Peter Schorsch
Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
TRIAL LAWYERS MUST BE HAPPY WITH SENATE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
It will come as no surprise that trial lawyers are looking to shoot the moon this Legislative Session.
They already made a power play during the 2016 election cycle. The Florida Justice Association, through its political committee Florida Justice PAC, spent at least $4.5 million since the beginning of 2015, much of which went to candidates or affiliated committees.
The group was also involved in two dozen state House and Senate primary races this year; and all but one of those candidates — Dwight Bullard, who lost his Senate District 40 race to Frank Artiles — were sworn into office last month.
But if you need more evidence of the clout plaintiffs’ attorneys are angling for, look no further than the make-up of the 2016-18 Senate committees.
While conventional wisdom tells us trial attorneys won’t get jilted under Senate President Joe Negron (an attorney) and House Speaker Richard Corcoran (ditto), the appointments to several key Senate committees appears to have already given trial attorneys — and their interests — a leg up.
Need an example? Take a look at the Banking and Insurance committee.
Chaired by Sen. Anitere Flores, the nine-person committee has four members for whom the Florida Justice PAC played Daddy Warbucks during the primaries. One of those members? Gary Farmer, the former president of the Florida Justice Association, which prides itself on “upholding the civil justice system and fighting for consumer rights.”
On the “About Gary” section of his campaign site, Farmer says he “spent almost his entire career fighting for the rights of consumers, fair and just compensation, and the protection of the civil justice system and full access to courts.” And as he points out, he’s made a career of representing patients and consumers that were “wronged by various corporations, hospitals and insurance companies’ deceptive trade practices.”
So, what the heck? Let’s put the guy who has made his bones suing insurance companies on the committee that is tasked with, in part, vetting legislation aimed at regulating the insurance industry. (Sounds like Negron is taking a page from the Donald Trump Cabinet selection playbook.)
Also on the committee — Greg Steube, Randolph Bracy and Debbie Mayfield. All of which had the backing of the trial attorneys in their recent elections.
In a year where insurance issues rule the roost — assignment of benefits, workers’ compensation and PIP reform are just a few of the issues that could be on the table — you have to wonder, what message does having a Banking and Insurance committee that has four trial lawyer-friendly members really send to the business industry? (Hint: The courthouse is open for business.)
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FLORIDA HOUSE RELEASES COMPLETE LEADERSHIP LIST, COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS via Florida Politics – The House released its full 2016-18 committee and subcommittee assignments and chairs. “I am proud of the way the new process was handled by all involved – applicants and chairs alike,” Speaker Corcoran said in a statement. “All who participated have my respect and will be called upon to use their talents and knowledge to transform the way government works for the people of Florida.” Corcoran, who said he wanted to “decentralize authority,” said the decisions were made based on “member consultations, preferences, committee chair interviews, leadership team meetings, and input from the Minority Leader (Democrat Janet Cruz of Tampa).” The full list is here.
TWEET, TWEET: @Jason_Garcia: New Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran puts a Morgan & Morgan attorney in charge of the House’s Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee.
SHOT on Sunday – “Panhandle will lack clout in capitol” via will Isern of the Pensacola News-Journal
CHASER on Monday – “Speaker Announces Formation Of Select Committee On Triumph Gulf Coast” via a press release
AUSTERITY BUDGET LOOMS DESPITE FLORIDA’S IMPROVED STATE REVENUE FORECAST via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — The Legislature may have nearly $140 million more to spend next year than previously expected, but that won’t save lawmakers from difficult choices during the spring legislative session. The revenue forecast for the fiscal year ending in June could run $118.3 million ahead of the previous forecast in September, according to preliminary numbers approved Monday by Florida’s Revenue Estimating Conference. They could run $20 million ahead during the 2017-18 fiscal year, beginning July 1. But within the context of this year’s $82.3 billion state budget for 2016-17, that amounts to a “very minor adjustment,” said Amy Baker, coordinator for the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research. “It helps. It’s positive,” Baker said. But “we’re pretty much on forecast. We’re not really changing the trajectory.” … Drags on the state’s economy include declining levels of tourism by Canadians and other overseas visitors, reflecting the strong dollar; and increasing school enrollment. On the other hand, Medicare spending appeared to be declining, Baker said. The state saw a $50 million hole in revenues during November; it was not clear to forecasters whether this reflected businesses that closed as Hurricane Matthew raked the Florida coast.
