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.
— DONALD TRUMP TO MIAMI, WILL ANNOUNCE PLAN TO STOP CASH FLOW TO CUBAN MILITARY —
Stopping short of a complete turnabout, President Donald Trump is expected to announce a revised Cuba policy aimed at stopping the flow of U.S. cash to the country’s military and security services while maintaining diplomatic relations and allowing U.S. airlines and cruise ships to continue service to the island, reports the Associated Press.
In a speech Friday at a Miami theater associated with Cuban exiles, Trump will cast the policy moves as fulfillment of a promise he made during last year’s presidential campaign to reverse then-President Barack Obama’s diplomatic re-engagement with the island after decades of estrangement.
Senior White House officials who briefed reporters Thursday on the coming announcement said Obama’s overtures had enriched Cuba’s military while repression increased on the island. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the policy before Trump announces it, despite the president’s regular criticism of the use of anonymous sources.
“Ileana Ros-Lehtinen backs Donald trump Cuba policy but won’t attend Miami announcement” via Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald – Ros-Lehtinen, who is retiring next year, has been critical of Trump. But the White House invited her to attend Trump’s policy event in Miami’s Manuel Artime Theater. Ros-Lehtinen, however, said she has family plans that will keep her in Washington. Marco Rubio and Mario Diaz-Balart, and Rep. Carlos Curbelo, will join Trump, along with Florida Gov. Scott. Vice President Mike Pence, who was in town for a conference at Florida International University, might also attend. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez is out of town, but the county will have the representation of Chairman Esteban “Steve” Bovo and Commissioners Bruno Barreiro, Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Joe Martinez and Javier Souto.
“Wait for Donald Trump’s decisions is personal for south Florida’s Cuban, Haitian immigrants” via Alexandra Glorioso of the Naples Daily News – Trump is scheduled to announce new policies toward Cuba during a visit … returning to the city where he promised Cuban-Americans during the campaign that he would reverse President Barack Obama‘s actions. Trump is expected to tighten restrictions on travel and trade with the communist country, although many younger Cubans celebrated Obama’s move to open relations. Trump also is considering changes that could affect another significant immigrant group in South Florida. His administration has extended temporary protective status for Haitian refugees until January, although he has signaled a likely end to the policy is coming. Both South Florida groups are watching Trump closely, believing that the actions he takes affecting their communities will offer insight into his administration’s approach to broader issues affecting immigrants across the country.
“Cuba power play with Colombia draws Marco Rubio’s ire” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – In a final effort to stall a new U.S. trade and travel crackdown, Cuba pressured its ally Colombia to suggest it might boycott a Latin American security summit called by U.S. officials if Trump went forward with announcing his new policy targeting the Raul Castro government. The complicated international power play started to unfold following a national security principals meeting, according to congressional and senior government sources. Colombia began to express misgivings about how Trump’s Cuba announcement in Miami would coincide with the two-day U.S.-led Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America, also in Miami, and suggested it might just skip out on the conference if Trump didn’t delay his announcement by a week, said an aide to Sen. Rubio. Rubio, who has spent months quietly helping Trump craft his plans to restrict trade and travel with Cuba, was “appalled” at the news — although he knew the White House wouldn’t succumb to any threats for a delay, his aide said.
“Inside Marco Rubio’s campaign to shape Trump’s Cuba crackdown” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – Any effort by Trump to make good on his campaign promise to roll back former President Obama’s historic accord with Raul Castro would be delayed, Rubio cautioned—not just from the Castro government and from outside business interests, but from within. It would be studied to death by government analysts who favor more engagement with Cuba, not less. It would be leaked to the news media. Stillborn with a thousand excuses by the bureaucrats. So go it alone, Rubio told the president during their May 3 meeting. “What you’ve committed to do on Cuba, what you want to do on Cuba, is never going to come from career staff. It’s going to have to come from the top down. You’re going to have to tell them what to do,” Rubio recalled telling the president as his fellow Miami Republican member of Congress, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, nodded in agreement.
