Good Thursday morning.
Our daughter, Ella Joyce, continues to get well after breaking her elbow after a fall from her pony, Mocha.
She’s banged up and nonetheless in some ache, however she’s steady and a trooper. She’s taking a look at some surgical procedure to restore her elbow and a pair of months, no less than, off the path. (Probably out of the water, too, which can be exhausting for a child who, when she’s not on her ponies, is in her pool or sitting in a hot bathe, listening to 1 of her podcasts about historical past.)
But it could possibly be worse. And as a result of it’s not, we’re extremely grateful.
We are very grateful to all of you who’ve reached out to supply love, assist, and encouragement. Say what you’ll about this Process, however when tragedy, even a not-too-serious one as a damaged arm, strikes, the jerseys come off and people of all stripes — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — come collectively to assist.
And for that, we’re additionally deeply grateful.
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In lower than a month, most GOP presidential hopefuls will head to Austin, Texas, for a behind-closed-doors occasion with some of the Lone Star State’s largest Republican donors.
The “Texas Voter Engagement Project Donor Appreciation Conference” is being hosted by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and GOP strategist Karl Rove and it’ll embrace most candidates who’ve been feeling out 2024 runs.
The lineup of potential presidential candidates set to attend consists of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Amb. Nikki Haley, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, former VP Mike Pence, South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu.
Notably absent from the checklist: Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The door isn’t completely shut on an look by the Florida Governor, with occasion organizers teasing the potential for “two more special guests.” However, journalist Mark Halperin framed the present lineup as a manner for Texas megadonors to “kick the tires” on different choices.
“Many in this group are attracted to Ron DeSantis; they can read the polls and know that the Sunshine State topper represents, in theory, the best hope to stop Donald Trump. At the same time, they know DeSantis is not a sure thing to run and to win,” Halperin wrote, citing a just-released Emerson College ballot of a possible 2024 GOP Primary that confirmed DeSantis getting simply 29% in a crowded subject the place Trump garnered 55% assist.
But different polling exhibits DeSantis could possibly be the runaway Primary winner in Texas, whether or not he’s in head-to-head with the previous President or in a packed subject.
Still, Halperin suggests this could possibly be a pivotal second for Kemp or Scott, who “both capture the imagination of more than a few as potential nominees,” particularly those that query whether or not DeSantis is personable sufficient for the nationwide stage.
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The Florida Association of Counties Broadband Summit begins at present and is anticipated to attract in a bundle of leaders from throughout Florida’s 67 counties and from state companies who will hear from federal and state leaders about tips on how to greatest entry and make the most of the investments obtainable for his or her communities.
The Summit comes as Florida is anticipated to obtain between $1 billion and $2 billion in federal funding to increase broadband infrastructure. To that finish, the speaker checklist consists of some of essentially the most educated leaders on the subject.
Evan Feinman, the director of broadband fairness, entry, and deployment (BEAD) on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will ship the opening keynote deal with on the occasion, which is being held on the Sawgrass Marriott in St. Johns County.
The program Feinman leads will distribute $42.45 billion to increase high-speed web entry nationwide. He additionally serves as President Joe Biden’s chief supply of information for the development and regulation of the telecommunications trade.
The headliner on Day Two is Gary Bolton, the President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, which is the biggest commerce affiliation devoted to all-fiber-optic broadband. FAC mentioned Bolton’s keynote will foster discussions on tips on how to entry federal funding to enhance entry to reasonably priced high-speed web throughout Florida.
The Broadband Summit may also embrace panel discussions and talks meant to familiarize attendees with core ideas associated to broadband growth and the packages devoted to it, digital fairness, and the way native governments can develop plans tailor-made to their particular person wants.
More information and a whole agenda can be found on FAC’s website.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@GovRonDeSantis: It was nice to satisfy sheriffs from throughout Florida and to share my appreciation for all they do for our state. The work of our sheriff departments in Florida has been very important to Florida’s crime fee being at a 50-year low and down practically 10% year-over-year.
Tweet, tweet:
After an exhaustive search, I’ve lastly situated and unmasked the Daily Beast’s nameless supply’s “friend in Miami” ? pic.twitter.com/kXWopKMhXG
— Christina Pushaw ? ?? (@ChristinaPushaw) January 25, 2023
Tweet, tweet:
I’d like to increase a hearty welcome to The Capitolist’s latest editor https://t.co/PqE0msDyFO
— Nate Monroe (@NateMonroeTU) January 25, 2023
Tweet, tweet:
Completely packed home for the @JmsMadisonInst Annual Dinner.
Thank you to @BetsyDeVos @Paul_Renner @DeAngelisCorey #YourKidsYourChoice #FlaPol pic.twitter.com/rnFJxAtJY2
— Sal Nuzzo (@salnuzzo) January 26, 2023
—@HasanTheHun: all shitposts apart, Twitter was once an unimaginable software for news aggregation and now it’s so busted. the content material moderation was genuinely useful. why even maintain the traits tab when it’s completely damaged?
— DAYS UNTIL —
Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest — 2; Bruce Springsteen launches 2023 tour in Tampa — 6; 2023 State of the Union speech — 12; ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ premieres — 22; 2023 Florida Chamber Legislative Fly-In — 26; ‘Snowfall’ last season premieres on FX — 27; metropolis of Tampa Municipal Election early voting begins — 32; DeSantis’ ‘The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival’ launched — 33; ‘The Mandalorian’ returns — 34; ‘Creed III’ premieres — 36; The Oscars — 37; Tampa Municipal Election — 40; 2023 Legislative Session convenes — 40; Florida TaxWatch’s State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 41; World Baseball Classic finals start in Miami — 52; Annual Red Dog Blue fundraiser — 54; ‘John Wick: Chapter 4′ premieres — 57; Tron Lightcycle/Run debuts in Walt Disney World — 68; ‘Air’ starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon premieres — 69; Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour in Tampa — 79; last efficiency of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway — 80; American Association of Political Consultants Pollies ’23 convention begins — 82; 2023 Session Sine Die — 99; ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ premieres — 99; Florida Chamber 2023 Leadership Conference on Safety, Health & Sustainability — 103; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Meeting — 111; ‘Fast X’ premieres — 112; Florida Chamber 2023 Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 120; ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 127; Florida Chamber 2023 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 152; ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ premieres — 155; ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning — Part One’ premieres — 169; Florida Chamber thirty seventh Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School — 173; Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ premieres — 176; ‘Captain Marvel 2′ premieres — 183; 2023 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum — 270; ‘Dune: Part Two’ premieres — 282; ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Part 2 premieres — 429; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 484; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games — 547; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 547; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 589; ‘Deadpool 3’ premieres — 652; ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot premieres — 730; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 827. ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,016.
— TOP STORY —
“FPL CEO, who was under fire in recent years, retiring after leading utility 11 years” through Andres Viglucci of the Miami Herald — Eric Silagy, the controversial govt who has led Florida Power & Light for 11 years, is retiring.
In the previous few years, Silagy turned embroiled in a collection of political scandals.
