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.
Good morning from the Promenade Bar on Deck 3 of the Disney Magic. Current location is 46.20.36 N, 10.42.59 W. Course is 48 degrees. The nearest land is Brest, France. On Saturday, we visited the Azores, which is simply one of the most beautiful places on this Earth. The highlight of the exclusion was taking a 4×4 along the rim of the dormant volcano overlooking Lagoa das Sete Cidades – two small, ecologically different lakes connected by a narrow strait.
The legend of how Lagoa das Sete Cidades came to be (which some believe finds its origins with the fall of Atlantis) is worth reading. It’s a day at sea before arriving Tuesday in the Isle of Portland, home to Stonehenge.
— DECISION TIME —
Gov. Rick Scott has some decisions to make this week.
Should he he codify a prohibition against shark finning established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and OK a proposal making it easier for cottage food operations to sell and accept payment for goods over the internet? And will this be the week he finally pulls out his veto pen?
The Governor has until Tuesday to act on nine bills, including a bill (HB 185) to provide foster families free annual passes to Florida State Parks; and legislation (HB 711) that reduces state vessel registration fees for vessels equipped with an emergency position-indicating radio beacon. Scott needs to act on eight more bills — including a bill (SB 18) to compensate Victor Barahona $3.75 million in an abuse case that took the life of his twin sister, Nubia — by Wednesday.
Scott also needs to act on a bill (SB 106) that would remove the ‘wall of separation’ between hard liquor and other goods by Wednesday. The oft-referred to “whiskey and Wheaties” bill passed by slim margins in the House and Senate, and opponents to the measure have spent weeks urging the Naples Republican to veto the bill.
With so many people lining up against the bill, it remains to be seen whether Scott will act on the bill. Opponents, including independent liquor stores, are calling the proposal a job killer, something that could sway Scott, the “jobs” governor, to pull out his veto pen.
So, what will it be: With he sign it into law, veto it or just let it become law without his signature?
Tick tock, Gov. Scott.
Assignment editors: Gov. Scott will attend a groundbreaking at 10 a.m. for KPMG Learning, Development and Innovation Facility on Lake Nona Boulevard in Orlando. He’ll then highlight job growth at 2 p.m. at Sunoptic Technologies, 6018 Bowdendale Avenue in Jacksonville.
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— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“Is the Florida Legislature broken?” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald: It was 9 p.m. on the night after the Legislative session was supposed to have ended and Sen. Tom Lee got a phone call. ‘What have you done?’ asked a former chairman of the board of governors for the University of South Florida.
The Republican from Thonotosassa and former Senate president who had helped broker negotiations with the House over a K-12 education reform was perplexed by what he heard. He had no idea that Senate President Joe Negron had consented the day before to making it harder for USF, Lee’s hometown school, to become the state’s third ‘preeminent’ university by imposing strict new graduation standards. The changes were part of a budget deal Negron had reached with House Speaker Richard Corcoran the day before, and, while it was pivotal to resolving the impasse that had sent the session into overtime, it could cost USF millions of new dollars each year. …
So began the fallout over what has become another controversial ending to a legislative session in which the House speaker and Senate president exploited a loophole in the rules and dictated the terms of 15 take-it or leave-it policy bills that would be subject to no amendments. As legislative leaders lurched from representative democracy to autocratic control, the strategy raises questions about whether the system on which the Florida Legislature is built is flawed or broken.
>>> To answer Mary Ellen’s question, no, the Legislature is not broken. Her story is only the latest example of her letting her bias seep into her reporting. She doesn’t like conservative Republican policies and she frames her reporting from that perspective.
“Most of public wants veto of HB 7069, Gov. Scott’s office indicates” via Kristen Clark of the Miami Herald – By a margin of at least 3-to-1 so far, Floridians are telling Gov. Scott they want him to veto a controversial $419 million K-12 public schools bill House Republicans pushed through at the end of session, according to information requested from Scott’s office … In the 10 days since lawmakers approved HB 7069, the state’s Republican governor has been inundated with roughly 10,000 emails, phone calls, letters and petition signatures urging him to either sign or reject the bill. Both sides have been vocal, but the cries from the opposition — advocates of traditional public school — have been greater in number so far, based on tallies provided by Scott’s office.
