Think Peanut Butter Ramen Burger, Cajun Chili Cheese Fries, and Cheesy Tater Corn Dogs. Oh, to have the Rolaids concession!

As Gov. Ron DeSantis noted last year in presiding over the Fair for the first time, “I’m going to find the least healthy thing to eat today.”

Question of the Day: Who will ride the big slide?

Yes, it’s a grand tradition, all right. And one of the long-standing traditions is the Governor’s Luncheon, where politicians, officials, and Very Important People gather to be seen, enjoy fine Florida vittles, and listen to a speech from the Governor.

Ah, but can it still be the Governor’s Luncheon if the Governor isn’t there? We’ll find out because DeSantis will not join the fun at the Florida State Fairgrounds. He will also miss the traditional “Flip The Switch” event to open the Fair.

Bon appetit: Peanut Butter Ramen Burger.

Instead, the honor of giving the opening address goes to Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. As a substitute speaker, having the top agriculture official in the state makes perfect sense, even if calling it the Agriculture Commissioner’s Luncheon doesn’t quite have the same ring.

Fried can, however, lead the traditional, if somewhat goofy, trip down the big slide that state cabinet members and the Governor traditionally make.

Some traditions must be upheld.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— The Senate is taking up the controversial bill that would force underage girls to get permission from a parent before they can get an abortion. Even the opponents admit it will probably pass.

— The Capitol hosts a big rally on climate change.

— The state Supreme Court delivers a verbal slap on the wrist to a circuit judge from Brevard County over her bad behavior in court.

— The CEO of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners comes to Tallahassee to try to round up support for a bill allowing Advanced Nurse Practitioners to provide medical care without a doctor’s oversight. David Hebert talks about why the doctors are so dead set against the idea.

— And a couple of Florida Men: One is accused of sex trafficking a plus-sized model, while the other is sentenced for stealing from “The Mouse.”

To listen, click on the image below:

—@marcorubio: The reaction to the final vote in the #SenateImpeachmentTrial is a good reminder that when editorial boards, opinion writers & cable news commentators talk about putting “principle over politics” & “country over party” what they really mean is agreeing with them.

—@SenRickScott: My statement on today’s vote to acquit @realDonaldTrump is simple: Finally. I’m glad that charade is over. Let’s get back to work.

—@RepStephMurphy: I voted to impeach the President because of clear & compelling evidence that he abused his power. I am disappointed more Republicans did not follow Sen. Mitt Romney’s courageous lead and put the Constitution over their party allegiance. #flapol #fl07

—@VernBuchanan: Now that the partisan impeachment of President Trump has failed, it’s time for Congress to get back to work. Let’s join together and tackle our real challenges — starting with Washington dysfunction and a toxic political system that leaves no room for compromise.

—@RepWilson: The president will undoubtedly crow about being acquitted by the Senate today, but he can never erase the asterisk of shame forever attached to his name and legacy. #ImpeachedForLife

—@samanthajgross: Power goes out in the meeting room where House discussing budget, sending them into informal recess. This must be a symbol for something.

“Mitt Romney’s stand for the ages” via Dana Milbank of The Washington Post — Sen. Romney joins that honorable pantheon of lawmakers, from John Quincy Adams to John McCain, who put principle over party. The Senator from Utah cast the lone Republican vote to remove Trump from office — and the lone vote by any Senator in history to remove a president of his own party. I was one of the few in the gallery when Romney took the floor: “I swore an oath before God to exercise impartial justice,” he said to a nearly empty chamber. “I am profoundly religious. My faith is at the heart of who I am.” Then Romney, on the verge of tears, paused for a full 12 seconds to pull himself together. This was no ordinary speech.

It may not be politically expedient in the short term, Mitt Romney’s guilty vote may be one for the ages.

“These Republicans said they hope Trump has learned a lesson from impeachment. He said he hasn’t.” via Seung Min Kim of The Washington Post — Senate Republicans who’ve been uncomfortable with Trump for exerting pressure on Ukraine to launch political probes — but have declined to throw him out of office for it — have come up with a number of what they say are appropriate responses to Trump’s inappropriate conduct, if not impeachment. But their answers to the question of how to chastise Trump for his dealings with Ukraine amount to little more than a slap on the wrist, again illustrating how Republican lawmakers have struggled to grapple with a president who, in their view, has pushed the boundaries of propriety. Republicans who acknowledge that Trump does have some culpability here are hoping that their rhetoric criticizing his behavior will be enough.

