Florida's newly approved curriculum on slavery draws national ire & DeSantis' presidential struggles mount as campaign lays off 38 staffers
July 27, 2023 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Florida approves Black history curriculum that teaches “benefit” of slavery
Newly approved curriculum for teaching African American history in Florida schools has ignited national controversy as it includes lessons on how "slaves developed skills" that could be used for their own "personal benefit." The new standards by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), which fall under the African-American social studies section, are geared toward students in grades six through eight, aiming to teach them about the causes and consequences of the slave trade in the colonies and learn “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit,” according to FDOE. The contentious benchmark clarification comes in a lesson that prompts students to examine the various duties and trades performed by slaves, such as agriculture, domestic service, blacksmithing, tailoring, and painting. However, the inclusion of the phrase "personal benefit" in relation to slave skills has ignited debate. Critics argue that it downplays the harsh realities of slavery and seeks to present a distorted narrative. Vice President Harris also weighed in and condemned the curriculum, calling it an attempt to “gaslight” students and erase crucial aspects of African-American history. Gov. DeSantis defended the curriculum against Harris' criticism by accusing the vice president of spreading misinformation to push her own agenda and asserted that the new standards provide a factual account of history. He has since attempted to distance himself from the news. The Florida Department of Education is also standing by its approval decision, asserting that the standards were crafted by a workgroup of 13 educators and academics, aiming to provide comprehensive and rigorous instruction on African American history, including “the good, the bad and the ugly." Two of the curriculum's creators have come out publicly to defend their work, emphasizing that the intention is to recognize the strength and resilience of enslaved individuals in using the specialized skills they developed for their own benefit during challenging times in American history. “Any attempt to reduce slaves to just victims of oppression fails to recognize their strength, courage and resiliency during a difficult time in American history,” the two members said in a statement. “Florida students deserve to learn how slaves took advantage of whatever circumstances they were in to benefit themselves and the community of African descendants.”
The adoption of this curriculum comes after the state rejected a proposed advanced placement course focusing on African American studies earlier this year. DeSantis criticized the course for incorporating “woke” ideologies under the guise of history, emphasizing that the curriculum was “indoctrination” and “contrary to Florida law,” specifically as it covered “Black Queer theory.”
DeSantis' presidential campaign lays off 38 staffers in July
Less than two weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign laid off nearly ten staffers, additional shake-ups within campaign are underway as the GOP candidate struggles to meet fundraising goals. On Tuesday, the DeSantis presidential campaign laid off another 28 employees – nearly a third of its total staff – as the Florida governor continues to lag in the polls behind former President Donald Trump. Per recent campaign finance records Team DeSantis consisted of about 90 staffers. The campaign claimed that the cost-cutting moves were part of a necessary streamlining effort to secure a win in the Republican primary. However, the move has raised concerns among Republicans, including some donors, about DeSantis' strength and ability to compete effectively against Trump. The governor's campaign has been facing financial challenges, spending around $8 million of the $20 million raised in the first six weeks of his candidacy. Plus, over one-third of the donations received came during the first 10 days of the campaign, which has been overly reliant on wealthy donors who have already reached their maximum individual contribution limits. This could make it difficult for the campaign to raise money in the long term and attract new support. News of the layoffs come as the DeSantis campaign has restrategized, aiming for a “leaner” operation that presents his candidacy as an “insurgent” that embraces his underdog status. With the Florida governor focused on winning the early primary states such as Iowa, confidence in the campaign continues to erode following excessive campaign spending and unchanged poll numbers, leaving open the possibility of other primary challengers stealing support from DeSantis.
