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.
Mind if we begin today’s Sunburn with amazing news about several wonderful people in The Process?
First up, congratulations to Jen and Eric Edwards (she was formerly at Capital City Consulting, he’s at U.S. Sugar) on the birth last Tuesday of their beautiful honeymoon baby (that’s good luck in my and Michelle Todd’s book), Camilla James Edwards.
Double congratulations to two of my favorite parents Alli Liby-Schoonover (Metz Husband and Daughton) and Chris Schoonover (Capital City Consulting) on the arrival of their twins (!!!), William Westcott and Andrew Richard.
And speaking of deliveries and expecting, here’s some good news from Beth and Kevin Sweeny (she’s the lobbyist for the St. Johns County school district, no one is sure what he does):
Now, back to politics…
HISTORY IS ON BILL NELSON’S SIDE
An analysis of the mid-term election landscape gives Bill Nelson good odds to win a fourth term in the Senate next year.
University of Minnesota researcher Eric Ostermeier examined nearly 1,900 Senate elections over the past century and found that the sitting president’s party has prevailed about 47.5 percent of the time.
If the 2018 elections followed the 100-year average Republicans would pick up seven seats, which is far beyond what even the most enthusiastic GOP sunshine pumpers are predicting in the midterms.
That number has shrunk considerably in the past few decades, however, especially in the 10 states that backed Trump last year but have an incumbent Democrat on the ballot next year.
Florida has gone against the party of the president in 12 of the 17 U.S. Senate elections since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House. The only exceptions were Connie Mack in 1988, Bob Graham in 1998, and Nelson in both 2000 and 2012.
Florida’s support for the sitting president’s party in Senate elections is tied with Montana as the third-lowest among the 10 Trump states with incumbent Democrats.
“What’s striking is that these 10 states voted for the winning presidential nominee in 108 out of 140 elections over the last 14 presidential election cycles (LBJ through Trump), or 77.1 percent of the time,” he said. “Ohio backed the eventual presidential winner in each of the last 14 elections with Florida doing so 13 times, Missouri 12, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin 11, Indiana, Michigan, and Montana 10, and North Dakota and West Virginia nine.”
Any good news, no matter how unconventional, is likely welcome over in the Nelson camp.
Republican ad ties Nelson to Elizabeth Warren – The NRSC released new paid Facebook petition ads this week which detail the close ties between Nelson and Elizabeth Warren, who is back in the news after calling for a single-payer health care plan. Warren called socialized medicine “the next step” last week and encouraged fellow Democrats, like Nelson, to run on her plan in 2018.
The auto-play ads urge voters to tell Bill Nelson to oppose Warren’s single-payer plan. The ads will run statewide while Nelson is home for the July 4th recess and throughout the month. Click on the image below to watch the ad.
– “Nelson joins grave warnings about North Korea, Vladimir Putin’s cyber warfare” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising
– “Nelson seeking to lock in low interest rates for student loans” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising
Personnel note from Nelson world: Jennifer Rojo Suarez has left her post at Miami-Dade public schools to become Nelson’s Miami-Dade County district director. Rojo Suarez had previously been a legislative aide to Senate Democratic leader, Oscar Braynon, and a fundraiser for the 2014 campaign to pass medical marijuana.
Meanwhile … “Marco Rubio has gone four months with no Tampa office, so where is he keeping records?” via Tony Marrero of the Tampa Bay Times – Four months after his staff packed up and left its Tampa office, at the direction of a landlord frustrated by weekly demonstrations, Rubio still is looking for a home base in one of his state’s largest metropolitan areas … Rubio’s two-person staff has improvised, meeting constituents in coffee shops, libraries and other public spaces. The arrangement raises questions about the logistics. Constituent services often involves working with documents that contain personal information. Where are those files being stored? Is there a security concern about staff toting them back and forth to meetings? If so, how is that being addressed? And where is staff working when they’re not with constituents? As inconvenient as it might be for Rubio’s staff and some constituents, the delay in finding a new office has a political benefit: It removes a place for demonstrators to seek public attention in one of the state’s largest media markets.
