| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | | | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. Point counterpoint — Amid the drama over former President Donald Trump’s indictment as well as a plethora of recent polls and endorsements from members of Florida’s congressional delegation, a new assertion has started to creep into the discussion about 2024. Talking point — The rumbling is that, oh Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — given his messy answers on Ukraine and other matters — isn’t ready to run for president and may wait things out. This assertion, however, runs counter to everything now moving into place in Tallahassee and beyond. Evidence — Just start with what’s happening in the Florida Legislature, where legislators have been working at a rapid pace to carry out DeSantis’ long legislative wish list that could be used as talking points on the presidential campaign trail. Those who have worked in this environment universally agree: it’s never been like this before. What Plaza wants, Plaza gets — Lawmakers — including those at the top — have come under repeated pressure during their 60-day session to carry out the DeSantis agenda. Some of those in the process have told Playbook that the governor’s office has taken so much control over bills that the expression “that’s Plaza’s bill” has now emerged — a reference to the first floor of the Capitol, where DeSantis operates from. The road goes on forever — Another sign is DeSantis’ ever-expanding calendar of out-of-state, and now international, travel, such as a planned trip to Israel and apparently Asia. This is not a governor who ventured a lot outside the state before the pandemic hit. These ongoing visits — to promote the book, to promote his "Florida Blueprint" — aren’t being cut back. Just the opposite is happening: The destination list is growing. Organization — And of course, the super PAC that is supporting a DeSantis run continues to ramp up and there are other moves at the Republican Party of Florida and elsewhere are also being carried out. There are a lot of people who are snapping into position in anticipation of an expected run. Start the clock — Now it is true that the timing of an official presidential campaign launch remains somewhat fuzzy, with dates in both May and June being floated. And no official decision has been made yet because then federal election laws kick in. But the point is this: Barring some last-minute unforeseen change, DeSantis is on the path to running for president. Some even view that the firepower aimed at the governor by Trump’s team in recent weeks as confirmation that he’s seen as a serious rival. It would appear that everyone will get to see that play out. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official scheduled for Gov. DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from Alibaba: Florida businesses, like DS Laboratories, are among thousands of American companies that sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms. Last year, sales of U.S. products to Chinese consumers on Alibaba added $1.7 billion to Florida’s GDP and supported 15,000 jobs and $936 million in wages for local workers. Learn about Alibaba’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. | | | |  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | SCOTT DRAWS PRIMARY OPPONENT — Keith Gross, a Melbourne attorney and business owner, announced on Monday that he is mounting a primary challenge to Sen. Rick Scott, a move that is already drawing ire from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Scott, the former Florida governor who would be seeking a second term in the Senate, led the NRSC during the 2022 cycle. In a campaign launch video, Gross took a subtle swipe at Scott by saying “I’ve already made my way and I didn’t have to defraud anyone to do it.” That appears to be a dig at Scott, who was forced out as the head of Columbia/HCA amid a federal investigation. While Scott was never charged with any wrongdoing, the hospital chain paid a then-record $1.7 billion fine to settle allegations the company had defrauded Medicare and other health programs. Gross also maintains he will “protect” the Second Amendment and Social Security and Medicare. Scott faced criticism from both President Joe Biden and other Republicans over his “Rescue America” plan, which at one point talked about sunsetting all federal programs every five years, prompting popular ones to be renewed. While Scott said he would never cut Social Security, he altered his plan in February. Sought office as Democrat — Gross ran for the Georgia Legislature in both 2008 and 2010 as a Democratic candidate. Michelle Backus, a spokesperson for Gross, said in an email that “for many years” he has “proudly voted Republican.” She added that “we’re talking over 10 years ago. Keith, like many Floridians, and even Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, and Jim Justice, whom the NRSC is rumored to support in a potential senate run in West Virginia, have left the Democrat party in the dust. This month alone over three lawmakers from across the country have switched their party affiliation, and Governor Ron Desantis secured a historic re-election due in part to former Democrats who recognize that freedom matters more than anything.” Response — But Philip Letsou, an NRSC spokesperson, said that “it’s surprising to see Keith Gross is running as a Republican in Florida seeing as he already ran twice as a Democrat in Georgia and lost. Senator Scott is going to crush him.” Backus retorted that “The NRSC would do better to spend its effort looking into Rick Scott’s handling of funds during the midterms that left us with a Democrat majority.”
