Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.26.24

Good Friday morning.

A celebration of the life of Bob Graham continues with the much-beloved former Governor lying in state at Florida’s Historic Capitol from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Former Florida Gov. “Buddy” MacKay and First Lady Anne MacKay issued a statement on Graham’s passing:

“The passing of Florida’s beloved statesman, former U.S. Senator and Gov. Bob Graham, represents the loss of a great leader and wonderful human being — and it also marks the passing of a golden era in the history of our state government.

“Throughout our lives and careers, we enjoyed a warm personal friendship with Bob Graham and his wonderful wife, Adele. We also shared an unbreakable bond of commitment to public service that always put the people first. His memorable ‘workdays’ reflected an earnest desire to stand side-by-side with Floridians from all walks of life and to put in the time in jobs of every kind to learn about people’s hopes, dreams and challenges. Those workdays became the unique Bob Graham brand — and it inspired his every day of public service.

“Bob Graham’s dedicated work served to positively boost and improve Florida’s economy, environment, and system of public education — among many other achievements — during both his eight years as Governor and 18 years as our U.S. Senator. It also continued to be the Bob Graham way in all of the years since his time in elected office.

“Anne and I send our prayers and love to Adele and to the entire Graham family. We salute our friend Bob Graham for a historic, pinnacle level of service. That record of service continues to set a grand example of what any and every elected and appointed official should aspire to be: to be more like Bob Graham.”

___

Veteran lobbyist Ron Book was celebrated last week as one of a dozen recipients of the Ronald McDonald of South Florida “12 Good Men Award” for 2024 in recognition of his service to the community.

The “12 Good Men Luncheon” is an annual event celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on the community. This year, it was held April 19. The gathering honors a dozen remarkable men who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community involvement, exemplary civic duty, and unwavering support for South Florida charitable organizations.

Book’s community work is extensive and impressive. He serves as Chair of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, Chair of the Lauren’s Kids Foundation Board, and member of the Board of Directors for the Mourning Family Foundation, Best Buddies, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and many more charitable organizations for which he advocates pro bono and generously volunteers his time.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@GovRonDeSantis: Florida’s response to Joe Biden trying to inject gender ideology into education, undermining opportunities for girls and women, violating parents’ rights and abusing his constitutional authority: We will not comply.

—@pbump: Republicans are telling pollsters that they don’t think what Trump did after 2020 was wrong, that they see him as upholding democracy and that they don’t think it’s important for a losing candidate to concede. This is blinking warning light.

—@Mdixon55: Almost everyone would survive many, many minutes in almost all the asylums posted here Let’s relax, folks

—@MarcACaputo: What do viewers get out of watching a reporter stand in front of a place and describe what a politician said and what the crowd looked like? Why not just show what the politician said? Who cares about a description of his arrival?

Tweet, tweet:

Don't forget to register to join us THIS SATURDAY as we commemorate our incredible month-long journey and celebrate all of you who helped us every step of the way! https://t.co/R7X0gdJkpU #WhyWeWalk pic.twitter.com/CQbVeN7Q6V

— Lauren's Kids (@LaurensKids) April 25, 2024

Tweet, tweet:

Such a pleasure to see you play at home @RafaelNadal @MutuaMadridOpen ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yKzFkz1mVs

— Nadia Comaneci (@nadiacomaneci10) April 25, 2024

— DAYS UNTIL —

Florida Housing Summit ‘Blueprint for Better Outcomes’ begins — 5; Kentucky Derby — 8; 2024 Leadership Conference on Safety, Health & Sustainability — 14; ‘The Blue Angels,’ a feature documentary from J.J. Abrams opens in IMAX theaters — 21; ‘Bridgerton’ new season (part one) premieres on Netflix — 22; French Open begins — 24; Special Election to replace Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill — 25; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 26; Dave Matthews Band 2024 Summer Tour begins in Tampa — 26; Monaco Grand Prix — 30; the 2024 World Cup begins — 46; season two of ‘House of the Dragon’ returns to Max — 51; ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ premieres — 63; Republican National Convention begins — 79; the 2024 World Cup ends — 83; 2024 MLS All-Star Game — 88; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on NBC/Peacock — 90; ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ premieres — 91; ‘Alien: Romulus’ premieres — 112; Florida Primary Election — 116; Democratic National Convention begins — 116; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 120; 2024 NFL season kicks off — 133; Packers will face Eagles in Brazil — 133; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami — 175; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum — 178; 2024 Presidential Election — 193; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 206; MLS Cup 2024 — 221; ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ premieres — 291; the 2025 Oscars — 310; Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session begins — 312; 2025 Session ends — 372; ‘Moana’ premieres — 422; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 453; ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot premieres — 455; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 560; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres — 602; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 739; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 755; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 966; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,106; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 2,065; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,787.

