Peter Schorsch
Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
Good morning from Miami where The Future of Internet and Television Conference, or FITConFL, kicks off today. We’ll have more on that below, but let’s start the day with two scoops we tracked down overnight.
— New website foreshadows Richard Corcoran gubernatorial bid: With the recent addition of Go Big Media, a national and well-respected digital marketing firm, the Speaker launched a new website Tuesday. Accompanying RichardCorcoran.com is a website for his political committee Watchdog PAC.
The new website features an extensive first-person bio and issue pages on immigration, taxes and spending, education, government accountability, among others. All issues that Corcoran has been focused on during his tenure in the House.
This also comes after the recent high-profile hires of Tony Fabrizio for polling, Jamestown Associates for media, and Taylor Budowich, a former national Tea Party leader who is heading up Watchdog PAC’s communications. And while Corcoran’s political intentions remain unknown, it’s clear he is putting together a serious operation which now includes a robust online presence.
Oh, and one more major development from yesterday that belongs at the top of Sunburn. Congrats to Beth and Kevin Sweeny on the birth of their daughter, Wellesley Donna Dorothy Sweeny. Mom and baby are doing incredibly well, we’re told.
— THE FUTURE IS NOW —
As mentioned above, the Future of Internet and Television Conference gets underway today today.
The event is brought to you by the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association (FCTA) and Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, South Florida Chapter.
FCTA Chair Derek Cooper, Comcast’s Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs, will call the conference to order.
Brad Swanson, FCTA President and CEO, will give an industry call to action and insights into Florida’s economic and political future.
“What was formerly known as FCTA’s Annual Meeting has been reimagined and redesigned to facilitate leading policy and industry discussions for the evolving internet and television industries,” a press release said.
Florida’s top industry leaders will receive updates on recent state and federal legislative and regulatory policy developments affecting the industry.
That includes what’s next in the world of content creation; hearing from experts on meeting workforce challenges; exploring how the Internet of Things (IOT) affects our daily lives; and more.
For instance, Marva Johnson will moderate a panel on “Building and Maintaining Tomorrow’s Workforce Today,” on “new technologies and growing consumer demands for smarter systems and faster connections.”
The event goes through Friday at Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 Northwest 87th Ave., Doral. For a full agenda and registration information, click here.
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— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“It’s official: Bill Galvano is next Senate President” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – In a vote made for a ceremony, Florida’s Senate Republicans formally made fellow Sen. Galvano the next Senate President for 2018-20. Since the GOP still controls 24 seats in the 40-member chamber, the move ensures the Bradenton lawyer’s future leadership position … In a brief speech, Galvano thanked his colleagues but very avoided any hints at policy or priorities under his presidency. Instead, he repeated his intention to listen, and asked the members to “help me serve you” … “I’ll have a lot of discourse and interaction” with them in the coming months, he told reporters. “The caucus, and the Senate, will then build some specificity into some of these issues” … He did tease at the “tough decisions” ahead on the state budget as revenues decline, and called the opioid crisis a “plague” on the state.
“Bill Galvano questions relief centers for displaced Puerto Ricans” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – Incoming Senate President Galvano on Tuesday questioned whether Gov. Rick Scott overstepped his constitutional bounds in opening “disaster relief centers” for Puerto Rican residents displaced by Hurricane Maria. “I think the governor is acting in good faith,” said Galvano, who was designated the 2018-20 Senate President to succeed current president Joe Negron. “But that’s something the Legislature needs to deal with.” Later, the Bradenton Republican added, “I’m not convinced the executive (branch) has the authority” to open such centers by executive order. Earlier this month, Scott announced he was opening the centers “at Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami” to “ensure those entering Florida are provided with all available resources from the state.” State colleges and universities also waived out-of-state tuition and fees for students from Puerto Rico.
