Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
The primary election may be five weeks away, but the votes are about to start coming in.
Starting Tuesday, mail ballots will go out en masse to the more than 2.2 million domestic voters who have requested them. Included in that tally are more than 870,000 Republicans and 883,000 Democrats.
That total far exceeds the 1.95 million mail ballots that went out during the last midterm election in 2014, and it nearly matches the 2.3 million shipped during the 2016 cycle.
Whether 2018 more closely tracks to the 47 percent return rate four years ago or the 55 percent return last cycle remains to be seen, but if this cycle lives up to the hype it seems like the higher return rate is a safe bet.
For Republicans receiving mail ballots this week, does Adam Putnam still hold the edge or has Ron DeSantis’ “Trump bump” shifted the momentum? Is Ashley Moody still the top pick to succeed Pam Bondi as Attorney General or has Frank White’s media blitz overcome her
For Democrats, has Jeff Greene done enough to start racking up votes during his short tenure in the race, or is it still a neck-and-neck race Gwen Graham and Philip Levine with Andrew Gillum and Chris King far behind?
Nobody will know the answers to those questions for sure until the primary is in the books, but there is one undeniable fact: Election Day is every day until Aug. 28. And for those who tick a box early, it doesn’t matter how they feel in five weeks. What matters is now.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@Fineout: Guess who helped former Gov Jindal with his campaigns? Guess who Jindal’s then chief of staff now works for? … Why that would be @OnMessageInc So basically @ScottforFlorida is rolling out ideas that another client of his political consultant has rolled out previously
—@Scott_Maxwell: Marco Rubio be like: “Hey, wait a minute … commanding attention to act like you’re an undecided, tortured soul before doing what everyone always knew you were going to in the first place … that’s MY jam!”
—@MarcACaputo: Not sure if it’s the 1st time, but @Adamputnam’s campaign for Governor (the case for which has partly been built on his inevitability as the GOP nominee) is admitting that he’s losing the primary to @RepDeSantis Tough time: absentee ballots start going out domestically tomorrow
—@ShevrinJones: #MarkeisMcGlockton was murdered, but his killer states that he was “standing his ground.” It’s time that the legislature look at the law that’s allowing murderers to “legally” kill.
—@RichardCorcoran: The thoughts and prayers of the entire House of Representatives are with our friend and colleague, @scottplakon and with the entire Plakon family.
—@DaneEagle: Live every week like it’s shark week.
—@EvelynPR: To all the journalists and politicians who look straight at the camera and post many pictures of themselves daily. The story should never be about you. The story is always about the people. Let people post pictures about you and you thank them. It can look narcissistic.
—@SimonMaloy: sure working in media pays dirt and you’re constantly under threat of being laid off by three private equity guys named Chet, but at least you also get called elitist lying criminals by the party in power
— DAYS UNTIL —
MAKE MORE Manufacturing Summit — 7; Deadline for filing claim bills — 8; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in West Palm Beach — 9; Florida’s back to school sales tax holiday begins — 10; Republican gubernatorial debate in Jacksonville — 15; School begins in the first 19 Florida districts — 17; Start of the U.S. Open — 34; Primary Election Day — 35; NFL season starts — 35; College Football opening weekend — 37; Labor Day — 41; Future of Florida Forum — 64; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 91; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 92; General Election Day — 105; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 126; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 203; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 224; 2020 General Election — 833.
— TOP STORY —
“Donald Trump to hold rally in Tampa on July 31” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times — … providing another boost for surging gubernatorial candidate DeSantis. It fulfills a promise Trump made when he called into a Hillsborough County GOP fundraising dinner in May and told the audience: “I’ll be there fairly soon. We’ll hold a special event there in the near future … We’ll be in Tampa very soon.” Details have not been set, though Trump rallies are typically at night.
The Florida Democratic Party won the internet Monday with its reaction to the news: “Our condolences to Adam Putnam.”
