Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
The leftovers still cram your refrigerator, the gifts you bought on Black Friday are stashed away, and your credit card is ready for more use on Cyber Monday. But the high jinks in Florida politics don’t take a timeout for the mall. Here are ten state political stories you may have missed:
In no particular order, here are the top state political stories you may have missed:
“John Morgan: I’m leaving Democratic Party, Bill Nelson should run for governor” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Morgan tossed a bomb Friday into the 2018 political landscape, saying in a post-Thanksgiving message he is leaving the Democratic Party, and that Democratic Sen. Nelson should not run for re-election, but rather seek the governor’s mansion so he can leave a ‘legacy.’ … Morgan did not close the door on the idea of running for governor himself — a notion supported by many in his party — but said in his message, if he did, he would do so as an independent. … In follow-up text messages … Morgan confirmed he was not saying he would not run for governor, ‘just not as a Dem,’ he said. … ‘I believe [Nelson] should run for governor. He is the Dem’s best chance and he would be happier there,’ Morgan wrote.
“Doubts linger after Rick Scott pitches biggest budget” via Reuters — After deep cuts in spending for Florida schools and other public programs following the Great Recession, outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott this month proposed an $87.4 billion budget he says boosts spending on some depleted services to record levels. Despite Scott’s meaty 2018-2019 budget recommendation, which is about $2.4 billion above current spending, advocates for Florida public education, environment and affordable housing remained skeptical the new plan would go far enough. “It doesn’t move Florida (schools) out from the bottom when compared to other states,” said Mark Pudlow, spokesman for the Florida Education Association, the state’s teachers union.
“Scott files motion to disqualify Justice Barbara Pariente from ruling in case” via Capitol News Service — Scott wants a Supreme Court Justice removed from a case which will decide whether the governor has the authority to appoint three new justices before he leaves office. The case, which is a constitutional battle between the governor and the League of Women Voters, has been argued before the state’s highest court. Scott filed a motion to have Justice Barbara Pariente disqualified from the case, claiming comments made by the Justice caught on a live microphone suggest bias.
“Richard Corcoran says he backs bulk of Joe Negron’s higher ed agenda, new board for college system” via POLITICO Florida — Despite grumblings from his House higher ed chair and budget officers, Florida House Speaker Corcoran expressed broad support for the bulk of the higher education agenda laid out this year by his Senate counterpart … In a recent interview with POLITICO, Corcoran said he thought the broader higher ed bill that (Joe) Negron was pushing last year “was an excellent bill.” And this year, he said Negron is “going down a good path again, it’s an excellent bill,” adding that “we share the same educational philosophy from pre-K to Ph.D.”
“With its top leaders gone, Florida Democratic Party’s focus turns to chair election” via Florida Politics — In one day, the Florida Democratic Party lost its two top leaders. Chair Stephen Bittel and Sally Boynton Brown, the state party’s president, submitted their resignation letters on Monday and the party accepted. “We are looking forward to getting back to the important work of turning Florida blue,” Johanna Cervone, the party’s spokesperson, said in a statement. Boynton Brown announced she would step down a day after she defended Bittel following reports that he created a hostile environment for women in the workplace.
“Miami nursery sues to demand Florida allow more medical pot farms” via Miami New Times — After voters overwhelmingly legalized medical marijuana a year ago, Florida was supposed to issue ten new pot-growing licenses to nurseries by October 3. But the state has dragged its feet in implementing nearly every aspect of the law, from issuing cards to patients to passing basic regulations on who can smoke cannabis and when they can smoke it. Now it’s farmers’ turn to be upset with Tallahassee. The state blew its deadline to issue those new weed-growing licenses, and today a Miami-Dade-based grower, Bill’s Nursery, sued the state in federal court to demand the Department of Health (DOH) follow its own rules.
