Sunrise

Gov. Ron DeSantis is not a theater fan … at least not a fan of “COVID-19” theater. He wants things like the masking on planes rules suspended. Also, on today's Sunrise … — Charlie Crist released a video of himself pumping gas – for over 5 bucks a gallon. He wants the Governor to reduce the state gas tax … now. — When emergency pandemic orders expire, what happens to kids who got on Medicaid under the order? Sunrise talks with Florida Politics reporter Christine Sexton. — The information was over the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been taken to a new level. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to the Russian people.

So, we all know that the rent's too damn high in Florida. Now, thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis, we know why … it's the Center for Disease Control, the Joe Biden administration and the COVID-19 rent moratorium. Also on Today's Sunrise … — A powerful online speech to Congress from the besieged leader of Ukraine has Sen. Rick Scott criticizing the President and Congressman Charlie Crist criticizing Florida's Governor. — Is it a little deal or a big deal that Marco Rubio just might get daylight saving time made permanent this time? — And how have we lived without a pizza ATM?

Gov. Ron DeSantis kills standardized testing in Florida schools with the stroke of a pen … and then knocks recently approved term limits for school board members, saying they're too short. Also, on today's Sunrise … — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried likes all the AG money the Legislature put in the budget. The rest of the Session — not so much. — Catching up on Session postmortems — this time with Senate Democrats. — Marco Rubio may be seeing light at the end of the tunnel in his campaign for permanent daylight saving time.

Sine Die has come and gone. The 2022 Legislative Session is finally over, with a couple of days' extension. Gov. Ron DeSantis says it was “the year of the parent” in the Legislature, with the passage of “Stop Woke” and the so-called “Don't Say Gay” bills. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Redistricting maps have been drawn and approved, but they still aren't on the Governor's desk and he's still hinting at a veto. — As the Session ends, there's already talk about a Special Session to focus on the unaddressed problem of homeowners insurance. — The Democrats had a pretty soul-baring Session. They say it upped their visibility.

The “Stop Woke” bill is on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Senate approved the measure, but not before hearing so ‘uncomfortable' debate about the bill banning ‘uncomfortable' history conversations in schools. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Senators also passed legislation that gives anyone the right to challenge books and teaching materials. Democrats say it will lead to book banning. — Florida's so-called “Don't Say Gay” bill has stirred the wrath of the king of reality TV, Andy Cohen. — And, as regular as the bi-yearly time change, Marco Rubio is once-again calling for an end to time changing.

A tougher immigration law has passed the Florida House and is going to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk. He's sure to sign it. It was kind of his idea. Also on today's Sunrise: — Debate over the Immigration law was a battle of fact versus fiction, with Democrats saying Republican arguments about immigrants were short on facts. — The Senate is getting into the so-called “Stop Woke” bill, with Democrats trying to make sure its origins are clear. It's Donald Trump. — And, Rep. Bryan Ávila says his goodbyes … and clue us in on his “Moose” nickname.

Florida's so-called “Don't Say Gay” bill is on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Opponents say it's grist for a lawsuit. Supporters say it's all about parents. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Equality Florida says it will be ready to file suit if anyone is harmed by the Don't Say Gay bill. Sunrise has an interview. — Both DeSantis and Ag Secretary Nikki Fried were in the Panhandle to talk about wildfire. — And, this is a real economic sanction. McDonald's is shutting down, temporarily, in Russia.

Call it what you may — Parental Rights in Education or Don't Say Gay  — the Senate debates; last stop before Gov. Ron DeSantis. Also on today's Sunrise: — Some of the more emotional testimony yet on the Don't Say Gay bill came from Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones. — House Democratic leadership lashes out at the tweets of the Governor's press secretary. — Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a big roundtable to bash the establishment's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Gas prices are way up … and still going. Sunrise talks with the Florida AAA.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' press secretary accuses people opposed to the Parental Rights in Education bill of endorsing pedophilia. So, maybe it is the “Don't Say Gay” bill after all. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Saturday Night Live's Kate McKinnon takes aim at DeSantis over the “Don't Say Gay” bill. — More farewells as this Legislative Session ends … this time from Sen. Kelli Stargel and Rep. Michele Rayner. — And with the Session set to end Friday, today is the day to play #CateSineDie on Twitter.