“Central America more important than Cuba – despite Trump’s Miami visit” via Tim Padgett of WLRN – “I don’t usually feel sorry for Central American heads of state. Too many of them, right-wing or left-wing, have done their damnedest to perpetuate the image of the corrupt, tin-pot strongman. If you needed any reminding: U.S. marshals arrested Panama’s former President Ricardo Martinelli in Coral Gables this week. The wealthy, authoritarian right-winger is wanted back in Panama for pilfering millions of dollars intended for the poor and using it to spy on opponents. (At his extradition hearing in Miami federal court, Martinelli denied the charge.) But I gotta admit I feel sympathy for the presidents who are in Miami for the Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America.”
Assignment editors – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and representatives of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, University of Tampa, Florida Aquarium, Florida Orchestra and Cuba One to talk about United States/Cuba relations. Event begins 3 p.m. At Tampa International Airport, Main Terminal, between Airsides A and C.
Meanwhile – “Trump taps Broward GOP leader for Costa Rica ambassadorship” via Tonya Alanez of the South Florida Sun Sentinel – Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale, was re-elected as a Broward state Republican committeewoman in the party primary in August. Day has previously served three terms as co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, where she worked with Trump’s current Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. Day first was elected to that role in 2011 and then re-elected in 2013 and 2015. She has also served as national party secretary.
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— DONKEY GATHERING —
This weekend the Florida Democratic Party hosts its fourth annual Leadership Blue Gala (formerly known as the Jefferson-Jackson dinner) from the ultra swanky Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, with over 1,200 Democrats expected to event the event.
Saturday night’s speaking schedule kicks-off with comments from the new FDP regime: Chair Stephen Bittel and President Sally Boynton Brown. Party officials are touting the $800,000 they’ve raised this year for the event though ticket sales and sponsorships to fund the FDP’s new community engagement program, aimed at growing the party’s grassroots infrastructure in advance of the 2018 election cycle.
While Bittel has been traversing the state in getting himself acquainted with grassroots party members since his election in January, this will be the first time for many Dems to hear from Brown, the former Idaho Democratic Party executive director who elicited charges of elitism and being too focused on identity politics after a controversial speech she gave in Broward County last month.
Senator Bill Nelson, DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake and a handful of state legislators are on the agenda scheduled to speak, leading into the keynote address by former Joe Biden.
Some analysts say the former Vice President’s speech has taken on greater relevance after it was reported late last month that he has launched a new PAC called American Possibilities, a vehicle to provide him a way to support Democrats running for office while keeping his own options open for a potential 2020 presidential run.
Not listed as scheduled to speak is DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. A rumor that the she would address the Democrats on Saturday night led to her once and future congressional challenger, Tim Canova, to use the opportunity to attack her and the pasty, saying they were giving a platform “the most divisive Democrat in the country.”
As usual, there will be meetings by the various party caucuses throughout Saturday, as well as a panel featuring the three announced gubernatorial candidates, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and Winter Park businessman Chris King.
— NOTES FROM CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Miramar mayor backs Andrew Gillum for Governor — Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam has thrown his support behind Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in his race to replace Gov. Rick Scott in 2018. “As a Mayor who has fought hard to bring high-paying jobs, innovation, access to healthcare and a clean environment to my city, I have a full appreciation and respect for what Mayor Andrew Gillum brings as a candidate for governor,” said Messam in a statement. “I stood by Andrew when he fought the gun lobby and we stand together in support of the Paris Agreement to protect our environment. I ask every Floridian to join me and stand with Mayor Gillum for Governor.”
“In mulling gubernatorial run, Gwen Graham deleted two years of Twitter messages” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – At the end of her term in Congress and before launching her 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Graham took down her congressional Twitter account, which included more than two years of content. Though no longer publicly available, the tweets have now been archived by her campaign staff … She closed her Twitter account in January after leaving Congress. Past social media posts often serve as a treasure trove of opposition research for political rivals, but the campaign says that’s not the reason the tweets were taken down, which is not at odds with any congressional rules. “We took it down to avoid confusion between Gwen’s congressional account and her non-congressional account, which happened frequently — because she’s no longer a member of Congress,” said Matt Harringer, the campaign’s communications director.