“White House national security adviser says Trump didn’t seek Ukraine’s help with investigations despite evidence to the contrary” via Anne Gearan and Ellen Nakashima of The Washington Post — White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien asserted that Trump had not sought Ukrainian help investigating former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, despite evidence to the contrary. Trump expressly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to “look into” the Biden family during the July 25 phone call that played a central role in House Democrats’ decision to impeach the president for allegedly pressuring a foreign ally to investigate his domestic political rival. O’Brien also said the Senate impeachment trial expected to end with Trump’s acquittal has cast “a terrible pall” that set back U.S. foreign policy.

House Republicans are targeting Democrat Nikki Fried.

“Fried lashes out as GOP moves to limit her power” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida — Agriculture Commissioner Fried, Florida’s top elected Democrat, said her budget is being hostage by partisan warfare and accused state Republicans of a Capitol power grab. “Republicans are threatened,” Fried said at a press conference. “Now, a Democratic woman gets elected statewide, and the old boys club cannot stand for it.” But shortly after Fried wrapped up her remarks, the power grab continued as the House Appropriations Committee approved a plan to move her agency’s Office of Energy to the Department of Environmental Protection, which reports to DeSantis. The committee is scheduled to vote to withhold $19.4 million from Fried’s consumer protection division until she removes her picture from thousands of gasoline pump inspection stickers.

Scoop — “More problems arise with incoming office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Russell Weigel” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — A letter Florida’s Chief Financial Officer sent to incoming Commissioner Weigel demands he sever ties with his existing securities firm before taking his new position. Weigel is an investment attorney in Coral Gables and, according to the letter, has indicated to the Office of Financial Regulation staff he plans to continue his relationship with his existing firm and continue collecting payments from efforts related to existing clients even after he assumes his new role. The office considers maintaining that relationship and continuing to reap financial benefits conflict in his new role. The letter suggests Weigel’s start date might be further delayed if he even intends to take the position at all.

Rob Bradley pleased with land-buying program — Senate Budget Chief Bradley was satisfied with the state’s land acquisition program, Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida reports. “I couldn’t be more pleased with what the governor and his team has done on land acquisition issues,” Bradley said. A year ago, Bradley was unhappy that the program had not spent all the money lawmakers allocated for it and pushed for a funding cut from $100 million to $33 million. Bradley didn’t cite any specific land deals that helped change his impression of the program. Still, his comments came a day after the Governor and Cabinet approved the purchase of 5,777 acres in Sarasota County.

“Travis Cummings: Losses to voucher program ‘relatively small’” via the News Service of Florida — House Appropriations Chairman Cummings is not overly concerned about the financial impact of corporate donors halting donations to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program. School voucher supporters said this week the decision by Wells Fargo and Fifth Third Bank to stop future contributions to the program are a threat to the number of scholarships low-income students can receive to attend private schools. The banks said they would stop contributions after an investigation found 83 religious schools that accepted state-funded vouchers had policies that explicitly barred gay students from enrolling in the school. Cummings said, at this point, he doesn’t find the funding issue “overly concerning.”

“Budget proposals brought into citrus legal fight” via News Service of Florida — Attorneys for Fried alerted the Florida Supreme Court that new legislative budget proposals include more than $19 million to address a legal battle over the state cutting down Lee County homeowners’ healthy citrus trees. In a filing last month at the Supreme Court, Fried’s attorneys said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services wants to pay the homeowners but can’t do so without an appropriation of money from the Legislature. Attorneys filed what is known as a “request for judicial notice,” informing the Supreme Court that new House and Senate budget proposals include money to pay the homeowners.

Bills are dying — “Key House education panel unlikely to meet again” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — The PreK-12 Innovation subcommittee, expanded this year as a first stop to vet and cull education policy measures in the state House, this week held what is expected to be its final meeting. “We are not scheduled (to meet) next week,” chairman Rep. Ralph Massullo told members at the close of its session, which ended with the approval of a major rewrite to testing and accountability laws. “That doesn’t mean that we won’t meet again. But we probably won’t.” On the list of bills left hanging are some issues that have been the subject of hot debate. Not least among them is Rep. Anna Eskamani’s HB 45, which would bar private schools from discriminating against LGBTQ youth or children with disabilities, if they want to participate in state scholarship and voucher programs.

“House, Senate divided on Medicaid eligibility issue” via Christina Sexton of the News Service of Florida — The Republican-controlled House and Senate are split about whether to permanently eliminate Medicaid retroactive eligibility for seniors and people with disabilities. The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill (HB 5201) that would make the change permanent. But the Senate wants to extend the change for one year, including it in a budget “implementing” bill (SPB 2502) for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Similar to the budget, an implementing bill only is good for one year. Under the Senate bill, that means the Medicaid retroactive eligibility change would expire July 1, 2021, if lawmakers don’t extend it again next year.

