“Conservatives Rally Against DeSantis Big Tech Legislation” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – With Florida’s legislative session just days away from concluding, Conservative activists Laura Loomer, Michele Malkin, Lauren, Witzke, and Nick Fuentes, will gather at famed “Trump corner” near Mar-A-Lago to rally against DeSantis’ Big Tech legislation put forth by the Republican-led state legislature. Gov. Ron DeSantis asked Republican lawmakers to draft up a Big Tech bill to counter the censoring and canceling of Republican and Conservative candidates running for office, and while they have delivered what he has asked of them, the final product looks like window dressing that packs less of a punch than most miniature Poodles.

“Franklin Says Border Crisis Is Biden’s ‘Self-Inflicted Disaster’” by The Floridian’s Jim McCool – As the GOP continues to pressure the Biden administration over the mounting border crisis, Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) spoke before the US Congress to reveal some staggering data on the current state of the border, in what he calls a “First-hand account.” Last week, Franklin and 9 other Republicans from the House Oversight Committee visited the border that Franklin described as a “Self-inflicted disaster,” which is also a national security issue and a “humanitarian disaster.” Franklin offered his personal findings at the border, which sounded very contrary to the mainstream narrative.

“Wasserman Schultz: DeSantis Hasn’t Made Vaccines Accessible to Minorities” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – Across the country, Republicans and Democrats have been divided regarding the COVID-19 response. While Governors like Gavin Newsom (D) and Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) have received overwhelming criticism over their controversial responses to the pandemic, which has resulted in Newsom facing a recall, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has also challenged numerous claims from Florida Democrats. One critic has been Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) who directed verbal jabs over Twitter, asking for Governor DeSantis to “make an earnest effort” to ensure that vaccines are accessible to minority communities.

“Florida among six states to gain House seat” by WEAR’s Staff – The results of the 2020 census could strengthen the Republican Party in Washington. As reported on Monday, six states, including Florida, are gaining seats in the U.S. House. Seven states -- including New York and Ohio -- are losing seats. The nation's political center of gravity has kept shifting further to the Republican-led south and west. Florida will now have 28 seats in Congress and 30 Electoral College votes. The change will give the state more leverage on Capitol Hill and in presidential politics. "It does increase Florida's influence. We'll have one more vote in the U.S. House and we will have one more electoral college vote," said University of West Florida Asst. Professor Adam Cayton. "Whenever Florida gains seats, that's more likely to advance the Republican party than the Democrats."

“Florida Senate to consider police reform, but Democrats say it ‘doesn’t go far enough’” by Tampa Bay Times’ Ana Ceballos – A House plan that would set statewide policing standards did not appear to go far enough for senators who heard the bill for the first time on Tuesday — but it might just have to do this year. The legislation is the result of late-session negotiations between House Republican leaders and the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, whose members filed more than a dozen measures calling for “fair and just policing” after a wave of protests were set off by the death of George Floyd last May in Minneapolis. “This bill certainly doesn’t go far enough. But I think it would be horrible if we didn’t have some type of legislation to recognize what is going on in our society,” said Sen. Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale.

“As jobs become available again, South Florida hospitality leaders finding new employees difficult to come by” by Local 10’s Ian Margol – The hospitality industry is rebounding, especially in South Florida. The problem is, right now, there aren’t enough people taking jobs that are available. Concerns are continuing to grow for people working in South Florida’s hospitality industry as their businesses are beginning to rebound, but they can’t hire enough staff to keep up. “If we don’t have the ability to properly staff our businesses then there’s not going to be the same type of customer service and the amount of services we can actually offer during this pandemic,” said Heiko Dobrikow, General Manager of Riverside Hotel and Executive Vice President of Las Olas Company. “It was just interesting to see that there was a slow demand of folks wanting to come back into the workplace.” Hospitality expert Scott Berman said the recovery has been fast, with the number of visitors in our area jumping up significantly in 2021 as more people begin to get comfortable venturing out.