“Senate panel hears values of vacation rentals, mulls regulations” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – After hearing a cavalcade of criticisms of short-term vacation rental homes in Florida two weeks ago, the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee heard many positives while deliberating whether there need to be any state regulations. The committee’s workshop on vacation rental homes was extended from its initial hearing of the 2018 Florida Legislative Session due to an overwhelming number of speakers’ requests, and many of those who came forward were owners of vacation rentals who testified that their properties were great for their communities and great for themselves. The issue is whether people who rent out a bedroom, or a house or condominium unit, for a few nights at a time to visitors need to be held to the same standards as businesses that operate commercial bed-and-breakfast inns, hotels, and motels. In the 2017 Florida Legislative Session the Legislature restricted local regulations under the argument that municipalities were getting unfairly out of hand cracking down on vacation rental homes. But now the issue of statewide rules emerges.
“Senators angry at delays in medical marijuana licenses” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida – Frustrated senators grilled Florida’s pot czar, demanding explanations for why his office missed a legislatively mandated deadline to issue new medical-marijuana licenses and why ailing patients are stuck waiting for state-issued ID cards. Christian Bax, executive director of the state Office of Medical Marijuana Use, blamed one of the delays on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of part of a new law that required health officials to issue 10 new marijuana licenses by Oct. 3. But Senate Health Policy Chairwoman Dana Young rejected Bax’s explanation. “I’m not buying that just because there’s litigation out there you can’t fulfill your statutory duty to issue these additional licenses,” Young, a lawyer, scolded Bax. Ailing patients, who have “already waited too long” for medical marijuana to be legalized, “deserve their government to act appropriately” to make sure they get the treatment they need, Young said.
“‘Direct primary care’ on the move in Senate” via Christine Sexton of NSF – After past efforts have gotten bogged down, the Florida Legislature may finally approve legislation that, according to Sen. Tom Lee, would provide concierge medicine to the masses. Lee’s bill (SB 80), which would help lead to the use of “direct primary care” agreements, was approved unanimously by the Senate Health Policy Committee. Business associations and medical lobbyists supported it. The vote was the second Senate committee to approve the bill, which now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. It then could go to the full Senate during the 2018 session … Lee’s bill makes clear that providers can enter into arrangements that allow them to collect monthly fees in exchange for providing primary health care services to patients without running afoul of any insurance laws.
“Texting while driving could become a primary offense” via Legislative IQ powered by Lobby Tools – The Senate Committee on Communications, Education, and Public Utilities passed Sen. Keith Perry’s bill on texting while driving … SB 90 would change the enforcement of the ban of texting from a secondary to a primary offense, meaning motorists could be stopped without first committing another violation. It would also require that all fines collected be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund of the Department of Health. Perry’s plan has a comparable House companion in HB 121. SB 90 has three more committees to go through before it is heard on the Senate floor.
“Carlos Trujillo: ‘Let’s take a year off’ new PECO projects” via Florida Politics – House Appropriations Chair Trujillo is looking to take a breather on education-related new construction and rehabs. “I think the best approach, at least in my humble opinion, is why don’t we fund everything that we have a commitment to,” Trujillo said, then “take a year off (new projects).” The Public Education Capital Outlay Trust Fund, or PECO, is typically used for maintenance, but also provides funding for renovation and construction projects. A PECO analyst explained that the fund is obliged to provide roughly $743 million to ongoing projects and estimates it will take four years to do so—without funding new projects.
— “Sources: Trump to nominate Trujillo as U.S. ambassador to OAS” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO
“Sought by U.S. Marshals, David Rivera pops up in Capitol, chats with legislators” via Marc Caputo and Matt Dixon via POLITICO Florida – The U.S. Marshals say they can’t find former Miami Rep. Rivera to serve him with a Federal Election Commission lawsuit tied to a campaign finance conspiracy that led to two criminal convictions. But all the feds have to do is be in the state Capitol … where the scandal-plagued Republican was admitted to the Florida Senate floor to rub elbows with former colleagues during the designation ceremony of future state Senate President Bill Galvano. Rivera, a former state and U.S. representative, is running for a state House seat in Miami. Asked if he knew the marshals were looking for him … Rivera expressed ignorance of the FEC lawsuit. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rivera said before declining further comment and slipping into the Senate chamber where reporters weren’t allowed.
Today’s key committee meetings:
— House presentation on pharmacy networks – The House Health Innovation Subcommittee will hear a presentation from the Agency for Health Care Administration on Medicaid pharmacy networks. Meeting begins 8:30 a.m. in Room 306 of the House Office Building.
