Riots
After a weekend of violence during protests against police brutality, Gov. Ron DeSantis has called out the National Guard: 150 Guardsmen were sent to Miramar, 100 to Tampa, and 150 to Camp Blanding, the Guard’s headquarters.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— There were disturbances across the state: Miami, Tampa, St. Pete, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, and even Tallahassee.
— As more than 200 people marched peacefully through the capital city, the driver of a red pickup truck decided to drive through. The truck hit several marchers, but none appear to have any serious injuries. Police immediately surrounded the truck and whisked the driver off to jail. Tallahassee Mayor John Daily issued a statement that concluded with: “The peaceful protesters have my unwavering support and I unequivocally condemn any violence toward protesters.”
— Welcome to Day One of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. If it seems a bit belated, that’s because there were already two named storms. Also, the state sales tax holiday for disaster supplies is now underway. It lasts until Thursday, so now is the time to stock up for storms.
— Remember a time when they advised everyone in Florida to have a three-day supply of food, water and meds during hurricane season? The new recommendations a weeks’ worth, because the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the supply chain.
— Speaking of coronavirus, DeSantis says they’re taking COVID-19 tests to the public. Home Depot and Publix are setting up micro-testing sites in parking lots starting in South Florida. But the focus remains on adult-living facilities which are the most dangerous places to live during the pandemic. Almost half the fatalities in Florida were residents or staffers of long-term care.
— We may learn if Donald Trump is moving the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina because he doesn’t like their social distancing requirements. DeSantis wants the convention in Florida.
— Checking in with Florida Man and Florida Woman: one tried to steal a house with a piece of paper. The other tried to ship cellphones to ISIS for making pressure bomb detonators. It did not end well for either.