Sunrise

Republican leaders in the Legislature grant the Governor’s wish to eject vaccine mandates with their “Keep Florida Free” agenda.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— Meanwhile, Democratic Leaders say the three-day Special Session was all political theater.

— Amid it all, there was a moment to give thanks to the people in health care at an event honoring those health care heroes.

— Today’s Sunrise interview is with John Couris, CEO of Tampa General Hospital. Couris reflects on the people in health care working tirelessly throughout the pandemic. We caught up with him at his event at the Capitol Courtyard to talk about those heroes, while in the backdrop of the Special Session.

As Gov. Ron DeSantis’ legislative priorities for the Special Session advance, Republican leaders are in tune with the Governor's marching orders, for the most part.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— When it comes to ditching federal worker safety standards, Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes says Florida’s business community has not signaled support for pulling out of OSHA.

— And it’s official, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is the winner in a special Democratic Primary for Florida’s 20th Congressional District. She triumphed over three sitting legislators who resigned to run.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to convene a Special Session to block vaccine mandates.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— At first glance, it appears the Florida Senate’s own redistricting maps are not as gerrymandered as some feared it would be.

— Today’s Sunrise Interview is with data consultant Matt Isbell, who analyzed the first look of the staff prepared maps of the Senate Reapportionment Committee. He shares all of his hot takes — including which elected officials are in the hot seat … or without a seat.

A Florida lawmaker and media organizations go head-to-head with the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration in a lawsuit over COVID-19 data.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— The Mayor of a small South Florida city abruptly resigns, blaming ongoing corruption.

— Today’s Sunrise Interview is with Democratic Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, whose public records request to the Florida Department of Health for daily local COVID-19  data was denied; now he is part of an ongoing lawsuit against the state.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing more pay increases and bonuses for teachers.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran is praising the eradication of high-stakes testing.

— And Florida’s conservatives are giving their best shot to lure the In-N-Out fast-food chain to Florida and away from California’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

JT Burnette is sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a corruption probe at Tallahassee City Hall.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Political observers note the probe likely played a big role in helping to elect Gov. Ron DeSantis over then-Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum.

— As the Senate prepares to give a first look at draft redistricting maps, advocates for Fair Districts give the entire process a failing grade.

— Two Sunrise interviews! The first features longtime Tallahassee reporter Mike Vasilinda, who covered the sentencing of Burnette after an expansive corruption at City Hall that might’ve led to tanking Gillum.

— Ellen Freiden, CEO and General Counsel for Fair Districts Now discusses the failing grade to Florida’s redistricting process. She’s here to break down why.

Gov. Ron DeSantis files for a second term in office.

On today’s Sunrise:

— Alongside Republican legislative leaders, DeSantis also unveils a sweeping set of proposals against COVID-19 safety precautions in Florida.

President Joe Biden is hailing Congress’ passage of his $1 trillion infrastructure package.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Rick Scott remains skeptical about the true costs of the bipartisan plan.

— In her first public press conference since the announcement that she has breast cancer, First Lady Casey DeSantis announces the launch of a substance abuse education initiative for students.

Gov. Ron DeSantis yet again announced plans to sue the Joe Biden administration over vaccine mandates.

Also, on today’s #Sunrise:

— Records show the former felon who won the Republican Primary in Florida’s 20th Congressional District never applied for his second chance or the right to hold political office.

— University faculty from across the state are backing UF professors while calling on the university to back off.

— Today’s Sunrise interview is with the president of the United Faculty of Florida, Andrew Gothard who is speaking out against the University of Florida’s position that professors serving as expert witnesses in a case against the state pose a conflict of interest.

Gov. Ron DeSantis — who has praised Florida’s electoral process — is now calling for an elections police force to investigate fraud.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— A highlight of Election Day; Ken Welch is the new Mayor of St. Petersburg.

— And Facebook’s name change to Meta signals the launch of the Metaverse and new dimensions of the digital social experience.

— Today’s Sunrise Interview visits the Metaverse! Naomi Gleit, Meta’s vice president of Product and Social Impact talks about what to expect in the Metaverse.