JOE NEGRON PUSHES BACK AGAINST IDEA HOUSE IS MORE CONSERVATIVE THAN SENATE via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – Negron is taking on an age-old Tallahassee narrative that the House is more conservative than the upper-chamber he now leads … Negron’s comments came during two public events at the Capitol Monday, one in which he met with his new committee chairs and another in which he spoke to reporters. Negron says the idea is “hackneyed,” and cited his top two legislative priorities as examples : boosting the state’s colleges and universities, and buying land south of lake Okeechobee. “I think it would be an insult to conservatives that academic mediocrity would somehow be a byproduct of conservative thought,” Negron said of his higher education ideas. “That is nothing more or less than implementing the will of the people,” Negron said.
30 APPLY TO NEGRON FOR CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION via Florida Politics – A former Senate President, Secretary of State, and state Supreme Court Justice have applied to Senate President Negron for a seat on the panel that reviews the state’s constitution every 20 years. At last tally, 30 people had applied for one of Negron’s nine picks to the Constitution Revision Commission, according to a list provided by his office. They include former Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who was term limited out of office this year. Gaetz also served as Senate President 2012-14. Also, lobbyist and former lawmaker Sandra Mortham, who also was the elected Secretary of State 1995-99. One of the changes from the last commission was making the position appointed by the governor. And retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Wells, who was on the bench 1994-2009. Wells also was chief justice during the 2000 presidential election challenge and recount.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT SOUGHT TO BOOST FLORIDA’S BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – A joint resolution filed last week by state Sen. Travis Hutson would turn vetoed appropriations into the Budget Stabilization fund’s gain. That is, if the voters approve a Constitutional Amendment to that effect. Senate Joint Resolution 116 proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would require the transfer of the amount of a vetoed specific appropriation originating from the General Revenue Fund to the Budget Stabilization Fund. The proposed legislation also stipulates that the amount transferred may not be used in calculating the Budget Stabilization Fund’s principal balance limitation, and to provide for the transfer of funds for vetoed specific appropriations that are reinstated.
GEORGE GAINER HITS GROUND RUNNING AS NEW STATE SENATOR via John Henderson of the Panama City News-Herald – Gainer has hit the ground running, laying out an agenda for the coming session, opening three legislative offices and networking with the top leaders in the Legislature. “It was just absolutely overwhelming, the support of the people that came out to cheer me on,” he said. Gainer has purchased a condominium across the street from the Capitol to be close by when he’s needed. He also is opening offices on the third floor of the Bay County Government Center, as well as in Marianna and Destin. “Now that the election season is over, the real work begins,” he said. ” I pledge to the residents of District 2 to work tirelessly on their behalf, to make wise decisions that benefit all of Florida, and to ensure that, in particular, Northwest Florida has a strong voice looking out for the welfare of our region of the state.”
GREG STEUBE FIRES UP OPEN CARRY BILL FOR 2017 SESSION via Allison Nielsen of the Sunshine State News – SB 140, is sponsored by Steube who introduced the measure last year when he was a state representative. If passed, the bill would allow Florida’s 1.7 million concealed carry permit holders to openly carry their firearms. The more sweeping part of the measure, however, would eliminate gun-free zones in places like secondary schools, local centers and government meeting areas. The bill would not allow CCW permit holders to carry their firearms on college or athletic events and restrictions would still exist on carrying guns to restaurants and bars. Any permit holder in violation of the restrictions in the bill would face a misdemeanor charge. Last year, former state Rep. Matt Gaetz introduced the bill in the House. The proposal sailed through that chamber, but faced opposition in the Senate. Former Sen. Miguel Díaz de la Portilla was at the center of the failure of many pro-gun bills last year, since he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee where many of the bills, including open carry, breathed their last breaths. This year, Diaz de la Portilla isn’t a senator and Steube chairs that committee, setting up a friendlier environment for the measure to make its way through.
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DAYS UNTIL: Premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – 2; Inauguration Day – 37; Pitchers & catchers start reporting for Spring Training – 63; Start of 2017 Legislative Session – 94: Election Day 2017 – 328: Election Day 2018 – 695.
