Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
‘Vaping’ electronic cigarettes at work would be banned under a proposed constitutional amendment to be discussed Thursday.
The Constitution Revision Commission’s General Provisions Committee will take up a proposal (P65) to prohibit different kinds of tobacco smoking. It’s sponsored by Commissioner Lisa Carlton, a former state senator from Sarasota County who was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott.
There would be four exceptions, however. Using vapor-generating devices would be allowed in:
— Private residences as long as they are not used as a day care, adult care, health care or a combination of those;
— Retail tobacco shops;
— Designated hotel rooms; and
— Stand-alone bars.
American Cancer Society representatives are in support of the change, arguing electronic devices are an “emerging product” and could be harmful to those who use them and those who are exposed to the vapor emitted.
If OK’d by the full Commission, the proposal tells the Legislature to pass legislation to implement it in the next Session, assuming at least 60 percent of voters approve it on the 2018 statewide ballot.
Evening Reads
“White House dismisses Marco Rubio plan to beef up child tax credit” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Super PAC launches campaign to focus on ‘Rick’s recession’ and Florida’s growing prosperity gap” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald
“Governor, Mayor Buckhorn celebrate Seminole Heights arrest” via Paul Guzzo of the Tampa Bay Times
“Rick Scott’s office: Governor is aware of Groveland Four case, reviewing all options” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Constitutional Revision Commission compromised by lobbyists, special interests” via Brian Burgess of The Capitolist
“A Miami congressional candidate shares her #metoo moment” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald
“Senate staffer who accused Latvala goes public” via Alexandra Glorioso and Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Sarasota senator files bill to eliminate daylight savings time in Florida” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
“2017 hurricane season ends — but issues linger” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida
“The country’s best beach (St. Pete) is also a secret art haven” via Alev Aktar of the New York Post
Quote of the Day
“Every person should have the opportunity to have a very safe working environment. I think it is disgusting that they don’t.” — Gov. Rick Scott, commenting on reports the state paid more than $11 million to settle over 300 sexual harassment cases in a 30-year period.
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Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The General Provisions Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will, among other things, consider a proposal to ban greyhound racing in the state. That’s at 8 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush is scheduled to give an opening address at the annual National Summit on Education Reform, held by the Tallahassee-based Foundation for Excellence in Education. That’s at 8:45 a.m., Omni Nashville Hotel, 250 Fifth Ave. South, Nashville, Tennessee.
The Consumer Services Committee of the Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors will hold a conference call that will include discussion of the response to Hurricane Irma at 10 a.m. The call-in number is (866) 361-7525, and the code is 6487811621#.
The Florida Supreme Court is expected to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
A joint committee of the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine will discuss issues related to medical marijuana at 1 p.m., Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr., Orlando.
The 2017 hurricane season ends Nov. 30.
