Florida bans COVID-19 mandates, new law bars Chinese citizens from owning land, state-approved social studies textbooks remove topics on race and social justice, and more...
May 14, 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…
New law bans COVID-19 mandates in the state
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has given final approval to a bill that prohibits COVID-19 mandates in the state, a move that is likely to face legal challenges. The bill, SB 252, prohibits state and local governments, as well as businesses, from requiring people to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter a public place or to participate in an activity. It also outlaws governments and businesses from requiring facial coverings to enter a building. Like many other Republicans, DeSantis has long been a vocal critic of COVID-19 mandates, which he has said are an infringement on individual liberty. After the pandemic forced schools and parts of the economy to shut down in 2020, the governor made public issue of the closures, becoming critical of the prolonged restrictions as he worked to get children back into the classroom and businesses to reopen. DeSantis advocated for “common sense” and the elimination of mandates as he heralded Florida as a “citadel of freedom.” The new law ensures Floridians do not face pandemic-era mandates witnessed in 2020 and subsequent years, including requiring individuals to be vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. The bill is likely to face legal challenges, as some opponents say it could be a violation of the state's constitution, which prohibits the government from interfering with private businesses.
Chinese citizens, foreign adversaries restricted from owning land in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law that prohibits “foreign countries of concern” and their officials from purchasing land in Florida, targeting adversarial nations like China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and North Korea with the new restrictions. Specifically, the bill prevents the foreign adversaries (and their representatives) from purchasing farmland and any property within ten miles of a military installation or “critical infrastructure facility” such as a refinery, seaport, electrical power plant, or water treatment plant. Additionally, the new law exclusively restricts anyone affiliated with the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from owning property in the state, including any person "domiciled" in China and not a United States citizen. There are exceptions for non-tourist Visa holders, with restrictions, however. According to Gov. DeSantis, the bill aims to ensure agricultural land and critical infrastructure “will not be compromised by the CCP or any foreign adversar[ies’]” influence or potential espionage. Sponsors of the measure say it is necessary to protect national security interests and restrict hostile nations from maintaining financial holdings in Florida. The legislation passed by a wide margin in the House and Senate, but has been met with criticism from some who say it is discriminatory, xenophobic, and based on fear and prejudice. Other groups have also cited concern with the bill creating a climate of intimidation and hostility toward Chinese Americans in Florida and potentially violating the Fair Housing Act.
Department of Education approves social studies textbooks after changes to references of Black Lives Matter, social justice topics
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) approved a list of K-12 social studies textbooks for the 2023-2024 school year after making changes to references of racial and social justice topics, including removing references to Black Lives Matter, the 2020 murder of George Floyd, and U.S. national anthem kneeling protests. FDOE has rejected 35 percent of the 101 textbooks submitted for approval after the materials were initially declared unapproved for “inaccurate material, errors, and other information” that conflicted with state law, according to a department press release. Education officials worked with publishers to make changes to the materials in order to comply with the state’s “rigorous standards” and permit the textbooks for school districts to purchase. Other topics amended include socialism and planned economies, segregation, Jim Crow laws, white privilege, and social-emotional learning. The changes are part of the DeSantis administration's leading focus of ensuring curriculum, literature, and discussions in K-12 classrooms are free of perceived “ideological rhetoric,” “wokeness,” and concepts such as critical race theory, an academic framework that examines how racism has shaped U.S. laws and institutions. The changes have been met with criticism from educators and civil rights groups, who say it whitewashes history and exempt other people’s views.
Florida sues Biden administration over Title 42 expiration
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration on Thursday, seeking to block the planned mass release of migrants into the U.S. as Title 42 ends. Title 42 is a public emergency health order that was invoked by the Trump administration in March 2020 to swiftly expel migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border during the COVID-19 pandemic. At issue in the legal filing by Attorney General Moody is the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to release migrants onto the streets if immigration shelters reach overcapacity. The lawsuit argues that the policy is “materially identical” to one blocked by a federal judge earlier this year., As Title 42 ends on May 11 at 11:59 PM and officials predict the number of migrants entering the U.S. will sharply increase, the state’s lawsuit argues that the Biden administration's plan to end the policy is "unlawful" and "will have devastating consequences for Florida."
