Peter Schorsch
Good Monday morning.
There’s a changing of the guard at POLITICO Florida.
Gary Fineout, the longtime author of the second-best morning newsletter to hit your inbox, is returning to his roots as one of the Sunshine State’s best politics and policy reporters.
POLITICO has tapped Kimberly Leonard for the lead role on Florida Playbook going forward. POLITICO Press told readers to expect a focus “on (Gov. Ron) DeSantis, (Donald) Trump and the conservative movement” when she takes the reins.
Leonard comes to POLITICO Florida from Business Insider, climbing up to senior correspondent over the past three-and-a-half years. She has also appeared on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and C-SPAN.
Some of the Miami-based journalist’s greatest hits include being the first to report DeSantis’ Disney wedding, the launch of a pro-DeSantis super PAC in late 2022 and some behind-the-scenes accounts of the goings on in Trump World.
Leonard will be spending the next week checking things off her “Miami bucket list” before heading into the new role.
Of course, avid Florida Politics readers knew about these personnel moves on Friday, when we forecast it on Twitter. If you’re not following @Fla_Pol and @PeterSchorschFL, hop to it. We promise that both accounts are worth a chunk of your daily rate limit.
Speaking of which, if you’re getting wary of the blue bird’s downward trajectory, Florida Politics is now on Threads, and I am, too.
— DAYS UNTIL —
2023 MLB All-Star Game — 1; ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning — Part One’ premieres — 2; Florida Chamber 37th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School — 8; new Steph Curry documentary premieres — 11; Lionel Messi to make his Major League Soccer debut with Inter Miami CF — 11; Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ premieres — 11; DeSantis to speak in Iowa at Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash — 26; ‘Billions’ final season premieres — 32; Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour in Tampa — 37; Port Orange, Lake Helen, Ponce Inlet to hold elections — 43; The first GOP Presidential Primary debate — 44; ‘Ahsoka’ premieres on Disney+ — 44; The U.S. Open begins — 49; 2023 Florida Chamber Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 52; Florida House Fall 2023 Interim Committee Meetings begin — 70; Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ premieres — 88; 2023 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum — 105; ‘Dune: Part Two’ premieres — 116; Suncoast Tiger Bay Club hosts ‘Evening with the Tigers’ — 120; ’Captain Marvel 2′ premieres — 123; Formula 1 will take over the Las Vegas Strip — 129; Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ premieres — 135; Florida TaxWatch’s Annual Meeting begins — 142; 2023 Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 156; Florida’s 2024 Regular Session begins — 183; Florida TaxWatch’s State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 191; South Carolina Democratic Primary — 208; New Hampshire and Nevada Democratic Primaries — 211; Georgia Democratic Primary — 218; South Carolina GOP holds first-in-the-South Primary — 229; Michigan Democratic Primary — 234; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 244; 2024 Oscars — 246; ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Part 2 premieres — 263; ‘Deadpool 3’ premieres — 298; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 318; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games — 382; ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ premieres — 382; New ‘Alien’ premieres — 403; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 411; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 529; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 585; ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot premieres — 662; ‘Moana’ premieres — 718; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 893; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 1,026; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 1,048; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 1,261; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,400; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,356; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,719.
— TOP STORY —
“Florida Democrats declare it’s a ‘new day’ as they convene in Miami Beach” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Coming off the train wreck of the 2022 Election, Florida Democrats gathered by the hundreds at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel this weekend to rally going into the 2024 Election cycle under the direction of new Party Chair Nikki Fried. It was Fried’s decision to bypass the traditional choice of an elected official to keynote the party’s annual Summer conference and instead selected actor Bradley Whitford to do the honors. “The radical right has understood the fundamental truth that politics is the way we create our moral vision,” he said.
“Florida Democrats look to the future, hope to reinvigorate themselves with celebrity buzz and nostalgia for the past” via Anthony Man — “I am feeling optimistic — very optimistic,” Alfredo Olvera, Broward’s state Democratic Committee member said during a break Saturday at the Florida Democratic Party’s annual Summer Leadership Blue conference and fundraiser. “The excitement is genuine. We haven’t disguised the challenges with optimism,” Olvera added. “We are aware of the problems, and we are creating a path to win in 2024. We were absent in 2020. We were absent in 2022.” “I know that we have problems,” said Junaid Akther, the Palm Beach County State Democratic Committee member. “It’s a big ship that’s turning around.”
“Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid is giving life to a struggling Florida Democratic Party” via Matt Dixon of NBC News — The mood that hung in the air for most of the weekend, though, was not that of a party in decline. The faltering of DeSantis’ presidential campaign, he trails by significant double digits to Trump in most public polling, has given a burst of energy to Democrats who desperately needed one. The event’s mood, though, did belie the institutional challenges Democrats in the state still have as the 2024 election cycle starts to take shape.
“At annual gala, Florida Democrats look to unify around a common adversary: DeSantis” via Max Greenwood of the Miami Herald — Speaking at a Saturday evening fundraising gala, Fried, the former state Agriculture Commissioner who took over as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party in February, stated her party’s mission in blunt terms: “back Ron DeSantis into a corner and call out his bulls — t.” Fried’s remarks — and those of other speakers on Saturday night — also displayed a coarser, more-aggressive Florida Democratic Party than in the past. The tone of the weekend was significantly more optimistic than Florida Democrats have gotten used to in recent months.
“In jab at DeSantis, Florida Democrats cap fundraising dinner with raucous drag show” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — For the finale of the Florida Democratic Party’s annual Leadership Blue conference and fundraiser in Miami Beach, Fried arranged for an appearance by drag queen Velvet LeNore, who performed several numbers along with her backup dancers. The audience, Democratic activists and elected officials from throughout the state, erupted in applause. Drag, LeNore’s full-time profession, has become a flashpoint in the escalation of culture war issues emphasized by Republican lawmakers and DeSantis, whose administration has sought to punish liquor license holders that hold drag shows with children in attendance. “They’re trying to say drag is a crime,” LeNore said. “It’s not.”
To watch part of the show, please click on the image below:
— THE TRAIL —
“Controversial ‘Pride Month’ video highlighted by DeSantis campaign disappears” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A video spotlighted by the DeSantis War Room Twitter account that painted Trump as accommodating on LGBTQ+ issues has been quietly deleted. However, the Tweet highlighting the video is still up as of this writing Saturday morning. The deletion, first noticed by Axios reporter Alex Thompson, caps off days of blowback against DeSantis which included the Governor defending the video as “fair game” and saying that Trump was a “pioneer” in allowing transgender women to participate in beauty pageants that Trump put on.
