| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | | | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. Harvest — Florida Rep. Greg Steube is now the fifth member of the state’s 20-member Republican congressional delegation to endorse former President Donald Trump for 2024. I’ve Been Waiting For You — Steube’s endorsement came last night on Newsmax, and while campaign endorsements don’t win elections, they can feed a narrative about who’s up and who’s down. He contended Trump “is the only person that can reverse on Day 1 all these disastrous policies of the Biden administration. … We need to right all the wrongs that happened under this administration.” The southwest Florida representative added that Trump is “widely supported in my district, widely supported in Florida.” Walk On — Steube’s decision to endorse happened after reports came out that those in Gov. Ron DeSantis' orbit reached out to GOP members of Congress last week. That outreach came in the wake of rumblings that several were poised to endorse Trump. Steube's endorsement also comes on the eve of a DeSantis visit to Washington, D.C., where the likely presidential candidate is doing a meet and greet hosted by several Republicans, including two House members who have endorsed him — Chip Roy of Texas and Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Tell Me Why — When asked about DeSantis, Steube noted that he just got reelected and said he hoped that he would continue “to concentrate” on his job as governor. “I hear from constituents all the time that want him to finish out his term and support President Trump,” Steube said on Newsmax. Steube then even took a bit of a swipe at DeSantis, noting his pending trip to D.C. and South Carolina while the Florida Legislature is in session. “His focus should be in Florida. Floridians want to be focused on Florida. That’s what he signed for his job for reelection to do.” The Loner — It's not entirely surprising that DeSantis — who has had a reputation for being a bit isolated from other members of the Florida delegation when he was in Congress — doesn’t have a ton of allies on Capitol Hill. The decision, however, by Rep. Byron Donalds to recently endorse Trump caught attention since Donalds introduced DeSantis ahead of his November victory speech to a large crowd in Tampa. Down To The Wire — The question is what Florida’s 15 other Republicans do, including Rep. Laurel Lee, who was DeSantis’ secretary of state but who was not endorsed by the governor when she jumped into a crowded Republican primary for the House last year. Lee, however, came under withering attack by Trump supporters after she defended the 2020 election results in Florida. Then there’s Rep. Aaron Bean, who voiced support for DeSantis over Trump during last year’s GOP Sunshine Summit and who got into Congress thanks to the redistricting map pushed through by DeSantis. Rockin’ in the Free World — Florida’s two Republican senators — Marco Rubio and Rick Scott — seem unlikely to back DeSantis over Trump. Scott and DeSantis have a very icy relationship and Scott has frequently expressed his policy differences. And Scott also has his own reputation of staying out of GOP primaries (a fact that got him flak during his stewardship of the National Republican Senatorial Committee). It would be more logical for Rubio to back Trump, but he may be disinclined to get in the middle of this Florida fight for now. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in Washington, D.C., where he will hold a meet and greet and policy discussion that’s being hosted by several GOP members of Congress. 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 are thriving with Alibaba. Sales from U.S. brands on Alibaba added $1.7 billion to the state’s GDP and supported 15,000 jobs and $936 million in wages for local workers, according to a new study by NDP Analytics. Learn about Alibaba’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | DON’T LET IT GO — DeSantis leans on GOP-controlled Legislature to thwart Disney, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is escalating his ongoing rift with Disney after the entertainment giant appeared to outmaneuver the Republican governor in the long-running fight for control of its central Florida theme parks. DeSantis, a likely presidential contender for 2024, on Monday announced that the GOP-controlled Legislature will attempt to change state law to subject the company theme parks to new inspections of its rides and famed monorail in the final three weeks of its annual session. ... “They are not superior to the laws that are enacted by the people of the state of Florida,” said DeSantis at an afternoon press conference held near Disney World. “That’s not going to work, that’s not going to fly.”