Florida legislators voted to ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a move that would severely restrict access to the procedure in a state that for decades has served as a refuge for women from across the South. Also on today's Sunrise: — The Florida Supreme Court has approved House and Senate redistricting maps. But it's not over yet. Sunrise talks with** Jacob Ogles** of Florida Politics. — Gov. *Ron DeSantis *is trying to revive stalled legislation to protect doctors who want to prescribe unconventional treatments. — The Governor also deliver good medical news about his wife's cancer. — The goodbyes continue for legislators leaving the Capitol We've got a highlight from the farewell of Sen. Audrey Gibson.

Gov. Ron DeSantis scolds some high schoolers for wearing masks at his news conference. The mic was on. Twitter and TikTok ran with it. Also, on today's Sunrise: — The Governor also went on record against Vladimir Putin on the invasion of Ukraine. But blamed Joe Biden for emboldening Putin. And, the Governor dissed France? — Democratic amendments to the 15-week abortion bill go nowhere. — The AARP plans to lobby the Governor for a veto of nursing home bills that cut Certified Nursing Assistant hours. And, farewells from departing Reps. and Senators give a glimpse into the minds of legislators.

Backers say it makes all elementary school reading materials transparent. Opponents say it opens the door to book banning. What everyone knows for sure is this bill is headed to the Senate floor for a vote. Also, on today's Sunrise: — A representative of the Florida PTA says books are already being held back in schools for fear they'll be yanked. — Sunrise talks with the executive director of Florida Planned Parenthood about a vote today in the Senate on a 15-week abortion ban. — And a very strange ‘wave of support' of legislation keeping lottery winner names confidential. It's from a woman in prison for killing a lottery winner.

The so-called “Don't Say Gay” bill is on its way to a Senate floor vote — without an amendment to soften its language singling out sexual orientation. Also, on today's Sunrise: House Democratic leadership still wonders about punishing mask mandating schools in the budget and using two maps for redistricting. Sunrise talks to the Florida Behavioral Health Association about the need for post-pandemic mental health treatment. And, before filing for office you might want to make sure you're old enough.

“Woke” was the word of the day when Rick Scott addressed CPAC. Donald Trump is still the presidential candidate of choice for attendees. But Ron DeSantis does pretty well when Trump's name is not on the list. Also on today's Sunrise: — Republicans say new house maps still have districts that ‘perform' for Black voters. Democrats say define perform. — The Florida Senior Living Association applauds an extension of COVID-19 liability protections and remembers the hard lessons of the pandemic. — Manatee poop is being sighted. And that's good news.

The House passed the so-called “Stop Woke” bill and “Don't Say Gay” bills, but not before Democrats took their last shots at what they call “Culture War legislation.” Also, on today's Sunrise: — Gov. Ron DeSantis takes aim at the “Woke” movement and the media in a CPAC speech. — Charlie Crist says the only poll that counts is the one on Nov. 8. — A Dunedin TV chef finds out a recipe for trouble is breaking into the nations' Capitol building.

Joseph Ladapo has been confirmed as Florida's Surgeon General — but not before Democrats have their last say against the nomination of the doctor who won't endorse vaccines. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Republican Aaron Bean says Ladapo's refusal to wear a mask in the office of a Senator fighting breast cancer was – a poor bedside manner. — It looks like aging Florida condos will be getting a lot more inspecting after the deadly collapse in Surfside. — Lookin' good Tallahassee. Sunrise talks to Volunteer Florida about the annual “Suits for Session” clothing drive.

Republicans flip a Democratic council seat in Jacksonville. Tea leaf readers say that's good news for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Rep. Michele Rayner has a pointed message for the Governor about culture war legislation. — Just what is the “fatherhood crisis” and how will legislation aimed at addressing it help? Sunrise talks to the head of “Man Up and Go.” — And the organization dedicated to protecting panthers now want to kill one.

