The battle over mask mandates in schools intensifies as Gov. Ron DeSantis gives parents against wearing masks a chance to vent. Also on today’s Sunrise: —  Republican Rep. Randy Fine says school boards will pay! — Leaders at the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs tell lawmakers how they plan to address veteran suicide rates. — Who would you tell if you win big playing the Florida Lottery? One lawmaker wants to make sure the jackpot winners can stay a secret for a little while. — Today’s Sunrise Interview dives deep into the issue of veteran suicides with Florida Politics reporter Jason Delgado, who breaks down what lawmakers are hoping to have done federally, and here in the state, to curb the problem.

Sunrise

Venting

At the Florida Capitol, Naples Republican Kathleen Passidomo is tapped to become the state’s next Senate President. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Florida could save Christmas, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. — And there is a push to change Florida’s current law which restricts certain individuals from getting compensation after a wrongful conviction. — Today’s Sunrise Interview is with Republican Rep. Traci Koster and Seth Miller, executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida. They will talk about their joint efforts to change Florida’s Exoneree Compensation Law. — Also, with 900 manatee deaths so far this year, Fresh Take Florida Reporter Elise Elder joins us to talk about what the state plans to do about it.

Designated

President Joe Biden and Gov. Ron DeSantis have ordered flags at half-staff in honor of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, as he’s remembered by friends and family. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Survivors of the Dozier School for Boys (now senior citizens) recall the horrors of their abuse. — Lawmakers are bracing for a knockdown, drag-out Session on issues like redistricting and abortion rights. — Ousted Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo speaks out. — Today’s Sunrise Interview is with Florida Politics health care reporter Christine Sexton who gives the scoop on all things health care. Seriously, she will share one of the best resources for health news and information.

Democratic Sen. Annette Taddeo wants to be Florida’s next Governor. Also on today’s Sunrise: — Taddeo is up against two Democratic front-runners, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and her former gubernatorial running mate, Congressman Charlie Crist. — Soon after Crist made his pledge to legalize cannabis, Fried made it clear she’s not new to the call. — And Gov. Ron DeSantis shares concerns over dubious claims about the federal government’s attempt to track bank transactions and driver data. — Today’s Sunrise Interview is with Taddeo, who confirms she is officially jumping into the race for Governor.

Taddeo

Congressman Charlie Crist makes big promises for a second shot at the Governor’s mansion. Also on today’s Sunrise: — Some Supervisors of Elections across the state say Florida’s new election law, which they were not consulted on, is costing them a lot of money to stay in compliance. — And Gov. Ron DeSantis declares retribution on Florida business for defying his orders against vaccine mandates. — Today’s Sunrise Interview explores how Florida’s new election law adds new financial costs for some of Florida’s 67 counties. We’re joined by reporter Natalia Galicza, with Fresh Take Florida, about her in-depth coverage looking at the impact of Senate Bill 90.

Promises

Gov. Ron DeSantis and his elections chief reject calls to do a forensic audit of the 2020 elections. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Looking ahead to the Governor’s reelection campaign, observers note DeSantis is playing copycat with his frenemy, Sen. Rick Scott. — Attorney General Ashley Moody is out with a warning about counterfeit pills hitting the black market. — The Sunrise Interview is with Noah Pransky, political editor with LX.com, who points out that just like Scott before him, DeSantis would rather focus on fighting with President Joe Biden than with the Democratic challengers gunning for his job.

Reject

Gov. Ron DeSantis opens up publicly for the first time, about his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Meanwhile, the Governor is following through on his promise to fine local governments for mandating vaccines as a condition of employment. Leon County alone was slapped with over a $3.5 million fine. — And there is a big shake-up in the city of Miami, as its Police Chief is expected to be forced out today, just after six months on the job. — On the Sunrise Interview, Danny Rivero is a reporter and producer for WLRN Public Radio. Rivero will break down the big shake-up in Miami’s police department, also, he talks about why he had to block the Governor’s press secretary on Twitter. — Democratic Rep. Allison Tant, part of the Leon County legislative delegation, speaks out against DeSantis for imposing the multimillion-dollar fine against the county for its COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

Diagnosis

The head of VISIT FLORIDA gives lawmakers the naked truth about the Sunshine State’s clothing-optional beaches. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — In his last cycle as a legislator, Democratic Rep Joseph Geller calls for reforms to Florida’s hate crime law. — And some lawmakers express concerns with transparency throughout Florida’s redistricting process. — On the Sunrise interview is Geller, joined by the Florida Hate Crimes Coalition this morning for a news conference to discuss expanding protections under the state’s hate-crime law.