|  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference at the Reedy Creek Administration Building on April 17, 2023, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. | John Raoux/AP Photo | Reaction — State Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat from central Florida, blasted DeSantis over his latest confrontation with Disney. “Gov. DeSantis once again demonstrates his latest attempt to target Walt Disney World that this has nothing to do with corporate accountability and everything to do with his own ego and attempt to get a ‘win' for his GOP base,” Eskamani said in a text message. “He needs to let go and move on.” State Sen. Linda Stewart, another Democrat from Central Florida, said DeSantis was interested in “retaliation, not good government." — “DeSantis wants the state to regulate Disney rides. Here’s what that could mean,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Katie Rice — “How did the Disney-DeSantis feud develop? A timeline from COVID rules to culture wars,” by Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas — “Ron DeSantis swears off Bud Light … but he’s a Guinness Man anyway,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | VOICES CARRY — “Trump remains silent on DeSantis’ six-week abortion ban,” by NBC News’ Natasha Korecki and Jonathan Allen: “Donald Trump isn't quiet about much. But after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a six-week abortion ban, the former president has remained silent on the subject. He didn’t chide DeSantis for signing the bill late Thursday. Nor did he needle him for sidestepping the issue at two events Friday, one of them at the conservative Liberty University. Trump’s aides have criticized DeSantis from both sides on abortion. But it remains a mystery where Trump, a Florida resident, stands on the question of whether abortion should be illegal at six weeks.” | | | | 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 ... | | GETTING TESTY — Florida moves closer to sending more cash to charter schools, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: The House version of this legislation is now eligible for consideration by the full chamber after a tense hearing Monday that featured one Republican lawmaker equating the changes with ending segregation in schools, a take that perturbed Democrats who voted in opposition. Conservatives contend the bill is necessary to spur districts into sharing their local property tax revenue with charters based on student enrollment, even though those policies run counter to a state study that recommends a need-based cash split instead. POWER PLAY — Bill language protects utilities from lawsuits following March ruling against FPL, by POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie: A House panel Monday rewrote a bill dealing with natural disasters to include protections for utilities from lawsuits related to the loss of electrical service. The new bill language follows an appeals court decision in March upholding a class-action lawsuit against Florida Power & Light Co. for power lost during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R-Cape Coral), chair of the House energy committee, told lawmakers in an Appropriations Committee hearing Monday that bill language is needed to protect utilities from frivolous lawsuits. OVER — “Florida Supreme Court refuses to hear Orange County rent cap appeal, effectively ending it,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Stephen Hudak: “Without explanation Monday, the Florida Supreme Court declined to step into a legal dispute between landlord groups and Orange County voters who overwhelming approved a ballot issue to impose a cap on rent hikes. The justices’ order noted, ‘No motion for rehearing will be entertained by the Court.’ County lawyers said the decision effectively concludes litigation on the merits and keeps in place an Oct. 27 appellate ruling for industry groups Florida Realtors and Florida Apartment Association blocking the measure.” ‘IT RESTRICTS OUR PASTORAL WORK’ — “Churches fear Florida immigration bill would ‘criminalize’ charity,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Juan Carlos Chavez: “Immigration and social justice have always sparked wide-ranging discussions among Josue Carbajal’s parishioners. At the Living Grace Church in Polk County, its 100 members are largely from Mexico, Central America, and Puerto Rico. So when they heard about a state Senate bill that could potentially harm those who hire, house, or transport immigrants without legal status, Carbajal said, his parishioners felt uncomfortable. ‘Where’s our religious freedom?’ asked Carbajal, the church’s pastor.” — “Bill poised for passage would exempt Florida Gov. DeSantis’ movements from public records,” by WFSU’s Margie Menzel — “Andrew Gillum trial Day 1: Jury selected, possible witnesses and an appeal to raise $1M,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew — “Marijuana legislation dead in Legislature for another year,” BY Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski — “FSU, TCC programs affected by DeSantis, Florida crackdown on Chinese-made drones,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Tarah Jean
| | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | DECISIONS, DECISIONS — “Trump or DeSantis? Democrats aren’t sure who they’d rather see Biden face in 2024,” by NBC News’ Sahil Kapur: "But another group of Democrats sees [Gov. Ron] DeSantis as the easier candidate to beat. [Former President Donald] Trump has strengths that DeSantis doesn’t, they say: Trump is more charismatic, better at retail politics and has a unique ability to stir up GOP voters and get them to the polls that the Florida governor hasn’t proved he can do on the big stage. ‘I think DeSantis comes off as very unlikable. Trump, at least, is good at retail politics; DeSantis isn’t. A lot of his act comes off as performative theater,’ said Michael Starr Hopkins, a Democratic strategist who advised Charlie Crist’s losing 2022 campaign for Florida governor to DeSantis." |  FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event Monday, March 13, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. Trump’s campaign reported raising more than $18.8 million between his main campaign account and a joint fundraising account over the first three months of the year. On top of the money he raised in that first quarter, his campaign said $15.4 million came in starting in April after he was indicted in New York. (AP Photo/Ron Johnson, File) | AP |
ONE MORE TIME — “Buddy Dyer files to run for 6th full term as Orlando mayor — he said it’s his last,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Ryan Gillespie: “Buddy Dyer, Orlando’s longest-serving mayor, is mounting another run for the city’s top elected job, he announced Monday. In an interview, Dyer, 64, said he plans on it being his final campaign for mayor. If he wins reelection, his tenure would span 24 years. ‘I think it’s more important than ever to remain steady as leader of this community,’ Dyer said. ‘I feel really strongly about what we’ve been able to create here in that we work together and embrace diversity and equality ... and get big things done while working cooperatively.’”