Reporting by the Miami Herald in partnership with the Tampa Bay Times revealed FPL’s efforts below his management to secretly manipulate a state Senate election, secretly craft laws to take care of its grip on the photo voltaic vitality market, snap up a public utility in Jacksonville, push for fee will increase on residential prospects, tail a journalist it disliked utilizing personal investigators, and secretly take over a supposedly unbiased news web site to assault critics.
Silagy can be changed by Armando Pimentel, a retired former govt with FPL guardian NextEra Energy, who will assume the titles of president and CEO. John Ketchum, the NextEra Chair, president and CEO, additionally will tackle the function of FPL Chair. Silagy held all three titles at FPL.
Ketchum famous in a ready assertion that FPL turned the nation’s largest electrical utility below Silagy. Ketchum additionally repeated an oft-cited declare by the corporate that its payments are decrease than the nationwide common, and he praised Silagy’s management as FPL responded to intensive injury throughout Florida attributable to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole final yr.
The news of Silagy’s retirement got here two days after FPL mentioned it is going to ask the state Public Service Commission to approve gathering $1.3 billion from prospects to recoup prices associated to Ian and Nicole.
— DESANTISY LAND —
“Ron DeSantis becomes focus of attacks from 2024 GOP presidential hopefuls” through Alex Leary and John McCormick of The Wall Street Journal — Republican 2024 presidential hopefuls already knew they must deal with Trump. Now they’re more and more involved with one other downside — tips on how to get previous DeSantis. Other formidable Republicans have begun to attract contrasts with DeSantis — who has by no means misplaced in three races for the U.S. House and two for Governor — over a variety of points, from abortion to COVID-19 vaccinations and a showdown with Disney. They are scrutinizing his congressional voting file and previous assist of institution GOP figures like former House Speaker Paul Ryan, and they’re suggesting that the 44-year-old lacks the charisma and interpersonal expertise for a nationwide marketing campaign. Subtle, early assaults don’t seem thus far to have broken DeSantis, who is anticipated to hitch the nomination race after his state’s Legislative Session wraps in May.
“DeSantis’ secret Twitter army of far-right influencers” through Jake Lahut of Daily Beast — Who are, in keeping with the three Republicans who acquired the preliminary pitch, among the many ranks in DeSantis’ digital military? Jack Murphy, a podcast host and self-described “alpha-male giga chad” concerned in a quasi-professional cuckolding porn scandal. John Cardillo, a former Newsmax TV host and unregistered arms seller who allegedly stiffed the Ukrainian authorities for $200,000 price of physique armor plates. Christian Walker, Herschel Walker’s right-wing influencer son. David Reaboi, a Hungary-loving and Qatar-hating bodybuilder with long-standing ties to John Bolton. And Caleb Hull, an ex-Trump digital strategist who has mentioned some very, very racist issues. This is the DeSantis A-team, they usually’re preventing a battle for a presidential marketing campaign that hasn’t even began but — with loads of DeSantis face time, dinners, and picture ops. The effort has picked up steam ever since Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ perennially on-line speedy response director, moved from the governor’s workplace to his marketing campaign in August of final yr.
—“DeSantis’ team slams Daily Beast for ‘bot farm’ report not including full comments” through Eric Daugherty
“College Board to update AP African American Studies framework rejected by DeSantis, Florida” through Sam Sachs of WFLA — The College Board, the nonprofit group that designs and manages the Advanced Placement programs in the United States, introduced the rejected pilot program of their AP African American Studies course could be up to date. Commentary from Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. mentioned the state “proudly” mandates the educating of African American historical past however does “not accept woke indoctrination masquerading as education.” They invited the College Board to revise the course for compliance with Florida legislation, 2022’s House Bill 7, the Stop WOKE Act, which banned educating CRT in Florida colleges. The rejection has drawn criticism from Democratic Florida lawmakers and the White House. After the pushback from Florida officers, the College Board mentioned they might be releasing a revised program framework on Feb. 1, the primary day of Black History Month.
—“Ben Crump threatens to sue DeSantis over African American Studies course” through Jeffrey Schweers and Leslie Postal of the Orlando Sentinel
“Florida doctors worried DeSantis’ gives ‘fringe’ dermatologist a platform” through Matt Dixon of POLITICO — In 2021, Jon Ward wished Florida’s largest medical affiliation to take a stance in opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine. The Panama City dermatologist despatched many members of the Florida Medical Association reeling, with one physician likening it to a comic telling an off-color joke. “It was such an inflammatory resolution that we decided to flip it on its head,” mentioned an FMA member who attended the assembly. “We totally made it hostile to what he wanted.” Now Ward is creating recent controversy after showing alongside DeSantis at a number of occasions, the place Ward rejected COVID-19 vaccines and most pandemic-era mitigation efforts. Members of the group are leery about angering DeSantis, whom the group endorsed for re-election in 2022. But some medical doctors mentioned privately they’re fearful the Governor is elevating a “fringe” perspective in the medical neighborhood.
“The Democratic Party’s political gift to DeSantis” through Stephania Taladrid of The New Yorker — Just as in 2020, Republicans forged voters’ selection as one between communism and democracy, socialism and capitalism. DeSantis established Victims of Communism Day on Nov. 7, a day earlier than the Midterm Election. In the midterms, although, Democratic leaders made little effort to counter this messaging or problem its premises. It was as if the notion that their celebration could possibly be equated with communism or socialism was too absurd to even have interaction with. These shortcomings appeared clear to the Democratic Party’s management in Florida. Earlier this month, the Party’s Chair, Manny Diaz, resigned, after two years in the function. A veteran political operative, Diaz characterised his celebration in an open letter as “practically irrelevant” in the state.
“DeSantis attacked as ‘authoritarian’ for saying teachers should take away cellphones during class” through Lindsay Kornick of Fox News — MSNBC columnist and New York University professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat was mocked for attacking DeSantis, as a harmful authoritarian for suggesting that academics ought to confiscate telephones throughout class. DeSantis introduced new measures on Monday to fight vital race idea in training whereas additionally defending educators’ rights to push again in opposition to unions. One of his feedback additionally included efforts by college boards to enhance training, resembling tackling the use of telephones throughout class.
“Democratic lawmakers file bills to stop gay or trans ‘panic defense’” through Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — Democratic lawmakers try to make Florida the sixteenth state to ban the use of a “panic” protection used to justify an assault on somebody as a result of of their id. That’s in keeping with a pair of payments filed this week. The homosexual or trans panic protection, although not an official protection like Florida’s “stand your ground” legislation, is a controversial authorized technique that’s been used to say {that a} sufferer revealing their gender id or sexual orientation brought on the defendant to panic and assault the sufferer. Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book filed a invoice (SB 328) in search of to cease defendants from asking a jury to search out that the crime sufferer’s LGBTQ id brought on the assault. Rep. Jennifer “Rita” Harris filed an an identical invoice (HB 393).
