Gov. Ron DeSantis is not a theater fan … at least not a fan of “COVID-19” theater. He wants things like the masking on planes rules suspended. Also, on today’s Sunrise … — Charlie Crist released a video of himself pumping gas – for over 5 bucks a gallon. He wants the Governor to reduce the state gas tax … now. — When emergency pandemic orders expire, what happens to kids who got on Medicaid under the order? Sunrise talks with Florida Politics reporter Christine Sexton. — The information was over the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been taken to a new level. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to the Russian people.
So, we all know that the rent’s too damn high in Florida. Now, thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis, we know why … it’s the Center for Disease Control, the Joe Biden administration and the COVID-19 rent moratorium. Also on Today’s Sunrise … — A powerful online speech to Congress from the besieged leader of Ukraine has Sen. Rick Scott criticizing the President and Congressman Charlie Crist criticizing Florida’s Governor. — Is it a little deal or a big deal that Marco Rubio just might get daylight saving time made permanent this time? — And how have we lived without a pizza ATM?
Gov. Ron DeSantis kills standardized testing in Florida schools with the stroke of a pen … and then knocks recently approved term limits for school board members, saying they’re too short. Also, on today’s Sunrise … — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried likes all the AG money the Legislature put in the budget. The rest of the Session — not so much. — Catching up on Session postmortems — this time with Senate Democrats. — Marco Rubio may be seeing light at the end of the tunnel in his campaign for permanent daylight saving time.
Sine Die has come and gone. The 2022 Legislative Session is finally over, with a couple of days’ extension. Gov. Ron DeSantis says it was “the year of the parent” in the Legislature, with the passage of “Stop Woke” and the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bills. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Redistricting maps have been drawn and approved, but they still aren’t on the Governor’s desk and he’s still hinting at a veto. — As the Session ends, there’s already talk about a Special Session to focus on the unaddressed problem of homeowners insurance. — The Democrats had a pretty soul-baring Session. They say it upped their visibility.
The “Stop Woke” bill is on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Senate approved the measure, but not before hearing so ‘uncomfortable’ debate about the bill banning ‘uncomfortable’ history conversations in schools. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Senators also passed legislation that gives anyone the right to challenge books and teaching materials. Democrats say it will lead to book banning. — Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill has stirred the wrath of the king of reality TV, Andy Cohen. — And, as regular as the bi-yearly time change, Marco Rubio is once-again calling for an end to time changing.
A tougher immigration law has passed the Florida House and is going to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk. He’s sure to sign it. It was kind of his idea. Also on today’s Sunrise: — Debate over the Immigration law was a battle of fact versus fiction, with Democrats saying Republican arguments about immigrants were short on facts. — The Senate is getting into the so-called “Stop Woke” bill, with Democrats trying to make sure its origins are clear. It’s Donald Trump. — And, Rep. Bryan Ávila says his goodbyes … and clue us in on his “Moose” nickname.
Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill is on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Opponents say it’s grist for a lawsuit. Supporters say it’s all about parents. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Equality Florida says it will be ready to file suit if anyone is harmed by the Don’t Say Gay bill. Sunrise has an interview. — Both DeSantis and Ag Secretary Nikki Fried were in the Panhandle to talk about wildfire. — And, this is a real economic sanction. McDonald's is shutting down, temporarily, in Russia.
Call it what you may — Parental Rights in Education or Don’t Say Gay — the Senate debates; last stop before Gov. Ron DeSantis. Also on today’s Sunrise: — Some of the more emotional testimony yet on the Don’t Say Gay bill came from Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones. — House Democratic leadership lashes out at the tweets of the Governor’s press secretary. — Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a big roundtable to bash the establishment’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Gas prices are way up … and still going. Sunrise talks with the Florida AAA.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ press secretary accuses people opposed to the Parental Rights in Education bill of endorsing pedophilia. So, maybe it is the “Don’t Say Gay” bill after all. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon takes aim at DeSantis over the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. — More farewells as this Legislative Session ends … this time from Sen. Kelli Stargel and Rep. Michele Rayner. — And with the Session set to end Friday, today is the day to play #CateSineDie on Twitter.
Florida legislators voted to ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a move that would severely restrict access to the procedure in a state that for decades has served as a refuge for women from across the South. Also on today’s Sunrise: — The Florida Supreme Court has approved House and Senate redistricting maps. But it’s not over yet. Sunrise talks with** Jacob Ogles** of Florida Politics. — Gov. *Ron DeSantis *is trying to revive stalled legislation to protect doctors who want to prescribe unconventional treatments. — The Governor also deliver good medical news about his wife’s cancer. — The goodbyes continue for legislators leaving the Capitol We’ve got a highlight from the farewell of Sen. Audrey Gibson.