— TOP STORY —

“Jimmy Patronis, other officials urge patience as property insurance rates continue to rise” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — Florida’s homeowner insurance crisis is turning a corner with “light at the end of the tunnel” and “good news” as a slate of new companies come into the market and put downward pressure on rates. But homeowners, still facing price hikes, aren’t seeing it yet.

That was the message from most officials at an insurance panel convened by Chief Financial Officer Patronis. He and other lawmakers and regulators touted changes enacted by the Legislature to reduce lawsuits as having the intended effect.

Reinsurance costs, a key component of costly rate hikes in recent years, are expected to stay flat. Lawsuits have dropped significantly. Outside carriers are more interested in the Florida market. Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky said at least two companies have filed for statewide average rate decreases.

“This downward trend is a good thing, it’s showing that we’re trying to turn the corner where it’ll ultimately help create stabilization in the market,” Patronis said.

But those positive indicators belie the rate hikes most homeowners continue to experience. Rates shot up significantly in the last three years as seven companies went bankrupt in an 18-month span.

“We want to make sure this thing gets fixed but the worst thing we can do is enact all of this quality legislation and not give it the time, that 12 to 18 months to bake in,” said Tampa Republican Sen. Jay Collins. “Many of us have been preaching strategy and patience.”

— STATEWIDE —

“Ron DeSantis warns of potential expulsion for student protesters in Florida” via Lexi Lonas of The Hill — DeSantis is warning college students in his state that they could be expelled if they engage in unsanctioned protests on campuses. “At places like Columbia and Yale, Hamas protesters rule the roost, and the universities are too weak and scared to do anything — even as these mobs harass Jewish students and faculty,” the Governor said in a post on the social platform X. “If you try that at a Florida university, you are going to be expelled.”

“Plaintiffs ask the court to reconsider whether DeSantis had racist motives drawing Florida’s congressional map” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Plaintiffs who challenged DeSantis’ congressional map in federal court want Judges to reconsider a ruling upholding the cartography. But those challenging the lines abandoned any chance at settling the matter before congressional elections this year. Common Cause Florida and other plaintiffs filed a 38-page motion for reconsideration, asking Judges to revisit the Governor’s motives when he inserted himself into the redistricting process by vetoing maps drawn by the Legislature and having his Office send its own cartography to the Legislature for approval. “A map that moved through the legislative process with intent to discriminate against the voters cannot stand,” said Amy Keith, Common Cause Florida Executive Director.

“DeSantis says Florida ‘will not comply’ with Title IX guidance regarding gender identity” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida’s Governor is setting the stage with yet another showdown with the Democratic White House. This one is about new language from the Biden administration reconfiguring Title IX to protect students on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, the latter of which Florida Republicans don’t believe is up for debate. “We will not comply and we will fight back. We are not going to let Joe Biden try to inject men into women’s activities. We are not going to let Joe Biden undermine the rights of parents and we are not going to let Joe Biden abuse his constitutional authority to try to impose these policies on us here in Florida,” vowed DeSantis.

“Florida lawmakers want to weaken the state’s ethics laws. DeSantis can stop them.” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Last Fall, the state agency that investigates potentially corrupt Florida politicians urged lawmakers in Tallahassee to strengthen the state’s ethics laws. They decided to weaken the state’s ethics laws instead. They did so through Senate Bill 7014, a bill that would make it far more difficult for ethics investigators in Florida to probe allegations of public corruption. The most controversial provisions of the bill — which could hobble the state ethics office in Tallahassee and cripple local ethics agencies in communities around the state — were all added to the legislation late in the process, in a way that ensured no one from the public ever had a chance to testify against them. But Senate Bill 7014 isn’t the law just yet. It’s still awaiting a decision from DeSantis, who could veto the legislation.

“Joseph Ladapo says mask wearers ‘just like to hide their faces’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida’s Surgeon General is continuing to evangelize against mask-wearing like it’s 2022. His latest theory? People wearing protective coverings over their faces simply don’t want to be seen, said the state’s Chief Health Officer and doctor of medicine at the University of Florida. Surgeon General Ladapo said a doctor at the University of California Los Angeles talked to “some of her medical residents, physicians in training who are wearing masks and it turns out it seems like some people, they just like to hide their faces, which is a really sad testament to humanity and where we are right now with just how people have dealt with all the stress and all the social media disconnection and all the craziness.”

