Legislative Update - April 22, 2022

Governor Ron DeSantis called a Special Session for this week.  While the session was initially called to pass a Congressional redistricting plan, at the last-minute Gov. Ron DeSantis directed lawmakers to add two punitive Disney-related measures after the entertainment company opposed a controversial new law, dubbed by opponents as the “don’t say gay” bill, that restricts education about gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools.

The highest-profile measure (SB 4-C) would dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was created in 1967 and encompasses 38.5 miles in Osceola and Orange counties, including the “the most magical place on earth.” The district has authority over such issues as land use and traditional functions of government including fire protection and wastewater services.  The bill not only affects the Reedy Creek Improvement District but five other special districts across the state: the Bradford County Development Authority, the Sunshine Water Control District in Broward County, the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District in Franklin County, the Hamilton County Development Authority and the Marion County Law Library.

DeSantis targeted the special district after Walt Disney Co. in late March issued a statement vowing to fight the controversial education measure signed by the governor.

But it was the Congressional maps submitted by the Governor’s staff that drew the most debate.  The governor's proposed map eliminates a majority African-American district stretching from Duval County to Gadsden County that is currently represented by Democratic Congressman Al Lawson. The boundaries of Congressional District 5 were previously drawn by a state court. Alex Kelly, who drafted the governor's 28-district congressional map, presented the proposal before House and Senate committees on Tuesday. Kelly emphasized that federal law requires minority districts to have compact boundaries, not connect minority populations across distant areas. The DeSantis administration says the long North Florida district currently in place defies federal law. While lawmakers passed the new map this week, a majority of members on both sides believe the map will be challenged in the courts. The House wants to limit litigation to only Leon County courts and require lawsuits to go through state courts before considering any federal challenges. A nonprofit organization known as Fair Districts has already requested a federal court to intervene in the congressional redistricting process. Democratic opponents of DeSantis' map believe the proposal will be used in this year's elections due to time constraints, even if the governor's map is deemed unconstitutional. Congressional candidate qualifying begins June 13 and DeSantis' map is expected to create more Republican seats.

On Wednesday, the Senate passed the Governor’s Congressional map across party lines.  In the House, Democratic lawmakers planted themselves in the center of the chamber in a rare protest that temporarily suspended proceedings over the Governor’s proposed maps.  After a brief recess, the Florida House gave final approval Thursday to a congressional redistricting plan that is expected to help Republicans and reduce the number of Black Democrats representing the state.

After the House returned, it voted on the redistricting plan without any further debate, as Democrats continued to protest.

Without debate, the House also quickly passed two bills targeting the Walt Disney Co. after the entertainment giant criticized a new state law that restricts discussion about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.

The redistricting plan and the Disney-related bills have already been sent to Governor DeSantis for his signature.

Republicans currently hold 16 congressional seats in Florida, and the map is likely to increase that number to 20. Once signed into law, it is almost certain to face legal challenges, which likely won’t be resolved until after the 2022 elections.

Special Session Ends in Success for Governor, Angry Objection for Democrats - Lawmakers on Thursday passed three measures asked for by Gov. Ron DeSantis to end an acrimonious special session originally called to put new congressional districts in place, but expanded to take on Disney in retaliation for the company's position on an unrelated education bill passed earlier this year. The new congressional districting map (SB 2C), along with two bills that punish Disney, one that ends its special local self-governing privileges (SB 4C) and another removing a carve-out for the company from a social media content moderation law (SB 6C), received final approval on Thursday in the House. But a protest by Democrats disrupted the House's session and ended the debate on all three pieces of legislation, starting with the proposed 28-district congressional map submitted by the governor's office. With Democrats shouting protests over Speaker Chris Sprowls and Republican lawmakers, the House used a rule that allows measures to be voted on without debate to simply pass the bills without discussing them on the floor. Republicans control the House with a 78-42 majority in the chamber. The protest began during debate on the congressional district proposal, when several Democrats sat down in front of the chamber and other members left the floor. The sit-in led to nearly an hour-long informal recess with protestors claiming the governor's map removes minority districts and favors Republicans. Reporters in the gallery were asked to leave and the House chamber's wifi was cut off. About an hour later, the House reconvened, but several House Democrats continued to chant and shout over the recognized speakers. Sprowls accepted motions to use House Rule 11.8, a motion for the previous question, which ends all debate and allows for a vote. All three measures passed. USA Today Network / Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald / Orlando Sentinel / Politico / Associated Press / Florida Politics / The Center Square / Washington Post / CNN / NPR / WMFE  

