Florida's $3.2 billion opioid settlement & billionaires bankroll DeSantis campaign
August 4, 2023 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Florida to receive $3.2B from opioid settlement
The state is set to receive approximately $3.2 billion in settlement money from opioid manufacturers and distributors over the next 17 years to help tackle the opioid crisis. The funds come as a result of nationwide lawsuits against opioid litigation defendants, with the total amount from these lawsuits exceeding $50 billion. The funds will be divided into different categories for state and local use. Florida's Attorney General's office has revealed that a collection of drug distributors, including Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, will be paying the highest settlement payment of about $1.3 billion. Florida also settled with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Endo Health Solutions Inc., Allergan, Teva Pharmaceuticals, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Included in the terms of the settlement by Teva Pharmaceuticals, the state will receive $84 million worth of naloxone, or Narcan, which reverses or reduces the effects of opioid-related overdoses. The settlement amount will be distributed through three separate channels: a state-controlled fund, a regional fund to be distributed among counties, and a third fund directly given to cities and counties that participated in the settlements.
The state-controlled fund will be the largest recipient of the money and will be appropriated by the Legislature per its annual budget, to be used for various purposes related to curbing the opioid crisis. These purposes include expanding treatment and recovery services, establishing the Office of Opioid Recovery to monitor settlement fund expenditures, and creating a mobile program for people with limited access to opioid treatment clinics. The regional fund will receive the second-highest amount of funding and will be distributed among Florida’s largest counties with populations above 300,000 people. Each county's government will decide how to spend its allocation from the regional fund. The third fund will be directed to cities and counties that signed onto the settlement agreement and constitutes 15% of Florida’s total payout. The settlement agreement stipulates that the funds must be used exclusively to combat the opioid crisis, with approved spending options encompassing a range of strategies, such as expanding naloxone access to the uninsured; providing recovery treatment for pregnant women, and providing housing, transportation, and job training services; offering treatment for babies who suffered from opioid exposure while in the womb; aiding incarcerated individuals suffering from addiction; and funding research on treating chronic pain.
Billionaires bankroll DeSantis’ presidential campaign
A new report reveals that billionaires are playing a significant role in supporting the effort to put Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the White House. The pro-DeSantis super PAC "Never Back Down," has raised an impressive $48 million in the first half of this year, with contributions coming from familiar tycoons who had previously backed his political rise. These funds raised by the super PAC add to the $82.5 million transferred from DeSantis' state fundraising committee, giving "Never Back Down" a staggering $130 million in the first six months of 2023. Nearly $34 million has been spent by the super PAC so far, with $97 million in cash remaining. Such substantial funds will be crucial for DeSantis, particularly as he faces tough months leading up to next year's early-state primaries. Major backers include Robert Bigelow, owner of Budget Suites of America and founder of Bigelow Aerospace, who donated more than $20 million, and shipping moguls Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, who collectively contributed $2 million. California venture capitalist Douglas Leone and Pennsylvania chemical company founder Stefan Brodie each donated $2 million to the super PAC. However, some high-profile supporters of DeSantis in the past, like billionaire hedge fund managers Ken Griffin and Paul Tudor Jones II, were notably absent from the super PAC's recent filing. Despite facing challenges in chipping away at Donald Trump's commanding lead in polls, DeSantis' impressive fundraising total may mean the presidential campaign is prepared to utilize its hefty war chest in an attempt to take the lead. However, the campaign’s heavy reliance on a handful of wealthy donors also points to a key vulnerability in attracting support – only 15% of the super PAC’s $130 million total raised came from small-donor donors contributing less than $200.
Tax-funded campaign? DeSantis faces criticism for using state vehicles while on the presidential trail
Gov. DeSantis has come under scrutiny after a car crash last week in Tennessee revealed his use of state government vehicles out-of-state during his 2024 presidential campaign. The crash exposed DeSantis' reliance on state resources to fuel his political aspirations, thanks in part to a new law passed by the state legislature that shields the governor's travel records from public view. The four-vehicle collision involving DeSantis, staffers, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents on protective detail while on the way to a campaign fundraiser confirmed the use of Florida government vehicles and personnel out-of-state, but who’s paying for it is indeterminable due to the travel records exemption law. The DeSantis campaign may or may not be reimbursing the state for the use of government resources. Federal campaign finance reports filed on July 15 show no payments made to FDLE for travel or security expenses. However, it does reveal the presidential campaign spent $896,000 on travel-related costs through June 30, but has refused to disclose information about the use of resources funded by Florida taxpayers. The lack of transparency and potential misuse of public resources have led watchdog organizations to explore potential legal actions to address the accountability issues surrounding the governor's campaign practices.