RICK SCOTT TO MEET WITH DONALD TRUMP’S PICK TO REPEAL AND REPLACE OBAMACARE via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times – Scott will be in Washington … to meet with Rep. Tom Price, whom President-elect Trump has picked as his health secretary. Scott, whose opposition to Obamacare drove him into politics, will offer his thoughts on how to repeal the 2010 law, a spokeswoman said. The meeting is set for the afternoon. Price is an orthopedic surgeon from Georgia who has offered his own plans. If confirmed, he would oversee one of the GOP’s main objectives — a task that while popular among Republicans will be difficult given the complexity of Obamacare.
ASSIGNMENT EDITORS: Gov. Scott will highlight recent job creation in the economic impact of seaports at an event at Port Tampa Bay beginning 9 a.m., East Port Terminal, 3409 Causeway Boulevard in Tampa.
CONGRESS APPROVES EVERGLADES PROJECT AIMED AT BRINGING WATER SOUTH via Jenny Staletovich of the Miami Herald – Everglades restoration scored a major victory over the weekend when Congress approved a long-awaited waterworks bill. The $10 billion bill comes at the end of a year filled with water woes that wilted Florida Bay and left Treasure Coast estuaries coated in slimy green algae, and includes authorization for the Central Everglades Planning Project. The $1.9 billion project, which splits the tab between the state and federal government, is intended to speed up work critical to reviving the flow of water south to keep marshes healthy and help fend off saltwater intrusion threatening South Florida’s water supplies. The bill now goes to the White House for final approval.
— “Sen. Marco Rubio poised to play role in investigation into Russian hacking” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
PERSONNEL NOTE: CHARLIE CRIST TAPS HILL VETERAN ERIN MOFFET AS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR via Florida Politics – Moffet has spent nearly seven years running the press operations for Florida members serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. A former resident of West Palm Beach, Moffet has deep experience as a communicator in the Florida congressional delegation. Moffet got her start as Press Secretary for Congressman Alcee Hastings and later became Communications Director for Congresswoman Lois Frankel. She currently serves as Communications Director for retiring Congressman Patrick Murphy, working in his Congressional office since 2013 as well as on his successful House campaigns in 2012 and 2014. Moffet received her undergraduate degree from Elon University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, with a concentration in political communications.
HAPPENING FRIDAY: Nicole Valls and The Valls Family, along with Slater Bayliss, Jeb Bush, Jr., Luis Andre Gazitua are hosting an election celebration for U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo beginning 12:15 p.m. at Casa Cuba 5859 SW. 73rd St. in South Miami. Tickets are $25 per person, free for active members of Maverick PAC. RSVP at MaverickPAC.com.
DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ’S DISTRICT DIRECTOR QUITS FOR GOVERNMENT CONSULTANT JOB via Amy Sherman of the Miami Herald – Wasserman Schultz‘s longtime district director, Jodie Bock Davidson, has taken a new job as a government consultant for Colodny Fass law firm in Sunrise. The firm lobbies for the Broward School Board, the Florida League of Cities, Disney and several insurance clients in Tallahassee. Davidson said she will be based out of South Florida although Michael Colodny said she will also consult in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. Davidson has worked for South Florida Democrats for two decades and joined Wasserman Schultz when she was first elected to Congress in 2004. Previously, Davidson served as deputy district director to U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek and was the Florida Political Director for John Kerry for president in 2004. She also worked as a legislative aide to former state representatives Nan Rich and Ken Gottlieb. Wasserman Schultz hired Lori Green, a past president of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, to replace Davidson.
SIX MONTHS LATER ORLANDO CONTEMPLATES UNITY, LOSS FROM PULSE via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – Southeast of downtown Orlando, at the city’s Greenwood Cemetery, the Earthly remains of Cory James Connell, Anthony L. Laureano Disla, Leroy “Indara” Valentin Fernandez, and Alejandro Barrios Martinez reside together in still-fresh graves, grouped near the fence along Anderson Street. The flowers adorning their stones also are fresh, as is the loss, the horror, and the pain of the June 12 Pulse gay nightclub shooting that put them there. It’s been six months since madman Omar Mateen shot Connell, Laureano Disla, Fernandez, Barrios Martinez, and 45 other people to death, wounded scores of others, and injured the lives of countless others. The city, the region, the LGBTQ community, and the Hispanic community all were shaken and pledged unity forever. Orlando United. Remarkable political embraces have taken place and appear to have brought new shared understanding. No place might ever know-how such binding of souls necessary in the wake of something like Pulse can change people, and a city. On Monday, an early-morning vigil took place at Pulse. Events are planned later today at The LGBT Center of Central Florida, and the Orange County Regional History Center.