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— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Kamia Brown endorses Andrew Gillum for Governor” via Florida Politics – The Democratic state Representative from Ocoee on Monday endorsed the Tallahassee mayor as the Democratic pick for Governor in 2018. “I am proud to endorse him for Governor, because I know he will be a champion for Orlando, for women, and for all those who need a voice against the special interests,” she said in a statement. “She’s brought passion and energy to her work in the Legislature, and I can’t wait to work with her as Governor,” he responded. Brown was first elected last year.
– “Walt McNeil intentionally distancing himself from Andrew Gillum email probe” via Karl Etters of the Tallahassee Democrat
Assignment editors – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham will join volunteers and faculty for a Workday at the Sulzbacher Center, 611 E. Adams St. in Jacksonville; she will be serving lunch at the center starting at noon.
Retailers endorses Jose Felix Diaz – The PAC of the state’s “premier trade association” gave its approval for Diaz. “Jose has been an advocate for business and retailing during his time in the House, including supporting legislation that created $500 million in tax relief, and the removal of burdensome regulations on small businesses,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We’re confident his support will continue when he’s elected to represent Senate District 40, and we look forward to working with him on future legislation that supports Florida’s 270,000 retailers.”
“Bruno Portigliatti talks business, homeless, faith, patriotic movies” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising – Portigliatti is a small-business man running for the Republican nomination for the open seat in Orange County’s Florida House District 44 in the Aug. 15 primary: “I have genuine hands-on experience running several businesses, I’m not a politician. I think that sets me apart from the others in the race, who have more of a political/networking background …” You chair the city of Orlando Minority & Women Business Enterprise Certification Board. What are the challenges facing minority and women entrepreneurs and what can the Florida Legislature due to address them? “Minority and women-owned businesses are not always at a level playing field with larger organizations. The city of Orlando certification provides incentives to qualified new and existing businesses so that they have similar opportunities as larger businesses that they would not have otherwise. This certification has helped thousands of businesses thrive, which in turn has led to the creation of jobs and contributed to our local economy.”
“Anna Eskamani hits trail with quick start in HD 47 race” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – A rally at Orlando City Hall … several major endorsements, thousands of social media hits and $6,000 in donations, all gathered, she said, in the less than two days since she filed to run … Eskamani, the first in from any party since Republican incumbent state Rep. Mike Millerannounced last week he is running for Congress instead of re-election in 2018, brings with her a Central Florida grassroots network she helped build and run the past several years as a community organizer and progressive activist and Planned Parenthood lobbyist. She also brought with her former Orange County Comptroller Martha Haynie, a Republican; state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith; and several other early endorsements.
“Rene Plasencia draws Democratic challenge in HD 50 re-election bid” via Florida Politics – Recent college graduate Kyle Walcott filed for the Orlando seat and, so far, is the only candidate running against Plasencia, who shifted over to HD 50 in 2016. In an interview … Walcott said he plans to campaign on bringing ranked choice voting to Florida. The alternative voting system, also known as “instant runoff,” has voters rank candidates. If no candidate gets a majority, the candidate with the least number of votes is removed from the pool and voters’ second choice is added to the tally. The Northwestern alumnus said the system would make sure minor party candidates “get a fair shake” in the election process.
“Annette Taddeo poll shows she has 17-point edge against Ana Rivas-Logan but both remain unknown to many Dems” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald – The poll by Democratic pollster Thomas Eldon of SEA Polling surveyed 350 registered and likely Democratic primary voters and found that 34 percent viewed Taddeo favorably while 21 percent viewed Rivas-Logan favorably. But even more Democrats didn’t know either of them: 42 percent didn’t recognize Taddeo and 54 percent didn’t recognize Rivas Logan. When pollsters asked how they would vote in the primary, respondents favored Taddeo by 40 percent to Rivas-Logan’s 23 percent while 37 percent of those surveyed were undecided. When pollsters read biographical information about both of the candidates, Taddeo held the edge 59 percent to Rivas Logan’s 32 percent and 10 percent of those surveyed remained undecided.
