JUICE —Florida Politics' Juicy Read 🍊 —3.21.2023 — DeSantis vs. Trump II —Abortion Still Huge Issue at State and Federal Levels —Much More...

Have a tip, story, new job, or announcement for The JUICE?  Reach out: Javier@floridianpress.com

DeSantis’s Not-so-Subtle Diss of President Trump

Gov. Ron DeSantis finally spoke about the potential arrest of President Donald Trump, and while he called the Manhattan DA looking to prosecute the former President a “Soros-funded” joke, some folks say that DeSantis appears to have turned his back on Trump.

Some will argue that what DeSantis said rang true, that he had no extradition powers to prevent Trump from being sent to New York if he was indicted and living in Florida.

DeSantis said he was not going to get involved, signaling to Trump supporters that he would potentially turn his back on Americans who are victimized by radical district attorneys like New York’s Alvin Bragg.

Did DeSantis’s statement come from a place of resentment because of Trump’s continued use of disparaging remarks against the popular governor of Florida?

Would DeSantis protect everyday Americans from those so-called “Soros-funded” attorneys?

Remember, DeSantis reminded us all that he canned the Hillsborough County state attorney for refusing to follow Florida law, a move that protected all Floridians against progressive ideological preferences.

What if you or I were targeted by one of these rogue attorneys?

Would Gov. DeSantis step up for us, and defend us against an overzealous state attorney, or will he step aside and not get involved?

DeSantis’s statement is being heard by two separate pairs of ideological ears.

Will this statement eventually hurt him once he officially announces his presidential candidacy?

Or will enough people just let the primary process play out?

Regardless of what happens, DeSantis’s statement will be used against him on the debate stage. And you can bet on the fact that Trump will use it to skewer DeSantis.READ THE STATEMENT HERE

 

 

Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session

Here are some quick measures that lawmakers in Tallahassee have been tackling.

Senate Panel Backs 6-Week Abortion Limit

A proposal to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy began moving forward Monday in the Florida Senate. 

Senators Back Death Penalty in Child Rapes

TALLAHASSEE — Counting on a changed U.S. Supreme Court, a Florida Senate committee on Monday approved a bill that would allow the death penalt… 

Senators Back Adding Bridge to Turnpike System

A proposal to put Northwest Florida’s Garcon Point Bridge in the state turnpike system began to move forward Monday in the Florida Senate. 

Affordable Housing Plan Headed to House Floor

A priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to try to boost affordable housing is headed to the House floor.

The Babies

Rep. Cory Mills made a strong case for his support for the Born Alive Act that recently passed in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Rep. Mills made the powerful statement during one of his town hall meetings in Deland. READ MORE

Ron DeSantis-The Cuban government tried to use the World Baseball Championship for propaganda. They still lost 14-2 to the USA.

Freedom wins again.

US Rep Kathy Castor-The Tampa Int’l Airport air traffic control tower is in dire need of replacement. Faulty elevator, leaky pipes & structural issues have been problems for yrs. Under Biden budget, FAA can replace the tower to keep flying public safe and controllers focused on the skies @NATCA

"Trump Argues Arrest is Intimidation Tactic" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Tension is brewing as President Donald Trump (R) is expected to be taken under custody this week, possibly next. With his supporters questioning the reason behind his supposed arrest, Republican lawmakers are attempting to quiet down any unrest that might unfold.

"Mills Gets Candid About Abortion, Discusses Born Alive Act" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—At one of his recent town hall events in Deltona, Florida, Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) spoke about his support of the Born Alive Act, a piece of legislation that looks to protect infant children that survive abortions.

"FIU College of Public Health & Social Work Ranked 15th Nationally" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Florida International University has seen rapid growth in recent years. Now, their Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work now ranks No. 15 in the nation—and No. 2 in Florida— among public schools of public health for research awards granted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research’s latest rankings.