$1 billion raise for teachers, school board races become partisan
Gov. DeSantis signed a series of bills this week that make numerous changes to the state’s K-12 education system, including placing restrictions on the power of teachers' unions, making school board elections partisan, and setting aside $1.05 billion to increase teacher pay. The legislation overhauls state rules that govern teacher’s unions by ending dues being automatically deducted from members’ paychecks, requiring members be notified of the cost of union membership, and forbidding unions from providing “anything of value” to public officials. The changes also give employees the right to quit a union at will and obligates unions to recertify if the number of members paying dues falls below 60 perfect of those eligible to join. Another bill also imposes 12-year term limits for school board members and makes school board races partisan, meaning that candidates will now run for office as Democrats or Republicans. This is a change from the current system, in which school board members are elected without party affiliation. The bill’s $1 billion set aside to increase teacher salaries is a $252 million boost from the prior budget year and totals $3.3 billion devoted to raising their pay over the last five years under DeSantis. The Florida Education Association, the state’s largest union, representing 145,000 teachers and education professionals, opposes the recent changes and it serves as retribution for being vocal against Gov. DeSantis’ policies.
Lawmakers alter Citizens flood insurance requirement for high-rise condos
State lawmakers have reversed a requirement that all policyholders of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-run insurer of last resort, carry flood insurance, even owners in multi-story buildings such as those on the 15th floor. The change, which was made in bills approved by the House and Senate, would save policyholders hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year in already skyrocketing insurance costs. The original flood insurance requirement was part of a 2022 law that was designed to reduce the number of people who are uninsured for flood damage. But lawmakers said they heard from condo owners concerned about paying for flood insurance, even though their buildings are not in flood zones or individual units are not at risk of flooding. Once Gov. DeSantis signs the property insurance legislation, Citizens would no longer require condo unit owners to purchase flood insurance. The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has been struggling financially in recent years, and lawmakers have been looking for ways to reduce its losses and financial risks. The change to the flood insurance requirement is one of several measures that lawmakers have taken in recent years to try to stabilize Citizens and the overall property insurance market. The company has also been raising rates and reducing its coverage options as part of its efforts.
Governor-appointed oversight board establishes code enforcement system over Disney
The DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board that is tasked with overseeing Walt Disney World Resort has voted to approve the establishment of a code enforcement system to fine the company for violations at its theme parks or hotels. According to the staff report presented at the previous Board of Supervisors meeting, the enforcement citation program would authorize the Board to “enforce its resolutions, regulations, rules, and codes” through the “imposition of fines, liens, and…foreclosures of liens.” Currently, the district lacks any enforcement measures for violations of regulations, codes, or other rules governing the district. The proposal would allow for civil penalties up to $500 per infraction, per day — the maximum allowed under Florida law. The board would also appoint a special magistrate who could hear appeals of citations. In the tense year-long feud between Gov. DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company, the latest action is a series of moves by the state to apply greater scrutiny to the company's operations in what is viewed as “political retaliation.”
Mexico’s President López Obrador criticizes DeSantis’ support of immigration bill
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has rebuked Gov. DeSantis for his support of Senate Bill 1718, an anti-immigration bill that would make it a felony to hire or transport an undocumented migrant into Florida. Employers who knowingly hire or continue to employ an undocumented person could face up to a $10,000 fine per illegal employee and have their license revoked. “Why does [DeSantis] have to take advantage of people’s pain, of migrants’ pain, of people’s need for political gain,” President López Obrador said at a recent news conference. “This is immoral. This is politicking.” Mexico’s president went further adding, “Now I found out that the Florida governor — imagine, Florida, which is full of migrants — is taking repressive, inhumane measures against migrants in Florida because he wants to be a candidate,” López Obrador said ahead of a likely presidential campaign announcement by DeSantis. “Can’t he not make another proposal to convince people?” While DeSantis is expected to sign the legislation, immigrant rights groups have voiced opposition as it makes it more difficult for the undocumented to have access to healthcare and other essential services. The bill also authorizes $12 million for DeSantis to restart his controversial migrant relocation flights that would transport illegal immigrants to other states.
Feds sue Florida over placement of disabled children in nursing homes
A trial is underway in a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department against the state of Florida, alleging that the state's Medicaid program is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by placing children with disabilities in nursing homes instead of community-based settings. In institutionalized settings typically reserved for aging seniors, the state has long placed fragile children requiring special care in nursing homes, where they often remain for several years. The lawsuit alleges that Florida's Medicaid program has a policy of placing children with disabilities in these facilities, even when there are community-based settings that can provide the same level of care. The plaintiffs argue that Florida’s reliance on using nursing homes for disabled children is a violation of their civil rights and conflicts with federal laws that require care to be provided in home-like settings when possible. The legal dispute between the federal government and the state has been ongoing for nearly a decade as Florida's Medicaid program faces accusations of not providing children with the services and support they need to thrive. Previous federal investigations have found that children share common spaces with elderly residents, rarely go outdoors or leave the facility, are subjected to poor conditions, and do not have access to social, educational or recreational activities. While the lawsuit seeks to require changes to the state’s Medicaid and disability programs by providing these children with the services and support in a community-based setting, much of the issue rests with the lack of funding provided by lawmakers for in-home healthcare services.