Assignment editors: Chris King will speak to a meeting of the Florida Education Association at 9:30 a.m. at the Sawgrass Marriott, 1000 PGA Tour Blvd in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Hillsborough County Sheriff backs Ashley Moody for AG — Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee announced Thursday he was endorsing Ashley Moody in the race to replace Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Ashley Moody’s career is one of service to her community and the rule of law,” said Gee in a statement. “Her experience as a federal prosecutor and a circuit court judge have demonstrated an unyielding passion to keep our community safe and strengthen our criminal justice system. As our next Attorney General, I have no doubt she will serve with distinction and honor and be an Attorney General that keeps our state safe.” Gee joins Bondi and five Hillsborough County commissioners in endorsing Moody, a former federal prosecutor and circuit court judge, in the Attorney General’s race. “I’ve had the pleasure to work with the men and women of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for many years,” she said in a statement. “Their professionalism and commitment to public safety is embodied in their Sheriff who has made a career out of keeping our community safe. I am thankful for his endorsement of my campaign and for his friendship.”
Matt Caldwell kicks off #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour — The North Fort Myers is launching his #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour at Key Largo Fisheries on Friday, where he’ll spend the day working in their processing facilities. The tour, according to Caldwell’s campaign, is meant to highlight the industries Caldwell would oversee as Agriculture Commissioner, and will give him a chance to spend the day working at a Florida business that is vital to the state’s economy. “I am going to be highlighting the jobs across our state that may not be glamorous but are critical to moving Florida’s economy,” said Caldwell. “While processing seafood isn’t easy, and you’re certainly going to get yourself dirty, our great state wouldn’t be what it is today without the hard working men and women that are responsible for the wholesome and delicious food that is served on tables across America.”
“Tim Canova announces rematch against Wasserman Schultz” via Amy Sherman of the Miami Herald – “A year ago the eyes of the nation were on this race and the stakes were very high,” Canova said at a Broward Democratic progressive caucus meeting in Plantation Thursday night. “I say the stakes are still very high. We’ve got a president right now and a Congress, Republican dominated, that are pushing the most rabid inhumane radical type of agenda that I could have ever imagined.” In 2016, Canova tapped into Bernie Sanders’ small donors and anger at the political establishment to raise about $3.8 million in the race for South Florida’s 23rd congressional district. A Nova Southeastern University law professor, Canova ran to the left of Wasserman Schultz by bashing her for taking money from corporate donors and big Sugar.
“Republican Chris Anderson, deputy sheriff, Army veteran, enters HD 28 race” via Scott Powers of Orlando-Rising — Anderson, 35, enters the race professing an unusual background for a house candidate in Seminole. As a child raised by a single father who abused drugs and died of AIDS, Anderson graduated high school, joined the U.S. Army, served in Afghanistan, and then came home to start a family and serve in the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. “There’s every reason why I should have been in the back seat of a police car, rather than as a deputy sheriff in the front seat today,” Anderson stated in a news release issued by his campaign. “I attribute the difference to faith, hard work and the belief that we live in a country where anyone can achieve the American Dream if we set our minds to it and never give up.” He’s facing Winter Springs businessman David Smith for the Republican nomination. Lee Mangold, chief executive officer and co-founder of GoldSky Security, is running for the Democrats, for a seat being vacated by term-limited Republican state Rep. Jason Brodeur.
“Bobby Olszewski talks West Orange, future speaker’s race, teamwork, education” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising – “This community is my home as everywhere I look I see a friend, memory, or story as I have already invested decades to serving my community. I was blessed to have been elected to two-terms as a Winter Garden Commissioner where I have been tested as a public servant. I worked with my constituents to ensure all voices were heard. I have walked and visited with every community within District 44 and know what makes each neighborhood uniquely special. I am running to serve a community that I have invested my blood, sweat and tears, as I have no other interests or motivations in becoming a state representative except to serve our hometown.”
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“Rick Scott signs HB 7069, shifting education from ‘traditional public schools’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – While the education omnibus bill offers changes for all kinds of schools in Florida, from requiring recess to reducing mandatory testing, it accelerates state tax dollar funding for-profit and nonprofit charter and private schools, expands parents’ abilities to choose schools, and tightens Tallahassee’s controls over what local school boards can and cannot do. Democrats almost universally opposed HB 7069, to the point of declaring it to be sabotage of Florida’s public-school system. Joined by public school teachers, parents, PTAs, administrators and many school board members, they had urged for weeks that Scott veto the bill. “What this legislation does today is it helps all students, which is important,” Scott declared … ending weeks of speculation of whether he would sign or veto the controversial measure since Corcoran and his team pushed through a dramatic rewrite on the last day of the Legislation Session.