DeSantis targets Bud Light over transgender influencer marketing controversy
While continuing his feud with the Walt Disney Company, Gov. DeSantis has set his sights on a new target: Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Bud Light. The Republican presidential candidate is calling for an investigation into the state's investments in the company following the conservative backlash over Bud Light's marketing partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. DeSantis claims that the association with "radical social ideologies" has led to sales losses and transformed the alcoholic beverage company into a "commercial pariah," which he suggests could affect state investments in Florida’s pension fund. He has asked the agency managing the state’s retirement fund to review its holdings and consider legal action against the company if they are found to have “breached legal duties owed to its shareholders,” the governor said in a letter. Anheuser-Busch InBev has not yet responded to the governor's request. DeSantis has previously targeted companies promoting social issues that don't align with his beliefs, sparking culture wars in his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
Coral reefs in Florida Keys are bleaching due to record-high water temperatures
Scientists have raised concerns about coral reefs in the Florida Keys as they are already experiencing harmful bleaching due to record-high water temperatures. Certain coral reefs in the waters of South Florida are losing their color much earlier than expected this summer, indicating stress and potential endangerment that make the corals more susceptible to disease and death. When coral reefs bleach by changes in their environmental conditions, they lose their symbiotic algae, which provide them with necessary food and nutrients. The corals, which are usually vibrant and colorful at this time of year, are swiftly turning white as surface temperatures around the Keys have averaged about 91 degrees. This is well above the normal average temperatures in mid-July of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has raised its coral bleaching warning system to Alert Level 2 for the Keys, indicating the highest heat stress level. The peak for bleaching typically happens in late August or September, when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but as it's occurring much earlier this year, scientists remain concerned about the health of the reefs and marine life dependent on them. Florida's coral reefs have experienced an 80% to 90% decline over the last 50 years largely due to climate change and other factors, but efforts are underway to rebuild these reefs and develop heat-resistant coral through breeding and other techniques.
Federal court blocks Florida’s anti-drag law
A recent federal court ruling has eased concerns of drag performers, organizers of Pride parades and drag queen story hours, and the LGBTQ+ community by blocking Florida’s anti-drag law. U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the enforcement of state law that punished venues for allowing children into “adult live performances,” which included drag shows. The judge reiterated his belief that the legislation is likely unconstitutional. The issued injunction now extends to all Florida venues and will prohibit enforcement of the law until a trial is held next spring to determine its constitutionality. Prior to this action by Judge Presnell, organizers and hosts of drag performances or drag queen story hours faced fines, the possibility of having their liquor license suspended or revoked, and individuals found in violation could face misdemeanor charges. When Gov. DeSantis, who championed the law, signed the bill in May, it curtailed some of last month’s Pride celebrations across the state. Organizers of Pride festivities in several communities ended up canceling some events like parades, restricting attendance to people aged 21 and up, or moving drag show portions of the celebrations to indoor settings. DeSantis has faced criticism for a series of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation approved this year, but the recent court rulings provide relief for those wishing to express themselves freely in drag shows and other LGBTQ-friendly events.
DeSantis rejects $377M in federal funds for clean energy initiatives
Gov. DeSantis has turned down hundreds of millions of dollars in federal energy funding offered by the Biden administration for energy-efficiency rebates and electrification initiatives as part of the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’s Office of Energy notified the U.S. Department of Energy last month it was withdrawing its funding applications after DeSantis issued a line-item veto that slashed a $5 million federal grant that would have provided the state with personnel to administer and distribute the rebates. The rejected funding amounted to approximately $377 million in federal dollars that would have flowed to the state, including about $174 million in rebates for energy-efficiency improvements and another $173 million for a rebate program that applied to the purchase of energy-efficient home appliances. An additional $7 million was to be used for a training program for electric contractors. DeSantis also refused a $24 million federal grant from the federal infrastructure law that would have been used to upgrade wastewater systems in rural counties.
$120M Amazon satellite processing facility planned for Kennedy Space Center
Amazon is set to build a $120 million satellite processing facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for its Kuiper internet satellite project. The facility will be the final stop for Amazon's Kuiper satellites before launching into space. The project will send a low Earth orbit satellite network into space that will “provide fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities,” according to Amazon. This aims to compete with rival SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband internet network that began launching satellites in 2019 and boasts more than 1.5 million subscribers. The 100,000 square feet facility is expected to be completed by late 2024 and will include a 100-foot tall high bay clean room to house the payload fairing of heavy-lift rockets. Amazon is targeting the second half of 2025 to send its initial batch of satellites to the new Florida facility for processing, with the goal of deploying at least 50% of the 3,200 Kuiper satellites into orbit by 2026. Amazon's future satellite-processing site is expected to create approximately 50 specialty jobs along the Space Coast. The project will be the byproduct of a strategic partnership between Amazon and Space Florida's Spaceport Improvement Program, which provides matching investment on the development and enhancement of critical spaceport infrastructure.