Worst. Legislative Session. Ever. Democratic Sen. Lauren Book lashes out at the culture war agenda of the Republican-controlled Legislature. In her words, “What the hell are we doing?” Also, on today's Sunrise: — Democratic Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith says an amended “Don't Say Gay” bill will have the state ‘outing' young people. — It's a special Election Day in Jacksonville. Sunrise talks to Florida Politics reporter A.G. Gancarski about why everybody in the state is watching this City Council race. — Donald Trump's new social media app was the No. 1 download at the Apple store for a while. But it was a pretty glitchy roll-out.

The action didn't stop when the debate was over on the 15-week abortion ban. There was a dust-up of sorts between a Republican House member and members of the House Black Caucus. The Speaker got involved. Also on today's Sunrise: — Agriculture Secretary and gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried gives gov. Ron DeSantis some driving lessons when it comes to redistricting. — A measure to allow cities to ban smoking in parks and on beaches is on its way to the House floor. — And the tale of mutual admiration between Charlie Crist … and Britney Spears.

A long, emotional night of debate on the House floor over HB 5, which will impose a ban on abortions after 15 weeks. Also on Today's Sunrise: — The House unanimously approves a bill aimed at relieving the Fatherhood Crisis. — A bill to curb “pop-up” parties is headed to the Senate floor. — And a police chase in the Orlando International Airport. The perpetrator was riding a motorized suitcase.

The House learns of the Governor's change-of-heart on holding back money to schools who kept mandating masks — on Twitter — in the middle of a floor Session. Also on today's Sunrise: — Abortion rights activists get ready to march on the Capitol. Sunrise talks with Planned Parenthood organizers. — Wild Florida Wednesday is here. It's not what you think. Sunrise also talks with Conservation Florida about the event promoting wildlife and lands preservation. — The legislator may make swim-up bars at hotels and such legal. Who knew they weren't?

On the anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Democrats point out that no meaningful gun safety laws have been passed. And, they say, it's not for a lack of trying. Also on today's Sunrise: — With an affordable housing crisis in full bloom, Democrats are asking where's the money for it in the budget? — The Florida Realtors Association wants to help Hometown Heroes buy homes. — Opponents turning up the heat on the Surgeon General's nomination. — 24-hour alligator hunting. What could go wrong?

Supreme Court advice or no Supreme Court advice, Gov. Ron DeSantis says he won't sign current redistricting maps without a change. Also on today's Sunrise: — Flags at half-mast to remember the victims of the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. — Is rooftop solar ready to go forward without net metering? — The state CFO gets into the Valentine's Day spirit to promote unclaimed property.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says controversial Spotify podcaster Joe Rogan should not be apologizing. Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist says if that includes Rogan's use of the N-word, there's a problem … Also on today's Sunrise: — At a Crist roundtable on racism, antisemitism and hate groups in Florida, Crist says he's asked the U.S. Attorney General to investigate. — There was a Trans Youth Day at the Florida State Capitol this week. But organizers kept the date quiet to protect the kids. — And, have you marked yourself safe from the “gazpacho police?”

Who knew there was a theme for this Legislative Session? But on satellite radio, Speaker Chris Sprowls declared it “Empowering Parents and Family.” Also, on today's Sunrise: — Sprowls says there's only controversy surrounding some legislation because the media is getting it wrong. — Democrats are complaining that “the rent's too damn high” and their legislation to fix that is going nowhere. — Agritourism is getting a slight boost this Session with clarity on when a farm is a farm. — And, winter warnings of falling iguanas is one thing. But how about falling buzzards?

Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's confirmation is heading to the full Senate. He made it through a two-part committee hearing that even included questions about his fashion choice in lab coats. Also on today's Sunrise: — Bills to make picketing and demonstrating outside residences are moving through the legislature, but not without questions about the First Amendment. — A civics lesson of sorts in the debate over making it harder to put citizen's initiatives on the ballot. — The Governor talks about gender ideology in the classroom. — And talk about the high cost of housing; a two-bedroom in Melbourne is going for $2.5 million. Guess who lived there for a while?

