Severe storms batter Florida & state GOP turmoil
December 24, 2023 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Severe storm causes widespread flooding, disruption across state
A powerful storm system unleashed havoc in Florida over the weekend, inundating major cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami with torrential rains, prompting widespread flooding and disrupting normalcy for thousands of residents. The National Weather Service reported record-breaking rainfall in some areas, reaching up to 5 inches, resulting in significant flooding in streets and neighborhoods. Flood warnings were issued across the state, covering the southwest Gulf Coast to Jacksonville. Miami saw streets transformed into waterways and Miami International Airport experienced over 150 flight delays on Saturday, exacerbating the challenges for holiday travelers amid an already anticipated record-busy season. In Tampa Bay, the storm system produced storm surges up to 3 feet, causing significant flooding in St. Petersburg. Rainfall measurements varied across the region, with some areas receiving more than three inches of rainfall, according to reports. Storm surge flooding in Tampa reached the fourth-highest on record, with sea water peaking at 3.39 feet – levels just inches short of what Hurricane Idalia brought to Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Jacksonville spent the beginning of the week recovering from a recorded 3.46 inches of rain from Saturday into Sunday, per the National Weather Service (NWS), which flooded roads and neighborhoods across the northeast region. Standing water remained on Monday with isolated road closures and the NWS issued a coastal flood advisory until 5 AM Tuesday for communities along the St. Johns River. Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida State Guard and directed state agencies to mobilize resources for immediate response and recovery.
Florida GOP chairman censured, stripped of powers amidst sexual battery investigation
In a significant move towards his potential removal from office, Christian Ziegler, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, faced censure and had his powers stripped on Sunday. The party's Executive Board, convening in an emergency meeting in Orlando, approved a motion positioning Ziegler for ousting when the Executive Committee meets on January 8. The decision immediately reduced Ziegler's pay to $1 a year and revoked his authority. An investigation into alleged sexual battery has loomed over Ziegler, who has maintained his $120,000-a-year leadership role. Ziegler, despite maintaining his chairman title, will also be restricted from hiring or firing staff, speaking on behalf of the Florida GOP, or raising funds for the party. The censure and power shift, orchestrated by Vice Chairman Evan Power, came as former President Donald Trump-backed Ziegler has defied mounting pressure to step down, particularly from Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has reiterated his call for Ziegler's resignation but remained silent on Bridget Ziegler, who faces calls to step down from her elected position on the Sarasota County School Board and from her appointment to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors amid the scandal. Meanwhile, Chairman Ziegler is expected to be removed from his leadership post at a GOP executive meeting in Tallahassee on January 8.
GOP vice chairman announces bid for chair amid leadership turmoil
Amidst the tumult surrounding the current Florida GOP chairman, Evan Power, Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), declared his candidacy for the state party's chairmanship on Monday. Emphasizing the need for swift and efficient leadership change, Power expressed readiness to guide the party to victory in the upcoming elections. With an endorsement from Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Power aims to garner support from fellow RPOF members on January 8.
Florida Supreme Court rejects judicial circuit consolidation push
The Florida Supreme Court has dismissed the proposed consolidation of the state's judicial circuits, a decision applauded by legal professionals who opposed the exploratory efforts over concerns that it would result in case backlogs, a loss of local control, and drive up costs. At the urging of Republican House Speaker Paul Renner, a 14-member Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee, chaired by Fourth District Court of Appeal Judge Jonathan Gerber, was formed in June to evaluate whether Florida’s 20 judicial circuits could be consolidated to improve efficiencies and provide uniformity among the courts. Proponents for consolidation argued that the state’s circuit boundaries have remained unchanged since 1969 despite significant population shifts. The Supreme Court’s decision followed months of data collection, surveys, public hearings, and deliberations by the Committee, and faced vocal resistance from the Florida Bar, state attorneys, public defenders, and judges, arguing against the loss of local identities and finding the existing circuit system effective. In November, the Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee completed its review and voted unanimously against a recommendation to consolidate circuits over concerns that potential disruptions outweighed the benefits. Citing these findings, Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz issued a judgment that opined the Legislature not take action to consolidate the state’s 20 circuits, stating the move was “unlikely to save money in the trial court system” and “would not enhance public trust and confidence in the judicial process.” the ruling states. “In addition, extensive public input led the committee to conclude that consolidation would not enhance public trust and confidence in the judicial process.” The decision, while acknowledging areas for improvement, affirms the current circuit structure's effectiveness, averting potential disruptions in the legal system and reinforcing a commitment to maintain the individuality of the state’s 20 judicial districts.
