Sunrise

State economists are meeting to figure out how much money lawmakers will have to spend on the new budget (or not spend, as the case may be).

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Rep. Evan Jenne says Republican leaders have bent over backward to bail out business; he only wishes they cared as much about unincorporated people.

— The state reported 36 more fatalities Monday from COVID-19, with almost 3,500 new infections. Florida's vaccination program expanded and is now open to any adult regardless of age.

— COVID-19 is not the only crisis in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency at the former Piney Point phosphate mine in Manatee County, and they're pumping as much water out of the reservoir as possible.

— The Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee in the House will launch a formal investigation into the Piney Point breach.

— On Sunrise in Depth, a town hall meeting on marijuana … and not just the medicinal type. Sen. Jeff Brandes has filed a bill to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, but it won't be passing this year. Brandes and House sponsor Carlos Guillermo Smith have NOT been able to get a hearing on their bills this Session.

— We'll also have your calendar of events and the story of a Florida Man and Woman who face a combined total of 80 years — for allegedly defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program.

The halls of The Capitol are quiet today because most lawmakers are home for the Easter holiday and won't be back till Tuesday. Neither will we.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Before leaving town, lawmakers in the House passed the Parents Bill of Rights. The Senate grappled with insurance reform. 

— Gov. Ron DeSantis steps up his criticism of the Joe Biden administration over immigration, saying they need to go back to the policies of Donald Trump.

— Fifteen million doses of the J&J vaccine were ruined because of a mix-up at the factory, but DeSantis says Florida will still be getting a record amount of vaccine next week.

— There's been a spike in COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Florida; the state reported almost 6,800 new cases Thursday — the most in almost a month.

— And finally, a Florida man is calling for 1 million people to march in Fort Lauderdale as a protest against what he calls "one year of mask tyranny in Broward County."

If you've been waiting on a COVID-19 shot, get ready. Beginning Monday, adults' age restrictions are gone; Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida will receive a record number of vaccines next week.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— The Governor is planning to get his own vaccination before the end of the week

— DeSantis is also asking state lawmakers to give teachers and principals $1,000 bonuses for getting schools reopened during the pandemic.

— The Senate Health Policy committee approves a bill saying transgender kids cannot play on the girl's team — unless they take a testosterone test. LGBTQ advocates are wondering what lawmakers will do next.

— Speaking of which, the House votes on the “Parental Bill of Rights” that would require schools to out gay students to their parents, even if doing so would put those kids in danger.

— Yet another hole in the Sunshine Law. A senate committee votes to exempt the home address of lawmakers from the public records law. Sen. Ray Rodrigues says the current climate is so toxic that lawmakers need protection from angry constituents.

— And finally, police are accusing a Florida Woman of stabbing her roommate over $60 in federal stimulus money.

It's the Session midpoint and the House Democratic Leader says its midterm grade is not a source of pride.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Republican leaders do NOT agree with that assessment. They're quite happy with the way Session is unfolding.

— A Senate committee votes to outlaw the death penalty if the killer was suffering from a serious mental illness at the time of the crime.

— The GOP war against citizen initiatives continues. The Senate Ethics Committee approves a bill to limit donations to groups trying to place an amendment on the ballot. Opponents say it’s one more way they're trying to silence the opposition.

— All those amendments passed in spite of the Legislature.

— Another Senate committee votes to give small farmers more protection from nuisance lawsuits … opponents claim it will do more for agriculture interests by undermining efforts to stop cane field burning in South Florida.

— Gov. Ron DeSantis heads for the Glades to watch workers start removing a five-mile stretch of the Tamiami Trail, part of the effort to restore the flow of water to the river of grass.

— And finally, the latest on a Florida Man facing federal charges for his actions on Insurrection Day, and a Florida Congressman facing a federal investigation about sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has found yet another way to avoid uncomfortable questions from reporters.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Reporters asked the Governor why the state didn't extend unemployment payments to pregnant women, workers sick with COVID-19 and parents who were forced to stay home to care for their children. Still waiting on an answer.

— Three days after it cleared the Legislature, DeSantis signs a bill protecting businesses from COVID-19 liability lawsuits. Senate President Wilton Simpson says it's payback for companies that never closed during the crisis.

— After signing the law, the Governor announced he will be signing an executive order that forbids businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to enter their stores.

— DeSantis is also asking the Legislature to pass a new law banning vaccination passports. So much for the government not imposing mandates on the private sector.

— The Florida Legislature has a new whipping boy … or girl. Transgender children are being targeted by conservatives in the legislature, and not in a good way.

