Hurricane Idalia damage could top $20 billion & DeSantis-drawn congressional districts found unconstitutional
September 8, 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…
Hurricane Idalia damage could reach $20 billion
Hurricane Idalia's financial toll is anticipated to range between $12 billion and $20 billion, according to recent estimates, as states affected by the storm grapple with the aftermath. While the hurricane claimed two lives and caused extensive flooding, property damage, and power outages in Florida's Gulf Coast, most of the losses resulted from damaged homes and vehicles, particularly in coastal counties within the state's Big Bend region. Storm surge-induced flooding was the leading contributor to the damage as Idalia brought record-breaking water levels to many communities, making recovery challenging for affected areas. Despite its destruction, the total losses from Hurricane Idalia are expected to be less than other recent hurricanes to hit the U.S., partly due to the fact that it primarily affected areas with lower population densities and property values. The Big Bend area, where the hurricane struck, is one of the poorest and least populated regions in Florida. It is estimated one in five are considered to be living in poverty with median household incomes about $15,000 to $20,000 below the state average of $61,000 and home values around $100,000. Its lower population, income levels, and property values may further hinder the economic recovery in the months ahead. The Biden Administration declared a federal disaster in the state last Thursday, approving the availability of federal resources to aid eligible residents, but the financial constraints in these areas present challenges for rebuilding efforts. For example, local governments lack adequate financial resources to assist. Moody’s RMS calculates the insured loss between $3 to $5 billion and an additional $500 million in flood insurance claims as the state’s home insurance market is already struggling.
Judge finds DeSantis-drawn congressional districts as unconstitutional
A Florida judge has ruled that congressional district boundaries drawn under Gov. Ron DeSantis are unconstitutional, citing violations of the state's constitution and restrictions on Black voting power. Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh, who presided over the case brought by groups like Black Voters Matter and the League of Women Voters of Florida, ordered the Florida Legislature to redraw the North Florida districts, spanning from the Panhandle to Jacksonville. In the 55-page ruling, Judge Marsh noted Florida's history of voting discrimination and the DeSantis-endorsed map that “dismantl[ed] a congressional district that enabled Black voters to elect their candidates of choice.” The ruling prohibits state officials from conducting elections using the current boundaries that were created to replace the former Congressional District 5, which was dismantled in the current redistricting plan and approved by state lawmakers in March 2022. The seat, held by former U.S. Representative Al Lawson of Tallahassee, was a majority-minority district that stretched hundreds of miles from Jacksonville to Tallahassee along the Florida-Georgia border. This redrawn map allowed Republicans to win 20 out of the state's 28 congressional districts, a four-seat increase for the GOP. The judge's decision was welcomed by Democrats and voting rights advocates who viewed the changes as an effort to disenfranchise communities of color from having a voice. Secretary of State Cord Byrd has announced his intent to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.
The federal response to Hurricane Idalia
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden traveled to Florida on Labor Day weekend to assess the devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia and the ongoing response efforts. Ahead of the visit, the Biden administration announced that more than 1,500 federal personnel, including over 540 Urban Search and Rescue personnel and three Disaster Survivor Assistance Strike Teams, have been deployed to aid the affected states across the southeast. FEMA has also distributed essential supplies, including 1.3 million meals and 1.6 million liters of water, while the Florida National Guard has fully activated with 5,500 members available. During the presidential visit, the Bidens took an aerial tour of the impacted areas and received a briefing on response and recovery efforts in Live Oak. President Biden expressed empathy for the region's struggle, saying, "No winds this strong had hit this area in a hundred years. Pray to God it’ll be another 100 years before this happens again." Despite earlier plans to meet with Governor Ron DeSantis, the President was greeted by Republican Senator Rick Scott instead. President Biden downplayed the absence of the meeting, emphasizing his coordination with DeSantis and commitment to supporting the state's recovery. Power outages persist in several counties, with the President assuring residents that the nation stands by them in recovery and rebuilding efforts. The State of Florida and FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Dixie County on September 5 to assist residents affected by the storm. The Center will provide information from state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration for individuals to learn what assistance and resources are available and to assist them in applying for federal assistance. The Disaster Recovery Center will remain open until further notice. Additionally, FEMA has approved 14 counties for Individual Assistance, providing eligible families and individuals with financial aid for uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses, such as renting temporary housing and repairing homes. Critical Needs Assistance, a one-time $700 payment per household, has also been made available for Floridians with immediate needs due to displacement to purchase lifesaving goods.