“Was Gardiner scholarship a pawn or a principle in passage of HB 7069?” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald – The setting chosen by Gov. Scott and House Speaker Corcoran to sign the controversial HB 7069 school reform bill is a telling example of how it doesn’t matter how you get there in Tallahassee if in the end you can claim credit. The media advisory announcing the event highlighted the fact that the bill will be signed at 3:45 p.m., at “Morning Star Catholic School in Orlando, which serves many children who recieve the Gardiner Scholarship.” (We assume the misspelling of “receive” was a mistake.) But while Corcoran and Rep. Manny Diaz will be in attendance to take credit for including the program in the bill, expansion of the Gardiner Scholarship was not included in the House’s original version of HB 7069 or in its original budget. The Senate did include $100 million in its budget for the program. Opponents blasted the strategy as an attempt to use vulnerable children as “pawns” to gain support for the controversial legislation.
Assignment editors: Gov. Scott will announce jobs numbers at 9:45 a.m. at Dusobox Corporation, 2501 Investors Row, #900 in Orlando.
“Hearing set in lawsuit against Pam Bondi over unregistered charities” via Florida Politics – A Leon County judge has set a hearing in a lawsuit against Attorney General Bondi that says she forces businesses to pony up millions of dollars to unregistered charities as part of settlements in consumer protection cases. Circuit Judge Charles Dodson ordered the hearing for July 10 in Tallahassee, court records show. The plaintiff, Orlando entrepreneur John D. Smith, was investigated on a consumer fraud allegation by Bondi’s office in 2015. He invented Storm Stoppers plastic panels as a “plywood alternative” to protect windows during storms. Smith argues that some of the unregistered charities Bondi makes settling parties give money to is her own “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” award and various “scholarship funds designated by the Attorney General.”
“Jimmy Patronis to be named CFO” via Florida Politics – Public Service Commissioner and former state Rep. Patronis will be named state Chief Financial Officer to replace the outgoing Jeff Atwater, sources close to the Governor’s Office tell FloridaPolitics.com. An announcement is likely the week of June 26. “CFO successor has been identified and known since Atwater originally resigned,” a source familiar with the workings of the EOG told FloridaPolitics.com. “Has only been one name the entire time, regardless what others have said, reported or assumed.”
– “Gov. Rick Scott said to consider Jimmy Patronis to be next CFO” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Cabinet votes to buy springs that were saved by love affair” via Craig Pittman of the Tampa Bay Times – Florida’s Cabinet voted to acquire 407-acre Blue Springs Park in Gilchrist County, a jewel of a spring that’s been privately owned since 1958 — thanks to a long-ago love affair involving a St. Petersburg business mogul and his faithful assistant. The Cabinet approved the purchase for $5.25 million … 10 percent below the owners’ asking price … The parcel includes a set of six springs and a mile of land along the Santa Fe River. In the 1950s, Blue Springs belonged to a St. Petersburg business mogul named Ed C. Wright, who owned some 20,000 acres in 20 counties. Wright made a fortune investing in municipal bonds, railroad stock and radio stations. Wright’s longtime secretary was a petite, reserved woman named Ruth Kirby … Kirby’s duties included listening in on all those calls and taking notes. Soon she was trading bonds and buying land too, and she proved to be as savvy an investor as her boss. When he died, unmarried and childless at age 77, his will named her executor of his $50 million estate. became one of the most powerful wheeler-dealers in the state, negotiating with U.S. Steel over land for condos on Sand Key and flying to Tallahassee to pressure the governor into buying Weedon Island.
“Don’t estoppel believing: Now it’s a law” via Florida Politics – After years of unsuccessfully fighting its way through the Legislature, the estoppel bill is now law. Gov. Scott Tuesday signed the measure (SB 398), which overhauls the legal process of estoppel letters. It goes into effect July 1 … Estoppel letters, or estoppel certificates, are an obscure part of some real estate closings … Title agents and Realtors have wanted to shift the cost of preparing such letters from themselves back to (homeowners) associations … The measure allows an association “to charge a maximum fee of $250 for the preparation and delivery of an estoppel certificate, if there are no delinquent amounts owed to the association (and) an additional maximum fee of $150, if there is a delinquent amount owed to the association.”