— DENISE GRIMSLEY SAYS AG, BIZ BACKGROUND SET HER APART IN AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER RACE —
“In December, I had spent a lot of time with my family, and I had pretty much decided I’m walking into the end of my political career,” Grimsley told Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster of Florida Politics. “I have a great job. I have two grandkids I adore that I want to spend more time with. I was starting to give some thought to not running for re-election.”
In January, she was chatting with friends in the citrus and cattle business and one suggested she run for Agriculture Commissioner. She gave him every reason why she shouldn’t, but he told her just to think about it. A few weeks later, when Rep. Steve Crisafulli announced he wasn’t going to run, her friends once again suggested she jump in the race.
This time, she didn’t brush it off so quickly.
A fifth generation Floridian, Grimsley said her background makes her uniquely qualified to be Agriculture Commissioner … she serves as the vice president and chief operating officer of her family business, Grimsley Oil Company. She has also been involved in her family’s citrus business, which Grimsley said her grandfather started with 10 acres of growth. Her father has added to it over the years, and Grimsley has had a hand in the family’s agriculture business over the years.
— NEW DEAL: FLORIDA AND SEMINOLES SETTLE BLACKJACK DISPUTE —
The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the administration of Gov. Scott on Wednesday ended a legal tussle over the tribe’s estimated $2 billion a year gambling operation in the state, reports Gary Fineout of the Associated Press.
— Under the terms of the settlement, the tribe will get to keep blackjack tables until 2030, while the state will continue to receive payments from the Seminoles. The deal brings with it an immediate payment of $220 million to the state – and as much as an additional $120 million over the next year.
— The settlement states that it can be carried out without approval by the Florida Legislature. Plus it calls for state regulators to take “aggressive enforcement action” against a type of card game that the state had previously allowed rival dog and horse tracks to put in place. There’s a chance track owners could challenge that effort.
— There’s no loser to this,” said Barry Richard, an attorney representing the Seminoles. “It gives the tribe finality and the security of knowing the games will continue. The state will continue to get a few hundred million.”
— Read the settlement agreement here.
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“John Morgan gets ‘ready to rumble’ on no-smoke medical pot” via Florida Politics – Orlando attorney and entrepreneur Morgan says he will make good on his threat to sue the state over this year’s implementation bill for medical marijuana because it doesn’t allow such cannabis to be smoked. “Heading to Tally in the morning to file suit against the state on behalf of the citizens & patients of Florida!!” he tweeted Wednesday afternoon, adding the hashtag #NoSmokeIsAJoke. He also included a GIF showing boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer and his trademarked catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” A press conference is planned between 9 and 9:30 a.m. outside the Leon County Courthouse, Morgan added.
— First in Sunburn: Read Morgan’s lawsuit here.
— Watch Morgan’s filing at Facebook.com/johnmorganesq
“A nanny-stater Rick Scott is not: Veto on lottery ticket warnings proves it” via Nancy Smith of the Sunshine State News – Scott hit the nail on the head last week when he vetoed House Bill 937, a glaring piece of hypocrisy that would have forced already highly regulated lottery tickets and promotional material to display problem-gambling warnings. This from a Legislature up to its eyeballs in members happy to talk about their fantasy sports habits. From a Senate leadership that tried two years in a row to expand gambling by allowing parimutels to kill horse and dog racing in favor of slots-only venues in eight Florida counties. What’s next, warning labels on Budweiser and Jim Beam? On fast-food french fries? On cell phones, razor blades, .38 specials? Heck, I’d like a warning label o6n my house — it was just struck with lightning for the second time. Look around. There’s no end of danger in an acquisitive free society.
Assignment editors – Gov. Scott will kick off a four-city “Honoring Florida Veterans” tour, with a visit to Panama City and The Villages to honor veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal. At 9 a.m., the governor will be at the Florida National Guard Armory, 3121 N. Lisenby Ave. in Panama City. Then, Scott will visit the Eisenhower Recreational Center at 3 p.m., 3650 Buena Vista Blvd. in The Villages.