“Legislature approves Gov. Ron DeSantis’ controversial congressional redistricting map” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

“Here are five important things about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed congressional map” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

“Democrats stop debate in Florida House with protest over Gov. DeSantis’ congressional map” via Mary Ellen Klas and Ana Ceballos of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times

After Democratic shutdown, Florida Republicans pass new congressional map that kills Black district” via Marc Caputo and Jane C. Timm of NBC News — The House passed the map just before 1 p.m. as two Black Democratic members shouted a call-and-response chant in opposition to it. The new map was drawn at the insistence of DeSantis, who demanded the elimination of a Black-heavy congressional seat; Democrats say the redrawn districts unravel Black political power in the state. The Senate voted Wednesday to pass the map.

The surprising act of defiance began a little before noon when Rep. Yvonne Hinson went over her allotted speaking time and had her microphone cut, prompting other Black lawmakers to stand without being recognized and gather in the center of the chamber, showing off shirts that said, “Stop the Black Attack” and sitting on the state seal of the House floor's blue carpet.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls tried to rule them out of order, and when they refused to comply, the Session was gaveled into an indefinite recess. "We're on lockdown right now," one sergeant explained. Democrats, alone in the chamber, prayed and chanted. Rep. Dotie Joseph led a prayer suggesting Republicans were under the sway of Satan, whom she called "the Adversary."

“House Democrats lead sit-in to protest vote on Ron DeSantis’ congressional map” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Black lawmakers in the House launched a sit-in protest in the Florida Capitol on Thursday. Several state Representatives wearing T-shirts reading “Stop the Black Attack” disrupted proceedings ahead of a vote on DeSantis’ controversial redistricting plan. The lawmakers soon broke out in a chorus, singing “We Shall Overcome.” Rep. Tray McCurdy read a statement that made clear the Black Democrats intended to sit in the chamber as long as possible. “We will not be denied,” he said, beginning to lead a chant. “We will occupy this floor.” Ultimately, the protest lasted a little over an hour. Then Sprowls gaveled Session back in and held a vote over the chants of McCurdy and Rep. Angie Nixon.

Members of the public filed two proposed Florida congressional district maps with a federal court on Monday, proposals that could come into play if lawmakers are unable to reach a consensus on a plan during their special session to redraw the districts. The advocacy group Common Cause submitted a plan that was earlier passed by the Senate but rejected by the governor. Another plan was drawn by an academic. Florida Politics  

Lawmakers Eye $1 Million for Legal Challenges - Anticipating legal challenges to a congressional redistricting plan proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Senate and House moved forward Tuesday with providing $1 million for litigation expenses. Preparing to vote Wednesday on its version of the plan (SB 2-C), the Republican-dominated Senate approved an amendment that would provide the money to the Department of State for legal expenses. 

The Legislature Passes Bill to Dissolve Reedy Creek, Other Special Districts - The Legislature passed a measure (SB 4C) that would dissolve six local governments known as special districts, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District created for Disney World. Democrats decried the bill as a measure of retaliation by Gov. Ron DeSantis against Disney for its opposition to an unrelated bill lawmakers passed earlier this year that deals with how schools address sexual orientation and gender identity. The special districts could be reestablished on or after June 1, 2023, if they meet certain criteria under the legislation. Orlando Sentinel

Reedy Creek repeal could mean a huge tax increase for Orange County - Since the state legislature voted to dissolve Disney World's special Reedy Creek District, local officials say the responsibility to maintain and service the nearly 40 square mile area will fall onto Orange County.