“Doctors race against Florida’s six-week abortion ban” via Caroline Catherman of the Orlando Sentinel — With just days until Florida’s six-week abortion ban takes effect Wednesday, providers are rushing to perform as many abortions as possible while planning contingencies for a future where they will need to turn thousands of women away. Clinics have expanded hours, prioritized ultrasounds and added appointments in these final weeks. They’ve fortified their patient navigation efforts and strengthened relationships with abortion fund groups like the Florida Access Network that provide financial and logistical support to people seeking to terminate pregnancies. The ban has limited exceptions for rape, incest, human trafficking, the mother’s health and for fatal fetal abnormalities. “Planned Parenthood’s motto has always been ‘care no matter what.’ And we don’t turn patients away. So this is a very devastating and tragic situation for our staff, who have to say, ‘we can’t take care of you, we have to send you someplace else,’” said Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s interim CEO Barbara Zdravecky.

— 2024 — FLORIDA —

“Joe Biden campaign opens first campaign office in Florida as abortion looks to be key issue” via Phillip Stucky of Bay News 9 — Biden’s campaign announced that it was partnering with the Florida Democratic Party to open its first campaign office in the state Thursday. The move comes after Biden visited Tampa last week to hit Trump and DeSantis on the state’s upcoming six-week abortion ban. In addition to that visit, Vice President Kamala Harris plans to go to Jacksonville on Wednesday. The Biden team’s first office will be located in Hillsborough County and will serve as “a hub for grassroots organizing and voter mobilization, training sessions for volunteers, canvass kickoffs and volunteer recruitment events,” according to a release from the campaign.

“VP Kamala Harris coming to Jacksonville May 1 in fight against state six-week abortion ban” via Hanna Holthaus of The Florida Times-Union — Harris will return to Jacksonville on the same day the state’s strictest abortion ban is set to take effect, the Biden-Harris campaign announced. Harris will speak Wednesday on “the harms inflicted by state abortion bans and continue to make the case that ‘Donald Trump did this’” as part of her “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, which she started in January. The visit comes just over a week after Biden’s campaign stop at the Hillsborough Community College in Tampa where he blamed Trump for the state’s upcoming abortion ban. “Look, next week, one of the nation’s most extreme anti-abortion laws will take effect here in Florida,” Biden said. “It’s criminalizing reproductive health care for — before[sic] women even know whether they’re pregnant.”

“Marco Rubio rips Biden for caving to ‘antisemitic mobs’ with IDF battalion sanctions” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida’s senior Senator issued a searing indictment of Biden, as the administration moves closer to sanctions on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Netzah Yehuda Battalion. “These impending sanctions are an effort by President Biden to appease Israel’s enemies, including the antisemitic mobs terrorizing college campuses across America. But it will stigmatize the entire IDF and encourage Hamas, Hezbollah and the Iranian regime,” warned Rubio. Rubio lauded the effectiveness of the fighting force.

“Rick Scott calls to federally defund universities that hire ‘terrorist supporters,’ names Columbia” via Owen Girard of Florida’s Voice — Scott called for federally defunding universities that hire “terrorist supporters” in the wake of a report that Columbia University had hired a professor who “endorsed Hamas, Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic jihad.” Scott also called out his opponent, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, as well as Biden, citing inaction and lack of response. “Any college or university that hires terrorist supporters who hate our country should not receive another dime of taxpayer dollars, starting with @Columbia,” Scott said on social media. “This is exactly why I led the Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act with @SenatorTimScott, which would keep these institutions from supporting or hiring these evil people if they want federal funding,” he added.

— 2024 — PRESIDENTIAL —

“In historic Donald Trump hearing, Supreme Court majority suggests Presidents may have some criminal immunity” via Alexandra Hutzler, Meredith Deliso, Alexander Mallin, and Mike Levine of ABC News — The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday on whether Trump can be criminally prosecuted over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. The justices grappled with the monumental question of if — and if so, to what extent — former Presidents enjoy immunity for conduct alleged to involve official acts during their time in office. Trump claims “absolute” protection for what he claims were official acts, though he denies all wrongdoing. The high court divided over this, but most of the conservative-leaning justices in the majority seemed open to some version of it while still excluding a President’s “private” conduct.

“Jack Smith’s odds of putting Trump on trial this year are sinking” via Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein of POLITICO — The already-slim likelihood that Trump will face a criminal trial brought by special counsel Smith before the 2024 election appeared to dwindle further in the face of withering scrutiny from the Supreme Court’s conservative majority. One by one, the court’s six Republican-appointed justices took whacks at Smith’s effort to quickly and cleanly reject Trump’s claim of immunity from criminal prosecution over his attempt to subvert the 2020 election. Instead, during more than 2 1/2 hours of oral argument, the justices forecast a result that could require lower courts to spend months analyzing various aspects of Trump’s election plot. The trial in the case was initially scheduled to begin in March of this year. But the proceedings in the trial court have been frozen for months while Trump has pursued his claim that he enjoys absolute immunity from any charges touching on his official acts.

