First, as Matt Dixon was surprised to see yesterday, Shane Strum IS still Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ chief of staff, at least through Friday. As you may remember, Strum was supposed to begin his new job with Broward Health over a week ago, but DeSantis asked him to stay through last Friday. At least that’s what DeSantis said when he announced Adrian Lukis as his new chief of staff. But then Dixon and I both noticed that Strum was still listed as CoS on the Governor’s schedule. Turns out, the Governor asked Strum to remain through this Friday. At this point, we’ll believe Strum is leaving Tallahassee when we see him driving a U-Haul truck.

Shane Strum is not quite out as Ron DeSantis’ chief of staff.

And while Strum is soon leaving town, it turns out a VIP was just in Tallahassee. Miriam Adelson, the widow of Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson. LVS recently sold its interests in Las Vegas and is sitting on billions of dollars in cash to spend on new projects. Might one of them be a destination resort in Florida? According to our sources, Adelson met with the Governor, Senate President Wilton Simpson, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, and other key players. No doubt some of the meetings took place at the gorgeous new offices of Capital City Consulting.

There are more stories below about all of the behind-the-scenes plays being made to forge a gaming deal.

🦠 — What Richard Corcoran is (hopefully) reading: Open. The. Damn. Window. As schools in Florida continue face-to-face instruction, one simple act can limit the spread of COVID-19. The New York Times dedicated about half its front page Wednesday to infographics showing how opening a window in a classroom can improve airflow to limit the chance of an infected student or teacher from spreading the virus. Two airflow simulation graphics show how the air travels without an open window, and it’s a mess. Another, showing what happens when a window is open, paints a much cleaner (and safer) picture. Nearly 800,000 data points were used in the simulation.

 — Donald Trump’s ailing empire (and some really fun graphics): The former President’s net worth is down $700 million, from $3 billion when he became President to $2.3 billion after he left the White House, according to Bloomberg. As the publication notes, “the pandemic he promised would disappear is walloping his company, and the riot that got him impeached for a second time is wounding his brand.” The interactive piece features Trump’s debt, valuation, and depreciation for his assets. A tease: Trump’s commercial real estate valuation plummeted 26% from his inauguration to post-presidency.

🏻‍ — A Zoom plug-in everyone needs: After a year of incessant Zoom meetings, there is now a plug-in that makes your Zoom experience unbearable to everyone but you. Zoom Escaper allows users to pipe in noise, so no one wants them in the meeting, allowing the user to, as the name suggests, escape. Choose from simple distractions like an echo, feedback, or the token choppiness of a bad connection, or have a bit more fun by piping in the sound of a baby crying or a man weeping uncontrollably. Get it here, and don’t tell your boss we told you about it.

️ — Vaccinated? Here’s where you can now travel: Nine destinations are opening travel to visitors who have been vaccinated, according to The Washington Post. The locales include European nations and tropical islands. While many have argued against “vaccine passports,” the destinations allow travelers to bypass 14-day quarantine requirements. The countries include Greece, Belize, Seychelles, Georgia, Estonia, Romania, Iceland, Cyprus and Poland.

🧘 — Pandemic hobbies for sanity: This Wall Street Journal feature highlights everyday Americans and how they survived the pandemic with their sanity intact. There’s a Tampa flight attendant who trained for an ultramarathon, a Maryland couple who binged gritty murder shows, and this one’s impressive, a retired teacher in Colorado who built his own airplane. But the best one is the one that could have just as easily been written about me — a man who spent idle time constructing complex Lego sets. Read about their stories here.

 — Why are manatees dying?: In National Geographic, writer Rebecca Renner, who is also a contributor to The New York Times and our very own Influence Magazine reporter, penned a heartbreaking must-read in Nat Geo about the plight of Manatees in Florida. Algae from excess nutrients that make their way into waterways from fertilizer runoff are choking sea grass, causing many manatees to starve to death in the winter. But you know, lush green lawns.

Ron DeSantis suggests he wants full funding for Bright Futures scholarships

“DeSantis has found a new culture-war enemy: ‘critical race theory’” via Michael Moline of Florida Phoenix — DeSantis played another culture-war card Wednesday, vowing to expel from Florida’s public schools any study of “critical race theory,” which examines the way race has shaped American society and institutions, which he denounced as “ideological or faddish.” The remarks by the Governor, who’s two years from seeking reelection and perhaps four from a run for the presidency, fit into a broader conservative effort to delegitimize research into the extent to which racism in America is not just a matter of interpersonal bigotry but rather is enforced through laws and cultural mores.

“DeSantis calls for $3,000 bonuses for Florida teachers who complete civics education training” via Steven Lemongello and Leslie Postal of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis is proposing a $3,000 bonus for Florida teachers, but only if they complete training and certification for “the Florida civic seal of excellence,” a new civics education program. DeSantis also wants graduating high schoolers to pass a civics test similar to what aspiring U.S. citizens take, part of a $106 million proposal for this year’s budget. The proposal is the latest DeSantis initiative that appears aimed squarely at pleasing conservatives in advance of not only his 2022 reelection campaign but also a potential 2024 Republican bid for President.

DeSantis to meet with pari-mutuel owners — DeSantis will meet with top brass at the state’s pari-mutuels tomorrow as part of a push to pass gaming legislation this Session. First reported by Gary Fineout of POLITICO Florida, the meeting comes shortly after the Governor met with representatives from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, who run the biggest gambling enterprise in Florida. DeSantis spokesperson Meredith Beatrice confirmed the meeting, saying it is important pari-mutuels “have a voice” in any potential gaming plan. The meeting also comes amid a push by Simpson to get a gaming deal done this year. The parameters aren’t known, but a new gaming compact or allowing sports betting is part of the discussion.

“DeSantis knocks critical race theory in civics curricula” via The Associated Press — The American Revolution, Abraham Lincoln, the Cold War, yes. Critical race theory, no. DeSantis on Wednesday outlined what he thought were acceptable topics to be taught in civics curricula that he said would get a $106 million boost thanks to pandemic-related federal funding directed at states. Under the governor’s proposal, teachers who get credentialed in teaching civics would get a $3,000 bonus. Around $6.5 million would be used to develop partnerships between schools and governments to get students interested in public service.

“Republicans want to keep concealed carry permits open after Nikki Fried closed them” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — A bill to force the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to keep a concealed carry permit available online is on its way through the committee process after passing its first House panel Wednesday. That’s in response to when FDACS, under Fried, took down its concealed carry permit application portal on March 23, soon after the COVID-19 pandemic reached Florida. That portal remained closed for nearly three months while FDACS faced lawsuits from gun rights groups over the closures. The move came after DeSantis recommended state offices temporarily close to the public beginning March 19.