"The moment that it dissolves, that money's gone. Just gone. And instead, what happens is all the debts and obligations of Reedy Creek get transferred over to Orange County Government," Scott Randolph, Orange County tax collector, said.

It is an over $160,000,000 obligation, which officials say they do not have the money to cover.

“Dismantling Disney World’s special district status would be complicated and expensive” via Kirby Wilson of the Miami Herald — The Florida Legislature is moving swiftly to strip The Walt Disney Co. of a series of unique legal protections that essentially give the company sweeping governmental powers. If the Republican-controlled Legislature passes a proposal drafted and hastily debated this week, the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as well as five other special districts in the state, would be dissolved on June 1, 2023. Disney, which employs more than 77,000 people in the state, would have the opportunity to negotiate with lawmakers about what the district might look like before that deadline. The Senate passed the proposal in a 23-16 vote on Wednesday, with Brandes the sole Republican to join Democrats in opposition. The House is expected to give final approval to the measure Thursday.

So What Exactly is Reedy Creek? - What is the Reedy Creek Improvement District and how does it affect Disney and the residents of other areas nearby? Fox Business / WKMG / CinemaBlend / Miami Herald / Reedy Creek Improvement District

Why Disney has a self-governing district, and why the governor wants to eliminate it. Florida Politics

Legislature Passes Legislation to Eliminate Disney Exemption from Deplatforming Law - The Legislature voted on Thursday on legislation (SB 6C) that would remove an exemption for companies that own theme parks from a law allowing lawsuits against some media companies for content moderation decisions. That law, passed in 2021, created state standards for social media companies on censoring, de-platforming and restricting content, but is currently on hold due to ongoing litigation. A federal judge issued an injunction to keep it from going into effect pending the outcome of a challenge by two tech groups and oral arguments in that case are scheduled to begin next Thursday in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The measure is widely seen as another plank of Gov. Ron DeSantis' effort to punish Disney for its stance on an education bill dealing with sexual orientation. The governor pushed for the content law and his office helped Disney get the exception into the measure, but he's now pushing to have Disney's exemption ended. Florida Politics 

“Over protests, Florida House votes to abolish Disney World’s district and approve DeSantis’ map” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel

“GOP’s cozy ties with big business unravel as DeSantis unloads on Disney” via Todd C. Frankel of The Washington Post

“Anyone contemplating crossing Gov. DeSantis needs to be prepared to pay a price” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Gov. DeSantis stepped to a lectern Tuesday morning and showed, once again, that he’s the boss of Florida politics — the kind of boss that you don’t cross, unless you’re prepared to pay the price. He escalated a political fight with Disney, exercised muscle over state universities and professors, and received enthusiastic praise from the leaders of what’s supposed to be a co-equal branch of government. It combined for a display of power that DeSantis has amassed and used more effectively than any Governor in decades, demonstrating the peril of getting on the wrong side of the Governor.

Osgood Sworn in to Senate - Prior to considering any special session bills on Tuesday the Senate swore in its newest member, Democrat Rosalind Osgood. The former Broward County School Board member won the March 8 special election to replace Perry Thurston who vacated the seat to run for congress. She will represent Senate District 33, which covers Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Plantation and Pompano Beach.

Governor Ron DeSantis Recommends Senator Manny Diaz Jr. as Education Commissioner – On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis recommended that Senator Manny Diaz Jr. be appointed as Education Commissioner by the State Board of Education following the departure of Commissioner Richard Corcoran. Sen. Diaz has served in the Florida Legislature since 2012, and has also been a teacher, coach, assistant principal and school administrator. Upon his appointment by the board, Sen. Diaz would be the first Hispanic Commissioner of Education in Florida history. Sen. Diaz received his bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University, a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern, and completed a Harvard Graduate School of Education program for principals.