— House discusses corrections budget – The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will hear presentations on budgets and proposed cuts to several agencies including the Department of Corrections. Meeting begins 8:30 a.m.in Morris Hall of the House Office Building.
— Senate talks Hurricane Irma costs – The Senate Appropriations Committee will address several issues, such as expenditures and response, related to Irma. Meeting begins 9 a.m. in Room 412 of the Knott Building of the Capitol.
— House examines state’s trauma-care system – the Florida Department of Health will give a presentation to the House Health Quality Subcommittee on the state’s trauma-care system. Meeting begins 10:30 a.m. in Room 306 of the House Office Building.
— House Justice panel addresses online threats – The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will examine a HB 165, from Belleview Republican Stan McClain, seeking to increase penalties for online threats to kill or injure. Meeting begins 10:30 a.m. in Room 404 of the House Office Building.
— Senate debates prison security – The Florida Department of Corrections will update the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee on the agency’s staffing levels and use-of-force incidents. Meeting begins 1 p.m.in Room 37 of the Senate Office Building.
— Senate considers beach renourishment funding – A bill (SB 174) in front of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, filed by Jack Latvala, seeks an annual $50 million for beach renourishment projects. Meeting begins 1 p.m. in Room 301 of the Senate Office Building.
— Senate examines hurricane impacts on schools – The Senate Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee will discuss the economic impact of hurricane on public schools. Meeting begins 1 p.m. in Room 412 of the Knott Building of the Capitol.
— House to talk online voter registration – The House Oversight, Transparency and Administration Subcommittee will hear a presentation from the Department of State on the state’s online voter registration system. Meeting begins 1:30 p.m. in Morris Hall of the House Office Building.
— Senate considers underground utilities – On the agenda of the Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittee are issues of underground utilities. Meeting begins 3:30 p.m. in Room 301 of the Senate Office Building.
— Senate budget committee examine opioids – The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee will discuss funding the states opioid epidemic. Meeting begins 3:30 p.m. in Room 401 of the Senate Office Building.
— University preeminence discussed – The State Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee will discuss preeminence and performance funding for Florida universities. Meeting begins 3:30 p.m. in Room 412 of the Knott Building in the Capitol.
— House considers Building Commission restructure – The House Careers and Competition Subcommittee will discuss a bill (HB 299), from Belleview Republican Stan McClain, to slash the number of members of the Florida Building Commission from 27 to 11. Meeting begins 4 p.m. in Room 212 of the Knott Building in the Capitol.
— House considers Slavery Memorial – The House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee will discuss HB 67, from Democrats Kionne McGhee of Miami and Larry Lee Jr. of Port St. Lucie, to create a Slavery Memorial at the Capitol Complex. Meeting begins 4 p.m. in Morris Hall of the House Office Building.
— House details DCF budget – Budget requests and possible cutbacks in the Department of Children and Families are on the schedule of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee. Meeting begins 4 p.m. in Room 404 of the House Office Building.
— House panel on school discipline – A panel on school discipline is on the agenda of the House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee. Meeting begins 4 p.m. in Room 306 of the House Office Building.
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— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Twitter will now label political ads, including who bought them and how much they are spending” via Michelle Castillo of CNBC –Twitter said in a blog post it would clearly label political electioneering ads, which the Federal Election Commission (FEC) defines as an ad used to promote a specific candidate for elected office or affiliated party posted within 30 days of a primary election or 60 days of a general election. Electioneering ads can also include any ad clearly promoting a political candidate at any time. The ads will have some sort of visual marker, likely a purple dot next to the user handle, and a purple box with the text “Promoted by” and the name of the sponsor. In addition, the company will limit which criteria can be used to target people and will introduce a “stronger” penalty on those who do not abide by the new rules. The company did not say what the tougher standards or penalties will be.
