DeSantis and Crist debate, special legislative session on insurance, voter fraud charges dismissed, and more...
October 27, 2022 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
Welcome to this week’s edition of Floridian Today, a newsletter about all things Florida — from politics, business, real estate, and climate. Reporting from the Sunshine State, these are the most important stories you need to know. To never miss an update, subscribe here:
Here’s the latest from Florida…
DeSantis and Crist heated in Florida’s only gubernatorial debate
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and Democrat Charlie Crist squared off in the first and only gubernatorial debate this mid-term election season. The hour-long debate airing across the state from Fort Pierce was filled sharp attacks by both candidates and was a boisterous occasion with plenty of applause, cheers, and interruptions by the audience as moderators struggled to keep them under control. DeSantis and Crist clashed on topics that included abortion, crime, education, the COVID-19 pandemic, voting access, affordability, President Joe Biden, and DeSantis’ future political ambitions.
For a complete recap of Monday night’s debate, read our story here.
Gov. DeSantis plans special session on taxes, insurance
In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced plans to call a special legislative session to provide tax and property insurance relief to people impacted by the storm. The governor made the announcement last week during an event in Fort Myers, saying top lawmakers agreed to hold a special session following the November 8 mid-term election. On the agenda, legislators will aim to provide property tax rebates to counties affected by the storm and address the state’s property insurance crisis that has worsened following Hurricane Ian. Citing increased insurance costs, DeSantis committed to creating a “more competitive market where rates are incentivized to go down.” Florida has been shedding private insurers for years as they have faced financial collapse or sought to exit the state altogether due to the rising cost of doing business here. Citizens Insurance, the state-funded insurer of last resort, has soared to over one million policyholders, putting it also at risk of financial trouble. This would be the Legislature’s second attempt to tackle issues plaguing the property insurance market this year, after holding a special session in May to address the matter. DeSantis also announced that he plans to issue an executive order that would delay tax deadlines for counties that have received a disaster designation from the federal government. The executive order would apply until lawmakers can meet to pass legislation that would make it law.
Charges dismissed in voter fraud case touted by Gov. DeSantis
In August, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the arrest of 20 individuals who were charged for violating the state’s elections laws following an investigation by the newly-created Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The 20 individuals arrested were ineligible to vote due to prior convictions of murder or felony sexual offenses, but nevertheless, voted in the 2020 election. The case garnered national attention and was used by Gov. DeSantis to make an example of Florida’s commitment to secure elections, which has become a controversial topic following the outcome of the 2020 election. However, on Friday, a Miami judge dismissed charges in the first case against a man arrested in August who had been charged with voter fraud as part of the state’s crackdown. The charges were dismissed after the judge found that the statewide prosecutor’s office lacked jurisdiction over the case. The ruling may influence similar motions and rulings in the other 19 election fraud cases as the judge stated that an alleged crime must have occurred in at least two judicial circuits for the statewide prosecutor's office to have jurisdiction in a case. The judge agreed with the defense that the purported voting violations only occurred in Miami-Dade County. The defendant faced up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines for allegations of illegally voting in the 2020 election. The governor’s executive office and the statewide prosecutor disagree with the judge’s interpretation of jurisdiction according to state statute and plan to appeal the decision.
Florida provides funds to help with insurance deductibles following Hurricane Ian
More relief is headed to the southwest Florida counties hit hard by Hurricane Ian last month, Gov. DeSantis has announced. As homeowners begin the long process of rebuilding and struggle to cover costs amid their losses, the state will be disbursing $5 million to six counties to assist individuals with their home insurance deductibles. “We understand that those deductibles can be difficult to meet, and we want to be able to help,” DeSantis said. The funds will be awarded to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) office in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties. "By providing the necessary assistance to help these homeowners with their insurance deductibles, we hope to ease some of the financial burden[s] that comes after a major storm and allow their focus to remain on recovery," said Florida Housing Finance Corp. Executive Director Trey Price. The funding comes after Gov. DeSantis previously announced a total of $4 million would be distributed to support local education foundations and nonprofit organizations in the same six counties hit hardest by the storm.
Unemployment rate drops historically low to 2.5%
Florida is experiencing the lowest unemployment rate since 2006 at 2.5% for September. This was a decrease of 0.2% from August and estimates 266,000 people out of work in a statewide labor force of 10.7 million. However, economists cautioned that the numbers do not reflect the economic hit the state suffered from Hurricane Ian. October’s numbers released next month will likely deliver a small uptick in the unemployment rate.
