DeSantis drops out after dismal Iowa performance & property insurance litigation
January 21, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
DeSantis ends presidential bid
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has withdrawn from the 2024 Republican presidential race, acknowledging a lack of a clear path to victory against rival Donald Trump. In a video statement posted on social media less than 48 hours before the New Hampshire primary, DeSantis endorsed Trump, despite citing past disagreements regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the promotion of Anthony Fauci. He emphasized that a majority of Republican voters seem inclined to give the former president another chance. “Trump is superior to the current incumbent Joe Biden. That is clear,” DeSantis said in the video posted on X. The move leaves Trump with only one significant contender, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is gaining traction in New Hampshire polls. As Trump and Haley engage in heated exchanges on the campaign trail, DeSantis's exit reshapes the primary field, marking the decline of a once-prominent figure seen as Trump's main rival. In the Iowa caucuses, Trump secured over 50% of the vote, while DeSantis finished a distant second at 21%. The decision comes after the Florida governor met with donors over the weekend, making it apparent to him that he lacked the grounds and financial support to remain in an uphill primary contest that Trump is poised to overwhelmingly secure. DeSantis and his wife Casey made the decision Sunday afternoon, after personally calling top donors to advise them on his plans to exit, which surprised many campaign staffers, per reports. Before the announcement was publicly known, he also immediately canceled notable appearances and adjusted travel plans.
At 45 years old, with three years remaining in his second term as governor, DeSantis has hinted at a potential 2028 bid, claiming to have been encouraged by some Trump supporters on a future White House bid. His endorsement of Trump is largely seen as a strategic and necessary move if he wants to have a viable chance at winning the GOP presidential nomination in 2028.
DeSantis Disappointment: Dismal finish in Iowa derails campaign
Governor Ron DeSantis faced a major setback in the Iowa caucuses this past week, securing a distant second place behind former President Donald J. Trump. Despite investing heavily in Iowa and relying on a costly canvassing and voter-turnout operation, DeSantis struggled against Trump, with Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, making a late surge. DeSantis's second-place finish raised questions about his campaign's viability, especially with limited funds and challenging contests ahead in New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Addressing supporters in West Des Moines after votes were tallied late Monday night, DeSantis criticized the media and opponents while striking an optimistic and energized tone, vowing to stay in the race. The disappointing results called into question the effectiveness of his campaign strategy, which focused on Iowa as a crucial must-win battleground. His sophisticated voter-turnout operation and reliance on the vast resources of his super PAC, Never Back Down, did not yield the expected results. DeSantis positioned himself as a more ideologically conservative alternative to Trump, but that did not resonate with Iowa caucus-goers as he aimed to portray Trump as lacking in social conservatism and criticized his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and immigration. Even in key demographics such as older voters, those without college degrees, and white evangelicals, Trump maintained a significant lead over DeSantis, leaving the Florida governor without a clear constituency. The campaign's decision to frame DeSantis as the furthest right candidate in the field created an opening for Nikki Haley to appeal to more moderate Republicans and independents. With millions pouring into Haley's super PAC, negative advertising against DeSantis was relentless, further complicating his campaign's narrative.
Before announcing the suspension of his presidential bid on Sunday afternoon, DeSantis faced an uphill battle in New Hampshire and South Carolina. New Hampshire's more moderate electorate poses a challenge to DeSantis's strident social conservatism, reflected in single-digit poll numbers. In South Carolina, a state where Trump remains overwhelmingly popular and Haley's influence looms large, DeSantis was set to navigate a tricky political landscape. The lackluster performance in Iowa and falling national poll numbers was a significant fall from grace for the candidate who was once considered the future of the GOP and a formidable presidential contender. DeSantis’ ability to regain momentum was nearly impossible with key supporters turning from his campaign amid a financial crunch after having spent more than $35 million in Iowa through his campaign and super PAC (nearly double the $18.5 million spent by the Trump campaign and his allies). The 30-point loss to Trump in a state he vowed to win signaled the death knell of the DeSantis presidential bid, evaporating any remaining enthusiasm and credibility.