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Rick Scott’s new TV ad: ‘let’s get to work’” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times — “Washington’s a disaster. It’s dysfunctional,” Scott says in the ad, which is based on his April 9 kickoff in Orlando. Scott has continued to spend heavily on his campaign against Sen. Bill Nelson, though recent polls show the race is tight.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
“Brian Ballard bundles nearly $100K for ‘outsider’ Scott” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Ballard, who is president of lobbying firm Ballard Partners, bundled $97,200 in contributions for Scott between April and June, according to lobbyist bundling reports filed with the Federal Election Commission … Scott, a two-term governor, is running his campaign as a political outsider, but Ballard is anything but. The names of individual donors are not listed on the FEC filing, which must be made when the bundling is done by a federally registered lobbyist. Ballard has long been a top ally of Scott and helped raise money for his 2014 gubernatorial bid. During a June fundraising swing through Washington, D.C., Ballard hosted a fundraiser for Scott’s campaign.
Assignment editors — Gov. Scott highlights the latest proposal in his “Make Washington Work” Plan, requiring Congress to work full time to receive their full-time salary, 2:45 p.m., Frescos, 132 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland.
—“Tracking Rick Scott’s six-figure campaign haul from the GEO Group” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Greene’s green disrupts Florida governor’s race, saps Levine” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – Before [Jeff] Greene joined the five-candidate race, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine dominated the advertising airwaves and was the clear front-runner . … Greene’s impact on the race has been profound. His $10.2 million in ad spending in just over a month has pulled him within striking distance of Levine, who has spent almost $15 million in eight months. Former Rep. Gwen Graham, who has spent about $4.7 million since early June, drew 24 percent and first place in an Associated Industries of Florida poll of 800 likely Florida voters that was finished last week and shared exclusively with POLITICO. Levine is in second with 16 percent and Greene and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum are essentially tied at 13 and 12 percent respectively, with Orlando businessman Chris King in last at 4 percent. …
AIF Board of Directors endorses Putnam — The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Board of Directors on Monday announced it had endorsed Republican candidate Putnam for governor. Said President and CEO Tom Feeney, “Adam knows Florida. He knows what it takes to raise a family, build a business and protect employees in our Sunshine State. He knows what it means to grow our economy and bring new and innovative business opportunities to Florida. Our next Governor must embody the entrepreneurial spirit, and Adam has the know-how to get things done, putting Florida families and businesses first.”
Assignment editors — Putnam will take part in a meet-and-greet hosted by the Christian Family Coalition Florida, 8 a.m., Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, 3900 NW 21st St., Miami.
“Billionaire-backed group to launch six-figure digital ad buy in support of Gillum” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times — Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer‘s group NextGen America … is making a six-figure digital ad buy in support of Gillum, pushing two new ads on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other online platforms. “We know that young voters are online, and a strong and smart digital campaign will be key to pushing Andrew Gillum across the finish line on Aug. 28,” Steyer, the president of NextGen America, said in the release. The ads, titled “Lived It” and “Our Turn,” focus on Gillum’s biography and his record. They’ll go live Tuesday.
“Graham gets hands-on during cleanup duty in the Keys” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Graham and ‘Team Graham’ were all hands on deck Sunday, as she and her family were on cleanup duty in Big Pine Key. Graham was there to join the Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA), a group formed after Hurricane Irma slammed the Keys last year. The group was formed after several volunteer groups combined together to lead the area in its cleanup effort. “We are usually ones calling politicians for help, or at least awareness of the challenge we face here in the Florida Keys,” said CRMA’s founder, Brian Vest. “In this case, the Grahams called me and asked if they could come see what we do.” Vest’s life was uprooted by Irma when he lost his home in the storm. But he decided to take the lead when it came to getting the area back to normal. Since it began eight months ago, CRMA says it’s cleaned more than 90 tons of trash. The all-volunteer force has worked more than 6,000 hours so far. Some of those volunteers still live in transitional housing after losing their homes. “Almost a year after Irma hit, there is so much work left to do to restore the Keys,” Graham said.