Foreclosures in Florida
While demand in Florida’s housing market has been hot for nearly two years, data shows foreclosure rates in the state have increased 71% year-over-year. The data collected by real estate company ATTOM, shows 9,284 foreclosure filings in the previous quarter of 2022. About 30% of foreclosure filings in Florida were in the Miami area. The data shows a trend of increasing foreclosure rates across the nation, with a 3% rise in September 2022. Florida boasted the second-highest foreclosure rate in the United States after California. However, ATTOM noted that while “foreclosure starts” have risen since the government’s end to the foreclosure moratorium instituted during the pandemic, the number of foreclosures were behind pre-2020 levels. Foreclosure increases nationally are accompanying the trend of rising mortgage interest rates that have climbed to 6.92% currently, continuing to drive housing demand down.
1+ million ballots have been cast ahead of midterm elections
More than 1.2 million Floridians have already cast their ballots ahead of the midterm elections on November 8. The numbers, representing mail-in ballots already returned, indicate strong turnout and interest in the election that is less than two weeks away. So far, more Democrats have cast their ballots than Republicans, but the deadline is too far out to gather any assumptions from those statistics. In fact, Democrats’ statewide margin for completed mail-in ballots was just 45,518, or 42.2% of returned ballots. Results tallied by voters who cast their votes in-person on Election Day tend to favor Republicans and that is expected to be the case this year amid the GOP’s heightened concerns about election security. With in-person early voting now underway across the state, including the largest counties, the numbers are expected to fluctuate as millions of ballots will be cast that could upend traditional voting patterns.
A swing state no more? Experts believe Florida is no longer a political battleground
Since the late 1990s, Florida’s reputation as a swing state has endured, but political experts believe that may no longer be the case. Following the 2000 United States presidential election debacle, which was ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, Republican George W. Bush won the state’s 25 electoral votes over Democrat Al Gore by the slightest of margins – less than .01% or 600 votes statewide. The razor-thin margin that forced the subsequent ballot recounting process was subject to legal battles and cemented Florida’s electoral status as a battleground state. But shifting demographics and voting patterns in the past few years say the once-purple state now leans red. One contributing factor is more Republicans are moving to the Sunshine State, with data from 2017 to 2022 showing a gain of nearly 700,000 new Republican voter registrations. Meanwhile, voter registrations for the Florida Democratic Party have remained flat, except for a spike of about 529,000 registrants from 2019 to 2020. In 2018, Florida Democrats had more than a 263,000-vote advantage, but Republicans have since completely reversed that lead. However, voters identifying as “independent” has also been growing. Education, inflation, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic are key issues driving Republican gains.
Ahead of next month’s mid-term election, Democrats are concerned that the state may no longer be competitive and fear losing the contests for governor and the U.S. Senate. The Democratic Party has suffered with establishing a unified, coherent message that appeals to independents and attracts new voters. A conservative approach to cultural issues embraced by Republicans such as Gov. Ron DeSantis seems to have been working. The shift to the right became apparent when presidential candidate Donald Trump twice won the state, including by more than 3 percentage points in 2020. But DeSantis is largely credited with the GOP’s gain as he garnered national attention during the pandemic and became the face of opposition to restrictive public health mandates. The margin of victory by the state’s gubernatorial and senatorial candidates, as well as the results in traditional Democratic-strongholds counties like Miami-Dade and Broward will determine Florida’s future status as a political battleground state.
Poll: DeSantis favored by most Hispanic voters ahead of Election Day
With less than two weeks until Election Day, a new poll shows Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis favored among Hispanic voters over Democratic opponent Charlie Crist. The poll by Telemundo/LX News shows that 51% of likely Hispanic voters would vote for the incumbent governor, while 44% said they would support Crist. The margin was even greater among independents, with 56% of likely Hispanic voters saying they would back DeSantis. A majority of the 625 voters polled said they agreed with the governor’s response to Hurricane Ian, the COVID-19 pandemic, housing affordability, and even, his relocation of illegal migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. However, when breaking down the support by country of origin, differences became stark. For example, most Cubans backed DeSantis on all issues, while a majority of Puerto Ricans supported his Democratic challenger and disapproved of the governor on immigration. Of the likely Hispanic voters polled with roots in South and Central America, such as Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, they were evenly divided on DeSantis’ overall performance but disapproved of his migrant flights to Martha’s Vineyard. Most surprising, 19% of registered Democrats polled said they approved of the Republican governor’s job performance.
