Good Friday morning.
The College of Florida has appointed Chris Emmanuel as its new Director of Authorities Relations.
Emmanuel involves UF from the Government Workplace of the Governor’s Workplace of Coverage and Funds, the place he served as deputy director of Coverage. He brings greater than 10 years of public coverage expertise in areas together with greater schooling, financial growth, insurance coverage reform, appropriations and public investments.
Earlier than he labored at EOG, Emmanuel served as director of infrastructure and governance coverage on the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest enterprise affiliation. He holds a bachelor’s diploma from UF and a regulation diploma from Florida State College.
“Chris has been a considerate coverage adviser and trusted operator for the DeSantis administration. We’re excited to see him return to his alma mater and proceed his public service,” stated James Uthmeier, chief of workers to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
In his new function, Emmanuel will lead the college’s Tallahassee workplace and work with the college neighborhood, policymakers, and different stakeholders on a wide range of public coverage and funding points.
“Chris is a great, artistic coverage thoughts and advocate with a broad community of associates in Tallahassee and all through Florida’s enterprise and coverage communities,” stated Mark Kaplan, UF’s vice chairman for Authorities and Group Relations. “That is an thrilling time for the College of Florida, our college students, college, workers and alumni, and we’re glad to welcome Chris again house to assist create alternatives for these we serve.”
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International bipartisan public technique agency Mercury has employed Trent Morse as a senior vice chairman of their Florida and Washington, D.C. workplaces specializing in authorities affairs and political consulting.
“Trent’s wealth of data and expertise in federal and state authorities will show important as he helps our shoppers navigate the advanced political landscapes of Florida and D.C.,” stated Mercury Accomplice Ashley Walker. “We’re excited to welcome Trent to the Mercury household and for the distinctive work he’ll present to our shoppers.”
Morse has served in plenty of roles within the federal authorities together with White Home Liaison on the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Companies; Senior Coverage Adviser to the Deputy Secretary on the U.S. Division of Housing and City Improvement; and as a Particular Assistant on the U.S. Division of Transportation.
Earlier than coming to Washington, Morse held positions on the Florida Division of Transportation and a outstanding transportation and infrastructure holding firm, the place he labored in company growth.
“I’m thrilled to hitch the proficient staff of public affairs strategists at Mercury and sit up for delivering wins for our shoppers,” Morse stated.
His broad political expertise consists of a number of campaigns on the federal and state stage and exterior affairs within the Florida Governor’s Workplace. Morse is initially from Tampa and obtained his bachelor’s diploma and a regulation diploma from Florida State College.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@POTUS: For many years, I’ve fought for the notion that in case your employer desires to maintain you, they should make it value your whereas with good pay and advantages. Per my Government Order, at the moment’s FTC announcement to restrict noncompete agreements is a big win for staff.
—@RepRutherfordFL: Due to @RepMattGaetz, @RepDonaldsPress, & @realannapaulina, congressional workplaces like mine aren’t in a position to assist our constituents with casework requests whereas we wait to be sworn in. The small minority obstructing the speaker election is inflicting actual penalties for People.
—@CoryMillsFL: In my brief stint in Congress, I can perceive the frustration and tensions that may elevate. Nevertheless, as a fight veteran who has fought terrorists overseas, it’s not acceptable to name our colleagues “terrorists.” This selection of wording solely additional divides.
—@RepMattGaetz: There are solely two outcomes right here: Both Kevin McCarthy withdraws from the Speaker’s race, or he has to get up each morning and placed on the world’s greatest constructive straitjacket earlier than the start of each Home session.
—@VoteAPL: I’m not going to get into the mudslinging of politics or reply to assaults. Ignore nasty commentary about Speaker’s race. It’s noise. The American individuals deserve higher. A number of discussions occurring. As we speak was a step ahead.
—@RepBrianMast: As Members, we’ve a accountability to safeguard our Structure, to symbolize our constituents, and to strengthen our nation. Kevin McCarthy takes that accountability significantly. He’s achieved the work, and he’s the appropriate individual to guide the Home as Speaker.
—@RepDonaldsPress: @CoriBush, should you see a Black man rise, let the person rise even should you disagree with them. I’d be joyful to take a seat down and debate our insurance policies one-on-one everytime you’d like. As a Black man to a Black lady, I’d by no means do this to you. It’s a disgrace you probably did it to me.
Tweet, tweet:
🔥🔥@RepDanBishop calls out @CoriBush for calling Rep. @ByronDonalds a prop:
“He ain’t no prop… That is the drained, previous, grotesquely racist rhetoric that we’ve seen far too lengthy.” pic.twitter.com/jYQmgO1DuK
— Greg Worth (@greg_price11) January 5, 2023
—@Daniel_Sweeney: On the eleventh vote, Congress will likely be in a tie for sixth-most votes for speaker all time. Any individual name Guinness!
—@SchmitzMedia: Taking this chance between votes to ask @RepMattGaetz and @JaredEMoskowitz in the event that they plan to revive the demonstration in “full Orca costume” that was postponed in 2018.
Tweet, tweet:
If we go for much longer, the Home Studying Clerk goes to expire of pencil. pic.twitter.com/VBwQP2dEcm
— Kristin Wilson (@kristin__wilson) January 5, 2023
—@samstein: So, like, how would Aaron Sorkin script the ending to this Speaker standoff?
—@jacobogles: Trustworthy to God, why is any voting nonetheless occurring proper now? Shouldn’t everybody be locked in some cloakroom wrestling it out? I do know, I do know, govt in sunshine and all that, however proper now I wouldn’t thoughts ol’ usual backroom deal.
—@RonFilipkowski: Donald Trump can now thank Matt Gaetz for inflicting him to lose one other election.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Remaining Broadway efficiency of ‘The Music Man’ with Hugh Jackman — 9; ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ premieres on Paramount+ — 9; Ashley Kids’s Gasparilla Parade — 15; final day to trip Splash Mountain earlier than reworking — 16; The James Madison Institute’s Annual Dinner — 19; 2023 FAC Entry 67 Broadband Summit — Florida Affiliation of Counties begins — 20; state Senators have a 5 p.m. deadline for submitting requests for drafts of common payments and joint resolutions, together with requests for companion payments — 20; Seminole Arduous Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest — 22; Bruce Springsteen launches 2023 tour in Tampa — 26; ‘Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ premieres — 42; ‘Snowfall’ ultimate season premieres on FX — 47; metropolis of Tampa Municipal Election early voting begins — 52; DeSantis’ ‘The Braveness to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival’ launched — 53; ‘The Mandalorian’ returns — 54; ‘Creed III’ premieres — 56; The Oscars — 57; Tampa Municipal Election — 60; 2023 Legislative Session convenes — 60; World Baseball Basic finals start in Miami — 72; ‘John Wick: Chapter 4′ premieres — 77; Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour in Tampa — 97; ultimate efficiency of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway — 100; American Affiliation of Political Consultants Pollies ’23 convention begins — 102; 2023 Session Sine Die — 119; ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ premieres — 119; ‘Quick X’ premieres — 133; ‘Spider-Man: Throughout the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 147; ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Future’ premieres — 175; ‘Mission Not possible: Lifeless Reckoning — Half One’ premieres — 189; Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ premieres — 196; ‘Captain Marvel 2′ premieres — 203; ‘Dune: Half Two’ premieres — 301; ‘Spider-Man: Throughout the Spider-Verse’ Half 2 premieres — 448; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 504; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Video games — 567; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 567; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 609; ‘Deadpool 3’ premieres — 672; ‘Implausible 4’ reboot premieres — 750; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 847. ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 1,036.