Assignment editors — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Graham, on the third day of her #GrassrootsWithTheGrahams tour, joins former Governor and Sen. Bob Graham and former First Lady Adele Graham to host a grand opening of her Miami Field office in Wynwood, 6 p.m., 415 NW 26th St., Miami.
“King tosses another $1M into gubernatorial campaign” via Florida Politics — In addition to the cash infusion, King raised about $15,000 from small-dollar donors between his campaign account and political committee, Rise and Lead, Florida. His expenditures, however, wiped out his gains and then some. Making up nearly all of his spending for the July 7 through July 13 reporting period were $1.44 million in payments to AKPD Message & Media for advertising. Those payments likely stem from King’s latest TV spot, which features his 9-year-old daughter, Mary Grace. To date, King has raised nearly $7 million between his two accounts, including $4.5 million in self-funding. He had $511,000 in the bank at the end of the reporting period.
“Tampa Mayor’s office rejects claim he wants Lt. Gov. job” via Gordon Byrd of WFLA — A story on the Tampa Bay Beat blog asserts that Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who’s term-limited out of his current office, has reached out to at least two of the Democrats running for governor, offering to join their tickets as a candidate for lieutenant governor. It claims Buckhorn has spoken with former Miami Beach Mayor Levine and former congresswoman Graham about joining their tickets. According to the story, Buckhorn and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman are on Graham’s shortlist. Ashley Bauman, a spokesperson for Buckhorn, accuses Jim Bleyer of running a blog full of “inaccurate and incendiary comments … “Mayor Buckhorn continues to focus on leading the City of Tampa during these exciting times. Inaccurate and incendiary comments by this individual are the norm and not the exception.”
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
“AG Commissioner candidates eye concealed weapons licensing” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — State Sen. Denise Grimsley would immediately order a “full audit” of Florida’s concealed-weapons licensing process, as well as examine the management structure of the program, if she is elected Agriculture Commissioner … And the Sebring Republican is joined by two of her primary opponents, former state Rep. Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven and Plant City businessman Mike McCalister, in saying accountability for problems with background checks rests with Agriculture Commissioner Putnam … Yet, Troutman accepts that Putnam, who has served as agriculture commissioner since 2011, has taken responsibility for heavily publicized issues in the licensing process. “Setting an environment that demands accountability, productivity and success lies at the top — the buck stops with the commissioner, which is something Commissioner Putnam has acknowledged,” Troutman said when asked about Putnam’s degree of accountability.
Happening today — Republican candidates for Agriculture Commissioner — state Rep. Matt Caldwell, Sen. Grimsley, former Rep. Troutman; and McCalister — hold a meet-and-greet in Hillsborough County, 6:30 p.m., Plant City Women’s Club, 1110 North Wheeler St., Plant City.
Ashley Moody gets backing from Senate Majority Leader” via the News Service of Florida — Moody picked up a check this month from a political committee chaired by the Senate majority leader, as she rolled out a new campaign ad. Moody through her campaign account and the political committee Friends of Ashley Moody raised $92,425 between July 7 and July 13 … Included in the contributions was $25,000 from Jobs for Florida, which is led by Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, who is in line to become Senate president in 2020. That same week, Moody spent $486,370 on a media buy as she introduced a 30-second TV commercial titled “Prosecutor Not a Politician.”
And the AG race gets nastier: Frank White blasted for ‘family money’ — While White continues pumping money into his campaign, Truth in Politics is up with a new website blasting ‘liberal’ Frank’s ‘family money’ via FamilyMoneyFrank.com. The website, which promises to be updated daily, shows the financial connection between White’s campaign and liberal politicians and organizations. It also highlights a recent complaint reported by Florida Politics that was filed against White for accepting political contributions outside the legal limits.