To watch the ad, please click on the image below:
“We investigated the deepest, darkest corners of the internet to understand DeSantis’ bizarre new video” via Ian Ward of POLITICO — The video, which was created by an anonymous account and shared on Twitter, has been skewered by critics on both the left and the right for its homophobia and transphobia. It’s just plain weird, a video that is largely unintelligible to someone who hasn’t spent too many hours on the darker corners of the internet. To the average voter, this rapid-fire mishmash of images might seem like a political fever dream. But the video fits squarely within an emergent strain of an online conservative subset that focuses on LGBTQ issues and masculinity. This discourse, which emerged from an obscure corner of the internet sometimes called the “manosphere,” relies on a heavily self-referential set of memes to convey its message, a message that is almost always drenched in irony.
“Donald Trump in Iowa declares himself ‘the most pro-farmer President in history’” via Galen Bacharier of the Des Moines Register — Aiming to rally Iowa’s agricultural sector to his side, he touted his accomplishments in a speech while continuing to describe his top Republican rival, DeSantis, as lacking in both promises and action on ethanol. “No President has ever been close to me for farmers,” Trump said, declaring himself “the most pro-farmer President in history” to a crowd of hundreds that included both Iowans and Nebraskans. A DeSantis administration, he argued, would be “catastrophic for Iowa’s economy.” “Every Iowan also needs to know that Ron DeSanctus totally despises Iowa ethanol and ethanol in general,” Trump said, adding that when politicians “have their initial thoughts … that’s what they go back to.” At one mention of the Florida Governor, the crowd booed.
“In ag-friendly Iowa, Trump goes after DeSantis on farming issues” via Lisa Lerer of The New York Times — Trump attacked DeSantis on Friday over his support for farmers, saying his chief rival for the Republican presidential nomination would be “a catastrophe” for the country’s agriculture industry. Trump claimed at a rally in Iowa that DeSantis would outsource American farming jobs overseas and oppose the federal mandate for ethanol, a fuel made from corn and other crops. Support for ethanol, which Iowa is a national leader in producing, is a quadrennial issue in presidential elections in this early voting state.
“Trump and DeSantis are battling for Iowa voters. And for its Governor, too.” via Shane Goldmacher, Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times — Gov. Kim Reynolds has said that she does not plan to formally endorse a candidate in the presidential race, in keeping with a tradition that the Iowa Governor stays on the sidelines, keeping the playing field level for the first G.O.P. nominating contest. But through her words and deeds, Reynolds seems to be softening the ground in Iowa for DeSantis, appearing to try to create the conditions for an opening for him to take on Trump. Republicans say she can command attention and shape the landscape for the caucuses, which were set officially on Saturday for Jan. 15, even without making a formal endorsement.
“Trump claims DeSantis is ‘desperately trying’ to end 2024 campaign” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — In a series of Truth Social posts Saturday, Trump raised questions yet again about the campaign of 2024 rival DeSantis. “Ron DeSanctimonious is desperately trying to get out of the presidential race, while at the same time saving face for 2028, where he has been greatly damaged. Jeff Roe, Ron’s boss despite having a terrible record of winning, is spending money like a wild man gone bad. Much of the money being used was raised for his gubernatorial race and transferred over (illegally?) because his presidential donors have largely fled due to his terrible and still falling, poll numbers. Ron is just wasting time,” Trump claimed.
“DeSantis campaign stalls as he tries to court Trump’s GOP fans and foes alike” via Alex Leary and John McCormick of The Wall Street Journal — Six weeks after launching his campaign, DeSantis has stalled. His support in national polls has stayed flat, despite increased travel and advertising and widespread expectations that he would be a formidable challenger to Trump. Signs also have emerged that he is struggling to gain traction in the states that will hold the first nomination balloting. A recent poll of New Hampshire voters showed DeSantis having lost 10 points since the previous survey in March, while twice-indicted Trump gained 5 points. While DeSantis clearly sits in second place and many Republican voters say they like him, an expansive field of candidates makes it harder for him to consolidate support among those looking to move past Trump.
“Riley Gaines rips ‘cheap shots’ against DeSantis” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Now identified as a “campaign surrogate” for DeSantis, Gaines is taking issue with “cheap shots” and “personal attacks” against the 2024 presidential candidate, saying they are impacting his campaign. Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who has been a prominent voice of opposition against transgender athletes in women’s sports, was asked Saturday about the Governor’s “tough time connecting with voters.” “So, the cheap shots, notice how they’re two shots to him as a person. It’s not cheap shots to his policies. It’s not cheap shots to what he plans to do when he’s in office. It’s cheap shots to him as a person. It’s personal attacks,” Gaines argued.
“DeSantis plans another Iowa trip” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — In Iowa next Saturday, “Top Nunn” will be joined by “Top Gov.” DeSantis will be one of the so-called “wingmen” at Rep. Zach Nunn’s “Operation Top Nunn: Salute to Our Troops” fundraiser, joining Sen. Joni Ernst for an event starting at 1 p.m. at Ankeny Airport. Veterans get in free. Others will pay. Admission prices include the $24 individual ticket, the $500 “Wingman Level,” the $3,300 “Bombardier” status and the $6,600 “Aviator” level. DeSantis predicated the messaging during his 2022 campaign on “Top Gun: Maverick,” which was in theaters at the time.
“DeSantis laughs off media ‘narratives’ that his 2024 campaign is crumbling” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Governor said he has “incredible support in the early states,” noting First Lady Casey DeSantis’ relaunching of the “Mamas for DeSantis” movement in Iowa last week before citing his fundraising, which includes $20 million raised since his campaign launch in addition to more than $80 million transferred from his state-level PAC. “And, oh, by the way, we just announced last week better fundraising than any non-incumbent has ever had. If you look at what was reported, it was about $150 million, and that hasn’t even been deployed yet. So, we’ve got a long way to go,” he said.
“The many ways DeSantis hurts his own cause” via Max Burns of NBC News — Follow DeSantis’ campaign across Iowa, and you’re likely to see his “Great American Comeback” slogan plastered on everything from buses to bumper stickers. Now DeSantis is looking for a comeback of his own following months of tumbling poll numbers, weird encounters with the public, and growing concerns from top supporters. DeSantis certainly isn’t making things easy for himself. On Friday, NBC News reported that DeSantis had apparently deceived the public about his June 5 decision to send Florida emergency support personnel to assist with a building collapse in Davenport, Iowa.
“DeSantis brushes off early campaign obstacles” via Kelly Garrity of POLITICO — DeSantis also made an effort to draw distinctions between himself and Trump, promising to fire FBI Director Chris Wray and “clean house” at the Department of Justice, and casting blame on Trump for social media companies’ handling of Hunter Biden’s leaked computer files. “I look back at, like, the Hunter Biden censorship, which was a huge, huge deal to happen in the 2020 Election. And yet, you know, those were Donald Trump’s own agencies that were colluding with Big Tech. I would never allow that to happen. I would fire those people immediately,” he said, adding that if Hunter Biden were a Republican, “he would have been in jail years ago.”