“Richard Corcoran’s net worth drops 27 percent” via Florida Politics – House Speaker Corcoran‘s net worth has fallen by more than 27 percent from last year, according to his latest financial disclosure. His annual filing for 2016 was posted Wednesday on the Florida Commission on Ethics website. Corcoran, an attorney and father of six children, reported a net worth of $341,750 as of Dec. 31, 2016—nearly $129,000 less than his 2015 reported worth of $470,640.
“Joe Negron’s personal wealth nears $1 million” via Florida Politics – The Senate President’s net worth is now over $950,000, according to a financial disclosure filed last week with the Florida Commission on Ethics. Negron’s net worth as of Dec. 31, 2016 was $952,634, his filing shows. That’s up 15 percent from his 2015 reported worth of $828,646. As income, he listed $278,887 from the Gunster law firm and his $28,502 pay as a state lawmaker. In January, Negron—a Stuart Republican—quit Gunster, saying his decision was spurred by its representation of U.S. Sugar, which was named in a land acquisition provision. Negron joined the Akerman firm’s West Palm Beach office last month.
“Talk of fixing HB 7069 ‘way too premature,’ Hialeah lawmaker says” via Kristen Clark of the Miami Herald – “It’s way too premature,” said Manny Diaz Jr., who helms the House’s pre-K-12 education budget committee. “Making adjustments going forward — we first have to see what happens instead of jumping the gun.” HB 7069 took effect Saturday, prompting myriad changes in statewide education policy — many favorable to charter schools seeking less restrictions to their expansion in Florida. Diaz — who helped craft HB 7069 and shepherd it through the Legislature — contends such critics are misreading the new law and they need to be patient while the Florida Department of Education drafts rules this summer that better clarify how the “Schools of Hope” program will be implemented.
Meanwhile … “Broward takes lead in challenging state law that benefits charter schools” via Caitlin McGlade of the South Florida Sun Sentinel – The Broward County School Board voted to sue the state over a new law that requires public school districts to share property tax revenue with charter schools and relinquishes their authority to approve charter applications. Broward was the first to take action, but other districts are holding similar meetings within the next two weeks … Miami-Dade, Orange and Pinellas counties are among the others that may collaborate in the case. The school board agreed to spend $25,000 to begin working toward a lawsuit that will argue several components of the law are unconstitutional. The law restricts the district’s right to “operate, control and supervise” all schools. And its property-tax sharing measure violates the state constitution because charters are not permitted to collect property taxes, according to the district.
“Randy Fine: Time is ripe for universal private school scholarships” via Livi Stanford of redefinED – Fine wants to file legislation that would eliminate “the income threshold and open it up to everybody,” so all K-12 students could receive public support to attend any school of their choice. Fine, a wealthy technology entrepreneur, said he wants every child to have access to the same options as his own kids. “There is nothing more important we do than educating our kids,” he said. “We spend $24 billion on education. I want every kid to have the same opportunities I did as a child. I am the product of public education and started a number of companies and have a great career. I am making sure my boys have the same opportunities I did. I want to make sure every kid has those same opportunities.”
— STATEWIDE —
“Scott: Don’t do business with Maduro” via Florida Politics – The Governor on Wednesday issued a statement saying he planned to introduce an item at the August Cabinet meeting “that would prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the (Nicolás) Maduro regime.” Critics says the socialist Maduro is a dictator who runs Venezuela like an authoritarian regime. The country’s opposition-controlled National Assembly was stormed by his supporters this week, injuring several lawmakers and journalists, after an assembly session to mark Venezuela’s Independence Day. “Floridians stand with the people of Venezuela as they fight for their freedom, and as a state, we must not provide any support for Maduro and his thugs,” Scott said in a statement.