“1,540 pounds of chicken, 280 pounds of shrimp: Inside the world’s largest paella at Florida Capitol” via Tori Lynn Schneider of the Tallahassee Democrat — 1,850 gallons of water; 1,540 pounds of chicken; 620 pounds of rice; 380 pounds of shrimp; 150 pounds of tomato; 10 pounds of bijol. Those are just some of the ingredients that went into the world’s largest paella that was served at the Capitol. Hundreds celebrated Miami-Dade Days by feasting on the Spanish rice dish. One thousand pounds of the Spanish rice dish was served to a line that wrapped around the Capitol courtyard. Hauled in on a trailer behind a Budget rental box truck, the giant skillet was cooked by Bijan’s catering.

The world’s largest paella was served in the Florida Capitol. Image via Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat

Joe Gruters is pushing for a mandate to implement the federal E-Verify program.

“House eyes records exemption for college searches” via the News Service of Florida — The House State Affairs Committee is slated to take up a bill (PCB SAC 20-04) that would create public-records and public-meetings exemptions for presidential search processes. That would include preventing the release of identifying information about applicants for the positions. Information about finalists for the jobs would be made public. The Senate Education Committee approved a Senate version of the bill (SB 774). Lawmakers have considered similar exemption proposals in the past but have not approved them. The House bill points to a need to prevent the release of information to help attract candidates for president positions.

“After UCF scrutiny, state politicians kill FAU naming rights deal with Roofclaim.com” via Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel — The last-minute political strong-arming that recently nixed UCF’s lucrative $35 million football stadium naming-rights deal with Roofclaim.com has also killed FAU’s already-announced $5 million sponsorship deal with Roofclaim.com, FAU confirmed. “FAU and Roofclaim.com have agreed it is in their mutual best interests to terminate Roofclaim.com’s naming rights for FAU Arena,” an FAU spokesperson said. Moral of this story: Not even college football has as much clout in the state of Florida as the powerful, persuasive, political powerhouse known as Big Insurance.

“Cary Pigman hosts nurse practitioners at Governors Club amid scope of practice push” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — With only a few months left before he retires from the Legislature, Rep. Pigman is pulling all the stops to get non-physician scope of practice freedoms. This year’s campaign included two Rotunda-filling press conferences, vocal support by House Speaker José Oliva and lunch at the upscale Governors Club. But with seven years of general House support only to die in the Senate when it gets there, the question remains whether the Avon Park Republican can shepherd the bill (HB 607) to the Governor’s desk. “Like anything, we’ve got a 60 day Session, and what happens at the end of this Session is between the Speaker and the President and everyone else in the Legislature,” Pigman said. “I hope that what I’ve done has kind of laid the groundwork, made the argument of why it would be a great idea.”

Nurse Practitioner of the Day Dr. Stone-Gale has been a family nurse practitioner in primary care in South Florida for 27 years.

“Pharmacy dispensing changes approved” via the News Service of Florida — The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would increase the amount of medicine that can be dispensed at certain pharmacies across the state. The bill (SB 100) would allow pharmacists who work in hospital pharmacies to dispense 72-hour supplies of medicine during emergencies instead of the current 48-hour supplies. In nonemergency times, the bill would allow pharmacists working at hospital pharmacies to dispense 48-hour supplies of medication to patients instead of the current 24-hour supplies permitted under law. Sponsored by Sen. Gayle Harrell, the bill now is available to go to the Senate floor.

“Bills would allow chiropractors to give nutritional injections” via Florida Politics — Chiropractors were once authorized to give vitamin and enzyme injections, but in 1957 state law was changed to only allow oral nutritional supplements. Since those are readily available next to the pharmacy counter in every Publix, Walgreens and CVS statewide, chiropractors are effectively shut out of that revenue stream. Sen. Jeff Brandes is sponsoring a bill (SB 1138) that would allow chiropractors to once again “administer articles of natural origin,” which the bill defines as “vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, enzymes, saline, antioxidants, dextrose, glandulars, cellular components, extracts, water, botanicals, phytonutrients, and homeopathics.” Rep. David Smith is carrying the House companion bill (HB 677).

Jeff Brandes Is looking to allow chiropractors the ability to give nutritional injections.

