Peter Schorsch
Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
The history of technology is replete with name changes: What began as “BackRub” is now Google, for example, and “Confinity” is now better known as PayPal.
Add another to that list, as the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association (FCTA) will now be known as Florida Internet & Television (FIT).
Brad Swanson, the group’s president and CEO, unveiled the new brand on Wednesday.
“We would like our friends in the legislative and government sectors to know how our member companies are leading the evolution of how people connect to the world around them,” Swanson said in a statement, “from content streaming and virtual reality innovations, to telehealth and home automation.”
The change comes just over a year after Swanson joined the organization to help it advocate more effectively in Florida’s legislative, regulatory and political arenas.
“Our previous name and brand needed an update to reflect the high-speed, online, cutting-edge technology our members provide to millions of Florida residents, businesses and visitors,” he said. “We look forward to using our new brand to communicate our industry’s unrivaled economic, charitable and technological value we create in every corner of this state.”
So what’s next? Swanson said the association’s new look and feel will be accompanied by a “broader communications strategy” to align with those of its members, all high-tech companies that have grown beyond solely providing traditional cable services.
Also of note: The association’s public affairs television show, Capital Dateline, is also getting a makeover. It’ll debut as FITv early next year.
It will remain “a one-of-a-kind program reaching Florida’s top influencers with the leading updates and issues that are shaping our state,” Swanson said.
FIT’s new website is www.internetandtvfl.com and Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts all have been changed to @FLInternetTV.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
— @LedgeKing: .@marcorubio on GOP feud between @POTUS & @JeffFlake / @SenBobCorker– “The Republican Party is going through a moment of realignment internally. And internal debate about what the party is going to be about and what it’s going to represent in the years to come.” … “So is the Democratic Party. And BTW, so is every institution in America. From higher education to the media, everyone is going thru the exact same internal debate & that is: what is our role and function in this new era, cultural, societal & economic?”
— @JKennedyReports: Fla’s #hurricaneirma cost so far: $648m to state, $1b-plus to local govts., and climbing, Sen budget cttee hears.
— @TheDaraKam: Tearful Sen. Victor Torres pleads with Senate budget committee to help #PuertoRico families like his.
— @DDucassi: Pam Stewart – commissioner of @EducationFL – said unofficial count of students displaced by Maria now in FL: 3,066 from PR, 474 from VI
— @NateMonroeTU: No surprise: Federal prosecutors say ex-U.S.Rep. Corrine Brown’s “bare-bones” motion for sentencing delay is w/o merit.
— @Fineout: Another tidbit from teacher summit w @FLGovScott – he told teachers frustrated by constant ed policy changes to lobby their legislators
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— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“Amid frustration, Rick Scott’s team vows to speed up storm reimbursements” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times – Scott’s interim state disaster chief told lawmakers he sees “significant opportunity for improvement” in how long Florida takes to repay cities and counties for recovery costs for past hurricanes. As Scott visited Chicago on his latest job-poaching mission, his administration’s handling of the post-Irma recovery came under scrutiny in the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There‘s still a lot of work to be done, but I look forward to continuing to solve these problems,” disaster chief Wes Maul told senators. “We are committed to ensuring that the state does not stand between communities and their money.” Also briefly on the hot seat was Scott transportation chief Mike Dew, who was grilled on DOT’s no-bid emergency contract for debris removal in the Florida Keys that has drawn critical attention.
Joe Negron talks Lake Okeechobee protection – Senate President Negron on Wednesday released a statement on the southern reservoir project outlined in SB 10, passed earlier this year. “The Army Corps of Engineers has notified the South Florida Water Management District of their intention to accept the District’s offer of resources to expedite the approval process contemplated in Senate Bill 10,” he said. “This agreement will provide funding the Corps needs in order to provide technical assistance to the SFWMD. The Army Civil Works Program has authorized a memorandum of understanding to formalize this important partnership. I am pleased to see all parties sharing resources and working together to increase southern storage as envisioned by the Legislature. Our coastal communities have been waiting on this type of tangible progress for decades. I am grateful to the SFWMD for providing a comprehensive update on the implementation of Senate Bill 10 during today’s meeting of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources and look forward to additional updates in the coming months.”
Beach preservation bill moves forward – A fast-tracked bill to set aside at least $50 million a year to help address beach erosion and other issues has cleared its second Senate committee. The “Coastal Management” measure (SB 174), filed by Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala, was approved 7-0 Wednesday by the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources. The legislation, which has been supported by the affected coastal counties, next heads to the full Appropriations Committee.