Gov. Ron DeSantis scolds some high schoolers for wearing masks at his news conference. The mic was on. Twitter and TikTok ran with it. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — The Governor also went on record against Vladimir Putin on the invasion of Ukraine. But blamed Joe Biden for emboldening Putin. And, the Governor dissed France? — Democratic amendments to the 15-week abortion bill go nowhere. — The AARP plans to lobby the Governor for a veto of nursing home bills that cut Certified Nursing Assistant hours. And, farewells from departing Reps. and Senators give a glimpse into the minds of legislators.
Backers say it makes all elementary school reading materials transparent. Opponents say it opens the door to book banning. What everyone knows for sure is this bill is headed to the Senate floor for a vote. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — A representative of the Florida PTA says books are already being held back in schools for fear they’ll be yanked. — Sunrise talks with the executive director of Florida Planned Parenthood about a vote today in the Senate on a 15-week abortion ban. — And a very strange ‘wave of support’ of legislation keeping lottery winner names confidential. It’s from a woman in prison for killing a lottery winner.
The so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill is on its way to a Senate floor vote — without an amendment to soften its language singling out sexual orientation. Also, on today’s Sunrise: House Democratic leadership still wonders about punishing mask mandating schools in the budget and using two maps for redistricting. Sunrise talks to the Florida Behavioral Health Association about the need for post-pandemic mental health treatment. And, before filing for office you might want to make sure you’re old enough.
“Woke” was the word of the day when Rick Scott addressed CPAC. Donald Trump is still the presidential candidate of choice for attendees. But Ron DeSantis does pretty well when Trump’s name is not on the list. Also on today’s Sunrise: — Republicans say new house maps still have districts that ‘perform’ for Black voters. Democrats say define perform. — The Florida Senior Living Association applauds an extension of COVID-19 liability protections and remembers the hard lessons of the pandemic. — Manatee poop is being sighted. And that’s good news.
The House passed the so-called “Stop Woke” bill and “Don’t Say Gay” bills, but not before Democrats took their last shots at what they call “Culture War legislation.” Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Gov. Ron DeSantis takes aim at the “Woke” movement and the media in a CPAC speech. — Charlie Crist says the only poll that counts is the one on Nov. 8. — A Dunedin TV chef finds out a recipe for trouble is breaking into the nations’ Capitol building.
Joseph Ladapo has been confirmed as Florida’s Surgeon General — but not before Democrats have their last say against the nomination of the doctor who won’t endorse vaccines. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Republican Aaron Bean says Ladapo’s refusal to wear a mask in the office of a Senator fighting breast cancer was – a poor bedside manner. — It looks like aging Florida condos will be getting a lot more inspecting after the deadly collapse in Surfside. — Lookin’ good Tallahassee. Sunrise talks to Volunteer Florida about the annual “Suits for Session” clothing drive.
Republicans flip a Democratic council seat in Jacksonville. Tea leaf readers say that’s good news for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Rep. Michele Rayner has a pointed message for the Governor about culture war legislation. — Just what is the “fatherhood crisis” and how will legislation aimed at addressing it help? Sunrise talks to the head of “Man Up and Go.” — And the organization dedicated to protecting panthers now want to kill one.
Worst. Legislative Session. Ever. Democratic Sen. Lauren Book lashes out at the culture war agenda of the Republican-controlled Legislature. In her words, “What the hell are we doing?” Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Democratic Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith says an amended “Don’t Say Gay” bill will have the state ‘outing’ young people. — It’s a special Election Day in Jacksonville. Sunrise talks to Florida Politics reporter A.G. Gancarski about why everybody in the state is watching this City Council race. — Donald Trump’s new social media app was the No. 1 download at the Apple store for a while. But it was a pretty glitchy roll-out.
The action didn’t stop when the debate was over on the 15-week abortion ban. There was a dust-up of sorts between a Republican House member and members of the House Black Caucus. The Speaker got involved. Also on today’s Sunrise: — Agriculture Secretary and gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried gives gov. Ron DeSantis some driving lessons when it comes to redistricting. — A measure to allow cities to ban smoking in parks and on beaches is on its way to the House floor. — And the tale of mutual admiration between Charlie Crist … and Britney Spears.
A long, emotional night of debate on the House floor over HB 5, which will impose a ban on abortions after 15 weeks. Also on Today’s Sunrise: — The House unanimously approves a bill aimed at relieving the Fatherhood Crisis. — A bill to curb “pop-up” parties is headed to the Senate floor. — And a police chase in the Orlando International Airport. The perpetrator was riding a motorized suitcase.