“8-1-1 bill protects first responders from negligence” via Jonathan Lamm of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Calling 8-1-1 is a free service to anyone who needs to dig underground to ensure they will not hit a natural gas line or other utility. At no cost to the caller, utilities will mark lines to avoid when individuals dig underground to ensure the safety of our community. Underground natural gas pipes are safe. But when a shovel or other equipment ruptures them, the gas released can ignite by a spark or flame and result in deadly fires or explosions. State Sen. Anitere Flores and state Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen filed legislation in January to protect first responders, utility workers, and Florida families from the destruction, injury and death that has happened from digging underground without taking proper precautions.

“House passes bill removing wine container limits” via Sarah Mueller of Florida Politics — The House approved legislation that does away with size limits on individual containers of wine. The bill (HB 6037), sponsored by Lighthouse Point Republican Rep. Chip LaMarca, passed 112-6. Currently, state law prohibits selling more than a gallon of wine in a single container. LaMarca’s bill would do away with that restriction. The “no” votes included Reps. Nicholas Duran, Michael Grieco, David Silvers, Jennifer Sullivan, Matt Willhite and Clay Yarborough. Sullivan and Yarborough are Republicans; the others are Democrats.

“Hold my beer: Florida may allow dogs at breweries” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — RockPit Brewing co-founder Chris Rock his vowing to rekindle the statewide fight to allow dogs in brewpubs. Technically they aren’t allowed in taprooms because the Florida Department of Health regulates beer like food, though Rock said it’s enforced only after complaints. Changing those rules are among those overhauls being considered to the state’s beverage laws during the legislative session underway in Tallahassee. One bill filed by state Rep. Nick DiCeglie calls for more sweeping changes that could allow most of the state’s craft brewers more freedom to end contracts with distributors with 120 days’ notice and allow naming rights and advertising deals with theme parks so long as it doesn’t lead to preferential treatment to the beverage brand.

Happening today — More than 200 conservation, social justice and health advocates will rally at Reclaiming Florida’s Future for All. Advocates will urge legislators to pass a statewide fracking ban, a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050, 10 a.m., Capitol Courtyard.

Happening today — FAMU Day at The Capitol will have school representatives visit legislators, distribute information about FAMU, share academic offerings and culminate with a reception for elected officials, BOT, University President, and National Alumni President, 5 p.m., 22nd floor. Reception begins at 6 p.m.

The Senate holds a floor session starting at 10 a.m.

The House holds a floor session at beginning 4 p.m.

Committee meetings:

The House Commerce Committee meets, 8 a.m., Room 212, Knott Building.

The House Public Integrity & Ethics Committee meets, 8 a.m., Room 404, House Office Building.

The House State Affairs Committee meets, 8 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building.

The House Education Committee meets, noon, Room 212, Knott Building.

The House Health & Human Services Committee meets, noon, Morris Hall, House Office Building.

The House Judiciary Committee meets, noon, Room 404, House Office Building.

The House Rules Committee meets, 15 minutes after the House floor session ends, Room 404, House Office Building,

“Consumer confidence is stable in Florida” via John Hielscher of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The University of Florida’s Consumer Sentiment Index was unchanged from December’s revised figure of 99.4, the third straight month with no movement in the overall measure. Confidence was up by 1.3 points over the year. Three of the five components that make up the index decreased in the report, with weaker opinions among Floridians about their current personal financial situations and economic conditions over the next 12 months. They also were less confident about buying a big-ticket item now. Florida consumers did feel better about their finances a year from now and economic conditions five years down the road. Florida’s labor market continues to strengthen, with the unemployment rate in December down to a record low of 3%.

“Advocates push for fair treatment of inmates, more good-behavior credits” via Sarah Mueller of Florida Politics — Supporters of HB 189, sponsored by Tampa Democratic Rep. Dianne Hart, said they would push for a ballot initiative for 2022 if it doesn’t pass this year. Hart’s bill would increase the credit inmates can earn for good behavior from 15% to 35%. Currently, inmates must serve 85% of their sentences to be released. Her bill would instead require them to serve 65%. Hart said her legislation would save the state $850 million. “I firmly believe that we can no longer give people $50 and a bus ticket and send them home without any hope or opportunity,” she said. “If we do, we can expect people to return to our criminal justice system because where else can they go?”

Dianne Hart joined advocates to call for fairer treatment of inmates.

Tom Lee presented a bill to codify the Office of Resiliency.