“New poll finds Democrats’ 6-point advantage in generic governor’s race” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – Conducted by SEA Polling & Strategic Design, a Tampa-based firm known for Democratic polling, the poll was taken Aug. 13-17 with live callers, 30 percent cellphones and bilingual interviewers. “With big names lining up to run for governor on both sides, we decided to take a more legislative approach to see how the race for governor is setting up by asking which party candidate for governor was the respondent more likely to support,” SEA pollster Thomas Eldon stated … “Despite a conservative midterm model giving Republicans a plus-two turnout advantage (41 percent Republican/39 percent Democrat/20 percent no party affiliation), the results favored the Democrat by six with peak intensity separation also at six.” The poll found the Democratic strength lays with women and Hispanics, in Central Florida and South Florida; Republicans continue to hold solid advantages among white voters and in the Florida Panhandle. Democrats also held a five-point advantage over Republicans among independents.
“Chris King’s jobs plan to include free tech schools, forgiven student loans” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – King unveiled the basics of his six-point jobs plan at an Orlando union hall including free community college and tech school, and a greatly expanded list of professions for which the state would forgive student loans in exchange for long-term work commitments. Speaking to leaders of the Communication Workers of America Local 3108, King laid out a plan that borrows ideas from other states, adds ideas stalled in Florida, and mixes in his own, ranging from free tuition for career-based education training, student loan forgiveness for what he called “jobs of the future,” state investment through community banks for small businesses, and adoption of the Competitive Workforce Act. “I’ve been a candidate for eight months, but I’ve mainly been talking about the problems of Florida for eight months,” King said. “But now I’m gearing into that next phase, and today … I’m now beginning to release the solutions.”
“Jack Latvala holding Tallahassee campaign ‘kick-off’ fundraiser” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – The event in downtown Tallahassee will take advantage of the 2018 legislative session’s second committee week … Though meetings are on the calendar, many have been canceled and the week is largely viewed as an occasion for candidates to hold fundraising events while prominent lobbyists and donors are all in Tallahassee. The invitation does not list a host committee, only referring to the event as the “Tallahassee Kick-Off Reception to Help Send Jack to the Governor’s Mansion!” It is being held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the rooftop pool terrace area of the DoubleTree hotel in downtown Tallahassee.
Dennis Ward endorses Ashley Moody – Moody’s campaign for attorney general announced its latest endorsement in her bid to succeed Pam Bondi, this one coming from Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward. Moody “is uniquely qualified to meet the public safety challenges we face here in the Keys and around the state of Florida,” Ward said in a statement. “With her years of experience as a federal prosecutor, combined with her distinguished record as a circuit judge, Ashley Moody is simply the best choice.” Ward, a former Democrat, is a Marine Corps veteran, a past Islamorada Village Council member, a former public defender, and has been an attorney in private practice.
“Former Florida CFO Alex Sink endorses Jeremy Ring for the job” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – “As the former CFO, I know what it takes to succeed in this highly complex and diverse cabinet position. Floridians need someone who is experienced in business, understands the complexities of insurance and financial markets and has the savvy and enthusiasm to tackle the challenges that Florida faces now and in the future,” Sink stated in a news release issued by Ring’s campaign. “I truly believe that he is the right choice for Florida CFO!” So far, the only other candidate for the post is Republican Antoanet Iotova of Hollywood.
“American Action Network ads launch for Brian Mast, Carlos Curbelo” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – The Florida ads are part of a $2 million national campaign aimed at encouraging voters to tell key lawmakers in 32 districts to support the budget deal, and to thank them for doing so. American Action Network’s Middle-Class Growth Initiative is pushing the message particularly because the Senate package includes tax reforms sought by the organization. The district-specific ads feature Lindsay Pratt, a working mother from Wisconsin, talking about the importance of middle-class tax cuts for families like hers. “If anyone has ideas that make things better for working families, I’m listening,” she says. “So when Congress released a tax reform plan that cuts middle-class taxes – I read it. It’s easy to understand. And an independent analysis shows that middle-class families save more than $1,200 a year. For families like mine, more money saved means more peace of mind.”
Click on the image below to watch the ad.
