Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
A Constitution Revision Commissioner now is raising questions on how “open” the panel is going to be when it comes to open meetings.
At the commission’s Rules Committee meeting Tuesday, Commissioner Bob Solari sought to clarify whether a CRC “meeting” that requires notice and be open to the public can be as few as two commissioners, or whether two commissioners can meet out of the “sunshine.”
The commission is formed every 20 years to review and suggest changes to the state’s governing document. Any amendments it places directly on the 2018 statewide ballot still must be OK’d by 60 percent of voters to be added to the constitution.
“At this point, I don’t feel right talking too much about anything with any commissioner,” Solari said, adding a fellow member is proposing an amendment he believes is “fatally flawed.”
“I’d like to just to give (that person) a heads up,” added Solari, an Indian River County Commissioner. “But I believe that I can’t.”
Commission rule 1.23 on open meetings and records just says, “All proceedings and records … shall be open to the public.”
A coalition of progressive groups already has asked for clarification, urging the body to use the Sunshine Law standard that prohibits two or more commissioners from meeting privately.
Rules chair Tim Cerio has previously said his understanding is that the commission will use the Legislature’s standard, which allows no more than two members to meet privately.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Cerio told Solari to talk with general counsel William Spicola and “then we can discuss more widely publishing that advice.”
“There’s nothing wrong with getting transparency over what the rule is,” Cerio said. “I think we’re following exactly what was done 20 years ago,” when that commission followed the Legislative rule.
Evening Reads
“How a group of Florida tomato growers could help derail NAFTA” via Caitlin Dewey of the Washington Post
“Still time for Senate to save Florida citrus” via Tom Rooney for The Hill
“Jacksonville Jaguars apologize to military for protest during anthem in London” via Jay Busbee of Yahoo Sports
“In money race for governor, Democrats losing badly to Republicans“ via Marc Caputo and Matt Dixon of POLITICO
“Florida school districts file formal challenge to constitutionality of HB 7069” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
“Charlie Crist dropped by Saloman Melgen’s house, Melgen’s wife testifies” via Matt Friedman of POLITICO
“Tom Lee may file constitutional amendment to ban dog racing” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“Jason Fischer, Jeff Brandes introduce self-driving cars bill” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics
“PSC regulators say no to FPL nuclear fees without financial analysis” via Susan Salisbury of the Palm Beach Post
“Manatee County homebuilder submits Amazon headquarters bid” via Mark Gordon of YourObserver.com
Quote of the Day
“This fentanyl and heroin crisis is more than you can even comprehend now. We’ve got to help our addicts, but on the same hand, we’re not doing them a service if we’re not locking up the dealers. They’re murderers, in my opinion.” — Attorney General Pam Bondi, on the opioid addiction crisis, speaking after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early
The State Board of Education meets in Duval County at 9 a.m., Florida State College at Jacksonville, Advanced Technology Center, 401 West State St., Jacksonville.
The Broward County legislative delegation will elect leaders for the coming year and hold a public hearing as it prepares for the 2018 session. That’s at 9 a.m., Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 West Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise.
The Lee County legislative delegation will meet as it prepares for the 2018 session. That’s at 9 a.m., Florida SouthWestern State College, Nursing Building, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers.
The Able Trust will host a grant presentation at The Haven from its “Strategic Employment Placement Initiatives” fund to support the “Careers Without Limits” program. That’s at 11 a.m., 4405 DeSoto Road, Sarasota.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will hold a hearing on a proposal by the National Council on Compensation Insurance to reduce workers’ compensation insurance rates in 2018. It’s at 1 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.
The General Provisions Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will meet at 1 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
The Clay County legislative delegation, made up of Sen. Rob Bradley, Rep. Travis Cummings, and Rep. Bobby Payne, will meet. It starts at 4 p.m., Clay County Administration Building, 477 Houston St., Green Cove Springs.
Sen. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, is expected to be honored for his work involving the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center during the center’s “See the Girl” awards dinner. It begins 6 p.m., The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings will hold a community meeting about rising water levels in Lake Okeechobee and the Herbert Hoover Dike. It begins at 6 p.m., Belle Glade Public Library, 725 N.W. Fourth St., Belle Glade.
Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Mast is expected to take part in a grand-opening event for new Republican Party of Palm Beach County headquarters. That’s at 6 p.m., 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 500, West Palm Beach.