Fried blasts concealed carry bill — Fried said the bill aimed at keeping concealed carry permits available online is misguided. “This legislation is overreaching, unnecessary, and as wasteful as the failed lawsuit filed by fringe activists,” Fried said. She said record numbers of permits were approved in record time last year, and delayed applications stemmed from a dearth of fingerprinting services amid the pandemic. Since FDACS is not legally allowed to refund application fees, it stopped accepting applications to minimize the number of unhappy customers. She concluded, “If Rep. Ingoglia really wants to help improve concealed weapons licensing, he could start with legislation to help us refund applicant fees, instead of politically-motivated bills that are a nonsolution in search of a nonexistent problem.”

Senate panel advances Simone Marstiller confirmation — The Senate Health Policy Committee on Wednesday advanced Marstiller’s confirmation to lead the Agency for Health Care Administration with a unanimous vote. As reported by Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida, the greenlight came after she said she would put a controversial Medicaid project contracted to Deloitte under her direct supervision. The contract, worth $135 million, received a torrent of criticism since it was awarded after the state’s unemployment system — which Deloitte built — crashed at the beginning of the pandemic. Marstiller previously headed up the Department of Juvenile Justice. DeSantis appointed her as AHCA Secretary in early February.

Simone Marstiller is one step closer to officially leading the Agency for Health Care Administration

“Senate set to take up liability protections” via the News Service of Florida — The Senate on Thursday will take up a high-profile bill that would help shield businesses and health care providers from lawsuits related to COVID-19. The proposal (SB 72), sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes, was one of 14 bills included Monday on what is known as a special order calendar to go to the Senate floor. Business groups and health care providers have lobbied heavily for liability protections since early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The House has passed a bill (HB 7) that would provide protections for non-health care businesses and is considering a separate bill (HB 7005) that would help shield health care providers. The Senate originally had separate bills on the issues, but Brandes combined them last week.

“House backs ban for transgender female athletes” via Dara Kam of News Service of Florida — Despite impassioned pleas from LGBT advocates, a House panel on Wednesday approved a controversial proposal that would ban transgender girls and women from competing in women’s high school and college sports. The move by the House Secondary Education & Career Development Subcommittee put Florida among the ranks of at least two-dozen other Republican-dominated state legislatures that have considered or approved measures requiring student-athletes to compete according to their sex assigned at birth. Bill sponsor Kaylee Tuck, a Lake Placid Republican, said the transgender athletic ban is necessary to establish parity for biologically female athletes. But critics of measures targeting transgender student-athletes argue the proposals are rooted in fear, misunderstanding and politics.

“Parental Bill of Rights clears second House committee” via Haley Brown of Florida Politics — Rep. Erin Grall’s bill (HB 241) seeks to safeguard “rights of parents” concerning their minor child for education, health care, and criminal justice, and prohibits the state or any other government entities from infringing on the rights established in the bill. Under the bill, if the state or other government entity should infringe on the parent’s rights, the infringement would be reviewed with “strict scrutiny.” Grall proposed identical legislation (HB 1059) last year, which passed in the House but did not make it through the Senate. This Session, Grall’s parental rights bill has made it through two of three committee stops. Wednesday, it was approved by the House Judiciary Committee along a party-line vote.

Erin Grall wants to cement parents’ rights and protect them from government intrusion. Image via Florida House.

“House panel OKs bills to curb Chinese influence” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — The House Education and Employment Committee voted unanimously to advance a bill by Vero Beach Republican Grall (HB 7017) that would require groups to disclose funding from China and other adversarial countries when seeking large grants from Florida. Besides China, that list of flagged countries includes Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela. The legislation would force state agencies, local governments, colleges and universities to disclose donations and grants from those countries worth $50,000 or more. Applicants for grants from or those proposing contracts with state agencies and local governments would also have to disclose financial connections to any of those countries.

“Abolishing constitution panel backed in House” via News Service of Florida — The House Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee, in a 12-4 vote, backed a measure (HJR 1179) that would ask voters in 2022 to eliminate the state Constitution Revision Commission. “Bill sponsor Rep. Mike Beltran said the Commission has inappropriately dealt with issues that should have been left to the Legislature. The 37-member Commission, which voters set up as part of the 1968 Florida Constitution and meets every 20 years, has been targeted after putting seven amendments on the 2018 ballot that were approved. The Commission drew widespread criticism, at least in part because it bundled unrelated issues into single ballot proposals. For example, it tied together the bans on oil drilling and workplace vaping.

“House, Senate differ on insurance fixes” via Jim Saunders of News Service of Florida — A House panel on Wednesday signed off on a bill (HB 305) that, in part, calls for changing part of state law that prevents Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from raising rates on individual customers by more than 10% a year. But the House proposal does not go along with two major parts of the Senate bill. Those parts deal with insurance industry complaints that questionable, if not fraudulent, roofing claims and plaintiffs’ attorney fees drive up costs in the insurance system. The Senate bill (SB 76) would allow insurers to use what is described as a “reimbursement schedule” in determining how much they would pay for roof damage. Also, the Senate bill also would place additional restrictions on plaintiffs’ attorney fees.

“Randolph Bracy’s Juneteenth bill gets pushback from historians” via Haley Brown of Florida Politics — After Sen. Bracy took steps to eliminate the fiscal controversy surrounding his Juneteenth Day bill, the legislation still resulted in a kerfuffle in Wednesday’s Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee meeting. But it was not committee members who took issue with the bill; instead, several exacting historians lined up to poke holes in the historical accuracy of the date selected. Ultimately committee members voted to move forward with the legislation to make Juneteenth Day a legal holiday. Juneteenth Day commemorates the end of slavery and is typically observed on June 19.

Randolph Bracy’s Juneteenth paid holiday proposal gets slammed by historians. Image via Colin Hackley.

“Senate panel OK’s Lauren Book bill automatically suspending doctors arrested on child porn” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Senate is advancing a measure that would automatically suspend a physician’s license after he or she is arrested on charges related to possession of child pornography, homicide or other serious charges. That suspension would remain in effect until the legal process concludes. The Senate Health Policy Committee approved the measure Wednesday by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Book filed the bill (SB 1934) after the arrest of Michael Mizrachy, a Plantation pediatrician who had previously treated Book’s own children. Mizrachy is facing child porn charges.