“Why Joe Biden probably won’t get a serious Primary challenger” via Geoffrey Skelley of FiveThirtyEight — Biden has a lingering cloud of uncertainty hovering over his re-election campaign. He’s fairly well-liked by his own party, but as already the oldest President ever at 80, even many Democrats feel Biden shouldn’t run again. While Democrats remain concerned about Biden’s age, one ingredient is missing before there can be a significant Primary challenge against him: unpopularity. The fact is, Democrats mostly approve of Biden’s performance as President. He has also made overtures to progressives, potentially stymieing a source of potential unrest.
“Trump courts fans at Las Vegas UFC event as he continues DeSantis attacks” via Oliver O’Connell of the Independent — Trump made a surprise appearance Saturday evening in Las Vegas, where he attended a UFC match alongside his longtime adviser Roger Stone. Photos posted by Stone and others at the event showed Trump greeting actor Mel Gibson and celebrity chef Guy Fieri. He also got a handshake from one of the fighters, Dricus Du Plessis. Meanwhile, Trump is teasing that he might choose to participate in the 2024 Republican Primary debates despite having previously asked why he should bother with such a commanding lead.
“Iowa Republicans set the date for the party’s caucuses — and it’s early” via Anjali Huynh of The New York Times — Iowa Republicans voted on Saturday to hold their caucuses on Jan. 15, 2024, pushing the state’s first-in-the-nation nominating contest weeks earlier than in recent years. Jeff Kaufmann, Chair of the state party, said in a statement after the vote that the Republicans “remain committed to maintaining Iowa’s cherished first-in-the-nation caucuses and look forward to holding a historic caucus in the coming months and defeating Joe Biden come November 2024.”
“Why the Stop Trump effort all comes down to South Carolina” via Steven Shepard of POLITICO — South Carolina has long been the state most likely to predict the eventual winner of the Republican presidential nomination. This cycle will likely be even more crucial. The state Republican Party’s decision to schedule its election for Feb. 24 means the first-in-the-South Primary will potentially take place more than a month after Iowa and New Hampshire. That open stretch means South Carolina is poised to carry more weight than ever in determining whether Trump’s march to a third consecutive nomination will face a sustained threat stretching past the early states and into the meat of the Primary calendar.
— MORE 2024 —
“DeSantis supports revoking China’s trade status” via Kanishka Singh of Reuters — DeSantis said on Sunday he would take steps to revoke China’s permanent normal trade relations status if he won the 2024 White House race. “I favor doing that. I think we probably need Congress, but I would take executive action as appropriate to be able to move us in that direction,” DeSantis said. The U.S. Senate voted in 2000 to grant that status to China as it prepared to join the World Trade Organization. Any step to remove it would also need congressional approval. The status is a legal designation in the United States for free trade with a foreign nation.
“The most capable Trump Primary opponent isn’t in the race” via Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post — DeSantis was supposed to save the Republican Party from twice-indicted Trump. He was going to be Trumpy enough without being nutty, a successful culture warrior and a pugilist who could convince the permanently angry MAGA base that he would fight for it. Instead, as some of us who have witnessed him in action predicted, DeSantis turned out to be an inept, unlikable and mockable candidate devoid of basic interpersonal skills. The longer DeSantis stays in the race, the worse his poll numbers get. And rather than stanch his serial gaffes, he adds to them. His recent homophobic ad drew condemnation, even within the GOP. If Republicans were betting on him to rid them of Trump, they should come up with a Plan B.
“Why Trump’s Republican rivals should focus on New Hampshire, not Iowa” via Harry Enten of CNN — Trump continues to be the clear favorite to win the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Most of his rivals, from South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott to former Vice President Mike Pence, have a game plan to slow down the Trump train: Compete hard in the first-in-the-nation Iowa Republican caucuses, now scheduled for January 15. The idea makes sense on its face. These candidates have to beat Trump somewhere, so why not do it in the first contest where they can potentially change the narrative?
— DOWN BALLOT —
“Hillsborough newcomer announces Primary challenge to Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times — Hillsborough County Black Republican Club President Tim Driver, a self-described “moderate Republican,” has filed to challenge Gonzalez Pittman in the 2024 Primary. He says it’s “nothing personal” and didn’t name any issues on which he disagrees with her but said he has wanted to seek public office and, after considering a School Board or County Commission seat, determined a House run “the most likely opportunity.” Driver is a consultant who advises software developers. He moved from Illinois to the Ballast Point area two years ago and got involved in GOP politics last year.
“Gadfly files to challenge Pinellas Commissioner Charlie Justice” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times — Vince Nowicki, a real estate agent who briefly ran for Mayor of St. Petersburg in 2021 before dropping out, has filed to run as a Republican for the countywide District 3 Pinellas County Commission seat next year. He said he believes Justice may be vulnerable, citing the Democratic incumbent’s narrow 2020 win against Republican Tammy Sue Vazquez. Nowick, who calls himself a conservative outsider, filed an unsuccessful ethics complaint last year alleging nepotism in Mayor Ken Welch’s appointment of James Corbett as city development administrator, saying the two are cousins. A separate complaint he filed led to the resignation of former City Council member Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, who did not live in her district.
“J.C. Planas launches bid for Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Planas, a Cub-born former state Representative and elections lawyer is the third person to file for the race to become the county’s first voter-chosen Supervisor of Elections in more than half a century. The county’s currently appointed Supervisor of Elections, Christina White, said she will not seek election next year. Planas said his goal is to “keep our elections free, fair and safe,” while “building on (the county’s) legacy, preserving our democracy and making sure voters’ voices are heard.” Democratic campaign consultant and former North Miami Chief of Staff Willis Howard and Republican 2020 Election denier Ruth Swanson, who last year unsuccessfully ran to unseat U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, are also running for the job.
— DESANTISY LAND —
“DeSantis campaign is giving ‘Jeb Bush vibes,’ ex-GOP staffer warns” via Anna Commander of Newsweek — DeSantis is giving out “Jeb Bush vibes” while on the campaign trail, former GOP communications director Tara Setmayer said. “The idea of Ron DeSantis was what attracted people to him until he went on the campaign trail and people realized that he’s actually whiny. He got snippy with a high school student for asking him a basic question. He can’t answer a question about Jan. 6, [2021], for goodness’ sake. So even though he’s raised all this money, it’s giving me Jeb Bush vibes all over again,” Setmayer said on The Saturday Show. ” … Jeb raised $100 million and went nowhere. The donor class may have wishful thinking that they thought Ron DeSantis was the guy maybe on paper I guess, but in reality, he’s certainly not.”
“DeSantis’ dumb, failed strategy to campaign on culture war bullshit” via Rotimi Adeoye of The Daily Beast — The DeSantis presidential campaign has been officially underway for about a month now, and it is safe to say that things are not going well. Since the campaign launched during a chaotic Twitter Spaces session, it has become evident that DeSantis may not be cut out for the big time. Betting markets even favor California Gov. Gavin Newsom over DeSantis in a general election. Just last week, his campaign released a malicious ad attacking Trump for his perceived support of the LGBTQ community. His policy positions also seem out of step with the party. Instead of running a campaign based on addressing the problems voters see in their communities, DeSantis has done the exact opposite.