“Bear poaching bill goes to the Senate with the House’s complete support” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — Rep. David Smith‘s bill cracking down on bear poaching heads to the Senate after a unanimous House vote. The bill (HB 327), increasing penalties for the illegal taking, possession, and selling of bears, was fast-tracked through the House. But the Senate just this week began advancing the identical version in that chamber. In the past five years, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission criminally charged 22 people with bear poaching and issued warnings to five others. Killing a Florida black bear outside of bear hunting season is currently a second-degree misdemeanor. Smith’s bill would increase the minimum fine to $750 and add a three-year suspension of a hunting license. Florida has not had a bear hunt season since 2015.

“In Miami, tweets about flooded streets come before the actual floods, a new study found” via Alex Harris of the Miami Herald — A new study suggests that tweets could be an effective method for measuring the real-life impact of floods. It also highlights the gaps in the official government measurements for flooding, an issue that has already prompted the city of Miami to find new ways to measure flooding in the city. The University of California, Davis study found that Miami residents start to ramp up their Twitter posts about flooding long before the city hits the official measure for minor flooding, which suggests that even low levels of flooding affect day-to-day life in the city. The analysis found that some places, like Miami and Texas’ Gulf Coast, reacted to lower levels of flooding by tweeting more about it.

“Julia Nesheiwat commends resiliency efforts at Florida ports” via Florida Politics — Florida Chief Resilience Officer Nesheiwat commended Florida ports for their resiliency planning while laying out her vision for a resilient Florida at an event with Seaports Environmental leaders. “Florida is ground zero when it comes to resiliency. … It’s important that we take action and influence positive change,” Nesheiwat told leaders of the ports. “Seaport resiliency is important. We must plan ahead and put on that resiliency mindset.” Her framework for a statewide strategy on resiliency would include lessons learned, best practices, and look ahead several decades in Florida’s future to create a master adaptation plan for the state.

Despite his skepticism, Donald Trump is all-in for debates.

“Caucus glitch, emboldened Trump fuel Democratic anxiety” via Matt Viser of The Washington Post — The Democratic five-alarm fire has begun. Around the country, Democrats found themselves baffled by the circumstances engulfing their party — even one that is known for, and sometimes takes pride in, its tendency to overreact with worry. “This is just one sad week,” said former senator Barbara Boxer. “While I am having these very dark, sad feelings about the Senate GOP and a whitewash, here comes this mess in Iowa,” Boxer said, referring to the impeachment trial. “This is a wake-up call. We’re going to be tested.” Democrats hoped this would be a turning point. But neither process is going as planned, reviving Democratic jitters that Trump is somehow not subject to the ordinary laws of politics.

“What went wrong for Joe Biden in Iowa” via Katie Glueck, Jonathan Martin and Thomas Kaplan of The New York Times — Maybe it was the threat of bad weather. Maybe it was a seating assignment debacle. Maybe it was a struggling campaign organization that still hadn’t found its footing. But as Biden spoke at a major Iowa Democratic Party dinner in November, one thing was clear: His support appeared tepid compared with the vocal cheering sections of top rivals. The dinner’s damaging optics marked the beginning of a flurry of change. It was too late. Biden’s performance in the Iowa caucuses on Monday dealt a damaging blow to the former vice president; with 86% of the results counted, he trailed Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar not far behind.

“Biden concedes Iowa was ‘a gut punch’” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO — “I’m not going to sugarcoat it. We took a gut punch in Iowa,” Biden said before cracking a joke about Iowa’s botched caucuses. “The whole process took a gut punch,” Biden said. “But look, this isn’t the first time in my life I’ve been knocked down.” Biden’s admission marked a sharp departure from the rosy predictions that he and his campaign had been making about Iowa both before and after Monday’s caucus, where full results have still not been released. With 71 percent of precincts reporting, the former vice president is in fourth place.

“Biden hits Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg as he seeks rebound from Iowa” via Bill Barrow and Brian Slodysko of The Associated Press — “If Sen. Sanders is the nominee for the party, every Democrat in America up and down the ballot, in blue states, red states, purple states and easy districts and competitive ones, every Democrat will have to carry the label Sen. Sanders has chosen for himself,” the former vice president said. “He calls himself a democratic socialist. Well, we’re already seeing what Donald Trump is going to do with that.” Biden said he had “great respect” for Buttigieg but didn’t think the Democrats’ standard-bearer against Trump should be someone who hasn’t been elected to a higher office than Mayor of South Bend, a city of about 100,000. “It’s a risk, to be just straight up with you,” he said.

Joe Biden casts top rivals as too risky for Democrats who want to win in November.

