At the end of every week, we praise a political playmaker, “swipe left” on the week’s biggest political loser, and explain what it all means for Florida’s political arena.
CHAMP: Governor Ron DeSantis
Champ of the Week
The Republican governor had another solid week on the frontline of the coronavirus fight, with his conservative approach to the COVID-19 pandemic finally starting to pay off.
Love him or hate him, DeSantis’ measured approach to combat the coronavirus outbreak proved to be the right call. At a time where governors around the U.S. are electing to renew stay-at-home orders in an effort to keep people from spreading the disease, Florida is leading by example, curbing the risk of infection while also taking Floridians lives and livelihoods into consideration.
Much of the state’s success in minimizing the virus is due to DeSantis’ methodical and careful approach, and the data backs that up.
With phase one underway, Florida hit a new record low in the rate of positive test results for COVID-19, as only around 2.4% of nearly 24,000 tests confirmed an infection on Monday.
“We got 23,884 test results,” DeSantis said at a press briefing last Tuesday. “Out of that massive batch, it only yielded 589 new Florida cases.”
“If you look at the percent positive, which is something we track very closely, yesterday’s test results have got to be the lowest percent positive since we’ve been doing any type of major testing.”
The record low would continue to fall throughout the week, with Friday yielding the lowest statewide positivity rate on record for new cases – 1.89%
Great news: May 7th represented the best testing day for Florida since the start of the #COVID19 pandemic. Florida received nearly 20,000 test results, which yielded only 358 new Florida cases and the lowest statewide positivity rate – 1.89% – on record for new cases. pic.twitter.com/XBSH4X1sVp
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 8, 2020
The cherry on top of DeSantis’ weeklong victory came shortly after, with the governor announcing the reopening of barbershops across the state — to the delight of everyone.
Here’s a major announcement from my friend J Henry, owner of J Henry’s Barber Shop in downtown Orlando. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KnXFaMRVns
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 8, 2020
With the economy finally restarting, DeSantis has proven to be more than capable a guiding Florida through a crippling crisis. His “slow on the trigger” method has been applauded by many in the state, and his data-driven strategy to reopen Florida has made him a household name in the national media.
It certainly seems like a lot of people owe him an apology.
CHUMP: Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony
Chump of the Week
It’s been an embarrassing week for the man that was appointed by DeSantis to replace the embattled Scott Israel as Broward County Sheriff.
After it was revealed that Tony shot and killed a man in self-defense when he was a teenager — something he did not disclose on forms he filled out to become a law-enforcement officer more than a decade ago — racy photos of him and his wife gettin’ jiggy with other couples surfaced last week.
The pictures, serving as a blemish on the sheriff’s once spotless exterior, are the latest bombshell in what could be the demise of Tony’s career.
To make matters worse, The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) launched a preliminary investigation into Tony’s secret past.
The FDLE confirmed the investigation, Friday.
“A preliminary investigation involves research and gathering documents and/or information in response to an allegation or complaint,” the FDLE said. “Once obtained, the information and documents are evaluated by law enforcement investigators to determine if sufficient facts are established to believe there is a reasonable possibility that the accused individual is involved in definable criminal activity.”
With DeSantis officially distancing himself from the man he vetted, Tony could be more of a liability than a respected lawman — which could lead to an interesting re-election race.
Only time will tell.
Check back for additional updates.
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