— TOP STORY —
“U.S. will step up expulsions of Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans at the border, expand legal pathway” by way of Nora Gámez Torres, Michael Wilner, Jacqueline Charles, and Syra Ortiz-Blanes of the Miami Herald — In a radical departure from present coverage, the Joe Biden administration will dramatically step up the expulsion of Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans again to Mexico in the event that they cross the U.S. border illegally, whereas considerably increasing a parole program for the residents of these three nations to allow them to stay and work in the USA for 2 years if they’ve a sponsor.
The brand new measures, which embrace the rising use of “expedited removals” — a fast deportation process — have been touted as a part of a brand new enforcement initiative by the Biden administration to curb unlawful migration.
Asserting this system from the White Home, Biden stated the coverage would “stiffen enforcement” on these attempting to cross illegally and inspired Haitians, Cubans and Venezuelans to not take the perilous journey by Mexico.
“Over the previous a number of years, hundreds of individuals have been fleeing from Central and South America and the Caribbean nations dominated by oppressive dictators, together with Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and escaping gang violence, which has the identical affect in Haiti,” Biden stated.
“At the moment, these 4 nations account for most people touring into Mexico to begin a brand new life by attending to the American border, attempting to cross,” he added. “However as a substitute of secure and orderly processing on the border, we’ve received a patchwork system that merely doesn’t work because it ought to. We don’t have sufficient asylum officers or personnel to find out whether or not individuals qualify.”
The elevated use of expedited removals will restrict the power of Haitians, Cubans and Nicaraguans to assert asylum on the border. However one senior administration official stated the brand new parole program marks a key change for Haitians, Cubans and Nicaraguans in search of a authorized pathway to the USA.
“We view this as a form of watershed second, that the dimensions of that is unprecedented,” the official stated.
— DESANTISY LAND —
“Is Florida No. 1? Fact-checking Ron DeSantis’ inauguration speech superlatives” by way of James Name of the Tallahassee Democrat — DeSantis declared Florida a nationwide chief in additional than a half dozen classes after he was sworn into workplace for a second time period Tuesday. In a speech that many are viewing as a preview of a presidential run, DeSantis stated that previously 4 years, Florida has “lifted individuals up” of their pursuit of enterprise alternatives, a university diploma, and the schooling of their youngsters, whereas “so many states in our nation grinded their residents down.” Nevertheless, surveys by assume tanks, authorities businesses, and shopper teams don’t all the time match DeSantis’ description of Florida as a frontrunner in all of the metrics talked about.
“Can DeSantis ride an anti-business message to the White House?” by way of Philip Bump of The Washington Submit — The nice struggle between DeSantis and The Walt Disney Co. has for months been mired in a stalemate. DeSantis launched a livid offensive in opposition to the corporate, regardless of Disney’s giant footprint in his state. He endorsed a plan to revoke the particular district that governs Disney’s properties in Orlando and later signed it into regulation. However that plan (like different splashy DeSantis bulletins) has since eroded and should properly find yourself being deserted. In recent times company America has really considerably moved away from the GOP each in its institutional and cultural formulations. The GOP’s base has pushed again, usually by the identical “wokeness” lens as DeSantis.
“Republican chaos in D.C. builds case for DeSantis” by way of Nick Reynolds of Newsweek — As a chronic battle over who would lead the Home as its subsequent speaker stretched into its third day Thursday, the Republican Get together appeared rudderless, unable to interrupt a gridlock between hard-liners and the remainder of the convention that had been constructing for the reason that Tea Get together revolution of the final decade. Some lamented McCarthy’s seeming lack of ability to rally his convention as an indication of a celebration that was rudderless, and in want of management. Somebody like DeSantis. “Wanna know who seems good proper now and specializing in his state, constituents and staying out of the chaos and mayhem?” conservative media character Meghan McCain tweeted Wednesday. “DeSantis. DeSantis seems good proper now.”
“Chris Sununu renews attacks on DeSantis” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — If DeSantis opts to run for President in 2024, he could face an antagonist in an early state with a home-field benefit. New Hampshire Gov. Sununu continues to supply unsolicited critiques of the person supporters name “America’s Governor,” within the newest signal DeSantis would face actual resistance if he pursued the Republican nomination subsequent 12 months, as many anticipate. In an interview with Fox Information that ran Thursday, Sununu agreed with DeSantis there’s a “must push again on woke coverage,” an ongoing concern of DeSantis, however that such pushback shouldn’t occur on the expense of personal companies.
“Kristi Noem spokesperson unloads on DeSantis” by way of Nate Hochman of Nationwide Assessment — Noem’s spokesperson, Ian Fury, argued that “Gov. Noem was the one Governor in America on nationwide tv defending the Dobbs choice.” He then queried: “The place was Gov. DeSantis? Hiding behind a 15-week ban. Does he consider that 14-week-old infants don’t have a proper to stay?” DeSantis, Fury continued, “simply terminated his pro-life Secretary for AHCA, Simone Marstiller, essentially the most pro-life member of his cupboard. Florida Proper to Life is embarrassed by Gov. DeSantis’s file, in order that they invited Gov. Noem to talk at their annual convention in October 2021.”
“DNC spotlights abortion schism between Noem, DeSantis” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — As 2024 comes into view, Democrats are exploiting Republican jockeying on pink meat points, with abortion topping the checklist. The Democratic Nationwide Committee “Conflict Room” messaging operation is asking consideration to a rift between two pink state Governors on one of many greatest “litmus check” problems with any Republican Major. “Because the 2024 Republican Major shapes up in a contest to be essentially the most MAGA, South Dakota Gov. Noem is already taking photographs at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over a key GOP litmus check: Abortion. Kristi Noem’s spokesperson went on a rampage in opposition to Ron DeSantis for being insufficiently excessive on banning abortion,” the Conflict Room recounted.
“A Democrat’s unusual, up-close view of DeSantis” by way of Blake Hounshell of The New York Occasions — When DeSantis tapped Moskowitz to run the state’s disaster-relief company in 2018, he praised him as “an efficient Democratic voice within the Republican-dominated Legislature.” It was a bipartisan gesture that appears nearly quaint in hindsight, given the sharply conservative course wherein DeSantis has steered his state. Moskowitz is now coming into Congress, positioning himself as a centrist Democrat who understands how you can work throughout the aisle. “I in all probability spent extra time with him than some other Secretary,” Moskowitz stated. And whereas DeSantis has a status for being acerbic in individual, the 2 males have “ relationship,” he added.
“DeSantis names interim Secretary at Agency for Health Care Administration” by way of Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — DeSantis named an interim Secretary and Chief of Workers for the Company for Well being Care Administration hours earlier than the state was scheduled to publicly meet with the managed care plan organizations that wish to participate in Florida’s upcoming Medicaid care procurement. A evaluate of the state’s web site reveals Jason Weida was named interim Secretary and Brock Juarez Chief of Workers. The information guide provides related background info that managed care plans will wish to have as they determine whether or not to compete to take part within the Medicaid managed care areas.