“Candidates for school presidents won’t be secret in Florida after all” by Tampa Bay Times’ Ryan Dailey – A measure that would have provided a public-records exemption for information about people applying to lead Florida colleges and universities died Tuesday in the Senate, as it failed to draw the required support of two-thirds of senators. The Senate voted 25-14 to support the bill (HB 997), falling one vote short of the 26 votes needed to reach a legally required two-thirds threshold for passing public-records exemptions. All Senate Republicans backed the measure and picked up the vote of Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami Beach, while 14 Democrats opposed the bill. Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, did not vote in the roll call that determined the outcome of the bill, though she submitted a largely symbolic vote later against the bill.

“Guns at church bill goes to Florida governor’s desk” by News 4 Jax’ Jake Stofan – A multiyear effort to close a loophole preventing churches with schools on their grounds from allowing firearms on their premises is heading to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk. Republicans say it will make the churches safer, while Democrats argue it will do just the opposite. Places of worship can already allow guns on their property, but if they have a school on their grounds, they can’t. Senate sponsor Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, says all this legislation does is close that loophole. “It’s not up to the individual. The religious institution can still determine time, place, where, when, how, who,” Gruters said. But Democrats argue more guns equals more danger. “I believe there are other ways to make those institutions safe, and we all know basically nowhere is safe, and that’s because there are just too many guns in America,” said Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton. Gruters points to a case in 2019 when a gunman was stopped by an armed churchgoer at the West Freeway Church of Christ in Texas.

“Florida lawmakers take step to promote police accountability” by Associated Press’ Bobby Caina Calvan – Victor Torres, a retired New York City lawman, watched the videos that day in May showing a Minnesota cop lodging a knee against the neck of a Black man named George Floyd. “It should never have happened," Torres said. “It's sad when you have the loss of a life for a $20 counterfeit bill." For another retired law officer, Chuck Brannan, the manner in which Floyd died brought shame to the badge: "No good policeman wants a policeman that’s gonna do things that are bad or make the rest of us look bad.” After spending years enforcing the law, Torres and Brannan now make law in the Florida Legislature — including support for a proposal on the verge of passage that takes aim at keeping bad cops off the streets or doing harm to the reputation of those upholding law and order.

“Trump planning move from Florida to New Jersey for several months” by Reuters – Former President Donald Trump plans to move next month from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, a source familiar with his plan said on Tuesday. Trump has made his club in Palm Beach, Florida, his home since leaving the White House on Jan. 20. But Mar-a-Lago typically closes in May for the summer. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump will move all his meetings and operations to Bedminster, about 40 miles (60 km) west of New York City, where he stayed frequently during his presidency. He plans to remain there until Mar-a-Lago reopens again in the fall.

“Florida official orders workers to vaccinate or risk firing” by Associated Press – A Florida tax collector has ordered her employees to get the coronavirus vaccine or risk being fired. Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon told her 315 employees last week of her decision after doing research and concluding she could legally do it. She said her employees have contact with the public and two workers tested positive last week. Many others tested positive earlier and one died. She said employees can refuse for valid medical or religious reasons. If they don’t have those and refuse the shot, they will be banned from the office and required to use up their vacation time. They will then be fired if they don’t get the shot.

“FDACS marks 1-year of Florida’s State Hemp Program, $370M economic impact” by WTXL’s Staff – April 27 marks the one-year anniversary of Florida’s state hemp program, overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. FDACS and its Office of Cannabis manages and regulates Florida’s hemp program and cannabis products, including CBD. In its first year, hemp in Florida created an estimated $370 million economic impact, supported over 9,000 jobs, and generated over $17 million in federal, state, and local tax revenue, according to Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Florida’s state hemp program is leading the way in creating great jobs, safe and useful products, and a bright future for this new industry. It’s a great crop for Florida’s farmers with the potential for over 25,000 uses including textiles, biocomposite building materials, biodegradable packaging products, and food and medicinal products like CBD,” said Commissioner Fried.