Hurricane Catastrophe Fund estimates $10B in loss following Hurricane Ian
The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), or Cat Fund, was created by the legislature in 1993, following the $15 billion in devastation Hurricane Andrew caused. The Fund aims to promote insurance stability in the state by reimbursing insurers for a percentage of their losses following a catastrophic hurricane. The latest estimates following the damage inflicted by Hurricane Ian show the Cat Fund could shell out $10 billion to insurance companies, resulting in an ending balance of just $2.3 billion in cash at year-end. While the Cat Fund is expected to be able to pay obligations this year, it will begin the 2023 hurricane season in a precarious position. The FHCF plays an important role by serving as reinsurance to insurers that provides stability to the property insurance market in the event substantial claims need to be paid following a natural disaster. With more than 410,000 residential properties reporting damage claims from the storm, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the loss to FHCF will be significant and is projected to leave a wide $9.6 billion gap to meet the fund’s maximum obligation of $17 billion entering into 2023-2024. The actual depletion to the Fund is uncertain as losses are just beginning to be tabulated, but the preliminary projected hit of $10 billion remains a “conservative” target.
Thousands remain displaced following Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian made landfall nearly one month ago, bringing devastating winds and flood waters that cleared many homes and businesses from the landscape in Southwest Florida. As cleanup and extensive rebuilding efforts continue, thousands are financially ruined and remain displaced from their homes. More than 5,000 residential properties were destroyed, another 13,000 suffered major damage, and reports indicate hundreds remain in shelters in Lee County alone. Many of those displaced and living in shelters have little to no options of where to go and await financial assistance from the government. The storm’s magnitude has created an unnerving combination of homelessness, unemployment, and abandonment with few resources or little long-term assistance available. The Florida Disaster Fund has raised more than $50 million so far, including $2 million from the state of Florida to help residents repair and rebuild their homes, as previously announced by First Lady Casey DeSantis. However, this has brought little relief to displaced residents who lost their homes and lack adequate property insurance, especially the region’s older population who face greater barriers. The area has seen temporary camping locations pop up, including in a Walmart parking lot. RV campers and tents scattered throughout Lee and Charlotte counties have become a frequent sight. Permanent residents have become temporary refugees, with hotel vacancies difficult to find and shelters limited in the number of people they can take in. Where people will go likely remains an unanswered question in the months ahead, but for now, displaced residents are taking it one day at a time until more long-term options become available.
Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed it is supporting nearly 1,500 households and almost 4,000 people through its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Additionally, the Red Cross and its partners are operating 10 shelters in the region that are providing housing to about 1,000 people impacted by Hurricane Ian. Meanwhile, Airbnb’s nonprofit arm has committed $5 million to provide free temporary housing to displaced individuals and families who are referred to the organization.
DeSantis, FEMA agree to deal that expedites hurricane debris removal, provides housing relief
State and federal officials have reached a deal to remove debris in areas hit by Hurricane Ian that aims to accelerate the pace of cleanup efforts, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Government contractors tasked with debris removal following last month’s Category 4 storm can now be reimbursed for the demolition of buildings deemed a total loss and for cleaning wreckage from commercial and private property. DeSantis said the deal between the state and FEMA removes bureaucratic red tape that will help restore normalcy to Southwest Florida and the barrier islands faster. FEMA will now accept waivers to compensate contractors to remove specific types of debris from the property of businesses and homes that is generally not eligible for reimbursement by the federal agency. FEMA will also leverage satellite imagery to identify and expedite cleanup efforts, versus traveling through neighborhoods as was done in the aftermath of previous storms. Additionally, DeSantis announced a new debris removal program by the state that allows residents in impacted areas to request the cleanup of abandoned property, such as inoperable vehicles or derelict boats. The deal between state officials and FEMA also includes up to 18 months of temporary housing assistance to eligible residents of mobile homes.
