Florida's $117B budget signed, DeSantis vetoes $511M in projects, Miami Mayor Suarez enters presidential race, and more...
June 23, 2023 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Gov. DeSantis signs record $117B budget
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a record $116.5 billion state budget last week – the largest in Florida history. The so-called Framework for Freedom Budget takes effect July 1 for the 2023–24 fiscal year and includes funding for a variety of priorities, including education, infrastructure, public safety, and environment/natural resources. The budget has a record $26.8 billion marked for K-12 education spending and $2.7 billion in tax relief to assist families facing “high inflation caused by reckless federal spending.” “We have stayed the course and put the individual freedoms of Floridians at the forefront of every decision, resulting in low unemployment, record tourism, and a thriving economy,” DeSantis said. “Through this year’s budget, we have cemented an economic framework which supports Florida’s families, business owners, and students in the pursuit of a prosperous future.” This includes a historic $1.6 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality efforts, $4 billion for the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, which aims to increase safety and reduce traffic congestion in transportation infrastructure, $1.1 billion in raises for teachers, and $711 million for workforce and affordable housing. As part of the governor’s continuing focus on education, the Framework for Freedom Budget allows $1.6 billion to be spent on early childhood education, with over $427 million for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), $3.7 billion in operating funding for the state university system, and $1.7 billion for the college system without increasing higher education tuition or fees. The budget also gives public safety professionals $130 million in targeted pay increases, focuses on cancer research and care with $191 million, and sets aside $2.8 billion for the state’s agricultural industry, with more than $52 million earmarked for citrus research and the Citrus Health Response Program. Other high-dollar budget items include $635 million to support workforce education programs to ensure Florida fills high-demand, high-wage jobs, $300 million for resilience projects statewide, and $976 million for conservation and recreation land acquisition. DeSantis also touted the $400 million allocated for the Debt Reduction Program which will reduce Florida’s debt obligations and save taxpayers an estimated $31 million. The state’s record budget is 6% higher than last year’s and more than 30% more than the one signed by his predecessor Gov. Rick Scott in his final year. However, Florida continues to maintain significant reserves at the close of the fiscal year, totaling more than $15.3 billion to weather future economic uncertainty or natural disasters.
Gov. DeSantis and state legislators have found themselves with a surplus of sales tax revenue thanks to a booming tourism industry and a thriving economy. Additionally, the injection of a substantial amount of federal funds from Washington, aimed at aiding states in their post-pandemic recovery and infrastructure development, has further contributed to the outsized spending. With ample resources at their disposal, DeSantis and his administration have capitalized on these favorable economic conditions. They have utilized the surplus funds to support an assertively conservative agenda, while also expanding the governor's authority and influence.
Governor’s $511M in spiteful vetoes
As Gov. DeSantis signed Florida’s record $116.5 billion state budget into law, he also axed $510.9 million in projects from the spending plan. In a transmittal letter to Secretary of State Cord Byrd announcing his decision, DeSantis said the half billion dollars in line-item vetos of largely local appropriation projects sponsored by lawmakers will “ensure that [Florida] remains resilient and responsive to unforeseen emergencies.” The total $511 million sum of vetoes is far smaller than the record $3.1 billion cut by the governor last year. Among the largest excises by DeSantis from the budget include $100 million for conservation easements and agricultural land protections, $30.8 million to purchase Kirkland Ranch in Pasco County for water and land conservation, and more than $120 million in higher education funding projects. The latter cuts would have delivered $34.1 million for a STEAM Complex at St. Johns River State College and an addition to its Palatka campus, $20 million for a nursing school at University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, $16.2 million for an expansion to Polk State College, $14.5 million in classroom building renovations at Florida Gulf Coast University, and $11.2 million for Florida Polytechnic’s new Student Achievement Center. Additional funding for workforce and science-based programs at colleges and universities also didn’t make it past the Governor’s Office. Nearly a quarter of total funding killed by line-item vetoes were projects in the Tampa Bay area – a loss of $125 million to the region. The cuts affected funding for Tampa Bay Water, the Florida Aquarium, the Florida Orchestra, Tampa Bay Watch, Pinellas County Urban League, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, Moffitt Cancer Center, Pasco County Fire, and a variety of transit and park projects in Sarasota, Manatee, Polk, and Citrus counties.