Assignment editors — Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and Sen. Alexis Calatayud, Chair of the Senate Committee on Community Affairs, will maintain a roundtable to current and talk about LIVE LOCAL — a complete statewide workforce housing technique: 8 a.m., President’s Office Conference Room, Suite 409.
“Florida meeting its workforce training goals, House subcommittee told” through Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — The state is on its strategy to being No. 1 in workforce training by 2030, similar to DeSantis promised practically 4 years in the past, the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee was advised. Kathryn Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System (FSC), advised the subcommittee that college students enrolled in the workforce teaching programs are thriving and the partnerships between training and employers are proving a draw for companies. “Enrollment in a number of those workforce programs have increased in the Florida College System,” Hebda mentioned, responding to a query from Rep. Fred Hawkins.
“Lack of housing an issue for seasonal ag workers, Senate committee told” through Wes Wolfe of Florida Politics — When NIMBY meets agriculture, issues can go sideways. So, it’s for municipalities and workforce housing for the individuals who work in Florida’s fields. The subject turned one mentioned in the Senate Committee on Agriculture lately. “When you’re talking about housing, where are you currently housing your employees?” requested Sen. Debbie Mayfield to David Hill, proprietor of Southern Hill Farms and Chair of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. Hill was presenting on the present state of the Florida fruit and vegetable trade. Labor is seasonal, so farms work with federal visa packages to convey in employees, for whom they’ve to search out locations to dwell. That’s not all the time really easy.
“Derelict vessel removal getting more attention, effort from state” through Wes Wolfe of Florida Politics — Derelict vessels are a significant issue. Left alongside Florida’s coasts, in its estuaries and different our bodies of water, deserted boats current an environmental challenge by leaking fluids and deteriorating supplies, together with a navigation impediment for different vessels and being merely ugly. Removing these vessels is a precedence for the state authorities, the House Agriculture, Conservation and Resiliency Subcommittee heard this week. Ranking member Kelly Skidmore appeared to see how folks on the water might help.
“Undergrounding lines helping FPL restore power following hurricanes” through Wes Wolfe of Florida Politics — Florida is a state beset by robust storms and crisscrossed by hurricanes. A Florida Power and Light (FPL) consultant advised the Senate Select Committee on Resiliency this week that the state’s largest electrical energy supplier is transferring ahead on inserting utility traces underground, and that these underground traces are holding as much as flooding. “We had a major, major flooding incident with (Hurricane) Ian,” Sen. Gayle Harrell mentioned. “We noticed storm surge and issues of that kind. As you progress to underground utilities — and that may be a key component of what you offered, that may be a aim — what’s the impression of flooding on underground utilities?
“House panel advances bill to require greater financial disclosure from Mayors, City Council members” through Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — Mayors, City Council members and City and County Managers could be required to disclose extra of their monetary pursuits to the general public below a invoice that handed by the House Ethics, Elections and Open Government Subcommittee. The invoice (HB 37) would make native officers fill out a Form 6 monetary disclosure, which requires disclosure of their whole web price and all belongings and liabilities price greater than $1,000. City Council members and Mayors solely should fill out a Form 1, which doesn’t require them to reveal their web price, or the precise greenback quantities of liabilities and belongings.
“Judges request $9M more for stalled 2nd District Court of Appeal project in St. Pete” through Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — More than a month after builders broke floor on the Bernie McCabe 2nd District Court of Appeal in downtown St. Petersburg, judges say the challenge stays underfunded and is present process redesigns. On Wednesday, the judges requested members of the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee for $9 million to cowl the fee of what they described because the challenge’s downsized however nonetheless sufficient scope. The funding request could be in addition to the $50 million former House Speaker Chris Sprowls secured in April 2021 for the constructing, which is to rise on the location of the previous Sebring Building. DeSantis in June vetoed a subsequent $15 million earmark the Legislature OK’d earlier for contingencies.
“Ryan Chamberlin announces medical coalition leadership for HD 24 bid” through Florida Politics — Republican Chamberlin has been endorsed by a coalition of medical professionals who will advise his House District 24 marketing campaign on well being care points. The set consists of Drs. Patrick Acevedo, Steven Hatfill, Vipul Patel, Vitor Pastorini and Jack Paulk in addition to doctor assistant Michael Crimi. “Ryan is the leader we need in District 24,” Acevedo mentioned. “Ryan will work hard to provide better medical care to patients and won’t give in to special interest groups and their agendas. Ryan is a man of his word and won’t back down from the fight for freedom.” Chamberlin, who lives in the Marion County city of Belleview, is one of 5 Republicans and 6 whole candidates in the sector to interchange former GOP Rep. Joe Harding.
— LEGIS SKED —
—The House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee meets to think about HB 1, sponsored by Chair Kaylee Tuck, to increase college vouchers in Florida: 9 a.m., Reed Hall of the House Office Building.
—The House Civil Justice Subcommittee meets to think about HB 85, from Rep. John Snyder, to shorten the timeframe for householders to file lawsuits involving “latent,” or hidden, development defects: 9 a.m., Room 404 of the House Office Building.
—The House Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee meets for an replace from the Department of Economic Opportunity about broadband: 9 a.m., Room 314 of the House Office Building.
—The House Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery meets for an replace on the impacts of Hurricane Ian on the agriculture trade: 1 p.m., Room 404 of the House Office Building.
—The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee meets to think about a proposal by Sen. Jason Brodeur requesting the auditor common to conduct an audit of town of Winter Springs: 1 p.m., Room 412 of the Knott Building.
— STATEWIDE —
“Andrew Warren writes DeSantis asking to reinstate him as State Attorney” through Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — Warren, the Democratic Hillsborough County State Attorney suspended by DeSantis, despatched a letter to the Governor asking to rescind the suspension and reinstate him as a prosecutor. The transfer comes after final week’s ruling from Tallahassee federal Judge Robert Hinkle, which upheld the suspension however discovered DeSantis violated Warren’s First Amendment rights to free speech. Hinkle decided DeSantis would have suspended Warren anyway based mostly on his actions, not simply to silence a progressive prosecutor. “The judge’s ruling is crystal clear: the Governor’s accusations against me were totally false and the suspension was illegal,” Warren mentioned in a launched assertion.
The cruelty is the purpose — “Impact of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law on LGBTQ+ parents; more than half considered moving out of FL” through Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — A brand new report says that greater than half of LGBTQ+ Florida dad and mom surveyed say they’re contemplating transferring out of the Sunshine State as a result of of the “Don’t Say Gay” invoice that has already impacted households because it was enacted final yr. The invoice’s title is definitely “Parental Rights in Education,” however critics have lengthy used “Don’t Say Gay” and it has caught. LGBTQ+ dad and mom reported that their youngsters had already skilled harassment and bullying in school they usually additionally had fears about persevering with to dwell in Florida. In addition, virtually one-quarter of dad and mom surveyed feared harassment by neighbors as a result of of their sexual orientation or gender id or expression.
