Florida Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Anti-Abortion and Anti-Marijuana Ads as DeSantis Campaigns Against Abortion Amendment
Florida Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Anti-Abortion and Anti-Marijuana Ads as DeSantis Campaigns Against Abortion Amendment
October 31, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Florida Taxpayers Footing the Bill for Anti-Abortion and Anti-Marijuana Ads
In a controversial move, Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration has launched a state-funded ad campaign targeting two November ballot initiatives: one to legalize recreational marijuana and another to protect abortion rights. The ads, funded by taxpayers, claim that recreational marijuana legalization under Amendment 3 poses a public danger that would "rewire the human mind," while another commercial takes aim at pro-abortion supporters, accusing them of spreading lies. The state's media campaign is estimated to cost over $16 million, with some sources suggesting it could be as high as $50 million based on ad buys for the Amendment 3 opposition campaign alone. Four state agencies have agreed to spend $16.2 million with Tallahassee-based marketing firm Strategic Digital Services on public information campaigns. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) agreed to a $5.1 million deal with Strategic Digital Services to launch a campaign on the “dangers of marijuana, opioid, and drug use.” According to reporting, about $4 million of those funds were sourced from Florida’s opioid settlement trust fund intended for state and local abatement efforts to the drug epidemic. The DeSantis administration’s unprecedented use of government resources to sway voters on ballot initiatives has sparked backlash from advocacy groups and officials who accuse the state of electioneering. DeSantis has defended the taxpayer-funded ads as public education on critical health issues that serve the interest of Floridians. Thus far, the courts have rejected lawsuits questioning the legality of using public funds to air advertisements campaigning against Amendments 3 and 4.
DeSantis Campaigns Against Abortion Rights Amendment
In the final weeks before Election Day, Gov. Ron DeSantis has intensified his opposition to Amendment 4, a ballot initiative aimed at protecting abortion access until viability or medical necessity. With early voting underway, the Republican governor, acting in his official capacity, has toured the state to urge voters to reject the measure, which he claims is "intentionally vague and deceptive." Joining Florida Physicians Against Amendment 4, a group of anti-abortion doctors, DeSantis rallied potential voters at events in Jacksonville, Miami, and Winter Garden, to convince them to vote “no” on the initiative, calling it “really, really bad policy.” The governor’s critics argue the use of government resources and taxpayer funds to engage in a political fight is unethical and illegal. DeSantis hasn’t backed down and continues to raise concerns about terms in the amendment that he argues could weaken Florida’s parental consent law. Amendment 4 supporters, however, argue it would leave existing laws intact. If passed by 60% of voters, the amendment would protect abortion access until about 24 weeks or as deemed necessary by a woman’s healthcare provider, overturning the current six-week ban the governor signed last year. Additional efforts by the state to challenge Amendment 4 include a state-run healthcare agency launching a website that shares negative information on the measure’s impact, which critics say is misleading. The DeSantis administration has also investigated allegations of fraud in the petition signature-gathering process by the groups that successfully put the amendment on the ballot, despite election officials previously validating the signatures. Most recently, the Florida Health Department issued cease-and-desist letters to several television stations across the state for airing an ad in support of the abortion initiative, resulting in a federal judge issuing a temporary restraining order against Florida’s surgeon general. Latest polling indicates support for Amendment 4 at 60%—a tight margin for passage.
Floridians Protecting Freedom, the political group supporting the ballot measure, has raised over $100 million to advocate for the pro-abortion amendment since launching in April 2023. This includes over $30 million raised in the first half of October 2024. In contrast, Gov. DeSantis’ Florida Freedom Fund challenging Amendment 4 has garnered contributions of just over $7 million.
Florida Sues Feds Over Blocked Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to court for allegedly blocking the state's investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September. Moody’s complaint, filed last week, argues that federal prosecutors instructed Florida to halt its investigation days after it began, citing jurisdictional laws that allow federal agencies priority in cases involving threats to major public figures. She asserts that the DOJ has prevented Florida officials from interviewing witnesses, pursuing state-level charges, and conducting their own parallel probe, hindering their ability to gather evidence and bring charges. Current federal law suspends the exercise of jurisdiction by a state or local authority if federal investigative or prosecutorial jurisdiction is invoked for a crime until such action is terminated or concludes. Shortly after the incident, Gov. DeSantis directed the state to launch its own investigation into the assassination attempt, citing concerns about the credibility of the federal investigation due to perceived biases against Trump. He believes that with Florida conducting its own investigation alongside federal agencies, public concerns regarding the credibility and reliability of the investigation would be alleviated. Ryan Routh, the suspect in the case, is currently facing federal charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Moody's office seeks to pursue similar charges at the state level.
