Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The coronavirus pandemic dramatically altered the school year. In-person classes are canceled, graduation ceremonies have been pushed back and standardized tests were scrubbed.
More changes are coming.
Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran issued an emergency order Wednesday that axes teacher evaluations and extends the deadline for educators to renew certifications expiring June 30 to Dec. 31. The Department of Education previously authorized a fee waiver for certification exams.
The order also makes sweeping changes in early learning and at state colleges.
One of the largest makes job searches a qualifying purpose for families to gain eligibility for child care and suspends a requirement that parents and guardians work or attend school 20 hours a week.
Within the Florida College System, the education department has suspended the requirement that college boards of trustees submit spending plans for the current fiscal year; eliminated dual enrollment and college placement tests through the end of the fall semester; and allows institutions more flexibility in transferring certain funds to respond to the crisis.
The order will remain in effect for the duration of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order declaring COVID-19 a public health emergency. DeSantis’ issued the original order in mid-March and extended May 8. It will remain in effect for 60 days unless the Governor pulls it back or orders another extension.
Coronavirus Numbers
Positive cases:
— 41,236 FL residents (+432 since Tuesday)
— 1,166 Non-FL residents (+47 since Tuesday)
Origin:
— 1,921 Travel related
— 17,727 Contact with a confirmed case
— 1,768 Both
— 19,820 Under investigation
Hospitalizations:
— 7,595 in FL
Deaths:
— 1,827 in FL
Unemployment numbers
As of Tuesday:
Total claims: 1,935,979
— Confirmed unique claims: 1,405,356
— Claim verification queue: 305,074
— Claims processed: 1,100,282
— Claims paid: 693,950 (+28,001 since Monday)
Total paid out: $1.77 billion (+$50 million since Monday)
Evening Reads
“CDC guidance more restrictive than White House” via Jason Dearen and Mike Stobbe of The Associated Press
“What we know — and don’t know — about how coronavirus will affect Florida’s budget” via the Times/Herald
“As hundreds died in nursing homes, Florida anti-COVID ‘strike teams’ hit 4% of facilities” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald
“75 employees at one nursing home test positive for coronavirus” via 10 News
“Florida elections officials again cry for help as Ron DeSantis remains silent” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO Florida
“DeSantis welcomes all professional sports to Florida for practices, games” via Matt Papaycik of WFTS
“Republicans call for end to vacation rental ban, but no word from DeSantis” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics
“Ashley Moody calls for federal partnership to hold China accountable” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics
“In Florida, felons must pay court debts before they can vote. But with no system to do so, many have found it impossible.” via Amy Gardner and Lori Rozsa of The Washington Post
“Legal fees, consultants continue to eat at remainder of Andrew Gillum PAC money” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat
“Randy Fine claims opponent’s campaign harassed his mother on Mother’s Day” via Bailey Gallion of Florida Today
“Republicans boast financial edge in every Southwest Florida legislative contest” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Venezuelan oil company sues David Rivera over $50 million deal” via Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times
“Moving on a new Yellow Flag Phase: Miami-Dade releases color-coded coronavirus plan” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald
“Dead teen’s friends: ‘We can get a haircut, go to the mall. Why can’t we mourn?’” via Anastasia Dawson of the Tampa Bay Times
“Jacksonville-based TIAA Bank offering buyouts to 75% of workers” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics
Quote of the Day
“This separation — human beings are not meant to be separated, particularly family members, and especially some of our residents as they get older. These are important moments and we want to get them back together, so we’ll work hard to do that very soon.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis, on the nursing home visitation ban.
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