JUICE —Florida Politics' Juicy Read 🍊 —3.24.2023 — DeSantis's Wins and Losses—Tik Tok About to Get Taken Down—Much More...

JUICE —Florida Politics' Juicy Read 🍊 —3.24.2023 — DeSantis's Wins and Losses—Tik Tok About to Get Taken Down—Much More...

Florida Politics' Daily Political Read

Javier Manjarres
Javier Manjarres
|
March 24, 2023

FIU

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

You Can’t win Them all

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been winning at the ballot box and in the Florida Legislature for as long as anyone can remember, but that came to an end this week.

Gov. DeSantis wanted open carry legislature to make it to his desk for signing, but the amendment to the Public Safety bill that would have added open carry to the measure was pulled at the last hour. READ MORE

Gun activists are livid, as you can imagine, and are questioning the Governor’s leadership for not getting open carry done.

It really isn’t fair, but it is what it is.

DeSantis did see School Choice coast through the legislature, so Thursday didn’t go all that bad. READ MORE

Florida's 2023 Legislature Session

Senate Takes Aim at Credit Card Companies

The Florida Senate on Thursday passed a measure that seeks to prevent credit-card companies from using a code that could help track firearm an…

 

House Set to Pass Concealed Weapons Change

A controversial proposal that would allow people to carry guns without state concealed-weapons licenses is poised to pass the House on Friday

 

Transgender Treatment Rules Draw Court Challenge

TALLAHASSEE — Four families filed a federal lawsuit Thursday challenging rules adopted by Florida medical boards that prohibit doctors from pr…

 

Senate Signs Off on Lawsuit Limits

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Thursday gave final approval to a far-reaching bill aimed at helping shield businesses and insurance compa…

Squeezers

Lauren Book-The State of Florida shouldn’t be using taxpayer dollars to fund private school educations for millionaires’ kids…but here we are. Everyday people in this state deserve better than free handouts for the excessively wealthy designed to defund public schools!

Marco Rubio-A Chinese company owns @tiktok_us + by law Chinese companies are controlled by the Communist Party=TikTok is controlled by the Chinese government

Rep. Darren Soto-We met with @USHC to discuss their priorities for the legislative term and economic development plans for Central Florida and Puerto Rico.

Proud to work with the Chamber to promote the economic growth, development, and interests of Hispanic-owned businesses in Central Florida.

Rep. Vern Buchanan-Saddened to hear about the passing of Parrish Fire District Assistant Chief Wayne Ownbey. Chief Ownbey served the Parrish community for over 40 years with distinction. Last year, he was recognized for his service at the 16th District Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards

Kat Cammack
Kat Cammack

"Kat Cammack Interrogates TikTok CEO" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Republicans continue driving to have the social media app TikTok banned due to its suspected ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) thoroughly interrogated TikTok's CEO Shou Chew during the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing.

"DeSantis's Leadership Question After Open Carry Fails" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Stick a fork in the Open Carry amendment to the Public Safety (CS/HB 543) bill.

Open Carry in Florida is dead on arrival and gun activists are seething mad.

"'Universal School Choice' Bill Sent to DeSantis' Desk" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With Republicans in the Florida Legislature having a supermajority in both chambers, House Bill 1 – the legislation measure coined the “universal school choice” bill – was sent to Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) desk.

"Omar Says Islamaphobia and Antisemitism "two Sides of the Same Coin'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Just as antisemitism is on the rise in the U.S. and around the world, so is Islamaphobia and Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Maxwell Frost are standing in solidarity against such hate speech and violence.

Scott, Warren Join Forces, Introduce Bill to Monitor The Fed's Decision Making" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—In an unlikely partnership, Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have come together to put forth legislation to “require a presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed inspector general to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.”

"Russia and Venezuela Allied in Skirting U.S. Sanctions" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—This week, fresh from meeting his “dear friend” Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, China’s leader, Xi Jinping’s objective is clear: position himself and China as counterweights to U.S. world dominance.

Rick Scott Tackles Out-of-Control Federal Budget" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—This week, fresh from meeting his “dear friend” Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, China’s leader, Xi Jinping’s objective is clear: position himself and China as counterweights to U.S. world dominance.

Maria Elvira Salazar
Maria Elvira Salazar

"Death Penalty Revamp Headed to Full Florida Senate" by The News Service of Florida

"Salazar Slams Daniel Ortega for Catholic Abuse" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) co-hosted a hearing regarding human rights violations that have occurred in Nicaragua. Co-hosting a hearing with Human Rights Subcommittee Chairman Christ Smith (R), Salazar discussed human rights abuse Daniel Ortega is committing against Nicaraguan catholics.