“Pete Buttigieg honors Trayvon Martin’s 25th birthday, tweets, ‘#BlackLivesMatter’” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Buttigieg, fresh from his impressive first- or second-place showing in the Iowa caucuses (depending on the final vote and delegate count alongside U.S. Sen. Sanders, yet to be announced), wrote about Martin in a tweet. “Martin would have been 25 today,” Buttigieg wrote. “How many 25th birthdays have been stolen from us by white supremacy, gun violence, prejudice, and fear?” Buttigieg added the hashtag “#BlackLivesMatter” Buttigieg, 38, has struggled with black voters since launching his presidential campaign last year, getting just 1% support among black voters in a Hill-HarrisX poll in January.

Florida Democrats mend fences with major donors — The Florida Democratic Party is holding a joint fundraiser with a dark money group it has long feuded with, Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida reports. The Florida Alliance’s rift with FDP stems from the alliance’s belief that the party wasn’t doing enough to champion progressive causes. The fundraiser was chaired by Barbara Stiefel, who has donated almost $4 million to Democratic campaigns since 2014 but has not made any contributions to the party. FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo said the partnership with the Florida Alliance is part of Democrats’ 2020 strategy. “Too often in the past, the Florida Democratic Party has gone it alone,” Rizzo said. “We’re changing course in 2020. The strength of a team is in each member, and individuals are stronger when they are part of a team.”

TV ratings are down for the State of the Union.

“Did Nancy Pelosi break the law by ripping Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech?” Via Bill McCarthy of PolitiFact — “Nancy Pelosi may have just committed a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2071, Section 2071 (a) when she ripped up President Trump’s State of the Union address,” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk wrote in a Feb. 4 tweet. “This violation is punishable by up to three years in prison.” Experts told us that’s a misapplication of the law. The State of the Union text was never “filed or deposited” with her, nor did she have “custody” of it in the legal sense. Video of the event shows that Trump handed her and Vice President Mike Pence copies before he began speaking, and Pelosi can be seen following along throughout. The papers Pelosi ripped up did not belong to the government, nor were they the only copy of Trump’s speech in existence. We rate this statement Pants on Fire!

“Parkland dad apologizes for State of the Union outburst” via Terry Spencer of The Associated Press — The father of a student killed in the 2018 Florida high school massacre apologized for disrupting Trump’s State of the Union address by shouting as the president said the rights of gun owners are under siege. Fred Guttenberg was escorted from the gallery by security officers Tuesday night after shouting about his slain daughter Jaime just after the president said, “So long as I am president, I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.” … “I let my emotions get the best of me,” Guttenberg tweeted. “I simply want to be able to deal with the reality of gun violence and not have to listen to lies” about the Second Amendment. “That said, I should not have yelled out.”

Kevin McCarthy throws his weight behind Amanda Makki in CD 13.

“Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio shows scant fundraising in CD 27 race” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — That total was so low, Tarrio was not even required to submit a fundraising report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC): “This Committee has not yet exceeded the $5,000 reporting threshold that would trigger the Committee’s reporting responsibilities under the Act.” Tarrio is running as a Republican, competing against former broadcaster Maria Elvira Salazar for the GOP nomination. Federal candidates faced a Jan. 31 deadline to report all financial activity through the end of 2019. But because Tarrio’s campaign has been so inactive on the fundraising front, he dodged that requirement, making it unclear how much (or little) money he’s actually raised for his campaign.

Leon County Property Appraiser endorses Allison Tant for HD 9 — Leon County Property Appraiser Akin Akinyemi announced he’s backing Tant’s campaign for House District 9. “I am proud to support my great friend Allison Tant for state representative because she will be an ally and leader for our community in the Florida Legislature. She knows how to get things done and is ready to put her decades of community advocacy to work in the state House,” he said. Akinyemi joins many area leaders in backing Tant, a former chair of the Florida Democratic Party. Past endorsements include Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, Leon County Superintendent Ricky Hanna and Agriculture Commissioner Fried.

“Fiona McFarland raises $25,000 in January” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — “I could not be more grateful for the support this community has offered me, my family and this campaign,” McFarland said. “Our mission is far from complete, but I am more confident than ever that our message of civility and results-driven leadership is resonating with the people of Sarasota.” That means she’s raised a total of $192,012, combining contributions, a $20,000 candidate loan, and some $5,349 in in-kind donations. That doesn’t include $10,500 raised through the McFarland-affiliated political committee Friends of Sarasota.