“DeSantis will start giving interviews to mainstream outlets” via Jack McCordick of Vanity Fair — As his poll numbers continue to drop, DeSantis is reconsidering the blackout of traditional media that has defined his campaign so far. For over a year, DeSantis’ media exposure has been defined by what Axios dubbed his “safe space strategy.” He announced his presidential bid on a disastrous Twitter Spaces call with Elon Musk and has generally confined his media exposure to Fox News, Newsmax and other right-wing outlets. He’s made a point of turning down interview requests from major shows like The View, while at the same time providing unprecedented access to a tiny, recently founded local right-wing outlet led by a conservative, pro-DeSantis influencer. DeSantis’ reported about-face is just another sign of his campaign’s struggle to connect with voters.
“Jonathan Martin wraps Session with 20 bills signed, no vetoes” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Sen. Martin walked into the Florida Senate as a clear ally of DeSantis. With his first Legislative Session behind him, it’s as clear as ever that the Fort Myers Republican’s priorities remain largely aligned with the Governor’s. In his first Session as a Senator, he carried 20 Senate bills to passage by the full Legislature, all of which now bear DeSantis’ signature. DeSantis didn’t even veto a single line item championed by Martin in the state budget. “I think I had a pretty successful Session,” Martin offered as a personal assessment.
— STATEWIDE —
“GOP lobbyist in Matt Gaetz case accused of rape in court docs” via Jose Pagliery and Roger Sollenberger of the Daily Beast — Chris Dorworth is a real estate developer whose brief yet meteoric rise in the Florida state legislature came to a sudden halt when he failed to be re-elected in 2012. But two years ago, just as the world was learning that the FBI was looking into two of Dorworth’s connections — Joel Greenberg and Gaetz — Dorworth quit his job at the influential lobbying firm Ballard Partners and dialed back from public life. He’s now attempting to sue Greenberg, Greenberg’s wife, and the woman at the center of the child sex trafficking allegations for defamation and racketeering — and asking the court to declare that he never had sex with the woman when she was underage. Dorworth is seeking $1 million, according to a court docket, claiming that his career was destroyed by the investigation and bad press, which he blames on the defendants’ allegedly coordinated lies to protect Greenberg.
“Record-crushing heat is blasting Florida, with no clear end” via Ian Livingston of The Washington Post — Florida is in the midst of its hottest year in modern history, and there’s little sign of meaningful relief. Even in a state known for its warm weather, the prolonged siege of heat and humidity is extreme. Day after day, records for heat and humidity are being broken, particularly in the central and southern parts of the state. And there’s no clear end to this pattern. Additional heat records are predicted across South Florida over the coming days, while the entire state will remain hotter than normal from Key West to Pensacola.
“Climate change ratchets up the stress on farmworkers on the front lines of a warming Earth” via The Associated Press — As Earth this week set and then repeatedly broke unofficial records for average global heat, it served as a reminder of a danger that climate change is making steadily worse for farmworkers and others who labor outside. Farmworkers are 35 times more likely to die of heat exposure than workers in other industries, but there is no federal heat standard that ensures their health and safety. California is one of the few states that has adopted its own standards. Those include keeping fresh and cool water nearby; providing access to shade; and monitoring workers for health issues when the temperature goes above 95 degrees.
“As premiums continue to skyrocket, Florida residents ask: Do I need home insurance?” via C.A. Bridges of USA Today Network — Floridians are under an insurance crisis, with skyrocketing premiums doubling and tripling for the companies that didn’t just liquidate or pull out of the state. Floridians are paying triple the average national costs for insurance. There are lots of reasons. In October 2022, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) revealed that Florida led the country in homeowners’ insurance-related litigation, making up 79% of the lawsuits across the U.S. while accounting for just 9% of the total claims. Triple-I and other critics have blamed that on roof-replacement scams and, thanks to a 2017 state Supreme Court ruling on percentages, large attorneys’ fees. And that was before hurricanes Ian and Nicole hit the state.
“Golden handcuffs lock up Florida’s housing supply” via Brianna Crane of Axios — Nine in 10 homeowners with mortgages in Florida have a rate below 6%. That’s leaving them locked into place and buyers with few homes to choose from. Mortgage holders are experiencing the “golden handcuffs” phenomenon: They might have a great rate now, but likely can’t move without spending a lot more cash, explains Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather. More than 20% of homeowners with mortgages in Florida had a rate below 3% as of late 2022. And only one in 10 has a rate above 6%.
— D. C. MATTERS —
“Biden heads to Europe to meet with King Charles III, world leaders” via Niels Lesniewski of Roll Call — Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, told reporters that in addition to engagements with the king at Windsor Castle and with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Biden will “engage with a forum that will focus on mobilizing climate finance, especially private finance off the sidelines for clean energy deployment and adaptation in developing countries.” The trip comes after Biden decided to provide Ukraine with controversial cluster munitions, a type of weaponry banned by many countries. Some Democrats on Capitol Hill called the decision a mistake, saying it undermined U.S. moral authority around the world. Biden has made his solidifying and even expanding the NATO alliance after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a key part of his agenda.
“Biden is heading to Europe. A king and a war are on his agenda” via The Associated Press — Biden leaves on Sunday for Europe, where he will spend time in three nations tending to alliances that have been tested by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After arriving at night in London, Biden will meet the next day with Charles III for the first time since he was crowned. Next is the centerpiece of the trip, the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Alliance leaders will debate the war and revise plans for dealing with Russian aggression. The final stop is in Helsinki, where Biden on Thursday is expected to celebrate the expanding alliance, with Finland as the newest member of NATO. His national security adviser, Sullivan, said the trip would “showcase the President’s leadership on the world stage.”
“Biden has made his solidifying and even expanding the NATO alliance after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a key part of his agenda.” via Brian Spegele of The Wall Street Journal — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hailed progress in stabilizing ties between the U.S. and China, as she concluded a trip that marked an improvement in tone for a relationship that has deteriorated to near historic lows in recent months. The relationship remains volatile nevertheless, and Washington and Beijing are still far apart on core matters of national security. But there were signs of progress as Yellen prepared to depart Beijing on Sunday, after spending 10 hours in recent days locked in talks with Chinese leaders. Both countries signaled a desire to improve ties, and Beijing indicated it is willing to negotiate further on issues critical to the future of its economy.
“Biden says war with Russia must end before NATO can consider membership for Ukraine” via Jeremy Herb of CNN — Biden said Ukraine is not yet ready for NATO membership, saying that Russia’s war in Ukraine needs to end before the alliance can consider adding Kyiv to its ranks. Biden said while the discussion of Ukraine’s imminent membership in NATO was premature, the U.S. and its allies in NATO would continue to provide President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his forces the security and weaponry they need to try to end the war with Russia. Biden spoke to Zakaria ahead of his weeklong trip to Europe, which includes a NATO summit in Lithuania where Russia’s war in Ukraine and Zelensky’s push for NATO membership will be among the key issues looming over the gathering.
