Sunburn â The morning read of whatâs hot in Florida politics â 4.23.21
President
Joe Biden and Gov.
Ron DeSantis may not like each other, but they have one thing in common: Solid approval among Florida voters.
A new poll from bipartisan firm RABA Research found the stateâs top elected official and the Commander in Chief both have approval ratings in the positive by double-digits.
DeSantis, midway through his first term, has the approval of 56% of voters compared to 42% who disapprove, giving him a plus-14 favorability rating. Biden, whoâs wrapping up his first 100 days, is above water 54%-42%, or plus-12.
Florida Senate signs off on controversial protest bill
Published
Justin Matthews reports
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Republican lawmakers handed Gov. Ron DeSantis one of his top legislative priorities Thursday, with the Florida Senate giving final passage to a contentious law-and-order measure spawned by nationwide protests after last year’s death of George Floyd.
The sweeping proposal, titled Combating Public Disorder, would create a new crime of mob intimidation, enhance penalties for riot-related looting and violence and create an affirmative defense for individuals who injure or kill violent protesters.
The Senate devoted nearly three hours Thursday to an emotionally charged debate on the measure (HB 1), with a single Republican - Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg - ultimately crossing party lines and joining Democrats in voting against the bill.
Republican lawmakers handed Gov. Ron DeSantis one of his top legislative priorities Thursday, with the Florida Senate giving final passage to a contentious law-and-order measure spawned by nationwide protests after last year’s death of George Floyd.