Assignment editors – House Speaker Corcoran is the featured guest at Café con Tampa’s breakfast meeting starting 8 a.m. upstairs at Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Assignment editors – Tampa Tiger Bay Club presents “Legislative Session Wrap Up” at noon at the Ferguson Law Center, 1610 N. Tampa St. Speakers include Sens. Tom Lee and Darryl Rouson and Reps. Shawn Harrison, Wengay “Newt” Newton and Dan Raulerson.
— THE OTHER SPEAKER CANDIDATES —
As the Speaker’s race speeds toward a June 30 vote, the five announced candidates — Byron Donalds, Randy Fine, Erin Grall, Jamie Grant and Paul Renner — are trying to make the case why they are the best person for the job.
While three of those Speaker hopefuls have been in the running for a while now, two Speaker hopefuls — Grall and Donalds — are relatively recent entrants into the leadership race. In interviews this week with Florida Politics, both said they had been thinking about trying their hand at leadership, and credited the changes to the GOP conference rules as what spurred them to seriously give it a try.
“When the rules changed, I saw it as an opportunity to work really hard … and get to know my classmates and let them get to know me,” said Grall in an interview Wednesday. “I feel like that’s the best approach to servant leadership.”
If elected, Grall would be the first female to serve in the position. That isn’t the only reason why she’s running, but she acknowledged that she would offer a “new and different perspective.”
“I very much believe that role models are important. To the extent that I could get other women involved in the process, I think it’s important (they are involved,)” said the 39-year-old Vero Beach attorney. “Our perspective is a little different. I think that it is lost in the process. It is important. I believe I was successful, but I think some women don’t feel there is going to be support.”
Neither Grall nor Donalds, a 38-year-old Naples resident, were eager to handicap their chances. But both indicated the move to a secret ballot, instead of the traditional method of collecting pledge cards, would allow their classmates to vote for who they feel is best for the job.
Donalds said he thinks he has been warmly received, and plans to keep talking to his classmates about his vision for the House. Like Grall, he said he thinks he can offer a different perspective on some of the issues facing Florida’s future.
“In our political world, the messenger matters, it just does,” he said. “I’m a little different. I’m not the prototypical Republican. It shows the depth of our party and it shows the depth of our Legislature.”
— “Could Erin Grall become ‘Madam Speaker?’” via Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster of Florida Politics
— “Rules changes sparked Byron Donalds to seek Speakership” via Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster of Florida Politics
— STATEWIDE —
“USF’s path to ‘preeminence’ is restored after Rick Scott vetoes higher education bill” via Claire McNeill, Kristen Clark and Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald – The University of South Florida’s quest to become “pre-eminent,” an official status that could elevate the school’s prestige and send millions of extra dollars its way, received a positive jolt as Gov. Scott lifted a key barrier. Scott vetoed a sweeping higher education reform bill that was one of Senate President Joe Negron‘s top priorities … saying that the measure “impedes” the ability of state colleges to provide access to low-cost, quality education. USF had been focused on other language buried deep within the bill’s text that dramatically affected its fortunes. Becoming a pre-eminent university requires that a school meet several requirements, and SB 374 had moved the goalposts on one of them — the graduation rate.
“FSU Zika expert awarded $1.8 million as part of NIH study” via Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat – Leading some of that research is Florida State University professor Hengli Tang, who is in line to receive $1.8 million to conduct further study. The money is part of a $7.7 million National Institutes of Health grant to conduct Zika and West Nile research in conjunction with University of Pennsylvania, Georgia State and Emory University, FSU announced … The grant money will be used to determine how fast the Zika and West Nile viruses target human brain cells and how the brain reacts to infection at different stages of development. “This work will provide a direct impact on the mission to understand Zika disease mechanisms and to develop effective countermeasures to curb Zika virus infection,” said Tang, a professor of biological science.