“Rick Scott on schools bill: ‘If people want to get involved, get involved’” via Kristen Clark of the Miami Herald – Scott said he had not yet heard that two charter schools in Hialeah were offering parents an incentive in exchange for letters supporting a massive K-12 public schools bill. “I was not informed somebody was doing it that way, but if people want to get involved, get involved,” said Scott, who added that he encourages constituents to engage with elected officials. Asked more broadly for his take on HB 7069, Scott said he wants “to make sure every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve, whether you go to a traditional public school or a charter school.” Scott has not yet given any inkling as to his plans for vetoing parts or all of the budget.
— Neither HB 7069 nor the main budget act have yet reached Scott’s desk. Once they do, he’ll have 15 days to either sign them, veto them or let them become law without his signature.
“All aboard the gambling gravy train” via Nancy Smith of the Sunshine State News – It wasn’t their intention, but Florida Supreme Court justices’ Gretna decision sure started the engine on the Legislature’s 2018 gravy train. When the high court affirmed that the Legislature, not the voters, have the authority to decide whether pari-mutuels can add lucrative games … All of a sudden, it’s Happy Hour for President Negron, House Speaker Corcoran, Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala, House Government Accountability Chair Matt Caldwell, not to mention the next President and Speaker waiting on deck — in fact, any legislative leader chasing cash for a higher-office run in 2018. Gaming interests are the gravy train. Period. Gambling bills die so legislators and lobbyists can resurrect them, inviting the roar of special-interest campaign donations for their political committees in an election year. At the end of the session, when lawmakers fail to enact anything, the gravy train turns from a train into a cruise to nowhere.
“Big-box chains, others make one last push for ‘whiskey & Wheaties’” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – Costco now is joining Wal-Mart, Target and others in one last push to get Gov. Scott to sign a bill to remove the ‘wall of separation’ between hard liquor and other goods. Their Floridians For Fair Business Practices coalition released a tranche of letters sent to Scott encouraging him to OK the legislation (SB 106) … They also include representatives of Whole Foods Market, the Distilled Spirits Council and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. It could be an uphill fight—as of Wednesday, the Governor’s Office reported 2,649 emails opposed to the bill and 315 supporting, as well as 3,245 people who signed a petition against the bill. The office also took 177 calls against and 123 for, and 569 printed letters opposed and seven letters in favor—all from pro-bill coalition members, spokeswoman Lauren Schenone said.
“Susie Plakon honored for role in passing HB 883 for memory disorder clinic” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – Plakon, wife of state Rep. Scott Plakon, was honored Thursday for inspiring HB 883 for the creation of a memory disorder clinic at Florida Hospital – a victory for a woman who is herself battling Alzheimer’s disease. The Florida based hospital unveiled a plaque declaring, “Florida Hospital proudly honors Susie Plakon for her courage and inspiration to help pass HB 883. The Maturing Minds Clinic was created to address the growing need for care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” … “That was a really nice moment this morning,” said Scott Plakon.
— WHO WANTS TO BE A SPEAKER-AIRE? —
A majority of GOP freshmen met this weekend at a Central Florida law firm to discuss the 2022 Speaker’s race.
Held at Vose Law Firm in Winter Park, the meeting gave members in attendance a chance to hear from four likely candidates — Reps. Byron Donalds, Randy Fine, Jamie Grant, and Paul Renner — ahead of a June 30 vote to decide the class leader. The meeting, according to a House member present, was called by Rep. Bob Rommel, a Naples Republican, who wanted to have a candidate forum ahead.
— Each candidate was given 15 minutes to speak, before the floor was opened up to questions from members.
— Matt Dixon reported that Reps. Frank White, Jayer Williamson, Alex Miller, Jackie Toledo, Erin Grall and Don Hanhfeldt were not in attendance.
— The class agreed to vote by secret ballot, and a proposal to knock out the lowest vote-getters if more than two candidates are running, essentially survivor-style balloting, appears to still be under consideration, according to a House member in attendance.
— Some members indicated Grant and White, who was believed to be considering a run for Speaker, could be in trouble because of what has become known in the caucus as “text-gate.”
— Speaker Corcoran told Dixon he did not believe the meeting violated the Republican caucus rules. “While I was not in Orlando, my expectation is that the members of the freshman class conducted themselves In a manner consistent with the letter and spirit of our Republican Conferee rules.”
Bottom line: Grant and White need lock themselves in a room until they determine which of them has the best chance to be Speaker.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Patrick Murphy raises cash, but undecided about political future” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Former U.S. Rep Patrick Murphy has continued to raise campaign cash amid speculation about his political future, but he says he’s made no concrete decisions. “I want to stay involved to do what I can to stay involved and help like-minded Democrats,” Murphy told POLITICO Florida Thursday. “I miss public service, but I don’t miss the House much, especially with Trump and all.” … Despite uncertainty about his political future, Murphy has again started raising money for PEM PAC, a political action committee that uses his initials as its title. The committee has not raised any money since the 2016 election cycle ended, but is again sending fundraising emails.