"Does Poliakoff Have a Conflict of Interest in Town of Southwest Ranches?" by OPINION

"DeSantis Denounces 'Soros-Funded' NYC District Attorney Political Agenda Against Trump" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Days after former President Trump stated that he was going to be arrested by the New York City District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, Gov. Ron DeSantis was asked to address the speculation during a press conference in Panama city, Florida.

"Team DeSantis Says DeSantis 'led the Nation'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Over the weekend, Team DeSantis directed a message to supporters, commenting on the 3-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) travels across the country, celebrating the accomplishments of Florida, the team is warning of the dangers of the “Swamp.” Directing a majority of the blame to Dr. Fauci, Team DeSantis argued that DeSantis “led the nation” in various ways.

"DeSantis Accused of Supporting the Torture of GITMO Enemy Combatants" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Washington Post has seemingly found damning information surrounding Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) right as speculation of him running for President is at an all-time high. The Post alleges that Gov. DeSantis spoke in favor of and witnessed the use of torture during his tenure as a military lawyer at Guantanamo Bay.

"Buchanan Hosts Red Algae Bloom Roundtable" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan (R) hosted a roundtable this weekend to discuss environmental concerns. Buchanan hosted key local stakeholders on Suncoast water quality, discussing ways that the state can combat the threat of red algae bloom.

"Republicans Defend Trump Amidst Arrest Rumor" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Over the weekend, President Donald Trump (R) made headlines after announcing on Truth Social that authorities would be arresting him on Tuesday. President Trump warned that he has not been charged with any criminal offenses, and he questioned the nature of his arrest. Since making the announcement, Republicans have come out in support of Trump, questioning the basis of his alleged arrest.

"No-Entry List Used to Keep out Political Protestors at USA vs Cuba Game in Miami" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Prior to the USA baseball team trouncing Cuba in a semifinal game at the World Baseball Classic in Miami, Florida, Senator Marco Rubio posted a video expressing his concern that individuals attending the game were being turned away for wearing clothing with political slogans written on them.

"Rubio Slams Cuban Baseball Team Controversy" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Republican lawmakers have pushed back against the Cuban baseball team's involvement in the World Baseball Classic. Citing the threat of the members being spies for the Cuban regime, Republicans have called for the investigation of the team members. As the Cuban baseball team readied to play, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) commented on the controversy of people not being allowed entry for protesting the players.

"Fentanyl Smuggled Over Border is a 'Chemical Attack' Against U.S." by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With fentanyl continually being smuggled over the southern border, Americans continue to suffer its effects. Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) called this "a chemical attack" in a recent tweet, saying that "in less than 6 months, enough fentanyl to kill 1.9 BILLION people has been seized at the southern border."

"Hunter Biden Threatens Lawsuit Against Roger Stone, Demands Apology" by The Floridian's Chris Nelson—Republican strategist Roger Stone has been talking about Hunter Biden on his "Stone Zone" podcast and Biden’s lawyers are not happy about it.

"Byron Donalds Calls Out White House Spokesman Deflecting Focus on Biden Investigation" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

"Debbie Wasserman Schultz Calls DeSantis 'Disaster for Florida'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

"Top House Republican Mocks 'Woke' U.S. Military for Allowing use of Pronouns" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—During a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee, several enlisted personnel members of the U.S. military testified that the House Republican mindset that “woke” initiatives was hurting recruitment, was not founded.

"Donalds Calls on Media to 'Report the Facts'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Florida Rep. Byron Donalds (R) slammed the media this weekend during an interview with FOX News. Rep.Donalds, who attended the Palm Beach Republican Party's Lincoln Day dinner at Mar-A-Lago on Friday, argued that there’s a double standard at play, citing President Donald Trump’s (R) time in office. Pushing back against “media hostility” towards conservatives, Donalds called on the media to “report the FACTS.”

"Diaz-Balart Pursues Baseball Players Investigation" by The Floridian's Daniels Molina—Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R) has directed a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. calling for an investigation into exported Cuban baseball players.

