| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | | | Hello and welcome to Friday. Want to get away? — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with first lady Casey DeSantis and others such as Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella, will soon spend the next week or so out of state — and out of the country. Homeward bound — Partly hemmed in due to the Covid-19 pandemic, DeSantis has rarely strayed beyond the U.S. borders. His only other overseas trip came in 2019 when he and the entire Florida Cabinet went to Israel. Around the world — So, DeSantis is packing in a lot during his second jaunt. He plans to circumnavigate the globe, going from Japan to South Korea and then to Israel before ending up in the United Kingdom. (This is coming right after planned stops in Utah and Austin, Texas.) The Republican governor is scheduled to be back in Florida just ahead of the final week of this year’s frenzied legislative session. Tradition — Previous governors — especially Gov. Rick Scott — routinely went on international trade missions put together through and paid for by the state’s public-private economic development agency. Travel costs for the governor usually come from private donations. (Side note: The Florida House is pushing a bill to shutter this outfit and shift some of its duties elsewhere.) Talking points — In a statement, DeSantis explained the trip this way: “Florida has the 15th largest economy in the world, and that is because our state has worked to create partnerships with other countries to create jobs and boost the economy. This trade mission will give us the opportunity to strengthen economic relationships and continue to demonstrate Florida’s position as an economic leader.” Timing — But the trip also comes at critical juncture. It’s occurring right before he’s expected to announce a bid for president and it allows him to begin to bolster foreign policy credentials. DeSantis’ comments on Ukraine caused a considerable amount of blowback after he initially called the invasion by Russia a “territorial dispute.” He later called Russian President Vladmir Putin a “war criminal.” On the domestic front, DeSantis has had to deal with a wave of Florida GOP members of Congress announcing their support for former President Donald Trump. Rep. Michael Waltz — a former Green Beret who has been strong critic of President Joe Biden's foreign policy moves — came out for Trump on Thursday. Scheduled — The trade mission includes meetings with top officials including Japan’s prime minister and foreign minister, South Korea’s prime minister and the U.K. foreign secretary. The highlight of the trip, however, are DeSantis’ planned remarks in Israel, where he is expected to talk about the U.S. relationship with one of its key allies. — 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 Alibaba: Florida businesses, like DS Laboratories, are among thousands of American companies that sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms. Last year, sales of U.S. products to Chinese consumers on Alibaba added $1.7 billion to Florida’s GDP and supported 15,000 jobs and $936 million in wages for local workers. Learn about Alibaba’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | ‘IT’LL BE EASIER ONCE HE’S IN’ — “DeSantis allies prepare for financial show of force as Florida governor seeks to overcome early stumbles,” by CNN’s Steve Contorno and Fredreka Schouten: “Chris Ager, chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, said word of the headwinds supposedly slowing DeSantis ‘just doesn’t match the reality I’m seeing with my own eyes.’ ‘The more he’s out there talking to people, visiting states, doing retail events like he did in Manchester, all of that misinformation evaporates,’ Ager said. ‘Whatever the real man is will come out and I think we saw some of that Friday night. It was said he wasn’t good at retail and didn’t connect with people. That’s the exact opposite of what I saw.’” | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to a crowd at the North Charleston Coliseum on April 19, 2023 in North Charleston, South Carolina. | Sean Rayford/Getty Images |
‘IT’S IN BAD TASTE’— “Utah Republicans decry the use of swastikas to protest Ron DeSantis’ speech at state GOP convention,” by Salt Lake Tribune’s Bryan Schott: “Utah Republicans are furious that calls for protests during Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ appearance at Utah Valley University this weekend use swastikas and refer to the potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate as a ‘fascist.’ DeSantis will be the keynote speaker at the Utah Republican State Convention on the UVU campus Saturday morning. In response, fliers calling for a protest march have been posted around campus and online. One post, in particular, has drawn the ire of several Utah Republicans for showing DeSantis with a swastika on his head.”