“DeSantis appoints Democrat Dave Kerner to captain FLHSMV” by way of Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — DeSantis has nominated former Palm Seaside County Mayor Kerner as Government Director of the Division of Freeway Security and Motor Autos (FLHSMV). Kerner, at present a County Commissioner, will function interim Government Director till he’s permitted on the subsequent Cupboard assembly Jan. 17. DeSantis additionally appointed Palm Seaside County Republican Get together Chair Michael Barnett as Kerner’s substitute on the Board of County Commissioners. That shifts the Palm Seaside County Fee from having a 4-3 Democratic benefit to giving GOP members a 4-3 edge.
“Don’t Say Gay”: Florida schools purge library books with LGBTQ characters” by way of Judd Legum of Widespread Data — Florida colleges are utilizing the regulation to justify the erasure of LGBTQ individuals. Public data obtained by Widespread Data by the Florida Freedom to Learn Challenge reveal that a number of Florida colleges have already eliminated books with LGBTQ characters from their libraries, citing the Parental Rights in Training Act. Additional, coaching supplies produced by the Florida Division of Training for librarians reveal that the DeSantis administration is encouraging this expansive interpretation of the regulation. In Lake County, for instance, the college district has eliminated three books with LGBTQ themes from libraries. The college district claimed the removing of those books was required “attributable to content material relating to sexual orientation/gender identification prohibited in HB 1557,” the Parental Rights in Training Act.
“Deadline nears to apply for federal Hurricane Ian relief” by way of Michael Moline of Florida Phoenix — Individuals whose properties have been broken or demolished by Hurricane Ian have one other week to use for Federal Emergency Administration Company support, together with cash for repairs or momentary housing, state officers reminded Floridians on Thursday. The deadline to use is Jan. 12, in line with Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Administration. “Each eligible Floridian that was impacted by Hurricane Ian ought to apply for help,” Guthrie stated in a written assertion. “There are numerous applications that survivors could also be eligible for however aren’t conscious of as a result of they both haven’t utilized or their purposes are incomplete. Now could be the time to get all the mandatory paperwork collectively and apply for help earlier than subsequent week’s deadline,” he stated.
“Claims slow, but bonuses flow at UPC” by way of Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — A month after state regulators positioned United Property and Casualty Insurance coverage Firm into administrative supervision, policyholders are nonetheless struggling to get claims paid. UPC carries greater than 150,000 insurance policies in Florida and is getting ready to non-renew all of them. Most of the insurance policies in its portfolio are for properties in Southwest Florida, which was battered by Hurricane Ian in late September. The insurer has been sluggish to pay Ian claims and each policyholders and insurance coverage brokers report the corporate has not been returning calls or emails asking for updates on storm-related claims.
“First cold front of 2023 bringing cooler temperatures to Florida, but not for long” by way of Cheryl McCloud of Treasure Coast Newspapers — The primary chilly entrance of 2023 is transferring into Florida. The decrease temperatures received’t final lengthy. Cooler temperatures are following a line of storms that introduced a number of twister warnings and watches throughout the Panhandle and North Florida Wednesday. Scattered showers and remoted thunderstorms are potential at the moment because the system continues to maneuver south. The road of storms is forecast to weaken, however a number of lingering remoted showers and thunderstorms are potential, particularly alongside and south of the I-4 hall. The cool-down is predicted to be transient, with hotter temperatures returning by early subsequent week.
“Manatees survive Florida’s first cold spell better than feared” by way of Jim Waymer of Florida As we speak — Already famished manatees managed to keep away from any mass die-offs or the necessity for any dramatic rescues throughout Florida’s first vital chilly snap of the season, which despatched temperatures plummeting throughout the state round Christmas. However with extra chilly days forward this winter, Florida wildlife officers proceed to maintain an in depth, nervous watch as they wrestle to maintain the species afloat by hand-feeding them lettuce on the Florida Energy & Gentle Co. plant in Port St. John, for the second 12 months in a row. “We’re in full operational mode,” Capt. Thomas Van Bushes of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee (FWC) stated throughout an replace of FWC efforts to feed manatees within the wild and rescue them within the chilly.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“Senate resiliency panel considers obstacles to Ian recovery” by way of Grey Rohrer of Florida Politics — Whereas state catastrophe restoration staff have pushed to wash up and rebuild Southwest Florida and different elements of the state hit exhausting by Hurricane Ian final 12 months, a mix of conflicting native, state and federal guidelines have meant some elements of the restoration course of will take longer than anticipated, Florida’s prime catastrophe response official instructed a Senate panel. Guthrie instructed the Senate Choose Committee on Resiliency some native authorities contracts don’t all the time spell out each kind of particles removing they want, inflicting the state to step in and extend the restoration course of. “On the native stage we’d like to ensure they’ve each believable line merchandise of their contract,” Guthrie stated.
“Senate enviro approps priorities laid out, include Land Acquisition Trust Fund” by way of Wes Wolfe of Florida Politics — 5 members of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Surroundings, and Common Authorities had excused absences from the committee’s first assembly of the legislative time period, however enterprise went on because the committee settled in and checked out what’s forward. “This committee’s breadth and width of data (in) businesses, the quantity of funding that we’ve — whether or not it’s a lottery or (Division of Enterprise and Skilled Regulation) or water tasks, you identify it — it’s a really, very broad scope,” stated Committee Chair Jason Brodeur. If it offers with agriculture or the setting, the committee possible has oversight on the finances.
“New House water quality subcommittee provides ‘unique opportunity’” by way of Wes Wolfe of Florida Politics — The Representatives assembled can do one thing distinctive within the new Home Water High quality, Provide & Therapy Subcommittee, in line with Chair Cyndi Stevenson. The Subcommittee is one in every of three beneath the brand new Infrastructure Methods Committee, a undertaking of Speaker Paul Renner. “The Speaker grouped these Subcommittees collectively in order that infrastructure planning and pure useful resource safety may be thoughtfully thought of as a complete, and never piecemeal,” stated Stevenson. “These Subcommittees will work collectively to develop strategic options for the way forward for our water provide, water high quality, transportation, land conservation and resiliency, to make sure Florida stays a good looking and affluent state for years to come back.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“U.S. makes its case for legality of Joe Biden student debt program” by way of Michael Macagnone of Roll Name — The Biden administration urged the Supreme Courtroom to uphold the President’s scholar mortgage forgiveness plan Wednesday within the face of a number of challenges to a program that might forgive as much as $20,000 in debt for hundreds of thousands of debtors. Wednesday’s submitting leaned closely on a 2003 federal regulation that enables the secretary of Training to cancel money owed for debtors who face hardship due to nationwide emergencies. In Wednesday’s transient, the administration argued that Training Secretary Miguel Cardona’s actions associated to an emergency attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic “fall comfortably inside the plain textual content” of that regulation.
“FTC proposes banning noncompete clauses for workers” by way of Dave Michaels of The Wall Avenue Journal — The Federal Commerce Fee issued a plan to ban noncompete clauses, a proposal that might permit staff to take jobs with rival corporations or begin competing companies however raises the prospect of authorized opposition from corporations that say the apply has a authentic goal. The FTC stated noncompete clauses represent an exploitative apply that undermines a 109-year-old regulation prohibiting unfair strategies of competitors. Lengthy related to higher-paid managers, the clauses have additionally been imposed on lower-wage staff who lack entry to commerce secrets and techniques, strategic plans, and different causes that might be cited for hampering job switchers, the company says.
