Sunrise

It looks like Gov. Ron DeSantis’ claim that the vaccine is a mere personal choice —without impact to others — is drawing rebuke from experts across the country, including Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— Meanwhile, Broward and several other school districts have mounted a new legal challenge against the state’s mask mandate.

— DeSantis announced a three-part proposal to recruit law enforcement but took the opportunity to criticize those calling for police reform.

— That hit a nerve with groups like the Tallahassee Chapter of the NAACP saying it’s the Governor’s own rhetoric that’s making it hard to recruit those who want to serve.

— Imagine being a health care reporter during a pandemic, we hear from one who is looking ahead to 2022 Legislative Session. On the Sunrise Interview is Christine Sexton, a returning health care reporter for Florida Politics.

— Next, a dive into the law enforcement beat, where the Governor flexes his power to squash anyone calling to defund the police. However, groups like the NAACP argue the Governor’s rhetoric is a disservice to law enforcement.

Sunrise welcomes new host Trimmel Gomes, reporting from the Florida Capitol, where the Governor and Republican legislators are gearing up to steal a page out of the Texas playbook when it comes to abortion. 

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— Republican Rep. Anthony Sabatini says there is no question Florida will mimic Texas, as he’s already working to file a heartbeat bill himself. 

— Meanwhile, a chorus of women leaders are fighting back, including Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani. 

— On Monday, Florida reported 46,105 more COVID-19 cases and 1,064 additional deaths to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Gov. Ron DeSantis continues his statewide campaign for monoclonal antibody treatments.

— In non-COVID-19 news, several Florida groups rally to help resettle Afghan refugees. 

— On the Sunrise Interview is Matt Schmitt, associate director of Catholic Charities Jacksonville, who is preparing to handle a surge of over 150 Afghan refugees to the region.

— And finally, the stories of two Florida Men … with guns. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to appeal a judge's ruling that allows local school boards to impose mask mandates. The promise to appeal came on the same day the Joe Biden administration announced it was opening civil rights investigations into five states with policies banning school districts from requiring masks.

Also, on today’s #Sunrise:

— For the third week in a row, we've had more than 150,000 new cases of COVID-19 and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says kids are hit hard.

— But DeSantis doesn't seem to be too worried about those sick kids. He says many of those cases are minor.

— In non-COVID-19 news, Fried has released a new report documenting harm suffered by Florida growers from Mexican imports.

— Pollster and pundit Steve Vancore visits Rick Flagg for his last show.

— And finally, the stories of two Florida Men: One has been indicted for embezzling $12 million from companies trying to buy personal protective equipment; the other pulled a gun in a barbershop ... and the owner shot him.

Tomorrow is Rick Flagg’s final episode before retiring; Sunrise 2.0 with Trimmel Gomes will premiere next Monday.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— About that mask mandate; the one the Governor tried to ban. Tallahassee Circuit Judge John Cooper decided Ron DeSantis' order is unconstitutional and local school boards are free to adopt mask mandates WITHOUT a parental opt-out if they think that's the best way to contain the COVID 19 outbreak.

— The newly approved "Parents Bill of Rights" that the Department of Education tried to use to force school districts to do their bidding. In effect, the state has been hoisted on its own petard.

— For the third week in a row, the Department of Health reports 150,000 cases and an average of more than 200 deaths per day. Or as the Governor describes it, a seasonal fluctuation.

— What did DeSantis have to say about those deaths during an appearance on FOX? He was never asked. But he did blame Joe Biden for letting COVID-19 cross the border.

— One of the Governor's medical advisers is recommending a horse deworming medicine to treat COVID 19. The company that makes the drug says that's pretty stupid.

— A woman who signed up to be a state prison guard is killed while training to use firearms.

— And a Quincy man who worked as a federal prison guard will spend two years in jail after admitting he raped female inmates in Marianna and Tallahassee.

— And finally, two Florida person stories: A Florida Man and Woman are wounded during a shootout between a boat and jet skiers, and a Florida Woman goes to jail for taking a whizz outside her car.

