Florida’s death toll from COVID-19 is just short of 30,000. We’ll pass that milestone when the daily casualty count is released today.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— Another day, another vaccine “feel good” story. Gov. Ron DeSantis was back on FOX and Friends Thursday to participate in the vaccination of a World War II veteran in Pinellas County.
— The Governor says there will be a big increase in vaccine shipments next week … but this week's shipment of the Moderna vaccine is still stuck in Memphis because of the severe winter storm.
— DeSantis used a series of executive orders during the COVID-19 crisis, giving him total authority over the state’s response. The House Speaker and the Senate President say they’re fine with that because they agree with the Governor … but they also believe it’s time to set guidelines on these extended emergency orders. They’re worried about future Governors.
— A bill requiring Floridians to pay the sales tax on online purchases is one step closer to law after clearing the Senate Finance and Tax Committee. Lawmakers seem to agree on the bill's need, but they haven’t agreed on what to do with the new revenue — estimated at more than $1 billion.
— Across the street from the state Capitol is a memorial honoring Floridians who died in the Vietnam War; it may have company soon. The Senate Rules Committee approves a bill creating the POW-MIA Vietnam Veterans Bracelet Memorial.
— And finally, a Florida Man has a whole new take on grave robbing. Deputies say he burglarized 10 houses while the residents were attending funerals.