Abortion rights advocates surpass signature goal for constitutional amendment on 2024 ballot
Floridians Protecting Freedom, an abortion rights advocacy group, has announced that they have successfully gathered over 1.4 million signatures to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2024 state ballot. The pro-abortion group says they surpassed the 891,523 verified signatures as required by state law to put ballot language forward that would establish Floridians’ rights to an abortion up to fetal viability, estimated at around 24 weeks. Despite surpassing the signature goal, the petition initiative faces a crucial hurdle—the decision of Florida’s Supreme Court. Republican State Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a legal brief with the high court in November, asking they strike down the amendment, arguing that its use of the term "viability" in proposed ballot language is misleading to voters. The campaign, backed by Planned Parenthood and ACLU of Florida, has raised nearly $9 million but faces vocal opposition from anti-abortion groups leading initiatives like the "Decline to Sign" campaign. Current Florida law prohibits most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, but an expanded six-week abortion ban passed by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. DeSantis earlier this year awaits a decision by the Florida Supreme Court. The Court heard oral arguments in September on whether the state Constitution's privacy clause protects the right to an abortion but has yet to issue a decision.
Biden commutes sentences of three Florida men convicted of nonviolent drug crimes
President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of three men in Florida's Northern District serving what the White House deems "disproportionately long" sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. The men, Leroy Lymons, Earlie Deacon Barber, and Esaias J. Tucker, were part of a group of 11 individuals who had their lengthy sentences commuted. Barber, convicted in 2009, and Lymons, convicted in 2012, were serving life sentences for distributing vast quantities of cocaine. The commutation releases Barber on April 20, maintaining a 10-year supervised release. Lymons' life sentence is reduced to 27 years, also with a 10-year supervised release. Tucker, who was found guilty in 2013 of distributing and possessing cocaine, was given a 20-year sentence, which after receiving clemency, will see his original sentence expire on April 20, 2024, followed by a 10-year supervised release. Nonprofit advocacy group Families Against Mandatory Minimums praised Biden's decision for demonstrating “compassion and mercy” amid the disproportionate sentences. Additionally, the White House announced that Biden will allow thousands convicted of marijuana use and possession on federal lands and in Washington, D.C., eligible for pardons, expanding the existing list of offenses that qualify. The move comes as the Biden administration emphasizes the need to address the negative impact on employment, housing, and education opportunities due to simple marijuana-related criminal records.
State reports $800M decrease in debt
Florida's 2023 Debt Report, released on Tuesday, reveals a commendable reduction in the state's total debt to $16.3 billion, marking an $800 million decrease from the previous year. The report emphasizes Florida's commitment to maintaining a debt service-to-revenue ratio below 6 percent, achieved through limited debt issuance and revenue growth. Projections indicate $1.9 billion of net tax-supported debt over the next decade, primarily for transportation projects. CFO Jimmy Patronis highlighted Florida's disciplined fiscal approach, reducing state debt by $4.3 billion since 2019, contrasting sharply with the federal government's $9.5 trillion increase.
Miami-Dade ranks No. 1 for the hottest U.S. rental market in 2023
Miami-Dade County emerges as America's hottest rental market in 2023, securing the top spot in RentCafe's annual report. Fueled by a thriving tech sector and a business-friendly environment, the county boasts the highest Rental Competitiveness Index (RCI) at 122, outpacing North Jersey, New Jersey, at 116. High occupancy rates, with 71.2% of renters renewing leases, and an average of 22 applicants per available unit, signify intense demand. The city's tech scene, drawing global talent, and its lack of income tax contribute to the rental frenzy. Despite a 3.7% increase in housing supply, Miami's average rent reached $3,280 in November 2023, reflecting the region's housing affordability challenges.