“Senate Judiciary Chair blasts John Roberts for inaction on Supreme Court reform” via Alexander Bolton of The Hill — Chair Dick Durbin of Illinois criticized Chief Justice Roberts for failing to enact ethics reform before the court wrapped up its term this month and pledged to advance a Democratic ethics reform bill soon. “Many questions remain at the end of the court’s latest term regarding its reputation, credibility and ‘honorable’ status. I’m sorry to see Chief Justice Roberts end the term without taking action on the ethical issues plaguing the court,” Durbin said. Durbin juxtaposed recent reports by ProPublica about lavish vacations that conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito accepted from conservative donors with the court’s recent “decisions that dismantled long-standing precedents and the progress our country has made over generations.”
“Chuck Schumer puts insulin, prescription drug reform, Supreme Court ethics on July agenda” via Alexander Bolton of The Hill — In a “Dear Colleague” letter circulated Sunday, Schumer said Democrats will work with Republicans to “lower the cost of insulin and prescription drugs,” respond to the nation’s ongoing fentanyl crisis, reform the energy permitting process and improve rail safety. He also highlighted the need to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and the Farm Bill and bipartisan work on cannabis banking legislation and a package to improve economic competition with China. Schumer took a shot at Thomas and Alito for failing to disclose lavish vacations they took at the invitation of wealthy conservative donors and said Democrats will “explore every option” to address Supreme Court ethics.
“Who’s OK with the affirmative action decision? Many Black Americans.” via Aaron Blake of The Washington Post — The data, from an Economist/YouGov poll conducted after the Supreme Court’s decision severely restricting the use of affirmative action in college admissions, shows Americans approving of it more than 2-to-1. That’s a finding in line with surveys conducted before the decision, including from The Washington Post and CBS News, which showed more than 6 in 10 Americans supported the idea of banning the use of race and ethnicity in admissions. Another poll conducted after the decision, for ABC News, showed Americans approved of it by a 20-point margin. What’s particularly striking about the Economist/YouGov poll is how Black Americans responded. Indeed, more of them actually approved of the decision (more than 4 in 10) than disapproved (fewer than 4 in 10). And more Black Americans “strongly” approved (31%) than disapproved (26%).
“AOC tells Jen Psaki: DeSantis is not ‘more rational’ than Trump” via Ken Meyer of Mediaite — Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rejected the idea that DeSantis is a more levelheaded figure than Trump, adding that she believes the Florida Governor blew it with his 2024 presidential campaign launch. “Right now, the Republican Party is so disoriented that I really don’t see someone that can unite that party, even beyond Donald Trump,” the Congresswoman said. “So, to be honest, I don’t [see any competition to Trump] because the individuals that have wanted to appeal to people’s cooler senses in the party have all been driven out.”
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“DeSantis appoints 3 to Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — DeSantis appointed West Miami Mayor Eric Diaz-Padron, School Board member Roberto Alonso and investment banker Rodolfo Pages to the 24-member Governing Board of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, a powerful body responsible for approving all transportation-related policy matters, programs, budgets, agreements and operating structures. All are Republicans. Diaz-Padron will presumably replace Medley Mayor Roberto Martell. Alonso will fill the seat vacated last year by former School Board Chair Perla Hantman. Pages, whom DeSantis appointed four years ago to the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, will take the seat reserved for an “Expressway Authority” member. One more Governor-appointed member of the Board, who must be a non-elected official living in the county’s unincorporated area, remains outstanding.
“State University System, Ray Rodrigues effectively stops Florida Atlantic University presidential search” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida Board of Governors effectively suspended Florida Atlantic University’s search for a new president. BOG officials raised concerns including whether applicants were improperly questioned about their gender identity during the search process. State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues sent a letter to FAU Board of Trustees Chair Brad Levine raising concerns. “At least one candidate reported he was requested to complete a questionnaire and answer if his sexual orientation was ‘queer’ and whether he was a ‘male or transgender male,’” Rodrigues stated. “In a separate and required survey, the same candidate was subsequently asked if his gender was ‘male, female or other’ and what his ‘preferred pronouns were.’”
“Thousands flood the streets in South Florida to rally for Haiti as kidnappings, violence surge” via David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — More than 2,000 people filled the streets marching under sweltering heat in North Miami Sunday afternoon to rally in support for the people of Haiti and to protest ongoing gang violence, political instability and corruption. “We are marching against violence, we are marching against kidnapping,” Anna Dorvilier yelled waving a sign that read “If we are not on the table, we are on the menu.” Chanting and singing “Jistis pou Ayiti” and “Souf pou Ayiti” — Creole for “Justice for Haiti” and “Relief for Haiti” — the crowds waved tiny Haitian flags and followed a tractor-trailer truck with an elevated platform carrying dignitaries like Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, clergy and musicians “We are united for Haiti, and God’s ears are open today,” Levine Cava said.
“‘Unfriendly political environment’: Broward convention cancellations blame Florida as reason for exodus” via Lisa Huriash of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Broward County has lost more than a half-dozen conventions as organizers cite the divisive political climate as their reason to stay out of Florida. Visit Lauderdale, Broward’s tourism-promotion arm, said the lost conventions could have brought hotel stays to Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding cities, which also meant money spent on restaurants and attractions. One event organizer blamed the polarization of gay rights and the “assault on diversity and equity and inclusion.” Added Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale president and CEO, “From an economic standpoint, this is very harmful.”
“Cut red tape: Miami-Dade Commission directs Mayor’s Office to streamline county permitting” via Jesse Scheckner — Miami-Dade’s permitting process, which at best has received mixed reviews, is getting a makeover. County Commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously for a resolution directing the Mayor’s administration to establish a centralized, online portal through which residents and businesses can seek and track permits. Permit seekers today may have to interact with multiple departments to secure project approval. To further ease matters, the measure also requires all permitting-related resources and services to be relocated to a single facility “to the greatest extent feasible.” Kevin Marino Cabrera, the resolution’s sponsor, said fixing Miami-Dade’s convoluted permitting process was a major reason he ran for office last year. In January, he listed it among his priority issues for 2023.
“It’s toxic slime time on Lake Okeechobee” via Dan Egan of The New York Times — A vast re-engineering over the past century has transformed Okeechobee into something life-threatening as much as life-giving. Toxic algal blooms now regularly infest much of its 730-square-mile surface during the Summer, producing fumes and waterborne poisons potent enough to kill pets that splash in the contaminated waters or send their owners to the doctor from inhaling the toxins. In recent Summers, the problem has become more dire. Climate change is making storms and rainfall more intense and less predictable, and last fall Hurricane Ian stirred up so much phosphorus that this Summer is expected to be particularly bad.