“Trump downplays deadly Charlottesville rally by comparing it to campus protests over Gaza war” via Colleen Long of The Associated Press — Trump claimed the 2017 White nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, was “nothing” compared to ongoing pro-Palestinian campus protests, the latest instance in which he has downplayed a racist incident that was one of the most criticized moments of his presidency. Speaking in a Manhattan courtroom hallway at the day’s end of his criminal hush money trial, Trump blamed Biden for student protesters who have set up encampments as they call for a cease-fire in the war Israel launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. “We’re having protests all over. He was talking about Charlottesville,” Trump said. “Charlottesville was a little peanut. And it was nothing compared — and the hate wasn’t the kind of hate that you have here.”

“Biden just signed a bill that could ban TikTok. His campaign plans to stay on the app anyway” via Will Weissert of The Associated Press — When Biden showed off his putting during a campaign stop at a public golf course in Michigan last month, the moment was captured on TikTok. Forced inside by a rainstorm, he competed with 13-year-old Hurley “HJ” Coleman IV to make putts on a practice mat. The Coleman family posted video of the proceedings on the app — complete with Biden holing out a putt and the teen knocking his own shot home in response, over the caption, “I had to sink the rebuttal.” The network television cameras that normally follow the President were stuck outside. Biden signed legislation Wednesday that could ban TikTok in the U.S. while his campaign has embraced the platform and tried to work with influencers. “There’s a core hypocrisy to the Biden administration supporting the TikTok ban while at the same time using TikTok for his campaign purposes,” said Kahlil Greene, who has more than 650,000 followers and is known on TikTok as the “Gen Z Historian.”

— DOWN-BALLOT —

“Michael Johnson qualifies to challenge Cory Mills in CD 7” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A conservative activist in Seminole County has qualified to challenge U.S. Rep. Mills in a Republican Primary. Johnson, who last year challenged state Sen. Joe Gruters for his Sarasota legislative seat, filed this week to run against Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican. On April 23, Johnson paid his $10,440 qualifying fee to appear on the Republican ballot in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Johnson has no relation to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. Two Democrats have also qualified in what could still become a battleground district. Both Tatiana Fernandez and Allek Pastrana qualified to run.

“Jackie Toledo won’t challenge Laurel Lee to CD 15 rematch” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Former state Rep. Toledo will not challenge U.S. Rep. Lee. Toledo backed off a potential run against the GOP incumbent weeks after publicly teasing an entry into the field in Florida’s 15th Congressional District. She considered a run after Trump openly called in a Truth Social post for “MAGA Republicans” to challenge Lee. “After much consideration and prayer, I have decided not to run for Florida’s 15th District,” Toledo posted on X. “I want to thank everyone who reached out to me with words of encouragement and support. While I am not running now, my commitment to America-first values remains unwavering.” But she also hinted another run for public office may be in her future.

Wilton Simpson endorses Chad Johnson in HD 22 — Agriculture Commissioner Simpson is getting behind Johnson in his bid to win the open seat in House District 22. Johnson is one of two Republicans — and four candidates overall — who have so far filed to succeed Rep. Chuck Clemons. “Wilton Simpson has been a great Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and I look forward to working with him in the state Legislature to protect Florida’s farmlands from Chinese purchasers and stand up for private property rights and the preservation of our vital ranches and farms,” Johnson said. Through his career as a farmer and as an elected official, Simpson has always fought to protect and strengthen Florida Agriculture.”

—”Meg Weinberger scores endorsement from Palm Beach Police Benevolent Association” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

“Francheska Sabatini challenges DeSantis-appointed Judge Chad Monty” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — It looks like challenging incumbents and burning political institutions could be a family affair in one Lake County home. Francheska Sabatini, wife to congressional candidate Anthony Sabatini, will challenge a Judge appointed by DeSantis. The Lake County Supervisor of Elections confirmed that the Mount Dora lawyer qualified to run against Lake County Judge Monty. That news came the same day Sabatini, a former state Representative who spent his last year in the House exiled to a basement office, qualified to challenge U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, a Clermont Republican.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“‘A proven leader’: four more elected leaders endorse James Reyes for Miami-Dade Sheriff” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami-Dade Public Safety Chief Reyes just added four more backers to his bid to become the county’s first Sheriff since the 1960s. Reyes’ campaign announced new endorsements from Homestead Rep. Kevin Chambliss, Miami Beach Council member Alex Fernandez, Doral Council member Maureen Porras and Miami Gardens Council member Robert Stephens. In one way or another, all pointed to Reyes’ law enforcement experience and record of service as key to their support of him. “I proudly endorse Chief Reyes for Miami-Dade Sheriff because of his incredible track record in public safety and executive leadership,” Chambliss said in a statement Thursday.

