Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Do you own a meerkat? Java sparrow? An African giant pouched rat?
They’re soon going to be illegal to have but don’t worry. State wildlife regulators are giving you a pass.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Tuesday published proposed rules “grandfathering (in) people currently in possession of species being added to the ‘Prohibited’ species list for personal use.”
It added that the “changes are proposed to improve rule clarity and address high-risk species.”
A hearing on the proposed language is set for Feb. 20 and 21 at the FWC’s next regular meeting in Gainesville.
Also on the list: Flying foxes, raccoon dogs, yellow anaconda and the Red-whiskered Bulbul (it’s a bird).
Evening Reads
“Rick Scott Comes Out Swinging at the Maduro Regime” via Kevin Derby of Florida Daily
“Is the I-4 corridor finally gaining clout again in Washington?” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Ron DeSantis: Airbnb ‘on Florida’s hit list’ if West Bank policy doesn’t change” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
“DeSantis activates script while filling state high court” via Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post
“New Florida health chief was once tied to record-shredding scandal” via Jerry Iannelli of the Miami New Times
“Upheaval continues over dismissals at Broward County sheriff’s office” via Diane Rado of the Florida Phoenix
“Education bills continue to mount as Florida legislative session nears” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
“Spencer Roach lobbies federal officials to pay Coast Guard during shutdown” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“The influence of the Federalist Society stretches from the FL Supreme Court to everyday Floridians. But what is it?” via Diane Rado of the Florida Phoenix
“Shutdown leaves Florida SNAP recipients, food banks in need” via Samantha Gross of the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Quote of the Day
“When you target Jews for disfavored treatment, that is the essence of anti-Semitism.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis at a news conference on Airbnb.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The State Board of Education will meet in Northwest Florida, with new Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran taking part in his first meeting. That’s at 9 a.m. (Central time), Pensacola State College, Switzer Center for Visual Arts, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola.
Legislative delegations continue to meet in advance of the 2019 Legislative Session:
—The Indian River County legislative delegation meets at 9 a.m., Indian River County Commission chamber, 1801 27th St., Building A, Vero Beach.
— The Lafayette County legislative delegation meets at 10 a.m., Lafayette County Courthouse, 120 West Main St., Mayo.
— The Dixie County legislative delegation meets at 1 p.m., Dixie County Commission chamber, 214 N.E. Highway 351, Cross City.
— The Gilchrist County legislative delegation meets at 4 p.m., Gilchrist County Commission, 210 South Main St., Trenton.
The state Office of Insurance Regulation will conclude a two-day insurance “summit.” That’s at 9 a.m., Augustus B. Turnbull Florida State Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.
The Florida Citrus Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Florida Department of Citrus, 605 East Main St., Bartow.
The Restoration Association of Florida will host a ‘town hall’ on property repairs and insurance issues in the Panhandle after Hurricane Michael. That’s at 10 a.m. (Central time), Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Beachfront, 15505 Front Beach Road, Panama City.
Political consultant and commentator Dick Morris will speak to the Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club. That’s at 11:30 a.m., City Fish Market, 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton.