“FAU to tap Jeff Atwater’s contacts” via Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun Sentinel – Atwater plans to use his experience in politics and finance to help Florida Atlantic University become a major player in higher education. That may include helping FAU’s architecture program in downtown Fort Lauderdale play a greater role in downtown revitalization efforts. Or finding more sources of funding for FAU’s ocean research efforts in Dania Beach. Or expanding executive MBA programs that serve the community and bring money to the university. Or persuading his former colleagues in the Legislature that FAU’s initiatives are worth the investment. “I want to maximize the university’s assets to help FAU continue to be the fastest-improving research university in the country,” Atwater said.
“Florida Bar will focus on ‘protecting the courts’ during constitutional revision process” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics –The new president of The Florida Bar says the organization is standing by to offer “technical legal” support to the Constitution Revision Commission as it readies to amend the state’s governing document, which could include changes affecting the judicial branch. But Michael J. Higer … won’t say which public proposals already filed he favors—or fears. He assumed the Bar presidency June 23. “It is too early in the process to focus on any one idea proposed by Florida’s citizens,” he said in an email interview. “But changing our Constitution should be done with caution, because once something is added, it is very difficult to repeal. “That is why it is critical that we as a bar educate our members and the public so that they are fully informed and engaged in the CRC process.” But a recent poll by Florida TaxWatch showed “77 percent of Florida voters said they haven’t heard about recent Constitution Revision Commission meetings.” Another 13 percent said they only saw, read or heard “a little” about the commission’s activities.
“Judge rules new ‘stand your ground’ law can apply in case of slain ex-USF football player” via Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times – Prosecutors in a murder case must prove that defendant Randolph Graham was not acting in self-defense in the fatal 2015 stabbing of a former University of South Florida football player, a Hillsborough circuit judge ruled … Graham can argue that he should be immune from prosecution under a newly revised “stand your ground” law for the death of Elkino Watson outside an Ybor City nightclub, Senior Circuit Judge J. Rogers Padgett decided. A “stand your ground” hearing, similar to a trial and complete with witness testimony and presentation of evidence, has been scheduled for Aug. 29 and 30. After listening to arguments from a prosecutor and defense attorney for Graham, the judge ruled that recent changes to the controversial self-defense law can be applied retroactively to Graham’s case.
“Half-century-old giant cross can stay in Pensacola public park, for now” via The Associated Press – U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson ruled in June that the 34-foot cross in Bayview Park violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution and must be removed by July 19. He suspended that order Monday after the city of Pensacola filed an appeal. The American Humanist Association and the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a lawsuit in 2016 on behalf of four Escambia County residents who said the cross violated the separation of church and state. Court documents show a civic group built the current cross in 1969. An earlier cross had been at the location since 1941.
What Tim Baker is reading – “Two years in, Lenny Curry loves a good fight” via Nate Monroe of the Florida Times-Union – Curry, serial tweeter of phrases like, “pursuit of winning is a beautiful thing,” has taken to the bully pulpit as Jacksonville’s chief executive with a boxer’s gusto, relishing the back-and-forth of a good public fight. At the halfway point of his term in office, it’s a style that has emerged as a hallmark. If he’s pushing an issue — pension reform, say — he’ll go to the mat for a win and pound away at critics if necessary. “Champions like to compete,” said Brian Hughes, Curry’s political consultant and close confidant. Some supporters have privately expressed concern that Curry’s pugilistic statements have sometimes gone too far — he once referred to members of the city’s Police and Fire Pension Fund board as “cronies” — but few can say the mayor’s strategy hasn’t shown results. “He’s made a lot of progress in two years in large part because of who he is,” said City Council President Anna Brosche.
What Mark Bubriski is reading – “FPL project could take first step” via Jim Saunders for the Sunshine State News – State regulators next week could give an initial boost to a Florida Power & Light proposal to build an estimated $888 million power plant in Broward County — part of a series of FPL projects to add new natural gas-plants. Under a state rule, utilities are required to go through a process that involves seeking possible alternatives to proposed power plants. But FPL, which wants to build a plant that would replace two aging generating units in Dania Beach, asked the Florida Public Service Commission for an exemption from that process. The Public Service Commission’s staff recommended approval of the exemption, and the regulatory panel is scheduled to take up the issue during a meeting July 13.