DeSantis to Call Special Session on Property Insurance - Gov. Ron DeSantis said he'll call lawmakers back to Tallahassee next month to deal with a burgeoning crisis in the state's homeowners insurance market, where rates have risen extensively in recent months. DeSantis said Monday at a news conference in Jacksonville that he hopes legislators will be able to "bring some sanity and stabilize" the property insurance market. The governor hasn't yet issued specifics on when legislators will return, or whether they'll deal with other topics during the session. Homeowners' have risen by double digits in some parts of Florida, and some companies have dropped policies or left the state. Lawmakers were unable to reach a consensus during the regular session earlier this year on how to deal with the problem. Tampa Bay Times / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Florida Politics / Associated Press / Politico

Dems Support Special Session on Property Insurance - Several Democratic lawmakers expressed support Monday for Gov. Ron DeSantis' announcement that he'd call a special session on property insurance. Some Democrats, however, used the opportunity to condemn Republican legislative leaders for failing to fix the state's homeowners' insurance crisis during the regular session while focusing instead, Democrats said, on "culture war" issues. Rep. Evan Jenne, the House Democratic Leader, recognized four Republican House members that took part in a poll of lawmakers intended to force a special session while supporting the move to make changes in property insurance laws. Florida Politics / House Democratic Office Press Release

Little Detail Offered on Insurance Session … Senate President Wilton Simpson offered little detail when asked Wednesday about a planned special legislative session on property insurance. “The governor made an announcement the other day that we were going to come back hopefully sometime in May to take a look at it,” the Trilby Republican said simply, responding to a reporter’s question. House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, said Tuesday that he expects the insurance special session to occur in late May and that Appropriations Chairman Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, will take the lead on the issue for the House. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that he would call a special session to address problems in the insurance system that have led to homeowners losing coverage and getting hit with large rate increases. The House and Senate could not reach agreement on an insurance bill during this year’s regular session, which ended March 14.

“Democrats take cautious look ahead to property insurance Special Session” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — Democratic lawmakers are optimistic they’ll have more input in next month’s Special Session on property insurance than in the redistricting Special Session set to end Thursday, but they also acknowledge there are no silver bullet proposals that will stabilize the insurance market while lowering rates for residents. “The whole problem is that there’s no easy solution,” said Sen. Lori Berman. DeSantis said Monday he’ll sign a proclamation later this week for a Special Session sometime in May to address the property insurance market, which has seen three companies fold, other companies withdraw from more than 120,000 policies, and rates increase as much as 60% for some homeowners.

“Tampa Bay area state Senator says property insurance crisis has far-reaching consequences” via Christina Georgacopoulos of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Florida's property insurance market is in crisis mode. DeSantis is calling the legislature back for a Special Session in May to restore “sanity” and stability in the Florida market, despite lawmakers’ failure to pass three bills that addressed the issue during their regular session earlier this year. Tampa Bay area state Sen. Jim Boyd said a failure to address skyrocketing rates and fraud in the market has far-reaching consequences. "This affects our entire economy. From homeowners who are paying the bills, to banks with mortgages and Realtors trying to sell houses," Boyd said.