— Captain Will Benson, a lifelong fishing guide in the Florida Keys, talks about trying to keep the Legislature from overruling the citizens of Key West who voted to limit the size of cruise ships at their harbor.

— And finally, a Florida Man hid a camera in the girls’ locker room at Clay High School. He'll be staying at "club fed" for the next 20 years.

It’s the fifth week of the nine-week Session and Wednesday is the midpoint — the ultimate hump day for state lawmakers.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— This week’s big issue is the budget; both the House and Senate appropriation committees take up their respective spending plans. Right now, they're about $2 billion apart.

— Another momentous change in vaccination policy. As of Monday, all Floridians aged 40 and up can get COVID-19 vaccinations. And one week from now, the age drops to 16 or 18 … depending on which vaccine.

— A bill limiting lawsuits over COVID-19 passes the House, on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.

— Representatives also passed HB-1 — the Governor’s bill making it easier to arrest protesters, a proposal inspired by the Black Lives Matter demonstrations last summer.

— Democrats in the Senate are asking the Justice Department to investigate the case of a former state lawmaker accused of running a sham candidate in a South Florida Senate race in order to flip the seat for the GOP.

— Florida's unemployment rate was down last month, but not by much.

— And finally, two Florida Men: one accused of shooting an air rifle at women picnicking at the beach, calling them the N-word with a bullhorn. The other was shot in the ass after breaking into a Motel 6 at 3 a.m.

If you're still waiting for COVID-19 shots, get ready. The Governor plans to drop the age limits and open things up for anyone 18 and up.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Florida’s Department of Health reported almost 5,800 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday and 109 more fatalities.

— The Senate votes to close the loophole that allows you to avoid the sales tax when you buy from companies out of state.

— The House begins debating the bill to crack down on protests. Supporters say it's about law and order … opponents say it violates your rights to free speech and public assembly. The "combating public disorder" bill is up for a final vote today.

— So is the bill that provides businesses with immunity from COVID-19 liability lawsuits.

— The Senate Rules Committee approves a property insurance bill but even supporters admit it will NOT lower your premiums.

— A warning for Florida Man; the Rules Committee also approved a bill increasing the penalty for having sex with animals.

— And finally, a Florida Man ran afoul of the law because of a long-standing feud with ducks and geese, he gets a lesson on missing butt in the state Capitol.

The Florida House begins debate on HB 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to crack down on protests; the bill was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The Senate also meets in the afternoon, but their agenda is a bit more mundane. Senators will vote on a plan to abolish the Constitution Revision Commission.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— We're not out of the COVID-19 crisis yet, but state lawmakers are already working on plans for the next pandemic.

— Speaking of the pandemic, a new political action committee takes aim at the Governor for his performance during the COVID-19 era.

— A Senate committee approves a bill condemning White supremacy and White nationalism, but Sen. Kelli Stargel says it's more than that.

— A Senate panel also votes to cap copays for insulin.

— Another preemption bill sets sail in the legislature … dealing with cruise ships. Last year, Key West residents voted to put limits on cruise ships to protect its fragile reef system. But the Legislature seems determined to overrule the referendum.

— And finally, a Florida Woman told police she was lost for three weeks beneath the streets of Delray Beach.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls is announcing a major expansion of the Medicaid program for infant and maternal health. He says they're not really “expanding” Medicaid coverage; they're only “extending” it.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Florida’s Department of Health reported more than 5,300 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, with 41 more fatalities. But the Governor says it won't be long before the age limits are gone, and any adult can get vaccinated.

— More complaints from local officials about bills moving through the legislature that would preempt the authority of cities and counties.

— Republicans in the Florida House are supporting a bill to impose new limits on THC, the active ingredient in medical marijuana. Ben Pollara is not surprised. He says there are some lawmakers who will never accept the idea of marijuana as medicine.

— Pollara ran the campaign for John Morgan's amendment legalizing medical marijuana and is today’s Sunrise Interview guest.

— And finally, a federal jury is indicting a Florida Man who is accused of trying to obtain more than $1.5 million dollars by defrauding the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

In Tallahassee, the effort to put new limits on voting by mail is front and center. Republicans who support the election bills say it’s all about safety and security — opponents call it voter suppression.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Gov. Ron DeSantis cuts the ceremonial ribbon outside a new Buc-ee's convenience store in Daytona Beach. Apparently, he is a major fan of their bathrooms.

— The Governor also made a stop in Melbourne, where he pushed back when reporters asked about Publix getting a contract for vaccines after donating $100,000 to his reelection campaign.

— And finally, a Florida Man pulled a gun on a cop who was nice enough to give him a ride home.