“Orlando’s new solar plant takes shape as Florida’s solar energy erupts” via Kevin Spear of the Orlando Sentinel – Rising with the toxic ash of coal burned to make electricity for Orlando, a man-made hill east of the city is about to have a new role in energy. The nearly 100-foot-tall landfill has been covered with 20,368 solar panels, conjuring the image of an enormous land beast armored with shiny scales. A survey by the Orlando Sentinel of the state’s 10 biggest electric utilities found that the Orlando-owned utility and the stockholder-owned Duke Energy, which is Central Florida’s biggest power provider, lag behind their peers in solar efforts. By the end of the year, Orlando Utilities Commission will have a combined 18.9 megawatts of solar capability, including 13 megawatts under construction at the coal-ash landfill and an adjoining field.
— OPINIONS —
“The Florida Supreme Court has tales to tell” via Bill Cotterell of the Tallahassee Democrat – Any stories containing the names Kardashian, Beyoncé or Trump may be titillating, entertaining or surprising. But they’re not going to change your life. Conversely, whatever the Federal Reserve Board does with interest rates, or one more report on global warming, may have perilous implications for our bank accounts – the planet itself – but if they could bottle that stuff, they could put Sominex out of business. That’s what makes Neil Skene’s new book about the Supreme Court of Florida special. Skene, a journalist turned attorney, manages to make the state’s highest court interesting. And he does it without hype or exaggeration. Skene, who covered the court and state government for the St. Petersburg Times 30-plus years ago, brings the staid institution to life in his book. It’s titled “The Supreme Court of Florida,” but subtitled “A journey toward justice, 1972-1987,” and those dates are significant. Those years bookend a period when Florida was blessed with two superb governors, Reubin Askew and Bob Graham. They saw a need for change and were determined not to be bystanders in the process.
“Time to save public education in Florida” via the South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board – In a cynical effort to expand school choice, the Republican-led Florida Legislature concocted HB 7069, a bill crafted behind closed doors and sprung on state lawmakers in the closing days of the legislative session. Gov. Scott signed the bill into law, despite overwhelming opposition from educators, parents, school superintendents and school board members. Floridians should not let this onerous law stand. The first of July should take on the significance of the Fourth. Now is the time to start the political groundswell that will persuade state leaders to craft new legislation to stop the damage HB 7069 will do to our public schools. Florida has never been in a sweet spot when it comes to funding public schools. According to the most recent census data, the national average for per-pupil spending is around $11,000. In Florida, the figure is just over $7,923, a whopping 1.3 percent increase over last year’s funding. The figure puts our state closer to the bottom of most national rankings. Florida has ample school choice options, from charter schools to the nation’s largest tax credit scholarship program. Still, most of Florida’s schoolchildren attend public schools, and their interests shouldn’t be hurt by a bad law out of Tallahassee.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Donald Trump campaign’s Brad Parscale moves political operation to Florida” via Samantha Ehlinger of the San Antonio Express-News – Trump campaign adviser Parscale is moving his firm’s political data and marketing operation from San Antonio to Florida in pursuit of an airport with more direct flights. … It’s too difficult to get to the East Coast, namely Washington, D.C., and New York City, from San Antonio because of the lack of direct flights, Parscale said. It’s also difficult to attract talent when a three-hour flight to New York takes seven hours and includes a layover or two, he said. … The political operation will be based north of Miami, he said, to take advantage of the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. He’s already found office space in north Miami, declining to disclose details.
“Applications to replace Jimmy Patronis on PSC due July 28” via Florida Politics – The Public Service Commission Nominating Council has set the date to apply to take over Patronis’ seat on the PSC. Patronis’ term on the commission, which regulates investor-owned utilities, wasn’t up till Jan. 1, 2019. But he stepped down when Gov. Scott appointed him to replace Jeff Atwater as state CFO. Atwater’s last day was Friday; he is now CFO of Florida Atlantic University. Scott also has to replace Patronis on the Constitution Revision Commission. It meets every 20 years to look over and propose amendments to the state’s governing document.