“Adam Putnam, Jack Latvala make public appearances in Pensacola” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News-Journal – Putnam met with small-business owners … at Dog House Deli in downtown Pensacola. Meanwhile, Latvala told the Panhandle Tiger Bay Club during a lunch at Skopelos at New World Landing that he was considering stepping into the governor’s race and would make a decision by August. “I’m leaning in the direction of running,” Latvala told the News Journal after the lunch. “But I have some other people I want to talk to before I decide and go out on the road and meet with people.” Both Latvala and Putnam said they were unhappy with the cuts to education spending that passed the Legislature during the 2017 session. “I feel 95 percent positive the governor will veto that bill,” Latvala said. “I’ve asked him to veto that bill. Then we start over with the House on the defensive because it’ll be their priority that got beat.”
Shot – Jeremy Wallace of the Tampa Bay Times reported over the weekend that a political committee the Clearwater Republican runs was to meet on Treasure Island with a group of top political consultants.
Chaser – A source going to the dinner described the dinner as “no big deal” and just a dinner with Latvala and five of his consultants and employees.
The real story – Senator Latvala’s mother passed away peacefully Saturday night and the dinner, whatever its purpose, was canceled.
“Philip Levine opens door to running as independent for governor” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times – Maybe Levine was just trying to be provocative, earn a little extra attention as he mulls a run for governor. Maybe he was just spitballing an unlikely idea before the Tampa Tiger Bay luncheon … But the Miami Beach Mayor and close friend of Bill Clinton said he is keeping the door wide-open to running for governor as an independent candidate. “There’s one assumption that you made there – that somehow if I ran for governor I would be a Democratic governor,” Levine, a Democrat, responded when asked how he would work with a GOP-dominated Legislature. “Too much is about Democrat and Republican. It needs to be about the people. … Maybe possibly it’s time we do something different.”
— Levine has been one of the biggest Democratic fundraisers and donors in the state, but he describes himself as a “radical centrist” and noted that successful mayors usually don’t govern based on partisanship but on getting things done.
— Key Levine quote: “I’m a Democrat right now, and I hope that I stay in the Democratic Party. I love the Democratic Party. But you know what’s interesting? I actually like the Republican Party, and I like a lot of Republican ideas, and I like a lot of the people in the Republican Party as well. I think that’s where we need to go as a country – and start in a state like Florida and make that decision that we’re going to change and do it the right way.”
“Simone Marstiller considers run for Attorney General” via John Lucas of the Capitolist – Calling it her “dream job,” the former 1st District Court of Appeal Judge says she is “weighing her options” for a possible candidacy for Florida Attorney General. “I am a public servant at heart and am exploring ways to continue serving the State of Florida,” Marstiller said. “But I’m not at a decision point yet.” The Tallahassee Republican began her legal career working for the state in 1996 in various legal capacities after graduating from Stetson University College of Law. In 2001, she was named assistant general counsel to Gov. Jeb Bush. After leaving to work as general counsel and later interim secretary for the Department of Management Services, Marstiller returned to the Governor’s Office to serve as deputy chief of staff for Bush and later as the state’s chief information officer. Marstiller is no stranger to the Office of Attorney General. Former Attorney General Bill McCollum appointed her associate deputy attorney general in 2007. Three years later, while serving as the executive director of the Florida Elections Commission, Gov. Charlie Crist tabbed Marstiller to serve on the 1st District Court of Appeal. She served on the appeals court for six years.
“Daisy Baez leaves Democratic race for Florida Senate” via Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald — State Rep. Daisy Baez’s short-lived candidacy for the Florida Senate came to end Friday, doomed politically by a crowded Democratic primary and the likelihood that she’d be attacked as a carpetbagger. Baez dropped out of the race for Senate District 40 just 19 days after it began, citing her ailing mother’s deteriorating health. “My life today is a direct reflection of my mother’s decision to immigrate to this country and work multiple jobs to ensure that I could live the American Dream,” Baez, who is Dominican-American, said in a statement. “Just after announcing my intention to run for the Florida Senate, my mother’s health deteriorated and it became clear to me that spending time with her now is of the utmost importance. As her daughter, caring for her is my number one priority. Therefore, I will not pursue a campaign for the Florida Senate.”