“Shlomo Danzinger rescinds endorsement of Miami-Dade Mayor after launching bid to unseat her” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Ex-Surfside Mayor Danzinger wants to make clear where he stands on Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. He endorsed her back in September along with 25 other municipal Mayors. But now that he’s running to supplant her — and in light of problems he has with her leadership, including her handling of the 2021 Champlain Towers South condo collapse — he’s rescinding that nod. “It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of my decision to withdraw my endorsement for your 2024 re-election campaign,” Danzinger said in a letter to Levine Cava. “Recent events and actions have left me profoundly disappointed in your leadership, and I am unable to continue supporting your candidacy.”

“Billy Corben drops out of race for Miami-Dade Dems Chair, citing ‘bad faith and hypocrisy’” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Corben is out of the running for Chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. The documentary filmmaker withdrew from the contest Wednesday night near the end of a Zoom forum featuring three other Chair candidates: Sen. Shevrin Jones, Miami-Dade College Democrats President Manuel Fernandez and Biscayne Gardens Chamber of Commerce President Bernard Jennings. Corben cited disorder and favoritism within the party’s leadership, including acting Chair Laura Wagner’s endorsement of Jones and a refusal to reschedule Friday’s Chair election so it doesn’t conflict with Passover, among his reasons. “I was prepared for the dysfunction, but I’m disappointed by the bad faith and hypocrisy. I mean, this meeting is being presided over by an acting Chair that has endorsed one of the candidates,” he said.

“Fort Lauderdale Mayor wants to save trees on Las Olas, tweak redesign plan” via Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Those celebrated black olive trees that have helped make Las Olas Boulevard so iconic might be gone one day. A dramatic redesign years in the making calls for the removal of the tree-lined median to make way for wider sidewalks along with new trees planted on both sides of the street. But critics are pushing back, arguing the trees need to stay. The fierce protests have made an impact on Mayor Dean Trantalis, who is now talking about a possible compromise. “We have to make changes in baby steps,” Trantalis told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “We can’t lurch into changing Las Olas from what people have enjoyed all these years.”

“A good sign for renters? Competition may not be as fierce as before in South Florida” via Abigail Hasebroock of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — While home prices continue to soar, the rental market may be cooling down in South Florida, providing renters much-needed relief. The Miami metropolitan area, which includes Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, saw the most significant decrease in the median cost of rent from the first part of 2023 to the first part of 2024, out of the 75 most populated metropolitan areas across the United States, according to a report by Forbes Advisor. The region saw a decrease of $400 in the median rental price for Quarter One, which is typically January, February and March, compared to the same time frame last year.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Andrew Bain, appointed by DeSantis, running for Orlando-area State Attorney as an Independent” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Bain, the Orlando area State Attorney appointed by DeSantis, will run without party affiliation. Bain originally filed as a Republican candidate, but informed the Division of Elections he planned to run with no party affiliation instead. On April 24, he signed a candidate oath to that effect, and he paid the qualification fee to run for a four-year term in the 9th Judicial Circuit. Two Republican candidates, Thomas “Fighter” Feiter and Seth Hyman, also qualified. Bain will advance to the General Election to face the GOP Primary winner and Democrat Monique Worrell.

“Maxwell Frost meets with Orlando leaders, gun violence survivors to discuss intervention program” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando’s leaders and gun violence survivors met with Congressman Frost to discuss the city’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) program — and the promise it’s shown to reduce shootings and gun homicides in its first year. The program, known also as CVI, aims to stop violent incidents before they escalate through mediation and resources to get at the heart of confrontations. It initially targeted five neighborhoods citywide, enlisting influential residents known as “Neighborhood Change Associates” as part of the solution. Frost, an Orlando Democrat joined by U.S. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, a Massachusetts Democrat, said he hopes federal money allocated to CVI — including a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Justice to expand it — continues to save lives.

“Tourism Board recommends $5M Brevard grant to help fund Brightline station in Cocoa” via Dave Berman of Florida Today — Brevard County’s Tourism Board unanimously recommended a $5 million grant to help design and build the planned Brightline train station in north Cocoa ― a project that could cost $75 million. The grant proposal will go to the Brevard County Commission as early as May 7 for approval. Funding for the proposed county grant would come from revenue generated by the county’s 5% tourist development tax on hotel and motel rooms, vacation rentals and other short-term rentals. The advisory Brevard County Tourist Development Council supported the grant, in an 8-0 vote, after hearing a presentation from Cocoa city officials about the project.

“NASA astronauts arrive for Boeing’s first human spaceflight” via Marcia Dunn of The Associated Press — The two NASA astronauts assigned to Boeing’s first human spaceflight arrived at their launch site Thursday, just over a week before their scheduled liftoff. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will serve as test pilots for Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which is making its debut with the crew after years of delay. They flew from Houston to Kennedy Space Center on Thursday. Due to blast off May 6 atop an Atlas rocket, the Starliner will fly to the International Space Station for a weeklong shakedown cruise. Boeing is trying to catch up to SpaceX, which has been launching astronauts for NASA since 2020.