"Rubio Introduces Bill to Bar Federal Funds from TikTok Associated Businesses" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Since the social media giant TikTok has become woven into the social fabric of the United States, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has pushed back against Chinese-owned app and its parent company, ByteDance.

"Maxwell Frost Says DeSantis 'Abusing His Power,' Calls FL Republicans His 'Lapdogs'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) appeared on Washington Post Live to criticize Governor Ron DeSantis, saying he "has been abusing his power to target marginalized communities," and calls Florida Republicans "lapdogs who do what he says."

"Biden Appears to Forget About Florida on Hurricane Ian Relief" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres and Jim McCool—Governor DeSantis (R-FL) has recently revealed that he has not spoken with President Biden (D) since his brief visit to Florida after Hurricane Ian struck the state on September 28, 2022. After promising federal aid, it seems that Biden and the federal government have forgotten Florida, and are dragging their feet to help battered Southwest Florida.

"Transgender Activists Accuse Florida Republicans of 'Genocide' with SB 254" by The Floridian's Grayson Jackson—With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signaling support for SB 254, which would ban gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy for minors, transgender activists spoke their piece against the bill this week during the 2023 legislative session.

"Rubio Requests Investigation into Possible CCP Infiltration Following Bank Collapses" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signaling support for SB 254, which would ban gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy for minors, transgender activists spoke their piece against the bill this week during the 2023 legislative session.

"Scott Pens Letter Urging Legal Action Against China for COVID Outbreak" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and his colleagues have sent a letter to call on Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to inquire about what legal action can be pursued concerning the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its involvement in the initialization of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Transgender Activists Accuse Florida Republicans of 'Genocide' with SB 254" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signaling support for SB 254, which would ban gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy for minors, transgender activists spoke their piece against the bill this week during the 2023 legislative session.

"Rubio Requests Investigation into Possible CCP Infiltration Following Bank Collapses" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich —Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to address the possibilities of the recent bank failures (Silicon Valley Bank – SVB – and Signature Bank) and their assets fallings into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"Scott Pens Letter Urging Legal Action Against China for COVID Outbreak" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signaling support for SB 254, which would ban gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy for minors, transgender activists spoke their piece against the bill this week during the 2023 legislative session.

"Gov. DeSantis Blasts COVID Experts Over 'Woke Virus' Lab Leak Cover Up" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—WINTER HAVEN- Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) channeled his old 2020 playbook by tearing apart Progressives on COVID-19, this time addressing the Wuhan Lab leak theory as well as labeling the coronavirus the "woke virus."

"Surgeon General Ladapo Questions if Anyone Should be Vaccinated At All" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—WINTER HAVEN-Today, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo spoke at a press conference in regard to COVID-19 vaccinations and their safety. Dr. Ladapo went as far as to question if anyone should take the COVID-19 vaccine at all.

"DeSantis First Governor to Lift COVID Restrictions on Elective Surgeries" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—WINTER HAVEN—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took another victory lap on the 3-year anniversary of “15 Days to Slow the Spread” of the COVID-19 virus effort. Gov. DeSantis had a group of witnesses talk about their personal experiences as a result of the COVID pandemic lockdown.

"DeSantis Says COVID Vaccinations on Babies are 'Fundamentally Wrong' by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—WINTER HAVEN—At a press conference to commemorate the 3-year anniversary of “15 Days to Slow the Spread” of the COVID-19 virus effort, Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was flanked by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, was asked if there was data to show how COVID “baby jabs” interacted with existing baby vaccinations.

"Florida Coalition Launched to Fight Against Prescription Drug Prices" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Across Florida, members of various organizations, associations, and advocacy groups have formed a new coalition to address and fight against prescription drug prices and the “pharmacy middlemen.” The name of the coalition is known as The PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) Accountability Project of Florida.