Robert Asencio won’t run in SD 40 either — Asencio announced he would not be throwing his hat in the race to replace Frank Artiles in Senate District 40. While Asencio called the special election a “tremendous opportunity,” he said he needed to be “cognizant of the fact (he has) only recently been elected to state office.” He went on to say there are many critical issues in the Florida House he wants to tackle. “Despite having passed several bills in the House as a freshman and the overwhelming support to run for Senate, I am dedicated to this office and to fighting for the people of House District 118,” he said in a statement. “This is my community, my home, and I am proud to continue to serve as their Representative in the Florida House.”
“Scott Boyd declines HD 44 race, backs John Newstreet” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising – The special election race for Florida’s House District 44 became clearer Friday morning when former Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd said he has decided to not run and will back Republican John Newstreet instead. “Solid guy, absolutely the best qualified individual for this position,” Boyd declared of Newstreet in a message to Orlando-Politics.com. Newstreet, the chief executive officer of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, entered the race Thursday, challenging former Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olszewski for the Republican nomination.
— “Bobby Olszewski fundraisers set for Orlando, Miami in HD 44 race” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising
“Citing ‘assault on home rule,’ Kathleen Peters won’t seek fourth term” via SaintPetersBlog — Citing Tallahassee’s battle against home rule, Treasure Island Republican Kathleen Peters has decided against a fourth term in the Florida House, opting instead to seek the District 6 seat on the Pinellas County Commission. “After the legislature launched an all-out assault on local government and home rule this year,” Peters said in a statement. “I found myself reflecting on my community priorities and where I feel I can have the greatest impact. … After long consideration, I have decided to change course and run for County Commission, District 6.” A former mayor, Peters was initially elected to House District 69 in 2012, representing Gulfport, South Pasadena, and several South Pinellas County beaches. She had campaigned on reforms to the Florida mental health system and repairs and improvements to Pinellas County’s failing sewer system.
More legislative hopefuls file to run in 2018 — LobbyTools’ Legislative IQ reports several candidates filed to run for House and Senate in 2018. Republican Brigitte Smith, a longtime nurse and Army veteran, has challenged Ocala Republican Rep. Charlie Stone in House District 22. Smith unsuccessfully ran for Marion County Commission in 2016. Stone was first elected in 2012. Democrat James Schulman has filed to replace Rep. Michael Bileca in House District 115. Schulman is the co-founder and managing partner of The Found Gen, a Coral Gables-based marketing firm. He joins Republicans Vance Aloupis, Carlos Gobel, and Carmen Sotomayor in the race to replace Bileca, who can’t run again because of term limits. Republican Lorenzo Palomares-Starbuck, a lawyer at Miami-based Palomares-Starbuck & Associates, has filed to run in the special election to replace Artiles in Senate District 40.
— STATEWIDE —
“Marco Rubio has little to say about Donald Trump, but a lot about the media” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics – The Florida senator, who turns 46 next weekend, was considered a possible nominee for President of the United States less than 15 months ago, but he’s now just a sideshow in the circus that is the Trump presidency, and he’s getting frustrated about it. Speaking at the Pinellas County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner, Rubio touted his bill to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs … gaining some momentum in the Senate. He said it simply wasn’t sexy enough, without mentioning why the national press is so focused on what Trump has been saying and tweeting, and what his staff is telling the press every day. “It’s not being posted because nobody clicks on those stories, because the stories that get all the clicks are the stories about something controversial and explosive,” he said, adding that, “I’m not here to beat up the press but just because somebody told you something doesn’t mean that’s what happened.”
Spotted: Florida GOP Chairman and state Rep. Blaise Ignoglia in the Oval Office for a meeting of Republican swing state party chairs with President Donald Trump. 
“Andrew Gillum takes swipe at top FDP staffer as campaign eyes anti-establishment lane” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – Gillum issued a blistering statement hammering Florida Democratic Party President Sally Boynton Brown for her remarks this week about the Democratic party base in Florida. Brown said that “this is not going to be popular, but this is my belief of the time and place we’re in now: I believe that we’re in a place where it’s very hard to get voters excited about ‘issues,’ the type of voters that are not voting.” Responding, Gillum said that “for too long, we’ve been guided not by principle but by the so-called politically practical — a belief that we need to avoid issues, sprint to the center, and be a blank slate that shirts with the wind. … That’s why we keep losing.” When asked about Gillum’s statement, Boynton Brown, who was hired in April from the Idaho Democratic Party, issued her own statement apologizing. She said she did “not articulate” her thoughts correctly. “I apologize for my comments and I in no way meant to demean voters in Florida,” she said. “Issues are the backbone of our democracy and the Democratic Party.”