“Mushroom cloud images on social suggest an explosion in Florida. Here’s what actually happened” via Samantha Neely of The Daytona Beach News-Journal — A massive, mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke was spotted near New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday, leading some beachgoers into thinking a major “explosion” went off near the beach. But is that what actually happened? There’s no need to panic, according to beach officials. New Smyrna Beach officials said the strange mushroom-shaped cloud was from a controlled burn miles away. When residents and beachgoers saw a large cloud of smoke, some posted their concerns on social media. One user wrote, “Explosion reported.”

— LOCAL: TB —

“‘If ifs and buts were candy and nuts’: DeSantis won’t say if he’ll suspend a re-elected Andrew Warren” via Rachel Tucker of WFLA — DeSantis had a lot to say about suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Warren at a Wednesday news conference in Redington Shores. However, the Governor remained tight-lipped about whether he would remove Warren from his post if he were re-elected as the county’s top prosecutor this year. DeSantis ousted the twice-elected Democrat in 2022 after Warren vowed not to prosecute women who have abortions or the physicians who perform those procedures. The Governor went on to say Warren’s actions were considered neglect of duty and were ideologically aligned with the “defund the police” movement — and that’s not going to fly in the so-called “law and order state.”

“DeSantis elevates Charles Helm to 5th Judicial Circuit bench” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Citrus County Judge Helm is moving up. DeSantis is promoting Helm, a Florida City resident, to the 5th Judicial Circuit Court bench. He succeeds Judge Anthony Tatti, who stepped down from the bench on March 31 after nearly 40 years of public service, including 13 years on the Circuit Court. DeSantis’ Office announced Helm’s appointment Thursday. Helm grew up in Zephyrhills and worked as a Plant City police officer and K-9 handler for six years before beginning his legal career. He earned his Juris Doctor from the Liberty University School of Law in 2015, four years after attaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida.

“DeSantis recognizes Bay Area students enlisting in military: ‘I’m proud of you’” via Kailey Tracy of Fox 13 — The newest members of the United States military received recognition at a ceremony in Tampa on Wednesday night. The national nonprofit Our Community Salutes honored more than 120 Tampa Bay Area high school seniors who are enlisting right after graduation. “D1 athletes have a signing day when they go off to college,” Dr. Kenneth Hartman, the nonprofit’s founder and president, said. “This is a signing day for the young people who decide to sign up for our nation.” Hartman, a former Army officer, said the ceremony is even more important with enlistment numbers dropping.

“Pasco County advances $70 million road project in Wesley Chapel” via Henry Queen of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — A multidecade effort to improve Wesley Chapel Boulevard illustrates just how much has changed in Pasco County. On April 23, Pasco County Commissioners unanimously approved a $69.4 million contract with David Nelson Construction Co. to widen Wesley Chapel Boulevard to six lanes and add a sidewalk and bike trail. The scope is limited to the corridor between State Road 54/56 and Old Pasco Road. In 2003 — when the study looking into the road’s future first began — the plan was to make it a four-lane rural road within a 150-foot right of way. As the nearby population soared, planners reevaluated the project and updated it to include two more lanes and categorize it as an urban road.

“Tampa ranks as one of the worst cities to drive in the country” via Alexa Herrera of the WTSP — If you’re unhappy with the traffic during your commute or even when you’re driving to the supermarket, you’re not alone. Forbes ranked three Florida cities among the top 25 worst cities to drive in. Miami came in second, Jacksonville in 16th and Tampa in 24th. The destinations were scored based on four categories: driving experience, safety, cost of car ownership and access to car maintenance. The city scored 61.17 out of 100 overall with 100 being the worst. The driving experience score was 44.77, the safety score was 54.42, the cost of car ownership score was 72.51 and the access to car maintenance score was 22.93. On the other hand, Miami scored poorly because of its high insurance, prices, long commutes and slow rush hour speeds.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Judge tosses Tallahassee Commission candidate’s stalking complaint against activist” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — A stalking complaint filed by Rudy Ferguson Sr., a candidate for a Tallahassee City Commission seat, against Stanley Sims, a local activist and longtime critic of City Hall, has been thrown out by a Judge. Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson of the 2nd Circuit Court tossed aside Ferguson’s request for a stalking injunction against Sims following an interaction on Feb. 21 during a City Commission meeting. “Mr. Ferguson’s failed efforts to abuse the legal system to bar ordinary people’s right to access our local government and candidates for public office is wrong and without legal merit,” said Sims’ attorney, Marie Mattox.