DOE Releases Examples of Rejected Math Texts - The Florida Department of Education revealed examples of rejected math books the agency said included "prohibited topics or unsolicited strategies, including CRT," or critical race theory. Earlier this week, the department rejected 54 of the more than 130 books submitted by publishers. The examples include math problems that reference studies related to race and racism. Some were also ruled out because, the department said, they didn't actually do away with Common Core Standards, but simply "rebranded" them. Most of the books rejected were used in grades K-5, but the state agency emphasized that each grade level still has at least one approved textbook for every core mathematics course. The list of banned books followed a bill (HB 1467) signed into law last month that provides new requirements for school libraries aimed at making it easier for parents and members of the community to contest instructional materials in schools. Florida Politics / Tampa Bay Times / Sun Sentinel 

“State education officials release examples of ‘impermissible’ materials in math textbooks” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics — The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has released several examples from rejected mathematics textbooks considered “impermissible” by the Department after receiving a mass of requests in response to the agency’s significant cut of approved instructional material. Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran approved the restrictive list on Monday, announcing that Florida is initially not including 54 of the 132 (41%) submitted math textbooks on the state’s adopted list. The number of math books rejected by the FDOE in the new list is the most in Florida’s history. The examples provided by the Department feature math problems that contain “prohibited topics,” like social-emotional learning, and references to studies that feature topics like race and racism.

2022 Bills …

Governor Signs DOH Bill … Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed SB 768 by Senator Anna Marie Rodriguez relating to the Florida Department of Health and includes medical-marijuana regulation.  The bill, for example, addresses issues involving licensing of medical-marijuana businesses known as medical-marijuana “treatment centers.” The bill will prevent the department from renewing the licenses of centers that have not started to grow, process and sell medical marijuana by the time licenses come up for renewal. As another example, the bill will expand the authority of the department to collect and test samples of marijuana from the centers. The department has been only able to collect samples of edibles, but the bill will allow obtaining samples of other marijuana products. The measure also creates an exception to criminal laws to make clear that department employees can possess, test, transport and dispose of marijuana in the course of their jobs.

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Bill to Reform Higher Education in Florida – On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7044, to reform higher education in Florida. The bill removes the stranglehold that faculty unions and accrediting agencies have had on universities and colleges and adds common-sense transparency requirements for tuition, fees and cost of materials. 

“Florida’s public college and university system is number one in the country because we put students first,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s students deserve a quality, affordable education and don’t need ideological activists and political organizations determining what they should learn. By ushering in strong curriculum transparency requirements and providing accountability for tenured faculty, Florida is standing with students and parents across our state.”

Health Care …

DeSantis Signs Broad Health Care Legislation - Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a large Department of Health package into law on Wednesday, making several operational changes to the agency. The legislation (SB 768) addresses several health care related issues regulated by the Florida Department of Health, including one-time $150,000 payments through the state's Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association to families whose children succumbed to their injuries during birth. A 2021 law increased compensation for families of infants who suffered birth-related brain or spinal-cord injuries but parents of children who died were left out. Additional provisions in the new law make updates to rules surrounding medical marijuana sampling and testing, midwifery licensure and other technical changes. The new law takes effect July 1. LobbyTools Governor's Activity 

DOH Releases Guidance on Treatment of Gender Dysphoria for Kids and Adolescents - The Florida Department of Health on Wednesday advised against allowing children and adolescents to be prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy when they're experiencing gender dysphoria, or identification with the gender other than the one they were born with, and also said young people shouldn't be encouraged to undergo "social gender transition." The agency advises against most interventions beyond counseling and emotional support, including discouraging "social" gender transitioning, when people adopt a different name and pronoun and express their gender identity through things like clothes and hairstyles. The DOH's guidance on how medical professionals and families should deal with gender dysphoria also says gender reassignment surgery shouldn't be an option for children or adolescents. "Children experiencing gender dysphoria should be supported by family and seek counseling, not pushed into an irreversible decision before they reach 18," state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said in a statement released by the Department of Health. The guidance doesn't legally change what care options are available to doctors treating transgender patients, instead providing recommendations. In some other states, including Texas and Idaho, officials have made it illegal to provide some types of gender-related treatments. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a report in March supporting early gender affirming care, saying "gender affirming care for minors, when medically appropriate and necessary, improves their physical and mental health." Department of Health Guidance / Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald / Orlando Sentinel / Politico 