DeSantis worried about angering Trump voters, handling racial issues in 2018, leaked footage reveals
New video footage exclusively obtained by ABC News shows then-gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis expressing concerns on how to handle questions about President Donald Trump and a brewing racial controversy. The private recordings took place during debate prep sessions in 2018, and show DeSantis and his advisers, including Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL), discussing how to answer a question about issues in which he may disagree with President Trump on. “Obviously there is because, I mean, I voted contrary to him in the Congress,” DeSantis replied, but not wanting to say anything that would alienate Trump’s supporters, he becomes visibly vexed on the issue. I would "do what I think is right," and "support [Trump's] agenda," DeSantis resolved, before adding, “If I have a disagreement, I talk to him in private.” Another issue on display in nearly two and a half hours of unedited internal debate prep tapes from 2018 shows then-Congressman DeSantis discussing how to handle a public comment he made in which he urged Florida voters not to "monkey this up by trying to embrace a socialist agenda" ahead of Election Day, which drew scorn from his Democratic opponent, Andrew Gillum, who is black. While at the time, DeSantis said the comment had “zero to do with race,” he feared the backlash that could turn into a “mini version of Kavanaugh,” referencing the controversy that erupted over allegations of sexual assault against the then-Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Yet, DeSantis didn’t want to show “any weakness” on the issue and potentially lose support from his base, so he planned to use the comment to show “political correctness has gone too far,” as he referenced in the video. The leaked tapes provide a glimpse into how the Florida governor navigated being aligned with Trump in 2018 – a stark contrast from today – and how he approaches possible controversies. This comes amid reports that DeSantis is already beginning debate prep for the upcoming Republican presidential primary ahead of a likely campaign launch in June.
Mistrial declared in Andrew Gillum case
A federal court has declared a mistrial in the case against former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in his corruption trial. While the 12-member federal jury found Gillum not guilty of lying to the FBI, jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the other 18 charges against the defendant, including wire fraud and conspiracy charges. Gillum, a once-rising Democratic star who narrowly lost his gubernatorial campaign to now-Gov. DeSantis was accused of using his political position to solicit campaign contributions for personal gain through “false and fraudulent promises,” according to the Department of Justice. He was also accused of lying to federal investigators related to a corruption scandal stemming from his time as mayor, in which he was alleged to have promised favors to financial supporters. The jury's deadlock on the majority of counts in the case is a personal victory for Gillum, who has maintained his innocence throughout the case. The prosecution stated they would retry him on the charges on which the jury was unable to reach a verdict.
The Orlando Rays? The $1.7 billion pitch to lure the Tampa Bay Rays to Orlando
Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams unveiled his plan to attract the Tampa Bay Rays to Central Florida with a $1.7 billion brand-new stadium proposal along Orlando’s tourist-heavy International Drive. The proposal includes a 45,000-seat, domed baseball stadium complex on 35 acres of land across from SeaWorld Orlando and would include retail shops, restaurants, offices, and 1,000 hotel rooms. The plan is the brainchild of former NBA executive Pat Williams, who co-founded the Orlando Magic and has spent several years focused on delivering a Major League Baseball franchise to Central Florida. Williams’ proposal includes nearly a billion dollars in unguaranteed public funding from the Orange County Tourist Development Tax, which would be an alluring draw for Rays ownership. Leaders in Tampa and St. Petersburg, the current home of the Rays, have expressed interest in striking a deal with the team, with St. Petersburg having selected a proposed multi-billion redevelopment plan for the site of the present-day Tropicana Field that includes a new 30,000-seat domed stadium. Unlike Tampa and St. Petersburg, Orange County officials have been silent on their thoughts about bringing the Major League Baseball team to Central Florida.
Trump doubles his lead over DeSantis in latest polls
According to recent polls, former President Donald Trump has a significant lead over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The polling data is grim news for the governor, who has steadily slipped in polls over the last month ahead of his anticipated campaign launch later this month or in June. A CBS News poll conducted in April found that Trump was supported by 58% of likely Republican primary voters, while DeSantis was supported by just 22%. Another poll conducted by Echelon Insights found that Trump garnered 50% of those polled, compared to 23% for DeSantis. This data aligns with the FiveThirtyEight average of polls, which shows the former president leading DeSantis by 52% to 23%. DeSantis finds the most support among college-educated voters, with Trump only leading this group 43% to 32%. However, those without a college education prefer Trump dramatically, by a 60-point margin over DeSantis – 77% to 17%. The good news for the Sunshine State governor? He is clearly the second favorite in the growing field of announced or likely Republican primary candidates. Former Vice President Mike Pence, former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy trail far behind with single-digit support.