Tampa Bay Water Restrictions Lifted Amid Extreme Rainfall
After a record-breaking rainy season that included three hurricanes in two months, Tampa Bay's regional water managers have lifted emergency one-day-a-week watering restrictions. The decision follows a dramatic refill of the area’s main water reserves, thanks to storms delivering torrential rainfall that replenished the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir in Hillsborough County. The reservoir, serving as the region’s critical water store, now holds more than 15 billion gallons, up from 2.3 billion gallons just a few months ago. According to Tampa Bay Water, this will ensure sufficient supply for the upcoming spring dry season. Extreme rainfall from Hurricane Milton alone, deemed a 1-in-1,000-year event, contributed significantly, raising local rainfall totals to around 77 inches so far this year—well above Tampa’s usual annual average of 45 inches by October. Tampa has received 27.5 inches of rain—20 inches above average—since September 1. While the Southwest Florida Water Management District lifts the regional restrictions, residents in the City of Tampa must still adhere to a permanent one-day-a-week watering limit, approved by the city council in August amid rising water demand from population growth.
Orange County Commissioners Approves $75 Million Cultural Funding to Local Organizations and Facilities
Months after Gov. DeSantis vetoed $32 million worth of state art grants and left hundreds of organizations and facilities across Florida reeling, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted on Tuesday to allocate $75 million to support 11 cultural development projects in Central Florida. The funds, which will be granted over five years, come from the Tourist Development Tax, a 6% levy on certain short-term overnight stays that is to be spent on tourism-related development and promotion activities. The 11 projects were reviewed and scored by an advisory panel and the Tourist Development Council, recommending full funding for the top eight facilities and splitting the remainder among the bottom three. Top recommendations include:
Orlando Science Center ($13.97 million): Remodeling and expansion.
City of Apopka ($13.1 million): Ballfield and amphitheater upgrades at Northwest Recreation Complex.
4ROOTS ($12 million): Two new multi-functional auditoriums.
Rollins Museum of Art ($10 million): New state-of-the-art museum building in Winter Park.
Winter Park Playhouse ($8 million): The grant would allow the City of Winter Park to purchase the theater’s existing building, then renovate and expand the auditorium before leasing it back to the nonprofit theater company.
Orlando Family Stage ($5.825 million): Renovations for the nearly 100-year-old Loch Haven Park building.
Winter Garden Art Association ($4 million): Construction for a new building in downtown Winter Garden.
Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation ($2.1 million): Plaza Live renovation.
Mennello Museum of American Art ($2 million): New building in Loch Haven Park.
Orlando Museum of Art ($2 million): Repairs.
Wells'Built Museum ($2 million): Expansion.
These projects aim to enhance cultural tourism and community engagement and modernize local venues in Orange County, shaping the region's cultural landscape.
Floridians Affected by Hurricanes Eligible for Food Aid
Florida residents affected by Hurricanes Helene or Milton can soon apply for food assistance to replace items lost due to storm-related power outages and other expenses. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) offers aid to those who don’t regularly qualify for food stamps but meet specific financial and disaster-related requirements, including home damage, food loss, or income reduction. Eligible Floridians can pre-register online starting on October 27, with set application days based on county and last name. Approved applicants will receive an assistance card by mail for use at authorized retailers. The Florida Department of Children and Families will announce in-person registration options for those unable to apply online.
Disney World Raises Price on Annual Passes
Walt Disney World has increased prices on its four annual pass tiers, with hikes ranging from $30 to $100, according to the resort’s website. The new pricing reflects an average increase of about 7%. The top-tier Incredi-Pass, which offers no blackout dates and includes parking, now costs $1,549, up from $1,449. The Sorcerer Pass, available only to Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members, has risen to $1,079, an $80 increase. The Pirate Pass, exclusive to Floridians, is now $829, up from $799. The Pixie Dust Pass, which allows weekday-only access with blackout dates, now costs $469, up from $439. All passes come with standard theme park parking, discounts on merchandise and dining, and park-hopping privileges. Add-ons like PhotoPass downloads and water park access are available for $99 each. Reservations remain necessary for passholders, except for entry after 2 p.m., with restrictions for Magic Kingdom on weekends. Existing annual passholders can still enjoy savings of $70 to $150 when renewing their passes.