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FLORIDA SHERIFFS WANT TO BE HEARD ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA via Matt Galka of the Capitol News Service – Now that Amendment 2 passed and expanded medical marijuana will be allowed in the state, it’s unclear how law enforcement will handle it. The Florida Sheriff’s Association did not back the measure and even opposed the 2014 attempt. Recent studies indicate that medical marijuana sales in Florida could top the one-billion-dollar mark in the next three years. “We didn’t think it was appropriate for that to be in the state’s constitution,” said Jerry Demings, president of the Florida Sheriff’s Association. Now that Amendment 2 has passed, law enforcement still has their concerns and hope the legislature hears them. “We want to make certain that as the rules are put in place that the packaging of the different products,” Demings said. “So that if it falls in the hands of unsuspecting individuals, children, that it doesn’t look like it’s something that it’s not.” And supporters agree that law enforcement should have a seat at the table while Amendment 2 is implemented. Medical Marijuana Business Association founders Jeff Sharkey and Taylor Biehl believe the sheriff’s voice will be heard.
APPEALS COURT SETS SPEEDY ARGUMENTS OVER WORKERS’ COMP PREMIUM HIKE via Michael Moline of Florida Politics – The 1st District Court of Appeal gave the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and the National Council on Compensation Insurance, or NCCI, until Jan. 11 to file its arguments on the merits of the case. James Fee, the Miami workers’ compensation attorney behind the lawsuit, then will have until Jan. 23 to respond in writing. Each side will have until Feb. 2 to file their final briefs. “No extensions of time shall be entertained by this court on any matter absent a bona fide showing of emergency circumstances,” the court said. Also in the order dated Monday, the appeal court formally blocked a trial judge’s holding that NCCI and state regulators calculated the premium increase in violation of Florida’s open-government laws.
KEVIN MCCARTY MISSES OUT ON JOB LEADING NAT’L INSURANCE ASSOCIATION via Michael Moline of Florida Politics – The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has passed over former chief Florida insurance regulator Kevin McCarty in selecting its next chief executive officer. The organization went with Michael Consedine, former insurance commissioner for Pennsylvania.The CEO represents the state insurance regulators who comprise the association and acts as go-between with federal and international policymakers, the states, and consumer and industry representatives. SNL Financial had reported in January that McCarthy was discussing the job with other insurance commissioners. McCarty, who had served as president of the association, tendered his resignation as insurance commissioner in January under pressure from Gov. Scott.
AFTER $700M FLORIDA DEAL, IS HARRIS CORP. LOOKING TO SELL ITS GOVERNMENT RADIO BUSINESS? via Florida Politics – Harris Corp. is casting doubt on the future of its public-sector business in Florida after reports emerged of plans to sell one of its key satellite communications companies. Last month, the Melbourne-based communications firm announced it would sell CapRock Communications to SpeedCast International Ltd. for an estimated $425 million. However, November saw Harris agreeing to a $700 million contract with the State of Florida for the creation and maintenance of a statewide communications network … The terms of the contract include a seven-year base and an option for seven yearly renewals. Speculation on the prospective sale goes back as far as August, when James Bach of the Washington Business Journal reported that JANA Partners, LLC — the group behind the divestiture of Computer Sciences Corp’s government services sector – acquired a stake in Harris. This move caught the interest of analysts at Moody’s Investors Service and J. P. Morgan, which suggested a possibility Harris would get rid of additional non-core assets, including its government information technology services … Bach also notes it is also evident that the company is looking to shed several of its business lines. Bach writes: “[Harris Corp.] CEO William Brown said in August that the company would ‘dispassionately, objectively and aggressively assess which businesses strategically fit and are a better value to Harris, as well as which businesses may be a better value on their own or with a third party.’” This plan will mean one of two things: a wholesale gutting of Harris’ government services segment or putting the division up for sale for an estimated price tag of nearly $1 billion.