Florida schools adopt lessons from conservative non-profit PragerU
PragerU, an unaccredited political non-profit organization known for its conservative views on immigration, LGBTQ issues, climate change, and systemic racism, has been approved to provide classroom materials to Florida schools. Founded by conservative talk radio host Dennis Prager, PragerU is an “alternative to the dominant left-wing ideology in culture, media, and education.” They are aiming to get their K-12 lessons into as many states as possible and claim that Florida is the first state to allow its materials. The organization's curriculum has faced criticism for spreading misinformation, promoting right-wing causes, selective presentation of information, and downplaying social issues like racism and gender equality. The approval by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) means the lesson materials will not serve as instructional curriculum, but can supplement existing materials at the discretion of school districts. A spokesperson for FDOE clarified that the lessons match the state's civics and government standards.
Local government projects face delays, increased costs
Local government construction projects are experiencing significant delays and heightened costs due to supply-chain disruptions, high labor expenses, and inflation. In Palm Beach County, over $500 million of county construction projects are facing delays of up to a year. Issues are particularly pronounced at Palm Beach International Airport, where an expansion of Concourse B is hampered by supply-chain issues and rising costs but is moving forward without a definite completion date while other projects at the airport are facing delays that extend to at least February 2026. Construction for a pipeline in Palm Beach County’s Water Utilities Department and at the Sheriff’s Office are seeing costs 50% and 35% higher, respectively, with local governments receiving no bids or single bids. Contractors are facing worker shortages, supply-chain delays, and fewer available subcontractors that impact projects, but also, more money can be made on jobs in the private sector and they often get paid faster. Similar problems are seen in other counties like Collier and Lee, where transportation projects are facing substantial cost increases, impacting budgets and potentially delaying completion. In Lee County, the total cost for 13 priority transportation projects slated to be completed within the next five to 10 years jumped 30%, or more than $300 million, as a result of inflation and climbing construction and land costs. Alternative funding sources, such as state and federal grants, are being sought by local governments to alleviate financial strain, but the ongoing construction cost trends present a major challenge for future infrastructure projects in Florida.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s presidential campaign under scrutiny after $500K donation from Chinese-linked flower shop
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is facing scrutiny after receiving a $500,000 donation from an online flower shop, PassionForest LLC, which allegedly violated federal campaign financing laws and has ties to China. The Campaign Legal Center filed a 27-page complaint with the Federal Election Commission, accusing "unknown persons" of using the less than a year-old company to conceal the true source of the donations made to the Republican mayor's long-shot presidential bid. Suarez has previously faced criticism for possible conflicts related to outside employment and a consulting role for a real estate developer that saw the mayor’s net worth more than double in 2022. Meanwhile, PassionForest, which operates primarily in China and sells artificial flowers on Amazon.com, is suspected of being used to hide illegal foreign national contributions. Mayor Suarez’s office referred calls to the PAC, which characterizes the allegations as “a political attack.”
DeSantis drops to third place in South Carolina, poll
According to a recent Fox Business poll released this week, Florida Governor and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is trailing behind former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. The poll shows that almost half of South Carolina likely Republican primary voters prefer Trump in the 2024 primary contest, with 48 percent. Haley follows well behind with 14 percent of the vote, while DeSantis has 13 percent, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has 10 percent. Winning South Carolina’s primary on February 24 is crucial for gaining early momentum in the primaries, with every South Carolina winner since 1980, except for 2012, eventually securing the GOP nomination. While DeSantis has faced a series of campaign challenges this month, a recent University of New Hampshire poll indicated that he gained ground on Trump in the 2024 primary race, with the former president's 20-point lead over DeSantis in April shrinking to 14 points in mid-July.
