Turnout hurt Democrats, Disney’s affordable housing development, Federal judge blocks portions of Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act,” and more...
November 18, 2022 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Post-Election Analysis: Turnout was a big problem for Democrats
The Florida Democratic Party emerged bruised and battered following their historic defeat by the GOP on Election Day. No Democrat will hold statewide office for the first time since the late 1880s. Internal discontent among party loyalists are pushing for the party chair, former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, to resign in the wake of Democrats miserable showing. More than a week following Tuesday’s results, Chairman Diaz has no plans to step down. As Florida Republicans had their biggest win since the end of Reconstruction, with incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis romping former Congressman Charlie Crist by over 19 points, a key problem for Dems surfaced as the results were tallied: Voter turnout. Only about half of the state’s Democratic voters showed up to the polls to cast their ballot, compared to almost two-thirds of Republicans. This boosted the GOP’s wide margin of victory on Election Day and allowed several counties that President Joe Biden won in 2020 to be flipped in favor of Republicans. In Miami-Dade County, the Democratic Party led the GOP with more than 135,000 registered voters, but 61% of the county’s Republicans voted compared to only 46% of Democrats. In Palm Beach, another county DeSantis flipped from 2020, 55% of Democrats showed up while 65% of Republicans did. The same pattern was seen in Hillsborough and Duval counties, where Dems had a clear registration advantage but failed to cast their ballots, giving the GOP the opportunity to flip the county in their favor. This was reinforced by independent voters across Florida who largely backed DeSantis and Sen. Rubio.
Frankly, the better funded and better organized Florida Republican Party trounced the state’s Democratic Party in “get out the vote” (GOTV) efforts. They were able to send volunteers into neighborhoods in traditionally blue counties and knock on doors, make phone calls, or text registered voters to turn up to the polls. If registered voters don’t cast their ballot during the early voting period, that data is reported by election officials to candidates and political parties who can reconcentrate GOTV attempts. This all takes time, personnel hours, and financial means to successfully execute, but can pay political dividends if done right. As Democrats suffered in midterm election GOTV efforts, even if they work to address the problems immediately, it will likely be several election cycles before they can be competitive again. And for Florida Dems in 2022, attracting outside money to finance campaigns was an issue. Whereas the party attracted and spent nearly $60 million in 2018, winning the agriculture commissioner race and narrowly losing the governorship, they spent a minuscule $1.4 million in 2022. The Democratic Party has long been vexed with problems, but now they’re tasked with rebuilding their infrastructure from ashes and identifying a new slate of candidates that can energize voters and find a competitive lane. However, within the internal organization, leadership, ineptitude of consultants, and underfunded groundwork remain vulnerabilities left unaddressed. Additionally, Dems have failed to invest in communities that are demographically important, such as areas with a greater Latino population. Compared to the GOP’s strategic approach in minority neighborhoods, with established field offices that have a community presence year-round, Democrats have been invisible. Complacency has long roiled the Florida Democratic Party following Obama’s 2012 victory in the state, and 2018’s midterm election results began a reckoning that Florida may no longer be up for grabs. The 2022 midterms cemented that attitude among Democrats, but their apathy demonstrated in past election cycles will have to be quelled should they ever have hopes making gains. It’s possible with years of strategic investment and conscious reorganization to establish a winning coalition.
Walt Disney World’s affordable housing development
In Spring 2022, Walt Disney World announced plans for an 80-acre, 1,300-unit affordable housing project just a few miles from the Magic Kingdom. The homes will sit on Disney-owned property in southwest Orange County near the new Flamingo Crossings Town Center, a retail and dining complex. The Walt Disney Co. announced this week that they have selected The Michaels Organization to develop, own, and operate the housing project that aims to help address the housing crisis by providing qualifying low-income applicants with a quality place to live. The New Jersey-based organization has experience building 425 communities in over 35 states, including ten affordable housing communities in Florida alone. Disney said The Michaels Organization was selected for their vast experience in the space of developing attainable housing properties. Concept renderings of what the development could look like were released at the announcement and show a communal network of townhomes with walking paths and shared community spaces. The company says a construction timeline will be released at a later date. Similarly, Universal Orlando is also developing an affordable housing community near International Drive that will feature 1,000 units. The company donated 20 acres to the project, called Catchlight Crossings, which will be constructed by Wendover Housing Partners and include an on-site, tuition-free preschool, retail space, and public transportation options. The news of these initiatives comes as local governments and organizations grapple with Florida’s soaring rents and home prices that have steadily increased since 2020. Recent research conducted by Florida Atlantic University shows rents in the Sunshine State are among the most overvalued in the country. Meanwhile, according to Redfin, the median sale price for a home in Florida was up 23.5% from May 2020 to May 2022, and data suggests Florida homeowners’ are spending a greater percentage of their income on their mortgage payments than ever before.
