Loans
Florida Democrats are returning the interest-free loan they obtained from the federal government under the Paycheck Protection Plan. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says it wasn’t supposed to go to political organizations like the Florida Democratic Party.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— On the other hand, several Republicans had no qualms about applying for the federal loans, including the incoming president of the Florida Senate, Wilton Simpson.
— As COVID-19 spiked over the past two weeks, Gov. Ron DeSantis responded by saying don't look at new cases … look at the small number of fatalities compared to other states. Well, the Sunshine State just set a record Thursday — 120 fatalities reported in a single day. It puts Florida’s COVID-19 death toll is at least 4,111.
— Dr. Anthony Fauci says states with a serious COVID-19 problem should consider shutting down again. Fauci insists he’s not picking on Florida.
— U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia says the economy is coming back … but not until kids are back in the classroom.
— An in-depth look at a new program to help feed Floridians in rural areas who face all manner of financial hardships during the pandemic.
— And the latest with a Florida Woman — who is in jail for cooking a snack … in the wrong kitchen.