“Local opposition, anti-lobbying claims surround West Palm Beach’s $16 million marina project” via Wayne Washington of the Palm Beach Post — West Palm Beach’s plan to build a marina along its Flagler Drive waterfront has run into ill winds, as the firm selected to do the work has been accused of breaking anti-lobbying rules and some residents oppose the project. Commissioners voted in June to negotiate with City Harbor LLC for the construction of the $16 million marina. Informa, an international event firm that puts on the Palm Beach International Boat Show, backed City Harbor’s bid over a competing one from Safe Harbor LLC, the largest owner and operator of marinas worldwide. Now Safe Harbor says Informa’s verbal support of City Harbor violated city rules against lobbying during bidding processes and that City Harbor “must be disqualified.”
“Miami-Dade County to develop ‘guiding principles’ for AI” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Within six months, Miami-Dade will have its first set of rules for the use of artificial intelligence in county operations. County Commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution by Eileen Higgins directing Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s office to establish “guiding principles” for county staff to abide by in using the fast-developing technology. Levine Cava’s administration is also tasked with studying the upsides of AI in government services and the various dangers it poses. A report from the Mayor’s Office detailing its findings is due back to the Commission in 180 days.
“Seaweed blob headed to Florida that smells like rotten eggs shrinks ‘beyond expectation’” via Li Cohen of CBS News Miami — A giant mass of sargassum expected to litter South Florida shores this Summer has shrunk by a staggering 75% in the past month. Scientists don’t yet know why. The mass, called the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, was estimated to carry 13.5 million metric tons of brown algae that upon hitting the shore and starting to rot releases hydrogen sulfide whose odor the Florida Department of Health compared to “rotten eggs.” But researchers from the University of South Florida said on June 30 that the blob has since decreased to “about 9 million metric tons.” They predict it will continue to be “minimal” through September and will have a “moderate” amount of sargassum in the Caribbean through August before decreasing further.
“Close to record temps expected as heat advisories stay in place” via Chelsea Ambriz of NBC Miami — Heat advisories remained in place Sunday for all South Florida until 7 p.m. as highs stayed in the mid- and upper-90s. Hot and muggy conditions caused feel-like conditions of up to 110 degrees in some places. As Saharan dust begins to settle in the atmosphere, the tri-county area is expected to see rain chances lower slightly. A storm may also develop, but the dry dust air will create a cap in the atmosphere making it harder for storms to break through early in the week.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Appeals court reverses ruling that favored Universal preventing one-handed man from Volcano Bay waterslide” via Christopher Cann of the Orlando Sentinel — The case of a one-handed man who sued Universal Orlando for barring him from a water ride has been given a second life after federal appeals Judges ruled to send the case back to a lower court. The 11th Circuit Court voided the summary judgment by the U.S. District Court in favor of Volcano Bay and Universal, saying the park’s reason for barring Dylan Campbell is not justified. Campbell, who was born without a right forearm and hand, was pulled aside while standing in line for the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and told he was “unfit” to ride. He sued Universal for imposing what he alleged were discriminatory criteria for entry to the ride.
“Conventions pull out from Central Florida citing ‘regressive legislation’” via Ashley Edlund and Adam Poulisse of WFTV 9 — Several organizations that were lined up to host upcoming conventions in Central Florida have scrapped their plans. One group cited what it called “regressive legislation” state lawmakers have passed that “challenges their mission.” Another said the state’s political climate would “undermine what we stand for and would prohibit us from existing.” Visit Orlando, the city’s official tourism association, said it has received messages and calls from people worried about coming to Florida. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond said there was a “small decrease” in conventions in April. “In May, it was about a 7% decrease,” he said. “It meant our collections … were about $2 million less than May 2022.”
— LOCAL: TB —
“Rural communities across Tampa Bay are getting funds to boost internet” via Carl Lisciandrello of WUSF Public Media — Several rural communities across the greater Tampa Bay region will receive nearly $29 million to help boost their internet access. The funding comes as part of the state’s $247 million Broadband Infrastructure Package the Governor announced Friday. More than 59,000 businesses, homes, farms and institutions including libraries and hospitals will receive the funds, which will be used to lay fiber optic cables to increase internet download speeds and improve their broadband infrastructure. Highlands County will receive the largest chunk of the Tampa Bay area, with more than $17 million, followed by DeSoto with nearly $8.6 million.
“Grady Judd limited edition coins celebrate Sheriff’s 50 years in law enforcement” via Fox 13 News staff — Judd, Polk’s Sheriff, is famous for coined phrases. Now his fans can own a different type of coin from the county’s top cop while raising money for charity. Limited edition coins featuring Sheriff Judd are back in stock at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. They go for $10 apiece, cash only, and celebrate his 50 years in law enforcement. Purchases, limited to five coins per person, can be made at the Sheriff’s Operations Center; the Central, Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast districts; and the Central and South county jails.
“St. Pete man launches new dating app that uses artificial intelligence” via Fox 13 Tampa Bay — St. Petersburg man Tyler Henkel’s new app, Wing AI, is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to help clueless guys “get onto a better foot” on dating apps. “I could tell that a lot of guys don’t know what they’re doing on online dating,” he said. “They usually send generic messages like, ‘Hey. What’s up?” Wing AI essentially gives them a better opening line. Users upload a picture of their match’s profile or profile picture to Wing AI. The app then generates a question to ask the match. According to Henkel, the AI lines produced by his app, which is now available on the Apple App Store, result in an 80-85% response rate compared to 40% to lines like, “How’s it going?”
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“‘A melodious, resonating voice’: Friends, family say final goodbyes to local activist, trailblazer Ben Frazier” via Aaron Farrar of News4Jax — Ben Frazier died June 24 after a nine-month battle with cancer. His passing came one day after turning 73 years old. “A trailblazer, a drum major of justice, a voice for the voiceless,” said Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. That is how the pastor of The Bethel Church described Frazier. Hundreds of people who knew the Jacksonville native filled into the church to celebrate his life and work. Frazier’s childhood friends, Ed Dawkins and Joe Ross, who helped him establish the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville knew their friend had wisdom, courage and passion. “Ben enlightened me to the fact that a small group of people, determined to stand up and speak out could make a difference,” Ross said.
“Ron Salem’s immigrant parents shaped his rise to Jacksonville City Council president” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union — Salem has lived most of his adult life across the St. Johns River in Arlington, but he periodically returns to his old stomping grounds to stroll along the shaded sidewalks and through Four Corners Park. It’s his way of staying connected to the family base that set him on a path to become City Council president on July 1, joining the growing ranks of Jacksonville power players who have Arabic heritage. Salem, 67, said his parents’ influence, such as his father’s leadership of the Ramallah Club, helped shape his own interest in community involvement. He had already been a volunteer for decades on Boards and Commissions at the city and state levels when he won an at-large City Council seat in 2019.