AG hopeful Ryan Torrens hits a campaign-contribution speed bump — Democrat Torrens’ fledgling candidacy took a significant hit after he admitted accepting a campaign donation more than the allowable contribution limits. In a letter dated July 16, 2018, Torrens admits to receiving a $4,000 cashier’s check — above the $3,000 maximum allowed under Florida law, and well above the cash contribution limit of $50. Torrens had 14 days to respond to the complaint. In a letter to Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, Torrens said he refunded the donor $3,332.52 However, any further argument in his defense may not hold water, given Florida finance software is specifically designed to alert individuals about excessive campaign donations.
“Mike Miller calls on Paul Paulson to resign GOP position” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Miller said he joined state Republican Party Chair Blaise Ingoglia in “demanding” that Paulson immediately resign his position as Orange County state committeeman. Paulson, who also ran for Orlando mayor in 2015 and briefly for agriculture commissioner last year, was sued last week by six states and the Federal Trade Commission. The suit alleged the vast majority of the more than $11 million raised by Paulson’s nonprofit, Help the Vets Inc., went to Paulson himself and for-profit fundraisers he hired to solicit donations. The suit was settled the same day, with Paulson agreeing to pay $1.75 million to legitimate charities.
“Health care advocacy group seeks to ‘correct’ Brian Mast mailer” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Floridians for a Fair Shake is out to “correct” a health care mailer sent by incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Mast. Mast is a Republican representing Florida’s 18th Congressional District. He recently sent the mailer to voters, touting his record on health care since his election to Congress in 2016. Not surprisingly, the liberal group, which advocates on issues tied to the health care and economy, had some problems with Mast’s mailer. Jon E. Page, Ed.D., who serves as an advisory committee member for the group, says at the start, “I’m a former teacher and thought I should correct your mailer. It has some mistakes.”
Dana Young releases new TV ad, ‘I don’t let politicians get in the way of good ideas’ — Republican state Sen. Young is releasing a new television spot for her re-election bid in Senate District 18. The 30-second spot focuses on “solving problems over picking fights” and highlights Young’s push to lower taxes, reduce wasteful spending, and increase infrastructure investment.
To view the spot, click on the image below:
“Jim Waldman antes up as Gary Farmer piles on committee cash” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Former Democratic Rep. Jim Waldman dumped six figures into his Senate District 34 bid, but his self-funding was outpaced by another major haul for incumbent Democratic Sen. Gary Farmer. Waldman’s $150,000 campaign loan was disclosed on his new campaign finance report covering July 7 through July 20. Alongside the loan came another 16 checks, including 11 for $1,000, the maximum allowable contribution for state legislative campaigns. In all, the Pompano Beach attorney has brought in $11,716 in outside money and kicked in another $157,500 in candidate loans since his surprise entry into the race on the last day of the candidate qualifying period. He had $167,332 in the bank on July 20. Farmer’s campaign has only reported its contributions through July 6 — the new report isn’t due until Friday. His political committee, which must post a finance report weekly through Election Day, showed a massive haul for the July 7 through July 13 reporting period.
Assignment editors — Democratic HD 47 hopeful Anna Eskamani joins other young progressive female candidates and the People For the American Way’s Next Up Victory Fund for a panel discussion about the impact of the #MeToo movement on political races, 11 a.m., The National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW., Washington D.C.
“Republican Party’s divides seen in District 73 primary” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — There may be no better example of the recent rifts within the Florida GOP than the House District 73 contest between Lakewood Ranch business owner Melissa Howard and Sarasota attorney Tommy Gregory. On the two issues that have most divided Republicans in Tallahassee over the last two years — guns and economic incentives — Gregory and Howard are at odds. Howard supports using tax money to lure businesses to the state and help them expand. She has received the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which strongly favors incentives. Gregory is skeptical of incentives. Meanwhile, Gregory says he would have voted against the big school safety package approved by the Legislature this year because he opposes the gun control measures in the bill, including raising the age to purchase a long gun from 18 to 21. He has received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association, which sharply criticized the bill.