“Former Florida deputy indicted for allegedly planting drugs during traffic stops scheduled for trial in May” by USA Today’s Jeff Burlew – A former Florida deputy accused of planting drugs on unwary drivers during bogus traffic stops while being recorded by his own body camera is scheduled to go on trial next month. Zachary Wester, a former Jackson County deputy whose career in law enforcement came crashing down in 2018 after the allegations came to light, was indicted in 2019 on a total of 52 counts, including charges of racketeering, official misconduct, perjury, fabricating evidence, false imprisonment and possession of drugs. The charges stemmed from Wester’s arrests of 11 different people.

“McCarthy and Cheney worlds apart after Florida retreat” by Politico’s Melanie Zanona – House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy spent three days urging his Republicans to stay united if they want to take back the majority. But his own relationship with one of his top deputies is breaking apart over former President Donald Trump. At a retreat meant to craft a cohesive message, McCarthy (R-Calif.) and GOP Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) illustrated the exact rift the party has fought to avoid. While the former president wasn’t even invited to the House GOP’s annual policy retreat here in the Sunshine State, his presence has loomed large over the gathering.

National:

“Pompeo calls on Kerry to explain alleged talks with Iranian foreign minister” by Fox News’ Adam Shaw – Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday said he was "disheartened" but not surprised by allegations that his predecessor John Kerry had informed a top Iranian official of Israeli operations in Syria -- and said Kerry needs to explain what he did or did not say. "I was unsurprised," Pompeo told Fox News Digital in an interview on Tuesday. "But it reminded me that every leader has a special responsibility to defend their oath to the Constitution, and when I heard Foreign Minister [Javad] Zarif talk about the fact he learned about Israeli operations in Syria from an American former secretary of state, it was truly disheartening."

“Biden cuts off press questions: 'I'm really gonna be in trouble' if I keep answering” by Fox News’ David Rutz – President Biden said he would be "in trouble" if he continued to take questions from reporters during a rare back-and-forth with the press Tuesday afternoon. After speaking about new federal health guidelines for mask-wearing for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals, Biden answered a few shouted questions from gathered reporters at the White House. "I'm sorry," he said, after listening to questions about his own mask-wearing and a potential summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This is the last question I'll take, and I'm really gonna be in trouble." It wasn't clear what Biden meant, although he's known for self-deprecation over his history of gaffes. "Who will Biden 'get in trouble' with for taking basic press questions? He's the PRESIDENT!" Ricochet's Lyndsey Fifield tweeted.

“Former Obama White House adviser arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 from charter schools he founded” by CNN’s Sonio Moghe – A former White House senior adviser for the Obama administration who helped found a network of charter schools is accused of allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the schools and attempting to launder the funds in order to get a lower interest rate on a mortgage for a Manhattan apartment, according to federal prosecutors. Seth Andrew was charged by prosecutors in the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York with wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to a bank. Prosecutors say Andrew helped create a network of charter schools based in New York City in 2005, and left the network in 2013 for a job at the US Department of Education, and later became a senior adviser in the Office of Educational Technology at the White House, where he continued to be paid by the charter school network. Prosecutors say Andrew left his role in the White House in November 2016 and cut ties with the school network in January 2017.

“Coming this summer: Gas stations running out of gas” by CNN Business’ Chris Isidore – Millions of people stuck at home for more than a year are expected to hit the road for much-needed post-pandemic vacations this summer. Good luck finding gas. Not that there's a looming shortage of crude oil or gasoline. Rather, it's the tanker truck drivers needed to deliver the gas to stations who are in short supply. According to the National Tank Truck Carriers, the industry's trade group, somewhere between 20% to 25% of tank trucks in the fleet are parked heading into this summer due to a paucity of qualified drivers. At this point in 2019, only 10% of trucks were sitting idle for that reason. "We've been dealing with a driver shortage for a while, but the pandemic took that issue and metastasized it," said Ryan Streblow, the executive vice president of the NTTC. "It certainly has grown exponentially."