“Commentary: As Disney reports drop in guests, is Orlando’s post-Pulse embrace of LGBT too tight?” via C. Britt Beemer in the Orlando Sentinel – Reports say that attendance at Disney World is down. Well, as the late Paul Harvey used to intone on his radio broadcasts, here’s ‘the rest of the story’: For 30 years, as a consumer trends and research expert, I have surveyed more than 12 million Americans. I’ve helped more than a thousand businesses achieve their goals and overcome financial challenges. … Since the Pulse nightclub shootings a year ago in Orlando, I’ve observed a significant number of evangelical Christians shift their vacations plans: They will see the Ark instead of visiting Disney in their own backyard. After the Pulse tragedy, some in the news media speculated that Orlando could see a drop in tourists because of personal-safety concerns. Nothing in my research uncovers any concerns. As I survey these future visitors to the Ark, however, what I do find is genuine concern about how children might be influenced by the pro-gay/lesbian movement in Orlando.
— WEEKEND TV —
Black Almanac with Dr. Ed James on WWSB, ABC 7 in Sarasota: James’ topic is “Congressman Steve Scalis, Congresswoman Gabby Gilford – Are you a Republican or Democrat? Your answer might get you killed,” with political analyst Dr Lawrence Miller.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues that affect the area’s citizens.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Panelists this week include attorney Jessica Ehrlich, political consultant/columnist Chris Ingram, Tampa Bay Times reporter Steve Contorno and freelance journalist Brendan McLaughlin.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: The topic — “Where do we stand right now when it comes to cyber security?” Guests include St. Cloud Republican State Rep. Mike La Rosa and professor Gary Leavens from the University of Central Florida Computer Science, Cyber Security and Privacy Department.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: Al Ruechel talks with Chris King, Democratic candidate for Governor. Caitlyn Jones talks with Orlando trial attorney John Morgan, backer of the 2016 medical marijuana Amendment 2, about the current state of medical marijuana legislation in Florida and how he is moving forward with that, as well as his thoughts on considering a run for governor in 2018. PolitiFact’s Truth-O-Meter rates a claim about voter registration and whether the Department of Homeland Security compared data with voter registration information.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon talks with attorney and lobbyist Sean Pittman and Dr. Ed Moore.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week Justice will speak with State Rep. Travis Cummings on budget, working with leadership and Gov. Scott, HB 7069 protests and more. Other guests include Rick Mullaney, Director, Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute; St. Johns Riverkeeper, Lisa Rinaman talking dredging/expansion at JAXPORT and environmental concerns and Nancy Rubin, Senior Director of Communications for JAXPORT on new plans to shorten distance of dredging, reduce costs and increase volume, business and jobs.
— ALOE —
“Florida retailers expect record Father’s Day spending” via Florida Politics – The Florida Retail Federation … predicts consumers will spend an average $134.75 for the holiday, up almost $10 from last year’s $125.92. Spending nationwide is also expected to reach $15.5 billion, the highest in the survey’s 15-year history – nearly a billion more than 2016. In the annual survey from the National Retail Federation … consumers will spend $3.3 billion in 2017; 48 percent say they will take dads to outings such as dinner, brunch or other “fun activity/experiences,” clothing (46 percent) and gift cards (43 percent), making up $2.2 billion. Next most popular is consumer electronics (21 percent) at $1.8 billion.
“SeaWorld unveils virtual reality version of Kraken Unleashed” via Terry Roen of Orlando Rising – SeaWorld Orlando launches a new version of its 17-year-old roller coaster with a new name and the option to use virtual reality headgear or ride old school. Kraken Unleashed begins at a mythological seabase and rises up 149 feet as riders experience near misses with giant sea creatures. Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster is themed after a massive, mythological underwater beast unleashed from the depths of the sea. Riders strap on headsets that cover their eyes and ears to see and hear the bioluminescent-colored creatures with tentacles that seem to reach out and grab them.
“Twitter unveils new look, which users quickly mock” via The Associated Press – The San Francisco company says the new design emphasizes simplicity, making it faster and easier to use, with bolder headlines and more intuitive icons. It also changed users’ profile images from square-shaped to round. Twitter users immediately responded by tweeting jokes and memes critical of the changes. There were almost 30,000 tweets about the new user interface, or UI, within hours of the change, the vast majority of them either complaining about the new look or mocking it. A popular image was a suddenly round SpongeBob SquarePants.
Happy birthday to Omar Khan, campaign manager to Chris King and the voice-over talent for Christian Bale in “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.”