“Senate advances measure clearing up ambiguity in last year’s pelvic exam consent bill” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Senate Health Policy Committee OK’d a bill looking to clear up the language in last year’s legislation requiring affirmative consent for pelvic examination procedures. Last year’s bill and this year’s clarifying measure (SB 716) both come from Book. Before the 2020 Session, Book introduced a measure aiming to make sure female patients offer consent before those examinations. Book cited shocking reports showing medical students could perform pelvic checks on anesthetized patients who may agree to a general exam routine but don’t explicitly consent to those more invasive procedures. The bill, as approved by lawmakers and signed by the Governor, caused some confusion, however.

David Borrero‘s proposal will recognize the fears of living under communism.

“Legislation would let local election officials in Florida keep security breaches secret” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — Under legislation now under consideration by Florida lawmakers, county elections supervisors would be able to withhold information about the ever-present possibility of systems being hacked and voter records being altered. According to federal intelligence reports, those dangers came close to happening in at least four Florida counties in 2016. Voting rights groups, government watchdogs, and members of Florida’s congressional delegation have pushed for greater transparency in disclosing those security breaches, but a measure by Sen. Doug Broxson, a Gulf Breeze Republican, would go the opposite direction. “We’ve seen in past elections a real invasion from outside sources to try to intimidate and change certain information,” Broxson said Tuesday in introducing the bill (SB 1704). “It happened in my county.”

“Opioid ‘antagonist’ changes get Senate support” via News Service of Florida — Pharmacists would be authorized to order and dispense emergency opioid antagonists without prescriptions to at-risk people and caregivers under a bill that received unanimous approval Wednesday from the Senate Health Policy Committee. The bill (SB 1442), sponsored by Sen. Jim Boyd, also would provide caregivers, law enforcement officers, paramedics, correctional probation officers and child protective investigators immunity from civil or criminal liability as a result of administering emergency opioid antagonists. It would make clear that caregivers or at-risk people are authorized to store and administer the emergency opioid antagonists. Additionally, the bill would require the Florida Department of Health to develop and implement a statewide campaign regarding opioid overdoses and how to respond to them.

Senate committee advances physician assistant changes — The Senate Health Policy Committee OK’d a bill by Sen. Manny Diaz Jr. that would change several rules related to physician assistants, including a scope-of-practice expansion. SB 894 would define “autonomous physician assistant,” and allow them to provide primary care services without a doctor’s supervision. To qualify, a PA must have 3,000 clinical practice hours within the past 5 years; complete courses in pharmacology and differential diagnosis, and acquire liability insurance.

Senate panel OK’s veterinary telemedicine bill — The Senate Agriculture Committee approved a bill (SB 1370) by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez that would allow veterinary telemedicine. The bill defines veterinary telemedicine as “the practice of veterinary medicine in a remote setting, including through the use of telephone or audiovisual technology …” It would not allow veterinarians to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine unless the animal is receiving hospice services. The bill now heads to the Rules Committee, its final stop before the Senate floor.

“Pregame remarks get House support” via News Service of Florida — Amid a long-running legal battle about a pregame prayer, a House panel gave the go-ahead Wednesday to a proposal that would require the Florida High School Athletic Association to allow schools to offer opening remarks over the public-address system before high school championships. Under the proposal (HB 1027) approved by the House Secondary Education & Career Development Subcommittee, the FHSAA and other associations would be required to adopt bylaws permitting the remarks. The FHSAA currently has a policy requiring announcers to maintain neutrality in scripted remarks before championship games. The proposal also would require an announcement to be made before the opening remarks that the comments do not reflect the association’s views and opinions.

Pregame prayer has been an issue that draws passions on both sides.

“Spencer Roach wants no stimulus going to cruise-hating Key West” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — As Florida considers directing stimulus to the cruise industry, one Representative wants Key West left out. Rep. Roach said the state should not offer any assistance to the port in Key West after it restricted access to large ships. On Wednesday morning, he pointedly directed his comments toward the Southernmost Point. “Gov asked us to send $260 million of fed stimulus to FL seaports hit hard by loss of cruise ship industry,” Roach tweeted. The comment came a day after DeSantis offered his recommendations to the Legislature on how to spend more than $4 billion in stimulus money tied to the COVID-19 relief package.

Officials raid Frank Artiles’ home after he brags about fixing a Senate race. Image via CBS Miami.

“Tom Brady and a superyacht: How a mogul pitched Florida leaders on Miami Beach casino” via Mary Ellen Klas, Sarah Blaskey and Nicholas Nehamas — Floating off the coast of Tampa on Feb. 7, Brady celebrated at an after-party with longtime friends and associates. One was Speaker Sprowls. It wasn’t the first time Sprowls had met Brady on South Florida billionaire real estate mogul Jeffrey Soffer’s 311-foot Madsummer, a state-of-the-art vessel. Five months earlier, Soffer had hosted a fundraiser and dinner for Sprowls on the boat and introduced him to Brady. Soffer used that opportunity to make a pitch: Pass legislation to allow Soffer to move a gambling permit from his Hallandale Beach-based Big Easy Casino to the sumptuous Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach, which his family has owned since 2005. Now, Soffer may have his best chance in a decade.

AARP Florida says personal care attendant bill needs more work — AARP Florida said a bill increasing the role of personal care attendants in nursing homes is moving in the right direction, but it still needs work. “It’s clear that the amendment adopted today doubles the training received by Personal Care Attendants, from 8 hours to 16 total hours. Let’s not stop there. Further amendments are needed to ensure that Certified Nursing Assistants, who receive a higher level of training, are not supplanted by PCAs,” AARP Florida state director Jeff Johnson said. “AARP continues to believe that PCAs do not have sufficient training to replace or substitute for the level of care provided by CNAs.” Johnson said AARP provided amendment language that would fix the remaining issues in SB 1132.

AFP-FL praises Senate for advancing union dues bill — Americans for Prosperity on Wednesday lauded the Senate Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability for advancing a bill (SB 1014) that would require government employers to confirm that an employee wants union dues removed from their paycheck. “Transparency must be the priority, and no employee should ever be forced to join or remain in a union without their clear consent. This legislation will benefit workers across the state by ensuring that they get to make the ultimate decisions about the money that comes out of their paycheck,” AFP Florida director Skylar Zander said. “We applaud Chairman Baxley and Chairman Rodrigues for prioritizing the needs of Floridians and working tirelessly to ensure that every union has meaningful buy-in and is ultimately accountable to their members.”