Cue the Democratic circular firing squad:
— “Analysis of the Sally Boynton Brown Controversy” via Sean Phillippi of the Florida Squeeze
— “The Democrats Elitism and Obsession With Identity Could Kill the Party’s Chances For Revival” via Kartik Krishnayer of the Florida Squeeze
— “Sally Boynton Brown, Rich AND Poor Democrats care about issues” via Leslie Wimes for Sunshine State News
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“Gainesville considers renaming Corrine Brown transit center” via The Associated Press – Gainesville city leaders are considering removing the name of former U.S. Rep. Brown from a transit facility in the town following her conviction on federal fraud charges … the Gainesville City Commission considered whether to remove Brown’s name from a Regional Transit System facility, but decided to consider the move at a later meeting. Brown helped secure federal funding for Regional Transit Center in Gainesville, and the facility was named in her honor.
“Did panel members’ Facebook chat about reservoir break Florida Sunshine law?” via Tyler Treadway of TCPalm – Facebook conversations about a proposed Lake Okeechobee reservoir appears to violate Florida’s sunshine laws because it involved three members of a South Florida Water Management District advisory board … Nyla Pipes of Port St. Lucie, Newton Earl Cook of Tequesta and Mikhael Elfenbein of Englewood — all members of the Water Resources Advisory Commission (WRAC) — talked to each other about the reservoir in posts, comments and replies on Pipes’ Facebook page in April and May. Only a court can decide whether they broke the law, “but this definitely appears to be a violation,” said Barbara Petersen, head of the First Amendment Foundation … “If they’re talking back and forth about an issue, that’s a meeting; and by law, it has to be announced beforehand and be open to the public.” They can express their opinions on social media, she said, but “they just can’t talk with each other on Facebook about commission business.” State law forbids two or more members of an elected or appointed board from discussing matters that may come before them for action outside of a public meeting that has been announced in advance. The law includes advisory panels like the advisory commission; and according to a 2009 Florida Attorney General’s opinion, it includes Facebook conversations.
“Officials worry about drug overdoses at hurricane shelters” via The Associated Press – Local officials are raising concerns about drug use at hurricane shelters, saying they aren’t equipped to care for addicts, unaccompanied minors and others with other medical needs. Nearly 16,000 people in nine counties from Indian River to Miami-Dade evacuated to shelters during Hurricane Matthew. Six evacuees seeking refuge at a Delray Beach high school during Hurricane Matthew overdosed on drugs as the dangerous storm approached South Florida. Bags brought to shelters by evacuees are typically not searched. In another county, a bus full of teenagers from a residential addiction-treatment center was left at an American Red Cross-run shelter without adult oversight. “Many of the people from sober homes came with supervision, but some came and were just dropped off,” Delray Beach Fire Rescue Capt. Kevin Saxton, [said]. “There were witnesses seeing people shoot up.”
“Tobacco decision cheers one former judge” via Takeaways from Tallahassee – A U.S. appeals court ruling that federal law doesn’t bar smokers from using a landmark Florida Supreme Court decision from proving damages gave a smile to one former Florida judge … The appellate decision included a 226-page dissent from Judge Gerald Tjoflat … That had former 1st District Court of Appeal judge Simone Marstiller (mentioned above as a possible AG candidate), now in private practice, tweeting, “#DissentsIWontBeReading.” … In 2010, Marstiller wrote the opinion in a case against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (RJR) that was “the first so-called ‘Engle progeny’ case to reach a district court of appeal following the Florida Supreme Court’s decision in Engle v. Liggett Group.” Marstiller’s holding: “We find the trial court correctly applied Engle and Mrs. Martin produced sufficient independent evidence to prove RJR’s liability for her husband’s death.”
— MOVEMENTS —
First on #FlaPol – “Tom Delacenserie to resign as Florida Lottery Secretary” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics –Delacenserie is resigning effective the beginning of June… The move was confirmed by the Governor’s Office, which provided a copy of his resignation letter. The letter did not mention his plans but Delacenserie wrote that he “enjoyed all of my 17 years with the Florida Lottery but none more than the time spent under your leadership.” Delacenserie has overseen the growth and escalating sales of Lottery products, leading to the “strongest start ever to the final quarter of the fiscal year, with record sales for the month of April totaling more than $528 million,” a recent press release said. The Lottery’s profits go into the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, which among other things pays for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.
