Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The Department of Management Services now has officially given the boot to Harris Corp. over the state’s law enforcement communications network.
DMS Secretary Erin Rock’s 19-page final order, first reported Oct. 8, was filed Tuesday morning. She accepted a recommendation by Administrative Law Judge J. Bruce Culpepper in its totality.
The 30-day clock now can run in which Harris, if it decides to, can appeal the order to the 1st District Court of Appeal.
Meanwhile, Motorola Solutions can plan to take over the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS).
The deal, which likely will need legislative review and approval, is valued at over half a billion dollars.
The system is “a single, unified digital radio network that meets the radio voice communications needs of state law enforcement officers and other participating agencies throughout the state,” according to the DMS website.
Melbourne-based Harris had challenged the award to Motorola this March. It held the contract for the SLERS since September 2000.
Evening Reads
“Marco Rubio: U.S. risks ‘credibility on human rights’ with weak response to Khashoggi disappearance” via Rebecca Morin of POLITICO
“Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 21 in Florida” via Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald
“After Michael’s fury, hardest-hit counties say changes in voting are needed” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Rick Scott issues ultimatum to Verizon: Give me a plan to restore service, and treat customers fairly” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“Scott won’t pick three state Supreme Court justices, but here’s why he wins anyway” via Jason Garcia of Florida Trend
“New Florida GOP Spanish-language ads boost Ron DeSantis, bash ‘extreme left’ donors” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Everglades champion and foe of Big Sugar endorses DeSantis” via Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel
“DeSantis rose by trafficking in racist, Islamophobic conspiracy theories” via Amanda Terkel of Huffington Post
“The governor candidates aren’t mentioning it, but a woman’s right to choose is now a major campaign issue” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix
“Stephanie Murphy, Mike Miller draw distinctions on guns, abortion, climate change, economic plans” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Dana Young’s fundraising lead grows to $1.6 million over Janet Cruz” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics
“Second complaint filed against Cruz” via David Bishop of Fla. News Online
“Jeff Brandes is sitting on a gold mine compared to challenger, Lindsay Cross” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics
“Linda Jack hits Amber Mariano for ‘failed representation’ in new ad” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
“Anna Eskamani denounces Lindsey Graham for Iranian ancestry remark” via Steve Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
Quote of the Day
“If the Governor identifies an unmet need that requires swift legislative action, we will certainly work with him to address it.” — incoming Senate President Bill Galvano on Hurricane Michael recovery.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Re-employment Assistance Appeals Commission will meet at 9:30 a.m., 101 Rhyne Building, 2740 Centerview Dr., Tallahassee.
Staff members for GOP U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will hold “mobile” office hours in Marion and Miami-Dade counties: 10 a.m., Marion County Library, 2720 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala; noon, North Dade Regional Library, 2455 N.W. 183rd St., Miami Gardens.
Democratic Lt. Gov. nominee Chris King joins health care professionals and local leaders for a news conference on running mate Andrew Gillum’s plan to expand access to affordable health care. That’s at 11:30 a.m., Barnett Park, 4801 West Colonial Dr., Orlando.
The state Office of Insurance Regulation will hold a hearing on a proposal that could lead to an average 13.4 percent reduction in workers’ compensation insurance rates next year. That’s at 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
The Florida Development Finance Corp. Board of Directors will meet. That’s at 2 p.m., Florida Development Finance Corp., 156 Tuskawilla Road, Suite 2340, Winter Springs. Call-in number: 1-646-741-5292. Code: 1124184256.
A fundraising reception is scheduled for state Rep. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican running in Senate District 23. Gruters and Democrat Olivia Babis are trying to succeed Sen. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican running for Congress. That’s at 5:30 p.m., Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.
Republican Joe Wicker will raise money for his campaign in Hillsborough County’s House District 59. Wicker and Democrat Adam Hattersley are competing to replace Rep. Ross Spano, a Dover Republican running for Congress. That’s at 5:30 p.m., Curry Law Group, 750 West Lumsden Road, Brandon.
Democratic candidates Catherine Price (SD 26), Allen Ellison (CD 17), and Audrey Asciutto (HD 55) will meet with rural voters. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Beef O’ Brady’s Restaurant, 608 S. Parrott Ave., Okeechobee.