“Gun control advocates promote assault weapons ban for Florida” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Gun control advocates just fired off a series of digital ads targeting Florida lawmakers during Session. The five-figure ad buy from Ban Assault Weapons NOW will press lawmakers to institute legislative weapons bans. “Our state and our children would be far safer if elected leaders passed legislation banning these weapons of war once and for all,” said BAWN chair Gail Schwartz. The organization specifically supports legislation filed in the Senate (SB 370) by Sen. Gary Farmer, a Broward Democrat, and in the House (HB 65) by Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith. The identical bills would prohibit the sales or transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines, and provide restrictions for continued ownership of such items.

Equal Ground Action Fund urges Senate to shelve election bill — A political committee tied to the Equal Ground Action Fund sent a letter signed by dozens of Florida pastors urging the Senate Rules Committee to vote against SB 90, which would make broad changes to election law. The letter says provisions in the bill, such as the elimination of ballot drop boxes and shortening mail ballot requests, “will serve as grave impediments to the voting process.” In the letter, the pastors go on to say that they find the bill will cause significant confusion and exacerbate a narrative of voter suppression for people in certain communities; especially given that 70% of Florida voters support and utilize drop boxes.

Florida Internet & Television webinar backs broadband bills — Florida Internet & Television (FIT) today hosted a virtual webinar that included Rep. Josie Tomkow, former Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist, and others in a discussion of how to best provide internet access to Florida’s unserved and rural communities. Tomkow said bills filed by her and Sen. Danny Burgess (HB 1239/SB 1592) would “encourage more connectivity through private investment … While 95% of Floridians have access to broadband, over 750,000 Floridians do not have any access, or it is insufficient to meet today’s technological needs.”

Michael O’Rielly was a featured speaker at the Florida Internet & Television webinar on providing internet access to underserved communities.

FAFCC provided $188M in health care last year — The Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics said its member clinics provided nearly $188 million worth of health care services to Floridians last year. A new report on their efforts also shows nearly 195,000 Floridians received care. The results were made possible, in part, thanks to a $9.5 million appropriation in the 2020-21 state budget to fund the 98 volunteer-driven, nonprofit, faith, and community-based clinics throughout the state. “I’m so proud of how our free and charitable clinics are responding during this pandemic, serving as a critical partner for hospitals, saving countless lives,” said Rev. Michael Daily, board chair for FAFCC and CEO at Good News Care Center free clinic in Homestead.

“Coronavirus changed Florida society. These bills make those changes permanent.” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times — Last March, when the coronavirus arrived in Florida, state and local governments enacted policies that fundamentally changed how communities interact. Most of the changes restricted the movement of people with the hope of saving lives. But some concessions made things more convenient in a less personal society. As lawmakers gather in Tallahassee, some of those convenient policy changes could be here to stay. Bills making their way through the Legislature would allow Floridians to continue to get alcoholic drinks delivered from restaurants.

Alex Alamo, Jose Fuentes, Becker & Poliakoff: Ygrene Energy Fund Florida

Jim Boxold, Capital City Consulting: 3M Company

James Card, Larry J. Overton & Associates: Devereux Foundation

Rachel Cone, Erin Rock, The Southern Group: Governmentjobs.com

Shawn Foster, Sunrise Consulting Group: Greenstein Group

Jonathan Genovese: FIS Global

Thomas Griffin, Smith Bryan & Myers: TMX Finance of Florida

Christopher Holley, H2 Solutions: City of Apalachicola

Fred Karlinsky, Timothy Stanfield, Greenberg Traurig: National Association of Settlement Purchasers

Brad Nelson: Gas South

Gerard O’Rourke, Converge Government Affairs of Florida: Nuro

Ashley Shew, American Association of Nurse Practitioners

On the Senate floor agenda is SB 88, from Sen. Jason Brodeur, to shield farmers from lawsuits, and SB 46, from Sen. Travis Hutson, to update regulations for craft distilleries, 2 p.m., Senate Chamber.

Also:

The Senate Finance & Tax Committee, 9 a.m., Room 110, Senate Office Building.

The Senate Rules Committee, 9 a.m., Room 412, Knott Building.

The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, 9:30 a.m., Room 404, House Office Building.

The House Public Integrity & Elections Committee, 9:30 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building.

The Senate Appropriations Committee, 11:30 a.m., Room 412, Knott Building.

The House Health & Human Services Committee, noon, Room 212, Knott Building.

The House Rules Committee, 15 minutes after adjournment of floor Session, Room 404, House Office Building.

“Florida unlikely to expand Medicaid for 800,000 residents, despite offer of more federal money” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis and Florida legislative leaders still aren’t interested in expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, despite the federal government’s offer to defray the cost to the state for two years as part of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package signed by Joe Biden last week. Democrats and advocates who’ve pushed for expansion say there’s no excuse not to offer coverage to 800,000 more Floridians now that the cost to the state would be less. Florida Policy Institute, a liberal think tank based in Orlando, estimates expanding Medicaid now would save the state $3.5 billion. But GOP leaders still have an eye on the 10% cost to the state in future years.

Even with billions of federal dollars, Florida will probably not expand Medicare. Image via AP.

“Florida to seek waiver on student testing rules” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — With pressure mounting to cancel the consequences of spring academic testing, Florida state education officials on Wednesday announced their plan to request a waiver of the accountability rules set forth in federal law. If approved, a waiver wouldn’t stop the tests from taking place, as occurred a year ago. The Biden administration did not go that far in its flexibility offer. It would, however, allow the state to move away from such requirements as testing 95% of students and grading schools. Exactly how Florida might use the waiver is not yet clear. The state is opening a public input period on the proposed waiver. Comments will be accepted through March 31, after which more details should be available.

Appointed — Kerry Bartlett to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees.

“Space Florida going after $300M spacecraft factory” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — An undisclosed space company code-named Kraken is looking at Space Florida’s properties to build a $300 million spacecraft factory that could create 2,000 mostly high-wage jobs in Brevard County. Space Florida’s board of directors gave approval Wednesday to staff to negotiate with the company to have a satellite factory located near the agency’s launch sites on Cape Canaveral. Those negotiations could involve creative financing, lease deals, and possibly matching-fund grants from the Florida Department of Transportation. Space Florida President Frank DiBello and EVP Howard Haug were intentionally vague in describing “Project Kraken.” The numbers given Wednesday suggest it certainly would be among the biggest deals.

Just four months ago, Ron DeSantis was bragging about how great Florida’s voting system performed. Now he wants to change it.

“Voter outreach led to big drop in rejected mail-in ballots” via The Associated Press — The coronavirus pandemic triggered an unprecedented surge in mailed ballots last year, raising concerns that a flood of first-time absentee voters would lead to another record: more ballots tossed out for missing deadlines, signatures or other reasons. Those fears never materialized. An analysis found that the rate of rejected ballots was actually lower in November than during last year’s primaries in several politically pivotal states despite an increase in the number of absentee ballots cast. In one of the most striking instances, Wisconsin saw both a decline in rejection rate and the overall number of ballots tossed out.