Gov. Ron DeSantis says schools should not be telling kids when to make up their minds about sexual orientation. A gay Democratic Representative says bills to restrict talk about sexual orientation could eliminate school discussion about the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Also on today's Sunrise: — DeSantis says the Joe Biden administration's immigration policies are historically bad. — Florida Democrats say they dropped the ball on voter registration. — The AARP says proposed changes in nursing home rules are unnecessary and dangerous. — And, finally settling a bet over the last presidential election — sort of.

How did Florida's Governor become involved in a trucker vaccine protest in Canada? By targeting GoFundMe's decision to suspend a fundraiser for the “Freedom Convoy” and return the money to contributors. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Attorney General Ashley Moody says GoFundMe's treatment of the “Freedom Convoy” may be illegal and is probably discriminatory. — House and Senate budgets are in and head to full appropriations committees. — Bills moving through the House and Senate could make a difference in decreasing veteran suicides. Rep. Ben Diamond explains.

The Florida Senate approved combined redistricting maps with the House. That means they are on their way to the State Supreme Court for review. Also, on today's Sunrise: — The Legislative Black Caucus says their legislative agenda can't seem to find its way to committee hearings. — You don't see a lot of legislation about it, but Florida is in a real affordable housing crisis. Sunrise talks with UF's Shimberg Center for Housing Studies. — Another “audience of one” ad taunting Donald Trump is playing in select Florida markets.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says critics of his anti-woke legislation are trying to divert attention from the failed policies of the Joe Biden administration. Or, as the Governor put it, it's like they're trying to use the “Chewbacca Defense.” Also on today's Sunrise: — A new study shows bonefish off the shores of Florida are pretty loaded – with pharmaceuticals. — The Save the Manatee Club has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to try and — well — save the Manatee. — What is the Chewbacca Defense?

Would HB 7 allow teachers to explain the Holocaust, but not say genocide is bad? Hear the debate over the bill aimed at eliminating critical race theory from classrooms. Also, on today's Sunrise: — The President of the Florida Association of Teachers explains how teachers would teach if HB 7 becomes law. — Tom Brady's retirement was top of mind for the Gov. Ron DeSantis. If you're wondering … yes, he says Tom's the G.O.A.T.

Nazis in the news. Lots of talk about Nazi demonstrators in Orlando over the weekend. The Governor's press secretary tweeted out speculation that they may not really have been Nazis but Democrats trying to cause a fuss. Most state leaders condemned the Nazis. The Governor … sort of … Also on today's Sunrise: — Sunrise goes in-depth with the Anti-Defamation League about who these Nazis are and how we should be reacting to them. — House Democrats say this has been far from an open redistricting process. — What are the odds that Gov. Ron DeSantis will become the next President of the United States? We'll tell ‘ya what the bookies are saying.

Gov. Ron DeSantis laid the battle lines ahead and the enemy is clear — wokeness. In a speech before a right-leaning group meeting in Palm Beach, the Governor called “wokeness” a disaster, cultural Marxism, and a danger to America, in particular, America's conservatives. Also, on today's Sunrise … — Is this Legislative Session any different from those that came before? Veteran legislative reporter Gary Rohrer says there's something of a pandemic hangover this year. It's Day One on the job for Rep. Daryl Campbell. He won the Special Election to represent HD 94, and — after some hiccups — the Secretary of State has certified his election. Yeah, it was cold in Florida Sunday morning — iguana-dropping cold.

Real people tell their experience of getting, or not getting, the monoclonal antibody treatments the FDA had called to a halt. They came forward to back Gov. Ron DeSantis' criticism of the FDA for yanking the COVID-19 treatments emergency use authorization. Also on today's Sunrise: — POLITICO Florida's Gary Fineout talks about the Democratic walkout from a Surgeon General's confirmation hearing and the Governor's sense of smell when it comes to marijuana. — The Red Dog/Blue Dog charity event raises five times as much money for animal welfare than last time. — And Democrats score a rare win over Republicans … in the annual King of the Hill softball game. There were reportedly chants of “Stop the Steal.”

