Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Here’s another “good news” break: The state has opened its 175th state park with Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in High Springs, roughly 30 miles northwest of Gainesville.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service announced the opening Wednesday.
“The property, which contains six natural springs and includes approximately 1 mile of frontage along the Santa Fe River, has been providing recreational opportunities as a private park since 1958,” a release said.
“As a state park, Gilchrist Blue Springs will continue to offer numerous opportunities for resource-based recreation, including swimming, paddling and hiking.”
Gov. Scott and the Florida Cabinet approved the purchase of the 407-acre property for $5.2 million in June, and DEP closed on the property earlier this month. The site was ranked No. 1 in the Florida Forever Partnerships and Regional Incentives project category.
The Park Service says it’s working on “a seamless transition of services and amenities as the park opens, including the availability of paddlesport rentals and concessions.”
The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle, up to eight passengers.
Evening Reads
“Mike Pence to talk tax reform in Orlando” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Bill Nelson savages Jim Bridenstine at NASA hearing, cites Marco Rubio attacks” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Here are Philip Levine’s vulnerabilities” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“Jimmy Patronis will run for Chief Financial Officer” via Gary Fineout of the Associated Press
“Proposal seeks to clear the way for public funding of private schools” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
“Businesses to get workers comp cut” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida
“In tourist-heavy Florida, vacation rental owners, hotels battle over beds” via Mary Shanklin of the Orlando Sentinel
“Drone developers show off latest technology for SOCOM at Ybor City ‘rodeo’ ” via Howard Altman of the Tampa Bay Times
“FSU research documents link between nightmares and self-harm” via Dave Heller of FSU News
“Sea turtles overcame hurricane and heat to have decent South Florida nesting season” via David Fleshler of the Sun Sentinel
Quote of the Day
“You’re supposed to live in your district. And you’re not supposed to lie, especially under oath. Daisy did both. And now we’re paying for it.” — An unnamed House Democrat, speaking to POLITICO Florida, over the resignation of Rep. Daisy Baez, the Miami-Dade Democrat who faced a House probe and a criminal investigation over evidence she didn’t live in the district she was elected to represent.
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Wake Up Early?
The Education and Judicial committees of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will meet. Education is at 8:30 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, and Judicial is at 9 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building.
The Associated Press will hold an annual pre-session event that will include Gov. Rick Scott, legislative leaders and gubernatorial candidates. They will talk about the upcoming legislative session and the 2018 elections. It begins at 9 a.m., 22nd floor, the Capitol.
Associated Industries of Florida and Port Tampa Bay are scheduled to hold a symposium titled “Building Florida’s Future,” with speakers including Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Dew and Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican. That’s at 9 a.m., Port Tampa Bay, Cruise Terminal 2, 651 Channelside Dr., Tampa.
The Palm Beach County legislative delegation will hold a joint meeting with the Palm Beach County School Board, followed by a joint meeting with the Palm Beach County Commission. The meeting with School Board is at 10 a.m., followed by a meeting with the County Commission at 1 p.m., Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
The Florida College System Council of Presidents will meet at 10 a.m., Innisbrook, 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor.
The Florida Supreme Court is expected to release weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce will start a two-day insurance “summit.” Speakers Thursday are expected to include state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis; Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican; Citizens Property Insurance CEO Barry Gilway; and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier. That’s at 1:30 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando.
Vice President Mike Pence will be the keynote speaker at the Republican Party of Florida Statesman’s Dinner. It is closed to the press and the public. Pence is slated to address the crowd at 6 p.m., Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando.
Ryan Torrens, a Democrat running next year for Attorney General, is expected to speak to the Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee. Also expected to speak is former U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, also a Democrat. That’s at 7 p.m., South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach.