“Kubs Lalchandani accuses HD 113 primary opponent of ‘race-baiting’ mailer” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Attorney Kubs Lalchandani is accusing his Democratic primary opponent, Michael Grieco, of “race-baiting” over a set of mailers sent to voters by the Grieco campaign over the weekend. But Grieco says those allegations are bogus. Grieco is competing with Lalchandani and former Miami Beach City Commissioner Deede Weithorn for the House District 113 seat. As seen below, the mailer includes a footnote saying the advertisement was “paid for and approved by Michael Grieco.” The mailer identifies Lalchandani by his full name, Kabir Arjan Lalchandani, and targets him over cases where Lalchandani defended plastic surgery centers that were sued for malpractice. That includes one case where the patient died. The mailer quotes a piece by David Smiley in the Miami Herald titled, “His clients botched butt lifts. Now he wants you to send him to the state Legislature.” The ad also accuses Lalchandani of owning no property in the state and of having “no civic involvement in Florida.” “Over the weekend, Democratic voters received a racist filled mail piece from my opponent, Michael Grieco, that clearly aims to inject the very worst of politics into our campaign,” said Lalchandani in a statement on the mailer send to Florida Politics.
— SUCH A GOOD AD —
“Who’s happy with the direction of Trump’s America? These scary people, says a new ad” via Simon Dumenco of AdAge — A classic children’s song takes on a dark tone in a new ad for the nonprofit advocacy group Future Forward USA Action that started airing on TV … As kids are heard singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” sinister slow-mo scenes of mega-rich country clubbers, white supremacists and Vladimir Putin disciples are shown being, well, ridiculously pleased. They’re all apparently celebrating their good fortune and delight at being alive at a time when the United States is led by a president who has shamelessly coddled all three of those constituencies. An on-screen tagline closes out of the ad: “These people are happy with the direction of the country.”
To view “Happy,” click on the image below:
— STATEWIDE —
“Supreme Court to weigh FPL environmental costs” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — A battle is playing out at the state Supreme Court about whether customers of Florida Power & Light should pay for an environmental cleanup project in Miami-Dade County. The Florida Public Service Commission filed a brief Monday urging the Supreme Court to uphold a decision that allows FPL to recover money from customers to deal with a saltwater plume that moved from a power-plant complex into nearby groundwater. In the brief Monday, the Public Service Commission said its decision to allow FPL to recover the costs is “reasonable and common-sensical.” But in a brief filed in May, the Office of Public Counsel described the December decision as requiring customers to “bail out FPL for the decades that the company allowed the hypersaline plume to spread and build up.”
Florida Health Care Association names award after Joe Negron — The association’s annual “Resident of the Year” award will be named after Senate President Negron, a Stuart Republican. The group cited Negron’s “almost two decades of public service dedicated to improving the lives of Florida’s most frail elders.” Negron “was a strong advocate for Florida’s nursing homes and the residents they serve throughout his tenure as Senate President. More than any other legislator, he made it possible for nursing homes to receive the funding levels they need to ensure quality care, and he was a key player as the Legislature enacted new, realistic requirements for nursing homes to protect their residents during hurricanes and other emergencies.” FHCA is the state’s oldest and largest association for the long-term care profession. It selects one nursing home resident each year for the honor.
“The radical [Florida] sheriff giving offenders a chance” via The Guardian — In Florida, [Gadsden County Sheriff] Morris Young is spearheading a bold effort to break the cycle of reoffending by offering prisoners a new life … Young’s community policing approach includes decarceration and prisoner “re-entry” to lawful society to try to tackle recidivism. “I believe in giving folks two, three, four and five chances to get it right,” he said. Since his first election in 2004, Young has pushed prosecutors to get low-level offenders out of long jail stays, and has encouraged deputies to use arrest power with discretion. “If we pick up a young man with a piece of crack cocaine in his pocket, instead of making an arrest, put it on the ground and just mush it up. Tell him: ‘OK. The next time.’ ” And while it’s difficult to attribute cause and effect when it comes to social issues like crime, over Young’s tenure crime in Gadsden has roughly halved and juvenile arrests are down by more than 75 percent. The county is also sending 65 percent fewer inmates to state prison than it was eight years ago.
