| | | | |  | | By Kimberly Leonard | | Presented by |  | | | IN MEMORIAM — “Bob Graham, Florida governor and U.S. senator with a common touch, dies at 87,” reports Bill Cotterell of the Tallahassee Democrat. “Bob Graham, perhaps the most peculiar and popular politician of modern Florida history, died Tuesday. The Democratic two-term governor (1979-87) and three-term U.S. senator (1987-2005) was 87.” Statement from Graham's family: "While he valued his opportunities to represent others in public office, the jobs Bob Graham most loved were those he spent working alongside everyday Floridians."
|  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens as Amino C. Y. Chi, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of Miami, speaks to the media at the Florida National Guard Robert A. Ballard Armory on June 07, 2021 in Miami, Florida. | Joe Raedle/Getty Images | | Good morning and welcome to Wednesday. Complaints about vape imports from China have proliferated on Capitol Hill. Now, it’s a key messaging push behind a bill to restrict vapes in Florida. The question is how much that concern will be a factor in whether Gov. Ron DeSantis, a China hawk, signs a vape restriction after he vetoed an all-out ban on flavored vapes four years ago. The new bill (HB 1007) would have Attorney General Ashley Moody regularly post a banned list of flavored, disposable vapes found to draw in minors. Moody told Playbook in a statement that she was “proud” to support the bill and that “China is a big part of the problem.” She and other bill backers argue that some flavored vapes are meant to appeal to teens with fun shapes or candy flavors, leading to addiction. The Food and Drug Administration has only approved a handful for sale. Most unapproved vapes come from China, just like many products Americans use every day. Pro-vape groups want DeSantis to veto the bill, warning that businesses would suffer and that thousands would lose their jobs. They worry customers will relapse to smoking cigarettes or turn to the black market, and say the anti-China narrative is a manipulative messaging ploy. “Consumers in Florida need to have their freedom to choose the less-harmful nicotine product that they desire, and small businesses — which are dependent on the sale of less-harmful vaping products — should not be closed as a result of this legislation,” said Tony Abboud, the executive director of the Vapor Technology Association. Big industry players, including giant tobacco companies, support more regulations, and perhaps not coincidentally they have the cash to pay hefty approval fees and conduct intensive research to have their vape products approved. Juul Labs wants state policymakers to “crack down on illicit Chinese vapes” to supplement federal laws "as part of our mission to transition adult smokers away from combustible cigarettes while combating underage use," said Jennifer Cunningham, the company’s director of state government affairs. DeSantis has used the levers of government against business in the past, sometimes saying it’s to defend kids. The governor also has cracked down on China’s influence and investment in Florida, citing national security concerns and often touting his record in that area while on the 2024 campaign trail. For instance, he signed measures into law obligating companies that do business with Florida to disclose any China connections. And he authorized a restriction on Chinese nationals buying land in Florida — while thwarting lawmakers’ efforts to reign it in this session. “The concern about the Chinese products is 100 percent one of the items we discussed in the formation of the bill and all the way to the final vote,” said GOP state Rep. Toby Overdorf, who sponsored the anti-vape bill. State Sen. Keith Perry, a Republican who sponsored the bill in the upper chamber, insisted the bill wouldn’t result in banning flavored vapes clearly intended for adults. And Perry said he didn’t see the bill as targeting just China, but any foreign country bypassing regulations to flood the market. “If you're a vape shop making your profits off children — selling products that are designed for children — I got zero sympathy for you or at all,” he said. “If you go out of business, all the better.” WHERE’S RON? Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference in Hialeah Gardens with Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz at 10 a.m. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch at: kleonard@politico.com