“Dorothy Hukill files ‘college competitiveness’ bill” via Florida Politics – Sen. Hukill has filed a bill to “support the over 800,000 full- and part-time students of Florida’s nationally-recognized college system,” she said in a Wednesday press release. Her legislation (SB 540), known as the “Community College Competitiveness Act of 2018,” would “expand credit transfer options … , requir(e) student and faculty representation on the new state coordinating board of the community college system, and expand strategic academic advising to help students save time and money” … “As a former teacher, I have seen firsthand how each component of our education system provides a valuable experience for our students as they learn the skills needed for a successful career,” the Port Orange Republican said in a statement.
“Child marriage ban about ‘delaying, not denying’ weddings” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – Lawmakers want to “delay, but not deny” the ability of those under 18 to wed, Rep. Lori Berman said at a Wednesday press conference. Proponents of bills moving in the Legislature for the 2018 Session to outlaw child marriage gathered for a midday news conference in the Capitol’s 4th floor rotunda. “We are saying that children should … wait till they are 18,” Berman, a Lantana Democrat, told reporters. “If you are 16 or 17 and you’re in love, and you’re going to wind up with this person for the rest of your life, there’s not a problem with having to wait a year or two to get married.”
“Bills on open meetings, tax votes move through Florida Senate” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of The Tampa Bay Times – Two proposals with broad implications for Florida school district operations sailed through the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Tuesday … The first measure (SB 192) seeks to define when two members of an elected government, such as a school board, may privately discuss public business. Under current law, that’s not allowed, as the public is permitted to observe meetings of their local elected officials … The second measure (SB 272) aims to require local elected bodies to receive 60 percent support for tax referenda held outside a general election. Sen. Jeff Brandes, the bill’s sponsor, said votes conducted in special elections often are decided by tiny portions of the electorate. “If you do it in a general election, nothing changes,” Brandes explained. “We want these discussions to take place in a general election.”
“House moves measure to create slavery memorial” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics – Cutler Bay Democrat Kionne McGhee’s bill to create a slavery memorial on Florida’s Capitol grounds advanced in another House Committee on Wednesday. The Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee approved McGhee’s proposal (HB 67). The bill officially calls for the Department of Management Services, based on upon the recommendation of the Florida Historical Commission to create and establish a slavery memorial on the Capitol grounds. In response to a question from Jacksonville Republican Jay Fant, McGhee said there was no estimated cost for the statue. But upon further questioning, he said it would be a combination of public and private funding to finance it.
“ ‘Online threats’ bill moves despite questions, concerns” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – Despite concerns about its effectiveness, a House panel Wednesday unanimously cleared legislation to tweak state law on making threats online. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 165), backed by Belleview Republican Stan McClain, who said he was prompted by “the explosion of social media in our society.” State law now makes it a second-degree felony to write and send “a threat to kill or to do bodily injury,” including by “electronic communication.” But a recent state appellate decision highlighted the problem of prosecuting such cases when threats are posted on social media, as opposed to being sent by email, and are not necessarily aimed at one person.
“Bill to change Environmental Regulation Commission on the move” via LobbyTools – The House Natural Resources & Public Lands Subcommittee unanimously cleared a bill requiring the governor to make appointments to the Environmental Regulation Commission within three months of a vacancy. HB 203 also requires that a simple majority, or four members of the seven member commission, vote to approve new rules and regulations. Under that provision, contentious rules about toxins in Florida water would not have been passed. At the time, the commission only had five appointed members and passed the rules on a 3-2 vote. Rep. Matt Willhite, a Wellington Democrat, will face two more committee stops before bringing his bill to the floor. An identical Senate companion has yet to be heard.
“Help may be on the way for hearing impaired drivers stopped by cops” via Florida Politics – A new bill filed by state Rep. Loranne Ausley may go a long way toward helping law enforcement handle traffic stops involving the hearing impaired. HB 135 would allow drivers to voluntarily indicate hearing impairment on their vehicle tag applications. That information would be included in the Florida Crime Information Center and the Driver and Vehicle Information Database, making law enforcement aware before interacting with a driver who can’t hear them. “One of my constituents, a TPD officer, brought this situation to my attention out of concern for his hearing-impaired son,” Ausley noted.
“Randy Fine wants to divert $14.4 million in ‘pork barrel’ spending to sewer fixes” via Jim Waymer and Dave Berman of FLORIDA TODAY – Fine is calling for Brevard County to reverse a recent decision to spend $14.4 million on what he calls “pork barrel projects.” Instead, he wants the money put it toward sewer system fixes to end big discharges, such as the estimated 20 million gallons of wastewater sent toward the Indian River Lagoon during and after Hurricane Irma. “At the same time they were releasing raw sewage into the Indian River Lagoon, the County Commission decided to spend $14.4 million tax dollars on pork barrel projects,” Fine said … County officials said they share Fine’s concerns, but doubt whether the tourism dollars could go toward sewer projects.