A nursing home in Naples has been sanctioned by the Agency for Health Care Administration after at least 12% of residents were diagnosed with pressure ulcers and weren't receiving proper treatment. The state agency issued an emergency order earlier this week banning the facility from adding new residents or readmitting existing ones. The nursing home is licensed to care for up to 97 individuals but the long-term care facility currently only houses 57 residents. "In each of these instances physician orders to treat the identified wounds had not been followed," regulators wrote in their report.Florida Politics 

The U.S. Department of Justice is appealing a court decision that ended the requirement for masking on public transit, including airplanes. CNN / Fox News / Wall Street Journal / New York Times

Florida to Opt Out of Federal Mental Health Survey for Kids - Florida education officials will opt the state out of a federal student survey that includes questions relating to mental health, suicidal thoughts, sexual orientation and gender identity. The survey is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Education has issued the multiple-choice survey for more than 30 years. The move was made without public input and comes after lawmakers passed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed, a new law that restricts instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3. The measure was widely criticized and called the "don't say gay" bill by opponents. The survey, formally called the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, is given out to public high schools on an annual basis with some school districts offering the survey to middle schools as well. The questionnaire is confidential and the CDC collects the data in order to monitor health risks, student safety and social behavior. Other questions on the survey cover topics such as bullying, substance abuse, access to firearms and eating disorders. Orlando Sentinel

Faced with an acute nursing shortage, hospitals develop mentoring, internship programs

https://www.miamiherald.com/living/health-fitness/article260469352.html

“Florida says not to treat transgender, nonbinary youth by their preferred gender” via Caroline Catherman of the Orlando Sentinel — Contradicting advice from human rights and medical organizations, the Florida Department of Health released guidance against social gender transition and against medical steps such as puberty blockers and hormone treatments. “Social gender transition should not be a treatment option for children or adolescents,” the guidance reads. “Anyone under 18 should not be prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy. Gender reassignment surgery should not be a treatment option for children or adolescents ... Children and adolescents should be provided social support by peers and family and seek counseling from a licensed provider.”

Home and Community-Based Medicaid Providers Get New Money - Just under 1,950 home- and community-based Medicaid providers will be receiving $502.7 million in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funds approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Agency for Health Care Administration. Although the number is roughly $180 million less than what providers were initially expecting, eligible providers serving one of Florida's most vulnerable populations will be notified of their award via email. Last year, the state announced more than $1 billion in additional Medicaid funds that were made available to providers through the American Rescue Plan Act. Over $266 million was expected to be used for one-time bonuses to help recruit and retain staff as the state continues to experience a health care worker shortage. Providers that employ contract workers will also be eligible for supplemental funding but must apply by May 20. Florida Politics / AHCA Press Release / APD Press Release 

Dr. Raul Pino, who was suspended as the state Department of Health's officer in Orange County for expressing frustration in an email about his staff's low COVID vaccination rate, has resigned and will take a similar job with Orange County government. Orlando Sentinel

Business Issues …

Florida sees largest single growth month for manufacturing jobs since May 2020 - Florida’s March job numbers are out and consistent with its ongoing upwards trajectory of adding new jobs every month, one key number stands out: Florida added 4,500 manufacturing jobs, representing the largest single month of growth for Florida manufacturers since May 2020. Overall, Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 9,231,500 last month, reflecting an increase of 10,200 jobs, or 0.1%, from February, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reports. More from the News Service of Florida.

Following two month rise, Florida's unemployment claims down last week - First-time unemployment claims dipped in Florida last week after slowly rising over the past two months. The U.S. Department of Labor estimated Thursday that Florida had 5,446 initial claims last week, down from a revised count of 6,619 during the week that ended April 9. The Department of Labor report followed the state Department of Economic Opportunity last Friday reporting Florida’s unemployment rate dipped from 3.3 percent in February to 3.2 percent in March. More from the News Service of Florida.