“FSU police, sprinklers put damper on pro-Palestinian student protest, Occupy Landis plans” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — As pro-Palestinian student protests intensify on college campuses across the nation, about 40 Florida State University students set up an encampment on Landis Green early Thursday morning. But the Occupy Landis movement was short-lived. Campus police made the students — members of Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society — take down a handful of tents that were set up for a mere five minutes on the grassy space predawn due to FSU regulation 2.007, which prohibits camping on university lands. “As an educational institution, Florida State University welcomes free inquiry, diverse thought and rigorous debate,” FSU representative Amy Farnum-Patronis said. “However, these expressions must comply with university regulation and the law.”

“Ashley Moody sues ACC for shielding media rights contracts to FSU’s detriment” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A double Gator is going to bat for the Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles in court. Attorney General Moody, who got her bachelor’s degree and her law degree from the University of Florida, filed a lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for failure to disclose what she believes are public records in the form of media rights contracts. Moody, who initially requested the records in January to no avail, is shredding the embattled conference for a lack of transparency, a meaningful concern given her contention that FSU “examines and uses the media rights contracts in the transaction of the agency’s official business.”

“‘Unknown unknowns’: City staff, police chief address rising cost of new TPD headquarters” via Arianna Otero of the Tallahassee Democrat — When asked by City Commissioners why the cost of the new Tallahassee Police headquarters ballooned from $60 million to $135 million, the city’s director of construction had a simple answer. The increase “includes the construction, furniture, fixtures, equipment, (and) includes allowances for those items that we don’t know the exact cost of yet, includes contingencies for things, for those unknowns we expect and also those unknown unknowns,” John Powell said. No one questions whether the city’s police need to move out of its current aging building on East Seventh Avenue, where they’ve been located for a half-century. But it’s still unclear, at least to some Commissioners at Wednesday’s meeting, why the price tag rose by tens of millions of dollars.

“DeSantis orders flags to fly at half-staff to honor Bill Gunter” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — DeSantis is ordering flags in Tallahassee to fly at half-staff following the death of Gunter. Flags at the Leon County Courthouse, City Hall and the State Capitol will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, April 29. Gunter represented Florida in Congress, served in the Florida Senate and was the state’s Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner. “He displayed a lifelong commitment to public service,” DeSantis said in a statement announcing the move. Gunter died in Tallahassee on April 8 at the age of 89 after being in hospice care.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“A Collier deputy testified about his on-the-job fentanyl overdose. Did it really happen?” via Dan Glaun of the Naples Daily News — In February, Collier County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Palmer told a Senate Committee about an on-the-job exposure to fentanyl that he said left him gasping for breath and in need of Narcan to recover. “This is invisible. We have no way to see, we have no way to react to this until, God forbid, we get exposed to this and the symptoms set in,” said Palmer, who was testifying in favor of a bill to make exposing first responders to fentanyl a felony. But toxicologists say that incidental exposure of the kind described by affected police officers is extremely unlikely to cause overdose.

“Sarasota County buys 5 acres near Snook Haven” via the Venice Gondolier — Sarasota County announced this week it has bought a 5-acre property near Snook Haven as part of the program to preserve sensitive land. The land is in a priority conservation area of Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, according to a news release. It is near Snook Haven Park and Sleeping Turtles Preserve South and in proximity to another recent purchase along East Venice Avenue. “We have been able to acquire beautiful, natural sites with the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program,” Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler stated in the news release. “These sites are important for local wildlife and are key for connectivity in the area.”

“Venice Council to ask city voters to lengthen terms to four years, end odd-year elections” via Earle Kimel of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Venice voters will be asked to lengthen Council members’ terms from three to four years — a move that if approved in a referendum this Fall would eliminate elections in 2025 and 2027, as well as grandfather in one-year extensions in the terms for Council Seats 3 through 7. The controversial ballot question —— which still must be drafted — was approved in principle on a 5-2 vote, with Council members Joan Farrell and Ron Smith dissenting. Farrell, in Seat 1, and Smith, in Seat 2, who would not receive term extensions under the plan. Both would simply run for a four-year term in 2026. The Seat 3 and four candidates, who are on the ballot this year, would receive four terms.

— TOP OPINION —

“Why are we gambling with America’s future?” via David Brooks of The New York Times — Over the past few decades, in a surge of bipartisan national self-confidence, the federal government has borrowed a lot of money, sometimes in response to national emergencies and sometimes to do the things people thought were worth doing. We gave ourselves permission to incur all this debt because interest rates were low and many people assumed that things would stay that way, so the costs of carrying that much debt wouldn’t be too onerous.

Unfortunately, that assumption turned out to be incorrect.

When money is tight, as it is now, government borrowing competes with private borrowing, driving interest rates up for everybody. That makes voters miserable, as they are now, because it’s more expensive to, say, get a mortgage or some other kind of loan.