“Rick Scott announces hires, promotions on communications team” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A brand new Congress introduced promotions and hires in U.S. Sen. Scott’s Workplace. Clare Lattanze, Scott’s Press Secretary since January 2021, is being promoted to Deputy Communications Director. “Clare Lattanze has been a part of my staff since I used to be Governor of Florida, the place she began as an intern in my communications workplace,” Scott stated. “She works exhausting day-after-day and her promotion to Deputy Communications Director is a testomony to her dedication to our staff and serving our nice state of Florida.” Madeline Holzmann will take over the Press Secretary submit. She has beforehand been acknowledged as a Rising Star by INFLUENCE Journal, a sister publication of Florida Politics. Scott can be hiring Hannah Payne as digital director and Juan Arias as a speechwriter.
“House breaks 100-year record as Kevin McCarthy fails on 10th ballot for Speaker” by way of John Wagner, Mariana Alfaro, Azi Paybarah, Amy B Wang and Eugene Scott of The Washington Submit — As we speak, the Home broke a 100-year file as McCarthy failed on the tenth poll in his bid for speaker. With Republicans missing the votes to adjourn, the Home held its fourth vote late Thursday afternoon and the result was the identical, with a gaggle of opposing Republicans sending McCarthy to defeat. In 1923, Speaker Frederick Gillett was re-elected on the ninth poll. No different enterprise within the Home can proceed and not using a speaker.
“Brian Mast nominates Kevin McCarthy before 8th vote for Speaker” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Because the Home ready for an eighth Speaker vote, Rep.-elect Mast nominated outgoing Minority Chief McCarthy. The Stuart Republican choked up discussing the wants of veterans and instructed Home Republicans danger blowing an opportunity to put in writing Congress’ wrongs. “I’ve the identical fears that you simply do,” Mast stated, partly to fellow McCarthy supporters and to these protesting the California Republican’s elevation. As he faces a wave of anti-establishment protest, Mast instructed McCarthy doesn’t deserve that scorn. “He’s totally different,” Mast stated. “He’s not (former GOP Speaker) Paul Ryan.”
“Anna Paulina Luna nominates Byron Donalds ahead of 10th Speaker vote” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Luna has but to be sworn into Congress, however the Consultant-elect has now introduced on the Home ground. The St. Petersburg Republican nominated U.S. Rep.-elect Donalds forward of a tenth spherical of votes for Speaker of the Home. “Byron has achieved one thing that I feel most leaders ought to do extra of,” Luna stated, “and that’s pay attention.” She cited an extended friendship with Donalds, a fellow Floridian who supported her marketing campaign.
“Greg Steube says lawmakers blocking McCarthy Speaker bid are holding nation ‘hostage’” by way of Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — U.S. Rep. Steube lashed out at Republicans who’ve hijacked the Home Speaker’s race, together with three of his fellow Florida lawmakers, in a current interview, saying they’re holding the nation “hostage” and aren’t negotiating in good religion. A bunch of 20 conservative hard-liners persistently have voted in opposition to McCarthy for Speaker and are blocking him from taking the gavel, throwing the Home into disarray. McCarthy wants 218 votes to change into Speaker however solely has been in a position to muster 201 since Tuesday. Steube, a Sarasota Republican who represents all of Sarasota and Charlotte counties and part of Lee County, is also a hard-line conservative however has joined with the overwhelming majority of Republicans backing McCarthy.
“Scott Franklin, Cory Mills, Michael Waltz say Speaker delay could hurt national defense” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Heading into a 3rd day of Speaker votes, veterans in Florida’s congressional delegation burdened that colleagues should bear in mind the results of delays. “We at present have ZERO oversight of the Biden administration as a result of we don’t have a Speaker,” U.S. Rep.-elect Waltz tweeted. Waltz held a information convention Wednesday with a gaggle of fellow Republicans, together with U.S. Rep.-elects Franklin and Mills, who served within the army and expressed concern. The presser got here shortly after the Home held a sixth failed vote for Speaker. The aim of the occasion was to remind colleagues of its “affect on American nationwide safety.”
“John Rutherford slams Florida colleagues for messing with his constituent services” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — As the method of naming a Home Speaker drags, Home staffers are unable to do their jobs. Now, U.S. Rep.-elect Rutherford is asking out Florida colleagues by identify for affecting his common constituents. “Due to Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Byron Donalds and Anna Paulina Luna, congressional workplaces like mine aren’t in a position to assist our constituents with casework requests whereas we wait to be sworn in,” Rutherford tweeted.
“Waltz warns Speaker drama could play into Democrats’ hands” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A multiday squabble over who leads Home Republicans may blow up within the faces of protest voters. No less than that’s the worry of U.S. Rep.-elect Waltz. Votes have modified little throughout three days. If the Republicans refusing to assist McCarthy stay recalcitrant, Waltz fears leaders within the GOP majority will begin in search of votes on the opposite facet of the aisle. “I’ve severe issues extra average Republicans will safe a cope with Democrats that can cede approach an excessive amount of energy together with Democratic log out on subpoenas and permitting Senate payments to mechanically come to the ground,” Waltz stated.
“Lincoln Project disses ‘dysfunctional’ House GOP amid Speaker snafu” by way of A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The skinny Republican Home majority will enter its third day of attempting to put in a Speaker, and the GOP apostates on the Lincoln Challenge are taking discover. An announcement forward of Thursday’s reconvening of the Home of Representatives castigated “chaos” within the Republican caucus, establishing a distinction to Biden, who appeared Wednesday with Senate Republican chief Mitch McConnell. “As we speak was a distinction in management. Exemplifying professionalism and sophistication, President Biden led a bipartisan group of legislators to rejoice what occurs when elected officers put aside their variations to work on behalf of the American individuals,” the Lincoln Challenge contended.
— EPILOGUE TRUMP —
“Matt Gaetz nominates and votes for Donald Trump as House Speaker” by way of Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — “I nominate President Trump as a result of we should make our nation nice once more,” Gaetz stated. “And you can begin by making the Home of Representatives nice once more.” He supported Trump on a number of ballots earlier within the day. It was forward of an eleventh consecutive vote on Home Speaker that he took to the ground to formally nominate the Mar-a-Lago resident. Shortly earlier than that, Trump on his Fact Social platform posted a mock photograph rendering of President Biden delivering a State of the Union tackle with the previous President within the Speaker’s seat making wild hand and face motions.
“RNC’s 2022 election audit will scrutinize Trump’s role in the GOP’s losses” by way of Allan Smith of NBC Information — The Republican Nationwide Committee plans to carefully look at what function Trump performed within the celebration’s underwhelming 2022 midterm outcomes as a part of its audit of the GOP’s efficiency. “ President Trump, what has he gotten proper? And what has he gotten improper? And the way will we be taught from that to win elections going ahead?” Henry Barbour, an RNC Committee member from Mississippi tasked in November with cowriting the RNC’s post-election evaluate. “And so, I feel we’re going to work our approach by all of these varied points and dynamics to hopefully lay out our suggestions that can put the celebration in a a lot stronger place to win going ahead,” he added.