PROMISES, PROMISES — “‘It’s a 2-way race’: Rep. Massie says congressional support coming for DeSantis,” by McClatchy D.C.’s David Catanese: “Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, an early endorser of Ron DeSantis’ undeclared presidential candidacy, said more congressional support for the Florida governor would be forthcoming, framing the 2024 Republican primary as a ‘2-way race.’ Massie, who organized a meet-and-greet event for DeSantis in Washington on Tuesday, made the comments in an interview with McClatchy DC Thursday, as DeSantis weathers a deluge of withering media coverage questioning his political strategy and ability to take on Trump.” FUMING — “Gas shortage in South Florida sparks criticism of DeSantis,” by POLITICO’s Anna Wilder: Amid historic flooding in South Florida and reports of gas shortages, Florida’s two Republican senators called for better management of the burgeoning mess. But while they didn’t mention Gov. Ron DeSantis by name, others in the state, including Democrats and allies of former President Donald Trump, used the crisis to accuse the governor of putting his political ambitions ahead of his Florida constituents…. At Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday, Alex Bruesewitz, a GOP consultant aligned with Trump, called DeSantis a “part-time governor” and highlighted the reported gas shortage. Response — DeSantis’ press secretary, Bryan Griffin, wrote in an email that Florida’s Division of Emergency Management has been activated to help the gas supply issue while Florida Division of Emergency Management Communications Director Alecia Collins said the state deployed about 1 million gallons of fuel to South Florida. — “Ron DeSantis’ ‘Florida Blueprint’ takes a hit as GOP politicians, rivals push back,” by McClatchy D.C.’s Alex Roarty and Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas and McClatchy D.C’s Ben Wieder — “Ron DeSantis to meet foreign secretary James Cleverly on UK trip,” by the BBC — “Pro-DeSantis PAC makes hires in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina,” by The New York Times’ Shane Goldmacher and Maggie Haberman — “Francis Suarez knocks Ron DeSantis’ struggle with relationships,’” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | JUST OUT — “Donald Trump tops Ron DeSantis in test of GOP presidential field, WSJ poll finds,” by Wall Street Journal’s Alex Leary: “Donald Trump has gained command of the GOP presidential-nomination race over Ron DeSantis, a new Wall Street Journal poll finds, with the former president building support across most parts of the primary electorate as the Florida governor has struggled on the national stage. Mr. DeSantis’s 14-point advantage in December has fallen to a 13-point deficit, and he now trails Mr. Trump 51% to 38% among likely Republican primary voters in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup.” | | 
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THE ART OF THE DEAL — “Signed letter, Mar-a-Lago dinners: Trump’s personal touch in fighting DeSantis,” by The New York Times’ Michael C. Bender and Annie Karni: “When Anna Paulina Luna’s father was killed in a car crash in January 2022, she received notes from two prominent Florida Republicans. One was from former President Donald J. Trump, a condolence letter that he signed, ‘Donald.’ The second letter came not from Gov. Ron DeSantis, but from his wife, Casey. The letters meant something to Ms. Luna, who was endorsed by both Mr. Trump and Mr. DeSantis in the House race she won last year. But in the end, she backed Mr. Trump for president in 2024. “Trump’s operation is personal,” Ms. Luna said in an interview on Capitol Hill, hours before flying to Mar-a-Lago for a dinner with Mr. Trump and the Florida congressional lawmakers who have endorsed him.”
— “Rick Scott still isn’t endorsing in GOP presidential race,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski
| | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | COLLEGE DAZE — GOP-led Florida Legislature poised to approve broad changes to Florida higher ed, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Florida’s Republican-led Legislature is positioned to soon pass a slate of controversial higher education reforms that will alter the college landscape in key areas like faculty hiring and spending on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The packages, now ready to be heard by the full House and Senate after advancing this week, aim to carry out an overhaul of Florida's colleges and universities sought by Gov. Ron DeSantis and encompass many — but not all — of his priorities. CHANGE COMING — DeSantis signs bill to end unanimous death sentence requirement, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Florida will no longer require a jury to unanimously recommend the death penalty under a measure signed into law Thursday by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a change made in response to outrage over jurors who last fall blocked the death penalty for convicted Parkland killer Nikolas Cruz. DeSantis approved the bill in a private bill-signing ceremony held in his office with legislative leaders and the sponsors of the legislation. RUDE AWAKENING — “State cuts ties with contractor after predawn emergency alert sent ‘in error,’” by Orlando Sentinel’s Garfield Hylton, Jeff Weiner and Amanda Rabines: “The state of Florida has decided to cut ties with the contracted software company that mistakenly sent out a test emergency alert before sunrise Thursday morning, resulting in many Florida residents receiving an unwanted wakeup call. Florida residents received a test emergency alert at about 4:45 a.m., causing their phones to emit a loud, sharp noise and display a notification that a test was being conducted.”