“Biden Administration to Finance $8 Billion in Power-Grid Improvements” by WSJ’s Timothy Puko – The Biden administration rolled out new programs Tuesday to bolster the U.S. power grid, framing them as part of its effort to fight climate change through infrastructure improvements needed to expand use of alternative energy. The core initiatives provide more than $8 billion of Energy Department financing for new high-voltage transmission lines. In addition, the White House said it was issuing new guidance to states on how to remove obstacles to construction of new power lines along highways, railroads and other rights of way. President Biden has backed new electric-transmission capacity as a way to boost low-carbon energy supply by connecting the often remote hot spots for wind and solar power to more populated areas.

“Biden to Seek $80 Billion to Bolster IRS, Tax Enforcement” by WSJ’s Richard Rubin – President Biden plans to propose an $80 billion funding boost for the Internal Revenue Service over the next decade, a major expansion of the tax agency that would double its enforcement staffing and give it new tools to combat tax dodging by the wealthiest Americans. The administration projects that its plan would generate about $700 billion over 10 years in net revenue, according to people familiar with the plan, who described it ahead of the official announcement. They said that increase, which would yield money for Mr. Biden’s proposed expansion of social-spending programs, would still represent only about 10% of the taxes that are estimated to be owed but uncollected.

“Biden to meet with former President Carter in Georgia on Thursday” by Reuters – President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will meet with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in Plains, Georgia, on Thursday, the White House said. Biden was already scheduled to travel to Georgia on Thursday for a political rally on his 100th day in office. Carter, at age 96 the oldest-living former U.S. president, was unable to attend fellow Democrat Biden’s January inauguration because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Biden to nominate Texas sheriff and Trump critic to lead immigration enforcement agency” by Reuters’ Mimi Dwyer and Ted Hesson – U.S. President Joe Biden will nominate a Texas sheriff who criticized Trump-era immigration raids to lead the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, the White House said on Tuesday. Biden will tap Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, a veteran law enforcement officer and Democrat who has served since 2017 as sheriff of the most populous county in Texas, the White House said. In a July 2019 Facebook post, Gonzalez said he opposed sweeping immigration raids after former President Donald Trump, a Republican, a month earlier tweeted hyperbolically that ICE would begin deporting "millions of illegal aliens." "‪I do not support ICE raids that threaten to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, the vast majority of whom do not represent a threat to the U.S.," Gonzalez wrote. "The focus should always be on clear & immediate safety threats."

“Cuomo 'looking at legal options' to keep 27th House seat” by Politico’s Bill Mahoney – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that the state will explore its legal options after falling 89 residents short of retaining its 27-member congressional delegation, according to Census numbers released on Monday. New York will lose a seat as a result of the Census findings. “Do I think [the Census] was accurate to within 89? No,” the governor said at an event near Binghamton. “And we’re looking at legal options, because when you’re talking about 89, that could be a minor mistake in counting.” It would not be the first time New York has raised questions about a Census count, but experience suggests that the odds of finding even 89 more residents might be long.

“Spy chiefs look to declassify intel after rare plea from 4-star commanders” by Politico’s Betsy Woodruff Swan and Bryan Bender – America’s top spies say they are looking for ways to declassify and release more intelligence about adversaries’ bad behavior, after a group of four-star military commanders sent a rare and urgent plea asking for help in the information war against Russia and China. A host of troubling actions from those two countries — including efforts to damage America’s relationships with allies and to violate other countries’ sovereignty — mean the Intelligence Community must do more to show the world what Russia and China are doing, according to the commanders. The memo from nine regional military commanders last year implored spy agencies to give them more evidence they can make public as a way to combat "pernicious conduct."

—Florida political news. Florida news. Florida Politics. The Floridian