Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Twitter exploded in paroxysms of glee Monday as American Airlines announced a new daily flight between Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., beginning Feb. 15.
“God is good,” tweeted Democratic political consultant Steve Schale. “All the time.”
“The best news of the day!” posted Skylar Zander, the deputy director of Americans for Prosperity-Florida.
“Great news for those of us who do state legislative work in Florida every year but are based in DC!” added Paul Blair, director of strategic initiatives for Americans for Tax Reform.
The airline itself tweeted, “We’re always wanting to grow and go to new places … We’re excited about our new route!”
“American Airlines will fly its 76-seat CRJ-900 aircraft on this new flight, which will be offered once daily,” the city explained in a news release.
“The inaugural flight from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) will arrive at TLH at 9:57 p.m.,” it said. “The first departing flight from TLH is scheduled for 7:10 a.m. on February 16, 2018.”
American’s return to Tallahassee makes it the third commercial air carrier serving Tallahassee, including Delta Air Lines and Silver Airways, the release said.
Evening Reads
“Paul Manafort, Florida Man, indicted” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“National opioid emergency declaration will likely have limited impact in Florida” via Nick Evans of Health News Florida
“JEA still restoring Puerto Rico power, despite Whitefish contract cancellation” via A.G. Gankarski of Florida Politics
“‘Job growth’ fund requests top $500” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida
“Joe Negron to ‘revisit’ policy on reporting of sexual harassment complaints” via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida
“Legislature could name highway after Tom Petty” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“Orange you mad? Citrus language leads to marijuana lawsuits” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“Universal buys 101 acres for future expansion” via Terry Roen of Orlando Rising
“Battered Florida Keys show resiliency with Fantasy Fest” via the Associated Press
“Retail survey predicts another record-setting Halloween for retailers” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
Quote of the Day
“The money we invest in our environment is important for our children and our grandchildren … The environment’s important to us” — Gov. Rick Scott, announcing increased environmental funding in his proposed 2018-19 state budget in a Jacksonville appearance on Monday.
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Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet after holding a series of committee meetings, which start at 8:30 a.m. That’s at the university’s Admissions Center, 4700 Research Way, Lakeland.
The South Florida Water Management District will hold a meeting to discuss a plan to build a reservoir in the Everglades Agricultural Area, south of Lake Okeechobee. The project has been a priority of Senate President Joe Negron. That’s at 9 a.m., South Florida Water Management District headquarters, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach.
The state Office of Insurance Consumer Advocate’s Emergency Medical Transportation Working Group is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m., Hermitage Centre, 1801 Hermitage Blvd., Tallahassee.
The Legislative Committee of the Florida Commission on Ethics is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m., 325 John Knox Road, Tallahassee.
The Education Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will meet at 1 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
The Florida Keys Community College board of trustees is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m., Florida Keys Community College, Key West Campus, 5901 College Road, Key West.
The Association of Florida Colleges Board of Directors will meet at 4 p.m., Innisbrook, 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor.
The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota board of trustees is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m., State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch campus, 7131 Professional Parkway East, Sarasota.