Property insurance crisis is not due to litigation, per state regulators
A long-awaited study commissioned by the Florida Legislature has provided mixed results regarding the impact of lawsuits on homeowners' insurance premiums across the state. Examining 58,395 insurance claims leading to lawsuits in 2022, the study discovered a concentration in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, indicating potential fraud or abuse. Litigated claims were found to be over six times costlier than non-litigated ones, which may contribute to higher premiums. However, the report contradicts claims by Governor Ron DeSantis, some lawmakers, and insurers that frivolous lawsuits were largely responsible for escalating premiums. Expecting to reduce property insurance costs for homeowners, state legislators passed significant tort reforms to reign in lawsuits and protect insurers, including the elimination of one-way attorneys’ fees and ending the assignment of benefits for property insurance policies. While acknowledging a litigation issue, the study emphasizes that litigated claims comprised less than 1% of all 7.2 million policies in 2022, with costs to insurers around $580 million out of the nearly $16 billion paid in premiums by Floridians that year. The data also suggests that delays in claims processing by insurance companies may have prompted some lawsuits.
Per a 2021 law, state regulators were required to begin collecting data on claims from property insurance companies, but insurers have failed to provide complete information, including full details on how many closed claims were litigated. The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) characterized their evasiveness as disorganized record-keeping that would be corrected as companies adjust to complying with reporting requirements in the future. However, despite the insufficient data, the report pointed to the likelihood of frivolous or fraudulent claims, especially in South Florida counties. In Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, more than 27% of closed claims in 2022 were litigated despite the absence of hurricanes striking the region. Moreover, the litigation rate of closed claims in Central Florida counties at 9.9% was higher than the 5.4% average combined across the state. Despite this, OIR Michael Yaworsky told lawmakers in the report that litigation was not the cause for record-high insurance premiums faced by homeowners. Nor was litigation cited as the reason for a single insurer bankruptcy, per the OIR’s report. However, the trifecta of Florida’s recent string of severe storms, rising reinsurance costs for insurers, and litigation have all combined to force property rates to soar.
Senate unanimously approves comprehensive healthcare plan
After Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) announced healthcare as a priority ahead of this year’s legislative session, lawmakers have unanimously passed a sweeping health plan that aims to expand access to medical services amid a population surge. The two-bill plan focuses on boosting the number of doctors in the state, creating alternatives to emergency rooms, establishing specialized facilities for childbirth, and fostering health innovation initiatives. The passed measures will cost about $730 million to create a more open healthcare system for Floridians and increase the number of providers. The ongoing doctor shortages would seek to be addressed by investing state dollars into medical residency programs to keep graduating students in-state, while a separate component of the legislation would require hospitals to establish a “collaborative partnership” with health centers and primary care providers to discourage emergency room use for non-emergency care. Critics, however, raised safety concerns about the bill allowing advanced birth centers to provide C-section deliveries for low-risk pregnant women. Traditionally, these surgical procedures have been restricted to hospitals. Meanwhile, SB 7018 by Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) would create a $50-million revolving loan fund program for “health care innovation” that would be overseen by a newly-created 15-member “Health Care Innovation Council” within the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). The approved proposal would provide the opportunity for private health systems to pursue new technologies and strategies that improve patient outcomes and quality of care. The House is moving forward with similar versions of the bills.
Florida drivers pay the highest for car insurance, per report
Drivers in the Sunshine State are grappling with the highest auto insurance rates in the country, according to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute. Residents have experienced firsthand the surge in rates, largely attributed to elevated risk following recent severe storms and hurricanes such as Ian in 2022, which caused over $100 billion in damages and destroyed nearly 100,000 vehicles in Southwest Florida. Serious accidents and rampant lawsuits are also to blame for the sky-high insurance costs. About 30,000 lawsuits were filed against auto insurers each month in 2023. Floridians are now paying an average of $3,941 per year for full coverage, a staggering 55% more than the national average of just over $2,500. Experts anticipate ongoing double-digit rate increases in Florida for 2024, sparking concerns and prompting some to defy state law and drop insurance coverage all together, further driving rates up.