Naked truth

Activist Desmond Meade is finally granted the restoration of his own civil rights. Also, on today’s Sunrise: The economy is showing some signs of emerging from the drag of the delta variant, but the modest job gains aren’t enough for Sen. Rick Scott. And with the help of funds from the federal government, Gov. Ron DeSantis marked the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Michael making landfall in Northwest Florida.

Restored

Also on today’s Sunrise: — The Broward Teachers’ Union launched a district-wide door-to-door canvassing effort to find nearly 11,000 students missing from their roster due to the pandemic. — Gov. Ron DeSantis shares his views on the judicial branch during the formal welcome of Justice John Couriel to the Florida Supreme Court. — Environmental advocates say more needs to be done to protect the Apalachicola River. — Today’s Sunrise interview features Anna Fusco, president of Broward Teachers’ Union, with a remarkable story of how they’ve gathered volunteers to go door-to-door to find thousands of students who’ve dropped off the radar completely when in-person schooling resumed. — Also, Managing Attorney for the Florida Office of EarthJustice, Tania Galloni talks about their latest appeal in ongoing “Tri-State Water Wars,” alleging that the U.S. The Army Corps of Engineers failed to properly consider environmental impacts through the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System.

Truants

Some in Florida’s congressional delegation make a pitch to rename a federal courthouse after the state’s first black Supreme Court Justice. Also on today’s Sunrise: — When there are no natural predators for an invasive species — making population control a sport, is one creative solution. — And many students are taking the risk by packing college football stadiums, but is it causing a spike in COVID-19 infections? — Back-to-back Sunrise interviews: First, an exclusive scoop on a story that examines whether college football games are causing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Fresh Take Florida reporter Elisabell Velazquez joins us to share her findings. — Also, Florida Politics reporter Jason Delgado talks about a bipartisan effort to rename a federal courthouse in Tallahassee after the late Justice Joseph Woodrow Hatchet. — Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announces the top predators in the invasive Lionfish Challenge. Public Information Specialist Amanda Nalley joins the program to explain.

Renamed

On Capitol Hill, the Facebook whistleblower calls for government oversight of the social media giant. Also on today’s Sunrise: — In Florida, lawmakers are making a call for a state Chief Diversity Officer. — And on the heels of Florida’s virtual human trafficking summit, advocates say it’s important to stay vigilant. — Doubling up on Sunrise interviews: First, Democratic Sen. Lori Berman who just filed a bill for Florida to create a Chief Diversity Officer. Then, Erin Collins, Executive Director of the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking. This comes after more than 4,000 people attended the virtual 2021 Human Trafficking Summit Tuesday featuring Attorney General Ashley Moody alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin.

Oversight

On today’s Sunrise: — Hours after Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen broke down how the company pushes hate for profit, its platforms and services temporarily went offline. — Parents of disabled children hoping to overturn Florida's mask mandate ban are taking the fight to a federal appeals court. — The Sunrise interview is with Susan Harbin, senior government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Florida. Following the announcement of the breast cancer diagnosis for First Lady Casey DeSantis, Harbin will talk about the importance of early screening and detection during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Outage

This weekend, hundreds of people descended on Florida's capital to protest reproductive rights in the Women's March. Also on today's Sunrise: — Several of Florida's congressional members violate a federal law banning insider stock trading. — Police confirm they've found the body of missing 19-year-old Miya Marcano near an Orlando condominium complex. — On the Sunrise interview: Dave Levinthal, the deputy Washington Bureau chief for Business Insider who uncovered at least five of Florida's congressional members violating the 2012 law designed to combat insider trading among elected officials.

March

Congress finally passes legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown. Also on today’s Sunrise: — Gov. Ron DeSantis says he’s not planning to go anywhere. We will see. — Should Florida embrace the flamingo and make it the state bird? — Congressman Greg Steube scores the big home run in the Congressional Baseball Game. — Sunrise interview is with Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida. As the U.S. declared this week that 23 birds, fish and other species are now extinct, Wraithmell says it should serve as a wake-up call with a commitment to doing better for all remaining species. Wraithmell also chimes in on calls by Sen. Jeff Brandes to ditch the mockingbird for a more Florida-centric state bird.

Mockingbird

Now you can listen to the stories behind Florida politics. Start the coffee and listen to the stories that will be driving the day. This is SUNRISE, a new daily podcast on the people and policies behind The Process — and beyond. With guests from all stops on the political spectrum in the Sunshine State: elected officials, consultants, and other behind-the-scenes players. Also powered by the plugged-in journalists of Florida Politics and elsewhere. Hosted by Tallahassee broadcast veteran Rick Flagg. Brought to you by Peter Schorsch.

hubhopper

Sunrise

hubhopper