“In need of deputies, Hillsborough sheriff loosens college, tattoo and drug use rules for new hires” via Tony Marrero of the Tampa Bay Times — Under new hiring guidelines that took effect in late May, applicants with a high school diploma and at least three years of active duty military experience are eligible to apply. The new rules, approved by Sheriff Chad Chronister, also relax the policy on tattoos and prior marijuana use. The goal, officials say, is to cast a wider net in the applicant pool and jump-start an effort to tackle a stubbornly persistent deputy shortage that has put stress on patrol deputies, stifled proactive police work and limited the ability to expand the agency’s community outreach efforts. “There are too many people in today’s society who maybe can’t afford college, but they’ve proven that they’re loyal, they’re dependable, they have a track record of making good decisions and they’d make a great deputy sheriff,” Chronister said.
“Mike Ertel ‘digging cyber moat’ around Seminole elections” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — “We felt we were in good shape,” Ertel said. “Now we’re in great shape.” He has been among the more outspoken of county supervisors of elections defending the integrity and safety of Florida’s voting systems, based on paper ballots. He went to Facebook to send a message to Seminole County voters that his office is doing more … he expressed confidence that his 66 colleagues in other Florida counties are doing the same, with the understanding that Florida, of all states, cannot screw up this election. “In the elections business,” he said, “there can be zero mistakes, zero intrusions.” The Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office is spending a $300,000 federal grant to do everything from replacing servers that are more defensive against intrusions, to installing fingerprint keylocks on doors to any rooms with computers, ballots, or other sensitive materials or equipment. That’s on top money he said already was spent earlier this year and last year.
“TPD conducting death investigation on Mallard Trace Drive” via Tallahassee Democrat — Tallahassee Police are investigating the death of a woman at a home off Meridian Road after a suspicious incident was reported there. TPD officers arrived at the home of Linda Keen on Mallard Trace Drive at about 7:20 p.m. Saturday in reference to a suspicious incident, according to a news release. Keen, an attorney and longtime state employee with stints as inspector general for the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration and Florida Department of Health, owns the home, according to Leon County Property Appraiser records. Police found a deceased individual but investigators have not released the name of the person.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Congratulations, you are now a U.S. citizen. Unless someone decides later you’re not.” via Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times — Since President Trump took office, the number of denaturalization cases has been growing, part of a campaign of aggressive immigration enforcement that now promises to include even the most protected class of legal immigrants: naturalized citizens. The government says it is doing what it has always done: Prosecuting cases of fraud among 21.2 million naturalized citizens, from people suspected of war crimes or terrorism to those in phony marriages or with false identities. the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that handles residency and citizenship, is separately opening a new office to investigate thousands of potential denaturalization cases involving identity fraud, even as it approves more new citizenship applications than before. U.S.C.I.S. also intends to refer more cases for possible deportation and to give citizenship adjudicating officers more discretion to deny applications they consider ineligible or incomplete. Another agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has requested $207.6 million to hire an additional 300 agents to investigate more cases, including marriage, visa, residency and citizenship fraud.
“Puerto Rico seeks U.S. help as bodies pile up at forensics” via The Associated Press — Ricardo Rossello said Monday that he has asked the secretary of the U.S. Health Department of Health and Human Services for up to two years’ worth of technical support. He said it was unacceptable that people are waiting months for autopsy reports. Local legislators have launched an investigation into the island’s Institute of Forensic Science following complaints including bad odors. Forensic officials recently declined to open five containers holding 76 bodies when legislators showed up for a surprise visit. An additional 259 bodies are kept inside the morgue. Overall, 56 bodies have been identified by relatives but remain unclaimed.