|  Florida's attorney general Ashley Moody speaks at pre-legislative news conference on Tuesday Oct. 29, 2019, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon) | — “Moody tells Disney its records could be open to the public in Florida,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher — “Disney World to open first affordable housing units in 2026,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Katie Rice — “Disney tells its lobbyists to step up fight against DeSantis and his allies in Florida,” by CNBC’s Brian Schwartz — “Patronis ‘dropped the ball’ on insurance adjuster claims, says former CEO,” by WFLA’s Mahsa Saeidi — “How’s that Hillsborough sales tax refund coming? Dueling plans exist,” by Tampa Bay Times’ C.T. Bowen — “Trial Day 4: Why the feds delayed charging Andrew Gillum and the money trail,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew — “State could override local control of tenant laws with 2 bills in Florida Legislature,” by WTSP’s Hannah Dineen | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | AWARD TIME — Kevin Lata picked up the Campaign Manager of the Year Award from American Association of Political Consultants at their annual Pollie Awards. Lata worked on the campaign of Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, who in November became the first member of Gen Z elected to Congress. Lata won the award given out for non-statewide campaigns. “It was a tremendous honor to help elect Maxwell Frost, the first Gen-Z member of Congress. Maxwell is the first and he certainly won’t be the last”, said Lata, who is currently senior adviser for Frost. “It wasn’t magic that we won a ten-way primary by 10 points as a heavy underdog after entering the race with zero name ID,” Frost said in a statement. “Kevin led, drove, and pushed the campaign forward every step of the way and I’m beyond grateful for his leadership.” SPOTTED on Thursday night at a fundraiser for Palm Beach County commissioner Michael Barnett at attorney Howard Weiss’ office in Boca Raton: Fred Angelo, Healy Baumgardner, Jim and Marta Batmasian, Robert and Pam Weinroth, Barbara Feingold, Peter Tickten, Peter Freeman, Drew Spoto, David Shiner, Marty Perry, David Ramba, Linda Ramba, Linda Stoch and Al Zucaro. — “He’s a conservative Cuban-American YouTube star. Now he’s running for Miami-Dade mayor,” by Miami Herald’s Douglas Hanks — “Big themes, vague answers abound in Jacksonville mayoral debate,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski
| | | | GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from April 30-May 3. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? — “Prosecutor’s memo said Hispanics get tougher plea deals; state attorney calls it a mistake,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s James Call: “[State Attorney Jack] Campbell confirmed the authenticity of a document revealed by a former prosecutor that lists three tiers of misdemeanor plea offers used by the Second Judicial Circuit’s Jefferson County office in North Florida. A photograph of the document that was said to be tacked on the wall says to exclude those with ‘Extensive Criminal History and/or Hispanic’ from diversion programs, or to have adjudication withheld. Campbell explained a junior prosecutor who was leaving the position in Jefferson County wrote procedural guidelines for their successor and had used the wrong words and misstated the policy.”
‘EXPOSE THEM FOR WHAT THEY ARE’ — “The Florida sheriff vs. the neo-Nazi ‘scumbags,’” by Washington Post’s Danielle Paquette: “As reports of hate propaganda surge to record highs, authorities across the country are torn over how to address rhetoric they fear could inspire violence. Some police departments have condemned the bigotry, sparking praise and criticism in a nation divided over where free speech ends and criminal intimidation begins. Others have declined to comment, aiming to minimize attention on white supremacist sentiments.” — “Staff member at Pasco’s Gulf High School helped students hide guns, police say,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Matt Cohen — “Jacksonville City Council to consider settlement in redistricting lawsuit,” by Florida Times-Union’s Hanna Holthaus — “Funeral homes complain to Escambia County bodies are being ‘butchered’ in autopsy,” by Pensacola News Journal’s Mollye Barrows — “Feds investigate violent ‘incident’ at Broward immigration detention center,” by Miami Herald’s Jacqueline Charles and David Goodhue
| | A message from Alibaba: Alibaba helps American businesses succeed globally. In 2022, $66 billion worth of U.S. products were sold on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms, a nearly 10% increase over 2021. From household names to emerging small businesses, thousands of American companies sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba.
Read how American businesses are succeeding with Alibaba. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
— “$502,496,000: Briny Breezes residents get a half-billion dollar offer. But they won’t sell their ‘slice of paradise,’” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Lisa J. Huriash: “A whopping $502 million offer. One very big decision to make. Should we sell our tiny beachside South Florida community? As it turns out, this developer’s offer — for $502,496,000 — wasn’t too good to resist: The residents of Briny Breezes turned it down, they said Thursday. “Not on my slice of paradise,” vowed Briny Breezes resident Chuck Swift.”
BIRTHDAYS: Hessy Fernandez, director of public relations for DeVry University … journalist Lloyd Dunkelberger ... Dan Stengle, attorney, former general counsel to Gov. Lawton Chiles (Saturday) Former state Sen. Frank Artiles (Sunday) Former state Sen. Randolph Bracy | | | | 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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