Sarasota and Pasco counties were two significant losers in the 2023 budget, with vetoed budget appropriations collectively totaling more than $70 million. Many believe these projects were targeted after lawmakers representing these areas failed to endorse Ron DeSantis for president. Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), the former chairman of the Florida Republican Party, accused the governor of retaliating for his prior endorsement of former President Donald Trump’s candidacy by excising millions in hometown projects. “The governor is clearly upset I endorsed Donald Trump for president, and so he took it out on the people of Sarasota County," he said. The governor’s office has labeled the accusations as “absurd.” “…Simply because I support his political opponent, the governor chose to punish ordinary Floridians who want better water quality, less traffic congestion and increased for resources for disabled children to grateful employment. It’s mean-spirited acts like this that are defining him here and across the country,” Gruters added. However, another state senator that was one of a handful of holdout lawmakers that did not immediately back DeSantis' presidential bid also saw his projects cut from the budget. Senator Hooper, the chairperson of the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations Committee, who represents parts of Pinellas and Pasco counties, put tens of millions in district projects in the state spending plan, only for them to suffer the fate of governor’s veto pen. Senator Gruters and Hooper were two of 14 legislators who did not endorse the Republican governor’s White House bid before his announcement last month. DeSantis’ line-item vetoes also hit Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson hard when $100 million was struck out of the budget, funding that would have paid farmers who elect to preserve their land from development. Commissioner Simpson bashed the governor’s decision by saying that there was “no conceivable reason to target agriculture in a year when [Florida has] billions of dollars in reserves.” “Agriculture was harmed today and so was the state of Florida,” he added. Democrats also weighed in on DeSantis’ spending cuts to the budget, with House Democratic Caucus Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) characterizing the action as harmful. "DeSantis cut half a billion dollars from projects to keep Floridians healthy, protect us from storms, and improve our schools and roads," Rep. Driskell said in a statement. House Democrats conducted an analysis that concluded nearly 40% of their appropriation projects were vetoed by the governor.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez jumps into presidential race
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has announced his bid for president, becoming the latest Republican to enter the crowded 2024 field and the third candidate from Florida. “I’m going to run for your children and mine. Let’s give them the future they deserve. It’s time to take things into our own hands. It’s time to get things started,” Suarez said in a video posted last week announcing the decision. Suarez, 44, is the two-term Cuban American mayor of Florida’s second-most populous city and is considered a rising star in the GOP. “It’s time for a leader who can connect with segments of our country that Republicans have historically lost, like young voters and urban voters, and segments we can make gains with, like Hispanics and suburban women,” said Suarez. A super PAC backing his candidacy highlighted the Mayor’s approach to tackling crime, support for law enforcement, and his tenure focused on revitalizing Miami, pursuing pro-business economic growth, technological innovation, infrastructure investment, and combating climate change. His announcement comes just days after Trump, another 2024 presidential candidate, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a Miami courthouse, in which he pleaded not guilty. The Republican mayor is a long-shot candidate in the crowded GOP field and Suarez hopes to be able to break through as the only major Hispanic candidate in the race that will appeal to one of the nation’s fastest-growing racial and ethnic groups. As a relatively known figure in Florida, and boasting a strong fundraising record, he will need to boost name recognition across the country, but he can position himself as a unifying leader with a demonstrated ability to collaborate and reach across party lines. However, at times, he has sparred with Gov. DeSantis, one of the other Floridians in the race, over his feud with Disney, his endeavor to investigate election fraud last year, and his decision to reopen bars during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suarez’s father, Xavier Suarez, also served as mayor of Miami from 1985 to 1993, and again from 1997 to 1998, before being removed from office due to voter fraud.