“Carlos Curbelo offers new trades in bid to shake up carbon tax debate” via Anthony Adragna of POLITICO Florida — Curbelo is one of a shrinking number of Republicans who accept climate science and say they want to do something to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions contributing to rising temperatures and sea levels, and he acknowledged the long odds facing his legislation. The bill would establish a “rolling moratorium” on EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions regulations and repeal federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel. Replacing the existing regulations and fees would be a $24-per-ton tax on carbon emissions that would increase by 2 percent per year over the rate of inflation. Curbelo’s bill would direct 70 percent of revenues to the Highway Trust Fund, 10 percent of the revenues would go to federal grants for low-income households and 5 percent would address chronic coastal flooding mitigation efforts. The rest would go into energy research and development efforts and toward a fund to assist any displaced workers in the energy sector. In addition, Curbelo’s bill would apply a border tax adjustment “on imported goods in an amount equal to increased costs paid by comparable U.S. products,” according to the summary.
“Group homes brace for radical overhaul of federal foster care funding” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — The Family First Prevention Services Act prioritizes keeping children out of foster care. It makes more money available for in-home counseling and parenting classes for families at risk of having children removed. And beginning late next year, the government will only pay for children to stay in group homes for up to two weeks. At Lake Magdalene, a group foster home run by Hillsborough County, children stay for an average of about 18 months. Some live there until they age out of foster care. The new law may also make it tougher for communities like Hillsborough that have relied on group homes to cope with an influx of children being removed. It could mean fewer group homes and those that remain will only cater to children with severe medical or behavioral needs. “For certain we will not look the same this time next year and I doubt very few group homes will look the same,” said Brad Gregory, CEO of A Kid’s Place, a Brandon group home. “It’s going to impact everyone.”
— OPINIONS —
“’Stand your ground’ law triggers vigilante justice” via the Tampa Bay Times — Florida’s indefensible “stand your ground’’ law is being cited by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri as the reason he can’t arrest a man for shooting and killing another man over parking in a handicap parking space. Blame the Florida Legislature and the National Rifle Association for legalizing vigilante justice. The Legislature made a terrible law worse last year by shifting the burden of proof in “stand your ground’’ hearings to the prosecutor to show the defendant is not immune from prosecution — and not on the defendant to show that he qualifies for immunity. The 2017 revision even sets a higher standard of proof for prosecutors to be successful than defendants previously had to meet. It’s remarkable anyone gets charged with a crime for shooting and killing someone as long as they have even the flimsiest claim that they felt threatened by thrown popcorn or a shouting match or a shove. In the long run, voters should hold their state lawmakers accountable for bowing to the NRA and making Florida a more dangerous place.
“Joseph F. Rutherford: refocusing efforts to improve Florida’s mental health system” via Florida Politics — In a health crisis, individuals turn to hospital emergency rooms across Florida to stabilize an escalating medical condition. Individuals impacted by mental illness require the same access to emergency care. People in crisis, their families, and law enforcement need a trusted resource to provide immediate care designed to assess and treat. For many, a continuum of care beyond the crisis window is essential for recovery. Every Florida community with a Baker Act unit should also have access to “step down” or transitional services for patients who are discharged but need assistance in their transition to successful, independent functioning. Short-term residential care, as an example, provides individuals who may need additional care with continued support to move through the rehabilitation process and into the community more seamlessly. The mental health needs of this community impact us all and the upcoming legislative session serves as a turning point for refocusing attention on providing services to better treat those potentially in peril without a safety net.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Carlos Cruz and Jon Yapo join Converge” via Florida Politics — Carlos Cruz and Jon Yapo have joined Converge Government Affairs, the new firm founded by veteran influencer Jonathan Kilman, the firm said in a statement. “We could not be happier about Carlos Cruz joining the firm, and the synergy we gain by adding Carlos is powerful,” said Kilman, the firm’s chairman. “With his Jacksonville presence, Carlos adds geographic strength to our already existing South Florida, Central Florida and Tallahassee bases,” Kilman explained. And Yapo’s joining the firm as a Government Affairs Advisor should be no surprise, Kilman said. He lobbied side-by-side with Converge founders Kilman and Paul Lowell at their previous firm. The trio’s been seen working the halls of the Capitol together for years.