“Johnson & Johnson vaccine shipments halted in Florida for several weeks, DeSantis says” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — If you are hunting for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Florida, you will be disappointed. At a news conference Wednesday in Palm Harbor, DeSantis said the state will not get a new shipment of the single-shot vaccine for several weeks. “As we get more allocated for Johnson & Johnson, we will let everyone know,” DeSantis said. “If you’ve been waiting and you have an opportunity to get Pfizer or Moderna, I’d recommend getting it because I can’t guarantee you J&J is going to be available in the next week or the week after. We are looking two or three weeks into the future where we don’t have J&J allocation.”

The pipeline for Johnson & Johnson vaccines is drying up in Florida.

“DeSantis wants a cookie, but Florida’s COVID-19 credit due elsewhere” via Nate Monroe of The Florida Times-Union — Lockdowns (except for breweries and bars) don’t work (although they probably did in Florida, where virtually every populated area was, in fact, locked down or subject to measures like mask mandates DeSantis despises). Florida doesn’t need a bailout (ignore the $2.7 billion budget deficit) because it’s the land of opportunity (excuse the broken unemployment system) where New Yorkers and Californians are clamoring to get in (if you don’t count the roughly same number of people who are leaving).

“With Florida requiring doctor’s note for many, pace of COVID-19 vaccination slows in Miami” via Ben Conarck and Devoun Cetoute of the Miami Herald — In Florida’s most populous county of Miami-Dade, the pace of COVID-19 vaccination has slowed, with state-run mega-sites following a strict rule book enforced by armed police or other security officers at the entrance. Throughout March, vaccine supply has increased, but strict age minimums issued by DeSantis have lingered, except for medically vulnerable people, who are required to have a physician to sign off to qualify for a shot. Other documentation requirements have posed their own challenges.

“Vaccination age expected to drop to 55 ‘soon’” via News Service of Florida — DeSantis said Wednesday that he will soon lower the eligibility age to 55 for COVID-19 vaccinations, as demand appears slower for shots even with the eligibility age lowered Monday from 65 to 60. “I think that lowering that age is something that’s going to happen, hopefully, pretty soon,” he said. “We just want to make sure when we do the announcement that we don’t create a crush on the system.” DeSantis has focused heavily on vaccinating seniors but lowered the eligibility age to 60 as vaccines became more plentiful and as demand from people 65 and older began to slow.

“Florida schools reopened without becoming COVID-19 superspreaders” via Arian Campo-Flores — As school districts around the U.S. continue to grapple with whether to reopen classrooms amid the coronavirus pandemic, data shows Florida started in-person learning without turning schools into superspreaders. The state was one of the earliest to resume in-person instruction in August, following an executive order by Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran that directed districts to provide families the option of classroom learning five days a week or risk losing funding. The mandate triggered an outcry among some teachers and parents who considered it risky and drew unsuccessful lawsuits aimed at blocking it.

“As students throng Florida beaches during Spring Break, a national nurses’ union warns of the danger” via Isaac Morgan of Florida Phoenix — With new, more infectious COVID-19 variants continuing to spread across Florida and the nation, health care workers are warning of a surge in cases if people don’t adhere to safety protocols during Spring Break. Large crowds at beaches, bars, and restaurants could trigger a spike in cases in the state if people grow lax about safety measures such as wearing a mask and social distancing. “We still need the public’s help to protect our patients, our co-workers, and our families,” Marissa Lee, a registered nurse in Florida, said in a written statement Tuesday. Lee is part of the National Nurses United, a large union representing registered nurses, urging people to comply with federal health officials’ safety guidelines.

Despite the urging of nurse unions, Spring Breakers fill Florida beaches.

“Florida nursing home visitors see slight changes under new federal guidelines” via Jacob Wentz of WUSF — For the first time since September, federal health officials are recommending that nursing home residents be allowed to see visitors in person. But in Florida, where visitation has been allowed for months. In October, an emergency order signed by DeSantis allowed long-term care facilities to open their doors for visitors under certain requirements, including temperature checks, social distancing, and appropriate personal protective equipment for all visitors. The federal guidelines, issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, call for similar coronavirus infection prevention protocols outlined in Florida’s visitation order. The new federal guidelines state that if a resident is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have close contact — including touch — with visitors.

“‘I almost died in there’: As winter peak recedes, jails still struggle with COVID-19, lawsuits” via Rosmery Izaguirre of the Miami Herald — In a time of COVID-19, even as cases are falling and vaccines are being administered to some behind bars, complaints prompted a class-action lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union, which has resulted in a settlement not quite finalized because of the multi-phased procedure for completing such litigation. Provisions, some of them already implemented, include expanded COVID-19 testing, rules barring COVID-negative detainees from being housed with positive detainees, and giving medically vulnerable detainees twice-daily temperature checks.

— Ages 16 to 24: 66,473 people

— Ages 25 to 34: 183,684 people

— Ages 35 to 44: 247,000 people

— Ages 45 to 54: 334,713 people

— Ages 55 to 64: 538,269 people

— Ages 65 to 74: 1,652,834 people

— Ages 75 to 84: 976,034 people

— Ages 85 and older: 339,092 people

“It’s not just the beach: Secret Spring Break bashes being held in South Florida neighborhoods” via Karen Hensel and Daniel Cohen of WSVN — Spring Break is in full swing in South Florida, and while the focus of the festivities has been on our beaches, we found they’re not the only parties in town. The Nightteam’s Karen Hensel uncovers the hidden bashes in tonight’s 7 Investigates. It has been a chair-throwing, hair pulling, body-slamming start to spring break on South Beach. Social media site Only In Dade sharing videos of the pandemic partying mixed with chaos, but far from Ocean Drive, 7 Investigates has discovered a drive to entice vacationing college students to buy tickets to big bashes held in South Florida homes.

Spring Break is in full swing, and not just on South Florida beaches. Image via Al Dia News.

“Vaccinating theme park workers could give boost to Central Florida economy, experts say” via Lauren Seabrook and Adam Poulisse of WFTV — Many theme park employees think the Governor and Orange County’s Mayor should put them next in line to get vaccinated. DeSantis said he’s not doing vaccine changes by occupation anymore. However, Mayor Jerry Demings has been making some special requests to get certain jobs covered. While theme park employees wear masks all day, every day, many said they’d feel a lot more comfortable around tourists being vaccinated. “At the end of the day, DeSantis has said he’s not putting workers first, he’s putting seniors first,” said Eric Clinton with UNITE HERE Local 362, which represents thousands of hospitality workers in Central Florida. “And you know, at this point, I think it’s time to move on past that.”