“Gambling amendment crosses 300K signatures” via Florida Politics – Voter Control of Gambling in Florida now has 301,370 valid signatures and has surpassed its quota in one of Florida’s 27 congressional districts, the Pinellas County-based 13th Congressional District … The amendment would alter the Florida Constitution to give voters the “exclusive right” to authorize any casino gambling expansion by putting all future expansion measures up for ballot approval. The measure would not affect games offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida or other American Indian tribes. The committee backing the anti-gaming initiative, Voters in Charge, said earlier this month that it has collected more than 600,000 signatures and estimated it will need to gather about 1.1 million signatures in total before it exceeds the verified signature requirement.
“Gayle Harrell to run for Joe Negron’s state Senate seat” via the News Service of Florida – State Rep. Harrell has opened a campaign account to run in 2020 for the seat that will be vacated by Senate President Negron, according to the state Division of Elections website. Negron, can’t run for re-election in Senate District 25 because of term limits. Harrell is the first candidate to file for the Republican-leaning Treasure Coast seat, which includes Martin, St. Lucie and part of Palm Beach counties. Harrell, who chairs the House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee, was first elected to the House in 2000. She served until 2008, when she was term-limited from office. She returned to the House in 2010 and again faces term limits in 2018. Harrell finished second in a three-way Republican primary for Congress in 2008.
“James Buchanan tacks on $30K for HD 72 bid” via Florida Politics –The new report, covering Sept. 5 through Oct. 6, shows $29,295 in new money, and $15,259 in spending. Donors at the $1,000 level include insurance company GEICO, which chipped in with checks from a pair of subsidiaries, and the Florida Beer Wholesalers Good Government Committee. In all, the Sarasota County Republican picked up 69 contributions including 16 for the election maximum of $1,000. Spending mainly went toward printing and consulting fees, with Gulf Coast Imprinting getting $5,800 for signage, and Jeffrey Carman cashing about $4,500 worth of checks for consulting fees.
Save the date – Republican Vance Aloupis is hosting a young professionals’ fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 9, in support of his bid for House District 115. Aloupis is running to succeed term-limited Mike Bileca for the Miami-Dade County seat. Event begins 6 p.m. at the 1306 Bar, 1306 N. Miami Ave. in Miami.
“Kevin King’s 2001 arrest involving underage girls subject of new Rick Baker ad” via Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Times – Produced by Baker’s political action committee, Seamless Florida, the ad details King’s 2001 arrest for sending emails and internet messages to two underage students, girls ages 14 and 15, asking them to skip school and drink beer with him back when he was a substitute teacher. Police said he also asked the 14-year-old to perform a sex act on him. “I’ll never forgive Rick Kriseman for this,” said an unnamed woman in the 30-second ad. “Knowing what authorities say this man did. It’s sickening.” However, the woman is not related to either girl, said Baker campaign spokeswoman Brigitta Shouppe. The campaign did not identify the woman or say if she has any links to the incident, saying only that she is a mother and former teacher. But King was never convicted, and the judge sealed the records in the case. “Sadly, Rick Baker has sunk to a new low in a desperate attempt to save his failing campaign,” said a statement from Kriseman campaign manager Jacob Smith.
— STATEWIDE —
“Lock and load: Rick Scott to take Chicago” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – Gov. Scott on Tuesday announced he will be “leading an economic development mission to Chicago this week to share why businesses in Chicago should consider moving their operations to Florida.” In a press release, Scott said, “Over the past seven years, we have cut taxes more than 75 times in Florida, saving our taxpayers more than $7 billion, and leading to the creation of more than 1.3 million private sector jobs. Florida’s success story is in stark contrast to the anti-business policies that have overburdened Chicago families and companies for far too long,” he added. “That is why I will be leading an economic development mission to Chicago to meet with site selectors and job creators and encourage them to move to and invest in Florida.” Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is a Republican; Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is a Democrat.
Assignment editors – Gov. Scott will hold a news conference in Chicago to discuss his economic development mission in Illinois. A press availability will begin approximately 9:30 a.m. on the corner of E. North Water Street and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. For more details, contact Lauren Schenone – 813-928-1150.