Florida’s congressional delegations holds meeting on agricultural issues
The Sunshine State’s congressional delegation held a special meeting in Washington, D.C., with bipartisan co-chairs U.S. Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-Sarasota) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Hollywood) presiding to discuss the state’s agricultural needs. Florida’s congressional delegation is comprised of its two U.S. Senators and all 28 members of the U.S. House. The meeting called witnesses to Capitol Hill, including Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, to testify on how to ensure Florida’s agriculture sector continues to grow and thrive. The meeting comes as Congress is discussing a new farm bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation that sets policy for U.S. agriculture, food, nutrition, and forestry, and is passed every five years. U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville) and Darren Soto (D-Kissimmee) serve on the House Agriculture Committee that will consider measures for inclusion in this year’s farm bill. Agriculture is a $120 billion industry in the state and supports an estimated 2.1 million jobs.
University of Florida’s new Jacksonville campus
With support from Gov. DeSantis, Jacksonville will be the location of a new University of Florida graduate campus as lawmakers approved $75 million in funding from the 2023-2024 budget for the project. The $75 million from the State Legislature is in addition to $20 million previously approved by the Jacksonville City Council for the campus and another $50 million that was announced in private funding. The 15-acre graduate center will specialize in biomedical technology, business, and engineering and aims to support the demands of the region’s growing workforce and economy. The proposed downtown Jacksonville UF campus aims to keep graduates in the state by being located in a major city with burgeoning opportunities that will allow them to contribute to the local economy.
Walt Disney World will lift theme park reservations, reintroduce dining plans in 2024
Disney fans are rejoicing as the theme park announced they are lifting pandemic-era requirements, including those that mandated visitors make reservations ahead of their trip and suspended park dining plans. Beginning January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required and Disney dining plans will return for resort guests, the company announced this week. When Disney World theme parks reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, visitors had to make reservations for entry before 2 PM, but with the standard date-based tickets, reservations will no longer be required. Moreover, with the reintroduction of dining plans, guests who book Disney vacation packages at their resorts next year will be able to select between the Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan. This will allow guests to pre-pay for their meals and snacks, which offers savings on dining during their vacation.
Florida’s most densely populated county focuses on affordable housing
Florida’s most densely populated county will soon see the development of new affordable housing units in the area in response to the ongoing housing crisis. This week, Pinellas County Board of Commissioners voted to approve $12.5 million to go toward four different affordable housing development projects in St. Petersburg, Lealman, and Largo that will create more than 300 new units serving households earning well below the area median income. The commitment is part of the county’s ten-year plan to work with local governments, developers, and nonprofit groups to deliver more affordable housing options to the area. While Pinellas County is the state’s seventh-most populous county with 959,000 residents, it has the most heavily concentrated population with nearly 3,500 people per square mile. Like other counties across the Sunshine State, Pinellas has struggled to meet housing demand and provide attainable options for low- to middle-class incomes. The average single-family home costs about $400,000 and median monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment range from $1400 to $1600.
Minors without a license can no longer drive golf carts
Gov. DeSantis has approved a bill that prohibits minors without a license from driving golf carts on public roads after the House and Senate both unanimously approved the legislation. Present law mandates that anyone at least 14 years old can drive a golf cart – even without a driver’s license. The new law, effective October 1, 2023, will require minors to possess a learner’s permit or driver’s license to operate such vehicles on public roadways. Anyone 18 years or older must possess a valid form of government-issued photographic identification to drive a golf cart.
Upcoming Events Across Florida:
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 19: Bartow Friday Fest
Live music, a classic car show, and family activities in Downtown Bartow, affectionately known as the “City of Oaks and Azaleas.” The event is held along Main Street on the third Friday of every month.
May 19: Bark in the Park in Winter Haven
Winter Haven’s Central Park on Main Street brings together pet owners and their four-legged friends for an event focused on all things dogs. This free event features pet-friendly vendors, the annual Weiner dog race, and a pet look-a-like contest, and more.
May 20: Ocean Brews & Blues in Deerfield Beach
This craft beer festival gathers live blues music entertainers and dozens of breweries from across the U.S., where guests can sample an assortment of 125 beers (ticket required).
May 25-26: Wawa Summer Fun Day at Bok Tower Gardens
Wawa is bringing free admission to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales on the last Thursday and Friday of each month between May and September.
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 26-28: Orlando Carnival Downtown
Multicultural carnival celebrates Caribbean life and customs in downtown Orlando with colorful costumes, dancing, and music, with island-inspired cuisine and treats.
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.
May 27-28: Afro Nation Afro Beats Festival at loanDepot Park in Miami
May 28: Mayfest in Downtown Tampa
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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