Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
A mysterious “memorandum of agreement” could end a lawsuit between the Florida Lottery and the House of Representatives over the agency’s $700 million contract for new equipment.
But that document, between the vendor and the Lottery, is still undergoing review and isn’t final, sources told Florida Politics.
Last month, lawyers filed a status report with the 1st District Court, saying the opposing sides “reached an understanding” but the “resolution may involve some final budget action by the Legislature and Governor for the next fiscal year.”
On Thursday, Lottery spokeswoman Connie Barnes declined to comment on the substance of the agreement, saying the agency’s “Division of Security is still reviewing and redacting information,” which then must be reviewed again by the Lottery’s legal department.
“This is a process in which they must be diligent and methodical in their review and redaction of any and all confidential information,” she said.
A spokesman for House Speaker Richard Corcoran had no comment.
The case is on appeal after Tallahassee-based Circuit Judge Karen Gievers in March invalidated the Lottery’s 15-year deal with IGT (International Game Technology) for new equipment for draw and scratch-off tickets.
Corcoran had sued, essentially saying the agency went on a spending spree without legislative authority when it inked the contract last year.
Evening Reads
“How a former sharecropper in an SUV helped drive Doug Jones to victory in Alabama’s Black Belt” via Connor Sheets of AL.com
“Rick Scott wins fight over filling Florida Supreme Court vacancies” via The Associated Press
“Pam Bondi’s Rod Rosenstein defense gets pushback during Sean Hannity interview” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Gambling regulators dealt blow in license dispute” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida
“Report points to physician shortages in Florida” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida
“Mas brothers join David Beckham bid in shake-up that sees top partner exit Miami MLS venture” via Michelle Kaufman and Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald
“Joe Negron to SFWMD: Lake Okeechobee reservoir should spread off state land if necessary” via Tyler Tredway of TCPalm
“California poised to usurp Florida as the king of U.S. oranges” via Marvin Perez of Bloomberg
Quote of the Day
“My job is to speak for the citizens of Florida … Let them have (offshore drilling) in New Orleans, let them have it in Mobile. We don’t need it here.” — Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, speaking for her proposal to ban gas and oil drilling off the state’s coasts.
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Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Rep. Al Jacquet of Lantana, Sen. Bobby Powell of Riviera Beach, both Democrats, and Don King are holding a turkey drive to help provide holiday meals for the needy. The event is open to all and turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s at 9 a.m., Don King’s Jai Alai Fronton in Mangonia Park, 1415 45th St., West Palm Beach.
The Revenue Estimating Impact Conference meets to discuss a variety of taxes and fees and their contribution to money for the state’s budget. That’s at 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.
The Board of Accountancy will meet to consider enforcement proceedings including consideration of investigation officers’ reports, rules and other general business. That’s at 9 a.m., Best Western Gateway Grand Hotel & Conference Center, 4200 N.W. 97th Boulevard, Gainesville.
The Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council will hold a regular meeting. That’s at 9 a.m., 100 Festival Park Ave., Jacksonville.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum will address the Rural Economic Development Summit in St. Augustine. That’s at 9:45 a.m., World Golf Village Resort, First Floor, Room C, St. Augustine.
The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice, which was created by Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, continues to look at ways to help fund civil legal help for the poor and working poor. It will meet at 1 p.m., Hotel Duval, 415 North Monroe St., Tallahassee.
The Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, a state interdepartmental collaboration and planning group, meets to discuss Children’s Week and Cabinet activities. That’s at 1:30 p.m., 201 East Park Ave., Tallahassee.
Candidates in a Dec. 19 special election in Hillsborough County’s House District 58 face a Friday deadline for filing updated campaign-finance information. The seat became open when former Rep. Dan Raulerson, a Plant City Republican, resigned. The candidates are Republican Lawrence McClure, Democrat Jose Vazquez, Libertarian Bryan Zemina and no-party candidate Ahmad Saadaldin.