“Jon Wheeler to retire as 1st DCA clerk” via Florida Politics – Wheeler, clerk of the Tallahassee-based 1st District Court of Appeal, will retire this October, the court announced Friday. The 73-year-old began as the court’s clerk in December 1990, the third person to hold the position. The court was one of the original three state appellate courts created by the Legislature in 1957; until then, the state Supreme Court handled all appeals. The job is daunting: The 1st DCA is “one of the largest appellate courts in the country both in terms of number of judges (15) and number of cases filed annually (6,011 in 2014-15),” and its “geographical jurisdiction (32 counties in north Florida) is the largest in the state,” its website says. “I’ll be trying to spend some time with my wife (of 51 years, MaryLynn,) after spending all my time in my profession,” said Wheeler, a licensed attorney, in a phone interview. “I need to give back to her.”
Appointed – Nicole Attong and Patricia A. Lipovsky to the Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind.
New and renewed lobby registrations
Ralph Arza, Mountain Moving Strategies: Lincoln Marti Community Agency
Leonard Collins, Broad and Cassel: U.S. Submergent Technologies
Personnel note: Laura Lenhart joins Frontier Communications — Lenhart will serve as head of government and regulatory affairs operations for Florida, the company announced last week. “We are delighted to welcome Laura as a strong addition to the Frontier team,” said Allison Ellis, Frontier’s senior vice president for regulatory affairs, in a statement. “As we continue to execute our growth strategy in Florida, Laura’s regulatory and government affairs expertise will be a valuable asset in ensuring that state and local policies continue to encourage investment in and expansion of critical telecommunications products and services.” Lenhart previously worked as a public affairs strategist at the Moffitt Cancer Center for nearly three years and as the governmental affairs coordinator for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. She has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University. Lenhart will be based out of Tampa.
— ALOE —
Congrats to Mackenzie and Taylor Biehl on their weekend nuptials. Michelle and I were sorry to have missed the wonderful occasion.
“Fans thankful to see ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ a final time” via Tamara Lush of The Associated Press – This weekend, the most famous American circus ends its 146-year reign as one of the world’s biggest big tops. Ringling’s parent company, Feld Entertainment, announced in January it would take its final bow this year. On Saturday afternoon, under cloudy skies, fans streamed into the Nassau Coliseum in suburban New York to pay their last respects to the iconic show. “I am sad that it’s going to be over,” said Melissa Angevine of Walton, New York. She and her husband drove four hours with their two kids Saturday to see the show “It’s a pastime that no longer anybody gets to enjoy anymore, unfortunately. Everybody’s in their tablets and not really going out and seeing different kinds of entertainment anymore.” Saturday evening’s circus was an extravaganza of big cats, motorcycle stunts, clowns performing death-defying stunts, ice skaters, buckets of popcorn and Mongolian contortionists — and that was just the first half of the show. “I’m becoming an adult today,” said 46-year-old Heather Greenberg, of New York City. “I can’t go to the circus with my daddy anymore.”
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“SeaWorld Orlando to develop new Sesame Place land by 2022” via Terry Roen of Orlando Rising –Orlando provides a prime opportunity for the family-friendly addition, which will be a renovation of Shamu’s Happy Harbor play area. SeaWorld admission and revenues have been on the decline since the release of the documentary “Blackfish,” which criticized the park’s care of its animals. The new land is an attempt to boost those numbers. “We share Sesame’s goal of educating and entertaining generations of children, and the extension of our partnership furthers SeaWorld’s mission to provide guests with experiences that matter,” said Joel Manby, president and CEO of SeaWorld … “We are thrilled to be able to grow the presence of Sesame Place theme parks in the U.S. and help our company diversify its brand portfolio and expand into new areas.” The new license agreement extends SeaWorld’s 37-year partnership as Sesame Workshop‘s exclusive theme park partner in the United States through 2031, with a second Sesame Place theme park scheduled to open no later than mid 2021 in the U.S.
Happy birthday belatedly to U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, Speaker Tom Feeney, William Arnold, James Blair, Matt Brockelman, Matt Mitchell, Tampa Councilman Mike Suarez, and Steve Uhlfelder. Celebrating today is Rep. Dane Eagle and the amazing Eileen Stuart.
One comment
gary siplin
May 23, 2017 at 9:59 am
please add me to your subscription list.
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