“New vaccine site opens in Palm Harbor, no appointments needed” via Megan Gannon of WFLA — A new vaccine site opened up in North Pinellas County. The Centre in Palm Harbor will now be a location for a walk-up vaccine site where no appointments are necessary. “This site will be offering 500 Pfizer vaccines a day, but we have also decided we are doing about 200 Johnson and Johnson vaccines a day,” said DeSantis. The vaccine site opened on Wednesday, March 17, and is looking to serve about 700 people a day. 8 On Your Side spoke with the CSA Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation Director, Erica Lynford, who the state is running this site.

“University of Tampa students revolt to throw their own graduation” via Selene San Felice of Axios — University of Tampa students and parents upset with the private school’s decision to make its May commencement ceremony virtual have decided to throw one of their own. Virtual graduation ceremonies were to be expected over the last two semesters during the coronavirus pandemic. But now that more people are vaccinated and cities like Tampa have proved big events (the Super Bowl and its victory boat parade) can happen relatively safely, all eyes are on schools to see whether tassels will turn IRL.

Rochelle Walensky is pleading for Americans to stay vigilant against COVID-19. Image via AP.

“How ‘Vaccine Day’ could boost inoculations” via Andrew Zaleski of Bloomberg — In the last week, the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination rate accelerated to 2.43 million doses per day, according to Bloomberg’s vaccine tracker. More than 100 million Americans have received vaccine doses, and over 30 million people have fully vaccinated. Biden administration is aiming to ramp up vaccine distribution and expand eligibility to all adults by no later than May 1. ‘’ As the supply of shots grows, vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a serious impediment to conquering the pandemic. Polling by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that 55% of Americans intend to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but recent surveys show a stark partisan gap on the issue.

“Joe Biden admin unveils $10B school testing plan for COVID-19” via David Lim of POLITICO — The Biden administration will spend $10 billion to screen schoolchildren for COVID-19 to help hasten their return to in-person learning. The CDC will administer the school-screening program, announced Wednesday. The agency is giving $10 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to states and certain cities to set up testing, with the aim of reopening schools in the final months of the school year. The CDC and state and local health departments will provide technical assistance to schools to help set up and implement the new screening programs in schools.

COVID-19 losses in the travel industry top more than $1 trillion for 2020. Image via Tampa Airport.

Wall Street sees workers returning to the office soon. Image via Bloomberg.

“Unraveling the mystery of Europe’s uneven COVID-19 surges” via Youjin Shin and Adam Taylor of The Washington Post — A year ago this week, the European Union banned nonessential travel from outside the bloc, as the first coronavirus wave caused increasing havoc on the continent. In Italy, Europe’s initial epicenter, cases had already begun to spiral, which other countries took as a grim portent. But the wave broke unevenly, smashing, pulling back, and surging again into different countries at different times, in a confounding sequence experts are still scrambling to untangle. More than a year into the pandemic, as some countries struggle yet again with surging cases, it still often seems there is little rhyme or reason as to which countries get hit hardest and when.

“E.U. unveils vaccine passport plan to enable summer travel” via Rick Noack and Quentin Ariès of The Washington Post — The European Union on Wednesday launched a closely watched effort to create a joint vaccination passport for its more than 440 million citizens and residents, embarking on a tightrope walk between economic pressures, discrimination fears and concerns over Europe’s slow vaccination progress. Supporters hope the “digital green certificates” will be ready by June, which could help to salvage the European summer tourism season and even serve as a model that could be extended to the United States and other countries.

“Vaccine passports pose ethical thicket for Biden administration” via Darius Tahir of POLITICO — States, airlines and tech companies are pressuring the Biden administration to develop a federal standard for vaccine passports, a policy that could speed the economic recovery but might also discriminate against disadvantaged groups and jeopardize privacy. Digital credentials showing proof of a person’s COVID-19 test results and vaccination status are rapidly being embraced as a tool to redesign workplaces and jump-start travel and tourism. New York state is trying out an “Excelsior Pass” to fast track reopening theaters and venues like Madison Square Garden. Hawaii is developing a version that would let visitors skip the state’s mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Joe Biden’s COVID-19 stimulus bill is spotlighting Republican failure to capture the political moment. Image via AP.

“Poll: 72% approve of COVID-19 relief law” via Steven Shepard of POLITICO — More than seven in 10 voters, 72%, support the coronavirus relief and stimulus legislation signed into law by Biden last week, according to a new POLITICO/Morning Consult poll. Just 21% oppose it. Support is nearly universal among Democrats — 95% — and strong among independents at 69%. Despite the law’s earning no support from Republicans in Congress, GOP voters are split in the new poll: 44% support it, and 48% oppose it. In follow-up questions, majorities also expressed support for two of the law’s most prominent provisions: the stimulus checks that some Americans have already received, and the extension of unemployment insurance benefits.

“Republican Attorneys General threaten key element of the $1.9 trillion stimulus” via Tony Romm and Jeff Stein of Florida Politics — Twenty-one Republican state attorneys general on Tuesday threatened to take action against the Biden administration over its new $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus law, decrying it for imposing “unprecedented and unconstitutional” limits on their states’ ability to lower taxes. The letter marks one of the first major political and legal salvos against the relief package since Biden signed it last week, evincing the sustained Republican opposition that the White House faces as it implements the signature element of the president’s economic policy agenda.

“A good boy again: Biden’s dog will return to the White House” via The Associated Press — Biden’s wayward pup is no longer in the doghouse. In an interview that aired Wednesday, Biden said that his dog Major, who had been involved in a biting incident at the White House, was “a sweet dog.” He explained the biting by saying that the dog had “turned a corner, there’s two people he doesn’t know at all, you know, and they move and moves to protect.” Biden added that “85% of the people there love him.” Major, a 3-year-old rescue dog, and Champ, who is 12, were moved to the Bidens’ Delaware home after the incident, but the president said they would return to the White House.

Rick Scott isn’t able to convince Donald Trump to stay out of GOP primaries. Image via Twitter.

“House committee seeks financial records for Trump’s Washington hotel” via Jonathan O’Connell and David A. Fahrenthold of The Washington Post — A House committee on Tuesday asked the Biden administration to provide detailed financial records on Trump’s Washington hotel, which is located in a federally owned building and must give the government financial data as part of its lease. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees public buildings, first asked for records on the hotel in early 2019. But for two years, the government refused to hand them over. Now, the committee has asked Biden’s administration to provide what Trump’s would not, including detailed records on the hotel’s revenue, expenses, profits and losses.