FSU vs. ACC
Florida State University (FSU) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) are embroiled in a legal battle as FSU seeks to exit the conference amid public vexation by the Tallahassee university. FSU's 38-page lawsuit was filed following an emergency meeting of school trustees, which unanimously approved the lawsuit alleging the ACC's failure to fulfill financial and athletic commitments. A significant focus of FSU’s legal argument is the lower revenue negotiated by the conference compared to other rivals like the SEC and Big Ten, accusing the ACC of “incompetence at the bargaining table.” They also argue the dilution of media rights value and athletic competition due to scheduling football program additions like Cal, Stanford, and SMU that have hampered FSU’s ability to vy for college football playoffs. The complaint further questions the enforceability of an ACC-mandated $572 million exit fee if the Seminoles depart the conference. The ACC has countersued, claiming FSU willingly granted exclusive TV rights through 2036 via a grant of rights contract. The legal standoff, involving half a billion dollars and potential ramifications for college football, will head to court in a legal battle that is certain to have a cascading effect on NCAAF.
New Florida law is shaking up local governments
An unprecedented shakeup is underway among local governments in Florida as officials resign en masse to avoid new financial disclosure requirements that take effect on January 1, 2024, for elected municipal officials. This week, in St. Pete Beach, four of five city commissioners resigned to avoid complying with Senate Bill 774, a bill passed State Legislature earlier this year and signed by Gov. DeSantis on May 11. The law mandates mayors and other elected local officials file an extensive financial disclosure form, known as Form 6, and report their net worths as well as any assets and liabilities over $1,000. Previously, municipal officials were required to disclose assets and liabilities over $10,000. Adding to the complexity for local leaders is the requirement that forces disclosure of any ownership of more than 5% of a business and any clients that supply more than 10% of a business’s gross income. Local officials have argued against the expanded transparency that details their financial relationships over concerns it violates their right to privacy and compliance will be too time intensive. They further contend the law is too intrusive for low-paying city-level positions and may affect future candidate pools, especially for small, rural Florida towns. Others who also serve as CPAs or attorneys outside of their elected roles are concerned about revealing details of their business clients. At least 18 officials in Pinellas County and three in Pasco County have or will resign before 2024 due to the law. Those who fail to comply with the new law may be hit with late fines of $25 a day up to $1,500 and face possible impeachment, suspension, removal, and fines up to $20,000. Resignations are expected to continue before Form 6 takes effect on January 1.
Strong winter storm washes away millions in beach restoration work
The severe winter storm that hit most of Florida last weekend forced a significant setback to Pinellas County's months-long emergency shoreline restoration project that was nearing completion. Almost half of the progress on some beaches was eroded in just two days of significant rainfall, heavy winds, and severe storm surge. Since beginning in October, the project involved adding 189,000 cubic yards of sand at $26 million to fortify shorelines following erosion that occurred during Hurricane Idalia. But the recent storm, compounded by 6-foot waves and high tide, washed away much of the newly added sand that was trucked in from Lakeland, sending it back into the Gulf of Mexico. The dune restoration efforts were funded by the county’s tourism development tax, which is financed from a tax on hotel rooms and short-term vacation rentals. Officials are assessing the damage, with early estimates indicating a 50% loss along some beaches, as they examine whether additional restoration is needed before certain beaches can safely reopen. A county-led long-term beach nourishment plan is also in the works to strengthen Pinellas’ already damaged shoreline.
UF announces plans to establish Space Mission Institute
The University of Florida (UF) is investing $2.5 million from a $10.2 million funding package to establish the UF Space Mission Institute, a collaborative hub for experts across UF’s colleges to address space exploration, development, and commercialization questions. The institute aims to cultivate a new generation of researchers studying terrestrial analogs of space problems, advancing spaceflight and exploration. This initiative builds on UF's contributions to aerospace research, including collaborations with NASA on small spacecraft technologies and a $12 million contract for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. The funding comes amid Florida's surge in space launches, with the state expecting over 100 launches in 2024. Amazon also announced plans earlier this year to construct a $120 million, 100,000 square-foot processing facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for its Kuiper internet satellite project, expected to be completed by late 2024.
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