Legislative committees to watch today:
— Senate discusses hurricane on agriculture discussed – the Senate Agriculture Committee will continue an examination of the impacts of Hurricane Irma and Nate on Florida farms. Meeting starts 10 a.m. Room 301 of the Senate Office Building.
— Senate examines National Guard hurricane prep – A Florida National Guard presentation to the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee Will address preparedness, response efforts for Hurricane Irma preparedness. Meeting begins 10 a.m. in Room 37 of the Senate Office Building.
— House panel talks hurricane prep – presentations to the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness will touch on issues of evacuations, petroleum supplies and electric utilities. Meeting begins 10:30 a.m. in Room 404 of the House Office Building.
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— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Eyeing U.S. Senate bid, Rick Scott launches $2 million ad buy” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – The first ad Scott is running doesn’t mention his potential interest in the Senate. Instead, it highlights Hurricane Irma recovery, his call for Congress to fund fixes to the Lake Okeechobee dike and how he’s trying to make future tax increases in Florida more difficult. Because he’s not an announced federal candidate, Scott’s not bound by federal campaign finance laws that would make running these ads essentially impossible; they’re funded by a political committee controlled by Scott and that can take unlimited corporate money. The ad buy is a perennial event for Scott, who has launched ads in the run-up to previous legislative sessions. This year’s session begins in January. The total ad buy of $1.9 million would drain much of the nearly $2.8 million Scott has left in his political committee. But he can always raise more during the legislative session and, if need be, the independently wealthy Scott can pitch in his personal millions as he has in his last two political campaigns.
Click on the image below to watch the ad.
Florida Democrats are out with their own ad about Scott’s performance during Hurricane Irma. The spot links him to the deaths of 14 seniors in a Hollywood nursing home which lost power during the hurricane.
“Florida Gov. Rick Scott has a deadly secret,” says the narrator. “We now know the panicked nursing home called Scott’s personal cellphone four times in 36 hours to warn him that lives were in danger. But instead of helping he sent their calls to voicemails and did nothing.”
“And it gets worse,” the narrator continues. “After the scandal broke, he was caught shamelessly deleting the voicemails, destroying evidence and washing the blood from his hands. Now, Gov. Scott wants us to blame the nursing home.”
Click on the image below to watch the ad.
Fresh Mason-Dixon polling: Scott has gained on Nelson since Mason-Dixon polled the race in February, reports Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times. Nelson and Scott each took 44 percent of the vote, with 12 percent of people undecided.
“Andrew Gillum proposes $50K starting salaries for teachers” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – “When Gov. Scott blames ‘the system’ for low teacher pay, Floridians should ask him to look in the mirror. He and the Republican Party have enshrined a ‘system’ of teacher pay that pays them $10,000 a year less than the national average,” Gillum said in a news release. “When I’m governor, I will work to pass a law ensuring no district can set a starting salary below $50,000 … Every year legislation is filed to give teachers the raise they deserve, Governor Scott is nowhere to be found. Our teachers do some of the most important work on the planet, and we need to pay them as such.”
Ashley Moody picks up more Florida Sheriff endorsements – Two new endorsements … Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel Stephen: “Moody‘s strong credentials and passion for justice is exactly what we need in our next Attorney General. Ashley is battled tested both as a federal prosecutor and conservative jurist. Her commitment to our Constitution and public safety will make Florida safer and stronger and I’m proud to endorse her.” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell: “In Charlotte County we have a dedicated team of deputies and law enforcement professionals working diligently to combat crime and the evolving threats faced by our community. It’s important to our mission that we have an Attorney General who understands those threats and will partner with law enforcement agencies to aggressively combat those who seek to do us harm. I’m confident that Ashley Moody is the right candidate to stand alongside law enforcement to keep Floridians safe.”
… But Frank White has scored his first endorsement from a sheriff. Read about it here.
— STATEWIDE —
“New standards add pharmacies in Medicaid” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida – To address “concerns and issues” with pharmacy networks, Medicaid officials have reduced maximum times and distances that patients can be forced to drive for prescriptions, members of the House Health Innovation Subcommittee were told … Beth Kidder, deputy secretary for Medicaid at the state Agency for Health Care Administration, said the move “significantly strengthened” new network-adequacy requirements, with managed-care plans needing to have pharmacies within 15 minutes, or 10-mile drives, of patients, regardless of whether the patients are in urban or rural areas. “We feel like this is a good standard, and it’s far superior to what we had before, and this is the standard we’ll be sticking with unless we feel like it needs to be tightened,” Kidder told the House panel. The move increased the number of pharmacies in all Medicaid managed-care plans. The plan Staywell increased by 1,464 the number of pharmacies in its network, and Molina Healthcare increased by 885 the number of pharmacies in its networks, a Kidder chart showed.