WHAT KEYNA CORY IS READING – “Facing tough recycling goals, some in waste industry suggest making changes” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida
JOSE VAZQUEZ SAYS “MENTAL FATIGUE” CAUSED MISSED HEARING via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – … in his own lawsuit challenging state Rep. Dan Raulerson‘s re-election this year. Vazquez may have even more on his mind: The Florida Elections Commission now is suing him for unpaid fines levied for campaign finance reporting irregularities from his unsuccessful 2014 campaign … Vazquez, who is representing himself, is seeking to disqualify Raulerson, a Plant City Republican, from his House District 58 seat. Vazquez was his unsuccessful Democratic opponent. The suit says Raulerson’s notary had incorrectly used “correction fluid” on his filing paperwork. The state’s notary manual says no correction fluid of any kind is allowed on notarized documents. Specifically, Vazquez has said Raulerson’s notary “improperly completed” his paperwork by whiting out the date on her notarization of his financial disclosure, changing it from an April to a June date. He told FloridaPolitics.com he was “fatigued” and distracted by family problems and simply got his dates confused. He said he is going to request another hearing date. But Vazquez now also is a defendant in a separate suit filed last week in Leon County. State election officials say he never paid $250 in fines from not filing required campaign reports from his 2014 run for Raulerson’s seat.
NEW LOBBYING REGISTRATIONS
Travis Blanton, Jon Johnson, Melanie Brown, Darrick McGhee, Johnson & Blanton: Florida Airports Council
Liz Dudek, Greenberg Traurig: Red Tree Health
Gregory Herman: KPMG
Nicole Jefferson: Amazon Corporate, LLC
Jonathan Menendez, Kaleo Partners: Presidio Networked Solutions
Brandon Peck, Flywheel Government Solutions: Johnson Controls, Inc.
NEW ON THE TWITTERS: @PooleMcKinley
SHOT: “Here’s Southern Strategy Group’s much anticipated Christmas card” via Adam Smith on Monday.
CHASER: “First Look: Southern Strategy Group’s 2016 Holiday Card” via Florida Politics from last Thursday.
>>>Bottom line: Smith thinks he’s first on the Christmas card beat, but even there, he’s late to the party.
APPOINTED: Peter Crocitto to the Commission for Independent Education.
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ON THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF THE ROTUNDA – After whistleblowers revealed evidence of inmate abuse and cover-ups at the Florida Department of Corrections, the state agreed to settle a retaliation lawsuit for $800,000. On Trimmel Gomes’ latest episode of The Rotunda, attorney Ryan Andrews who handled the case discusses another pending lawsuit with a whistleblower who sought First Amendment right protections for sharing his story on The Rotunda in 2015. Gomes also tells the story of “Charlie’s Angels” on Florida’s Supreme Court with U.S. Rep.-elect Charlie Crist and Justice James E.C. Perry who is retiring at the end of the year.
PROGRAMMING NOTE – Extensive Enterprises Media’s Peter Schorsch, among other possibly more important but certainly not more informed guests, will appear on “The Year End Review” and “A Look Ahead” shows, to be aired on the following dates at 8 a.m. on FOX Sports Sunday: Tuesday, Dec. 13; Tuesday, Dec. 20; Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Tuesday, Jan. 3. The shows can also be seen on www.capitaldatelineonline.