“Florida universities promise to enforce civil discourse on campuses” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida universities need free speech to happen on campuses. And state officers say they are going to maintain protesters to account after they intrude with that. At a Board of Governors assembly for Florida’s State University System, officers mentioned all of the state’s public universities have strategic plans in place for guaranteeing civil discourse on all factors of view. Governors for the college system are expressing optimism at progress, stressing the significance of even controversial matters being open for dialogue on campuses. “We’re not going to create a utopia, but a climate of civility and free expression,” mentioned Tim Cerio, a board member first appointed by former Gov. Rick Scott.
—”A new partisan era of American education” through Zachary B. Wolf of CNN
“Florida, other states sue feds over parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans” through Syra Ortiz-Blanes of the Miami Herald — Florida sued the Department of Homeland Security and its management on Tuesday over a humanitarian parole program the Biden administration hopes will cut back irregular migration from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua, arguing that it’s a violation of federal immigration legislation and an overreach of govt energy. “The Plaintiff States … face substantial, irreparable harms from the Department’s abuse of its parole authority, which allow potentially hundreds of thousands of additional aliens to enter each of their already overwhelmed territories,” says the lawsuit, which was filed by the governments of 20 states. At the guts of a lawsuit is a brand new parole course of arrange for Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans.
“Florida enrollment in Affordable Care Act surpasses 3 million” through Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida as soon as once more leads the nation in enrollment for medical health insurance by the Affordable Care Act. A file 3.2 million Floridians signed up for medical health insurance plans for 2023 supplied by the federal marketplaces. That’s roughly 500,000 greater than final yr and virtually one million greater than the next-highest state, Texas. Nationwide, the federal program, which was signed into legislation by President Barack Obama in 2010, is extra fashionable than ever, with a file 16.3 million Americans enrolling. That consists of 3.6 million new members.
“Florida is letting a few global firms avoid millions of dollars a year in taxes on profits that have been shifted overseas” through Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — DeSantis and the GOP-controlled Legislature go heaps of tax breaks yearly. But this one was uncommon for a pair of causes. First, this was a tax break for a really small circle of taxpayers: Multinational firms which have heaps of income stuffed into abroad subsidiaries. And second, DeSantis and lawmakers permitted this tax break regardless that they’d completely no thought how a lot it will in the end price. This was a everlasting tax reduce, too. This means it’s saving more cash yearly for the few multinational corporations that profit from it — a bunch of international giants starting from Microsoft to McDonald’s. We nonetheless don’t know the way a lot it prices. One preliminary estimate put the value tag at $105 million a yr. That’s greater than Florida spends on most cancers analysis and care.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“White House unveils new tenant protections amid soaring rental costs” through Rachel Siegel of The Washington Post — Under stress to handle the nation’s hovering housing prices, the Biden administration on Wednesday introduced vital new actions to guard tenants and make renting extra reasonably priced. The announcement entails a number of federal companies that may collect information on unfair housing practices. It features a “Blueprint for a Renter’s Bill of Rights” that, whereas not binding, units clear tips to assist renters keep in reasonably priced housing. The White House can also be launching a name to motion, dubbed the “Resident-Centered Housing Challenge,” that goals to get housing suppliers in addition to state and native governments to strengthen insurance policies in their very own markets.
“Marco Rubio endorses Jim Banks in heated Hoosier Senate race” through Sean Moran of Breitbart — “Jim Banks is exactly the type of conservative leader we need in the U.S. Senate: a principled fighter committed to reining in wasteful spending, defending religious freedom, and strengthening our military to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Rubio mentioned in a written assertion. The Florida conservative added, “Jim has demonstrated courage and strength standing up to Communist China in the House, and he will be a much-needed addition to our efforts in the U.S. Senate. I’m proud to endorse Jim Banks for Senate and urge my conservative friends in Indiana to join me.”
“Melbourne lawyer floats Primary challenge to Rick Scott” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Keith Gross, described as a “very wealthy businessman, worth millions,” has began a 501(c)(4) referred to as Advancing Florida. He’s been each in-house counsel for companies and is an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 18th Circuit. He is working, per a supply, as a result of Scott has “failed over and over,” together with in his function as chief of the doomed National Republican Senatorial Committee by the 2022 Elections. He is also teasing messaging in opposition to Scott’s historic authorized points referring to his tenure as CEO of Columbia/HCA. Gross might have assist from essentially the most highly effective Senate Republican, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is alleged to be “very open to another option.” For his half, Scott isn’t sweating a problem.
—”Scott calls for Senate hearings after DirecTV drops Newsmax” through A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Byron Donalds schools Joy Reid on Social Security” through Jason L. Riley of The Wall Street Journal — Cable news incorporates a type of fight journalism that tends to reward aggression and certitude greater than the calm recitation of details. This could also be why a spirited change final week between MSNBC host Reid and Republican Rep. Donalds lit up social media. Donalds advised Reid that House Republicans plan to make use of their new majority to take a tough have a look at entitlement spending, noting that with out motion, “Social Security is going to be insolvent in 2035.” Reid, who is usually incorrect however seldom in doubt, shot again, “That’s not true!” A Congressional Research Service report from final yr projected that “the combined Social Security Trust Funds will become depleted in 2035.”
“Democrats hammer GOP plan to impose national sales tax, abolish IRS” through Amy B. Wang of The Washington Post — Democrats are seizing on a Republican proposal to impose a nationwide gross sales tax and abolish the Internal Revenue Service as a cudgel in opposition to the GOP, regardless that the invoice has few followers even amongst Republican lawmakers. The Fair Tax Act would dispose of earnings, payroll, property and reward taxes, and as a substitute impose a 23% nationwide gross sales tax. It would additionally finish funding for the IRS after fiscal 2027. “The ads you can run are that so-and-so wants to add a 30% sales tax on top of [prices], which will be devastating to middle-income people. That’s a pretty rough ad,” anti-tax conservative Grover Norquist mentioned. Those adverts have successfully began, in the shape of traces of assault from Democrats and the White House.
“Congress on the sidelines as U.S. takes on Google” through Ryan Tracy of The Wall Street Journal — The Justice Department lawsuit in opposition to Google seeks to realize in courtroom what some in Congress have tried and didn’t do: curb the facility of America’s largest know-how firms. Tech firms spent closely final yr to efficiently block main know-how laws, and that successful streak is anticipated to proceed. While many lawmakers are involved about tech giants’ more and more central function in America’s financial system and discourse, they usually diverge in terms of defining the federal government’s function in policing on-line speech or digital-market competitors. DOJ’s lawsuit seeks to interrupt up Google’s profitable enterprise as a dealer of digital promoting on the grounds that the corporate has illegally monopolized the advert know-how market. Google mentioned the lawsuit depends on a flawed image of the aggressive promoting market.