| | A message from Alibaba: Every day, American businesses generate big global sales on Alibaba's online marketplace – to the tune of $66B in one year alone. These sales are having a bigger impact on communities back home. Florida companies like Timberwolf Pet Foods and DS Laboratories sell to over one billion consumers in China through Alibaba, supporting 15,800 local jobs and contributing $1.9B to Florida's GDP. Learn more about how Alibaba positively impacts Florida's economy. | | | |  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | |  Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks at a campaign rally for Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in Hialeah, Fla. | Lynne Sladky/AP Photo | NO STANDING — “Federal judge appointed by Trump tosses immigration rule challenge by red states,” reports POLITICO’s Gary Fineout. “A federal judge on Tuesday tossed aside a legal challenge led by Louisiana and Florida and featuring 17 other states challenging Biden administration immigration rules intended to streamline asylum claims. U.S. District Judge David C. Joseph, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, blamed the Biden administration for what he called ‘a breakdown of governmental control’ at the U.S.-Mexico border that he said had resulted in ‘general lawlessness.’ He also suggested in his ruling that federal officials lacked the authority to alter the asylum procedures as outlined in rules put in place more than two years ago.” NEW LAW — “DeSantis signs law limiting Florida book challenges,” reports POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury. “Florida residents who don’t have children attending school will have significantly fewer chances to challenge books in local K-12 libraries under a new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Meant to curb what lawmakers described as a ‘logistical nightmare’ facing school districts flooded with requests to remove books, the policy marks an admission from Republican leaders that last year’s expansions to book challenge laws may have gone too far after national backlash from free speech groups and even some conservatives.” APPEALED — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has appealed a February federal district court ruling that halted the state’s wetlands permitting program over endangered species concerns. The state also asked the appellate court to put that lower court ruling on hold while the litigation plays out. The move comes just days after the lower court rejected Florida’s bid to retain authority over some permitting decisions. ~ Annie Snider — “Hundreds of antisemitic, Islamophobic incidents happened in Florida last year, reports say,” by Douglas Soule of USA Today Network — Florida. QUESTIONNAIRE — “New Florida college survey asks students: Does a vote for Trump or Biden end a friendship?” by Amanda Friedman and Lauren Brensel of Fresh Take Florida. “The anonymous and voluntary annual survey — which is loaded with ideological political and free speech questions — was distributed by email and text to public higher ed students and was to be completed by Friday … The annual surveys are mandated by a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021 following Republican state lawmakers’ concerns about conservative views being suppressed on college campuses.” STORM TORN — “Florida's timber industry is in trouble. After hurricanes, mill closures, can it be saved?” by Ana Goñi-Lessan of the Tallahassee Democrat. “Landowners are hoping another wood-using industry will move into Taylor County. Timber has been one of the state's top cash crops for years … But the probability of another company moving into the area is dependent on whether landowners replant for the future – and some have decided to give up.” — “Florida master of disasters [Kevin] Guthrie talks about hurricanes, migrant flights pause,” by Jim Turner of News Service of Florida. — INFLUENCE Magazine is out with its list of Rising Stars of Florida politics.
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NEW SUPERINTENDENT — “Broward schools undergoes abrupt leadership change,” reports POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury. “The Broward County school board, in a surprise move, chose a new acting leader Tuesday after Superintendent Peter Licata announced his retirement after serving Florida’s second-largest school district for less than one year. Citing health concerns, Licata during a meeting signaled his intention to step down in December. But the board opted to immediately begin transitioning him out of the job to be replaced by a top official, deputy superintendent Howard Hepburn. The abrupt leadership change adds fuel to an already tumultuous time for Broward County Public Schools, which is facing a budget crunch and pressure from the state to pay $80 million to local charter schools.”
DEI RETURNS— “Black UF alums call for school to reinstate diversity programs — with private money,” reports Andrew Marra of the Palm Beach Post. “A coalition of Black University of Florida graduates is calling for the school to set aside millions of dollars in private donations to reconstitute diversity programs that the school gutted last month. A new group calling itself the Coalition of Concerned Black University of Florida Alumni says the state’s flagship university needs to reinvest in racial diversity efforts to reverse its ‘swift and decisive retreat from core values and principles.’” — “Witnesses accuse Florida Sheriff Scotty Rhoden of intimidating opponent’s supporters,” by the Florida Trident’s Susan Clark Armstrong. — “Haitians say they need a national overhaul for ‘the day after’ gang rule,” reports WLRN’s Tim Padgett.
| | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | |  Suspended Florida State Attorney Andrew Warren holds a press conference discussing his recent lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on August 17, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. | Octavio Jones/Getty Images | RAMPING UP — “Senate Democrats plot $79M advertising onslaught to hold on in November,” reports POLITICO’s Burgess Everett. “The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s spending blueprint includes TV, radio and digital advertising in nine states and comes on the heels of a $239 million spending plan from the super PAC, Senate Majority. Together the two entities will pour in more than $300 million in a bid to preserve the party’s 51-seat majority ... The DSCC is also planning seven-figure digital advertisements in Montana, Wisconsin, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Michigan as well as against its top two GOP targets: Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida.” HE’S RUNNING — “Suspended by DeSantis, Florida prosecutor bets voters will elect him a third time,” reports POLITICO’s Gary Fineout. “The Tampa prosecutor suspended from his job by Gov. Ron DeSantis — who remains locked in a legal battle with the governor — announced Tuesday he would ask voters to return him to his post. Andrew Warren, a Democrat who was twice elected as Hillsborough County state attorney, said back in January he would not run for another term because there was a chance that DeSantis would suspend him again if he won. But two days after that announcement, a federal appeals court ruled against DeSantis, although the court did not reinstate Warren.” — “7 candidates will be on special election ballot in Orlando’s District 5,” reports the Orlando Sentinel’s Ryan Gillespie. — “Tampa Bay is no longer a swing region, DeSantis says. Is he right?” by Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times. JUMPING IN — State Sen. Shevrin Jones is running for Miami-Dade County Democratic Executive Committee Chair. The position is open after Florida Democrats ousted the former chair, Robert Dempster. Jones, who has also expressed interest in running for governor in 2026, said if elected he’ll serve through the end of the year. The election is April 26. — “Election campaign fundraising reports: See who's ahead in local, state money race,” by Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat.
| | | | POLITICO IS BACK AT THE 2024 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO will again be your eyes and ears at the 27th Annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles from May 5-8 with exclusive, daily, reporting in our Global Playbook newsletter. Suzanne Lynch will be on the ground covering the biggest moments, behind-the-scenes buzz and on-stage insights from global leaders in health, finance, tech, philanthropy and beyond. Get a front-row seat to where the most interesting minds and top global leaders confront the world’s most pressing and complex challenges — subscribe today. | | | | | | | DATELINE D.C. | | TELL ME WHY — “Rubio questions missed red flags on Cuban-agent case in letter to State Department,” reports the Miami Herald’s Nora Gámez Torres. “Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio sent a letter Monday to Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeking answers on why U.S. government agencies failed to share critical information that might have helped uncover sooner that Victor Manuel Rocha, the former U.S. ambassador, was a covert agent for Cuba.”
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | FLORIDA [FISHER]MAN — “The one weird trick Trump could use to get away with January 6th,” by The Bulwark’s Marc Caputo. “Called the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the law was intended to crack down on financial fraud and evidence destruction. [Florida fisherman John] Yates argued that the law governed document shredding and fish aren’t documents [after he “chucked contraband fish overboard rather than hand them over to authorities.”] Eight years later, the Supreme Court sided with the fisherman in a precedent-setting 2015 decision that limited prosecutions. Today, that dump of grouper could wind up getting Donald Trump off the hook for January 6th.” MAR-A-LAGO DOCS — “How to pick a jury that can judge Donald Trump,” by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney. “In the pending federal criminal trial in Florida, special counsel Jack Smith and Trump’s lawyers have proposed competing sets of jury questionnaires while they inch toward a potential start later this year.”
| | A message from Alibaba: Timberwolf Pet Food, a family-owned company based in Windermere, Florida, achieved an impressive 7-figure growth after launching on Alibaba's online marketplace, which reaches over one billion consumers in China. Partnering with Alibaba helped the 25-year-old company double its sales projections, allowing Timberwolf to expand its product lines, production, and staffing to meet the increasing demand.
Florida businesses generated enough global sales on Alibaba’s online marketplace to add $1.9 billion to Florida’s economy, supporting 15,800 local jobs and $1.1 billion in wages in one year.
"I knew from experience that Alibaba, with over one billion online consumers, was essential to launch our brand in China successfully," said Timberwolf CEO Kam Martin.
Learn more about how Alibaba positively impacts Florida's economy. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
MYSTERY SOLVED — “Space junk that hit Florida home came from space station, NASA says,” per Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel. “An object that hit a Florida home in March was part of debris released from the International Space Station three years earlier, NASA has revealed. Homeowner Alejandro Otero recently told television station WINK that he was on vacation when his son told him what had happened to his house in Naples. Otero came home early to check on the house, finding the object had ripped through his ceiling and torn up the flooring.”
— “13-foot crocodile pops out dozens of eggs with shocked onlookers feet away in Florida,” per the Miami Herald. BIRTHDAY: State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