“Trump vows to deploy U.S. Special Forces, military assets to ‘inflict maximum damage’ on cartels” by way of Brooke Singman and Adam Shaw of Fox Information — Trump stated that if elected once more as commander in chief, he’ll deploy U.S. Particular Forces and different army belongings to “inflict most harm” on cartels crossing the Southern border. Trump, who introduced his 2024 presidential marketing campaign late final 12 months, stated drug cartels are “waging struggle on America” and it’s “now time for America to wage struggle on cartels.” “Joe Biden has sided in opposition to the USA and with the cartels,” Trump stated in a video Thursday. “Biden’s open border insurance policies are a lethal betrayal of our nation.”
“Jan. 6 attack shook once-fierce loyalties of Trump’s closest aides, new transcripts show” by way of Josh Meyer, Donovan Slack, Bart Jansen and Erin Mansfield of USA As we speak Community — The Home committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol assault launched a large trove of paperwork earlier this week that shed new mild on how a few of Trump’s closest advisers and members of the family have been examined by Trump’s refusal to rapidly and publicly attempt to cease the violent rebel in opposition to the seat of American democracy. The hundreds of pages of newly launched interview transcripts present how even Trump’s personal youngsters desperately tried to get Trump to concern an unequivocal public assertion.
“Jamie Raskin says nailing Trump on alleged crimes ‘would not be that satisfying’” by way of Julia Shapero of The Hill — Rep. Raskin, who served on the now-defunct Jan. 6 committee that referred Trump for felony expenses, stated on Wednesday that nailing the previous President on his varied alleged crimes “wouldn’t be that satisfying.” “We’re speaking a few pathetic, previous man, a coward,” Raskin instructed Andy Slavitt, a former official within the Obama and Biden administrations, in an interview for Slavitt’s podcast. “And so, even when he have been to get his comeuppance in court docket lastly in his late 70s or 80s, what would it not actually imply?”
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Miami-Dade schools police chief could be next Doral police chief” by way of Sommer Brugal of the Miami Herald — The Metropolis of Doral may have a brand new police chief come Wednesday: Edwin Lopez, the chief of Miami-Dade County Faculties Police Division. Based on the town’s Jan. 11 Council assembly agenda, the town and Lopez have “reached a mutual understanding of his employment phrases,” and if permitted, he would start the job on Jan. 18. His annual wage can be $199,000, in line with an employment settlement included with the Council’s agenda merchandise. Regardless of the obvious settlement, nevertheless, Doral Mayor Christi Fraga, who stepped down in November from the Miami-Dade County College Board to run for Mayor, and the Metropolis Council must approve his employment.
“South Florida lawyer sentenced to prison for spending COVID-19 relief money on jewelry, private jet, and Trump golf club membership” by way of Shira Moolten of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — A Palm Seaside County legal professional used Delaware-based limited-liability corporations to acquire financial aid loans designed to maintain small companies afloat through the pandemic, receiving over $1.6 million, in line with federal prosecutors. The federal government required that mortgage proceeds go towards payroll prices, mortgages, lease and utilities. As an alternative, Derek Acree, 47, spent as much as half that cash on the maintenance of an costly life-style: sustaining an Audi and a ship, a toddler’s college tuition, almost $70,000 in jewellery, personal jet companies, a down fee for a Palm Seaside Gardens house, and an $11,000 fee to Trump Nationwide Golf Membership in Jupiter. Acree will now must repay nearly twice what he obtained.
“Broward’s Property Appraiser takes on crime-fighting role as property crimes proliferate” by way of Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Workplace has change into the headquarters for preventing a kind of crime that when left its victims with few avenues for assist. And its progenitor sees an pressing want for extra counties to observe swimsuit. Appraiser Marty Kiar, additionally a former state Consultant, stated he’s going to be speaking to his counterparts throughout the state about how you can cease the crime that’s change into extra engaging because the state’s property values have skyrocketed. One of many state’s hottest merchandise, sq. footage, is being stolen proper out from beneath the individuals who stay in it. “What occurs in Florida is that it’s very straightforward for somebody to file a pretend deed on any person’s property,” Kiar stated.
“As Cuban migrants land on island off Florida Keys, water scarce at national park there” by way of Howard Cohen of the Miami Herald — As a whole bunch of migrants from Cuba have landed within the Florida Keys in current days, many wound up on Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, some of the distant islands in the USA. On Thursday, Coast Guard Lt. Commander John William Beal launched figures on the variety of migrants faraway from the park and transported to the Coast Guard Sector Key West. From there, they are going to be shipped to U.S. Border Patrol stations for processing. “Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park and the Marquesas are uninhabited, distant islands west of the Florida Keys with out the infrastructure or means to maintain occupancy long run and accessible solely by boat or seaplane,” Beal instructed the Miami Herald on Thursday.
“State Road 7 lawsuit forcing delays of other Palm Beach County transportation projects” by way of Mike Diamond of the Palm Seaside Submit — The State Highway 7 extension lawsuit is wreaking havoc with different transportation tasks in Palm Seaside County, forcing a number of of them to be deferred to make sure that funding is obtainable for the western communities’ highway undertaking as soon as the litigation is resolved. Palm Seaside Transportation Planning Company workers not too long ago introduced a draft plan to TPA members to mirror tasks to be funded by the fiscal 12 months 2028. The State Highway 7 work is a part of that plan; it had been anticipated to start development this 12 months. The authorized problem, mounted by West Palm Seaside, seeks to cease SR 7’s work. One undertaking would prolong it from sixtieth Avenue to Northlake Boulevard close to Ibis Nation Membership.
“Vero Beach starts demo on Humiston Beach boardwalk, aims to reopen access by late January” by way of Thomas Weber of Treasure Coast Newspapers — The town this week started demolition of Humiston Seaside boardwalk, which was badly broken by Hurricane Nicole. The boardwalk, together with the Conn Seaside and Jaycee Seaside boardwalks, have been broken by Nicole, a Class 1 hurricane that made landfall in Indian River County on Nov. 10 and brought about vital seashore erosion up and down the coast. A lot of the Humiston Seaside boardwalk couldn’t be salvaged, in line with assistant director of Public Works Richard Mutterback. “We began on the north finish, and really, it’s coming down so much simpler than what we anticipated,” Mutterback stated. “It’s actually crumbling.” The demo started Monday.
“Broward Judge Linda Alley dies from pneumonia during lung cancer fight” by way of Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel — Broward Circuit Decide Alley, who took workplace two years in the past after a 22-year profession as a malpractice lawyer for a few of Broward County’s most outstanding corporations, died Wednesday at a Fort Lauderdale hospital. She was 71. “I’ve watched Broward County develop and alter over time,” she wrote, responding to a Solar-Sentinel election questionnaire in 2020. “I wish to affect future generations of legal professionals. I wish to assist individuals who come into court docket and assist them perceive that the court docket is there for all residents, and that the court docket protects our system of presidency and our society.”
“‘Harvey was love in action’: Miami-Dade honors longtime leader Harvey Ruvin” by way of Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Ruvin, the late Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts, was comparatively diminutive in stature. However to those that knew him, he was a veritable titan who left an indelible affect over a 56-year profession in public service. On Thursday, near a thousand associates and admirers from either side of the political aisle converged on the Miami-Dade Auditorium to rejoice his life. For a number of hours, they listened, and ceaselessly laughed, on the anecdotes and observations shared by a few of these closest to him. All described a person decided to depart the world higher off than when he entered it.