“12 nursing home deaths in Hollywood ruled as homicides” via Tonya Alanez and Erika Pesantes of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — “Who gets charged is part of the continuing investigation,” said Miranda Grossman, a spokeswoman for the Hollywood Police Department. “We don’t have a timeline of when there would be charges at this point.” The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills was evacuated Sept. 13 when eight elderly residents died in quick succession after the home lost power to its central air conditioning and overheated. Another six died in subsequent weeks. Erika Navarro, the granddaughter of Cecilia Franco, 90, and Miguel Antonio Franco, 92, said the medical examiner’s ruling confirms what she already knew — that they were meant to live longer. And on the eve of Thanksgiving, she learned through a reporter that her grandparents did, in fact, die from heat exposure.
“End of federal protection threatens thousands of SWFL Haitians with deportation” via Naples Daily News — The Rev. Jean Renaud Paul hadn’t heard the news before his cellphone buzzed with a text message late Monday night. “Trump ended TPS,” the message read, referring to temporary protected status. President Donald Trump and his administration nixed a federal program that allowed roughly 59,000 Haitians to settle in the U.S. after an earthquake devastated their country in 2010. The decision demands that thousands of Haitians living in Southwest Florida with temporary protected status, including members of Paul’s Naples New Haitian Church of the Nazarene, return to Haiti by July 2019 or face deportation.
“Florida crime rate drops despite increase in rapes” via The Associated Press — Florida’s crime rate is dropping, but the number of rapes is growing. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Tuesday released a report that analyzed reported crimes in the first six months of the year. The good news in the report showed that Florida’s crime volume dropped two percent compared to the same time period in 2016. But the bad news is that the number of rapes jumped up 8.1 percent from 3,769 to 4,073.
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— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“Member projects top $1 billion” via the News Service of Florida — Riding high atop the wish list is Rep. Bobby Payne, who offered 17 proposals totaling more than $105 million. Last week, House members proposed 310 separate projects, worth more than a half-million dollars, while in Tallahassee for a pre-session committee week. Being away from the Capitol for the Thanksgiving holiday didn’t slow down the requests, even though most of the proposals won’t make it very far. On Monday and Tuesday, 159 projects, collectively worth $267 million, were filed. As of Wednesday morning, House members had created a 673-strong project list for the session. But the proposals will have to compete with diminishing revenue, rising health care and education costs, and the need to cover Hurricane Irma repairs and an influx of Puerto Rican evacuees from Hurricane Maria. House Speaker Corcoran has made clear that the priority will be on relief related to Irma, which caused billions of dollars in damage to the state.
“Rob Bradley offers glimmer of hope for fracking ban via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Bradley, recently was named chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, also leads the chamber’s Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. That’s the first committee of reference for Sen. Dana Young’s bill (SB 462) to prohibit hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the controversial drilling technique that involves shooting water and chemicals deep underground. This is the second year Young has run a fracking ban … And this upcoming Session’s Senate measure has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. When asked whether he would hear the bill, Bradley offered a terse text-message response: “No final decisions have been made on future agendas.” But that was enough to steel Young as to her bill’s chances. “My good friend Sen. Bradley has just moved into a major role as Appropriations Chair, and I want to give him all the time and flexibility he needs to consider the bills on his environmental policy agenda,” she told Florida Politics.
“Proposal would make it harder to change constitution” via the News Service of Florida — The proposal (SJR 978), filed by Sen. Dennis Baxley, would increase the threshold for voter approval of constitutional amendments. Currently, 60 percent of voters need to approve amendments. Baxley’s proposal would increase that required number to two-thirds. Baxley’s proposal itself would require a change to the Constitution. If approved during the upcoming legislative session, it would go on the November 2018 ballot. Rep. Rick Roth has filed an identical proposal (HJR 65) in the House.
“Drinking, advertising — and ‘extortion’? Beer bill back for 2018” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Legislation that critics said would allow theme parks to “extort” advertising dollars from beer companies has been refiled for the 2018 Legislative Session. The bills (HB 775, SB 822), filed by Republicans Rep. Mike La Rosa of St. Cloud and Sen. Travis Hutson of Elkton, generally would allow “cooperative” advertising in theme parks. Hutson, chair of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, sponsored the language in the previous Session … Last year’s measures grew contentious, however, when beer industry representatives started privately complaining of fears they’d be “extorted by the theme parks.”
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— LATEST ON FLA. DEM. CHAIR RACE —
Florida Democratic Party chair race has an all-female cast — Three women are vying for the chairmanship of the state’s Democratic Party, now that Stephen Bittel has been officially ousted from office. Palm Beach County Democratic Chair Terrie Rizzo, Hillsborough County State Committeewoman Alma Gonzalez and Monica Russo, the current president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida have all entered the race to replace Bittel. Brevard County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Stacey Patel is mulling a run as well. The election will be Dec. 9 and so far, Rizzo holds an early lead with 22 endorsements. Russo, a prominent Democrat who under party rules would not be allowed to run because she is not a local elected official, wants those rules expanded. “Currently, the procedure to elect our next chair is closed and exclusive. We need an open process that reflects who we are as Democrats — inclusive and welcoming to all Floridian,” Russo said.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Philip Levine PAC launches new bilingual TV ad — All About Florida, announced its first bilingual television ad, “Siempre.” The ad will air for five weeks in select markets around Florida. The bilingual ad highlights the former Mayor’s relief trip to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, where he was one of the first to deliver thousands of necessary supplies and coordinated delivery with the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz: “Washington politicians pointed fingers at each other; I pointed a cargo plane filled with lifesaving supplies to San Juan. I said we will never turn our back on the people of Puerto Rico — I meant it and I always will. We will always be with Puerto Rico.”
— “Can a Jew from liberal Miami Beach be Florida’s next governor? Philip Levine is betting yes” via Amy Sherman for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency
“Jay Fant says he’ll create new position to handle harassment” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Fant, a Jacksonville Republican running for Attorney General in 2018, says he will create a “Confidential Investigator and Ethics Officer” to deal with sexual harassment complaints if elected. The new position would meet “confidentially” with those who claim harassment by a “public official.” Any information developed would be referred to law enforcement or the Florida Commission on Ethics, he said.
Happening Thursday:
“Republican field to replace Ileana Ros-Lehtinen thins as Raquel Regalado bows out” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — Regalado announced her decision to bow out of the race in a letter … saying she was disenchanted with the “ineffective and circuslike” atmosphere around the highly polarized federal government. She said she will “continue to fight for our community, especially for the most vulnerable among us. But for now, I will do so as a private citizen” … “I refuse to compromise my values and beliefs; I refuse to accept disrespect, intolerance and vulgarity as our new norm and I refuse to be part of this two-party pantomime,” Regalado wrote. “I am and will remain a moderate voice.”
First in Sunburn – Lori Berman collects over 25 Democratic endorsements for SD 31 special election – State Rep. Berman of Palm Beach County received endorsements from Congressmen Ted Deutch, Patrick Murphy and Robert Wexler, both Democratic Palm Beach County Sens. Kevin Rader and Bobby Powell, Sens. Linda Stewart, Annette Taddeo, and Victor Torres as well as Representatives including House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz, House Democratic Policy Chairs Evan Jenne and Cynthia Stafford, Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Bobby DuBose, Representative Matt Willhite and Reps. Robert Asencio, Loranne Ausley, Kamia Brown, John Cortes, Tracie Davis, Ben Diamond, Joseph Geller, Patrick Henry, Shevrin Jones, Amy Mercado, Barrington Russell, Sean Shaw, Carlos Guillermo Smith, Richard Stark and Barbara Watson.
“Ruth’s List Florida backs Anna Eskamani in HD 47 contest” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — “Anna is a lifelong advocate for reproductive health and women’s rights. She is a dynamic leader who has already proven herself to be a passionate and effective advocate,” Ruth’s List Florida Executive Director Marley Wilkes stated in a news release … “The Ruth’s List community — now tens of thousands of members strong – is excited to support her candidacy.” The endorsement is a natural fit. Ruth’s List promotes Democratic women for office. Eskamani, of Orlando, faces Republican Stockton Reeves in a quest to replace Republican state Rep. Mike Miller, who is running for Congress rather than re-election.
Ross Spano endorses Joe Wicker as successor for HD 59 — Rep. Spano is endorsing Republican businessmen and veteran Wicker to succeed him in the Florida House. “I can think of no better candidate … Joe is a common-sense conservative and patriot to our nation. As a small-business owner, Joe knows exactly how we can grow Florida’s economy and provide prosperity for all. As a combat veteran, Joe will continue the work of previous legislators in making Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the country,” Spano said. Wicker currently owns Home Helpers Home Health, an agency servicing the needs of seniors so they can stay independent in their home. He has served as a committee chairman in the Harbor Bay Development District and as a member of the Hillsborough County Citizens Advisory Committee-appointed by Commissioner Al Higginbotham.
“Republican Mike Caruso files for open HD 89 seat” via Florida Politics — Caruso, an accountant, opened his campaign account Nov. 16 and announced his bid with a news release. “I am excited to give back to the community that has, so often, given much to me and my family,” Caruso said. “Real, experienced, community-based leadership is needed in Tallahassee more now than ever.” Caruso is currently serving on the Delray Beach Police Advisory Board and the West Atlantic Redevelopment Coalition Board, were he additionally co-chairs the WARC Economic Committee. He is also the president of the Villas of Ocean Crest Homeowners Association and Atlantic Grove Condominium Association.
“Fourth Republican files to replace termed-out HD 119 Jeanette Nuñez” via Florida Politics — Analeen “Annie” Martinez opened her campaign account Wednesday, joining Juan Alfonso Fernandez-Barquin, Enrique Lopez and Bibiana “Bibi” Potestad in what is now a four-way GOP primary for Miami-Dade County seat. Martinez is a committeewoman in the Miami-Dade GOP and currently works as an office coordinator for Florida International University. Lopez, who filed in March, is the current fundraising leader with about $21,000 on hand through the end of October, including $4,000 in loans. However, Potestad has nearly matched his total in half the time.
— STATEWIDE —
Assignment editors – Gov. Scott will visit Mitchell Elementary School in Tampa to highlight his proposed investment in K-12 education for the upcoming state budget. News conference begins 9 a.m. at 205 S. Bungalow Park Ave. in Tampa.
“Industry to fight proposed constitutional amendment for ‘clean, healthful environment’ ” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida – Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, an environmentalist and former mayor of Sewall’s Point who is on the Constitution Revision Commission, says she has submitted a proposal establishing a right to a “clean and healthful environment” in the state Constitution because people are “irked” about politics in Tallahassee. … But Associated Industries of Florida on Tuesday announced it is assembling a legal team to stop the proposal, which the group said said is “dangerously vague” and poses a threat to Florida businesses. The Constitution Revision Commission’s Judicial Committee has scheduled presentations Tuesday on “environmental rights” including the proposal.
“State keeps fighting for suspended law requiring 24-hour abortion waiting periods” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — Its latest argument included the comparison that if there are waiting periods for cremations and divorces, abortions should have them too. As it stands now, women do not have to follow the 2015 state law, which was signed by Gov. Scott, because the state Supreme Court indefinitely suspended it. But a lawsuit brought forth by the American Civil Liberties Union remains pending in Leon County. The ACLU of Florida wants Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis to strike down the law completely and deem it unconstitutional, arguing the state’s “paternalistic argument” that women are not capable of making a decision for themselves when they seek the procedure is offensive and should not stand.
Worst story you’ll read today: “Reports: DCF investigated suspect in 3-year-old’s killing twice since 2009” via Annie Blanks of the NWFDailyNews.com — Florida Department of Children and Family documents show Cory Hagwell, who was charged in the death of 3-year-old Adelynn Merrell Nov. 12, had been flagged by the agency once before in 2009 … Hagwell and another woman were reported to the agency regarding their then-newborn child. The nature of the allegations against the couple were redacted, but an investigator found that neither judicial action nor placement outside the home was required, though intervention services were. According to the report, Hagwell and the unnamed woman were living in Pensacola and were “young” parents, but the investigator noted, “it is not believed that their age affects their ability to care for the child at this time.” Hagwell would have been 21 at the time. The investigator also noted it was their first child, and the child did not have any reported injuries. Neither Hagwell nor the mother had any prior incidents with DCF, and both parents agreed to accept in-home parenting classes. The overall risk to the child was rated as “low” by the investigator, who reported “the parents both spoke highly of the child” and “the parents both work to provide for the needs of the child.” The case was closed Nov. 25, 2009.
“It wasn’t my job to disclose secret campaign cash, ex-Miami congressman says” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — Facing allegations that he illegally spent nearly $70,000 funding a ringer candidate’s campaign against a Democratic opponent, former Miami Congressman David Rivera asked a judge to toss a federal elections lawsuit, saying that if anybody broke the law it was the guy who took the money. Rivera, in a motion to dismiss, told Judge Robert Scola that even if he did secretly spend $69,426.20 backing the campaign of a political neophyte in a scheme to siphon votes away from a more threatening opponent, that wouldn’t have broken any federal election laws. Rather, Rivera — who denies the allegations — argued it would have been Justin Lamar Sternad, the 2012 primary opponent for Joe Garcia, who violated elections laws by failing to report the money as an “in-kind” contribution. “The candidate was allegedly informed that the ‘in-kind’ contributions were being made by Rivera, but it was the candidate who chose not to disclose Mr. Rivera as the source of the in-kind contribution,” wrote Rivera’s attorney, Roy Kahn. “The failure to properly disclose the true facts on his campaign disclosure forms falls on the shoulders of the candidate, not the donor.”
“Political committee spending keeps many details of Lenny Curry’s trips in dark” via Nate Monroe of the Florida Times-Union – The Wild West-world of Florida campaign finance law allows Curry to use his political committee to pay for his official travel, as long as he includes at least a small amount of political activity on the trip, like a fundraiser or a strategy session. This allows Curry to keep secret most of the details of trips paid for by the committee. Curry’s political committee, to which donors can contribute in unlimited amounts, is required to disclose only basic contribution and expense transactions, meaning it has nearly total control over what it chooses to disclose about the trips. “It’s a big loophole,” said Ben Wilcox, research director of Integrity Florida, a statewide government-watchdog group. “It’s the opposite in terms of transparency.” Local law also requires public officials to choose the most economical means of travel and lodging available, in theory cutting down on the cost to taxpayers and limiting the comforts of elected office.
“Near airport, ride-sharing and co-existing” via Kevin Spears of the Orlando Sentinel – At the edge of Orlando’s airport is a crossroads of Latino culture ready to deliver people from around the world to their vacation dreams. It’s where hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers gather and wait for a ride request. Some call it the “FIFO” lot, for first in, first out. It opened this summer after the airport relented to growing pressure to let ride-share drivers pick up arriving passengers. Previously, they were allowed only to drop off passengers for departing flights. Drivers there may not earn more than others, but they aren’t driving around aimlessly, wasting gas, wearing out their cars. The fare of one airport ride can equal that of several quicker trips in town. On a recent weekday, there was a laid-off exec, a mobile preacher, a college student, job applicants, mothers with kids in school, a retiree with intolerable free time and a construction worker. Full-timers do at least 12 hours a day and part-timers’ half that. They share empanadas, drink cold Wawa coffee from paper cups and glance at the master of their ride-share universe — the app on their phones that displays a number.
“Uber fought the law in Miami — and only has to pay half of its $4 million in fines” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Uber ran a thriving, renegade business for two years in Miami-Dade, treating $4 million in county fines as a startup expense as its growing ridership helped pressure lawmakers to change the taxi laws to accommodate the popular ride-hailing option … county commissioners approved a deal letting Uber pay half of the fines levied against its drivers, a settlement that some bashed as unfortunate given the county’s financial straits and the company’s deep pockets. “This is a $50 billion company, worldwide,” said Commissioner Bruno Barreiro. “A $2 million additional allocation is basically a rounding error in their budget. … I really believe they should step up to the plate and pay the full amount.” Uber reached a similar deal with Washington, D.C. last spring.
“Vape ‘em if you got ‘em, Trulieve says” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Trulieve this month filed a petition for declaratory statement with the department, which regulates medicinal cannabis through its Office of Medical Marijuana Use. In May, the department told Trulieve to stop selling wire-mesh vape cups filled with whole flower marijuana because they could be too easily opened to get the product inside. Regulators were concerned the marijuana would then be smoked, not vaped … State law allows medical marijuana edibles and vaping, but not smoking. In its latest filing, Trulieve said it asked regulators this July for approval to sell ceramic vaporizer cups filled with ground marijuana flower. The department “did not act on the application within the time allowed … thus (it is) approved by default,” its petition says. A second application to approve a different vaporizer device is similarly being sat on, and the Health Department “informally declined to recognize” the default OK of the first application under state law, according to the petition. The department “has no basis to further delay or deny” its official approval of the vaping equipment, Trulieve says.
“UCF kicks off search for new president” via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel – The University of Central Florida is embarking on a national search to find its next president, with trustees saying they are looking for a candidate with academic experience who can ‘stand on the shoulders of a giant.’ A 15-member search committee will narrow the applicants to three to five candidates during the next several months and present an unranked list to the university’s Board of Trustees, who are expected to make the final decision by June 30, President John Hitt’s last day. Hitt said last month he plans to retire after more than 25 years at the school. Search committee members, who met for the first time Monday, did not discuss what types of qualifications or background they are seeking from candidates.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Florida leads way as Obamacare enrollment outpaces prior years” via Daniel Chang of the Miami Herald — Nationally, more than 2.2 million Americans have signed up for coverage on healthcare.gov through Nov. 18, including nearly 500,000 Floridians, more than any of the 39 states using the federal exchange, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported … Three weeks into the enrollment period, sign-ups for 2018 Affordable Care Act plans are outpacing the prior year despite uncertainty over the law, and even with the ongoing debate in Congress over the repeal of the individual mandate requiring eligible Americans to sign up for coverage or pay a fine. Enrollment ends Dec. 15.
“A Miami Republican makes enemies in Washington” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald – Carlos Curbelo is picking fights. He attacked the NRA for opposing his bill to ban a firearm accessory that allows semi-automatic rifles to fire like automatics. He attacked the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, currently made up of all Democrats, for denying his membership application. And he is attacking the Trump administration and fellow Republicans who oppose efforts to combat climate change. These spats give the second-term Republican congressman from Miami ground to criticize both sides of the political spectrum for unyielding partisanship, and they allow Curbelo to deliver a message to his constituents and voters that the right and the left are both responsible for Washington’s dysfunction.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Doug Holder agrees to settle ethics case” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Holder will pay $6,500 in civil penalties to resolve an ethics complaint that he filed “inaccurate” financial disclosures in 2010-14. The Sarasota County Republican agreed to the settlement, which was disclosed by the Florida Commission on Ethics … The deal still must be approved by commissioners at their Dec. 8 meeting. Holder, 50, served in the House 2006-14 and ran unsuccessfully in 2016 to succeed GOP state Sen. Nancy Detert, losing to fellow Republican Greg Steube. Holder is now a lobbyist.
“Personnel note: Alexis Lambert lawyers up for #FLCRC” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — “I’ve been hired as the Senior Attorney at the CRC. I’ll be the staff director for the General Provisions committee,” Lambert said … Lambert “got an offer from the Constitution Revision Commission” and just started last week, she said. Her salary is $85,000 a year. “It happened really fast,” Lambert added. Lambert’s most recent position was with the Office of Public Accountability in Jacksonville, a five-year stint in which her acerbic wit was appreciated by media requesting public records through that shop.
“Out of office with only $9K to his name, Miami’s former mayor has ‘no regrets’” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — On what would be his last afternoon to enjoy the spacious expanses of the office afforded Miami’s mayor, Tomás Regalado was feeling a bit uncomfortable. After eight years as the resident in chief of the second floor at Dinner Key, the signs were all pointing to the same thing: Time to go. For the first time in more than 21 years, there isn’t a Regalado in elected office in Miami. “It’s like Nixon said,” Regalado quipped when he appeared in the receptionist’s office to greet a reporter. “You won’t have me to kick around anymore.”