DeSantis earns praise for hurricane response
After Hurricane Idalia roared through the state last week, Gov. DeSantis' response has drawn praise for the government’s readiness ahead of the storm and the following response, demonstrating competency and his ability to communicate during a crisis. The DeSantis campaign has already touted the presidential contender's quick post-hurricane action to restore power to residents, clear roadways, and distribute generators to critical areas. While his management of the government’s response will likely bolster his image as an effective leader, it probably will not move the needle for his lagging candidacy. At the same time, the Category 3 storm also exposed vulnerabilities facing the state, particularly concerning affordability and Florida's property insurance crisis that DeSantis’ opponents are anticipated to seize on. The two-term governor has been criticized for instituting reforms that some claim have contributed to soaring insurance costs in the state. Since his election in 2018, insurance premiums have soared to an average of $6,000 a year for Floridians – the highest in the nation. This period has also seen an uptick in insurers dropping coverage for homeowners, declaring insolvency, or departing the state altogether. Despite signing a series of reforms into law that DeSantis and state leaders are hopeful will result in lower rates, the issue threatens to undermine his economic pitch in the 2024 presidential campaign.
DeSantis’ post-hurricane message: “You loot, we shoot”
Gov. DeSantis issued a stern warning to potential looters in the wake of Hurricane Idalia, which struck the Big Bend area as a Category 3 storm and caused extensive flooding. He emphasized that people have the right to defend their property and cited the prevalence of Second Amendment advocates in the affected areas. Referring to some signs outside of homes, DeSantis stated, "You loot, we shoot," and cautioned that individuals attempting to break into homes should be prepared to face the consequences, both from law enforcement and homeowners protecting their families. The governor's strong words against looting drew criticism from many and come as he seeks to emphasize his law-and-order stance during his 2024 presidential bid.
If it’s not DeSantis, it’s Christie: Prominent DeSantis donors turn to Chris Christie
As DeSantis’ campaign for president has sputtered since his May launch, prominent donors that previously backed the Florida governor are now looking elsewhere to offer their monetary support. Billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones II, a prominent donor and backer of DeSantis, has also contributed generously to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's presidential campaign. Jones donated $150,000 to a pro-Christie super PAC, "Tell It Like It Is," in June, along with the legal individual maximum of $6,600 to Christie's campaign committee. This move is noteworthy as Christie has been critical of DeSantis as they compete for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Jones' support for both candidates raises questions about his allegiances. Previously, he had given $1 million to DeSantis' 2022 reelection bid, and after the candidate announced his White House bid, the billionaire donor wrote a $6,600 check to the governor. However, other notable backers of DeSantis appear to be shaky in their continued support. Jeffrey Yass, an investor and major GOP donor, also gave $250,000 to Christie’s super PAC and another $600,000 to a group that is backing South Carolina U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s candidacy. Florida’s wealthiest resident, Ken Griffin, who has contributed over $10 million to DeSantis during his two successful gubernatorial runs, has also backed off from contributing any more to his aligned super PAC as of the end of June. Both Griffin and another megadonor, Robert Bigelow, who is the single-largest financial contributor to DeSantis, have either signaled or directly expressed a desire for DeSantis to moderate his positions and appeal to a broader base of donors. It appears the Florida governor is obliging to those demands by evolving his campaign strategy and dropping talk of his culture wars from stump speeches.
Judge refuses to block Florida’s transgender treatment law
A federal judge has refused to block Florida's ban on gender-related medical care for adults who seek hormone therapy and surgeries. The controversial law, SB 254, was passed earlier this year and was the subject of a federal lawsuit to block provisions of the law that strip healthcare for transgender individuals from taking effect. Among these restrictions, the law prevents doctors from providing hormone therapy and puberty blockers to children and imposes limitations on treatment for adults with gender dysphoria. It also prohibits advanced practice registered nurses from providing care to transgender patients, bans the use of telehealth for new prescriptions, and mandates that patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria sign informed-consent forms crafted by state medical boards. While U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle declined to block the entire law, which creates barriers for treatment-seeking transgender adults, he indicated he could issue a limited injunction to ensure care for individual plaintiffs if they provide detailed medical records. The case is scheduled for a two-day trial on October 30.