“Warm-up energizes fishing for Treasure Coast anglers” by way of Ed Killer of Treasure Coast Newspapers — I feel Dean Martin sang it greatest: “It’s June in January; As a result of I’m in love. It all the time is spring in my coronary heart; With you in my arms. The night time is chilly; The timber are naked. However I can really feel the scent of roses within the air; It’s June in January, However solely as a result of I’m in love with you.” It form of does really feel like June this week. Unseasonably heat. Sunny and brilliant. The one clinker is how the solar goes down about two hours too quickly every day. Snook fishing is about pretty much as good as it’s June. And similar to the summer time month, snook can’t be harvested proper now, till Feb. 1.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Orange County’s November hotel tax receipts break another record” by way of Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — November vacationers paid almost $31 million in lodge taxes, a file for the month. With the perfect November ever, Orange County’s file run of vacationer tax collections stretched to 11 consecutive months. Regardless of Hurricane Nicole, which closed Orlando Worldwide Airport and theme parks, collections have been boosted by excessive room demand and a mean every day room price of $151, stated Comptroller Phil Diamond, citing information supplied by Go to Orlando, the area’s advertising arm. Diamond, whose workplace tracks collections, stated room occupancy averaged 72.6% in November, barely behind the 76.5% occupancy price in November 2019, when the tourism and hospitality industries have been chugging alongside on the earlier greatest for the month.
“Winter Park man threatened to kill LGBTQ people in mass shooting at FSU, feds say” by way of Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — A 19-year-old Winter Park man was arrested earlier this week after federal brokers recognized him because the supply of a mass taking pictures menace in opposition to LGBTQ individuals at Florida State College, which was posted on social media in December. Sean Albert was taken into custody in Orlando and, on Wednesday, was ordered by U.S. Justice of the Peace Decide Embry Kidd to be detained till trial. Albert is charged with interstate communication of a menace to injure the individual of one other, data present. He’s being held on the Orange County Jail.
“Film producer robbed Orange County bank to fund movie, DOJ says” by way of Garfield Hylton of the Orlando Sentinel — A movie producer faces greater than 20 years in jail after robbing a financial institution in Orange County. On June 28, 2022, Nacoe Ray Brown, 54, walked into the McCoy Federal Credit score Union in Belle Isle south of Orlando and handed a notice threatening the teller, the Division of Justice reported. Brown, wearing a baseball cap, sun shades, surgical masks and plastic gloves, instructed the teller he had a gun and demanded cash. He fled with almost $4,300 in money. A witness noticed Brown enter a close-by gasoline station and alter his garments. The witness instructed the Belle Isle Police Division, who arrested Brown on the lodge he was staying in.
“Plan for SunRail airport link to Universal, I-Drive takes big step forward” by way of Kevin Spear of the Orlando Sentinel — The push for passenger rail that might hyperlink Orlando Worldwide Airport, SunRail commuter practice, Orange County Conference Heart, Common Orlando Resort and the Worldwide Drive tourism district as quickly as 2030 launched into actuality Thursday with a proper transfer to create an entity that might underwrite an enormous chunk of the undertaking. Common Orlando Resort filed an utility with Orange County to type a quasi-governmental physique generally known as a neighborhood growth district. Referred to as a CDD, they sometimes are utilized to residential developments the place householders are assessed charges for neighborhood enhancements. Named the Shingle Creek Transit Utility Group Improvement District, it could overlay one property, that of Common Orlando, making the resort the only fee-payer inside the district.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Tampa City Council approves charter changes to voters” by way of Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Occasions — 5 proposed adjustments to Tampa’s governing doc, the Metropolis Constitution, have been permitted with veto-proof majorities by Metropolis Council members Thursday. The constitution modification that grabbed a lot of the consideration would require Council members’ approval of division heads and restrict how lengthy high-ranking metropolis officers can carry the “interim” standing to 6 months. In December, the measure barely squeaked by with a 4-3 vote. On Thursday, after an extended dialogue, Council members unanimously permitted sending it to voters within the March 7 Metropolis Election. The problem arose final 12 months after Mayor Jane Castor, over the protests of some neighborhood members and Council members, picked Mary O’Connor as police chief.
“Expressway authority seeks input on South Tampa’s public space preferences” by way of Henry Queen of the Tampa Bay Enterprise Journal — A brand new park will likely be in-built Palma Ceia as a part of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority’s plan to widen the native freeway. THEA plans so as to add one lane in every course on the South Lee Roy Selmon Expressway at a price of about $220 million. As the choice of the undertaking’s design-build agency nears, THEA has requested for the general public’s opinion on what kind of park they’d wish to see beneath the expressway on the nook of Bay-to-Bay Boulevard and MacDill Avenue. The parking areas on Bay-to-Bay usually utilized by Bayshore Boulevard runners will keep.
“BayCare acquires Tampa mental health center, plans more services” by way of Sam Ogozalek of the Tampa Bay Occasions — BayCare Well being System has acquired a serious behavioral well being heart in Tampa and plans to increase its companies, hospital leaders introduced this week. Efficient Jan. 1, BayCare assumed possession of the nonprofit Northside Behavioral Well being Heart. The middle supplies counseling to low-income people and operates two group properties and a 20-bed disaster stabilization unit, amongst different applications. BayCare, a 15-hospital well being care system, beforehand managed the middle for seven years.
“Tampa Airport Flamingo naming contest winner revealed” by way of Brody Woodell of Spectrum Information — The identify of the large flamingo at Tampa Worldwide Airport has been introduced as “Phoebe,” the airport tweeted on Thursday. The competition obtained over 65,000 entries and 37,000 votes from all over the world. The three finalists have been Cora, Finn and Phoebe.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Hurricane Ian aftermath: Temporary public housing slow to come to Fort Myers Beach, SW Florida” by way of Phil Fernandez of the Naples Day by day Information — The mistaken supply of the primary FEMA trailer and the delay in promised journey campers for Fort Myers Seaside has been a kick within the intestine for residents reeling from Hurricane Ian’s devastating strike greater than three months in the past. Mayor Dan Allers had discovered concerning the trailer’s look after assembly with native, state and federal officers Tuesday morning however at that time, he, like his colleagues, had been unaware that FEMA had erred in inserting the modular on the island, which is in a flood zone. Earlier than turning into conscious of the error, Allers had posted a video in town’s Fb, proclaiming its arrival within the hopes of boosting spirits.
“Ian’s toll on boats mounts, some deals at auctions” by way of Craig Garret of the Port Charlotte Solar — They could not have emotions, however a bunch of sad-looking boats sit crouched in a Punta Gorda cow pasture. A number of acres of ruined or broken boats will likely be auctioned this month off Burnt Retailer Highway, all victims of September’s Hurricane Ian. Hundreds of watercraft — from kayaks to yachts — have been sunk, destroyed or broken within the cyclone clocked in some locations at greater than 155 miles per hour. Skiffs to ocean-rigged cruisers relaxation in a form of intensive-care ward simply northeast of Burnt Retailer Marina. There are different such locations all through Southwest Florida and past. Minor scuffs to salvages for elements are held for public sale.
