The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Florida
To no one’s surprise, Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby has indicated that leadership is working on a bill similar to the Texas anti-abortion bill. Local input: “Women’s reproductive rights are to be protected, not attacked.”—Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa. “I believe in a women’s right to choose. Period.”—Rep. Diane Hart, D-Tampa. “I’m pro-life, and I will always support pro-life legislation.”—Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg.
“Florida FINALLY applied for the (Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) program. Advocacy works y’all.”—State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, reacting to Florida changing course and now applying for $820 million in no-strings federal food aid money for children–an estimated 2 million–in low-income households.
Florida has a new surgeon general, and it’s manifestly apparent why Dr. Joseph Ladapo was the choice. “Florida will completely reject fear as a way of making policies,” states Dr. Ladapo. “This idea that people don’t get to make their own decision on issues of health is wrong, and it’s not something that we’re going to be about.” When Ron DeSantis, anti-vaxxers and mask-mandate opponents are pleased with the appointment of a SG who prioritizes individual freedom over science-oriented, community-based pandemic precautions, Florida reverts again to “Flori-duh.”
“By tacking hard right on some issues, especially on COVID mandates, (Gov. DeSantis) may have left himself potentially vulnerable to a Democratic challenger.”—Republican strategist Liz Mair, founder of Mair Strategies.
“Florida’s share of this (American Rescue Plan’s Homeowners Assistance Fund) money is $676 million, yet our homeowners have not received a dollar. That’s indefensible.” That’s Democratic Congressman—and gubernatorial candidate–Charlie Crist. Pinellas County currently averages more than 60 foreclosures per month. In Hillsborough, it’s more than 150 per month.
Thirty people have been exonerated from Florida’s death row since 1972. Likely, there were other not-guilty inmates whose fate was capital punishment. It’s what happens when an imperfect system imposes an irreversible punishment.
So far, 13 (out of 67) Florida school districts are currently facing financial penalties if they don’t follow rules that say parents must have the ability to opt out their children from school mask mandates.