Across Florida, members of various organizations, associations, and advocacy groups have formed a new coalition to address and fight against prescription drug prices and the “pharmacy middlemen.” The name of the coalition is known as The PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) Accountability Project of Florida.

"Senators Seek to Prevent Confederacy era Monument Removal" by News Service of Florida—TALLAHASSEE --- Local governments would be blocked from removing historic monuments from public locations and could face lawsuits, under a controversial proposal that started to advance Wednesday in the Florida Senate.

"Florida Senators Back Immigration Crackdown Plan" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE — A key Florida Senate panel on Wednesday approved a measure aimed at expanding Gov. Ron DeSantis’ crackdown on illegal immigration, drawing pushback from opponents who called it an attack on the state’s migrant community.

"Lawmakers Seek to Curb China Land Purchases" by The Floridian's Staff—The bill (SB 264), which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, also would prevent Florida government agencies from entering contracts involving access to personal information with entities tied to countries of concern, namely China. Also, it would require health-care providers to ensure electronic technology keeps patient information within the continental U.S.

"Senators Seek to Prevent Confederacy era Monument Removal" by News Service of Florida—TALLAHASSEE --- Local governments would be blocked from removing historic monuments from public locations and could face lawsuits, under a controversial proposal that started to advance Wednesday in the Florida Senate.

"Florida Senators Back Immigration Crackdown Plan" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE — A key Florida Senate panel on Wednesday approved a measure aimed at expanding Gov. Ron DeSantis’ crackdown on illegal immigration, drawing pushback from opponents who called it an attack on the state’s migrant community.

"Lawmakers Seek to Curb China Land Purchases" by The Floridian's Staff—The bill (SB 264), which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, also would prevent Florida government agencies from entering contracts involving access to personal information with entities tied to countries of concern, namely China. Also, it would require health-care providers to ensure electronic technology keeps patient information within the continental U.S.

"DeSantis Spearheads a War on Biden's New ESG Program" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—IAs President Biden (D) readies the federal government for his new Environmental Social Corporate Governance (ESG) agenda, resistance against the plan has mounted.  Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has spearheaded an alliance of 18 states to fight against ESG in what they claim is "financial fraud."

"Two Arrested For Attempting to Illegally Vote in Florida" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—In rather shocking news coming out of the Sunshine State, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has announced charges against two individuals for participating in unlawful voting. Both of their charges, while similar but with distinctions, are classified as felonies.

"Scott Suggests People 'Wake up' on China" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—China and the United States are involved in a tense rivalry, which has been exacerbated after reports indicated that COVID-19 likely came from a lab in Wuhan. During an interview on FOX News, Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) commented on the United States' approach to China. In short, Scott suggests that people need to 'wake up' regarding the threat that communist China poses.

"Embattled Florida Democrat Party Chides Roy's Endorsement of DeSantis" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—It was only a matter of time before Florida Democrats chimed in on the recent endorsement of Gov. Ron DeSantis for President by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX).

"Matt Gaetz Calls for End of Ukraine War After US Drone Collides with Russian Jet" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The collision of an American MQ-9 drone and a Russian fighter jet has sparked concerns about an escalation between the United States and Russia as we continue aiding Ukraine.

"Chip Roy Endorses DeSantis for President" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Although speculation has increased that Governor DeSantis (R-FL) may run for President, nothing is official just yet. However, this has not stopped the Florida governor from gaining his first endorsement for President from US Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX).

"Byron Donalds Reacts to Treasury's Potential Proof of Biden Corruption" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Department of the Treasury has released suspicious activity reports connected to Hunter Biden's foreign business deals.

"House Homeland GOP Visits Southern Border" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Tension at the border has increased since footage of migrants rushing the U.S. border at El Paso was released. Republicans continue to add pressure to the Biden administration, calling on it to address the growing concern. This week, members of the House Homeland GOP visited the southern border, arguing that they will hold the Biden administration accountable.