“DOC seeks funds for inmate ‘hep C’ treatment” via Florida Politics – The Florida Department of Corrections requested over $19 million to treat inmates who have the Hepatitis C virus, even as the state prisons agency is embroiled in a class-action lawsuit over that treatment. The request was made before the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, as part of each state agency’s annual legislative budget request. Treatment for Hep C costs anywhere from $25,000-$50,000 per inmate, according to the department. Kim Banks, the agency’s chief financial officer, told lawmakers that DOC estimates around 500 inmates have the virus.
“Key black school choice organization to close at the end of the year” via Travis Pillow of redefinED – The Black Alliance for Educational Options sent a note to supporters this morning announcing it will “cease operations” after Dec. 31. The group played a unique role in the school choice movement. It challenged charter and school voucher advocates to give black communities more control over the schools that educated their children. It reminded people that the fight for educational self-determination has been going on for centuries. It advocated accountability measures that proved controversial inside the school choice tent, from regulations in Louisiana’s voucher program to standardized testing for students who use scholarships to attend private schools. Its leaders, like Howard Fuller, often demanded right-wing politicians target voucher programs at the most disadvantaged students. They helped rally support for the nation’s largest private school choice program when it faced an existential lawsuit, and contributed to the legal fight. In short, the organization helped build the sort of genuine, left-right coalitions that have been crucial to the school choice movement’s success.
“Marketing exec charged in specialty tag fraud case” via the News Service of Florida – The president of a marketing company was arraigned on wire-fraud charges stemming from allegations that he improperly received more than $250,000 from sales of Florida’s “Live the Dream” specialty license tag, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tallahassee. A federal grand jury indicted Michael Towner, 58, president of Financial Consultants Corp. and the Towner Corp., on 16 counts of wire fraud. The indictment said Towner’s companies contracted with the Dream Foundation to provide marketing services for the specialty tag. Under state law, 25 percent of the money received from the sale of tags can go to marketing. But Towner from 2010 to 2015 received $256,679 more than allowed, the indictment alleges. Proceeds from the Live the Dream specialty tag go to programs that address sickle-cell disease; seek to prevent birth defects and infant mortality; increase healthy baby outcomes; and address homelessness.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Ethics board cites Justin Sayfie, Capitol Group for reporting violations” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – The Florida Commission on Ethics is moving against lobbyist Justin Sayfie and another firm for problems arising from random audits of their compensation reports, according to a Wednesday press release. But Sayfie called the problem “a simple math error.” The commission also dropped cases against three other executive-branch lobbying concerns. The ethics board, which said it “conducted a required investigation of the Sayfie Law Firm based on the findings of a random audit,” found probable cause “to believe that the executive branch lobbying firm under-reported compensation received from a principal for the third and fourth quarters of 2015.” Probable cause means that an investigative body believes it’s more likely than not that a violation of law has occurred. Sayfie had his own firm before joining Brian Ballard’s Ballard Partners lobbying firm in 2015.
“Personnel note: Kerry Peluso joins FSU’s research arm” via Florida Politics – Peluso has been named the new assistant vice president for research administration and finance to oversee the financial operations of Florida State University’s research enterprise, the university announced Wednesday. Peluso will start Dec. 11. She will succeed Associate Vice President for Research Olivia Pope, who is retiring after 24 years at Florida State, “where she oversaw unparalleled growth of research while also putting in place research compliance and reporting requirements,” a press release said. Peluso now serves as associate vice president for research administration at Emory University where she oversees the offices that assist faculty with grant applications for public dollars and the management of the administrative requirements associated with those grants and contracts.
Appointed – Dr. Nicholas Kavouklis, Catherine Cabanzon and Fabio Andrade to the Florida Board of Dentistry.
— ALOE —
“Amazon will let delivery people inside your house” via Jill Disis of CNN – The service is called Amazon Key and launches Nov. 8 for Prime members. You buy a kit that includes an Amazon security camera, the Cloud Cam and a compatible smart lock. The kit starts at $249.99. You order something for delivery and click the “in-home” shipping option. When the delivery driver arrives, Amazon verifies the address and delivery time and allows him or her into your home. You can watch from your phone as the camera records the whole thing. Amazon says the delivery driver will not be given an access code or key. The service isn’t just for deliveries. Amazon says you can also use it to let family and friends into your house when you’re not home. Amazon Key will be available in 37 U.S. cities to start, and Amazon says it will add more.
Happy birthday to Dan Dawson and his hair, as well as the great Tampa Bay Times reporter, Mark Puente.