— EPILOGUE TRUMP —
“Frozen: Donald Trump’s Primary challengers balk at jumping into the unknown” through David Siders and Zach Montellaro of POLITICO — Those making ready to problem Trump in the GOP’s Presidential Primary are taking their time, privately discussing the prospect of ready till spring or summer time to get in. Part of it’s strategic: an effort to make another person an early Trump foil. Part of it’s concern: wariness round their very own capacity to lift cash to maintain a drawn-out marketing campaign. It seems more and more prone to keep that manner for much longer than as soon as anticipated. The proximate trigger of the frozen Primary is Trump. Finding himself on an empty Primary stage, he nonetheless managed to be tripped up by every thing from categorised doc retention to dinners with antisemites. His bumpy begin has sapped some of the sense of urgency from the forged of potential also-rans.
“Trump hosts conservative influencers behind ‘Libs of Tik Tok’ and Babylon Bee for dinner” through Summer Concepcion and Marc Caputo of NBC News — In addition to the creator of the controversial Twitter account “Libs of TikTok,” Trump additionally hosted Seth Dillon, who owns the conservative political satire web site, Babylon Bee. This was among the many first of many wine-and-dine occasions that Trump has deliberate with social media influencers. Trump has been sluggish to start out holding public rallies or occasions for his re-election marketing campaign. On Saturday, he’ll head to New Hampshire and South Carolina for occasions. The creator of “Libs of TikTok” on Tuesday tweeted a photograph with Trump, whom she says invited her to dinner. “Bumped into this guy and he invited me for dinner. He seems nice!” Chaya Raichik, the proprietor of the “Libs of TikTok” account, wrote in a tweet containing a photograph of her and Trump giving a thumbs-up. Raichik is seen as being influential in the political circle of DeSantis, who’s seen as a possible Primary opponent of Trump.
“Meta allows Trump back on Facebook and Instagram” through Makena Kelly of The Verge — Meta introduced it is going to enable former Trump again on Facebook and Instagram two years after his preliminary suspension. Trump was banned from Facebook and Instagram following the lethal Jan. 6 assault. At the time, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg mentioned Trump was suspended for frightening violence and praising the rioters’ actions. Meta was one of the primary platforms to ban Trump, successfully eradicating all of his accounts from mainstream social media providers. At first, Meta completely banned Trump, however the firm later revised that call after receiving steerage from its Oversight Board, an inside panel of specialists that advise the corporate’s content material moderation selections. The account reinstatements come months after Trump formally introduced that he could be working for President in 2024.
“OMG. Trump has started texting.” through Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times — One of Trump’s most constant private traits — one which his advisers say has helped maintain him out of even worse authorized jeopardy — has been his refusal to speak by textual content or e-mail. Until now. Trump has, ultimately, change into a texter, in keeping with three folks with data of his new behavior. His messages have lately proven up in the telephones of shocked recipients, they mentioned. The former President’s resistance to texting annoyed investigators for the House Jan. 6 committee as they tried to trace his ideas and actions when he labored to overturn the 2020 election. In his testimony earlier than the committee, the previous President’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., mentioned he texted the White House chief of employees, Mark Meadows, in the course of the Capitol assault as a result of his father “doesn’t text.”
“Steve Bannon says MTG wants to be Trump’s VP” through Erin Doherty of Axios — U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is bullish on her prospects of changing into former Trump’s working mate in 2024, former Trump aide Bannon mentioned. Greene is following a brand new playbook to achieve legitimacy and affect throughout the Republican Party — and she or he’s hopeful her plan can catapult her onto Trump’s ticket and into the No. 2 spot in the White House. “She sees herself on the shortlist for Trump’s VP. Paraphrasing Cokie Roberts, when MTG looks in the mirror she sees a Potential President smiling back,” Bannon mentioned, referring to the late political reporter.
“Trump and Joe Biden teams both jump on Mike Pence disclosure as a classified documents defense” through Kaitlan Collins, MJ Lee, Zachary Cohen, Phil Mattingly and Kristen Holmes of CNN — Advisers to Trump and Biden jumped on news of categorised paperwork being discovered in Pence’s Indiana residence, with each viewing it as a useful protection in their very own paperwork investigations. While the circumstances are totally different in every case, members of Trump’s authorized workforce consider these developments will make it tougher for prosecutors to justify bringing legal costs in opposition to any of them, the supply mentioned. Meanwhile, Biden officers have been relieved by the news, in keeping with sources who advised CNN that the Pence news “turns down the temperature on this being a Biden-only story.” Another supply aware of the investigation likened the steps Pence took upon the invention of categorised paperwork to these taken by Biden.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Broward strengthens whistleblower protections to make them ‘more effective’” through Spencer Norris of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Broward County Commission has handed an modification that expands protections for whistleblowers and creates a brand new choice to report corruption in the county. The modifications prolong whistleblower protections to workers of personal firms working with the county. Contractors are actually prohibited from retaliating in opposition to workers who notify the county of potential corruption. It additionally permits complainants to file with the county auditor, as a substitute of the administrator, in order that complaints in opposition to one or the opposite could be reported to an neutral third celebration. “I’m not saying that every whistleblower is wonderful, but I’m saying that every whistleblower should have the right to have a full review” of their grievance with out feeling “prejudged,” mentioned Commissioner Steve Geller.
“‘You’ve got animals constantly coming at you.’ Miami-Dade pet shelter head on her new job” through Sebastian Madigan of the Miami Herald — One of the primary issues that Bronwyn Stanford realized when she took over the helm of Miami-Dade Animal Services was that rescuing and caring for misplaced cats and stray canine was strikingly much like coping with youngsters who wanted houses or safety. As a longtime administrator of the Department of Children and Families and Children’s Home Society, Stanford was bracingly aware of the hardships borne by those that had suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment. Upon becoming a member of the county’s animal shelter in November 2021, she noticed the wants as all too widespread. “The issues are so much the same — getting kids really good homes, getting animals really good homes,” Stanford mentioned in an interview.
“This former developer now manages Miami’s city-owned real estate and marinas” through Joey Flechas of the Miami Herald — Former actual property developer Andrew Frey was lately employed as director of town of Miami’s actual property administration division. Frey, 43, has labored with firms owned by builders Armando Codina and Russell Galbut, and he ran his personal agency, Tecela, for practically two years. He most lately labored as senior vp of improvement and development at AJ Capital Partners. He has some municipal authorities expertise from his time working as a planner on the Cambridge Housing Authority in Boston in the early 2000s. Frey has a bachelor’s diploma from Boston College and a legislation diploma from the University of Michigan. Frey began this month as director of the division of actual property and asset administration (DREAM).