"Frost Scolds Biden Over Willow oil Drilling Project" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—House Democrats have overwhelmingly supported environmental efforts and legislation, including the controversial Green New Deal. However, President Joe Biden (D) is now receiving backlash as his administration has approved the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska.

"Independent Voters Disapprove of DeSantis's Handling of CRT, DEI, and Disney" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—A new public opinion survey conducted by The Floridian shows that Republican and Independent likely voters in Miami-Dade County would vote for Gov. Ron DeSantis over President Joe Biden in the 2024 Presidential general election. Interestingly enough, in the same survey, Independent voters surveyed appear to question the Governor’s legislative agenda of punishing Disney, and to ban Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI)

"The Floridian Poll: DeSantis Outperforms Trump Against Biden in Miami-Dade" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—As the expected 2024 Republican presidential primary slugfest between former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis draws near, a new public opinion survey conducted by The Floridian shows that Gov. DeSantis outperforms President Trump in a hypothetical general election contest against President Joe Biden.

"DeSantis Files Complaint Against Miami Hotel for Hosting Sexualized Drag Show With Minors Present" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and his administration officially filed a complaint with the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) against the Hyatt Regency Miami for hosting a drag show with children present.

"FIU Sees Success with Federal TRIO Program" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—The federal government is issuing a new program that is providing aid to traditionally underrepresented groups of students to earn their bachelor's degrees. Florida International University is proud to be a host for the TRIO Program.

 

"Senate Panel Targets Treatments for Transgender Kids" by News Service of Florida—TALLAHASSEE — Judges could consider parents’ objections to medical treatments such as puberty blockers when modifying or deciding custody agreements for transgender children, under a measure approved Monday by a Senate committee.

"DeSantis's Florida Legislature Looks to Scrap Rick Scott's Gun Buying Restriction" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres and NSF—TALLAHASSEE — With backing from Speaker Paul Renner, a House panel on Monday approved a bill that would lower the minimum age from 21 to 18 to buy rifles and other long guns in Florida, and would scrap the part of the gun law former Gov. Rick Scott signed 5 years ago.

"Rep. Cory Mills: 'Not One Dime of Taxpayer Money for Bailouts'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) recently made an appearance on Fox Business to discuss the recent failures of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank as government regulators (The Federal Reserve, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and the Treasury Department) have stepped in and stated that the depositors will have full access to their accounts.

"DeSantis: Negative Media Coverage is 'Backfiring'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich —Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) continues to assert his belief that left-leaning and "legacy" media outlets have it out for him, as he did in January.

"Cherfilus-McCormick Demands Protections for Nicaraguans in United States" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) has sent a bipartisan letter to the Biden Administration demanding the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaraguans in the United States.

"Floridian and Puerto Rican Legislators Introduce Hurricane Tax Relief Act" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Senators Rick Scott (R) and Marco Rubio (R) joined forces with Representative Byron Donalds (R), as well as Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner (a non-voting member of the House of Representatives) Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (R) to ensure tax relief to the residents of the two entities due to the recent hurricanes (Ian, Nicole, and Fiona).

"DeSantis Signs Death Warrant for Another Convicted Murderer" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—The death penalty has remained one of the most controversial political issues for decades. Now, Florida will look to carry out the latest execution with Governor DeSantis (R-FL) signing the death warrant for Louis Bernard Gaskin.

"DeSantis Warns DEI Will Discriminate Against Certain Ethnicities" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) is mounting a 2024 Senate reelection campaign, removing any possibility of a 2024 presidential run. As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) fuels rumors of a presidential run, Senator Scott is highlighting policy differences.

"Scott Touts Policy Differences With DeSantis" by The Floridan's Daniel Molina—Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) is mounting a 2024 Senate reelection campaign, removing any possibility of a 2024 presidential run. As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) fuels rumors of a presidential run, Senator Scott is highlighting policy differences.

 

The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina