Peter Schorsch
Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel has been accused of creating a hostile workplace environment for women by making constant inappropriate comments and suggestion, according to six unnamed women who talked to POLITICO Florida.
While the women told POLITICO that they were never inappropriately touched, they said Bittel’s suggestive remarks, invitations to go on his private plane and even his possession of a breast-shaped stress squeeze-ball kept at his desk made them uncomfortable
“The biggest thing I will say is that it became a policy that women, especially junior staff, were never to be left alone with him in his office, plane or house,” a former party staffer told the news outlet.
Bittel, a millionaire South Florida developer, has apologized for his behavior and did not deny the accounts of the women who talked to POLITICO Florida.
“Every person, regardless of their gender, race, age or sexuality should be treated with respect and valued for their hard work and contributions to our community and if any of my comments or actions did not reflect that belief I am deeply sorry,” Bittel said.
A woman told POLITICO that Bittel’s constant remarks belittling women prompted her to leave her job.
“There is a reason I left,” one woman told POLITICO. “He’s very demeaning. He’s inappropriate in his comments he makes to women.”
These accounts by these women — identified as former FDP staffer and consultants — come after stories of alleged sexual misconduct by powerful men in the Florida Senate, including Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican running for governor, who is accused by six unnamed women of sexually groping and harassing them. Latvala is currently under investigation by the Senate.
“I have much to learn, but my goal is and has always been to make sure every member of our party has a safe environment in which to succeed. It seems I’ve not been successful in that goal, and I will do better,” Bittel said.
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— L’AFFAIRE LATVALA —
“Why aren’t women going public with sexual harassment claims in Tallahassee?” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald – Women have not yet publicly accused Sen. Latvala of sexual harassment, and the attorney representing one of his anonymous accusers says it is because they are being intimidated. While Latvala maintains the claims are politically motivated. Meanwhile, Senate Rules Committee Chair Lizbeth Benacquisto says she is working on revising the sexual harassment policy to include anti-harassment training and more clarity in how complaints can be addressed. Gail Holtzman, the lead investigator in the Senate probe, said she has yet to interview the one woman who has filed a complaint against Latvala due to scheduling conflicts.
“Senate lawyers up for sexual harassment, but targets only Jack Latvala” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald – Latvala will be the only senator to be investigated for sexual harassment claims by an outside law firm, according to the contract signed Nov. 13 by the Office of Legislative Services and the Tampa-based firm hired by the Florida Senate to conduct the probe. The limited scope of the investigation by the Jackson Lewis law firm is laid out in a letter attached to the contract from the lead lawyer, Gail Golman Holtzman. “We will represent OLS with its investigation of sexual harassment claims by six unnamed individuals who have alleged claims in media reports against Senator Latvala,” Holtzman wrote under the “scope of services.”
“Latvala probe may take up to a month to complete as Senate hires its own attorney” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – Negron’s office, though, has also hired its own outside attorney because of Roberts’ recusal. Under a contract inked last week, a trio of attorneys from Gray Robinson will represent the Senate in the matter, including George Meros, a shareholder in the firm’s Tallahassee offices who has represented high-profile Republican clients in the past. In a letter to Negron, Holtzman said she began her investigation and expects it to take three to four weeks, which means she could complete it before start of the 2018 legislative session in January. “The firm understands that time is of the essence regarding this investigation,” Holtzman wrote in the letter to Senate staff.
“Chris Latvala, Kathleen Peters lack ‘integrity,’ lawyer says” via Florida Politics – Latvala and Peters have not shown “integrity” or acted “in the public interest” in how they have publicly responded to accusations of sexual harassment against Latvala, according to a lawyer for one of his accusers. Tallahassee attorney Tiffany R. Cruz wrote a letter to House Speaker Richard Corcoran to complain about the two Republican lawmakers. Cruz specifically blamed the two House members for “condemn(ing)” Latvala’s accusers on social media for the purpose of “intimidation.” Cruz also said she did not expect the two to be punished, but told Corcoran she wanted him to be aware of their “abhorrent conduct.”
“Steve Andrews’ dismissive ‘girls’ quip isn’t helping Jack Latvala’s case” via Florida Politics – Andrews, the Tallahassee-based defense attorney, is representing Latvala against allegations of sexual harassment. Recently, he claimed a desire to work with the Florida Senate’s lead investigator … to prevent any potential conflicts of interest: “We want to work out the procedural process with her without getting the courts involved …” So far, so good. “I think this girl will do a good job and she will be remembered,” Andrews added. This “girl?”
While you may think it was a compliment, Steve, “girl” may not the best choice of words … Using dismissive language like “this girl” about a legal colleague – especially one that can make Latvala’s life a degree more difficult — is exactly what most women point to when they talk of an uncomfortable, sexually-charged workplace. It’s not only demeaning, but insensitive.
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“Florida Senate’s new budget chair weighs In on Gov. Scott’s budget proposal” via Sascha Cordner of WFSU – For the most part, Scott’s $87.4 billion budget proposal appears very promising. That’s according to the Florida Senate’s new budget chairman, Sen. Rob Bradley … “His priorities align with a lot of the Senate priorities, including the environment as well as higher education,” said Bradley, speaking to reporters. “There are some policy disagreements between the Senate and the governor on higher education. But, his overall financial commitment is something that we’re very comfortable with and we’re excited to work with him.”
“House members seek money for hundreds of projects” via the News Service of Florida – House members have filed nearly 400 proposals, worth more than $673 million, for local and regional projects to be considered during the 2018 legislative session. And while House leaders have put a priority on proposals geared toward hurricane relief and projects that prepare for future disasters, many of the requests don’t appear to fit those parameters. Overall, Republicans had submitted 274 projects worth a combined $499.2 million … Democrats had 108 proposals on file worth a combined $173.8 million.
“Hurricane committee to start ‘policy phase’” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics – The Select House Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness met for the fifth time … marking their last ‘educational’ committee meeting. The committee’s duties were originally split into three phases: gather information, solicit ideas for improvement and make recommendations to Gov. Scott and the Legislature. Now equipped with the statewide woes of the 2017 Hurricane Season, the committee transitions to the final part: policy recommendations. “This is it for our fact-finding mission and our education phase of our work,” Chair Jeanette Nuñez said. She expects there will be two committee meetings in December, where “the rubber hopefully will meet the road.”
“Lawmakers push bill banning state from investing in Venezuela” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics – In a further attempt to starve President Nicolas Maduro’s government from money, state lawmakers want to make sure state agencies are barred from investing on companies that do business with Venezuela. “We cannot as a state and should not prop up the Maduro regime, which inflicts misery upon its people,” Nunez said. The bill (HB 359) filed by Nunez and Rep. Manny Diaz Jr. would turn a resolution passed by Gov. Scott and the Florida Cabinet in August into state law. Under the bill, sanctions could be waived if there is a “collapse of the government or if there is a humanitarian crisis or need for immediate aid to Venezuela,” Nunez said.
“Jennifer Sullivan to take over Neil Combee’s chairmanship” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics – Sullivan will be taking over his chairmanship at the Oversight, Transparency & Administration Subcommittee. “Be kind, be generous and do a good job,” Combee told teary-eyed members of the panel. Sullivan, a Republican from Mount Dora, became the youngest female legislator in Florida history when elected in 2014. This is the first committee she will chair.
The best story you’ll read today – “Jeff Brandes returns from China with new adopted daughter” via the News Service of Florida – Brandes, his wife Natalie and their eldest daughter Charlotte … spent the past week in the sprawling port city of Guangzhou – outside Hong Kong – wrapping up the yearlong adoption of a new daughter. The trip was their first time in China since they began the adoption process. “You meet them on a Monday, you go back to the consulate on a Tuesday, they ask if you still want this child,” Brandes said, back in the Capitol Wednesday. “You promise not to abandon her and everything else. Then it’s about a weeklong process.” Elizabeth is the fourth child for the couple married just over a decade … the first they’ve adopted. Brandes, known for pushing legislation about new technologies, said he was able to follow the latest Capitol intrigue via tweets and admitted: “it was a good week to be away” … “I walked in the lunchroom today, I said, `Sorry guys I’ve been gone a week. Anything happen while I was gone?’”
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— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Is Rick Scott distancing himself from Donald Trump?” via Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times – During this week’s Republican Governors Association meeting in Austin, Scott is being uncharacteristically non-committal about what Trump could mean for his political fortunes … when asked if Trump will help or hurt candidates on the campaign trail, Scott replied “We’ll see what happens in 2018.” When asked if he would want Trump to campaign with him during an expected run against U.S. Senator Bill Nelson next year, Scott replied “I don’t know if I’m going to be a candidate. We’ll worry about that next year.” Worry about Trump’s support? Asked if Trump could help other Republicans on the 2018 ballots, Scott said only “You’d have to ask them.” And THIS is from the chair of Trump’s super PAC?
Assignment editors – Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam will join supporters in Boca Raton for a “Up & Adam” breakfast beginning 8 a.m. at The Griddle, 475 NE Spanish River Blvd. in Boca Raton.
“First TV ad released in Florida’s 2018 race for governor” via The Associated Press – Democratic Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine‘s political committee released the ad … The committee is spending $800,000 on the 30-second spot, which shows highlights from the speech Levine made earlier this month announcing his candidacy. In the clips, Levine mentions the need to address climate change and raise the minimum wage. It contains images of Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy.
Click on the image below to watch the ad:
Ben Diamond endorses Gwen Graham for Governor – “Gwen Graham has shown she is not afraid to take on the special interests or status quo. Gwen understands that hardworking Floridians should not have to pay investor-owned utilities for nuclear power plants that are never built or for fracking exploration,” said Diamond, a Democrat who represents House District 68. “As governor, Gwen will stand with Florida’s families over Tallahassee special interests.” Diamond also applauded Graham’s outspoken support of Florida Forever and her commitment to protecting Florida’s environment.
“John Morgan: Set your watch to first quarter of 2018” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – Watchers have been wondering as Morgan has toured the state speaking to Tiger Bay Clubs and elsewhere about his Democratic vision for Florida, and the state’s Democratic field has expanded with candidates not quite raising excitement: how long will this go on? “I will decide in the first Q,” Morgan replied by email to such a question from Florida Politics. That was a follow-up to a post he put on Facebook in which he set six months of campaigning as the optimum. The Democratic primary is Aug. 28, 2018. Six months earlier would be Feb. 28, 2018. “Sometimes less is more. People are sick of campaigns that go on forever with endless money grubbing,” Morgan posted. “Why do in two years what you can do in six months? The road goes on forever, but the party never ends.”
“Al Franken ‘no longer available’ for Bill Nelson fundraiser” via Florida Politics – How do you solve a problem like Al Franken? Tell him to stay away. Far, far away. The boob-groping (not “allegedly,” by the way, because there’s – yipes – a photo) Democratic senator from Minnesota was set to headline a fundraiser this Saturday for Florida’s Bill Nelson at the Thonotosassa home of former state CFO Alex Sink. But – awkward – Leeann Tweeden, a news anchor for a Los Angeles radio station, says Franken kissed and groped her without her consent in 2006 … Nelson spokesman Ryan Brown added: “As for the events this weekend, Sen. Franken is no longer available. The campaign events will continue as scheduled.”
“Ross Spano files to run for Attorney General” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times – Asked why he’s entering what promises to be a tough primary with three other well-known candidates, one from his own home turf, Spano said he believes he stands out in the field. “If I felt the right person was already in the race I wouldn’t have chosen to run,” he said. “I’m the only one that has legislative experience, the conservative values and the actual courtroom experience, plus I’m the only one with substantial criminal justice experience.” Spano is an estate planning and probate attorney, but has served on the House criminal justice subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, currently as chairman. “I’m confident that people will support me because of what I bring to the table,” Spano said of the financial race. “I’m confident we’ll have what we need to be successful. I don’t come from a wealthy family and I’m not a millionaire, but I don’t think I should be ruled out from running because of that.”
– “Spano announcement opens HD 59 seat in 2018” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics
Firefighters union endorses Jeremy Ring for Chief Financial Officer – The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced their 2018 election endorsement at a statewide conference … Breaking with past precedent and moving their general election endorsement process forward represents a significant victory for Ring. The IAFF previously offered their Democratic primary endorsement to Ring in June 2017. Among the CFO’s core responsibilities are fiduciary oversight of the state’s public retirement system, regulation of the insurance industry and serving as statewide fire marshal.
“DCCC attacks Carlos Curbelo on DREAM act en Español” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – At issue is Curbelo’s insistence that he would vote for the legislation at the same time he refuses to co-sponsor it. He has an alternative bill to protect people who were illegally brought or kept in this country as kids through no fault of their own. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee promptly released a Spanish-language digital ad and website targeting Spanish-speaking voters in his seat, Florida’s 26th Congressional District, which is 61 percent Hispanic. “POLITICO: CURBELO ‘INSTE A SUS COLEGAS REPUBLICANOS A NO APOYAR’ EL DREAM ACT,” says the DCCC website, which translates as “POLITICO: Curbelo ‘urges Republican colleagues not to support’ the DREAM Act.” But the DCCC’s snippet is misleading, if not lost in translation.
“Curbelo in serious trouble, Dem-sponsored poll shows” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics – A Public Policy Polling survey of registered voters taken last week shows the Republican incumbent with an approval rating of only 37 percent; 46 percent disapprove of the job he is doing. According to the poll, a hypothetical “Democratic opponent” leads Curbelo 53 to 39 percent. As for tax reform, to the extent that people know what’s in the bill being negotiated by congressional Republicans and President Trump, a slight majority (52 percent) indicated that they would be less likely to support Curbelo if he voted for the plan. In CD 26, Trump’s numbers are even worse. The president gets the same anemic 37 percent support as Curbelo, with 59 percent disapproving his performance.
“Vance Aloupis sustains firm fundraising lead in crowded HD 115 field” via Florida Politics – Aloupis added another $10,175 to his campaign account last month, maintaining his lead in the three-way primary race to take over for term-limited Republican Rep. Michael Bileca. Aloupis’ October fundraising report shows him with a to-date fundraising total of $192,634. It also showed $2,036 in spending, leaving him with $173,640 on hand heading into November. The Miami Republicans’ donor roll included $1,000 checks from AT&T South Florida and Publix Super Markets VP Hoyt Barnett and his wife Carol Barnett, the daughter of Publix founder George Jenkins.
— STATEWIDE —
American Bridge, WPLG Miami blast Rick Scott for ‘lax’ nursing home regs
A new email from progressive group American Bridge 21st-Century cites an “explosive investigation” by WPLG Miami on Gov. Scott and his regulation of nursing homes.
– Lax regulation has persisted despite the deaths of 14 seniors at a nursing home following Hurricane Irma, WPLG reveals.
– Bob Norman of WPLG has an answer for Scott’s “unconscionable deregulation” of nursing homes: campaign cash.
Click on the image below to watch the video.
“All Aboard Florida wins again in water district dispute: permit cleared” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – The South Florida Water Management District rejected final challenges brought by the private passenger train developer’s critics along the Treasure Coast. The water district denied 17 exceptions filed by Martin and St. Lucie counties and entered a final order to issue an environmental resource permit to Brightline, All Aboard Florida’s train system. The district also adopted the recommended order of a Florida administrative law judge which earlier had denied the counties’ initial challenge to the permit. That clears the final legal challenges pending for All Aboard Florida, though appeals are always a prospect. The company said there are no other outstanding legal challenges.
“Disney employees laid off amid restructuring at parks and resorts” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel – More than 145 Disney employees were notified they are being laid off amid restructuring at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts … Disney said the restructuring involved more than 0.1 percent of the division … The cuts were made to the human resources, finance, marketing and sales and operations departments for the global division of more than 145,000 employees at 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in North America, Europe and Asia. Notices were not seen on a state website where large-scale layoffs must be posted in Florida. The employees let go did not have primary duties dealing directly with customers, so Disney said it did not expect visitors to experience any changes visiting the theme parks or hotels. Disney is helping employees who lost their jobs find other work internally or find work outside the company.
— WALKING WHILE BLACK —
Is “walking while black” a crime in the Bold New City of the South?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office disproportionately issued pedestrian citations to blacks—almost all of them in the city’s poorest neighborhoods—in the last five years, according to a ProPublica and Florida Times-Union investigation published Thursday. Here are the story’s highlights:
— Blacks received 55 percent of all pedestrian tickets in Jacksonville, while only accounting for 29 percent of the population. And blacks account for a higher percentage of tickets in Duval County than any other large county in the state.
— In the last five years, there were 658 citations issued in Jacksonville for people crossing the street while not in a crosswalk. More than half those tickets were issued in error, and 48 percent of those erroneous tickets were issued to blacks.
— The Sheriff’s Office said Jacksonville’s use of pedestrian violations to stop suspicious people could not be compared to New York’s stop-and-frisk program.
But the reporting found that black men, who said they were issued a ticket, were searched and left enraged when the officers found nothing.
— OPINIONS —
“Joe Henderson: let’s hope Stu Sternberg was joking” via Florida Politics – I assume Tampa Bay Rays owner Sternberg was trying to make a joke hen he said his organization might come up with $150 million to help pay for a new ballpark in Tampa’s Ybor City that will cost a lot more than that. I say that because I literally started laughing as I read his quotes in the Tampa Bay Times. My guesstimate is that with a stadium to replace decrepit Tropicana Field hypothetically priced at $800 million, give or take a luxury suite or two, Sternberg and Major League Baseball can’t be seriously thinking of asking/demanding taxpayers to pay the $650 million difference. What Sternberg offered up sounded more like an extortion note than a pitch for serious public-private partnership. I believe Sternberg knows that, too. He is a smart man.
“Brecht Heuchan: FHCA ‘wrong on all’ counts” via Florida Politics – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA), a nursing home industry trade association, recently attacked my proposed “Resident’s Bill of Rights” amendment to the state constitution saying that it does not belong there, that it “weakens protections for residents,” and that it is “glaringly bad.” Unfortunately, they offered nothing in the way of evidence to support these claims and are wrong on all. Here is my take: I cannot count the number of times I have been told one issue or another does not belong in the constitution. When it comes from the mouths of special interest groups it is code for something else. What they really mean is: 1. they think they have other forums wired in their favor, and 2. they know if voters have a chance to consider the proposal, it would pass. Make no mistake—rights for residents belong in the Florida Constitution.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Southern Strategy Group gets its steel magnolia” via Florida Politics – Rachel Cone, a veteran of state and local governments and early hire of Gov. Scott‘s administration, is joining top Tallahassee lobbying firm Southern Strategy Group. In the run-up to Scott’s 2014 re-election campaign, she was one of the go-to senior staffers who was known for doing her homework, being a straight shooter and maintaining relationships in a town where that’s hard to do. Florida Politics recently named Cone of the 2017 Session winners, and she served as interim Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation in what was one of the most divisive legislative sessions on record.
Alexander Anderson: Department of Education
George Anderson, Southern Strategy Group: City of Sanford, Sanford Airport Authority
Robert Beck, Tanya Jackson, PinPoint Results: Independent Living Systems
Gregory Black, Gunster Yoakley & Stewart: Broward College Foundation
Michel Bjorklund: Florida Electric Cooperatives Association
Jim Boxold, Capital City Consulting: The City of Venice
Matt Bryan, David Daniel, Thomas Griffin, Jeff Hartley, Lisa Hurley, Jim Naff, Smith Bryan & Myers: Baptist Health Care Corporation
Erica Chanti, The Rubin Group: AFSCME Florida, Florida East Coast Industries, HCA Healthcare, University of Miami
Kevin Doyle, Wexford Strategies: Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Anthony Glover, Glover Law: GREY2K USA Worldwide
Robert Hosay, Foley & Lardner: U.S. Imaging Network
Robert Reynolds, Robert R. Reynolds & Associates: Susan B. Anthony Revocery Center
Joseph Salzverg, GrayRobinson: Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care
— WEEKEND TV —
Black Almanac with Dr. Ed James on WWSB, ABC 7 in Sarasota: “Trump’s presidency continues to be an abject lesson in the persistence of systematic racism, and a recent FBI report shows how little this administration regards black people” with political analyst Dr. Lawrence Miller.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: Guests are Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham and former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Panelists this week include journalist Brendan McLaughlin; Katie Sanders, deputy editor of PolitiFact; political consultants Mark Proctor and Victor DiMaio.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on posttraumatic stress disorder among first responders, and how the state’s responding. Guests include state Sen. Victor Torres, state rep. Mike Miller, former state rep. Mike Clelland, UCF RESTORES Director Dr. Deborah Beidel and Jessica Realin, the wife of a first responder with PTSD.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: An exclusive interview with state Sen. Jack Latvala on the current sexual harassment and misconduct investigation in Tallahassee, and whether he will drop out of the race for Governor. Also, there will be an analysis of the Tallahassee political climate today with analysts Michelle Ertel and Dick Batchelor.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Hosts Gary Yordon and Steve Vancore will speak with News Service of Florida political reporter Dara Kam.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests are House Speaker Richard Corcoran; Rick Mullaney of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute and former U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, author of “Dead Center.”
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg hold a weekly roundtable with newsmakers.
— ALOE —
“FSU plans robust homecoming parade, despite absence of Greeks” via Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat – With 75 registered participants as of Thursday, the university is promising an exciting event that is expected to attract about 5,000 people along the parade route … Missing will be the numerous colorful and creative floats usually assembled by many of the 54 fraternity and sorority chapters at FSU. On Nov. 6, FSU President John Thrasher suspended all Greek activities following the death of Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge. It is believed to be alcohol-related. The sweeping suspension prohibits Greek-letter organizations from holding new member events, council or chapter meetings, organized tailgates, events – and organized participation in Homecoming. This year’s theme is “Spirit of Unity.” It was chosen before the death of Coffey, whose funeral is Saturday in Pompano Beach.
Happening Saturday – State Rep. Danny Burgess is hosting annual East Pasco Food Giveaway, to distribute free fresh food for families in need. Food will be given out first-come-first-served, with a maximum of three families per vehicle. Giveaway begins at 9 a.m. at the Dade City Business Center (Front Parking Lot), 1500 Citrus Country Dr. in Dade City.
Happy birthday to AG Pam Bondi, Bill Nelson, Jr., and journalist Alan Snel.