Port Canaveral Reports Record-Breaking 7.6 Million Passengers
Port Canaveral has reported a record-breaking fiscal year, with nearly 7.6 million passenger movements recorded between October 2023 and September 2024. This surpasses last year's record by 800,000, driven by larger ships sailing at over 100% capacity. The port welcomed 911 ship calls, just slightly more than last year, with stronger-than-expected August and September numbers fueling success. The port's cruise revenue, including parking, reached $156 million, exceeding expectations by $3.5 million. This success was driven by 7,592,535 multiday passengers, 4% higher than anticipated. Additionally, cargo operations saw 728 calls that brought in $23.2 million, with SpaceX rocket booster and fairing recoveries surging, contributing to space sector growth. This will expand with recovery operations expected to begin soon for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. Overall, Port Canaveral closed the year with a net position of $70.3 million, setting the stage for continued investment in port expansion and development. Port officials say they have fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with fiscal years 2022-2024 showing significant growth. The upcoming 2024-2025 season is set to grow with 19 ships expected to homeport or sail seasonally, including the addition of Princess and Celebrity Cruises, Disney Treasure, and Norwegian Aqua. Port Canaveral will also debut the world’s largest cruise ship next summer when Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas begins sailings.
Rising Costs Drive Popular Central Florida Restaurants to Shutter
Central Florida's vibrant food scene is facing a dark cloud as popular restaurants like Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria in Orlando’s Milk District, Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park, Alex’s Fresh Kitchen in Casselberry, and Kabby’s Subs in Maitland join the growing list of closures. Despite their popularity and long-established presence in many communities, restaurant owners are citing the soaring costs of rent, food, supplies, and wages as the reasons for shutting their doors. Experts point to the recent $1-per-hour increase in Florida’s minimum wage, inflation, and high interest rates on loans as factors creating financial strain on the restaurant industry. Escalating labor, food, and liquor costs drove another popular establishment, Sanford Brewing Company, to close last week. Jack & Honey’s in Thorton Park followed suit. Compounding issues are the real estate market and rent which has doubled in some markets within the last few years. In the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry report, 38% of restaurant owners said their businesses were not profitable last year.
Looting and Fraud Rise in Hurricane-Ravaged Beach Communities
In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Pinellas County law enforcement has launched a major crackdown on criminal activities targeting storm-affected areas. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri reported that deputies have arrested 45 individuals for looting and related offenses on the beach communities since October 2. The majority of these suspects were non-U.S. citizens from outside the area, engaging in burglary, grand theft, armed robbery, vandalism, and trespassing. “We’ve never seen anything of this magnitude before, we’ve never seen this influx of people from out of the area that are clearly just here to steal and to pilfer and to do bad things and to target these vulnerable people,” Gualtieri said. Many of the individuals were in vehicles with out-of-state tags. Deputies also engaged another 200 people who appeared suspicious but lacked probable cause to make an arrest. Simultaneously, an undercover operation in Madeira Beach led to the arrest of 62 people on over 100 charges of unlicensed contracting. These individuals allegedly presented themselves as licensed contractors and illegally completed at least 75 projects valued at $250,000, offering services such as plumbing, electrical work, and roofing without proper licensing. Most of the suspects had existing criminal records that likely prevented them from obtaining legitimate construction licenses. As bad actors seek to exploit a difficult situation for struggling residents and businesses along the hurricane-ravaged beach communities, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has pledged to prioritize safety and the protection of property during the rebuilding process.
Seminole County's Only Homeless Shelter Faces Funding Crisis
Rescue Outreach Mission in Sanford, Seminole County’s only homeless shelter, is seeking $600,000 in additional government funding to sustain its operations through 2025, according to Executive Director Chris Ham. Federal COVID-19 relief funds previously helped the shelter expand services, but those funds ran out last month. Ham estimates that while private donations will cover $800,000 of the $1.6 million budget in 2025, the shelter will need more support from the county beyond the $200,000 already approved. This request comes as Seminole County's homeless population has surged from 274 to 420 in the past year. County commissioners were divided on the shelter’s funding request, with questions about why it wasn't made during the budget meeting earlier this year. There are additional concerns about potential overlap in services among area homeless organizations. However, others on the commission emphasized Rescue Outreach Mission’s critical role in light of new state laws banning public camping and highlighted the organization’s past success in placing homeless individuals in permanent housing. The shelter is projected to house over 230 people this year compared to 70 in 2021.