Bad optics: St. Petersburg Mayor faces criticism for slacking off
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch has led Florida’s fifth-largest city since being inaugurated on January 6; however, he’s only visited City Hall 60 times in his first nine months into office. The newly-installed mayor of St. Petersburg is subject of a critical piece by the Tampa Bay Times that has evaluated his work patterns since taking office. From January 6 to September 7, Mayor Welch used his key card to swipe into City Hall just 60 times during this period, according to records obtain by the Tampa Bay Times from the City of St. Petersburg (the City initially refused to turnover until a lawyer with the Times got involved). That accounts for an attendance rate of just over 34%. The Times reports that the Mayor’s approach to the job – managing the City remotely – is part of a larger pattern for Welch. Last month, as Hurricane Ian was headed straight for Florida’s west coast, Mayor Welch was at home, away from the City’s emergency operations center on the night of September 28, when the storm made landfall. Meanwhile, his staff and other city officials spent the night at the operations center monitoring Ian’s impact on St. Petersburg. Welch defended his decision, citing the storm’s change of direction that sparred the City as he took an opportunity to check on his family. The Times reports that many of the Mayor’s weekly meetings, including with the development administrator and his cabinet meetings are held virtually via Zoom or over the phone. His cabinet officials are expected to work in-person. Welch says virtual meetings save him travel time and allow him to be out in the community more. “I just want to be clear that the taxpayers are getting their money’s worth,” Welch told The Times. “Every waking moment I’m working for this city.” City Council chairwoman Gina Driscoll weighed in on the matter, giving concern to Welch’s physical absence from the City’s day-to-day operations. “I’m not sure how you can effectively run a city of our size without being present,” Councilmember Driscoll said. This isn’t the first negative attention for the City of St. Petersburg since Mayor Welch was elected. His administration has been mired in a toxic work culture scandal that has seen numerous high-profile exits, including Welch’s communications director and his deputy mayor, the latter accused of being at the center of the problems.
Construction begins on Florida’s tallest building
Miami’s skyline will look different in a few years as construction is now underway on what will be Florida’s tallest building. The 1,049-foot Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences tower will feature 100 stories that will include 360 condo residences, a 205-room hotel, ground floor retail, a restaurant, event space, a fitness center and spa, and a resort-style pool area. The residential units are nearly 90% sold out with pricing expected to start out at $1 million for a studio apartment. The luxury development is expected to cross $1 billion and will be located in Miami’s booming Brickell financial district, along Biscayne Boulevard, with views of Biscayne Bay, the Port of Miami, South Beach, and the surrounding downtown skyline. The building’s exterior design is inspired by an offset stack of glass cubes and is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2026. Miami has long been the focal point for many developers seeking to deliver the city’s first super-tall tower, but such efforts have been unsuccessful until now. A super-tall building is an occupied structure between 984 and 1,969 feet in height, such as New York City’s One World Trade Center, Central Park Tower, and Willis Tower in Chicago. Currently, Florida’s tallest building is the Panorama Tower, an 85-story, 868-foot residential skyscraper completed in 2018.
8 Florida universities rank among the world’s best, per U.S. News ranking
The University of Florida and Florida State University top the list of schools in Florida that are included in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities rankings, released on Tuesday. More than 2,000 institutions from 95 countries are included on the 2023 list, which ranks schools based on reputation metrics and academic research, such as publications and scholarly citations. The University of Florida was ranked at No. 98 overall on this year’s list while Florida State University came in at No. 241. The University of Miami was ranked 253, the University of South Florida in Tampa came in at 317, and the University of Central Florida was No. 413. A total of eight universities from the Sunshine State made an appearance on the list.
Ritz-Carlton in Naples lays off nearly 600 staff
The Ritz-Carlton in Naples has laid off 591 employees as the 5-star, luxury hotel temporarily closes to make necessary repairs and recover following the toll from Hurricane Ian. Ritz-Carlton employees were laid off on October 13 as the company says the layoffs are only temporary, but “may last until six months or longer.” The hotel is expected to keep its doors shut until early next year; however, the company warns that could be delayed until sometime next spring depending on the status of rebuilding efforts to area infrastructure and the power grid. This is the second large-scale layoff announced in the last couple weeks. Another popular hotel, the South Seas Island Resorts on Captiva Island announced a temporary layoff of about 240 employees as they look to restore the property following the catastrophic storm.
Tampa Bay’s first bus rapid transit system begins service
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), the public transit provider for Pinellas County, servicing St. Petersburg, has launched the region’s first bus rapid transit with the SunRunner. The bus system increases connectivity from downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach along the 10.3-mile route that includes 30 stations to deliver greater access to riders. The SunRunner travels Tampa Bay’s highest transit ridership corridor and aims to be a quick, efficient transportation option for workers and customers that reduces traffic congestion. The project has been the subject of discussion for nearly 15 years prior to its groundbreaking in 2020. The SunRunner offers service every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening with limited stops and its own dedicated lane to avoid delays. The bus will be free for riders for the first six months of service.
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