“After 18 years, $1.5B dike repair done at Florida’s Lake O” through Curt Anderson of The Associated Press — After 18 years, a $1.5 billion challenge was formally accomplished Wednesday to restore the sprawling dike round Florida’s Lake Okeechobee that protects 1000’s of folks from doubtlessly catastrophic flooding throughout hurricanes. The Herbert Hoover Dike challenge overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was accomplished three years forward of schedule and at a financial savings of $300 million over the unique price estimate, officers mentioned at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the lake’s shore in Clewiston. “Herbert Hoover Dike has never been in better shape than it is right now,” mentioned Col. James Booth, commander of the Corps of Engineers’ Jacksonville district. The restoration challenge, which started in 2005, concerned work all through the dike’s 143-mile (230-kilometer) span encircling the large lake.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Orange County adopts Tenant Bill of Rights, creates an office of Tenant Services” through Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Aiming to make Orange County extra renter-friendly, Commissioners Tuesday created an Office of Tenant Services and codified protections requiring landlords give 60 days’ discover earlier than elevating hire greater than 5% and supply a proof for preserving a tenant’s safety deposit. Though the board’s selections have been anticipated — final yr they put aside $835,000 in the 2022-23 finances for the proposed workplace ― their unanimous vote serves as one other signal they acknowledge the severity of a housing disaster that noticed rents and evictions skyrocket. The protections, labeled a “Tenant Bill of Rights,” are aimed toward serving to renters perceive the legislation and obtainable sources.
—“Mom sues Orange County school district for volunteering ban over OnlyFans page” through Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel
—“Affidavit: Longwood man who set his condo on fire after getting upset with HOA charged with arson” through Matt Reeser and Chantelle Navarro of WFTV
“Brevard School Board hopes audit will clarify school discipline debate” through Eric Rogers of Florida Today — The Brevard County School Board as soon as once more struggled to make sense of its self-discipline downside this week, choosing an exterior audit it hopes will present readability on the scope of the problem and assist chart a transparent path ahead. Board members at a piece session Tuesday revived a beforehand deliberate evaluate of scholar habits and the varsity district’s response efforts by its unbiased auditing agency, RSM US. That plan was first conceived, after which shelved in the course of the pandemic. Interim Superintendent Robert Schiller mentioned the audit would provide a transparent “baseline” of college self-discipline in Brevard amid a disaster that thus far has been largely outlined by anecdotes and secondhand reviews.
“Port Canaveral has best cruise month ever as revenue surges” through Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — A file cruise month has pushed Port Canaveral income to almost $50 million in the primary three months of the fiscal yr. December cruise income, which incorporates parking, hit $19.3 million, which is $8.7 million over finances. Those funds have been pushed by 95 ship calls with practically 700,000 passengers. That consists of two weekends across the holidays that noticed close to or over 100,000. “We spent a lot of time and advanced coordinating to make sure we had as little disruption as possible,” mentioned Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray at a Port Commission assembly.
“Meeting on cleanup near Patrick Space Force Base reset for Feb. 16” through Jim Waymer of Florida Today — Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can be obtainable Thursday, Feb. 16 at Pelican Beach Park Club House in Satellite Beach to debate the standing of an environmental investigation and pending cleanup of former protection websites simply south of Patrick Space Force Base, a army mess that has raised fears of well being dangers for many years. The assembly had been initially scheduled for November however was scrapped as a result of of Tropical Storm Nicole. The Corps plans to maneuver ahead with investigations and cleanups, the place property house owners have signed “rights-of-entry” to check for groundwater and/or soil contamination. More than 300 houses lie throughout the 52-acre space south of Patrick Space Force Base focused for cleanup.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Tampa mogul Blake Casper is running on a pro-police platform” through Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Times — Casper says he prefers to not criticize Bill Carlson, however he determined to problem the South Tampa City Council member, in half, as a result of of what he mentioned is Carlson’s strained relationship with the Tampa Police Department. One signal that the District 4 race would possibly meet broadly held expectations of a wild, hard-fought contest? Former police chief Brian Dugan, a vocal critic of Carlson, will seem at Casper’s Feb. 2 marketing campaign kickoff on the Oxford Exchange, which Casper owns. Carlson mentioned options that he doesn’t assist legislation and order are “laughable,” noting he voted in opposition to Mayor Jane Castor’s finances final fall as a result of it was wasteful however supported the police portion. He mentioned he helps pay will increase for cops and hiring 200 officers to assist cut back crime.
“Hillsborough delays school boundary decision with new schedule” through Marlene Sokol of the Tampa Bay Times — A faculty board workshop that had been scheduled for Jan. 31 to debate a menu of choices is now set for Feb. 13. Special board conferences to debate college boundaries are listed on Feb. 28 and March 9. School district spokesperson Tanya Arja mentioned that she was making ready a discover for households and employees. The challenge has been fraught with board disagreement and fierce neighborhood opposition, largely in South Tampa. Board member Karen Perez shot the challenge down early, because the district’s consulting agency has really helpful closing and repurposing a number of city colleges. Perez has mentioned such actions are half of a nationwide pattern of closing colleges with massive Black and Hispanic populations, with detrimental results on the kids and their communities.
“Tampa Bay EDC strikes deal with Tampa General to support medical district” through Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and Tampa General Hospital have entered right into a partnership to spice up the hospital’s burgeoning medical district in downtown Tampa. The EDC and TGH have entered right into a memorandum of understanding for the following 5 years. Under the five-year MOU, the EDC will provide assist providers, together with “a land use survey and planning, strategic partnership creation, talent attraction, research and life science business recruitment, workforce housing project identification and marketing services,” the 2 entities mentioned. TGH CEO John Couris envisions a medical district bookended by the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine in Water Street and TGH’s Kennedy Boulevard campus, which features a behavioral well being hospital, rehabilitation facility and a forthcoming free-standing emergency room.
“New York investment bank opening Florida HQ at Water Street Tampa” through Jay Cridlin of the Tampa Bay Times — PEI Global Partners, which specializes in mergers, acquisitions and different transactions in the vitality and infrastructure industries, has signed a lease to open a brand new Florida headquarters at Thousand & One, the first workplace tower in Water Street Tampa. The firm plans to lease 2,251 sq. toes by this spring at 1001 Water St., in keeping with an announcement by Water Street Tampa builders Strategic Property Partners, a partnership between Lightning proprietor Jeff Vinik and Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment. PEI anticipates staffing 10 bankers and administrative employees, a combination of new hires and workers relocated from New York, in the workplace by early 2024.
“Pinellas decides on a name for its new middle school in St. Petersburg” through Thomas C. Tobin of the Tampa Bay Times — The college board on Tuesday unanimously agreed on Mangrove Bay Middle School, which includes the identify of the neighborhood surrounding it. The 19-acre campus is below development on the previous web site of Riviera Middle on 62nd Avenue N at Pershing Street NE. The identify was amongst 150 options submitted by members of the general public in December. The district is growing the varsity as half of distinctive partnership with the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. It will double as a “health and wellness leadership” magnet for 600 college students and a facility to be often known as the Speer YMCA, named in recognition of the Speer Foundation’s assist. Features in the varsity portion embrace 15 school rooms, an artwork room, a household science lab, a music room and 4 rooms for distinctive scholar training.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Cord Byrd waives vote-by-mail restrictions for Estero, Sanibel after Hurricane Ian” through Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — As Lee County continues to get well from Hurricane Ian, municipal elections are nonetheless creeping up. Secretary of State Byrd introduced native elections places of work can use some emergency procedures to make sure residents can vote in the March elections in Sanibel and Estero. Byrd issued an govt order centered on vote-by-mail, lifting restrictions on forwarding ballots or having them despatched to various addresses. “Displaced residents of Lee County Florida have experienced long-term effects as a result of Hurricane Ian,” Byrd mentioned.