“$20.2M erosion repair for Ponte Vedra, Vilano beaches set to start by September, end in ’24” via Steve Patterson of The Florida Times-Union — Crews are expected to begin adding sand to 3 miles of St. Johns County shoreline in September to repair erosion exacerbated last year by scrapes with remnants of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said a $20.2 million contract for the beach renourishment will be entirely paid for by the federal government as an emergency project. The work will target parts of South Ponte Vedra and Vilano beaches that had been damaged by a November 2021 nor’easter and lost more sand when the hurricane remnants whipped the shoreline. Weeks Marine, a Louisiana-based contractor, is expected to begin staging equipment at Surfside Park and along Euclid Avenue by mid-August, then begin placing sand a few weeks later, the Corps of Engineers said in an announcement.
“City Walk’s yearslong battle against city finally ends, church vacates building” via Ana Goñi-Lessan of the Tallahassee Democrat — City Walk Urban Mission shuttered its doors at its Mahan Drive shelter after a yearslong battle with the city. Renee Miller, the pastor of City Walk Church and director of the shelter, said the organization moved out of the building and is now housing 14 people in private condos in Tallahassee. In March, the fire department found the building to be a danger to occupants, mainly because the shelter does not have a sprinkler system. A judge later declined City Walk’s motion for preliminary injunction without notice. City Walk has been fighting the City of Tallahassee since 2020 when the shelter started to house people during cold nights but quietly transitioned to a full-time operation, which the city alleged was out of compliance with city codes.
“UF has a parking problem. Among the violators: UF employees driving UF vehicles” via Lillian Lawson of The Gainesville Sun — A new phase of safety enforcement, set to begin July 10, aims to mitigate part of the problem in a new way: by cracking down on improperly parked UF-owned vehicles. The Office of the Vice President for Business Affairs, back in March, urged those on campus to not park in places that block access to sidewalks, bike lanes and other restricted areas, such as grass. After reviewing the situation, UF officials have continued to find violators. So now the university, for the first time ever, will be addressing its own bad parking habits by issuing fine-free citations. All other vehicles, such as personal cars and delivery vehicles, have always been subject to parking tickets and will continue to be.
“Florida Power & Light announces 2023 upgrade plans.” via Collin Bestor of Northwest Florida Daily News — FPL’s 2023 improvement agenda for Okaloosa includes a range of initiatives, including relocating power lines underground, reinforcing overhead lines, and installing intelligent devices throughout the energy grid. Some of the other plans include strengthening six main power lines; vegetation management along 937 miles of power lines; deployment of smart grid technology, featuring 31 more automated switches on primary and neighborhood power lines; and using infrared technology inspection on four primary power lines and equipment. “Delivering more reliable service and being there for our customers when they need us most is part of the value we bring,” said Bernard Johnson, local senior external affairs manager for FPL. “This includes investing in innovative solutions and technology that helps keep the lights on.”
“Council says proposed rule on Rice’s whales could cripple ports, including Panama City” via Nathan Cobb of the Panama City News Herald — Local officials worry new proposed rules for commercial vessels might cripple ports along the Gulf Coast, including Port Panama City. “I don’t know which one is weirder — the 10 knots or the no vessel movements at night,” said Michael Rubin, president and CEO of Florida Ports Council. “It’s going to be almost impossible for a port to run if those go into effect.” The release notes Port Panama City handled more than 2 million tons of cargo in 2022, and the facility boasts a total economic value of $1.6 billion. It also supports more than 10,000 jobs, said Alex King, executive director of the local port. Of Port Panama City’s total cargo last year, King said about 1 million tons was processed overnight.
“Rain couldn’t keep the Blue Angels away on the final day of the Pensacola Beach Air Show” via Brittany Misencik of the Pensacola News Journal — Although Saturday’s show was cut short due to lightening — which grew severe enough for an emergency alert to be issued urging attendees to take shelter — the crowd “oohed” and “aahed” through the Blue Angels’ signature maneuvers. Even with the long wait to see the brief show, fans didn’t seem to mind. Saturday’s heat index rose to 103 and spectators relied on umbrellas, tents, snow cones and air-conditioned spaces around the island to get a sense of relief. By the show’s end at 2:30 p.m., nine people had been transported to the hospital from Pensacola Beach, according to Escambia County representative Andie Gibson. Lifeguards did not need to perform any water rescues, however.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Lee, Collier County officials monitor for malaria as Sarasota faces 6 local cases” via Liz Freeman of the Naples Daily News — Collier and Lee counties have been spared locally acquired malaria, but public health and mosquito control officials are monitoring the region after cases reported in Sarasota. Lee County has had one case of malaria this year, in May, but the individual was infected outside of the United States. Officials in Sarasota reported Thursday two new cases of malaria that were acquired locally, bringing the tally up to six local cases in that county since June 19. The two additional cases in Sarasota were reported the week of June 25 to July 1.
“Invasive species, helped by Hurricane Ian, have expanded their range” via Chad Gillis of the Fort Myers News-Press — Hurricane Ian smashed Southwest Florida nearly a year ago, and the region hasn’t been the same since. And the impacts extend beyond the obvious human tolls as the storm likely pushed dozens of invasive species into new areas of Southwest Florida, according to a United States Geological Survey report. So, dreadful critters like the poisonous cane toad now have a much broader range, new areas to torment and haunt. Plants that have clogged waterways and choked off access to native species are flourishing in new places, further putting a clamp on native wildlife.
“Beaches are clearing up as sargassum blobs disappear. What this means for Southwest Florida” via Samantha Neely of the Fort Myers News-Press — The monthslong threat of sargassum may be clearing up in time for Summer. Inside the June report from the University of South Florida, scientists have noticed a sharp decline in the seaweed that’s been plaguing Florida coasts since March and predict the trend to only continue in the coming months. The amount of sargassum in the Gulf of Mexico not only decreased in June, but the drop exceeded expectations, according to the report. 75% of the seaweed disappeared last month, which is good news for Southwest Florida residents and visitors. The decreasing amounts of reported sargassum are expected to continue over the next two to three months, with sargassum aggregations in the central west Atlantic continuing to move west with prevailing currents and winds.
“New College gives Sarasota Classic Car Museum more time to move out” via Samantha Gholar of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — New College of Florida Interim President Richard Corcoran told trustees July 6 that the college will soon take over 7,000 square feet of the high-visibility Sarasota Classic Car Museum following the school’s order to vacate the property last month, while giving the tourist attraction a few more months to find a new home and relocate. New College will have access to the agreed-upon square footage of the nearly 55,000-square-foot complex by July 10 to fast-track the build-out 4,000 square feet of new office space for the college and another 3,000 square feet of new gym space for administrators and faculty. Meanwhile, the museum will have another four months to move to a new place.
— TOP OPINION —
“DeSantis’ only hope is to beat Trump from the hard right” via Yair Rosenberg of The Atlantic — Even by the standards of today’s political ads, the video that recently roiled the Republican presidential race is not particularly subtle. In it, a talking head accuses DeSantis of producing “some of the harshest, most draconian laws that literally threaten trans existence.”