‘I CRIED ALL THE WAY HOME’: BOY WHO ASKED FOR LAST WISH DIES IN SANTA’S ARMS via Sam Venable of USA TODAY – Eric Schmitt-Matzen looks every bit the Santa Claus … Schmitt-Matzen’s snowy beard is the real thing, albeit regularly bleached to maintain its whiteness. He’s professionally trained. Custom-tailored in red. Works approximately 80 gigs annually. Wife Sharon plays an authentic Mrs. Claus. His cellphone, with a Jingle Bells ringtone, continually counts down the days until Christmas. The whole shtick is designed to spread joy and have fun. Which it does – except for the role he played several weeks ago at a local hospital. “I cried all the way home,” Schmitt-Matzen told me. “I was crying so hard, I had a tough time seeing good enough to drive … I was a basket case for three days. It took me a week or two to stop thinking about it all the time. Actually, I thought I might crack up and never be able to play the part again.” This is what happens when a terminally ill child dies in Santa’s arms. “The telephone rang. It was a nurse I know who works at the hospital. She said there was a very sick 5-year-old boy who wanted to see Santa Claus. Schmitt-Matzen got to the hospital in 15 minutes. “I sized up the situation and told everyone, ‘If you think you’re going to lose it, please leave the room. If I see you crying, I’ll break down and can’t do my job.’” Nobody entered with him. They watched, sobbing, from a hallway window in the Intensive Care Unit. “When I walked in, he was laying there, so weak it looked like he was ready to fall asleep. I sat down on his bed and asked, ‘Say, what’s this I hear about you’re gonna miss Christmas? There’s no way you can miss Christmas! Why, you’re my No. 1 elf!’ … He looked up and said, ‘I am?’ I said, ‘Sure!’ … I gave him the present. He was so weak he could barely open the wrapping paper. When he saw what was inside, he flashed a big smile and laid his head back down. ‘They say I’m gonna die,’ he told me. ‘How can I tell when I get to where I’m going?’ … I said, ‘Can you do me a big favor?’ … He said, ‘Sure!’ … When you get there, you tell ’em you’re Santa’s No. 1 elf, and I know they’ll let you in … He said, ‘They will?’ I said, ‘Sure!’ … I wrapped my arms around him. Before I could say anything, he died right there. I let him stay, just kept hugging and holding on to him.”
SALVATION ARMY FEELING THE CHILL AT RED KETTLES by Peter Schorsch
One charity in Florida might be feeling a bit of winter chill, as people in the Tampa Bay area are keeping wallets and purses closed at iconic Salvation Army Red Kettles this season.
As the holidays approach, Salvation Army donations are down by more than 12 percent across the Tampa Bay Area, according to Capt. Andrew Miller, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Tampa and Hillsborough County.
“With less than three weeks left before Christmas, we’re hoping that shoppers will think of their neighbors in need the next time they pass a Salvation Army bellringer and give what they can,” Miller said.
Miller notes that a drop in donations means fewer meals for the hungry and beds for homeless in the Bay Area.
“This is the time of year when The Salvation Army raises most of its individual contributions,” he said. “So any drop in donations could negatively impact The Salvation Army’s ability to meet needs here in Tampa Bay.”
While time is running short, gifts can still be made to Red Kettles, which are stationed in front of Publix, J.C. Penney, and Wal-Mart stores and other local retailers throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Donations provide meals and shelter for families in need and Christmas toys for children, as well as many other services throughout the community. Salvation Army representatives say volunteers served more than 101,000 men, women, and children In Hillsborough and Pinellas counties last year alone.
The Salvation Army encourages will the public to donate this holiday season through either its Red Kettles or at www.SalvationArmyTampaBay.org.
HAPPENING FRIDAY: PASCO COUNTY LEADERS TO HOST FARM SHARE HOLIDAY FOOD GIVEAWAY – Pasco County leaders, including Tax Collector Mike Fasano, House Speaker Corcoran, Sen. Jack Latvala, Sheriff Chris Nocco, Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley and state Rep. Amanda Murphy announce the 22nd Annual Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway for Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The giveaway, which includes fresh food donated by Florida’s farmers and other food items purchased with donations from a very generous community, will be held at Faith Baptist Church located at 9230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. All needy families are welcome. For more information about the giveaway, contact Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector for Communications & Special Projects at 727-847-8179 or [email protected].
WOMAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER BEING RUN OVER BY XMAS PARADE FLOAT via the Pensacola News-Journal – A Pensacola woman is hospitalized in stable condition after she was run over by a float in the Pensacola Christmas Parade Saturday night … Miriam Mims, 59, was at the head of the parade’s line-up area, where floats enter Garden Street from Spring Street, and before the parade units reach the barricaded route, when the incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. Officer Tony Garza said Mims stepped into the street to pick up a parade throw. It is believed that she was bumped from behind as she leaned over, falling into the path of a float that was northbound on Spring Street. The float was moving no faster than two miles per hour, according to Garza. A safety walker with the float, David Chapman of Spanish Fort, Alabama, saw Mims fall into the path of the float’s tires, and with the aid of Jimmy Fields, who attended the parade with Mims, was able to pull her upper body and head from the float’s path. However, the tires still ran over her left torso.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the best in the business, Hayden Dempsey.