“New era at New College kicks off with contentious meeting” through Zac Anderson and Steven Walker of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The transformation of New College of Florida being ushered in by DeSantis obtained off to a contentious begin Wednesday when two controversial new board members addressed the school neighborhood for the primary time in a gathering that almost was canceled as a result of of a reported dying menace, and featured frequent heckling and pointed questions from the viewers. Board members Christopher Rufo and Eddie Speir fielded questions Wednesday morning from a packed crowd of roughly 200 folks, their first public look on the school’s Sarasota campus. Rufo mentioned faculty directors wished to cancel the occasion after Speir acquired a dying menace, however the two new board members determined to maneuver ahead.
“New board members say New College of Florida trustee received death threat” through Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The transformation of New College of Florida being ushered in by DeSantis obtained off to a contentious begin when two controversial new board members addressed the school neighborhood for the primary time in a gathering that almost was canceled as a result of of a dying menace, featured frequent heckling, and pointed questions from the viewers. Board members Rufo and Speir fielded questions Wednesday morning from a packed crowd of roughly 200 folks on the Mildred Sainer Music and Arts Pavilion, their first public look on the school’s Sarasota campus. Rufo mentioned faculty directors wished to cancel the occasion after Speir acquired a dying menace, however the two new board members determined to maneuver ahead.
“Manatee school officials, parents speak out after bookshelves covered for new state law” through Ryan Ballogg of the Bradenton Herald — Manatee County has been in the nationwide highlight this week after pictures of lined classroom bookshelves went viral on social media, and on Tuesday the varsity board addressed the controversy throughout its repeatedly scheduled assembly. About 50 folks attended. Three moms spoke in favor of the district’s actions in response to a brand new Florida legislation, and a library media specialist spoke in opposition to it. “For those teachers who are protesting so much, thank you. Now we know who some of the radicals are,” guardian Paula Lohnes mentioned throughout public remark. The legislation, HB 1467, was one championed by DeSantis in a push for parental rights in Florida school rooms.
“Collier Commissioners approve $24M in funding for emergency beach berm post-Ian” through Laura Layden of the Naples Daily News — Collier County Commissioners have agreed to spend as much as $24 million in vacationer tax revenues to fund the development of an emergency berm to guard upland property left weak by Hurricane Ian. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the big-ticket expense Tuesday, with the required discovering that it “promotes tourism.” The county collects a 5% vacationer tax — or mattress tax — on resort stays and different trip leases. A share of the tax is put aside for seashore initiatives yearly, and there’s a surplus in the fund. Fund reserves prime $64.7 million. The county expects to obtain thousands and thousands of {dollars} in state and federal cash for the development of the berm.
“Venice Council approves changes to settle controversy over development rules” through Earle Kimel of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The City Council agreed to suggest extra modifications in Venice’s improvement guidelines designed to alleviate issues raised by the residents’ group Venice Unites. The metropolis and the residents got here to phrases on three of 4 points beforehand raised, following a Jan. 6 particular assembly however left three features of town’s laws for planned-unit developments unresolved. The resident’s group collected greater than 2,228 signatures from registered voters on a petition that, and not using a compromise, would have initiated a referendum on whether or not to rescind your entire 600-plus pages of new improvement guidelines the Council permitted final yr. “This proposal does represent a complete settlement” of the residents’ group’s issues, Assistant City Manager James Clinch advised the Council.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Florida education agency investigates Leon Schools Superintendent, pointing to ‘personal views’” through Ana Goñi-Lessan of the Tallahassee Democrat — Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna is below a “preliminary investigation” by the state training division for allegedly infusing “personal views” into his work as the top of the varsity district. In a licensed letter on Dec. 22 from Randy Kosec, chief of skilled practices on the Florida Department of Education, the company alleged Hanna has didn’t take “reasonable precautions to distinguish your personal views and those of your educational institution.” Hanna acquired the letter on Christmas Eve at his residence, proper earlier than his household left for Mass.
“Jacksonville City Council approves bill to curb antisemitism, discusses Confederate monuments” through Hanna Holthaus of The Florida Times-Union — Jacksonville City Council permitted a invoice meant to curb a current rise in antisemitic messages, however some residents, and Council members, say the motion isn’t sufficient. All Council members condemned the hateful speech prompting the invoice, both by remark or vote, however flare-ups over correct Council process and calls to debate the longer term of Confederate monuments in Jacksonville dominated a lot of the invoice’s debate. “Because I stand against hate and racism, I’m going to keep my name here, but I just wanted to put it on the record that I am against any kind of hate and racism,” Council member Joyce Morgan mentioned of the invoice and taking down Confederate monuments.
“Pensacola-backed affordable housing at old Baptist Hospital campus hits stumbling block” through Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — Two proposed reasonably priced housing developments deliberate for the outdated Baptist Hospital campus didn’t win approval for federal reasonably priced housing tax credit, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves introduced on Tuesday. Earlier this yr, Baptist Hospital introduced it had chosen The Paces Foundation and Soho Housing Partners to redevelop 10 acres of the 51-acre campus into reasonably priced housing initiatives. The initiatives have been contingent on receiving federal reasonably priced housing tax credit by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Reeves mentioned what occurs subsequent hasn’t been determined, however it’s commonplace for reasonably priced housing initiatives to undergo a number of software processes earlier than being chosen.
“Beer to go? Milton City Council may revisit open container policy in some downtown areas” through Brittany Misencik of the Pensacola News Journal — The Milton City Council is taking one other have a look at town’s open container ordinance, sparking enter from town’s Community Improvement Board and Milton Police Chief Tony Tindell. The two conflicting reviews submitted to the Council have been meant to be offered at this month’s Committee of the Whole assembly, however the assembly was canceled. The ordinance modification was initially proposed by Beardless Brewhaus proprietor Steve Dobbs, who solicited the City Council to rethink the ordinance earlier this fall.
— TOP OPINION —
“Karen Cyphers: New College’s culture is overdue for a reset” through Florida Politics — The social tradition at New College, which for many years attracted college students who sought fearless mental exploration, is in danger of changing into a hole caricature of this mission.
The neighborhood is ideologically homogeneous at greatest — and at its worst, it’s unwelcoming and punishing of those that maintain various political or cultural views.
While it’s true that at many universities, college students and school are likely to lean “left,” being liberal at New College is all however assumed, virtually a prerequisite for eager to attend or making it by all 4 years.
While a scholar at New College, I noticed classmates ostracize, intimidate, and punish others for holding sure spiritual and political views.
This doesn’t imply that almost all New College neighborhood members then or now, would have interaction in punishing habits towards others — I’m sure most wouldn’t. But it doesn’t take many to create a hostile tradition when the loudest, angriest, or most excessive make others concern dissent, whichever path the noise comes from.