It makes government accountants miserable because the very act of borrowing money to pay off debt can drive interest rates higher and make the prospect of paying off debt even more expensive. You have to worry about the long-term nightmare possibility of a debt spiral, in which you have to borrow and borrow to service the debt while the act of borrowing itself makes paying off the debt more unaffordable.

Pretty soon, you’re staring at Ferguson’s Law. This is the principle enunciated by the historian Niall Ferguson that any nation that spends more on interest payments on the debt than on military spending will slip into decline. It happened to Hapsburg, Spain, the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire, and prerevolutionary France.

Will it happen to us?

We want to spend the future’s money on ourselves. Prudence is a boring virtue, but the prudent course is to get the United States on a more sustainable course. As the meme artists on the internet might say (in slightly more colorful language), you mess around with debt, and sooner or later you’ll find out.

— OPINIONS —

“The environmental education of Graham offers lessons for Florida today” via Craig Pittman of the Florida Phoenix — The former Governor and U.S. Senator from Miami Lakes died last week at 87. Tributes poured in from everywhere, mentioning his “workdays,” his color-coded notebooks, his passion for his native state. The coverage mentioned his environmental leadership on issues like the restoration of the Everglades. But here’s the funny thing: He didn’t start out that way. The environment wasn’t even an issue that Graham ran on, not at first. But then, well into his first term, a national magazine slammed him for his environmental record. Unlike recent occupants of Florida’s Governor’s Mansion, he didn’t issue blanket denials or try to avoid reporters. Instead, he accepted the criticism and set to work fixing the problem.

“For the sake of democracy, celebrate Mike Johnson” via Frank Bruni of The New York Times — Before we move on to the next congressional melodrama, let’s make sure we’ve given Johnson his due. I say that not as any fan of his — he had no business being elected Speaker, given his assertive role in trying to overturn the 2020 Election — and I think that’s all the more reason to say it. In an era, this intensely and corrosively partisan, it’s especially important that we give warranted praise and appropriate thanks to people with whom we usually disagree. Tribalism discourages that, but a healthy democracy demands it. And may we take another lesson from this: All is not lost. What Johnson did and how this episode ultimately played out constitute another instance of the government pulling through — a budget passes at the final hour, a debt ceiling is finally raised — after terrifying signs that it might not.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

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— WEEKEND TV —

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Warren, former Hillsborough County State Attorney; former assistant State Attorney Janae Thomas; ABC Action News political analyst Dr. Susan MacManus; and ABC News political director Rick Klein.

Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS four in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida and other issues affecting the region.

In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay News 9/CF 13: A discussion of recent legislation signed into law to help parents get swimming lessons and water safety instruction for their children. Joining Walker are Sen. Travis Hutson; Brent Moore, executive director of Children’s Safety Village; and Lacey Boldman, association director of Drowning Prevention & Instruction, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

Political Connections on Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday show is launching as a joint weeknight show airing Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore and political reporter Dara Kam.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel four WJXT: Attorney Chris Hand, former City of Jacksonville Chief of Staff.

— ALOE —

“Deadpool & Wolverine’s director promises no homework is needed” via Germaine Lussier of Gizmodo — Outside of Avengers: Endgame, Deadpool & Wolverine may carry the most pre-release baggage of anything in Marvel history. For Deadpool, you’ve got not just two movies, but also all the behind-the-scenes drama leading up to them. With Wolverine, you’ve got 10 X-Men movies with all manner of wild stories, including the character actually dying. Then you’ve got the Marvel Cinematic Universe itself, including the TV shows which, as we’ve seen from the trailers, play a big role. Don’t sweat it, says director Shawn Levy. You can and will be rewarded for knowing all that, but you don’t need to know any of it. “I very much made this film with, certainly, a healthy respect and gratitude toward the rabid fan base that has peak fluency in the mythology and lore of these characters and this world,” he said. “But I didn’t want to presume that. This movie is built for entertainment, with no obligation to come prepared with prior research.”

“Apes spotted on horseback at San Francisco beach for ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ promotional shoot” via Ashlyn Messier of Fox News — San Francisco tourists and locals were in for a shock on Wednesday, April 24, when they spotted apes riding horseback. Not real apes, of course, but actors dressed up as ones, which looked pretty realistic. This spectacle was at Crissy Field in San Francisco, where three actors dressed as apes rode along the beach on horses with a small camera crew following alongside them. The three apes on horseback were being filmed, with the Golden Gate Bridge as a stunning backdrop, for a commercial promoting “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” The movie is set to hit theaters next month.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are Rep. Wyman Duggan, former Rep. Larry Ahern, Alex Barrio; Gina Evans, director of Government Relations at Tampa International Airport; and Andres Malave, communications director for the Florida House of Representatives.

___

Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.