Judge sides with DeSantis in legal dispute with Disney
In the ongoing feud between the Walt Disney Company and Gov. DeSantis, a Florida judge delivered a significant blow to Disney's legal battle on Friday. The judge denied Disney's request to dismiss a state lawsuit filed against them by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), which seeks to nullify the so-called "backroom deal" favoring Disney, made by the prior district board earlier in the year. This ruling allows the DeSantis-appointed CFTOD oversight board to continue pursuing its case, and if successful, it could undermine Disney's own federal case against Gov. DeSantis. The year-and-a-half dispute between Disney and DeSantis began when the company voiced opposition to a Florida law prohibiting discussions about sexuality and gender identity in K-5 classrooms. In response, the Republican governor criticized the company as "woke" and successfully pushed for legislation that revamped the district and shifted board control from Disney to his office. Additionally, previous last-minute agreements the entertainment giant had with the former Reedy Creek Improvement District were retroactively invalidated. The judge’s ruling in this lawsuit is separate from the federal case filed by Disney in April, where they assert that DeSantis and his hand-picked board violated the company's First Amendment rights and retaliated against them for publicly opposing the so-called "Don't Say Gay" law. With the judge's recent ruling, the legal battle between one of Florida’s largest employers and the governor continues, leaving both sides poised for a high-stakes courtroom clash.
Central Florida Tourism Oversight board proposes millions in cuts for Disney
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board appointed by Gov. DeSantis is eyeing significant spending cuts to Walt Disney World's sprawling theme park district in Florida. The board recently revealed plans for millions of dollars worth of reductions, including $8 million annually spent on law enforcement services exclusively provided to Disney properties. District Administrator Glen Gilzean stated that the proposed budget aims to keep tax rates from rising significantly, resulting in a $200 million decrease in tax collections. The board approved a proposed 6.8% reduction to the millage rate levied on properties within the special taxing district to deliver these savings. Other spending cuts will be decided in subsequent weeks. The board, in contrast to DeSantis' stance that threatened to raise taxes on Disney World, has adopted a more conciliatory approach, aiming to implement changes beneficial to district residents and small businesses. According to Gilzean, the FY2024 budget prioritizes public safety and responsible spending while eliminating wasteful practices adopted by the former Disney-controlled board. The budget proposal aims to end the use of taxpayer funds to finance private security or police services for commercial benefit, shifting the financial burden away from citizens. The board will vote to approve a final budget in September.
School unions face financial struggles under new state law
Teachers’ unions throughout the state are facing financial challenges due to a new law that prohibits school districts from collecting dues through workers' paychecks. Seeking to halt this measure, unions representing public school employees and university faculty members have filed a motion requesting a preliminary injunction against the automatic dues-deduction ban, which came into effect on July 1. The unions argue that the ban violates contracts that were agreed upon before the law's implementation that require dues to be withdrawn from payroll. They further argue that it hinders their ability to plan their financial affairs and that they are financially “suffering from a reduction in irreplaceable revenue that is about to get much worse,” according to a memo filed by the unions. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the Florida Education Association, the United Faculty of Florida, the Alachua County Education Association, the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, and Hernando United School Workers, among others. During this year’s legislative session, Republican lawmakers and Gov. DeSantis sought to restrict the influence of public-employee unions, aside from those representing public safety personnel such as firefighters and police, as they faced criticism for “union busting.” Another implemented change will require unions to recertify as bargaining agents if fewer than 60% of eligible employees are members. Although unions do not seek a permanent halt to the prohibition of payroll deductions, they aim to have a reasonable period, until their unexpired contracts end, to adapt to the new financial landscape for public employee unions in Florida.
Disney's firefighters’ union reaches deal with DeSantis-backed oversight board
After several years of unsuccessful negotiations, the oversight board of the Walt Disney World governing district, now comprised of Gov. DeSantis' appointees, has finally approved a contract for its firefighters. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District unanimously voted to greenlight a three-year contract covering 200 firefighters and paramedics in the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters' Association. The agreement includes a 5% wage increase, with the starting annual wage for firefighters and paramedics rising from $55,000 to $66,000. Additionally, it offers $5,000 signing bonuses for workers with three or more years of service and $2,500 bonuses for others. The firefighters, which respond to emergency calls within the 39 square miles of Walt Disney World Resort, had been working under an expired contract for over four years, and their previous negotiations with the Disney-controlled board were at a stalemate. Due to this, and growing concerns of being understaffed, the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters’ Association was supportive of the changes that were anticipated with the DeSantis-backed takeover of Disney World.
DeSantis weighs in on latest Trump indictment
Gov. DeSantis took to Twitter on Tuesday and spoke out on news that his GOP primary rival, former President Donald Trump, is facing a third criminal indictment related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Referring to Washington, D.C., as a "swamp" and condemning the "weaponization of government,” he vowed to replace the FBI Director and “ensure a single standard of justice for all Americans” as president. Although DeSantis clarified that he had not read the indictment, he criticized the “swamp mentality” of Washington, D.C., and expressed the need for reforms that forbid Americans from being compelled to stand trial in the nation’s capital rather than their “home districts.” Though the tweet does not mention Trump by name, the indictment had been anticipated after Trump revealed in July that he was under investigation by the Justice Department's special counsel, Jack Smith.