“Trump’s Florida resort touted as potential gambling destination” via Jonathan O’Connell and Josh Dawsey of The Washington Post — Trump’s son Eric Trump, who runs the family’s private company, touted the potential of transforming their Doral golf resort into a gambling destination amid a push among Florida Republicans to legalize casinos in areas of the state that have long opposed them. Although Republican legislative leaders have not yet submitted a bill, word of a proposal has spread widely enough that supporters and opponents already are gearing up for a fight that they say could be more intense than in previous years, due to Trump’s potential interest and his close relationship with DeSantis.

“Trump on rumors Meghan Markle will run for President: ‘I hope that happens’” via Yael Halon of Fox News — Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that if the rumors surrounding Markle‘s potential 2024 presidential bid prove to be true, he’d have an “even stronger feeling toward running” in the next election. Trump was asked to weigh in on reports that Markle could be eyeing a run for president in an exclusive interview with “Fox News Primetime” host Maria Bartiromo. “Mr. President, what was your take on Meghan Markle now saying — meeting with Democratic operatives, she may want to run for President?” Bartiromo asked.

Meghan Markle for President? Donald Trump is OK with that. Image via AP.

“Deborah Birx says Trump’s idea to inject disinfectant haunts her: ‘I still think about it every day’” via Paulina Villegas of The Washington Post — It will go down in history as one of the most dumbfounding moments of the Trump administration as America watched the president of the United States suggest the possibility of injecting disinfectant into people to “knock out” the coronavirus as the pandemic raged across the nation, taking hundreds of thousands of lives. The former coronavirus response coordinator in the Trump White House, Birx, who sat silently as the president made those remarks last year during a news conference, said in an interview with ABC News on Monday that the moment still haunts her.

The Capitol riots are fading in importance as Congress focuses more on partisan bickering. Image via Reuters.

“Texas Three Percenters member charged in Jan. 6 riot set up security company to circumvent gun laws, obtain high-grade weapons, U.S. alleges” via Spencer S. Hsu of The Washington Post — A man charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot has been jailed pending trial after allegedly recruiting members to the Texas Three Percenters by telling them he had created a new security business to circumvent gun laws and obtain high-grade weapons and ammunition available to law enforcement. Guy Reffitt pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three charges of obstructing an official proceeding, trespassing and witness tampering after prosecutors say he was hit by police rubber bullets and chemical spray while allegedly rushing the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Prosecutors also say he threatened his teenage children not to turn him in after he returned from Washington.

“Largo man accused in Capitol police attack” via Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times — A Largo man is the latest person to be accused of taking part in the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Robert Scott Palmer was arrested Wednesday and appeared in the afternoon in federal court in Tampa. According to federal court records, he faces charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers, civil disorder, and being in a restricted building or grounds. Documents describing the specific allegations against Palmer were not immediately available Wednesday. But the Huffington Post identified him in a March 5 story as a man who was recorded spraying and throwing a fire extinguisher at Capitol police officers amid a swelling mob outside the building.

“White supremacist propaganda surged in 2020, report says” via Aaron Morrison of The Associated Press — White supremacist propaganda reached alarming levels across the U.S. in 2020, according to a new report that the Anti-Defamation League provided to The Associated Press. There were 5,125 cases of racist, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQ and other hateful messages spread through physical flyers, stickers, banners and posters, according to Wednesday’s report. That’s nearly double the 2,724 instances reported in 2019. Online propaganda is much harder to quantify, and it’s likely those cases reached into the millions, the anti-hate organization said.

“House votes to reauthorize landmark Violence Against Women Act” via Colby Itkowitz and Marianna Sotomayor of The Washington Post — The U.S. House voted on Wednesday to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, legislation originally authored by then-Sen. Biden in 1994 that aims to strengthen protections for women from domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The landmark law was reauthorized several times since, but lapsed in 2019 after the Democratic-controlled House voted to renew it, but it stalled in the Republican-led Senate. Democrats are hopeful it will find the support this time, although the latest version still faces potential obstacles in the evenly-divided Senate. The vote was 244-to-172, with 29 Republicans breaking ranks and joining Democrats in backing the reauthorization.

Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and the possibility of passing the Equal Rights Amendment gives women hope that, finally, they will get equal justice under the law. Image via Kathy Castor’s Office.

“House GOP votes to embrace the return of earmarks” via Melanie Zanona and Caitlin Emma of POLITICO — House Republicans agreed on Wednesday to lift their decadelong ban on earmarks, a major reversal that will enable the GOP to take advantage of a once-controversial spending practice soon to be revived by Democrats. Republicans approved a resolution offered by Rep. Mike Rogers that would allow their members to request a congressional earmark as long as certain criteria are met. GOP lawmakers would need to disclose the earmark publicly, include a written justification for the project, and verify that they have no financial stake in it, among other requirements. The secret-ballot vote was 102-84, according to sources familiar with the count.

House Republicans hosting Orlando retreat — U.S. House Republicans are heading to Orlando next month for their annual legislative retreat. The event is not usually held in Orlando, though House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has taken a liking to the state — his team recently held a retreat in the state, and Republicans recently met with Trump at his post-White House home, Mar-a-Lago. The state has also been a boon to GOP fundraising efforts. The retreat is scheduled for April 25-27.

Michael Góngora’s private conversations about the Miami Beach city attorney job may have broken the law.

“Term lengths could be longer, and staggered on the Islamorada Dais” via Jim McCarthy of Keys Weekly — Changes could be coming to the number of years an Islamorada council member serves in office. Seats could also be staggered to avoid a complete change on the dais. Discussion is set for the meeting Thursday, March 18 of Islamorada Village Council on an ordinance that proposes staggered four-year terms for those elected to office. As it stands now, candidates vying for seats who go on to win the election serve a two-year term. All seats were up for grabs in last year’s election, with former council members either running for other offices, terming out, or choosing not to seek reelection. As a result, five new faces were chosen in the Nov. 3 general election.

E. LaBrent Chrite makes a hasty exit from Bethune-Cookman University

“FSU homecoming activities to include drive-thru parade, new name for ‘Pow Wow’” via Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat — The “Pow Wow” name is no more. Florida State University released plans for its Homecoming Week celebrations that include two notable changes in long-held traditions. This year’s homecoming theme is “Linked by Legacy,” and events run April 5-11. The popular student pep rally, known as “Pow Wow,” is now billed as “Homecoming Live.” Originated in 1948, since 1965, it’s featured top recording artists and comedians, including Stephen Colbert in 2006 and Jimmy Fallon two years later. “The FSU Homecoming Council wants to ensure that all members of the community feel welcome and valued. With this name change, we want to fully demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the FSU Homecoming Spring 2021 Executive Council said in a release.