New condos to be developed on the site of the Surfside condo collapse
A developer has submitted plans for a new condominium building on the site of the Surfside collapse that killed 98 people in 2021. The developer, DAMAC International, a Dubai-based company, has proposed a 12-story, 57-unit building on the property where the Champlain Towers South condominium complex once stood. The "ultra-luxury boutique oceanfront condominium" building would be designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, a renowned international firm. The submitted application is subject to approval by the Surfside Planning and Zoning Board and the town's commission. Only after receiving the necessary approval would the developer be able to submit for a construction building permit on the site. The submittal by DAMAC International comes just shy of the two-year anniversary of the 12-story, 135-unit Champlain Towers South collapse that occurred in the early morning of June 24, 2021. The building was in need of structural repair and was being inspected at the time of the collapse. However, the exact cause of the collapse hasn’t been narrowed down as federal investigators continue to analyze the condo’s remains. The plans to redevelop the site with another condominium building have been met with mixed reactions from the community, including family members of the victims. Some people have expressed support for the project, saying that it will help to revitalize the area and provide much-needed housing. Others have expressed anger and sadness, saying that the property should be revered as a memorial that honors the victims of the tragedy. The developer purchased the property last year for $120 million and if the project is approved, construction is expected to begin in 2024.
Related: Federal investigators say Surfside condo that collapsed was not built to code
While investigators looking into the Surfside condominium building collapse that killed 98 cannot yet pinpoint the exact cause of the tragedy, they have released a preliminary analysis that the building did not meet building codes. "Our preliminary analysis of the original structural design of CTS shows that the building did not meet building codes in effect at the time, nor today’s building codes," the National Institute of Standards and Technology team said at a recent public hearing. "Furthermore, there’s evidence of errors in construction and renovations that compounded those deficiencies." Despite the investigation being expected to wrap up no earlier than May 2024, investigators are continuing to examine the pool deck as a contributor to the building’s tragic fate. Specifically, they believe the deck’s design, misplaced reinforcement, and corrosion played a significant role in the structure’s demise.
$1B development planned for Miami’s Brickell Key
A developer is entering into the final phase of an extensive four-decade-long development of Miami's Brickell Key with an ambitious plan to construct two towers at a cost exceeding $1 billion. The forthcoming project by Swire Properties Inc., named One Island Drive, will feature an 800-foot-tall condo skyscraper branded by luxury hospitality company Mandarin Oriental, consisting of 222 units, including high-end duplex penthouses. Additionally, a smaller structure will house a Mandarin Oriental hotel, providing 151 rooms, 28 hotel residences, and 61 private residences. To accommodate the new flagship property for the Mandarin Oriental brand in North America, the existing Mandarin Oriental hotel, established in 2000, will be demolished in early 2025. Sales for the condominium tower are expected to commence later this year, with prices starting at approximately $3.5 million for a two-bedroom unit. The site represents the last available land on Brickell Key and the project serves as a prime location within walking distance of other Swire developments, including the completed $1 billion Brickell City Centre in 2016 and a towering office skyscraper reaching approximately 1,000 feet in height by Manhattan-based Related Cos.
State Commission recommends Parkland judge be reprimanded for conduct
Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who presided over the trial of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz, has been recommended to be publicly reprimanded for her conduct that showed bias toward the prosecution. The Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates complaints against judges, found Scherer to have violated several rules governing judicial conduct, including allowing “her emotions to overcome her judgment” and neglecting to cease critical comments by victims’ families from being directed at Cruz’s attorneys. The 15-member commission found several violations of judicial conduct rules by the judge during last year’s high-profile six-month trial that resulted in a life sentence for Cruz after a jury did not unanimously agree on imposing the death penalty. Meanwhile, last month, Judge Scherer announced that she would be retiring from the bench on June 30 after serving as a member of the judiciary for over 10 years. No reason was provided in her resignation letter sent to Gov. DeSantis. The commission's report will be sent to the Florida Supreme Court, which will make the final decision on Scherer’s reprimand.