Personnel note: Patrick Slevin celebrates SL7 Consulting’s fifth anniversary — Slevin, recognized last year in INFLUENCE magazine as a “Great Communicator,” is celebrating 5 years since founding his own communications and consulting firm. “I’m truly a blessed man,” he said in a statement. “Every project and every client has been based on professional referrals and personal trust. I’ve been spending the month of July thanking clients, colleagues and partners for their enduring friendships.” Clients include Florida Peanut Federation, Beer Industry of Florida, Florida Auto Dealers Association, and Fraternal Order of Police. Slevin also was mayor of Safety Harbor in the late 1990s.
Ron Pierce named chair-elect to prestigious panel — Pierce, president and CEO of RSA Consulting Group in Tampa, will chair the Florida Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. (FBLA-PBL) Board of Directors. He is FBLA-PBL’s business/industry representative and is serving as chair-elect for the 2018-2019 board term. Pierce has been involved with FBLA-PBL since 1990 and has held several officer positions at the state level. Pierce also founded the Florida FBLA-PBL Foundation which has raised over $250,000. “Pierce’s service to FBLA-PBL opens doors for students across different backgrounds to grow as leaders,” says Max Michel, 2017-2018 FBLA national president and Florida resident. “As chair-elect, he will guide the direction of the organization with policies to help all students realize their full potential.”
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Joshua Aubuchon, Mark Delegal, Holland & Knight: Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Taylor Biehl, Jeff Sharkey, Capitol Alliance Group: GRN Funds
Meghan Hoza, Ken Pruitt, Mark Pruitt, The P5 Group: Ruffin Acquisitions, Treasure Coast Food Bank
Richard Lindstrom, Lindstrom Consulting: The Sonder Academy
“Tampa Bay Times names Mark Katches as new executive editor” via the Tampa Bay Times — Katches, a veteran journalist who has led his teams to Pulitzer-Prize-winning work, is now the editor and vice president of content at The Oregonian in Portland, Ore. [He] will guide all news operations at the Times and its website, tampabay.com. Katches was previously editorial director at the Center for Investigative Reporting in California. He also led the investigative team at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where his reporters won two Pulitzer Prizes in three years. “Mark is one of the most talented and creative editors in America,” said Times Chairman and CEO Paul Tash, who announced Katches’ appointment to the staff in the Times’ St. Petersburg newsroom. He will start Aug. 20.
— ALOE —
“AAA: Price of gas goes down some more” via Florida Politics — Gas prices in Florida dropped 5 cents during the past week, the AAA said. The average price for gasoline in Florida is averaging $2.75 per gallon. Sunday’s state average is 3.5 cents more than a month ago, and 55 cents more than this time last year … “Oil prices averaged $3-$5 less than the previous three weeks, allowing gas prices to lose value,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Although prices are lower, there is still volatility at the pump as gasoline demand remains high during the summer driving season and global supply concerns persist.”
Florida House gets honored by Adobe Creativity in Government Awards — The Florida House was awarded a “Special Designation” for “Best Videography” for a seven-plus minute video called “The Last Goodbye.” The clip features “senior representatives reflect(ing) upon their time in the Florida House of Representatives.” And that’s not just Republicans: The video includes interviews with outgoing Democratic Leader Janet Cruz of Tampa and Rep. Lori Berman, a Lantana Democrat, both of whom are running for state Senate.
To watch a portion of “The Last Goodbye,” click on the image below:
“Disney World offers extra hours in parks for annual passholders” via John Gregory of Orlando Rising — New “V. I. Passholder” events will be open to Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Annual Passholders. Guests will have to register beforehand with slots being filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, passholder can only register for one of the three events: Aug. 5 at the Magic Kingdom from 10 p.m. to midnight; Sept. 6 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Oct. 25 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be no additional charge to attend the event.
Happy birthday to Mike Fernandez and Ann Howard.