“Personnel note: Simone Marstiller joins Gunster” via Florida Politics – Marstiller, a retired judge of the 1st District Court of Appeal, will be joining the Gunster law firm’s appellate and government affairs teams and will be based in the Tallahassee and Tampa offices, the firm announced Wednesday. “Judge Marstiller brings vast expertise and judicial system knowledge,” said Lila Jaber, regional managing shareholder and head of the firm’s government affairs practice. “Her focus, experience and dedication to the State of Florida fit perfectly with Gunster’s mission of attracting diverse and world class legal talent” … Marstiller, a Republican, recently said on Facebook she will not run for Attorney General in 2018, concluding “that running for the office just isn’t financially feasible for me.”
– Morning must-read –“Florida lobbyist turning Donald Trump ties into mega-millions” via Rachael Wilson of the Center for Public Integrity
— ALOE —
“Airbnb adds to Polk County tourism market” via Kevin Bouffard of the Lakeland Ledger – Airbnb announced recently it had paid out so far this year more than $4.6 million in tourist taxes, also known as bed taxes, to 39 counties with which it has signed agreements to collect the tax. That includes some $192,000 in bed-tax revenue in Polk County since February, when that agreement went into effect. Jackie Johnson, head of the Convention & Visitors Bureau at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, agreed that Airbnb probably expands the Polk tourism market at this point rather than taking share from hotels and resorts. “I think Airbnb brings in more of the millennials,” said Johnson, also executive director of the Lakeland Hotel & Motel Association Inc. “I think it has positive effects. It offers a different type of market. I know we have Airbnb properties in Polk, and it’s only going to help.”
“Epcot’s food and wine fest logo hints at new attraction star” via Terry Roen of Orlando Rising – The 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival’s logo highlights Remy from “Ratatouille” fueling speculation that the cooking rat will be featured in Epcot’s newest ride. The star of the Academy Award winning movie “Ratatouille” sits atop the 2017 logo wearing a chef’s hat while tipping a salt shaker. Remy’s highly-developed sense of taste and smell and flair for cooking fit into Epcot’s food and wine theme. The logo reinforces rumors that Remy will star in Epcot’s newest attraction. Last month, the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the government agency that oversees development at Walt Disney World Resort, filed a permit for improvements on a 5.7-acre site behind the France Pavilion at World Showcase. The space is big enough for a replica of the Ratatouille-themed ride like the one opened in 2014 at Disneyland Paris.
“From the Panhandle to Key West: Follow Florida’s craft distillery trail” via Paul Abercrombie for the Tampa Bay Times – Despite its thriving craft-beer scene, the Sunshine State is a relative newcomer to the nation’s craft-distillery boom. A handful of licensed distillers a dozen years ago have grown to 35, stretching from the Panhandle to Key West. What’s more, some are winning big-time accolades. According to the American Craft Spirits Association, as of 2016, there were 1,315 craft distillers nationwide. California led the way with 118. Eager to experience my state’s spirits beyond just buying a bottle or two at the local liquor store, I decided to hit Florida’s nascent distillery trail. Florida, I learn, can be a source of inspiration and frustration for distillers. As with most better producers in the state, St. Augustine favors local ingredients, and that explains the bright notes of citrus in its wonderful New World Gin. With spirits such as bourbon, that can mean fresh challenges. The cavelike room where St. Augustine ages its 2,000-odd bourbon casks may look like anywhere else, but Florida’s year-round heat and humidity accelerate the aging process. Florida’s climate has even been a motivation for at least one distillery. Weary of long winters in their native Poland, Jacob Kobuza and his brother Matthiasconvinced their master-distiller dad to move to St. Petersburg, where they soon started Kozuba & Sons Distillery.
Happy birthday to our friends Susanne Dudley and Rep. Joe Gruters, as well as Erin Gillespie and Rep. MaryLynn Magar.