Space Coast Breaks Record with 74 Launches in 2024
The Space Coast achieved its 74th launch of the year on Wednesday, breaking last year’s record of 72 with two months remaining in 2024. The milestone was achieved after SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday, deploying 23 low-Earth orbit Starlink satellites and marking the 14th flight for the first-stage booster. SpaceX has conducted the vast majority of this year’s Space Coast launches, with 67 Falcon 9 missions and two Falcon Heavy rockets. Other launches included United Launch Alliance (ULA) missions with two Vulcan Centaurs, two Atlas V rockets, and the final Delta IV Heavy. The Space Coast is expected to surpass 80 launches this year with contributions from SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin’s anticipated New Glenn debut.
Orange County, Orlando Strike Deal on 52,000-Acre Deseret Ranch Annexation
Orange County officials have brokered a deal to halt Orlando's controversial plans to annex over 52,000 acres of Deseret Ranch property in southeast Orange County. The interlocal agreement, approved by county commissioners on October 29, would see Orlando cancel its scheduled November 4 public hearing on the annexation. The compromise aims to balance development interests in the eastern part of the county. Under the deal, the city will abandon its Deseret Ranch annexation bid in exchange for the county's support of the 6,200-acre Sunbridge subdivision. Additionally, Orange County has agreed to meet Orlando’s greatest needs, including investment in entertainment and sporting venues that drive significant economic growth and address homelessness. County officials will allocate $626 million in Tourist Development Taxes for upgrades to the Kia Center and Camping World Stadium, and lease part of the Work Release Center on Kaley Avenue to the city for use as a “low barrier homeless shelter.” The agreement also preempts potential conflicts arising from the upcoming Orange County Charter Amendments that could restrict city annexations and establish a rural boundary to the east.
Disney Seeks $500K Reimbursement in Tax Dispute with Orange County
The Walt Disney Company is seeking reimbursement for $518,000 in expenses incurred during its successful challenge to the Orange County property appraiser’s tax assessment of its Yacht & Beach Club Convention Resort. A court ruled in April that the county's 2015 assessment of the resort was "unconstitutional and invalid," inflated by including intangible assets like the Disney brand and workforce. The legal dispute, which began in 2016, centers on the assessed value of the 1,200-room resort, which jumped 118% in a single year to $336 million without major renovations or expansions. The legal ruling could potentially impact the valuations of other Disney properties and could result in up to $100 million in tax overpayments being refunded by Orange County Public Schools. Property Appraiser Amy Mercado has filed a notice to appeal the ruling. The latest motion filed by Disney’s legal team for the half-million reimbursement covers costs associated with trial preparation, including mostly testimony by expert witnesses.
Lakeland Residents Seek Flood Relief Weeks After Hurricanes
Residents living near Lake Bonny in Lakeland are still grappling with severe flooding nearly three weeks after Hurricane Milton. Homeowners have voiced frustrations and pleaded for solutions from city officials as floodwaters from Lake Bonny inundated homes, with standing water lingering in residences weeks after 12 inches of rain from the storm overwhelmed Lakeland’s stormwater system and forced Lake Bonny to crest at unprecedented levels. The City of Lakeland says water has been pumped from the lake to nearby Lake Parker at 5,000 gallons per minute since early August, but area lakes and basins remain flooded, making it difficult to lower Lake Bonny and alleviate localized flooding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been called in with the hope of bringing resolve. Since October 23, the Army Corps has utilized two industrial pumps running 24/7 and capable of handling up to 4,000 gallons per minute to lower the water levels of Lake Bonny. This is in addition to the City of Lakeland’s own pump that continues to operate on-site. Each pump attaches to a 3,000-foot network of pipes that delivers water to a Lakeland stormwater sewer and routes to Lake Parker. In five days since the pumps were installed, Lake Bonny has only seen levels drop less than six inches, but officials acknowledge the pumps are not operating at capacity due to technical challenges with the pipeline and wear on connectors. The Army Corps predicts that it could take up to 30 days to lower the water level and ease localized flooding that has forced residents to temporarily relocate.
Florida Sees Largest Increase in Workers Quitting Jobs
The Sunshine State experienced the biggest rise in people quitting their jobs in August, with 292,000 Floridians leaving their positions—a jump of 28,000 from July—marking the largest increase in resignations among the nation’s most populous states. This marks the second consecutive month of increased resignations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The trend contrasts with national job market patterns, where job additions have slowed. Experts attribute this phenomenon to several factors unique to Florida, including the rising cost of living in major cities like Miami and Tampa which have seen substantial increases in housing, rent, utilities, and everyday expenses. Additionally, less worker-friendly labor laws provide fewer protections, leading to higher burnout and job dissatisfaction. There is also increased work pressure, with many employees feeling overworked and underpaid, leading to mental health struggles driving people to quit, especially as population growth in some areas outpaces staffing. Remote work has opened up higher-paying opportunities, allowing employees to leave unsatisfying positions for better prospects and flexibility to work out-of-state. This wave of resignations could have significant implications for Florida's economy, potentially leading to disrupted productivity in key sectors, pressure on businesses to improve wages and working conditions, and possible migration away from Florida as people seek lower living costs.