Headlines like “DeSantis Signs ‘Most Extreme Slate of Anti-Trans Laws in Modern History’” flit across the screen. The twist: This was not an attack ad against DeSantis. The clip was shared by his own team on Twitter and presented as an attack on Trump for being too soft on LGBTQ issues.
With its slapdash presentation and internet-meme imagery, the video could easily be dismissed as the half-baked output of a floundering campaign. But in fact, DeSantis’ anti-trans rhetoric is part of a pattern — and an essential component of his plan to win the Republican Primary.
On paper, DeSantis’ campaign is in dire straits: He’s trailing the front-runner, Trump, by a two-to-one margin in national polls. But there is no national Primary, only individual state contests — and the first of these will take place in Iowa in early 2024.
The outcome of that showdown has the potential to shape the entire Primary to follow, and by pivoting hard to the right on social issues including abortion and gender, DeSantis has been methodically positioning himself to win it.
And to do that, he needs to win Iowa and demonstrate to Trump-skeptical voters that he is their only realistic option. Just as Biden’s dominant showing in South Carolina convinced establishment Democrats that he was their best chance to beat a surging Bernie Sanders, a DeSantis upset in Iowa could anoint him as the most viable alternative to Trump.
Of course, there’s a cost to running a campaign designed to appeal to your party’s most fervent partisans. By staking out unpopular positions to win the Primary, a candidate puts himself at a disadvantage in the General Election, where independent voters tend to punish perceived extremism.
— OPINIONS —
—“Pandering isn’t working for DeSantis. Here’s a different strategy” via Daniel Ruth of the Tampa Bay Times
“‘Woke’ isn’t going to die in DeSantis’ Florida. It’s just taking its dollars elsewhere” via the Miami Herald editorial board — DeSantis has made no secret that his approach to governing is “You’re either with me or get the heck out.” He has signed laws and used state power against teachers; transgender people; African Americans; women’s bodies; teachers and unions; university professors and academic freedom; universities that want to diversify their student body; immigrants; LGBTQ people and drag queens. Two organizations canceled events that were planned in the Orlando area in the coming years. Broward County has lost more than half-dozen conferences thanks to Florida’s political climate. The Governor’s Office told the Sun-Sentinel the cancellations are “nothing more than a media-driven stunt.” Have DeSantis’ policies caused widespread financial ruin in Florida? No, though the hotels and conference centers that lost business might see it differently.
“Here’s why we shouldn’t prejudge New College’s ‘Freedom Institute’” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board — The New College of Florida Board of Trustees plans to seek $2 million from the state Legislature to set up a “Freedom Institute” aimed at combating “cancel culture” in higher education. The institute would promote “tolerance of opposing views,” according to backup material in the trustees’ meeting agenda. Yes, this is the same New College that ousted its president and installed new conservative members on its governing board. While we can’t help but notice the irony, the institute could — if carefully managed — temper the furor over the college’s makeover and contribute to the discourse over higher education. Of course, the opposite could happen if New College works in bad faith. But we won’t prejudge an exercise that espouses the ideal of tolerance and constructive debate.
“New College faculty’s ‘censure’ of trustees isn’t even a thing” via Robert Allen Jr. for the Tampa Bay Times — Critics of change at New College of Florida make too much of the recent faculty motion to censure the college’s trustees. A proper starting point might be the New College of Florida Faculty Handbook. Chapter 15 makes clear that an organization may, in fact, issue censures — but only of its members and officers. In other words, the New College faculty had no legal basis or any authority whatsoever to “censure” trustees. Instead of passing a resolution expressing their concerns or making recommendations, they styled their disapproval as a “censure.” Framing their disapproval as a “censure” would be sure to gain the attention of the national press. On reflection, shouldn’t the alleged “censure” be more accurately described as a tantrum?
“Florida, stop taking Medicaid away from kids, parents who need it” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Roughly one-third of those losing coverage are children. And as the Sentinel’s Caroline Catherman reported last week, some of those children are so sick they’re not supposed to lose coverage at all. DeSantis’ boast that no state does more, well, he’s a little bit right there. Florida has done more than any other state — to strip families and children of coverage. According to data compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Florida has dropped twice as many people — more than 300,000 — from the Medicaid rolls as the next most-active state. Even worse, Florida doesn’t appear to be using any of the tools the federal government has made available to keep more residents enrolled. Is this what DeSantis calls “standing unequivocally” in children’s defense?
“Americans deserve freedom from fear” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Are those fireworks or gunshots? There was no freedom from fear in the nation that celebrated its freedom from a king last week. Americans truly did need to ask what those noises were they were hearing. Throughout the land, people flinched and trembled along with their pets at the sounds of July 4 as reports kept coming of what may set a record for mass gun violence in any five-day period. It’s as if there were a hellish conspiracy to deny the American people the right to peacefully assemble on their national day. There is a conspiracy, in fact. It involves pusillanimous legislators and firearms fanatics fronting for the business model of an industry that doesn’t mind how many lives are sacrificed to its prosperity.
“Wonking out: De-dollarization debunked” via Paul Krugman of The New York Times — The U.S. dollar is, in a real sense, the money of moneys. Still, is the special role of the dollar declining? Every hint that some international transactions might bypass the dollar, like Saudi Arabia’s suggestion that it might accept the Chinese yuan in payment for oil, receives tremendous hype. Elon Musk has endorsed the view that by “weaponizing” the dollar against Vladimir Putin, America has guaranteed rapid de-dollarization, because, of course, he has. But how about bringing some actual data to bear? A new report from the Federal Reserve examines several measures of dollar dominance and finds that this dominance has “remained stable over the past 20 years” and that “diminution of the dollar’s status seems unlikely in the near-term.”
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Underwater Keys concert spotlights coral reef preservation” via The Associated Press — Hundreds of divers and snorkelers listened to an underwater concert that advocated coral reef protection Saturday in the Florida Keys. The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, which also spotlighted eco-conscious diving, took place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary located about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. Established in 1990, the sanctuary protects 3,800 square miles of water including the barrier reef that parallels the 125-mile-long island chain.
“Can a thumbs-up emoji seal a contract? A Canadian judge rules 👍” via Kate Perez of USA Today — Sending a thumbs-up emoji may now be considered the agreement of a legally binding contract, a Canadian judge has ruled. The thumbs-up emoji proved pivotal in a case involving farmer Chris Achter of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and a 2021 deal to sell 87 metric tons of flax to grain buyer Kent Mickleborough. Mickleborough signed the contract for the deal and texted a picture of it to Achter and wrote “Please confirm flax contract,” according to court documents. Achter responded with a thumbs-up emoji. When Achter did not send the flax to Mickleborough, the grain buyer filed a lawsuit stating he thought Achter’s thumbs-up emoji was an agreement to the contract.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Happy birthday to U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, former Sen. Rene Garcia, former Rep. Gary Aubuchon, and Beth Gosnell.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