“In case you doubted horse racing’s demise in Florida …” via Nancy Smith of the Sunshine State News – What used to be called “the sport of kings” has devolved into a sport of kings, queens and jacks — casino games — a vehicle to turn former horse bettors into casino slot players. You really can see for yourself all the proof you need at a joke of a venue called Gulfstream Park West. It’s the former Calder Race Course. As part of the six-year lease, Gulfstream was given control of the operations of the race track, paddock, jockey’s room and 450 stalls of the 1,800 which were on-site in 2014. Every stall but the 450 in the lease, plus a whole bunch of other things including toilets, have been torn down. Once-venerable Calder is now a casino. Calder Casino. That’s not all. The public is welcome to watch and wager on horses at Gulfstream Park West, but amenities are … well … limited. “We tore down the grandstands and there’s no simulcasting. You can only bet on the races in front of you,” says senior racing ambassador Nancy Berry. “There are programs and machines and a food truck, and there’s limited seating under a tent.” A tent.
— STORMS —
Heard on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross – Gov. Scott, mentioned by climate change writer Jeff Goodell as a “pioneering climate denier” who “unofficially prohibited government employees from using the phrase climate change in any kind of government communication. I mean, he’s this sort of prototype for what we’re seeing in the Trump administration with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and others who are basically just trying to deny that this is a problem.”
“As Puerto Rico evacuees get new Florida licenses, there’s a catch” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times – As tens of thousands of newly-arriving Puerto Ricans slowly rebuild their lives in Florida, one of their first steps is to apply for a driver’s license in the Sunshine State. The state is working with county tax collectors to help evacuees work through red tape and apply for licenses, a critical first step to getting a job in the state. Rep. Bob Cortes wants Gov. Scott to stop charging evacuees the $48 fee for a Florida license. “They‘re coming from Puerto Rico with no money in their pockets,” Cortes [said]. “And we’ve already set a precedent here in Florida.” What Cortes refers to is the governor’s decision to waive various other fees, such as the Department of Business and Profession Regulation’s charges for more than 50 types of professional licenses — fees that DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem has described as “burdensome” in a recent release from Scott’s office. The Department of Education also waived teacher certification fees and higher out-of-state tuition for newly-arriving Puerto Rican college students.
“Irma insurance claims continue increasing” via the News Service of Florida – Potential insured losses from Hurricane Irma in Florida have crossed the $5 billion mark. As of Friday, 772,934 claims had been filed, worth an estimated $5.3 billion, according to the Office of Insurance Regulation. The figures continue to be driven by claims in Miami-Dade, Orange, Broward, Lee, Collier, Polk, Brevard, Duval, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. Homeowners accounted for 66 percent of the claims. Just over 24 percent of the claims had been settled with payments. Nearly 17 percent of the claims had been closed without payment.
Shot – from October 10: “Major Puerto Rico power restoration project awarded to small, untested vendor” via Florida Politics – Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, Florida Politics learned the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) — per the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) guidance — has selected a tiny, two-man company with fewer than two years of experience and merely $1 million in annual revenue to repair its massive and critical 230KV electricity transmission line. For the sprawling effort to restore Puerto Rico’s crippled electrical grid, the territory’s state-owned utility has turned to a two-year-old company from Montana that had just two full-time employees on the day Hurricane Maria made landfall.
Chaser from October 24: “Small Montana firm lands Puerto Rico’s biggest contract to get the power back on” via Steven Mufson, Jack Gillum, Aaron C. Davis and Arelis R. Hernández of The Washington Post
— MOTOROLA STEPS UP DURING IRMA WITH EXPERTISE, VOLUNTEERS —
As Hurricane Irma threatened South Florida last month, Motorola Solutions, through its communications systems and staff went into action in a variety of ways to help those in need before, during and after the storm.
Among Motorola’s Irma stories:
– A week ahead of Irma’s landfall, Motorola Solutions proactively reached out Florida customers to help prepare and meet all needs. Workers tested generators, found extra equipment, and verified systems were in good working order. Motorola sent extra supplies and resources with radios, batteries and more.
– Through a staging area in Rome, Georgia, Motorola delivered truckloads of gear — from spare radios and batteries to replacement antennas and transmission lines, generators and satellite phones.
– Less than 48 hours after Irma’s arrival in Monroe County, Miami-Dade police escorted Motorola triage response team members during a first supply run to the county line. Team members inspected several locations while moving south through the Keys, and was the first such team to reach the site in North Key Largo.