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
David Griffin, David Griffin Consulting: Florida Association of Broadcasters, St. John and Partners
Lila Jaber, Simone Marseilles, Gunster Yoakley & Stewart: Associated Industries of Florida
— ALOE —
“Disney has a loyal following in an unexpected place — The Villages” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel – “I think they’re stereotyping us sitting in The Villages in our rocking chairs, waiting to croak,” said Debbie Winters, who started a fan club called Mickey’s Fanatics in 2011. “Disney means a lot to everybody. There is no age limit.” Winters’ club grew to 850 members with a 200-person-long waiting list because there was not enough space in the clubhouse. It has become so popular a second group, the Goofy Villagers, formed last year and has 366 members with a waitlist of nearly 100. The Villages residents laughed about being free of strollers and children throwing tantrums. They moved at their own pace, stopping to eat at a restaurant or admire the details of this fantasy world. “We’ve all been to the park many, many, many times. We don’t have to rush for anything,” said Rich Leopold, 63, who kicked off a meeting this summer at his Goofy Villagers group with the “Pledge of Allegiance” and then “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”
“Florida teacher gets outpouring of book donations after Irma” via The Associated Press — Eighth-grade language arts teacher Danielle Forbes was upset when she walked into her school after the hurricane and found the 200 books on her shelves missing. Nearly 200 books that had filled her two connected classrooms at Brookside Middle School in Sarasota were simply gone, the shelves practically empty. Staff members who were present during Irma told Forbes that two families had stayed in her classrooms, one of which had just moved to Florida the week of the hurricane. They were so frightened by the impending storm that they took all the books off the shelves for fear that they could fly around the room during the height of the hurricane. Somehow, in all the confusion, Forbes concluded, the books went missing. Forbes did what most anyone would do these days, and posted her experience on Facebook. She shared various photos of her classroom, bookshelves bare, with an anxious message. “Hundreds of novels were taken from my classroom, along with half of my potted plants. I can move the furniture all back into place. But it will take me YEARS to be able to afford to replace those books … This was their space to just feel like they belong for a little bit.” Shortly after she posted the status, two of Forbes’ friends from her middle school years reached out and asked if they could republish the post. Within days, their respective statuses, which did ask for donations, had more than 300 shares on Facebook collectively. At that point, boxes of books started pouring in.
“The old-fashioned mail-order catalog is making a comeback” via Ronald White of the Los Angeles Times — In an era of explosive growth for online buying, retailers and shoppers are showing renewed interest in a humble purchasing device that uses paper instead of pixels. Toys R Us Inc. isn’t alone in putting extra effort into showcasing its snail-mail catalog. For the first time since 2011, Sears Holdings sent out the Sears Wish Book, a holiday tradition for generations of children. Although this year’s catalog has the heft of a magazine rather than the phone-book-size that the department store produced back when it was a retail juggernaut, the offerings are more extensive and searchable online. Consumers are getting fewer catalogs in the mail these days, 9.8 billion in 2016 compared to the 2007 peak at 19.6 billion, but they’re paying more attention to them than ever, according to research by the Data & Marketing Assn. and the U.S. Postal Service. “The ability to stand out in that physical mailbox is easier than it was 10 years ago,” said Neil O’Keefe, senior vice president of content and marketing for the DMA. “Marketers are taking advantage of that and they are beginning to see a positive response.”
Spotted: Boca Raton High School’s “We Dine Together” student club highlighted (again) with an update on CBS Sunday Morning. Florida Politics columnist Florence Snyder also wrote about it earlier this year. From the website: “Last March, we were introduced to Denis Estimon, a high school student in Boca Raton, Florida, who knew all too well the isolation kids face during lunch period when they find themselves eating alone. So he started a club called We Dine Together, dedicated to making sure no student is starved for company. Steve Hartman catches up with Estimon and his mission.”
Happy birthday to two great men in The Process: Ben Pollara of LSN Partners and Mark Zubaly of Southern Campaign Resources. Also celebrating today is veteran journalist and secret friend of the ‘burn John Kennedy and Orlando City Councilman Robert Stuart.