Federal judge blocks portions of Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act”
The “Stop WOKE Act” was passed by lawmakers during the previous 2022 legislative session and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April that prohibits certain discussions of race in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Specifically, the law restricts school teaching and workplace diversity training that leads individuals to feel as those they bear personal responsibility for historic discrimination inflicted upon individuals based on race, color, sex, or national origin. At the time of the bill’s signing, DeSantis said the intent of the legislation was to stop “oppressive ideologies” being placed on individuals “without [their] consent.” Now, a federal judge in Florida has issued a temporary injunction against key parts of the law that impose restrictions on college and university teachings of racism and sexism. District Court Judge Mark Walker said the state law is a violation of first amendment rights to free speech and 14th amendment rights to due process on campuses. Previously, back in August, Judge Mark Walker also ruled against the law’s mandatory workplace trainings that discuss race or sex by private employers. “Normally, the First Amendment bars the state from burdening speech, while private actors may burden speech freely,” Judge Walker wrote in his decision at the time. “But in Florida, the First Amendment apparently bars private actors from burdening speech, while the state may burden speech freely.” The DeSantis administration has filed an appeal against the temporary injunction issued against that provision.
Florida to receive $26 million from Google’s legal settlement
A multi-state privacy settlement has been reached with Google stemming from a lawsuit filed by 40 state attorneys general, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. The lawsuit against the search engine raised concerns over the company’s cybersecurity disclosures and location tracking practices and accused Google of misleading consumers over its privacy practices since at least 2014. State attorneys general said the company was tracking user’s movements even when explicit permission was not given and would use this collected, unauthorized personal data to sell targeted ads – a violation of consumer protection laws. According to the settlement terms, Google is required to pay $391.5 million to states, with $26 million allocated to Florida. The company will also be required to give users more information on location-tracking practices to increase transparency. This is the latest multi-state privacy settlement involving state attorneys general in U.S. history.
Federal aid to Florida crosses $2B after Hurricane Ian
The state so far has received more than $2 billion in federal aid to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact on September 28, according to the Biden administration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed $1.03 billion, with $710 million going directly to individual households and another $322 million going to the state. The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued $631 million in disaster loans while the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $351 million in filed claims. Preliminary post-hurricane damage reports estimate the cost of Ian between $40 billion and $70 billion in insured losses.
Estimated damage from Hurricane Nicole crosses $481M
The damages stemming from category 1 Hurricane Nicole last week that struck the east coast of Florida are estimated at more than $481 million. The rare November hurricane that tore through Volusia County caused more damage than late September’s Hurricane Ian, which resulted in $377 million in damages to the county that is home to Daytona Beach. However, the impact of Ian led to problematic conditions along the east coast, largely due to beach erosion – making the area more vulnerable ahead of Hurricane Nicole. Many single-family homes in the small beach communities of Wilbur-by-the-Sea and Ponce Inlet crumbled into the Atlantic Ocean while other coastal residences and multistory condos were no longer safe to occupy. The worst property damage was sustained in Daytona Beach Shore, estimated at $370.3 million, according to the Volusia County Property Appraiser. New Smyrna and Daytona Beach report estimated damages at $51.1 million and $50 million, respectively. The property appraiser believes those preliminary estimations are set to rise following inspections.