“New Manatee official faces sexual harassment claim. ‘There was no physical contact,’ he says” by way of Ryan Callihan of the Bradenton Herald — Mitchell Teitelbaum, a high-ranking Manatee College District official, has delayed the acceptance of his new job as deputy administrator for Manatee County Authorities after a sexual harassment grievance was filed in opposition to him. The grievance, obtained by the Bradenton Herald by way of a public data request, alleges inappropriate contact. The sufferer stated Teitelbaum hugged them in a approach that made them really feel uncomfortable. The report was submitted by a county worker whose identify has not been launched following Florida’s regulation on sexual harassment complaints. The report stated there was “uninvited bodily contact of a sexual nature” when Teitelbaum allegedly grabbed the worker across the waist and pulled them “near/in opposition to his physique, making me uncomfortable.”
“Federal judge dismisses Lincoln Memorial Academy lawsuit, plaintiffs plan to appeal” by way of Jesse Mendoza of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A federal choose dismissed a lawsuit from the previous leaders of Lincoln Memorial Academy in opposition to the College District of Manatee County, the town of Palmetto, and Florida Division of Training that claimed the district wrongfully terminated the academy’s constitution. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. Circuit Courtroom within the Center District of Florida in February 2020 over actions taken by the college district in 2019 to terminate the academy’s constitution, after claims made by former Lincoln Memorial Academy leaders failed to achieve traction at different venues. U.S. District Decide Charlene Honeywell dismissed a lot of the lawsuit, and closed the case on Dec. 30, months earlier than it reached trial in October.
“50th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show is set for sail this weekend with some post-Ian changes” by way of Samantha Neely of the Fort Myers Information-Press — After Hurricane Ian set it astray from its conventional date in November, the fiftieth Annual Fort Myers Boat Present is about to take over the historic downtown riverfront this weekend with some slight adjustments. Hurricane Ian demolished the Fort Myers Yacht Basin with its extreme winds and storm surge, leaving present organizers to pivot and transfer it to Jan. 5 by Jan. 8. “It’s gonna be a extremely nice present. I do know everybody has been by a lot with the aftermath of the hurricane and the marine trade clearly has been by so much like everybody else, however we’ve had superb cooperation from the town,” stated John Good, Fort Myers Boat Present supervisor.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“A new majority: 5 incoming Council members hold the power to change Volusia County” by way of Sheldon Gardner of The Daytona Seaside Information-Journal — From highway high quality to progress administration, the County Council’s affect is felt every day amongst Volusia County residents. Due to redistricting and an election upset, 5 new Council members joined the board this week out of seven seats, setting the potential for main adjustments to Volusia County’s authorities. The County Council has a variety of energy collectively; it units the coverage course for the county authorities, and the County Supervisor carries out the selections. The county engages in lots of elements of individuals’s every day lives: fireplace rescue companies; water and sewer service; zoning; neighborhood companies; the county jail; animal management; seashores; libraries; parks; and extra.
“LeAnna Gutierrez Cumber fires back after Daniel Davis’ first TV ad” by way of Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Jacksonville Mayor candidate Cumber is pushing again after one in every of her opponents laid into her in a current assault advert. The advert, paid for by Davis’ political committee, claims Cumber is a “Democrat insider” who has “labored with liberals” and is “funded by out-of-state liberals.” The advert additionally options footage of outstanding Democratic politicians resembling Biden and former Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Davis and Cumber, a first-term Metropolis Council member, are each Republicans. On Dec. 30, shortly after Davis’ advert hit the airwaves, Cumber launched a video response on Twitter.
To observe Cumber’s response, please click on the image below:
“Could international teachers address critical shortages? Flagler Schools is considering it” by way of Danielle Johnson of The Daytona Seaside Information-Journal — At a workshop Wednesday afternoon, Flagler College Board members thought of hiring educators from different nations to deal with important trainer shortages. The potential program was introduced as an “everybody wins” situation, as it could convey state-certified, English-speaking educators to Florida to participate in cultural trade whereas additionally filling positions in important topic areas resembling math, science and particular schooling. If permitted at a future board assembly, educators from different nations may begin educating in Flagler Faculties initially of the 2023-24 college 12 months. “Paradise is struggling proper now as a result of we will’t entice sufficient academics,” Chair Cheryl Massaro stated, referring to Flagler County as ‘paradise’ due to its Florida location, which usually attracts workers.
“Wastewater overflow at Meginnis Arm pump station spills 183,000 gallons” by way of Karl Etters of the Tallahassee Democrat — For the second time in every week, wastewater threatened Meginnis Arm as an overflow Wednesday spilled roughly 183,000 gallons. At about 10 a.m. Wednesday, a stress spike attributable to an automatic generator operation, used to maintain it in good working order, brought about a primary pipe to burst at Pump Station 43 on Meginnis Arm Highway. The untreated “home wastewater” was principally contained in a close-by stormwater pond the place 124,000 gallons have been recovered as pumping continues. The stormwater facility finally flows into Meginnis Arm Run, a small feeder creek that goes into Lake Jackson, which finally flows south to Wakulla Springs.
“This mother’s story reflects 163 families of Jacksonville homicide victims in 2022” by way of Katherine Lewin and Scott Butler of USA As we speak Community — Ka-Nekia Hughes tried to contact her son Sylvester Jenkins on his twenty ninth birthday on Aug. 4. However she, nor anybody else in her household, may attain him. Hughes tried to make excuses, writing off his absence as partying for his birthday. However when Hughes’ daughter instructed her she additionally hadn’t been in a position to attain Jenkins since Aug. 1, fear set in. Her associate went to Jenkins’ home on Aug. 5 to verify on him, however the door was locked, and his truck wasn’t within the driveway. Officers went to his house on West twenty second Avenue that very same day and referred to as her again that afternoon. Jenkins had been shot twice within the head.
“Friends and family bid adieu to journalism’s steel magnolia, Margaret Leonard” by way of Roseanne Dunkelberger of Florida Politics — Within the journalism world, a “mug shot” refers to a photograph of a topic’s face and a little bit of torso. However within the case of longtime journalist Leonard, who died Nov. 14 and was memorialized in a Tallahassee gathering Thursday on what would have been her 81st birthday, she had the true deal, full with entrance and facet views, the numbered plaque and a helluva story to associate with it. In 1961, from all appearances, she appeared like what she was, a 19-year-old ingénue attending New Orleans’ all-girl Sophie Newcomb Memorial School with a clean, sweet-like-honey Southern accent.
“Pensacola Humane Society has been closed ‘until further notice’” by way of Tom McLaughlin of the Pensacola Information Journal — With a lot of its workers strolling off the job after accusing its board of administrators of mismanagement of cash, the Pensacola Humane Society has closed its doorways for the foreseeable future. A discover posted this week on the company’s Fb web page apologized to its patrons for any inconvenience brought about and stated the Humane Society would stay closed “till additional discover.” Company workers had labored by the day Dec. 28 to maneuver what animals remained on the Humane Society to the Escambia County Animal Shelter and Santa Rosa County Animal Companies, county-run businesses that had agreed to take them in.