State Republican lawmaker says anti-immigration bill he supported is causing migrant families to flee
State Rep. Rick Roth, a Republican lawmaker from Naples, is saying that an anti-immigration law he supported is causing a "major problem" as migrant families are leaving the state. Rep. Roth said the law, which was signed by Gov. DeSantis in May, is scaring away undocumented immigrants and their families. He said the new provisions are also making it difficult for businesses to find workers, especially in the agriculture, tourism, and construction sectors. Taking effect on July 1, Senate Bill 1718 is a sweeping anti-immigration bill that is among the strictest in the country and applies strict penalties on employers who knowingly employ illegal aliens. It also requires employers to use E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of employees, establishes steep fines for violators, and makes using a fake ID to gain employment a felony. While Rep. Roth still stands by his support for the bill, he says it has created “a lot of negative consequences” as it attempts to prevent undocumented immigrants from moving to the state. Roth and other GOP lawmakers are asking people to urge migrants to stay in Florida, but an unknown number of families are reported to have already left the state while others are not shown up to work out of fear. SB 1718 also invalidates driver’s licenses issued to undocumented people by other states and bans local governments from issuing identification documents.
Florida achieves 30 launches from the Space Coast so far this year
SpaceX launched a communications satellite for Indonesia on Sunday evening, marking the 30th launch of the year on the Space Coast. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The company has now flown 29 of the 30 launches so far this year from Florida, with the only other coming from Relativity Space when it sent up the 3D-printed Terran 1 in March.
Disney announces Jollywood Nights: A glamorous holiday party at Hollywood Studios
Get ready for a holiday extravaganza like no other as Disney announces the arrival of “Jollywood Nights,” a sensational new holiday party at Disney's Hollywood Studios. On just ten select nights from November 11th to December 20th, 2023, this separately-ticketed event promises a night of glitz, glamor, and festive fun. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a holiday wonderland filled with shimmering décor, live bands featuring uptempo music infused with classic holiday tunes, a new stage show, and delectable food and drinks. The event will run from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., allowing guests to revel in the holiday spirit after the park's regular operating hours. Jollywood Nights will also include the return of the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” state-of-the-art light projection and firework show that brings the theme park’s buildings to life. In addition to the mix of dance-worthy mashups, delightful treats, holiday-inspired cocktails, and the chance to capture memorable selfies with beloved Disney characters, the event also grants guests after-hours access to popular attractions and rides under the night sky. Ticket range from $159 to $179 per person, with guests of select Walt Disney World Resorts eligible to buy tickets beginning on June 29. Tickets for all guests will be available for purchase on July 6.
Orlando restaurant ranks No. 1 among award-winning dining spots
According to a survey by Trips to Discover, Walt Disney World’s Victoria & Albert’s has claimed the top spot among award-winning restaurants in the United States. The evaluation was based on customer reviews and ratings from TripAdvisor, considering 3-Star Michelin, Five-Star Forbes, and AAA five-diamond restaurants. Located within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Victoria & Albert’s has been described as a “crowning jewel in the culinary world” by Trips to Discover. The restaurant proudly holds a Five-Star badge from Forbes Travel Guide and AAA Five-Diamond honor, embodying grace and elegance in the gastronomy world. Reviewers have consistently praised the establishment for its acclaimed tasting menu, catering to specific dietary needs, and attentive service. To indulge in this upscale dining experience, guests can expect a prix-fixe menu starting at $295 per person.
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen opens in Tampa
Beer lovers in Tampa have a reason to raise their glasses as the highly anticipated Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen has officially opened its doors. As the oldest brewery in America, D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. brings its rich brewing heritage to this new establishment, located in Uptown Tampa, offering a unique dining experience paired with a selection of Yuengling beers. The restaurant and brewery showcases a wide selection of draft beers, from traditional lagers to seasonal brews, guests can enjoy the rich flavors and craftsmanship that Yuengling is renowned for. Beyond the impressive beer offerings, the Draft Haus & Kitchen also boasts a private dining area, a meeting room space, an outdoor recreation area, a beer garden, gift shops, and even a coffee bar. The new 42,000-square-foot space opens at Yuengling’s existing Tampa brewery, with a total indoor and outdoor capacity of 800 people.
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