Former President Donald Trump announces third presidential bid from Florida
The 45th U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced he is vying for the White House in 2024, making the long-awaited but unsurprising announcement from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. This will be the former president’s third campaign for the presidency, having unsuccessfully sought reelection in 2020 after a defeat by President Joe Biden. Trump has teased the announcement for months as he has increased his criticisms of the Biden administration and touted his own accomplishments during his one-term in office. "For millions of Americans, the past two years under Joe Biden have been a time of pain, hardship, anxiety and despair,” Trump said in his announcement speech after declaring that “America’s comeback starts right now.” The formal pronouncement comes following the GOP’s lackluster showing in the midterm elections, in which many Trump-endorsed candidates nationwide failed to outperform their Democratic rivals. In response to the GOP’s dismal Election Day results and ahead of Trump’s presidential announcement, many urged the former president to abandon his plans and make way for a new, less divisive candidate to enter the race. Of course, the name circulating at the top of the list is Gov. Ron DeSantis, who just won his reelection by a landslide, and recent post-election polls show him gaining traction on the former president’s lead.
Republicans want DeSantis over Trump in 2024, according to poll
A poll conducted by YouGov in the days following the midterm election show Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the preferred candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, beating out former President Donald Trump. The poll pitted the two politicians against each other, asking Republicans and Republican-leaning independent voters on their preference in a head-to-head matchup for the party’s nomination in 2024. The results show 42% of voters want to go in a different direction, expressing support for DeSantis as the next presidential nominee for the GOP, while 35% selected Trump. This contrasts with the same poll conducted by YouGov in October that showed the former president leading with 45% to DeSantis’ 35% among Republicans and independent voters. Republican-leaning independent voters strongly prefer DeSantis while those identified as “strong Republicans” narrowly supported Trump.
DeSantis responds to Trump’s attacks
In the final days leading up to the midterm elections, former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis held two distinct rallies on opposite coasts of the state. At Trump’s event, he unveiled a new nickname for DeSantis: “Ron DeSanctimonious,” a jab at the governor’s perceived hypocritical, self-righteous stance after the campaign released an ad suggesting God sent DeSantis to lead and be a “fighter.” The newly re-elected governor was asked about the comments levied by Trump, referring to it as “noise.” “Really what matters is: Are you leading? Are you getting in front of issues? Are you delivering results for people? And are you standing up for folks?" DeSantis asked. "If you do that, then none of that stuff matters. And that is what we've done. We've focused on results and leadership." DeSantis is expected to enter the 2024 presidential race, directly challenging Trump for the GOP nomination. Republicans are steadily coalescing around the Florida governor as the future of the party and someone who can pose as a viable contender against the former president, who is being gradually viewed as hindrance to the GOP’s electoral ambitions. It’s clear Trump feels threatened by DeSantis’ rise.
Electricity rate hikes on customers in 2023 receives approval
The Florida Public Service Commission, tasked with regulating electric utilities and maintaining oversight of rates imposed on customers, has approved a rate hike by power companies in 2023. The approved proposal sought by Florida Power & Light (FPL), Duke Energy, Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), and others allow them to collect hundreds of millions of dollars from customers next year to harden electricity infrastructure against natural disasters. The rate approval will allow utility companies to recover costs assigned for planned projects in 2023 and to recoup expenses accrued in 2021 and 2022. The Commission has approved FPL to collect about $367.6 million from rate increases on customers, while Duke Energy and TECO are permitted to collect $140.5 million and $54.2 million, respectively. One project that will be partially covered by the added costs is the installation of underground power lines in some parts of the state. Following a 2019 state law, electric utility companies are able to file annual requests with the Public Service Commission for approval to collect money from their customers toward storm-related hardening projects. Previously, these projects were financed as part of the companies’ base electric rates.
Magic No More: Disney World increases prices for first time since 2019
Walt Disney World is joining the national trend of increasing prices as the entertainment company is set to raise their ticket prices for the first time since 2019. Beginning of December 8, the Orlando theme park is going to get more expensive for Floridians as Disney will rollout one-day, one-park tickets that fluctuate based on demand and specific theme park. The company says tickets to Magic Kingdom will rise or remain the same due to “incredible demand” as the “most-visited theme park in the world.” Disney’s other parks like EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are expected to see a rise in ticket prices for peak visitor days. Currently, the lowest price for the four parks is $109 – for Animal Kingdom – while the cheapest price for Magic Kingdom starts at $124. For those seeking to visit EPCOT, they can expect to shell out between $114 to $179 for the single-day pass. A ticket to Magic Kingdom can climb to as much as $189 on its busiest days. Additionally, most annual passes will see an increase in cost, with the Pirate Pass, granting pass-holders access to parks on most non-blackout days, rising $50 to $749 before tax. Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus are also going to climb with pricing varying by date and demand. Disney World says they will continue to require guests make reservations prior to their visit to the parks.