Florida surpasses 90,000 COVID-19 deaths
Florida has crossed 90,000 resident deaths due to COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 as the state is experiencing a late-summer surge in new cases. According to the Florida Department of Health, there were 23,503 reported cases during the week beginning August 18, followed by 23,960 new cases during the week starting August 25, marking the highest numbers of the summer. While the state has seen a steady rise in cases since late June, the current numbers remain significantly lower than the peaks of previous summers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the U.S. is experiencing an uptick in cases with up to 10,000 weekly COVID-related hospitalizations. However, this is a stark drop from the peak of 40,000 weekly hospitalizations in August 2022. The CDC has declared that the virus has entered an endemic phase, emphasizing the importance of immunity, vaccinations, treatments, and preventive measures.
Citizens Insurance to rollback proposed rate increase for home insurance
The state-backed insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., has been ordered to revise and reduce proposed rate increases for home insurance policies by state regulators. Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky issued the order after Citizens requested approval for an overall 13.3% rate increase earlier this year, including a 12% hike for homeowners with the most common policies. The order directs Citizens to recalculate new, reduced average statewide rate increases for policyholders, questioning whether raising premiums in some areas of the state is warranted. Citizens has sought the rate increase as the insurer has seen their number of policies balloon to more than 1.3 million – nearly triple the number from July 2020. The proposed 12% hike is the maximum allowed that Citizens can raise premiums on primary residences this year due to state law. Officials with Citizens argue the changes are necessary due to the company charging lower rates than private insurers, hindering efforts to transition policies to the private market that will be required to achieve financial stability. The rate proposal must be revised within 30 days. Meanwhile, the Office of Insurance Regulation approved a rate increase for commercial policies, including condominium-association policies that will result in a statewide average jump of 9.2% on October 1.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez drops out of 2024 presidential race
Facing long-shot odds to win the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced he was suspending his bid for the White House last week. Suarez revealed his decision to drop out via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that while he was ending his campaign, which struggled to gain traction in the crowded GOP field. Despite employing attention-grabbing fundraising tactics, such as offering gift cards to donors and accepting cryptocurrency donations, the two-term Miami mayor failed to mount a competitive bid and was unsuccessful in meeting the Republican National Committee's polling requirement to participate in the first debate. Suarez, the GOP’s only Hispanic presidential candidate who launched his campaign in June with relatively low national recognition, faced criticism over his qualifications, anemic poll results, and a questionable $500,000 donation from a China-linked company to his super PAC. There was also controversy stemming from his role assisting a developer obtain permits for a halted $70-million real estate project while in office, in which he was paid at least $170,000. The matter is subject to both an FBI criminal probe and a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation that are ongoing. Suarez was the third candidate from Florida to jump into the race, alongside former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. By dropping out, he pledged to “continue to amplify the voices of the Hispanic community,” criticizing Democrats for taking this minority group for granted and urging the GOP to do more to attract and include such voters. His exit from the race makes him the first Republican candidate to drop out of the 2024 presidential campaign – just 76 days after launching his bid.
Disney workers risk losing benefits as they face the ire of DeSantis-Disney feud
Disney World workers are now finding themselves embroiled in the battle between the entertainment company and Gov. DeSantis. The DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s (CFTOD) board, tasked with overseeing Walt Disney World's governing district, has taken aim at free passes and discounts provided to their 370 public employees and more than 200 first responders. These workers provide municipal services to the 39 square miles of Walt Disney World Resort and the four theme parks, including wastewater treatment, drainage, planning and permitting, and firefighting. The board argues in favor of eliminating these perks, stating that they are unethical benefits. They also submitted a complaint to the state Inspector General, asserting that the previous Disney-backed board had provided millions of dollars in season passes and discounts on hotels, merchandise, food, and beverages to district employees and their families. The current board claims that this arrangement was self-serving to Disney, funneling money back to the company while the district bore the cost. They also contend that a private company cannot provide gifts to government employees who provide services to it. Last year alone, around $2.5 million in discounts and passes were distributed. At a recent district board meeting, present and former employees emotionally testified that these longtime benefits were a significant factor in their decision to work for the 56-year-old district, formerly known as Reedy Creek. To offset the potential elimination of theme park-related discounts and free admission, the CFTOD board is proposing to offer its workers a $1,400 wage increase. Disney has not yet responded to the complaint, and the ongoing dispute adds another layer of tension to the broader conflict between Disney and the state of Florida, which includes pending lawsuits that all stemmed from political disagreements on LGBTQ+ rights in education.