Ideology is only one of the numerous sorts of variety that matter, however I consider it particularly issues on faculty campuses, the place the change of concepts is central.
The resolution for New College could also be fairly easy, it shouldn’t be controversial both: Hire extra, credible school with viewpoints or analysis that come from outdoors the school’s norm and bolster the varsity’s curriculum on civics, political idea, and different related matters.
The level isn’t to forcibly form a scholar’s ideology, however to make sure that college students have publicity to numerous inputs with permission and security to discover them. Echo chambers could also be nice for cults or cable networks, however not a lot for faculties.
— OPINIONS —
“Sloppy Joe” through Jack Shafer of POLITICO — The American authorities flows on a chugging river of paperwork, so it’s not shocking a trickle of crucial categorised paperwork got here to relaxation improperly in a locked closet on the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, a suppose tank the place Biden had maintained an workplace. It’s no excuse, however who amongst us has not disobeyed, both willfully or unintentionally, some vital authorized or moral directive? Biden, in any case, is human. Nobody thinks that Biden, who is aware of higher, deliberately made off with the paperwork. He simply shrugged off the principles like a reckless driver.
“America has a debt problem, and the answer to it starts with form 1040” through Binyamin Appelbaum of The New York Times — Washington’s favourite present, “Debt Ceiling Chicken,” is taking part in once more in the large white theater on Capitol Hill. And as soon as once more, it’s diverting consideration from the truth that the United States actually does have a debt downside. Republicans and Democrats in current a long time have hewed to a sort of grand cut price, elevating spending and chopping taxes, and papering over the distinction with so much of borrowed cash. The most rapid downside with the federal government’s reliance on borrowed cash is the common alternative it offers for Republicans to have interaction in blackmail.
“Florida leads the way in prioritizing veterans at VA. That should continue in the new Congress” through Jimmie T. Smith for Florida Politics — It ought to come as no shock that over the previous few years, Florida’s lawmakers have been on the forefront of reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rubio launched the VA MISSION Act that reworked veterans’ well being care to provide 1000’s of veterans entry to medical care in their very own communities. Senators and representatives alike, together with Sen. Rubio and Reps. Gus Bilirakis, John Rutherford, and Greg Stuebe have launched and sponsored laws that may additional reform and streamline the VA to be extra veteran-centric. After all, that’s the level of the VA in the primary place: to make sure care for individuals who wore the uniform.
“Florida must handle Medicaid shakeout with care” through the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Florida might quickly strip as much as 1.75 million folks off its Medicaid rolls because the federal authorities slowly reduces COVID-era assist for expanded advantages. Legislative committees in the Florida House and Senate are getting their first have a look at the way it would possibly play out. We hope it left lawmakers with so much to consider — together with a need to make sure that Floridians who really want protection can retain their security web. They also needs to seize this opportunity to completely increase protection to the hardworking individuals who maintain the state’s habitually low-wage financial system afloat.
“The fight for natural gas is about more than stoves” through Dale Calhoun of the Tallahassee Democrat — Last week, the Biden Administration was compelled to make clear its preliminary statements in regards to the future of gasoline stoves after an outcry from customers. The truth is there are 58 million Americans who depend upon secure, dependable, and reasonably priced pure gasoline, and lots of of them can’t fathom dropping their beloved gasoline stoves. The President has mentioned a nationwide ban is off the (kitchen) desk for now, however the menace remains to be very, very actual. “You’re not taking our gas stoves away from us,” mentioned DeSantis final week. What’s extra, the Florida Legislature has already handed a pre-emption legislation in 2021 stopping native governments from banning pure gasoline.
“South Florida should build more housing, not blame vacation rentals for high rents” through Adam Kovacevich for the Miami Herald — For a long time, each accommodations and trip leases have helped accommodate guests to South Florida, and in flip, supported one of the state’s largest job-creating industries: tourism. Given this historical past, it’s disappointing to see the Jan. 13 editorial, “Rent In Miami is way too high. Airbnb And Vrbo may be making things worse” recommend that short-term leases could possibly be in charge for elevated hire costs in South Florida. Vacation leases have been a staple of Florida’s tourism trade for many years. While websites like Vrbo and Airbnb have helped enhance the visibility of this sort of lodging, knowledge from the U.S. Census Bureau exhibits that the quantity of trip leases in Florida has decreased over the previous decade.
“Time for art museum to reveal the truth about Jean-Michel Basquiat scandal” through the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — It’s been practically a yr because the Orlando Museum of Art unveiled a group of 25 vividly coloured artworks presupposed to be never-before-exhibited creations of the meteoric genius Basquiat. Six months have handed because the FBI confirmed up on the museums, crated up your entire exhibit, and took it away, which led to the firing of director Aaron de Groft. That touched off a tumultuous collection of management shifts, together with the six-week tenure of Dr. Luder Whitlock as interim director.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“FAMU professor goes viral on TikTok for singing in class while teaching a diabetes lesson” through Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida A&M University pharmacy professor Jamal Brown went viral on TikTok for each singing and taking part in the keyboard whereas educating a lesson on diabetes in his therapeutics class, a mini efficiency that reached tens of 1000’s of viewers. The 25-second clip has greater than 96,000 views on the social media platform after a FAMU scholar recorded him and posted it Friday after the category session came about Tuesday, Jan. 17. “I’ve been singing and playing the piano since I was a kid, so I’ve been doing that for years,” mentioned Brown, 35, who’s a FAMU alum.
To watch the clip, please click on the image below:
“SpaceX has two early-morning shots for Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral” through Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — The Space Coast’s fifth launch of the yr is concentrating on the wee hours of Thursday morning on one other mission to ship up extra Starlink satellites for SpaceX. A Falcon 9 is slated to elevate off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 at 4:22 a.m. with 56 of the web satellites for the corporate’s rising constellation. A backup alternative is accessible for six:03 a.m. later Thursday in addition to two photographs on Friday at 3:57 a.m. and 5:38 a.m. Space Launch Delta 45′s climate squadron provides a 70% likelihood for good climate circumstances for Thursday’s window and a 90% likelihood in case of a one-day delay.
“Busch Gardens: Falcon’s Fury to reopen this spring” through Ashley Carter of Bay News 9 — A park spokesperson confirmed the reopening in an e-mail to Spectrum News on Wednesday. In March, Busch Gardens performed an inspection on Falcon’s Fury “out of an abundance of caution” after 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died after falling from the Orlando FreeFall journey at ICON Park. Falcon’s Fury reopened after that after which later closed for routine upkeep. As for what has saved the attraction closed since then, Busch Gardens says provide chain points are the explanation for the delay. “Due to the ongoing supply delays beyond our control, the reopening of this attraction will be delayed,” in keeping with indicators outdoors the attraction. “We apologize for the inconvenience while we work to reopen Falcon’s Fury.”
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best needs to our buddy Claudia Davant, proprietor of Adams Street Advocates. Also celebrating at present are good man Mark Sharpe, in addition to Byron Dobson, former Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, Jason Roth, Dave Royse, and Vinny Tafuro.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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