|  Getty | | | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | DESANTISLAND | | THE NEXT MOVE — “DeSantis’ Disney World board to consider resolution asserting control,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher and Katie Rice: “Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new tourism oversight board is looking to exert its authority over development in Disney World’s special district and the two cities controlled by the theme park giant, according to a proposal obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. The board’s resolution states that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s Board of Supervisors is the ‘superior authority’ over planning, zoning and land development regulations for the entire special district, including within the city limits of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista.” MUST BE THE MONEY — “Why Ron DeSantis is taking aim at the federal reserve,” by The New York Times’ Jeanna Smialek and Linda Qiu: “Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who is preparing to take a widely anticipated leap into a 2024 presidential campaign, appears to have discovered something that populists throughout history have found to be true: Bashing the Federal Reserve is good politics. Mr. DeSantis has begun to criticize Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, in speeches and news conferences.” — “DeSantis flexes executive powers while eyeing White House,” by The Associated Press’ Anthony Izaguirre — “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to speak in Peoria in May,” by WCBU’s Tim Shelley | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | TO COURT — Bragg sues House Republicans over ‘campaign of harassment’ amid Trump probe, by Kyle Cheney, Josh Gerstein and Jordain Carney: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is suing to prevent House Republicans from subpoenaing Mark Pomerantz, a former assistant DA who was involved in the investigation of former President Donald Trump. In a 50-page lawsuit, Bragg slammed House GOP efforts to compel Pomerantz’s testimony as a “brazen and unconstitutional attack” and described it as a “campaign of harassment in retaliation for the District Attorney’s investigation and prosecution of Mr. Trump.” Bragg is also seeking a court order to bar Pomerantz from complying with the subpoena. — “Trump widens lead over DeSantis to 33 points in new survey,” by The Hill’s Jared Gans | | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | ‘WE CAN’T UN-SEE’ — Senate approves ban on children attending adult drag shows, by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian: The Florida Senate on Tuesday approved a proposed ban against children attending adult drag shows, a move that comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis called for tighter regulations and said such performances “sexualize” kids. The Senate approved the bill, SB 1438, on a 28-12 vote and it will now be eligible for consideration by the House. The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville), prohibits venues from allowing kids to attend live performances depicting nudity or sexual conduct. Response — Before Tuesday’s vote, Senate Democrats said comments made on Monday by state Rep. Webster Barnaby (R-Deltona) was a perfect example of the negative impact from Yarborough’s bill. During a Monday hearing on bill that outlaws someone from using a bathroom that doesn’t align with the sex they were assigned at birth, Barnaby called transgender people “demons” and “mutants.” Barnaby later apologized, but state Sen. Shevrin “Shev” Jones (D-Miami Gardens) said Yarborough’s bill will lead more people to lash out, even resort to violence. “That is the type of climate that we are creating in the state,” said Jones, Florida’s first openly gay senator. “We are basically giving people a hall pass to say crazy things like that.” | 
Rep. Shevrin Jones asks a question during session in 2019 | AP Photo |
WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET? — Should charter schools get more funding? Florida House members say yes, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Republican lawmakers in the Florida House advanced a bill Tuesday that could steer potentially hundreds of millions of dollars from traditional public schools to charter schools to cover construction and building costs. In what would be a massive change, the legislation proposes making charter schools across the state eligible for a piece of the funding traditional public school districts net every year from local property taxes. The possible loss of income has school districts and some Democrats worried as Republicans contend that charter schools aren’t getting their fair share of state money.