Relief at the pump: Florida gas prices continue to drop - We’re finally starting to see some relief at the pump. Florida gas prices dropped another seven cents last week. The state average has now declined nearly 25 cents per gallon over the course of a little more than two weeks. The average price in the state is now $4.01 for a gallon of regular gas. That’s 27 cents less than a month ago, and the lowest price since Russia invaded Ukraine. More from WJXT.

March Home Prices - The industry group Florida Realtors released a report Wednesday that said the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in March was $396,558. The highest home prices are in Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island: $789,500 and the lowest Sebring: $250,000.   Jacksonville median home price is $379,500.

New Northeast Florida Area Code Backed - The state Public Service Commission should approve a plan to add another area code in Northeast Florida, commission staff members recommended Thursday. The commission is scheduled May 3 to take up a proposal to create a new area code in Jacksonville and nearby communities that have used the 904 area code for decades. With increasing population and growing demands of cell phones and other technology, the region covered by the 904 area code could run out of available phone numbers in 2024, according to the proposal filed in February by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, an organization that oversees area codes. Commission staff members Thursday recommended approval of what is known as an “overlay,” which would involve adding the new area code to the same territory covered by the 904 area code. New customers would receive the new code. Current customers would keep their numbers, though 10-digit dialing would be required for all local calls.

COVID-19 …

Florida COVID weekly update: State sees most new cases in a month - What is the COVID-19 situation like in Florida? In the past seven days, the state has added 3,021 cases and 21 deaths per day, on average, according to Miami Herald calculations of data published by the CDC. Over the past three weeks, on average, 71 more cases were logged each day in Florida, showing an increase in trends. [Source: Miami Herald]

Campaigns and Elections …

Money is flowing into congressional races, despite the uncertainty around the district boundaries created by Florida's slow redistricting process. Tampa Bay Times

Former Gov. Charlie Crist, now running for a chance to unseat Gov. Ron DeSantis, says he supports full legalization of non-medical marijuana. Florida Politics

“DeSantis dunks on Disney in donor pitch” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — As a Special Session continues in Tallahassee where lawmakers mull drastic changes to the ‘special privileges’ of The Walt Disney Co., Florida’s Governor continues to fundraise off the confrontation. In an email entitled “They chose the wrong guy,” DeSantis delivers tough talk against “woke corporations” trying to “strong-arm our state.” The Governor said Tuesday that the Legislature would take a look in this week’s Special Session at repealing special districts implemented before 1968, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

DeSantis Campaign Drawing Heavy Support from Booming Real Estate Industry - Gov. Ron DeSantis and the political committee supporting his re-election effort have raised more than $7 million from real estate developers, investors and realtors over the past year. People in the booming Florida real estate market are a big new source of cash for the governor as he seeks to win another term this year and eyes a potential presidential run. Politico 

“DeSantis to stump for Donald Trump-backed Nevada Senate candidate” via Max Greenwood of The Hill — DeSantis will campaign alongside Nevada GOP Senate hopeful Adam Laxalt, lending his growing political celebrity to one of Trump’s preferred Senate candidates. The April 27 “Rise Up” rally in Las Vegas will mark one of the Florida Governor’s first public appearances campaigning on behalf of a candidate outside of his home state. While he’s long attended fundraisers and other events across the country, he has so far avoided wading too far into races outside of Florida.

“Aaron Bean exploring run in new Jax-area congressional seat” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Senate President Pro Tempore is considering running for Congress in Florida’s 4th Congressional District. But it’s not the district currently represented by John Rutherford. Sen. Bean, who represents Nassau County and part of Duval County in the state Senate, confirmed Thursday he is still considering a run for a new district in Northeast Florida. The Legislature approved the new map during this week’s Special Session. “Still exploring,” term-limited Bean said Thursday morning, saying decisions would come “after this Special Session” which wrapped the same day. One big name won’t be there, though: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. Curry, term-limited in 2023, said he wouldn’t run Thursday.