“Lauren Melo files to succeed Byron Donalds in HD 80” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The first candidate has filed to succeed Rep. Donalds in the Florida House. Naples Realtor Lauren Melo filed her paperwork Tuesday for House District 80. The Republican said she’s thought about running for office for some time. “I have been an advocate in my community for most of my life,” Melo told Florida Politics. “Now, I’ve been tapped and asked to consider this.” Melo, the current president of the Naples Area Board Of Realtors, has served in various leadership positions within the community. Once a Guardian ad Litem, she previously ran her own trucking company and advocated on behalf of drivers in several local issues. And her work in the real estate industry includes board positions with the Florida Realtors and National Association of Realtors.

“Tom Fabricio hits petition threshold to qualify for HD 103 ballot” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Fabricio is one of two Republicans competing in the contest. He’s battling Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Nelson Rodriguez, who joined the race last July. Fabricio entered the race in August and needed to obtain 940 signatures to qualify for the 2020 ballot via petition. According to the Division of Elections website, Fabricio has submitted 956 verified signatures. “I’m thrilled to have already achieved this milestone on our campaign plan,” Fabricio said in a statement on meeting the threshold. He and Rodriguez have been neck-and-neck so far in outside money raised, with both pulling in just over $25,000. Fabricio, however, has also tacked on another $10,000 loan to his campaign.

Tom Fabricio has qualified by petition, saving him some campaign cash.

“Democrat Clint Barras joins HD 120 contest in bid to replace Holly Raschein” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — He’s the only Democrat currently running after former Democratic Agriculture Commissioner candidate Roy David Walker withdrew from the race. Barras, of Key West, is the Vice President of Business Development for Two Oceans Digital. He’s also served as Vice-Chair of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. Barras received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston College. He then earned a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. The newly filed Democrat joins a race that already features a trio of Republican candidates.

“Two months later, FBI still pushing for access to NAS Pensacola shooter’s iPhone” via Jim Thompson of the NWF Daily News — Islamic terrorist organization al-Qaida‘s recent claim of responsibility for the fatal Dec. 6 attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola amplifies the need for law enforcement to have access to content of cellphones used criminally, Rep. Matt Gaetz, said in a congressional hearing. In questioning FBI Director Christopher Wray in the Judiciary Committee hearing, Gaetz — whose district includes NAS Pensacola — suggested that “given the fact that recently, al-Qaida Yemen has taken responsibility for the terrorist attack in my community, it would seem to elevate our need to have access to those communications devices and tools.”

Matt Gaetz grills FBI head Christopher Wray over access to the Pensacola NAS shooter’s cellphone.

“Fan cam captures Lenny Curry, Aaron Zahn, Scott Wilson and others at Atlanta Braves postseason game” via the Florida Times-Union — They traveled on a private plane on the trip organized by Conventus LLC, a company run by Sam Mousa and Tim Baker. We posted a story about the cost of the trip for city officials and the questions it raised and reported that the city’s Ethics Commission had sought information about the trip. Now we have a photo of the group at the game from the fan cam. The full view shows the group had pretty nice seats — which included access to an exclusive lounge with unlimited food, beer and wine — that are two and three rows behind the visitors’ dugout.

“Two Florida Supreme Court Justices speak out against the All for Transportation tax in final appeal hearing” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Four Florida Supreme Court Justices heard oral arguments in the All For Transportation appeal that threatens to undo the 1% sales tax voters overwhelmingly approved in late 2018. At least two Justices appeared poised to side with appellants seeking to strike down the tax. A decision isn’t expected for four to six weeks. Chief Justice Charles Canaday said arguments sounded like doublespeak. “To disentangle that would do violence to the will of the voters,” Canady. said. “At the very best, what’s involved in this is deceptive double talk.” “The voters can have the chance to vote on this again,” he contended. Justice Carlos Muñiz also expressed reservations about significantly altering the charter language.

“Jane Castor announces massive personnel restructures to improve city efficiency” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Castor appointed Jean Duncan, the city’s current director of transportation and stormwater services, the new administrator of infrastructure and mobility. Vik Bhide, who previously worked on smart mobility solutions, will replace Duncan as the city’s transportation and stormwater services director. Brad Baird will make a lateral move to become the infrastructure administrator. Castor is promoting Sal Ruggerio to the infrastructure services deputy administrator. Ocea Wynn will be promoted to neighborhood and community affairs administrator. Dennis Rogero will now serve as the city’s chief financial officer. Carole Post will come on board as the city’s administrator for development and economic opportunity. Kelly Austin was installed as the city’s permanent human resources and talent development director.

