Sunrise

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.