Judge John Cooper is set to announce his decision on the lawsuit over the Governor’s ban on mask mandates. On the one side you have parents who support a mask mandate: on the other side, the Governor and the state education bureaucracy.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— No matter how the judge rules, an appeal is certain. Gov. Ron DeSantis really wants to punish the local officials who have imposed mask mandates against his order.

؅ — Attorney General Ashley Moody announces a settlement with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence — about $5 million.

— And finally, two Florida Person stories. One is a Florida Man who fell asleep at Wendy's drive-thru; the other is a Florida Woman who scammed her co-workers out of their sick time for numerous medical maladies — all of them fake.

The trial over the Governor's ban on mask mandates enters its fourth day. A group of parents is challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis’ prohibition on mask mandates, and they're asking the tough questions. They really didn't have answers.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— A new poll from Quinnipiac shows 60% of Floridians support mask mandates, and two-thirds of them say masking up is about public health; only a third say is about individual freedom. But don't tell that to the Governor … he's still ticked off at the districts that opposed his emergency order.

— They talk about mandatory masks, but there's a loophole: All it takes is a note from the doctor. And a Tallahassee physician is banned from his hospital for offering notes for $50 apiece.

— DeSantis held another news conference to open a Regeneron treatment center, but his medical advisor says don't forget to get vaccinated.

— And finally, a Florida Man got his job back after being fired for using the N-word.

It's the third and final day of the trial over mask mandates in public schools. But the state's chief witness — Dr. Jay Bhattacharya — says masks didn't stop COVID-19 last year and won't stop it now.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— The entire sixth grade at Round Lake Charter School in Mount Dora goes into quarantine.

— Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says the COVID-19 numbers aren't getting any better.

— The COVID-19 crisis is so bad in Sarasota now that one hospital rented a refrigerated truck to serve as a temporary morgue.

— In political news, the ghost candidate who ran as a spoiler in a state Senate race has pleaded guilty to two felonies and will testify against Frank Artiles, the ex-lawmaker and GOP strategist who paid him to run as an independent.

— And finally, two Florida person stories: One is a nurse who went drunken driving and hit a rehab facility; the other is a Florida couple busted for drugs in matching Simpson's T-shirts.

Circuit Judge John Cooper is hearing legal arguments in a trial over the Governor's right to ban mask mandates at local schools. But attorneys for the Governor say he did nothing wrong. The trial continues today.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— Another day on the road with Ron DeSantis as he continues to plug Regeneron in St. Lucie, Alachua and Englewood.

— Remember that awful photo last week of a woman lying on the floor of a Regeneron center in Jacksonville writhing in pain while they waited? Turns out she's OK.

— What do you get when you combine a mask supporter with a podium mic with an anti-masker holding a megaphone? Chaos.

— And finally, police are accusing a Florida Woman of throwing her pussy in the river. His name was Stanley.

Floridians are anxiously awaiting the latest in the modern-day soap opera that is Florida's anti-mask mandate.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— But the Governor has no intention of moving on and relishes a showdown with the Joe Biden administration.

— The latest COVID-19 stats show almost 151,000 cases and 1,486 deaths in the past week. But Ron DeSantis says the worst may be over.

— The Governor opens three more Regeneron centers where people with COVID-19 can be treated before they end up in a hospital. Sen. Kathleen Passidomo says they were a huge help when she and her husband caught COVID-19.

— The unemployment rate is up again. Florida created 68,000 new jobs, but the workforce grew by 83,000.

— Wedding bells for Matt Gaetz in Southern California.

— And finally, the story of a Florida Man charged with a felony over a Snickers Bar. If only he hadn't pulled out that pocketknife.

Three more school boards have rebelled against the Governor and imposed mandatory mask rules. Gov. Ron DeSantis says it’s another sign of America's decline.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— He brought it all back to masks at the end … honestly. Meanwhile, the state Agriculture Commissioner has the latest stats from the CDC.

— The Governor opens two new centers where you can get the Regeneron treatment. And it's free.

— And you just knew he would find a way to plug Donald Trump.

— Pat Diaz talks about the staffing crisis in hospitals from COVID-19.

— And finally, a Florida Man ordered a life-size bronze statue of himself and billed taxpayers $75,000.