Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The race to fill an open circuit judgeship in Tallahassee has begun with a familiar name.
Alan Abramowitz, executive director of the statewide Guardian Ad Litem program, is the first applicant seeking to replace the retiring Charles Francis.
That’s according to Christi Gray, chair of the 2nd Judicial Circuit’s Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), who confirmed in a Monday email.
The 2nd Circuit, based in the capital, is often in the news because of the number of high-profile state-related lawsuits that wind up there.
In his retirement letter to Gov. Rick Scott, Francis said he plans to step down March 31. Scott will pick his successor based on the JNC’s recommendations.
Abramowitz, who previously told Florida Politics it was his “long-term goal to be a judge,” has been unsuccessful in two previous attempts to join the bench.
He was a finalist to replace Circuit Judge George Reynolds III, but Robert E. Long Jr., then the general counsel for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, was appointed.
Abramowitz also applied to replace Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, whose seat was eventually filled by then-Assistant State Attorney Frank Allman Jr.
Abramowitz now heads the office of advocates, which represents the interests of children in court proceedings, especially in divorce and juvenile dependency matters.
Evening Reads
“U.S. experts urge Florida to swap voting info with other states” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Five federal judge vacancies in South Florida give Donald Trump chance to shape bench” via Paula McMahon of the Sun Sentinel
“Joe Negron says Senate likely to consider tax amendment” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the News Service of Florida
“Women in politics fear #MeToo moment will backfire — and they’ll be the ones punished” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald
“Jack Latvala’s accuser’s lawyer puts Senate on notice” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida
“Rob Bradley political committee spends $50K on Irma relief” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Ticket-fighting firm hires former Florida Bar president to sue the Bar” via the Tampa Bay Times
“Struggling Florida citrus growers face tough decisions” via The Associated Press
“Sunshine State lags on solar power, doubles down on natural gas” via Jamie Smith Hopkins and Kristen Lombardi of the Center for Public Integrity
“Last Florida launch of 2017 marks several firsts for SpaceX and NASA” via Emre Kelly of Florida Today
Quote of the Day
“I’m getting the feeling that we’re going back 20 years as female professionals,” — Jennifer Green, a veteran lobbyist, speaking to the Miami Herald, said about the backlash women working in the Capitol are facing in the wake of the Sen. Jack Latvala sexual harassment investigation.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Finance and Taxation Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will consider a proposal that would require two-thirds votes of the House and Senate before state taxes or fees could be increased. That’s at 8 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
The Declaration of Rights Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will receive a presentation on grandparent visitation rights and will take up a proposal dealing with the issue. That’s at 8 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Dew, state Rep. Bob Cortes, and Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello are expected to be among the speakers during a Florida Chamber Foundation transportation “summit” in Brevard County. That’s at 9 a.m., Port Canaveral, Cruise Terminal #1, 9050 Discovery Place, Port Canaveral.
The Public Service Commission will consider a series of issues involving electric utilities, including a dispute about whether customers should pay costs related to contamination from cooling canals at Florida Power & Light’s Turkey Point complex in Miami-Dade County. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.
Marsy’s Law for Florida, a group working to amend the state constitution to provide a ‘bill of rights’ for crime victims, will hold a news conference in support of a proposal currently before the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). That’s at 10:30 a.m., 4th-floor rotunda, the Capitol.
The Broward County legislative delegation is slated to hold workshops with the Broward County School Board, the Broward County Commission and the Broward League of Cities, at 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
The Judicial Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will take up a controversial proposal that would give Floridians more legal standing when environmental problems occur. That’s at 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Committees of the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors will hold a series of meetings in advance of a full board meeting Wednesday. Meetings start at 1 p.m., Sheraton Orlando North, 600 North Lake Destiny Dr., Maitland.
The Rules and Administration Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will discuss scheduling at 5:15 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Rep. Randy Fine, a Brevard County Republican, will host a holiday party at his district office. That’s at 5 p.m., 2539 Palm Bay Road N.E., Palm Bay.