Ocean temperatures in South Florida exceed 100ºF
Florida has potentially broken another heat record as a buoy off South Florida recorded ocean surface temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The buoy in Manatee Bay – near Key Largo – registered temperatures peaking at 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit at 6 PM last week, and remained above 100 degrees for three hours. For comparison, average temperatures for hot tubs sit between 100 and 102 degrees. While there are no official world sea surface temperature records, this peak temperature could potentially be a world record if later confirmed. The unprecedented temperatures in Florida's waters could prove detrimental to coral reefs due to bleaching, and researchers recently discovered a coral reef restoration site off South Florida with "100% coral mortality." Warmer ocean temperatures can also lead to extreme weather events and have far-reaching impacts on marine species, fishing industries, and tourism. Globally, ocean temperatures have reached record highs and unprecedented extremes as the impacts of climate change worsen, resulting in above-normal temperatures and waters off Florida hovering in the mid-90s.
Car insurance has increased 25% since 2018 in Florida
In the last five years, car insurance premiums in Florida have climbed 24.8% – the most of any other state. From 2018 to 2023, the average insurance cost for full coverage of a vehicle in the state has jumped from $2,050 to $2,560, according to data by car subscription service FINN. The escalating premiums are part of a decade-long trend of increases as rates have skyrocketed 88% since 2013. The sharp uptick is credited to climate change-induced severe weather events that present a greater risk of vehicle damage and the fact that Florida has the highest proportion of uninsured drivers. FINN says 20% of drivers in the state lack basic “minimum liability insurance” and estimates annual premiums to balloon to $4,813 in 2033 if trends continue. The consumer price index by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average premiums nationally have risen 17.1% from 2022 to 2023, citing inflation, an increase in severe accidents, climate change, and supply shortages. While Florida boasts the highest car insurance rates in the country, the next costly states were Louisiana ($2,546), Delaware ($2,137), Michigan ($2,133), and California ($2,115).
Florida cities dominate most popular destinations to move
The Sunshine State proves to be the top choice for homebuyers looking to relocate within the U.S., according to a recent report by Redfin. Tampa takes the third spot on the list of most popular cities for those seeking a change of scenery, followed closely by Orlando at No. 4. The warm climate, no income tax, and relative affordability of homes in these cities appear to be significant motivating factors for prospective residents. Among the most popular cities for net newcomers, Las Vegas and Phoenix secured the top two spots in the nation. Despite facing high-risk weather conditions, such as flooding, hurricanes, and extreme heat, the allure of Florida's lifestyle and affordability continues to attract newcomers. Miami, while experiencing popularity in recent years, experienced a net decrease in population as longtime residents moved to surrounding areas to escape soaring home costs. But the real estate market in Florida and these cities remain competitive compared to the rest of the U.S., with median sale prices reaching $445,000 in Tampa, $400,000 in Orlando, and $580,000 in Miami as of June 2023. New York and Washington lead as the top two cities people are fleeing for these popular markets.
Miami’s overflowing trash and septic problem
According to a recent Census report, Miami became the fourth-fastest-growing major city in the U.S. between 2021 and 2022, with the warm climate and business-friendly environment appealing to out-of-state workers and wealthy newcomers. But as Miami’s popularity continues, the city faces a daunting environmental challenge as it grapples with the issue of overflowing garbage and septic tanks that some fear could hamper its allure for the affluent and as a tropical paradise. Reports indicate that some of Miami's massive landfills will reach capacity by 2026. More urgently, the city's septic systems, serving its 2.7 million residents, overflow during heavy rains, releasing fecal bacteria and contaminants, and transforming picturesque areas into toxic swamps. Despite being an urbanized metropolis, the city heavily relies on septic tanks, which are typically reserved for rural areas. In managing the trash crisis, Miami buries its garbage in distant landfills, away from wealthier areas, but with available space running out, building permits could face a moratorium. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has proposed solutions, including building a $1 billion incinerator and power plant. Miami buries its garbage in distant landfills, away from wealthier areas, but with available space running out, building permits could face a moratorium. Mayor Cava has proposed solutions, including building a $1 billion incinerator and power plant. The price tag to address these infrastructure woes and environmental concerns comes with a high price tag with the estimated cost to eliminate septic tanks to cross $4 billion alone, necessitating higher taxes and fees for residents. Homeowners utilizing septic will also be responsible for the $20,000 on average to connect their property to sewer lines. Accommodating growth and addressing these complexities won’t be easy for a city susceptible to climate change, but decisive, swift action will be necessary to ensure a sustainable future and preserve Miami’s status.
Clearwater Jazz Holiday announces artist lineup
The much-anticipated lineup for the 44th Clearwater Jazz Holiday has been announced, and it's packed with top-notch artists from various genres. The event, organized by Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, is set to take place at Pinellas County’s newest outdoor venue, The Sound at Coachman Park in Clearwater. From October 19th to October 22nd, music lovers can indulge in performances by iconic artists such as The Beach Boys with Good Vibrations Orchestra, Gladys Knight, Los Lobos, Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes, and Buddy Guy, among others. The festival will feature an array of music styles, from soul and folk to jazz and Latin tunes. Tickets for the Clearwater Jazz Holiday are now available, with prices starting at $30.75 for single-day entry. Music enthusiasts can also opt for two-day or four-day packages for a more inclusive experience.
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