A mic drop from Democrats at the first confirmation hearing for Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. After asking for yes-or-no answers to their questions, and getting nothing close to that, they walked out of the Senate Health Policy committee meeting … leaving the remaining Republicans to vote in favor of confirmation. Also on today's Sunrise: — The Surgeon General tells the news media – post-confirmation – that he answered all questions accurately. — Equality Florida talks with Sunrise about legislation moving through the Session they claim is part of a surveillance state push. — And Gov. Ron DeSantis says he thinks marijuana stinks. No, really, he says he finds the smell “putrid.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis takes aim at the Joe Biden administration and the FDA for yanking monoclonal antibody treatments. The White House says they don't work against the omicron variant. DeSantis says that's bad science. Also, on today's Sunrise: The House Speaker says based on how many people are telling him the redistricting process is going too slow or too fast, he figures it must be right on pace. An immigrant organization says the “midnight” migrant flights are just routine. And a legislator goes “old-school” with a hand-written amendment.

Florida Democrats broke the internet with Zoom news conferences talking about everything from the way minorities are fitting into redistricting maps to abortion rights. Also on today's Sunrise: — A Florida legislator tells her own story about a fetal abnormality in pregnancy and how a 15-week limit might have changed that story. — Democrats are raising questions about the state Surgeon General's resume. — And a preview of tonight's “Red Dog, Blue Dog” event.

Gov. Ron DeSantis still won't share his booster status, so does that mean he's on the outs with former President Donald Trump? Well, Trump says their supposed feud is “fake news.” Also on today's Sunrise: — Florida Politics Reporter A.G. Gancarski shares his read on Trump, DeSantis and “Fauci flip-flops.” — The Governor has declared two Southwest Florida counties in states of emergency after tornados last weekend. — And the new “smart” elevator system in the state Capitol has inspired a mocking Twitter account.

The Florida Senate has approved redistricting maps for the Senate and congressional districts. A few Senators questioned whether the congressional map really addresses the state's growing Hispanic population. Also on today's Sunrise: — We dig deeper into the redistricting situation with someone who crunches data to help draw redistricting maps. — The Governor had some good news today about the First Lady's cancer treatments. — And efforts to change the Florida state bird and song failed in the Senate.

The 15-day abortion ban had its first hearing, giving Democrats their first crack at challenging it. Question No. 1: Why fifteen days — and how is that constitutional? Also on today's Sunrise: — Big Issues like abortion aren't the only things being talked about this Session. We talk to a veteran political reporter about county delegations pushing their big issues … like sewers and road improvements. — A Republican poll says there may be a reason behind the alleged rift between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. The Governor is polling almost as high as Trump among Republican primary voters. — And we'll let you hear what Roger Stone has to say about the Governor in a new YouTube video.

COVID-19 absences at the 2022 Florida Legislative Session have begun. We have a conversation about how bad it could get and what might be done to prevent the Session from becoming a spreader event. Also, on today's Sunrise: — Debate has begun on legislation aimed at keeping critical race theory out of schools, and in the case of one bill … businesses. Democratic opponents predict a lot of fallout. — Democratic leadership doesn't think much of Gov. Ron DeSantis' map drawing skills. — And a bill to protect the national anthem at pro sports events advances.

Just one week into the Legislative Session and still a long way from the next gubernatorial election and “Hitler” is now in play. Hear why the Governor's wife calls comments from a would-be opponent “disgraceful.” Also on today's Sunrise: — The day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a Republican state Senator says the fight for civil rights has been won. — Are Democrats just “blowin' smoke” with their bills to legalize marijuana? — Pinellas County has a record year for pedestrian and bike rider fatalities.

Making religious organizations essential businesses and extending COVID-19 liability protection to medical facilities both moving through the Legislature. Also, on today's Sunrise: — An in-depth look at the tragic death of the Legislative Affairs Director of the State Board of Administration, John Kuczwanski. — A partial collection of the dad jokes flying around the Strawberry Shortcake debate. — A candidate for Governor of Nevada is running TV ads in Palm Beach. Guess who she hopes will see them.

