meeting. The surveillance video showed me inside of General Rental Center of Milton during January of this year,’ Parker said. ‘During my conversation with the cashier I used a figure of speech that I have since learned has a history of being meant to be derogatory toward Jewish people.” — “New College president addresses future of student coursework and firing tenured faculty,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Zac Anderson — “Barnard College names Florida law dean as new president,” by The New York Times’ Liam Stack — “‘We’re going to take your vehicles and take you to jail.’ Broward sheriff announces crackdown on intersection takeover, stunt driving,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Shira Moolten — “USF urged to drop charges against 4 people arrested during campus protest,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Diyva Kumar — “City Council committee will refer LeAnna Cumber investigation to Ethics Commission,” by Florida Times-Union’s David Bauerlein — “TPD officer’s positive drug test becomes a breaking point for already torn city commission,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew — “Gay Sarasota School Board member verbally attacked after public comment rules change,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Steven Walker
| | A message from the University of Central Florida: Since 1963, UCF has supported Florida’s crucial industries by solving tomorrow’s problems today. We’re bringing top talent, innovation and ideas to the table — attracting industry and propelling Florida’s prosperity for generations to come.
Today, UCF is the nation’s No. 1 supplier of aerospace and defense talent, Florida’s No. 1 provider of new nurses and a critical source for sustainable energy innovation. What does this mean for our region? We’re fortifying Florida’s cyber infrastructure to safeguard from new threats. We’re reducing the nursing shortage and utilizing advanced technologies and simulation to enhance patient care. And we’re shaping how energy can become more affordable, efficient and reliable for all.
A better, brighter future starts now — and it starts at the University for the Future: UCF.
Find out how UCF grads and researchers are shaping Florida’s future. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “From screams to gunshots, how a Jacksonville zookeeper survived a horrific black bear attack,” by Florida Times-Union’s Teresa Stepzinski: “Eleven minutes. An eternity of fear and pain. Eleven minutes from the moment a zookeeper's screams first pierced a late-December afternoon until four shotgun blasts rang out, freeing her from the grips of a 600-pound North American black bear that had escaped its enclosure at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.” BIRTHDAYS: Sportscaster Pam Oliver … State Sen. Doug Broxson … POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian … Florida Senate’s Booter Imhof (Saturday) Alejandro Miyar with Berger Singerman ... Janet Scherberger, former communications VP at Tampa International Airport and former Tampa Bay Times reporter … (Sunday) Val Demings … author Carl Hiaasen ... Beth Labasky ... journalist and columnist Steve Bousquet | | | | 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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