— TOP OPINION —
“In ‘free state of Florida’ dodgy COVID-19 research is welcomed, critical thinking muzzled” by way of the Miami Herald editorial board — Within the “free state of Florida,” teachers have loads of freedom to contest the efficacy and want for COVID-19 vaccines, however they’re muzzled in the event that they query the idea that America is a colorblind society the place systemic racial injustice doesn’t exist.
This double customary is the inevitable results of a state authorities that handpicks the sort of speech that’s allowed at state universities and faculties. The identical state authorities that, beneath the heavy hand of Gov. DeSantis, complains about “censorship” of conservatives by privately run social-media platforms, but engages in the identical ways it decries.
Florida has ordered its public faculties and universities to offer “a complete checklist of all workers, applications and campus actions associated to range, fairness and inclusion, and important race principle.”
The latter is an instructional principle that, amongst different issues, research how racism is embedded in American establishments and legal guidelines. Conservatives have turned CRT right into a scarecrow to repel something that makes White individuals really feel they’re personally blamed for racism.
This can be a blatant assault on free speech and tutorial freedom.
Not surprisingly, a federal choose barred the regulation from being enforced in public universities, calling it “positively dystopian.” The DeSantis administration is interesting the case, ProPublica reported.
Whereas CRT is handled as an abomination that Florida should root out, our college system continues to bankroll Florida’s chief vaccine denier, Surgeon Common Joseph Ladapo.
— OPINIONS —
“DeSantis’ latest oxymoronic school spiel” by way of Valerie Strauss of The Washington Submit — On Feb. 15, 2019, DeSantis had been Governor for simply over a month when he provided a brand new definition of public schooling. Visiting a spiritual college in Orlando to push a brand new program that might permit the usage of public funding for personal and non secular schooling, he stated: “Look, if it’s public {dollars}, it’s public schooling.” On this oxymoronic framing, “public schooling” consists of colleges over which the general public has no management. DeSantis displayed his oxymoronic college spiel once more, in his second inaugural speech after a landslide re-election that heightened hypothesis that he would search the U.S. presidency in 2024. DeSantis espoused bromides about what he views as his huge first-time accomplishments. The general message was that he has turned Florida into the “freedom” state, the DeSantis model of freedom.
“Florida’s education system is vastly underperforming” by way of Billy Townsend for the Tampa Bay Occasions — Florida college students discovered 12% much less every year from third to eighth grade than the nationwide common from 2009 to 2018. The subsequent worst state was Alabama, in line with The Instructional Alternative Challenge at Stanford College. Florida’s political and schooling leaders utterly ignored that discovering. Distinction that deafening silence with the hype and misinterpretation that comes with the discharge of the Nationwide Evaluation of Instructional Progress (NAEP), “the Nation’s Report Card.” When these outcomes got here out final fall, DeSantis crowed on Twitter, “We saved colleges open in 2020, and at the moment’s NAEP outcomes as soon as once more show that we made the appropriate choice. In Florida, adjusted for demographics, fourth grade college students are #1 in each studying and math.” Tellingly, DeSantis ignored the eighth grade outcomes, which got here out far worse than fourth grade — simply as they’ve in each NAEP cycle since 2003.
“Jan. 6, another date that will live in infamy” by way of the South Florida Solar-Sentinel editorial board — On dates by no means to be forgotten — Dec. 7, 1941, and Sep. 11, 2001, lethal assaults from overseas shattered the nation’s naive confidence in its invulnerability. Friday is the second anniversary of one other notorious day, which in a single vital sense was the worst of the three. It was not overseas enemies who assaulted the Capitol and Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, however Americans incited to rebel by an American President. Extra individuals arrested due to that day are from Florida than from some other state. Our democracy survived, however with vulnerabilities once more laid naked. The Structure is just as sturdy as the great religion of these certain by obligation, conscience and their oaths of workplace to guard and defend it. It’s no positive factor that they all the time will.
“The awful corruption of Trump’s ‘coup lawyers’ demands accountability” by way of Greg Sargent of The Washington Submit — You might be in all probability acquainted with the time period “mob lawyer.” It’d now be time to inaugurate one other, comparable time period: “coup lawyer.” John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani have been instrumental within the plotting and execution of Trump’s try to overthrow his re-election loss, they usually corruptly abused their information of the regulation to that finish. Will they ever face actual accountability? Eastman and Giuliani are going through disciplinary proceedings and may even get disbarred. But when they’re disciplined on overly slim grounds, it could be a extremely inadequate end result. They need to additionally face skilled self-discipline that declares ultimately that their efforts to undermine our constitutional order have been central options of their unscrupulous skilled misconduct.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— WEEKEND TV —
ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Sen. Blaise Ingoglia; Ian Beckles, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and host of “Within the Trenches”; Aaron Jacobson, co-host of the “Pat and Aaron Present” on WDAE 620 a.m.; and Dr. Susan MacManus, ABC Motion Information political analyst.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday present supplies viewers with an in-depth have a look at politics in South Florida, together with different points affecting the area.
In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay Information 9/CF 13: A dialogue of the way forward for house careers in Florida, and the way the state is positioning and funding instructional sources to assist transfer Florida college students into these careers. Becoming a member of Spectrum Information 13 anchor Greg Angel are U.S. Rep. Waltz and Spectrum Information Area Coast reporter Greg Pallone.
Political Connections on Bay Information 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: A glance at the beginning of the brand new 12 months with Congress, the inauguration of Gov. DeSantis, and a recap of State of the Bay.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: A recap of the week in Washington and the a number of votes to elect a brand new Speaker of the Home; and a have a look at the inauguration of Gov. DeSantis.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama Metropolis (NBC): Gary Yordon, Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban and legal professional Sean Pittman.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Rick Mullaney of the Jacksonville College Public Coverage Institute.
— ALOE —
“‘Avatar’ offers Disney a simple lesson about film franchises” by way of Kaare Eriksen of Selection — Whereas most of Marvel’s output requires having watched earlier movies to completely grasp the narrative of the most recent installment, “Avatar” producers made some extent to make sure “Water” and future sequels have stand-alone narratives. That lowers the barrier to entry for viewers unfamiliar with the 2009 movie. Although most of the solid of the primary title return, understanding who they’re isn’t a requirement to understand their latest journey. Identical to the “Prime Gun” sequel, “The Method of Water” can be displaying weekend-over-weekend field workplace tendencies that appear to defy the norm for large tentpoles within the pandemic period of movie exhibition, particularly Marvel movies.
“Next SpaceX Falcon Heavy could launch as early as next week” by way of Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — For sheer rocket leisure, house followers can get excited every time SpaceX’s highly effective Falcon Heavy launches, and that subsequent alternative may come subsequent week. Kennedy Area Heart Customer Complicated posted to its web site an occasion to view the beforehand introduced USSF-67 mission for the Area Power utilizing the rocket that produces 5.1 million kilos of thrust on liftoff, launching from KSC’s Launch Complicated 39-A. The attraction gives one of many closest areas to view the launch by an extra-cost bundle admission, and the itemizing targets no sooner than Thursday, Jan. 12, though neither SpaceX nor the Area Power have but to announce a goal date or time past the intention to fly in January.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating at the moment are former Home Speaker José Oliva, Bryan Anderson of HCA, Dr. Ray Arsenault, Kyle Simon, and former Rep. John Tobia.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Renzo Downey, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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