HMM — “Florida government spent $30k on TikTok ads while calling app ‘security risk,’” by WFTV’s Nick Papatonis: "Despite publicly taking a hard stance against TikTok and calling the Chinese-based app a security risk, Florida’s government has simultaneously funneled tens of thousands of dollars toward the app’s parent company for advertisements. The ads, in the form of sponsored posts showing up on users’ 'For You' feeds, were distributed by Florida PrePaid, an agency with board members appointed by the governor and other senior state officials tasked with signing families up for college savings plans." ‘IT’S A STEP BACKWARDS’ — “New election bill could muddy felon voting even more, supervisors say,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello: "The new elections bill in the Florida Senate would make it more difficult to find out which felons should have their voting rights restored, concerned elections supervisors say. The new language in Senate Bill 7050 would continue the Republican-led Legislature’s chipping away at the voter-backed Amendment 4 that allowed non-violent felons to cast ballots again." — “Names of Florida governor’s mansion guests would shielded under this bill,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Turner — “Federal grand jury hands up new indictment in Andrew Gillum case with two fewer charges,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew — “Tampa’s lawmaker’s bill to defer prison time for pregnant women advances,” by News Service of Florida’s Ryan Dailey — “Though likely unconstitutional, Florida child rape death penalty bill makes headway,” by USA Today Network-Florida’s John Kennedy
| | | | GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from April 30-May 3. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | ST. PETERSBURG MAYOR WEIGHS IN — We asked 50 mayors: What keeps you up at night? by POLITICO: Kenneth T. Welch, 58: "The widely available access to high-powered guns and ammunition presents a clear and present threat to our community, when these items fall into the hands of criminals and those with mental health issues. It is a continuing concern for our community’s safety." — 50 mayors open up about their battles with crime, gun violence, by POLITICO’s Liz Crampton ‘OPERATION NIGHTINGALE’ — “Nursing school operators plead guilty to selling fake diplomas in Florida,” by Miami Herald’s Jay Weaver: “Two nursing school operators in the Fort Lauderdale area have fessed up to peddling fake diplomas to thousands of students who could then avoid completing a rigorous program before taking licensing exams in what prosecutors say was a multimillion-dollar racket stretching from South Florida to New York. Charles Etienne, 60, president of Sacred Heart International Institute in Fort Lauderdale, and Eunide Sanon, 60, owner of Siena College of Health in Lauderhill, respectively pleaded guilty on Tuesday and last month to a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in federal court.” ‘THERE ARE HOLES RIGHT NOW’ — “Broward School Board torn on whether to investigate fellow board members,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Scott Travis: “It’s not easy to investigate fellow board members, the Broward School Board discovered Tuesday. Board members appeared stumped or divided as to how to handle allegations that two board members, Brenda Fam and Allen Zeman, may have engaged in inappropriate touching. The school district has detailed policies and procedures on how to deal with employees who are accused of inappropriate conduct, but nothing on School Board members, district officials said Tuesday.” FINISHING TOUCHES — “Auctioneer admits to helping create fake works shown as Basquiats in Orlando,” by New York Times’ Matt Stevens and Brett Sokol: “A Los Angeles auctioneer has agreed to plead guilty to making false statements to federal investigators and has admitted to helping create fake artworks that were displayed last year at the Orlando Museum of Art as previously unknown works of the celebrated artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The United States attorney’s office for the Central District of California filed court papers on Tuesday announcing the plea by Michael Barzman, nine months after the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the museum and seized 25 paintings that had been hanging in its Basquiat exhibit, ‘Heroes & Monsters.’” — “11th Circuit shoots down J.T. Burnette appeal in City Hall bribery case,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew — “U.S. Supreme Court refuses to block Florida execution scheduled for Wednesday,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders
| | A message from Alibaba: Alibaba helps American businesses succeed globally. In 2022, $66 billion worth of U.S. products were sold on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms, a nearly 10% increase over 2021. From household names to emerging small businesses, thousands of American companies sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba.
Read how American businesses are succeeding with Alibaba. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
WELCOME TO THE WORLD — State Rep. Fiona McFarland gave birth on April 6 to Matthew McFarland Melton in Sarasota. McFarland and her husband Matt Melton now have three sons under the age of four. Pic.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD PART 2 — Former Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle and his wife Brooke Iwanski Eagle are celebrating the arrival of Valen Arthur Eagle who was born on Monday. Pic. BIRTHDAYS: Fred Piccolo … Joe Saunders, former state legislator and Equality Florida's senior political director ... state Rep. Jessica Baker ... Trey Stapleton of D3 Strategic Partners ... The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partner's Chris Chaney ... Jared Rosenstein of Capital City Consulting. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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