Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Rep. Ramon Alexander is in line to become House Democratic Leader-Designate today.
Rep. Ben Diamond is currently lined up to lead the caucus during the 2023-24 term. However, the St. Petersburg Democrat has decided to run for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist as the Congressman makes his third bid for Governor.
Shortly after Diamond announced his Congressional run, Alexander said he would seek to replace him as Democratic Leader for the 2022-24 term.
Alexander’s announcement was met with enthusiasm from within the House Democratic Caucus, with Reps. Nicholas Duran, Anna V. Eskamani, Omari Hardy, Angie Nixon, Michele Rayner and Carlos Guillermo Smith all endorsing his bid.
Alexander, who had been Diamond’s campaign manager for the leadership role, said he was “overwhelmed by the amount of support from our caucus.”
He later posted a video promoting his candidacy on social media.
“To my Democratic colleagues in the Florida House of Representatives, now is the time to define the moment. Now is the opportunity to build a strong, critical foundation for our future,” he said.
Reps. Bobby DuBose and Even Jenne are currently co-leading the House Democratic Caucus. Alexander, who represents Tallahassee, would officially take over the position following the 2022 elections.
House Democrats will also hold the 2024-26 leadership election this evening. Reps. Fentrice Driskell, Dianne Hart and James Bush are running for the job.
Coronavirus Numbers
Positive cases:
— 2,253,896 FL residents (+2,748 since Monday)
— 42,889 Non-FL residents (+57 since Monday)
Origin:
— 18,122 Travel related
— 904,326 Contact with a confirmed case
— 24,514 Both
— 1,306,934 Under investigation
Hospitalizations:
— 93,388 in FL
Deaths:
— 36,954 in FL
Vaccinations:
— 16,624,677 Doses administered
— 9,671,213 Total people vaccinated
— 2,019,637 First dose
— 698,112 Completed one-dose series (+8,013 since Monday)
— 6,953,464 Completed two-dose series (+47,341 since Monday)
Evening Reads
“Val Demings plans to challenge Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate next year” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel
“‘Oh, Rubio’s going to win’: Rick Scott dismisses Val Demings’ Senate chances” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“The pandemic created a child care crisis. Mothers bore the burden.” via Claire Cain Miller of The New York Times
“Militias pose a serious threat. So why is it so hard to stop them?” via Kaleigh Rogers of FiveThirtyEight
“The pro-Donald Trump culture war on American scientists” via David Frum of The Atlantic
“How Joe Manchin can avoid blame for sinking voting rights bills” via Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post
“Florida Capitol Press Corps loves it some Rebekah Jones, but is silent on Ron DeSantis’ new anti-Jones press secretary” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
“Gov. DeSantis’ gambling deal with legal sports betting gets Senate approval” via Skyler Swisher and Gray Rohrer of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“FL Senate goes first in ratifying gambling compact, over objections about constitutionality and secrecy” via Laura Cassels of the Florida Phoenix
“Florida Legislature nearly ready to approve new gambling laws but legal challenges await” via Mary Ellen Klas and Ana Ceballos of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times
“House panel approves compact, contemplates viability of the agreement” via Haley Brown of Florida Politics
“Fantasy sports bill dropped for Special Session” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics
“House committee amends gambling bill to preserve standardbred horse business” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“‘Jim Crow 2.0’: Critics want DOJ pre-clearance oversight of Florida’s ‘racist’ election law” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Gaming expansion critics pack Capitol Courtyard” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics
“Matt Gaetz, Ashley Moody spread election conspiracy. FDLE spends 706 hours proving it false.” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel
“COVID-19 rule-breakers begin seeing their court cases dropped in Florida” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“New gaming deal would see Hollywood’s local fee share cut, with Davie benefiting” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
“Brazilian Twitter goes crazy over St. Pete City Council candidate’s resemblance to Big Brother star Gil do Vigor” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics
Quote of the Day
“I would say congratulations to the taxpayers, and if folks decide to challenge the legislative intent here or to all these bills that we’ll put forth, then it is our duty to protect the taxpayer by hiring lawyers and a team to defend those taxpayers.” — Senate President Wilton Simpson, after the Senate approved the Gaming Compact.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