Federal court rules lawsuit against Florida school district's book ban can proceed
A federal judge in Pensacola has ruled that a lawsuit challenging an Escambia County School District’s removal of books about race and LGBTQ+ identities from libraries can move forward. The lawsuit brought by nonprofit free expression advocacy group PEN America, publisher Penguin Random House, banned authors, and parents, allege that the Panhandle school district and its school board violated the First Amendment by removing ten books. While the judge with the U.S. District Court rejected a claim under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, he granted standing to the plaintiffs to pursue their claims under the First Amendment's free speech protections. The lawsuit asserts that the removals originated from objections by one language arts teacher, despite recommendations from a district review committee deeming the books educationally suitable. Florida has been ground zero for so-called book bans and restricting access to certain books, particularly those dealing with sensitive topics like race, gender, and sexuality. Likewise, Gov. Ron DeSantis has garnered national criticism for advocating for policies that allow the censorship and challenging of literature that is arguably inappropriate for children in schools. His opponents say the Republican governor has focused on issues that resonate with conservative voters to broaden his appeal on the presidential campaign trail, including cultural debates surrounding race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Ex-Colombian president meets with Florida GOP leaders amid legal troubles
Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe visited Tallahassee to meet with Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and other Republican lawmakers, focusing on advancing democratic principles and strengthening the U.S.-Colombia relationship. Despite facing charges in Colombia related to allegations of bribery and witness tampering for carrying out an attempt to discredit supposed ties to right-wing paramilitary groups, Uribe received a warm welcome at Florida’s state Capitol. The discussion primarily centered on democracy, combating drug trafficking, and addressing corruption as Uribe emphasized the need for politicians to restore citizens' confidence in government. While Uribe is a contentious public figure at home, Speaker Renner praised Uribe's leadership and said the former president represents the “very best of leadership in the Americas” as he faces threats to his safety.
Jimmy Buffett may soon be honored with a highway and license plate
A state Senate committee has unanimously approved two bills to honor the late iconic singer Jimmy Buffett, known for his Florida-themed songs such as “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” State Road A1A, the scenic highway spanning 340 miles along the Atlantic Coast could be renamed "Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway," and a specialty license plate with the word "Margaritaville" would be created under the proposed legislation. The bills aim to celebrate Buffett's influence on Florida's culture, representing sun, beaches, and music, which have sent tourists flocking to the Keys and elsewhere in search of the lyrical lifestyle. Proceeds from the license plate sales will benefit Buffett's charity, Singing for Change, aiding Florida nonprofits assisting natural disaster victims. The bills received enthusiastic support thanks to Buffett's status as a Florida icon.