Supermarket Shakeup: Aldi acquires Winn-Dixie, shifting Florida’s grocery landscape
Publix dominates the grocery market in Florida, but Winn-Dixie would be No. 2 in foot traffic, number of locations, and longevity in the Sunshine State. But changes are on the horizon with the recent news that German supermarket chain Aldi is acquiring Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, which operates more than 450 Winn-Dixie locations in Florida. Aldi plans to evaluate which stores will be converted into Aldi locations, others will continue to operate as Winn-Dixie stores. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2024 and will encompass about 400 stores in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Aldi is the nation's fastest-growing grocer with a particular focus on the Gulf Coast region. This move aligns with the company’s expansion strategy, aiming to have over 2,400 stores in the U.S. by the end of the year. This acquisition places Aldi in direct competition with the established and beloved grocer Publix, as it seeks to further solidify its presence in the southeastern market. Publix is the most popular grocery chain in Florida with 600 million visits per year, while Aldi is a distant fourth with 43 million shoppers, according to commercial real estate firm JLL.
Proposed luxury condo towers to be among tallest buildings in Tampa Bay, draws concerns
A Clearwater developer is planning to construct two identical condo towers on the southern edge of downtown that would become the tallest buildings in the city and some of the largest in the Tampa Bay area, standing at 470 feet with 35 stories each. The proposed twin tower luxury development would loom over the current tallest building in Clearwater which stands at 264 feet and 26 stories. The waterfront condo project by developer Moises Agami raises concerns among residents and city officials due to its unprecedented height. The development would be over twice as tall as the tallest building in the city today and overshadow neighboring structures, including single-family homes in the surrounding neighborhoods. Agami's application is currently under review by city staff, and it does not require a public hearing, thanks to recent changes in downtown development standards that aim to streamline the approval process and cut down on red tape. Additionally, this area of the downtown does not have any height restrictions – an effort to promote increased density. However, the city was not prepared for such a tall building to be proposed for its downtown, sparking controversy as residents worry about its environmental impact and potential risks related to the structural integrity of nearby buildings. The submitted application for the dual-tower luxury condos includes a total of 223 units. The project will sit on a 2.5-acre waterfront lot in a “coastal storm area” prone to flooding, with one of the condo towers planned just 20 feet from the water of Clearwater Harbor. Agami, a Scientologist, is the developer behind other luxury residential developments in Clearwater, including the sold-out 80-unit, seven-story Serena by the Sea condos that recently completed construction.
Former Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell challenges Senator Rick Scott for U.S. Senate
The former Democrat U.S. Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Miami has officially entered the U.S. Senate race in Florida, becoming the first notable challenger to Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott. Mucarsel-Powell, who previously won a battleground South Florida U.S. House seat in 2018, emphasized her immigrant background and Congressional experience as she kicked off her campaign. Top Democratic Party leaders previously held discussions with the former Miami Congresswoman to convince her to challenge the Republican senator seeking his second term, citing her past success in winning a swing district and ability to fundraise. In a video announcing her bid, she highlighted key issues like abortion rights, gun violence, and property insurance costs in the state. Taking on Scott won’t be an easy task as the former two-term governor is a multimillionaire who has invested heavily in his political campaigns and boasts widespread name recognition. Florida's political landscape has also leaned right in recent years, with registered Republicans statewide outnumbering Democratic voters by more than 500,000. Adding to the headwinds, in 2022, the GOP carried the traditionally Democrat bastions of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties that furthered their momentum. Other Democrats, including Navy veteran Phil Ehr and former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, a perennial candidate for various offices, are also vying to challenge Scott.
Thanks for reading this edition of Floridian Today. To never miss an update, subscribe for free:
In the meantime, if you learned something or found this read interesting, please consider sharing it to grow our community!