Port of Tampa Bay CEO gets big pay raise
The chief executive of Florida’s largest port has been approved for a significant salary bump following an unanimous decision by the port’s governing board. CEO Paul Anderson, who has served in the role since December 2012, is set to receive a one-time $250,000 bonus and a 9% annual raise, bringing his annual salary to $553,000 from $507,000. His salary includes a 6% cost-of-living raise and a 3% merit raise based on performance evaluations, both of which are available to other port employees. As for Anderson’s bonus, that can be taken in cash or as deferred compensation. The CEO received high marks and praise from the governing board, citing the port’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and resilience amid natural disasters like Hurricane Ian. The Port of Tampa Bay has also undergone significant expansion and growth projects during Anderson’s tenure, including the award of a $12.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand a berth to moor larger vessels. The port also received an upgraded A+ credit rating by Fitch Ratings in October, indicating a strong financial position that will attract greater investors should future bonds be issued.
Pending home sales plunge across the state
The Sunshine State was among the hottest markets for homebuyers during the surge in real estate activity that was seen throughout the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now signs are indicating the hot pandemic run is over with the housing market cooling off as mortgage rates steadily climb and in Florida, the housing affordability index has fallen to its lowest point since 2006. Following very strong performance during the pandemic, many Florida cities are seeing a double-digit decline in pending home sales. Cape Coral, a city that has seen a record number of new residents and was battered by Hurricane Ian in late September, has witnessed a 58% decrease in year-over-year pending home sales as of mid-October – the most of any other city in Florida. Likewise, Naples and North Port saw a 52% and 51% drop, respectively, over the same time in 2021. Miami also fell 47% and Jacksonville witnessed a similar 46% drop is pending sales from October last year.
Sen. Scott challenges McConnell for Senate GOP leader
In a sign of elevated tensions among Republican senators who failed to win back control of the upper chamber from Democrats following the midterm election, Florida’s junior Senator Rick Scott attempted a challenge against longtime caucus leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Sen. Scott was the lone senator to run for the leadership post against Sen. McConnell, indicating unease about the direction, vision, and disposition of the GOP following a disappointing electoral setback. "I believe it’s time for the Senate Republican Conference to be far more bold and resolute than we have been in the past," Scott wrote in a letter asking for his colleague’s votes. "We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against. I do not believe we can simply continue to say the Democrats are radical, which they are. Republican voters expect and deserve to know our plan to promote and advance conservative values." However, Republican senators opted against change and soundly reelected McConnell to lead the caucus in a 37-10 vote. Scott served as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 2022 midterms, which is tasked with electing Republicans to the U.S. Senate.
AAA: Thanksgiving travel in Florida to be the busiest in nearly 20 years
A record number of Floridians are expected to hit the road this Thanksgiving, making it the busiest Thanksgiving travel season since 2005. According to AAA, more than 2.9 million in Florida will travel 50 miles or more this November – a 2% increase from last year and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. A total of 54.6 million Americans across the nation will travel more than 50 miles for the Thanksgiving holiday, with 89% of travelers choosing to drive.
Orlando’s Dezerland puts on Christmas light spectacle
More than 1.5 million Christmas lights will dazzle spectators in Orlando this holiday season with a new drive-through attraction at Dezerland Action Park. “Christmas Nights in Lights” arrives to Central Florida from Mobile, Alabama, that features Christmas lights dancing to music in a drive-through experience that last 20-30 minutes in the parking lot of Orlando’s Dezerland, off International Drive. The display features the classic Christmas music favorites and recognizable characters in lights as visitors remain in their vehicle. The entertainment company behind the display, MSEG, spends months of planning and programming the massive light show that opens for the first-time in Florida this year. The company hopes to make the display an annual tradition in Orlando. “Christmas Nights in Lights” opens nightly from 6 PM to 11 PM through January 1. Tickets cost $45 for a vehicle with up to 8 occupants or $65 if traveling with 9 - 15 passengers. Visitors are welcome to bring their pets and snacks. Also, with separate discounted admission, Dezerland Action Park features an indoor Christmas village, games, and visits from Santa.
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