– In the Florida Keys, Motorola workers faced blocked roads, helping clear debris, and cut paths to previously unreachable locations, including Long Key and Sugar Loaf Key. Motorola staff were also in charge of reporting generator fuel levels to Monroe County officials, and refilled generator fuel tanks when possible.
– First responders in Pinellas County relied on Motorola radio systems to stay connected during Irma. Motorola personnel helped perform “CPR on the phone” with doctors in the call center. During and after the crisis, responders reported never experienced a single transmission drop.
– In Coral Springs, a pregnant woman went into labor during the storm, calling 911. Taking an armored vehicle to navigate the storm damage, first responders, using Motorola Solutions radios, helped with a safe delivery for the mother and her baby girl.
– Motorola Solutions Foundation is working with the American Red Cross for financial support for communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico. To date, the Foundation has committed $85,000 to the Red Cross’ relief efforts, with employees donating more than $100,000.
— OPINIONS —
“Only one hero in Donald Trump vs. Frederica Wilson fiasco” via Bob Sparks of Florida Politics –Somehow, the return of a soldier killed in action across the ocean became a political sideshow starring Trump, retired General John Kelly, and Congresswoman Wilson of Miami Gardens … Heroes are hard to find in this story. Trump was already behind the 8-ball before the call to Myeshia Johnson ever took place. When asked about his plans, Trump claimed past presidents did not make the calls he would soon make. What purpose did it serve to say that? It gave him no capital to defend the controversial remark about “he knew what he signed up for.” The president was advised to say something like that from Kelly, who received that very message when he lost his son in Afghanistan. Kelly was on his way to restoring the meaning and the reverence of a returning fallen hero. That all came unglued when he accused Wilson of saying something she didn’t say. What purpose did it serve to say that? … Neither the president (and Twitter), nor Kelly, comes out of this unscathed. Wilson, who is famous for her hats, should have kept what she heard under it. Which brings us full circle. As it was on the day all of this became media fodder, the only hero in this story is Sgt. La David Johnson. RIP.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Ruth Herrle becomes Ledetree CEO” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics – Ruth Herrle, who parted ways with the News Service of Florida in April, has landed as CEO of Ledetree, a news aggregation site. Herrle posted the new position on her LinkedIn profile over the weekend. The new job teams her up with former News Service co-worker Dave Royse. The two are the only names now listed on Ledetree’s online masthead. “Ledetree combines original content and curated aggregation in order to give you intelligent information,” its ‘about’ page says.
The Rubin Group to open new office in Miami – The Rubin Group announced it is setting up shop in Miami and has tapped a former official in Miami-Dade’s Office of Intergovernmental affairs to run the new location. “We are excited to expand our firm’s footprint with the opening of our Miami office that will be led by Erica Chanti,” said firm founder and president Bill Rubin. “Erica’s local government experience, coupled with her extensive campaign experience, will bring a new and unique perspective to the many clients we serve in the Miami-Dade area and beyond.” Chanti has spent the last three years working as executive director of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation, and in 2015 was named one of FloridaPolitics.com’s “30 Under 30” rising stars of Florida politics.
Appointed – Rick Matthews, William Johnson, Elisha Gonzalez Bonnewitz, Rose Conry, Tim Center, Stephanie Smith, Camille Lee-Johnson and Tony McGee to the CareerSource Florida board of directors.
— ALOE —
“Hallmark is releasing 33 new Christmas movies and we can’t contain our excitement” via Parents.com – No holiday season is complete without cozying up with a mug of hot cocoa and a few classic Hallmark Christmas movies. This year Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries are planning to release 33 new holiday films, and we’re sharing Hallmark’s recaps of the movies we’re most excited about seeing this winter … A Song for Christmas: According to Hallmark, this movie is about a popstar who runs away from her tour bus and finds herself spending the holidays on a local dairy farm, bonding with the family who doesn’t know who she is. Sugar and Spice: This holiday season, pastry chef Ginger finds herself not only in the finals of the American Gingerbread Competition, but also in the company of Bobby, her old high school sweetheart.
Happy birthday to the man, Mike Griffin, as well as Eric Conrad and Chuck Urban.