— “Influence Magazine’s 2023 class of the Rising Stars of Florida politics,” by Florida Politics’ Peter Schorsch
| | | | 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 | | CRISIS, WHAT CRISIS? — “Florida homeowners to pay more because of property insurer insolvencies,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders: “State insurance regulators last week signed off on a plan that will lead to policyholders throughout Florida paying extra on their bills because of property insurer insolvencies. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky issued an order that approved a request by the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association to collect a 1% emergency “assessment” to cover costs of claims. Insurers will collect the assessments from policyholders starting in October and send the money to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association, according to the order.” CARRYING — “Guns in the library or in the voting office? A Florida county allows armed staff on job,” by Bradenton Herald’s Ryan Callihan: “The Manatee County Commission has voted unanimously to adopt a new policy allowing county employees to carry firearms at work, including County Hall, the library and other county government buildings. Commissioner James Satcher first made the proposal last May, but the updated policy was delayed by legal review and a recent change in the county’s management. Following last week’s the adoption of the rule, staff will be allowed to carry guns in the coming weeks. A written policy was not ready for public review as of last week, according to Bill Logan, the county’s information outreach manager.” ‘TROUBLESOME’ — “Federal judge chastises prosecutors about delay in U.S. trial of Haiti president’s murder,” by Miami Herald’s Jacqueline Charles: “A federal judge in charge of the United States’ case against nearly a dozen defendants in the brazen assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse took prosecutors to task Monday for delaying the trial, saying he is troubled by the fact that the jailed defendants are being forced to spend more than a year behind bars before they can go to trial. “It’s very troublesome to me,” U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez said. “I’m a fairly conservative guy, but I don’t believe you should round somebody up and put them in jail until you know what’s going on.” — “Times-Union, Jacksonville TV stations oppose request to close hearing in JEA criminal case,” by Florida Times-Union’s Nate Monroe — “After ‘toilet to tap,’ Tampa turns to Plan C for wastewater disposal,” by Tampa Bay Times’ C.T. Bowen — “Broward schools estimate $8 million in storm damage,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Scott Travis
| | A message from Alibaba: Last year, U.S. businesses sold a record $66 billion in products to consumers in China on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms, a nearly 10% increase over 2021. This included sales from thousands of American brands, big and small, such as Fender, Bob’s Red Mill, and DS Laboratories.
Read how American businesses selling on Alibaba impacts the U.S. economy. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office strip-search called ‘outrageous, unwarranted, embarrassing,” by The Tributary’s Nichole Manna: “Last September, Jacksonville sheriff’s officers stripped a 45-year-old man on a public road in view of his aunt and others, likely in violation of department policy. The case — where police went to extraordinary but fruitless lengths to search for cocaine over an alleged $20 drug deal — is now the subject of an internal affairs investigation because of The Tributary’s reporting. The officers’ actions call into question the reasonableness of their search of Ronnie Reed and whether or not his rights were violated under the Fourth Amendment.” BIRTHDAYS: The one and only Christine Sexton with Florida Politics … Derrick Brooks, EVP of Corporate and Community Business Development with Vinik Sports Group is 5-0 … Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .... Evan Philipson, Florida political director for AIPAC. | | | | 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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