DeSantis v. Disney: Part 3, imposing the death penalty gets easier, Andrew Gillum's corruption trial begins, and more...
April 21, 2023 — 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 v. Disney: Governor announces plan to retaliate against Disney
The fight between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney continues to escalate after the entertainment company outmaneuvered the governor and the legislature’s efforts for a DeSantis-appointed board to oversee the company’s special taxing district. Last month, as the new governor-appointed board met, it was revealed that Disney and the outgoing board quietly agreed to a multi-decade contract that would allow the company to maintain control over its nearly 25,000 acres in Central Florida for 30 years, effectively stripping the new board of most of its powers. In some cases, the board would need to get approval from The Walt Disney Company before taking action. Now, Gov. DeSantis is looking to retaliate by invalidating the agreement made between Disney and the previous board of the Reedy Creek Improvement District and subjecting the theme parks to additional state regulatory oversight. New legislation was announced on Monday that would nullify any development agreement that circumvents the authority of the newly-named Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s Board of Supervisors. During the governor’s remarks from the Reedy Creek Administration Building, he said the Board of Supervisors will void the last-minute agreement made between the previous board and Disney at its next meeting due to “a plethora of legal infirmities.” Additionally, the proposal will give state agencies more regulatory oversight of Disney operations and amusement rides, and grant the board power to negotiate with the state to use Disney land for other purposes. The bill is part of an effort by the governor and state lawmakers to dismantle the special self-governing privileges the company has enjoyed since 1967.
As part of the DeSantis-Disney battle and recent legislative proposal, other changes promised by the governor include:
Evaluation of workforce housing needs and addition of more units.
Public safety pay raises for Reedy Creek Fire Department firefighters.
Reassessment of property values in the special taxing district to ensure The Walt Disney Co. pays more in taxes to Orange and Osceola counties.
Elimination of mask mandates.
The skirmish between Gov. DeSantis and The Walt Disney Co. began in February 2022 after the theme park giant voiced its opposition to the Parental Rights in Education legislation, which critics dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The Republican governor and state lawmakers sought retribution for the company’s dissent by dissolving Reedy Creek and replacing it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board which the governor’s hand-picked appointees would oversee.
DeSantis wants state inspections of Walt Disney World attractions
As part of Gov. DeSantis’ announcement of new actions levied towards The Walt Disney Company, Florida lawmakers aim to ratchet up pressure on the company by exerting oversight powers on the rides and attractions that have made Disney famous. Since 2001, the company’s four theme parks have operated under a special agreement with the state that excludes them from having to undergo ride inspections or accident investigations. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is responsible for inspecting all amusement rides in Florida but excludes attractions at large theme parks with more than 1,000 employees and which employ full-time ride safety inspectors. That is expected to change with the new legislative proposal, which would require each ride to apply for a permit with FDACS annually and undergo a semi-annual inspection. This requirement would also apply to Disney-owned water parks, but not to other theme parks throughout the state because they do not reside within “special districts.” Walt Disney World’s Monorail System and fleet of ferry boats would also be included in additional state regulatory oversight. This could give government officials the ability to temporarily or permanently shutter any theme park ride that is deemed unsafe as part of a state-run investigation. Under a voluntary agreement, major theme parks are allowed to self-report ride-related injuries sustained by guests that required at least 24 hours of hospitalization but the reports are often vague.
‘DeathSantis’: Governor condemned for approval of new death penalty bill
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent stamp of approval on a bill that lowers the threshold for the death penalty to be imposed on a defendant makes the state’s capital punishment requirements one of the most lenient in the nation. The new law the death penalty to be imposed in capital cases with a jury recommendation of at least an 8-4 vote. Previously, state law required death sentences to be handed down only following a unanimous jury verdict. The change in law was prompted following the reaction to the life sentence handed to the perpetrator of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland that left 17 dead in 2018. In that case, a divided 9-3 jury spared the gunman from the death penalty. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have expressed concerns over the consequences of relaxing requirements for an irreversible decision such as ending human life, and that increases the risk of a wrongful conviction by stripping the unanimity requirement. The bill passed the GOP-led House in an overwhelming 80-30 vote before heading to Gov. DeSantis’ desk for final approval. Florida will now join three states out of the 27 that impose capital punishment and do not require a unanimous jury verdict. Alabama permits a death sentence following a 10-2 verdict while Missouri and Indiana allow a judge to decide when a jury is divided. As governor, DeSantis has so far overseen the execution of four inmates on death row since 2019.
South Florida faces a gas shortage
Last week’s torrential-rain-induced flooding in South Florida disrupted fuel supply chains and resulted in regional gasoline shortages over several days this week. Long lines at the gas station and shuttered pumps were frequent scenes as demand outstripped supply for nearly 60% of gas stations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, according to GasBuddy. The delivery and offloading of petroleum-based products into Port Everglades were hampered during last week’s storm and heavy rainfall which prevented fuel from getting to South Florida gas stations. Fortunately, officials expect the gasoline supply to increase and delivery delays to decrease as a steady flow of fuel tankers arrive at the port. Additionally, petroleum shipments from ports in Tampa and Port Canaveral are being diverted directly to the Miami and Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area to help. On Tuesday, the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced that they would be sending 500,000 gallons of fuel to Southeast Florida to aid in the shortage.
Corruption trial begins for former gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum
Once considered a rising star in Democratic politics with a bright future ahead, the once-Democratic nominee for governor Andrew Gillum had a rapid fall from grace that resulted in federal corruption charges. The former Tallahassee mayor appeared in federal court on Monday as his trial began following a 19-count indictment by a federal grand jury last summer. Gillum is accused of defrauding campaign donors and lying to the FBI. Just five years ago, the gubernatorial hopeful narrowly lost his 2018 election by fewer than 34,000 votes to then-congressman and current two-term governor Ron DeSantis. During his campaign for governor which boosted his profile to a national audience, Gillum is accused of defrauding campaign donors who believed they were donating to his political efforts but he was instead pocketing off the donations. The former candidate also faces charges for lying to the FBI related to a 2016 trip to New York in which undercover agents, posing as developers seeking to win city contracts, paid for his expenses and entertainment during his tenure as mayor. The gifts were never disclosed and subsequently denied during an FBI investigation in 2017. Gillum has pleaded not guilty and has characterized the charges as “politically-motivated.” He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Homeowners to pay extra on property insurance policies
Homeowners across Florida will be paying higher insurance rates as the state’s insurance commissioner issued an order to collect a 1% emergency assessment to cover increased costs associated with claims. The approved request came via the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) at a time when the property insurance market struggles to stay afloat amid years of financial woes. Eight property insurers were declared insolvent in 2022 alone. The assessment is expected to raise hundreds of millions for FIGA, which pays out claims when insurers become insolvent. Insurers will collect the assessments from policyholders beginning in October and will remain in place until bonds issued by FIGA to pay claims following insurer insolvencies are fully paid. The 1% assessment is in addition to the 1.3% assessment collected since July 1, 2022, and another 0.7% assessment that ends on December 31, 2023.
Universal school voucher program faces funding questions
As lawmakers passed an expansion to Florida's school choice and voucher program in March, questions and concerns continue to surround how to pay for it as the bill takes effect on July 1, 2023. The new program provides up to $8,000 in state funding to any public school student to attend private schools or can be directed toward homeschooling resources (if parents adhere to state guidelines and testing requirements). However, lawmakers haven’t agreed on a budget to account for how much the rollout will cost, with previous estimates varying from nearly $210 million to as high as $4 billion. Some school districts are already planning to cut programs or raise class sizes in anticipation of the lost funding and students to private schools. For students that opt for private school education, the voucher award amount is withdrawn from the local public school that would have received the student had they attended. In Palm Beach County, school district officials placed a hold on discussions of building a new high school in Riviera Beach and renovating existing campuses. Currently, the school district spends $80 million each year to provide existing vouchers to private schools, but under the expansion, it could cost the district an additional $40 to $200 million per year (depending on how many students take advantage). With the stark differences between the House and Senate on how to fund the voucher program, local school district officials are likely to remain uneasy about budgeting for the next fiscal year.
Federal court rejects challenge to ‘sanctuary’ cities law
A three-judge panel on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower federal court in South Florida by tossing out a legal challenge to Florida’s ban on ‘sanctuary cities.’ Previously, a U.S. district court judge had blocked portions of the controversial immigration law after a lawsuit brought by groups such as the Florida Immigrant Coalition and Farmworker Association of Florida attempted to have the 2019 law deemed unconstitutional. The challenge claimed Senate Bill 168 had discriminatory intent and subjected minorities to racial profiling by law enforcement, but the federal court disagreed. The panel dismissed the lawsuit because they said the plaintiffs did not have legal standing to bring forth the challenge nor did they provide evidence of “actual injury,” such as establishing proof of racial profiling. While refusing to weigh in on the specific merits of the case by the lower U.S. district court, the appellate judges raised doubts about the 2021 findings of the district judge, which resulted in a permanent injunction against parts of the bill. The federal appeals court hands Gov. DeSantis and GOP lawmakers a victory as they consider other legislative proposals to crack down on illegal immigration this session.
Lawmakers consider allowing radioactive material in road construction
Mosaic, a Tampa-based phosphate mining company, is lobbying the state legislature to allow for a radioactive waste product to be used in road construction. Phosphogypsum is a byproduct from manufacturing fertilizer that is high in radium, a radioactive element and is used in road construction in Europe and Canada, but environmental groups warn of its dangers. The House and Senate are considering bills that would authorize the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to conduct demonstration projects and studies that would evaluate the use of phosphogypsum in roadways. While the state Department of Environmental Protection has not yet taken a position on the proposed legislation, environmental advocates say the radioactive material could contaminate soil and groundwater and emit radon gas into the air if used in road construction. The radioactive waste that derives from phosphate rock is believed to be linked to higher risks of cancer, genetic damage, and the wastewater that processes the fertilizer byproduct can also contain carcinogens and heavy toxic metals. In 2021, the EPA disallowed the use of phosphogypsum in road construction projects, reversing a 2020 rule under the Trump administration that permitted its use. The legislation is getting significant traction in both chambers of the Florida Legislature and will likely be brought for a vote on both floors, which would result in a major victory for the Mosaic and the fertilizer industry.
Trump’s political pressure on DeSantis grows
Former President Donald Trump is continuing to mount pressure on Gov. Ron DeSantis as the 45th president coalesces support in the Republican Party, including among notable members in Florida. Seven GOP Congress members in the Sunshine State have endorsed Trump over DeSantis this week alone, bringing the former president’s total number of endorsements among Florida’s congressional delegation to 11. Congresswoman Laurel Lee remains the only member of the state’s federal delegation to back DeSantis. Eight other members of Congress in Florida have yet to announce who they would endorse in an anticipated presidential primary matchup between the incumbent governor and Trump. As DeSantis has yet to formally announce a run for president, he is expected to enter the race before the summer and after the legislative session concludes on May 5. The Republican rising star’s failure to garner endorsements illustrates his lack of political acumen and inability to foster personal relationships among influential lawmakers. Meanwhile, DeSantis-backers are concerned that the governor’s ongoing culture-war fights are hurting his appeal, and hold-off to enter the race has only given Trump more momentum.
Billionaire Republican donor pulls support for DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ quest to be a “culture war” warrior and wade into issues like abortion, permitless carry, universal school choice, drag shows, ESG banking, and limiting classroom instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity, has boosted his national profile and made him popular with a large faction of GOP voters. However, not every Republican has agreed with the governor’s approach to publicly addressing hot-button issues, especially in the party’s more moderate contingent. Among those displeased are Thomas Peterffy, Florida’s second wealthiest resident and a leading Republican donor, who has withdrawn his financial support for Gov. DeSantis ahead of a likely presidential bid over his “extreme positions on social issues.” Peterffy told the Financial Times that he and fellow top donors are placing their contributions “on hold,” following the governor’s stance on book banning and abortion, including his recent approval of legislation that restricts termination of pregnancies after six weeks. While the billionaire businessman has joined other wealthy names in saying he won’t financially back former president Trump, the news is another blow to DeSantis, who is losing momentum among the base of GOP voters. The governor needs to appeal to a more moderate electorate, but recent high-profile cultural fights on issues that most voters oppose have made that increasingly difficult.
Disney announces groundbreaking for 80-acre affordable housing development
Last year, The Walt Disney Company announced its plans to build approximately 1,400 total affordable housing units on nearly 80 acres of company-owned land, just a short distance away from Magic Kingdom. On Wednesday, Disney revealed that the groundbreaking for this housing development is slated for next year, with the first units expected to be completed in 2026. The housing will be made exclusive to applicants within a specified income range and will be targeted toward the nearly 75,000 employees at the theme park. The announcement comes as the cost of housing in Central Florida has skyrocketed in recent years. The median home price in Orange County, where Walt Disney World is located, is now over $400,000 – up from around $150,000 in 2010. This has made it difficult for many people to afford to live near the theme park resort.
Revamped New College of Florida offers scholarships to attract students
Earlier this year, Gov. DeSantis took unprecedented action to reshape New College of Florida, a public liberal arts college in Sarasota, by appointing six conservative members to the school’s board of trustees, which subsequently took action to remove the then-college president. This was the first step in a series of actions aimed at transforming New College of Florida into a conservative institution of higher learning, with as much as $100 million pledged over several years to boost the reputation and preeminence of the university. That effort begins with attracting a well-rounded student body, so the school’s new trustees are utilizing $15 million from the State Legislature to offer $10,000 scholarships to prospective students. The scholarships would be available to qualifying first-time college or transfer students who enroll at New College and would be in addition to other scholarships or any financial aid received. The school is also seeking to recruit transfer students from other state colleges through a newly-launched program that offers $3,500 annual renewing scholarships to undergraduates.
Disney World union workers approve 5-year contract ahead of thousands of layoffs
A new five-year contract has been overwhelmingly approved by Disney World union workers that raises the minimum pay to $18 an hour by the end of 2023. The contract increases the previous starting pay from $15 an hour and includes eight weeks of paid family leave, improved health insurance benefits, and a new tuition reimbursement program for workers. The deal reached by the union representing nearly 45,000 Disney World workers will also gradually increase the starting wage to $20.50 an hour in October 2026 for the current workforce. The agreement was approved by a vote of 97%. Disney World President Jeff Vahle praised the contract, saying it "sets a new standard for the tourism industry" and is the first major labor agreement reached by the company in over a decade. The announcement comes as the Walt Disney Company is cutting its workforce through three rounds of layoffs in an effort to eliminate $5.5 billion in costs and boost profitability of its streaming service. This includes slashing 7,000 jobs by the summer. The labor cuts are unlikely to affect frontline workers at Disney theme parks.
Florida’s newest outdoor concert venue announces open date, summer lineup
Opening this June, ‘The Sound’ will be Florida’s latest outdoor waterfront concert venue that sits on 19 acres of the newly transformed $84-million Coachman Park in Clearwater. The new open-air amphitheater will host year-round performances from music’s biggest names and features a 4,000-seat covered pavilion plus lawn seating for an additional 5,000 concertgoers. The modern venue and reimagined space aim to connect downtown Clearwater to the waterfront and establish the city as a premier destination for live entertainment that capitalizes on the views of the intracoastal waterway. ‘The Sound’ is scheduled for its grand opening on June 28, and to celebrate, the city will host a series of concerts:
June 30: Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw
July 1: Dave Koz
July 2: Peter Frampton
July 4: The Florida Orchestra (Free Concert & Fireworks)
Additional scheduled performances this summer include:
July 24: Goo Goo Dolls
September 9: Billy Currington with Jessie James Decker
September 16: Kenny Loggins with Pablo Cruise
2023 Sugar Sand Festival enters its last weekend
Clearwater Beach’s Sugar Sand Festival at the renowned Pier 60 concluded this weekend as the annual event showcases world-class sand sculptures that transform over 1,000 tons of white sand into stunning life-like sculptures. This year's festival is themed "A Blast From The Past!" and will feature sculptures of iconic objects of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The event also features live music, fireworks, street performers, and a children’s play area. Attendees can also get hands-on with sand sculpting classes to learn how to build their own sand masterpieces.
Upcoming Events Across Florida:
April 23-30: 31st Annual Fleet Week Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale
Presented by Broward Navy Days, four U.S. Navy ships and hundreds of sailors will arrive in Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades for the 31st Annual Fleet Week. This year’s event will host an Amphibious Warfare Ship (LPD), Destroyer (DDG), Expeditionary Fast Transport (T-EPF), and a Submarine (SSN). Public ship tours are free but required registration in advance due to security requirements. Those who missed the registration deadline can visit the NSU Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center on Sunday, April 23, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM to join the ship arrival watch party. The week will be filled with various activities each day.
April 27-30: South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
April 27-30: Tall Ships Pensacola
The Tall Ships Challenge Gulf Coast Series concludes in Pensacola after visiting the coastal cities of St. Petersburg and Galveston earlier this month. This event will feature three spectacular sailing ships reminiscent of an earlier era before modern technology, materials, and propeller systems. One ship scheduled to be on full display in Pensacola will be the Ernestina-Morrissey – designated a National Historic Landmark – which has been navigating waters since it launched in 1894. Guests will be permitted to tour the ships, ride aboard on daily sailings, or enjoy the family-friendly waterfront scene that includes local music, food, and street performers.
April 28-30: Brooksville Blueberry Festival in Brooksville
April 28-30 Leesburg Bikefest
April 28-30: 7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix in Marathon
The American Power Boat Association will kick off its 2023 season as some of the world’s fastest boats navigate the Gulf of Mexico.
April 28-30: Pensacola Crawfish Festival
Any way you like it – boiled, fried, or steamed, the annual Crawfish Festival brings plenty of Cajun flavors to the Panhandle along with all-day music and art and craft vendors.
April 29: North Florida Wildflower Festival in Blountstown
April 29-30: Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa
The two-day annual music festival takes place at downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and features musical acts from a variety of genres across several stages. Some of this year’s featured acts include Run The Jewels, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Chromeo, Cannons, Local Natives, and Rising Appalachia. General admission tickets start at $50.
April 29-30: Fort Lauderdale Air Show
The event will feature the Blue Angels, the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Demo team, the Red Bull Air Force, and numerous civilian air performers, among the dozens of aircraft that will be on display.
April 29-30: Mount Dora Blueberry Festival
May 3-7: Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach
The biannual event in Panama City Beach claims to be the “most biker-friendly motorcycle rally in the U.S.” with events at eight different venues. Nightly concerts at Frank Brown Park will be headlined by Rob Zombie on Thursday, Lynyrd Skynyrd on Friday, and Pantera on Saturday.
May 3-7: St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival
May 5-6: Tampa Riverfest at Curtis Hixon Park
Spanning along downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Park, the annual free Riverfest will host family-friendly activities, tribute bands, a water ski show, a hot air balloon glow at sunset, and attendees can decorate their own paper lanterns to take part in the 1-mile Lantern Parade.
May 5-7: SunFest in Downtown West Palm Beach
The two-day concert in downtown West Palm Beach will feature music performances by more than two dozen performers and bands, including The Chainsmokers, Flo Rida, Jack Johnson, The Killers, and Ziggy Marley. SunFest will also bring together 100 artists to display their work in the Art District, which will include demonstrations, immersive art installations, and innovative new products. Fireworks will conclude the festival on Sunday, May 7. General admission for a 1-day pass starts at $90.
May 5-7: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach
The annual festival is a tribute to the eight different flags that have flown over Amelia Island and honors northeast Florida’s shrimp industry with thousands of pounds of fresh shrimp for hungry patrons. This year’s theme is “Shrimp Gone Wild” and favorite events include the 54th Topsy Smith Memorial Beard Contest, the 13th Annual Ice Cream Eating Contest, and the Shrimp Festival 5K Run/Walk.
May 5-7: Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens
The highest class of international racing arrives to Miami Gardens, where the fastest regulated race cars in the world will traverse 3.36 miles of track on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium. This year’s event will feature the new Team Village on the football field of the Miami Dolphins’ stadium over the three-day weekend, allowing ticket-holders to get a behind-the-scenes look at the racing action.
May 6-7: Indian River Marine Flea Market & Seafood Festival in Vero Beach
May 11-14: Fish to Fork in Amelia Island
May 13-14: St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival
Tacos, margaritas, and delectable treats will be served along the waterfront at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park. Dozens of food trucks and vendors will be offering both classic and unique Mexican-inspired cuisine as guests enjoy live music and dancing. Tickets start at $12.
May 13-14: Florida Outdoor Expo in Tampa
May 15-20: Florida Jeep Jam in Panama City Beach
One of the Southeast’s largest events for all things Jeep celebrates its 8th anniversary with a full schedule of activities, including off-road trail excursions, obstacle courses, a beach krawl, a Jeep-only parade, and numerous vendors.
May 18-21: Welcome to Rockville in Daytona Beach
Some of rock’s biggest names will descend on Daytona International Speedway in the return of the four-day outdoor music concert that includes performances by Slipknot, Rob Zombie, The Cult, Avenged Sevenfold, Evanscene, Pantera, Alice Cooper, Deftones, and dozens of other music performances. The event offers campground rentals and many on-site attractions. Single-day tickets for general admission begin at $129.99.
May 18-21: Thunder on Cocoa Beach
The offshore speedboat racing event brings added adrenaline to the Space Coast in four days of competition. Live entertainment, concerts, and block parties will follow each day of racing.
May 25-28: Jacksonville Jazz Festival
The city’s largest free music festival brings together some of the biggest names in the genre for three days of live music in downtown Jacksonville.
May 26-28: Palatka Blue Crab Festival
The weekend festival brings fresh seafood, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and a Memorial Day parade to the waterfront of this charming small town. Headlining musical performances by Molly Hatchet, the Ying Yang Twins, and the Sugar Hill Gang conclude each day’s festivities.
May 27: 16th Annual Hurricane Party Music Festival in Sanford
Historic downtown Sanford will kick off the start to hurricane season, which begins June 1, with a music festival that includes more than 40 bands across seven stages throughout the area. The event begins at noon on Saturday, May 27.
May 27-28: Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach
The skies and waters off South Beach will be full of sights and sounds as military jets, race boats, and jet skis honor America’s servicemembers and first responders on Memorial Day Weekend. The event will showcase aircraft, vehicles, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States armed forces and first responder agencies. In addition to in-air appearances by the Air Force’s F-35 Lightning II, B-52 Bomber, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the A-10 Thunderbolt, the celebration will feature offshore powerboat racing and extreme water sports shows. Military aerial parachute demonstration teams will descend from the skies over the two-day event and country music stars Big & Rich will headline a Sunday evening concert that will cap off with fireworks.
June 10-11: Riverwalk Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast in Fort Myers
June 17-18: Taco Fiesta Lake Worth Beach in Lake Worth Beach
June 24-25: 4th Annual Bad Bunny Easter Pub Crawl in Cocoa Village
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