Who are you calling gutless? The buzz is Donald Trump called out Gov. Ron DeSantis on admitting to being boosted against COVID-19. But the Governor's office says no names were named, so don't make assumptions. Also on today's Sunrise: — The Governor says he would sign a fifteen-week abortion bill. So, the abortion battle line is drawn. — The Attorney General is emotionally tied to fighting human trafficking. — The AARP wants nursing homes to be required to spend Medicaid money on patient care. — And Strawberry Shortcake could be the state's official dessert.

Now we know the State of The State … and it's Freedom. We've got highlights from the opening of the state Senate and House and, of course, the Governor's State of The State Speech … which included the Python King. Also on today's Sunrise: — House Democrats release their own freedom video in rebuttal to the State of the State speech. — Bill to ban abortions in Florida was introduced on the opening day of the Legislative Session. Democrats promise a fight. — And dueling National Anthems in the Senate and House; one featured no singing and was pretty saxxy.

It's opening day of the 2022 Florida Legislative Session. And the Florida Senate is moving fast on redistricting maps. It's even giving Democrats an extra seat. Sunrise digs deep into what's going on and where the House fits into this fast-paced, seeming fair, approach to redistricting. Also on Today's Sunrise: — House Democrats open up to the news media about the upcoming Legislative Session. — Jackie Toledo is going after the buyers of what sex traffickers are selling. — Outgoing Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay announced Monday she is not running to be the state's next Agriculture Commissioner. — And we'll let you hear why holding a virtual political rally can be hard.

Health advocates are sounding the alarm about Florida's growing drug-overdose statistics. Also on today's Sunrise: — New Reporting shows the University of Florida Board of Trustees chair was a backchannel to the Governor's office. — And Gov. Ron DeSantis' open invitation is catching on as another conservative political commentator announces plans to make the Sunshine State home. — Two Sunrise Interviews today. First up is Corbin Bolies, a reporter with Fresh Take Florida, who uncovered University of Florida Board of Trustees chairman was a back-channel to the Governor's office in deciding whether university classes should go online when the delta variant was surging. — Melanie Brown-Woofter, president and CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health Association, will talk about the alarming rise in drug-related deaths, and tips for being vigilant about holiday stressors that can trigger anxiety and depression.

For the first time in modern history, registered Republican voters outnumber Democrats. We'll break that down. Also on today's Sunrise: — A Las Vegas Sands affiliate has dropped its request for a restraining order against the Seminole Tribe. The tribe maintains the claims were unfounded. And First Lady Casey DeSantis shares words of encouragement as she opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces his $99.7 billion “Freedom First” budget proposal. Democrats and critics say it's all for political show. Also on today's Sunrise: — Today's Sunrise interview is with Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida's state director, who joins us to discuss concerns raised in a recent study that shows nursing home deaths rose 25% after Hurricane Irma. — Also, Cathy Timuta, CEO of the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions joins the program as this week marks 30 years of service for the organization supporting healthy babies and their moms.

Local GOP officials voice frustration over what they see as unnecessary fires being ignited by the Republican Party of Florida chair. Also on today's Sunrise: — A Leon County judge denies a request for a temporary restraining order against groups backed by the Seminole Tribe in a ballot initiative intimidation case. — Today's Sunrise interview is with Debbie Woods, chair of the Bay County Republican Executive Committee. Woods filed an official grievance against Florida GOP Chair Joe Gruters for his unabashed endorsement of candidate Griff Griffitts over Brian Clowdus in the Republican primary race for HD 6.

Gov. Ron DeSantis pledges to defend freedom as Florida sees its first few cases of the new COVID-19 variant. Also, on today's Sunrise: — As the Supreme Court weighs the future of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, we talk with the outgoing leader of Planned Parenthood in Florida. Today's interview is with Lillian Tamayo, who is passing the baton after 22 years of service. She shares her views on the current threats facing access to abortion both in Florida and across the country.