“Ex-Port Richey Mayor files stand your ground motion in attempted murder case” via Jack Evans of the Tampa Bay Times — Attorneys for Dale Massad will argue that the former Mayor, who faces five charges of attempted first-degree murder, is immune from prosecution under Florida’s stand your ground law. They say Massad feared for his life and acted in self-defense when he fired two shots at Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies who had entered his home to serve a search warrant last year. According to the motion, Massad was asleep at 4:30 a.m. last Feb. 21, when deputies, including a SWAT team, arrived at the then-Mayor’s waterfront Port Richey home. They were there to search for evidence in an investigation into allegations that Massad, a former doctor who surrendered his license in 1992, was practicing medicine without a license.

Port Richey Mayor Dale Massad is using the ‘Stand Your Ground’ defense for shooting at a SWAT team.

“Supreme Court reprimands Brevard judge” via the News Service of Florida — Judge Robin Lemonidis stood quietly as Chief Justice Charles Canady read the reprimand, which stems from an investigation by the Judicial Qualifications Commission. Lemonidis and an investigative panel of the commission reached an agreement, known as a stipulation, after a probe of her actions. In one of the cases, for example, Canady said Lemonidis became frustrated with apparent violations of courtroom decorum during a trial. “Instead of showing the patience required of judges, you assumed an aggressive, adversarial tone and demeanor,” Canady said. “You loudly struck your gavel, you made facial gestures, and you took other actions to show your annoyance. Your behavior reached the point that a juror in the trial commented on your perceived dislike of defense counsel.”

“More e-scooters on the roads, and more riders sent to hospitals with head injuries” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — On bustling Saturday nights in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Jason Mansour often encounters emergency room patients with a fractured skull or blood seeping from the head after an electronic scooter accident. “If you fall, it’s your body or your head versus the ground,” said Mansour, an emergency care physician at Broward Health Medical Center, where more than 100 people have arrived by ambulance from scooter injuries in the last year, a third with head injuries. Head and facial injuries from riding electric scooters have tripled over the past decade as ridership has increased, and helmets remain optional, studies show. Mansour believes most people still don’t recognize the danger from electronic scooters, even as emergency rooms treat concussions and brain hemorrhages.

“Lawmakers should put their dark money where their mouths are” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — A bill is zipping along that would, among other things, toughen signature requirements for amendments and make out-of-state influence more transparent. “I will never apologize for doing everything possible to protect our (state) constitution,” said James Grant, who’s sponsoring the bill. Lawmakers have long wrapped themselves in constitutional sanctity, with Grant saying he wants to keep “oligarchs” from secretly funding initiative campaigns. Three days later, the deadline came for citizen-initiative amendments to qualify for this November’s ballot. Four met the 766,200-signature requirement. One of them — billed as Keep Our Constitution Clean — would require all proposed amendments be approved by voters in two elections. And it was completely funded by dark money.

“Why limit terms of school board members?” via Bill Cottrell of the Tallahassee Democrat — Does Florida have a terrible problem of school board members amassing dictatorial powers and building permanent political fiefdoms all over the state? If not, then why are so many legislators so intent on imposing an eight-year term limit on those county officials? It’s as if lawmakers decided that, since they can only serve eight consecutive sessions in House or Senate, they should mandate the same time’s up rule back home. Incumbency is a big advantage in any office. But the Florida School Boards Association calculated that 64% of members up for reelection in 2018 won new terms, while 36% were newcomers. Two years earlier, it was 54% reelected and 46 new faces. That’s pretty good turnover — without term limits.

“Despite lies about me, public beaches are still public” via Mike Huckabee for the Tallahassee Democrat — This recent column stated that, “Wealthy beachfront property owners, however, led by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, rebelled. They lobbied the Legislature into passing House Bill 631, making it easy for beachfront owners to employ the courts to block the beach. Threatening signs, fences and security guards have been employed to block public beach use.” My “leadership” was limited to sending one email to a state Senator’s public website to thank her for taking the time to understand that HB 631 didn’t change ownership of one inch of beach. Public beaches were and still are public. Beaches deeded as privately owned can’t be confiscated by the government by administrative act. The county must comply with the constitutional protection for private property.

The Mandalorian is a bona fide hit for Disney+, helping draw millions of new subscribers.

“Autonomous vehicle testing begins” via Julia Gibson of the Gainesville Sun — The University of Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation have partnered to bring the first autonomous vehicle to the city of Gainesville. Community members were invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an inaugural test ride of the shuttle, running between the Southwest Third Street parking garage to Innovation Square near Southwest Second Avenue. During the trial phase, an operator will be on board in case an override of controls becomes necessary. Later in the project, the goal is to forgo an operator. Gainesville Commissioner Harvey Ward said the project has been in the works for more than three years.