Disney Cruise Line Welcomes New Ship, Disney Treasure
Disney Cruise Line has officially expanded its fleet to six ships with the delivery of the Disney Treasure, marking a significant milestone for the entertainment company. Built by Meyer Werft, the 144,000-gross-ton ship was handed over to Disney at a ceremony in Eemshaven, Netherlands after completing its sea trials in the North Sea earlier this month. The ship will soon embark on a transatlantic voyage, arriving at Port Canaveral on November 12. A christening ceremony will take place in New York before the Treasure begins its maiden voyage on December 21, offering alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Disney Treasure is a sister ship to 2022’s Disney Wish and features 1,246 staterooms. It includes unique themed areas inspired by popular Disney attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Aladdin, as well as a Coco-themed dining venue and a new Moana-inspired entertainment show. Disney plans to expand their fleet to 13 ships by 2031, including Disney Destiny set to arrive in 2025.
Tampa Bay Lightning Sells Majority Stake to New Investors
Tampa Bay Lightning owner and chairman Jeff Vinik has sold a majority stake to a new group of investors led by New York money managers Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz. The NHL-approved transaction, effective October 1, maintains Jeff Vinik's control as governor for three years. After the transition period, Ostrover and Lipschultz will assume control, with Vinik becoming an alternate governor and continuing his role as a Vinik Sports Group board member. He also plans to keep his minority stake. Day-to-day operations remain unchanged, with GM Julien BriseBois and CEO Steve Griggs retaining their roles. Since Vinik took ownership in 2010, the Lightning have achieved two Stanley Cup titles and become known for their community efforts, distributing over $60 million to Tampa Bay nonprofits. Vinik emphasized that the new partners share his commitment to the team and the community.
As part of the sale of a majority stake in the Tampa Bay Lightning, team owner Jeff Vinik disclosed he is sharing the wealth with his employees. He's set aside $20 million in bonuses for the nearly 300 full-time employees of Vinik Sports Group. Each employee will receive at least $50,000.
Tampa Bay Rays Find Temporary Offices After Hurricane Milton Damage
The Tampa Bay Rays have secured interim office space in downtown St. Petersburg after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field and team offices located in the stadium. The former office building for United Insurance Holdings Corp. at 800 2nd Ave S. will bring the baseball staff back together after working remotely following the October 9 storm. They expect to complete the move by mid-November. The extent of damage to Tropicana Field is still being assessed, a process expected to take several weeks and will determine the Rays’ 2025 season plans. The City of St. Petersburg, which owns the stadium and leases it to the team, has filed an insurance claim and hired companies to remove the roof remnants and conduct a thorough structural evaluation. Uncertainty remains about where the baseball club will play their home games when the next season begins in March 2025 if facility repairs are determined to be too costly for a stadium scheduled to be demolished after the 2027 season. Alternative sites range from local spring training facilities to out-of-state venues. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball is asking to know by Christmas where the Rays will begin the 2025 season, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred saying both the major and minor league schedules could be altered to accommodate the team.
BYU Organizes Food Drive Ahead of Rival Football Game Against UCF
As Brigham Young University (BYU) traveled to Orlando this past weekend to take on Big 12 conference opponent UCF, they brought a new tailgating tradition to Florida. Through its Cougs Care program, BYU’s alumni and fans organized a charity drive in partnership with Knights Pantry and Pineapple Pantry, collecting food, clothing, and books for UCF students in need. BYU launched the initiative in 2019 by focusing on community service at away football games that benefit local organizations, embodying the school’s motto, “Enter to Learn; Go Forth to Serve.” The food drive held before Saturday’s football game at BYU’s tailgate area at Carillon Elementary School aims to collect 800-1,000 pounds of food for local student pantries. In its first season in the Big 12 conference, BYU's Cougs Care initiative collected over 82,000 pounds of food and more than 6,200 books, toys, and sports equipment across various away games. The program has garnered significant support, with some events drawing up to 5,000 Cougars fans.
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