“From state Legislature to FSU, John Thrasher creates bright futures” via Mark Woods of The Florida Times-Union — Thrasher was in the Legislature in 1997, on his way to becoming House Speaker, when he and his peers created the Bright Futures program. In the nearly 25 years since more than 2.7 million Florida students have used Bright Futures scholarships at Florida colleges. With his political and academic background, I couldn’t help but wonder what Thrasher thinks about SB 86. When I talked to Thrasher, he was tactfully critical. He said this idea probably sounded good in theory. “I think Sen. Baxley is hearing from a lot of folks — a lot of students, a lot of families — and beginning to understand their concern,” Thrasher said.

Happening today — The University of Florida Board of Trustees will start a two-day meeting, 9 a.m., University of Florida, Emerson Alumni Hall, Gainesville. Online link here.

Happening today — The University of West Florida Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet, 9 a.m. Zoom link here. Passcode: 863671.

“Congress, protect the ‘Dreamers’ once and for all” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — For the past two decades, immigration policy has roiled American politics, generating far more passion than action. Getting members from both parties to agree on solutions has been an impossible task under both Republican and Democratic Presidents. Nowhere has that failure been more lamentable than in the case of the “Dreamers” — immigrants who were brought here by their parents as children. They have been educated in America, grown up in America, and come to regard themselves as Americans. Some reached maturity unaware they were noncitizens — and thus subject to deportation. Expelling people who knowingly violated our laws to come to the United States is defensible, but deporting people who never had a choice is not.

“More tax dollars for VISIT FLORIDA. Less for Bright Futures. That’s a sorry economic model.” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida legislators spawn bad bills the way sea horses spawn babies — hundreds at a time. Let’s start by looking at two particularly bad ideas that, when viewed together, look even worse. The first is a plan to cut back on Bright Futures scholarships. The overall impact would be to offer fewer scholarships to the smartest kids graduating from Florida high schools. Another bill chugging along would put VISIT FLORIDA  on steroids by authorizing taxpayer subsidies to continue flowing to the tourism-advertising agency forever. So let’s look at these two things together: The state wants to beef up its subsidies for low-wage jobs and cut back on funding meant to keep the smartest graduates in our state. That’s not a recipe for a strong economy.

“Provision about AP, IB, AICE and dual enrollment in Senate Bill 86 is a tax on excellence” via Paul Cottle of Bridge to Tomorrow — For years, Florida policymakers bragged about a large number of students in the state’s public high schools who earn college credit through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Advanced International Certificate of Education and dual enrollment opportunities. But now, a bill (Senate Bill 86) working its way through the Florida Legislature would reduce the Bright Futures scholarships that these students receive. The more college credits these high school students earn, the more their Bright Futures scholarships would be reduced. In other words, Senate Bill 86 would impose an Excellence Tax on the state’s young people.

“Daniel Uhlfelder, Jane Moscowitz: Beware — Florida Republicans are coming for right to vote by mail this Session” via Daniel Uhlfelder and Jane Moscowitz for Florida Politics — Voters of Florida, beware. Florida Republicans are up to their old dirty tricks again. This time, they’re trying to make it harder to vote-by-mail, with a bill that will disproportionately affect the elderly, the poor and military voters, to the advantage of Republican candidates. If this seems strange to you too, you’re not alone. As a matter of fact, the very same Republicans championing the bill, SB 90, have been singing Florida’s elections praises since Trump’s decisive win in the Sunshine State last year.

“Florida’s farms and environment go hand-in-hand” via Lynetta Usher Griner of The Gainesville Sun — My family and I are forestland owners and cattle ranchers in Chiefland and our commitment to environmental stewardship has earned us recognition from many statewide and regional organizations. As farmers, we play an important role in caring for our state’s natural resources, and that’s why I support SB 88, which will strengthen Florida’s Right to Farm laws. Agriculture and protecting the environment go hand-in-hand, and there are many intangible benefits that our farms, ranches and forests provide to our environment. More than 17 million acres in Florida, or nearly one-half of our state’s landmass, is forestland.

“Conor Norris, Edward Timmons: It shouldn’t be illegal for Florida barbers to make house calls” via Florida Politics — Last year’s licensing reform bill contained a provision allowing cosmetology services to be performed outside of salons in Florida. Barbers, however, did not have that option. Sen. Linda Stewart and Rep. Daisy Morales have recognized this inconsistency and proposed a bill that allows barbers to make house calls. SB 1176 would give barbers the ability to offer haircuts outside of a traditional brick-and-mortar location. Eliminating this requirement will spur market innovation. Barbers will be permitted to open mobile barbershops, going straight to consumers in convenient locations. The current restriction is an example of regulations that go too far when trying to protect consumer safety. In an attempt to ensure consumers receive high-quality haircuts, it reduces the choices available to consumers.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— The state reported Wednesday another 59 fatalities and 4,600 new cases of COVID-19.

— Telehealth came into its own during the pandemic, as doctors saw patients over Zoom or FaceTime; now there’s bill to do the same with VideoVets.

— A legislative committee approves Sen. Book’s bill that suspends the medical license of any doctor arrested for child pornography … like her family’s pediatrician.

— DeSantis wants to spend more than $100 million federal COVID-19 relief money to keep up civics education in Florida schools.

— From the Governor’s description, it sounds like kids will be getting a sanitized version of American civics. For example, they won’t be allowed to discuss critical race theory.

— And finally, two Florida Men: One accused of rioting for Trump; the other accused of setting off a smoke bomb outside the former President’s home at Mar-a-Lago.

To listen, click on the image below:

Disneyland gets a firm reopening date.

“What happened with Key West restaurants during the pandemic? New ones kept opening” via Gwen Filosa of the Miami Herald — The pandemic has not been kind to restaurants. Mandatory shutdowns. Struggles to pay bills and retain staff. Restrictions on diners. Add the roadblocks in the Keys that kept out visitors during the early weeks of the crisis, and the Monroe County hospitality industry has faced rough waters. Despite the challenges, new restaurants in Key West are opening, even as COVID-19 continues. The Pho King Awesome Sake and Noodle Bar opened in November 2020, with two chefs who had worked at Kojin Noodle Bar, which closed in 2020. The menu features house ramen with pork, Korean barbecue short ribs, oxtail pho and kimchi stew, along with curried lamb, dumplings and a banh mi sandwich.