Sen. Rick Scott receives the re-election endorsement from 59 Florida sheriffs
Florida’s junior Senator Rick Scott has earned endorsements from nearly every Florida sheriff for his 2024 re-election bid. The Republican Senator and former governor announced that 59 county sheriffs in the state are backing his campaign, highlighting Scott's work alongside these sheriffs during “hurricanes, storm recovery, school safety, and the fentanyl crisis” in a news release. The endorsements come as Sen. Scott has released his public safety platform for the 2024 election, which includes priorities like combating efforts to “defund the police,” funding law enforcement officer support services, and opposing “liberal prosecutors who refuse to do their jobs.” His plan also advocates for “mandatory strict minimum sentences” for criminals who commit acts against law enforcement officers, reinforces qualified immunity for police officers, and eliminates no-knock warrants for non-violent crimes. Scott's campaign pointed out that the sheriff endorsements included the elected Democratic sheriffs of Gadsden and Calhoun counties and NPA Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. There are 67 sheriffs in Florida.
DeSantis rejects suggestion of being Trump’s vice president
While running for president and failing to make meaningful gains in the polls, Gov. DeSantis has declined the possibility of being former President Donald Trump's running mate if given the opportunity. He stated that he is not interested in being a vice president, as the position lacks real authority, and would instead prefer to remain Florida’s governor. Questions and speculation directed toward DeSantis being Trump’s running mate have circulated even prior to his official entry into the race. Trump supporters have frequently cited their preference for a Trump-DeSantis ticket, seeing that as a formidable challenge to Biden and coalesce unified support among the GOP. In rejecting any notion of being considered as a vice presidential running mate, DeSantis emphasized his focus on winning the early primaries to gain early traction and momentum that he hopes will propel him to securing the Republican nomination.
Florida Supreme Court reprimands judge in Parkland school shooting trial
The Florida Supreme Court has reprimanded Judge Elizabeth Scherer for demonstrating bias toward prosecutors during sentencing proceedings against the Parkland school shooter, Nikolas Cruz. Following a recommendation from the state's Judicial Qualifications Commission, the court found that Scherer violated judicial conduct rules by “unduly chastising” the lead public defender and hugging the prosecution team after imposing Cruz's life sentence. Cruz had been responsible for the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, resulting in the deaths of 17 people. He was spared the death penalty after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision. Scherer had previously been barred by the state Supreme Court from overseeing other post-conviction proceedings due to her actions. She previously announced in May that she would be retiring from the bench on June 30.
Investigation into sexual harassment State Rep. Fabian Basabe unravels more inappropriate behavior
More details have been revealed by the Miami Herald following allegations of sexual harassment against State Representative Fabian Basabe (R-Miami). Earlier this month, a lawsuit was filed by two former male staffers that included claims of unwanted touching and advances. The Miami Herald has reported that Basabe has a long history of unacceptable behavior spanning nearly two decades. This has included two separate allegations that he bit a hotel employee and a restaurant waitress, was involved in disorderly conduct incidents at several Miami venues, slapped a legislative aide, and reportedly used racial slurs at a party. Rep. Basabe has denied the claims of his former staffers and disparaged them on social media.
Floridians will get early access to state park camping reservations
Florida residents will have a leg up when it comes to booking state campground reservations, thanks to a new law. Starting January 1, residents can book campsites at any of Florida's state parks up to 11 months in advance, while non-residents can only book up to 10 months ahead. The move aims to give locals a better chance at securing reservations, especially with more than 32 million visitors to state parks in a typical year. However, some popular campgrounds are already fully booked until April 2024. Camping is available at 57 of Florida's 175 state parks, and prices range from $16-$42 per night for campsites and $30-$160 per night for cabins. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-326-3521 or by visiting reserve.floridastateparks.org.
Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine was the busiest for campground reservations last year with 16,046 total reservations. However, the most popular state park booking was Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, with a 90% occupancy rate.
Volunteers remove 8,000+ pounds of abandoned crab traps from Tampa Bay
More than 8,000 pounds of abandoned crab traps were hauled from the waters of Tampa Bay during a recent cleanup effort. The 2023 Ghost Trap Rodeo brought together over 100 volunteers who removed 260 traps from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and around Tampa Bay, preventing them from continuing to capture and harm marine wildlife. In total, 8,384 pounds of derelict traps were removed. The traps, often lost due to storms, propeller strikes, or forgetfulness, become "ghost traps" that inadvertently continue to trap and kill fish and other marine animals vital to life in Florida’s largest open-water estuary.
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