"AG Moody Busts $400K Medicaid Fraud Case" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—As Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) continues her crusade to protect Florida against fraud, the Attorney General's office announced that a Florida man was arrested in a $400,000 Medicaid fraud case.

"Greg Steube: Republicans Don't Support Bank Bailout" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Federal decision to bail out Silicon Valley Bank has drawn ire from House Republicans. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) appeared on Fox's Mornings with Maria, saying, "Congress should NOT bail out banks and Wall Street for making bad decisions."

"Donalds Directed Calls White House Press Secretary a Liar (VIDEO)" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With President Joe Biden blaming House Freedom Caucus for the border crisis, and his press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying that the Republican House budget proposal would cause a “5-alarm-fire” for everyday Americans, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds accused Jean-Pierre of “lying.”

"Marco Rubio: Is US Ready for 'Period of Conflict?'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—WASHINGTON—During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, inquiring if the United States is ready and capable of entering "a period of conflict."

"Gaetz Says DeSantis Puts Americans at Risk by Not Backing Trump Against Persecution" by The Floridian's Staff—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking considerable heat over his position to stay out of the expected indictment and arrest of former President Donald Trump by an overzealous and "Soros-funded" district attorney in Manhattan, Alvin Briggs. Now one of his past supporters and confidants, Rep. Matt Gaetz, is calling out Gov. DeSantis for not supporting President Trump.

"Florida Doctor Stripped of Board Certification Over 'COVID-19 Misinformation'" by The Floridian's Chris Nelson—The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) has stripped the certification of Florida Doctor John Littell. Littell, a U.S. Army veteran and Family Physician made headlines for using Ivermectin to treat over 3000 Covid-19 patients.

"DeSantis on Trump Nicknames: 'You can call me whatever you want'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was interviewed by Piers Morgan and spoke on a plethora of issues such as his handling of the pandemic, President Joe Biden (D), and of course, his possible Republican nominee opponent, former President Donald Trump (R).

Rep. Gus Bilirakis
Gus Bilirakis

"Guillermo Smith Slams Open Carry Support" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Former Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) is calling out Republicans, calling them liars. Guillermo Smith took to social media to slam House Republicans for pursuing open carry in Florida.

"DeSantis when asked about Presidential Run: 'Stay Tuned'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was interviewed by Piers Morgan and spoke on a plethora of issues such as his handling of the pandemic, President Joe Biden (D), and of course, his possible Republican nominee opponent, former President Donald Trump (R).

"Republicans Take Victory lap After Jacksonville Election Results" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Republicans are celebrating the results of the City of Jacksonville mayoral and city council races, where they were able to push Democrats to the May election.

"Gus Bilirakis Named Florida's Most Effective Member of Congress" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Matt Gaetz: FBI 'Rotten to the Core'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Politicization and weaponization of the FBI have been a concern of House Republicans, as evidenced by the House Weaponization Subcommittee. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has recently gone so far as to say that the FBI is "rotten to the core."

"While Gavin Newsom Dumps Walgreens, DeSantis Partners up With Them" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Less than a month after California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared that his state would cease business relations with Walgreens for its refusal to dispense abortion pills in some “red states” like Florida, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the drugstore is the state’s” first statewide employment partner” signed up to expand the Hope Florida initiative.

"Byron Donalds: Trump Indictment 'Definition of Political Prosecution'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The potential indictment of former President Donald Trump continues to draw controversy.

"Rubio Slams Russia's 'Third World Tactics'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Chinese President Xi Jinping, started the week off by meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The meeting raises questions about their relationship as both countries are embroiled in a feud with the United States.

"Biden Issues First Veto of Presidency, Key Figures React" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—President Joe Biden (D) has vetoed his first bill as President, more than two years after the start of his first term in office.

Rep. Cory Mills

"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.

border wall
border wall

"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.”

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart

"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 bathroom
Transgender bathroom

"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.

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

 

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Javier Manjarres

Javier Manjarres

Javier Manjarres is a nationally renowned award-winning political journalist and Publisher of Floridianpress.com, Hispolitica.com, shark-tank.com, and Texaspolitics.com He enjoys traveling, playing soccer, mixed martial arts, weight-lifting, swimming, and biking. Javier is also a political consultant and has also authored "BROWN PEOPLE," which is a book about Hispanic Politics. Follow on Twitter: @JavManjarres Email him at Diversenewmedia@gmail.com

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