World’s largest cruise ship arrives at PortMiami
The world's largest passenger cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has made its anticipated arrival at PortMiami, heralding further optimism for South Florida's tourism market. Measuring 1,198 feet with a capacity of 5,610 guests and employing 2,350 crew members, the ship boasts unique features like six water slides, over 40 restaurants, two dueling piano bars, three-story townhouses for large families, and an onboard park with over 33,000 plants. The Royal Caribbean-owned Icon is the first in a new class of ships from the company in nearly a decade. Its arrival signifies a boost for PortMiami and the local economy, with the largest port in Florida already experiencing record passenger numbers, reaching 7.3 million during fiscal year 2023. Major cruise lines have introduced new ships sailing out of PortMiami in the last year and Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Corp., and Virgin Voyages have all constructed new terminals in Miami since 2020. Royal Caribbean Group is also expected to open a new terminal in 2027. Likewise, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is seeing growth and Disney Cruise Lines has recently begun sailing from the port. Though for PortMiami, Icon's year-round presence at PortMiami promises economic benefits for various sectors as cruise ships alone become destinations and grow in popularity, highlighting the resilience and growth of the industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citrus production estimates slightly increase year-over-year
The state’s beleaguered citrus industry enters the new year with an increase in production estimates for the ongoing 2023-2024 growing season, according to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Season projections for orange, grapefruit, and specialty crops are unchanged from the December report that estimated production of 23.4 million boxes after a 2021-2022 growing season that was the lowest yield in almost a century. About 20.5 million 90-pound boxes of oranges, 2.4 million boxes of grapefruit, and 550,000 boxes of specialty fruits are calculated in the USDA’s projections. The previous growing season produced 15.8 million boxes of oranges and 1.81 million boxes of grapefruit. Despite expectations to surpass the previous season, which faced setbacks from a hurricane and winter freeze, the industry continues grappling with the nearly two-decade-long devastating impact of citrus greening disease. Sen. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), a citrus grower and the incoming Senate president, emphasizes ongoing investments in research to combat citrus greening. The industry eyes potential solutions, such as testing new citrus varieties and applying genetic modification techniques used in mosquitoes to control the Asian citrus psyllid, a carrier of citrus greening. Lawmakers have included $65 million in the state’s budget for the citrus industry, comprised of $49.5 million for citrus protection and research on greening-resistant trees–a $28 million increase from the previous year. Before the disease took hold in Florida around 2005, the state would routinely produce over 200 million boxes of oranges and 50 million boxes of grapefruit. Increased competition from foreign citrus imports has also added pressure to decrease the industry’s production numbers.
St. Petersburg named No. 2 trending U.S. destination for 2024 by Tripadvisor
St. Petersburg, affectionately known as the Sunshine City, has secured the second spot on Tripadvisor's list of trending U.S. destinations for 2024. Recognized for its sunny weather, vibrant nightlife, and water activities along its 244 miles of coastline, the city is experiencing a surge in new travelers, according to Tripadvisor. With attractions such as Ft. De Soto Park, Pinellas Trail, Sunken Gardens, and Tropicana Field for baseball enthusiasts, the travel website also highlighted the city's popularity for paddleboarding and great bars. Oddly, Tripadvisor mentioned the city is great for “whale watching,” but perhaps they’re referring to dolphins or manatees instead. One other Florida location, Marathon, the island community in the Florida Keys, also made the trending list in the U.S. at No. 3.
Historic 99-year-old building in Tampa faces demolition
The character of downtown Tampa is changing amid significant redevelopment and population influxes forcing the cityscape to evolve. However, a 99-year-old office building at 601 N. Ashley Drive could be the latest casualty of these changes downtown as TLR Group, the building's owner, has submitted a demolition application to replace it with a 43-story tower. The plans include replacing the 1925 structure with 480 apartments and a mix of office space, retail, and restaurants. Before demolition can take place, Tampa’s Historic Preservation Commission will determine if the structure should be classified as a local landmark but may opt against such designation due to extensive remodeling that has eroded the original design. Earlier last year, two other historic buildings located nearby and were more than 100 years old were razed for more modern developments.
Publix opens first store in Kentucky
The beloved Lakeland, Florida-based grocery chain has opened its first store in Kentucky, expanding to its eighth state of operation. Located in Louisville, the store spans 55,700 square feet and features elements seen in the company's prototype layout, including a fresh pizza kitchen, Pours bar, scratch bakery, and on-site meat cutters. Kentucky becomes the first state outside of Florida to host a Publix Liquors store. The company plans to open five more stores in Kentucky, expecting to create 900 jobs across the state. Publix, with over 1,361 stores in the U.S., of which 860 are in the Sunshine State, aims to provide its signature brand of premier service to customers in Kentucky that have made the chain a favorite since 1930 and its first store in Winter Haven, Florida.
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