Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
Thank you to all of you who took to Facebook or Twitter or your phones to wish me a happy birthday. I read every one of them and it means a lot to hear from each of you.
I’m sorry there was no Sunburn yesterday; the cold knocked out our power during the middle of the night. But we’re back at it today, with yet another scoop — although is it really a scoop if it’s about the firm of one of your best friends — about a personnel move in the governmental affairs industry.
“Personnel note: RJ Myers heading to Suskey Consulting” via Florida Politics — Myers, already a veteran of politics and The Process, is taking his experience to Suskey Consulting, the Florida government affairs firm announced this week. Myers, who will be a Government and Community Affairs Consultant, will be based in the firm’s St. Petersburg and Tallahassee offices. He most recently was Deputy Political Director for Republican Rick Baker‘s campaign for mayor of St. Petersburg. Myers joins fellow new Suskey hire Donovan Brown, the insurance industry expert who was previously with GDB Group, Colodny Fass and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “I could not be prouder of the team we have assembled and the clients we are honored to represent,” said Alan Suskey, the firm’s president.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
— @JebBush re: Steve Bannon: Honey Badger Lies through His Teeth bit.ly/2DTVefW Hopefully Honey Badger takes a leave from politics for a long while.
— @LedgeKing: .@POTUS to nominate Fl businessman Leandro Rizzuto as Ambassador to Barbados (and with the post) to St. Kitts and Nevis and to Saint Lucia.
— @AlGore: President Trump is once again defying a majority of American citizens, states, and businesses. His offshore drilling proposal threatens our coastal communities, just to prop up a dying fossil fuel industry.
— @LedgeKing: In advance of @Interior expected plan to open up FL waters to offshore drilling, @FLGovScott offers rare pushback to Trump admin: “I have already asked to immediately meet w/Sec. Zinke to discuss the concerns I have w/this plan & the crucial need to remove FL from consideration.”
— @DavidJollyFL: .@GwenGraham is exactly the leader to push back on @realDonaldTrump on this issue and protect our coastlines. She’s led all along. Go get ’em Gwen!
— @Rob_Bradley: This is what happens when a do-nothing Congress hands major policy decisions to unelected bureaucrats in order to avoid confronting difficult issues. Fix the pot law, Congress! Leave alone states with medical marijuana and take marijuana out of Schedule 1.
— @Jenna_Buzzacco: Just saw my first TV ad of the 2018 gubernatorial cycle for … Philip Levine.
— @CBSNews: U.S. weather is so discrepant that Anchorage, Alaska, was warmer Tuesday than Jacksonville, Florida; why is it so cold right now in a warmer world?
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— TOP STORY —
“Trump administration proposes massive increase in offshore drilling” via Ledyard King of USA TODAY — The Trump administration is proposing to open up 90 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf off the U.S. coast to oil and gas exploration, the largest single expansion of offshore drilling activity ever proposed. “This is a start (of) American energy dominance,” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told reporters. “And looking at our offshore assets, beginning a dialogue of when, how, where and how fast those offshore assets should be or could be developed.” Even before it was officially announced, the move to expand drilling was denounced by environmental groups and their allies who say it would not only disturb maritime ecosystems but also increase the supply and use of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. “President Trump is once again defying a majority of American citizens, states and businesses,” former Vice President Al Gore tweeted. “His offshore drilling proposal threatens our coastal communities, just to prop up a dying fossil fuel industry.”
“White House: Goal of oil drilling expansion ‘isn’t to cross Gov. Scott’” via Cristiano Lima of POLITICO Florida — The Trump administration’s newly unveiled plan to allow oil and gas drilling in federal waters including Florida wasn’t intended to alienate Gov. Rick Scott … though his opposition didn’t appear set to derail it. The Interior Department announced a new five-year plan … that could open up waters in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the eastern Gulf of Mexico, to drilling. The move, which would roll back policies implemented by past administrations to protect the regions, was quickly met with pushback from Florida officials. Scott, a supporter of Trump, criticized the measure and requested a meeting with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to request that Florida is removed from consideration for the drilling expansion. “My top priority is to ensure that Florida’s natural resources are protected,” Scott said in a statement. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a press briefing that the relationship between the White House and the Florida governor remained strong. “Our goal certainly isn’t to cross Gov. Scott,” she said. “Just because we may differ on issues from time to time doesn’t mean that we can’t have an incredibly good and strong relationship.”
“As Trump moves to open waters to drilling, Florida lawmakers vow to protect coast” via Skyler Swisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Drilling rights would also be auctioned in the straits of Florida, according to the plan. In a speech on the Senate floor, Bill Nelson blasted the move, invoking the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill that left Pensacola Beach’s “sugary white sands covered up with black oil.” “We know the economic damage that did all up and down the Gulf of Mexico,” he said. Nelson has long maintained that oil rigs being “too close” to Florida’s shoreline could hurt the state’s tourism-driven economy and military training areas in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio called on the Trump administration to recognize “bipartisan efforts” to extend the moratorium protecting Florida’s coast from drilling. On Twitter, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast said Florida is united in opposition to drilling. “Our voice has been clear from the start: We will not tolerate drilling near our coast,” he said.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Ron DeSantis makes it official, enters governor’s race” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – DeSantis on Friday morning will file paperwork with state election officials creating both his official campaign and a political committee called Friends of Ron DeSantis. The committee can accept unlimited contributions.
“Matt Caldwell caps off 2017 with a six-figure December” via Florida Politics — … putting him at $1.56 million raised in 2017. The campaign said it brought in $42,201 for the month with another $59,500 raised through Caldwell’s political committee, Friends of Matt Caldwell, for a combined total of $101,701. The campaign didn’t say how much money the Lehigh Acres Republican had on hand at the end of the year, though he finished November with a little over $1 million banked between the two accounts. While the raw numbers tentatively give Caldwell the second-place spot in cash on hand, the fourth-term lawmaker looks to have built up some momentum heading into 2018.
St. Pete Polls on Attorney General’s contest: It’s still anybody’s race – When registered Republican voters were asked who they’d vote for in the A.G. race, former Hillsborough Circuit Judge Ashley Moody beat state Rep. Jay Fant by about a point—10.1 percent to 9 percent. But the overwhelming winner? “Undecided,” at 69 percent. As for the other declared GOP candidates, state Rep. Ross Spano got 6.3 percent and fellow Rep. Frank White got 5.4 percent. When asked if they had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the candidates, each one got an “unsure” rating in the 70s.
‘Why I Fight’ is Jay Fant’s first campaign video – Fant—a Jacksonville Republican serving in the House—released his first video Thursday. “Why I Fight” depicts him as a conservative small businessman who is not part of what he calls the political “elite.” “I’m not a career politician,” Fant says. “My career is in small business” … “I’m getting involved in politics because I can’t sit at ringside anymore watching hardworking Floridians get abused by reckless politicians and big government,” he says.
Click on the image below to watch the video:
“Jeb Bush endorses CFO Jimmy Patronis for another term” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — The former Republican House member has now picked up the endorsements of two Florida governors: Bush and Gov. Scott, a longtime ally of Patronis who appointed him to be in charge of the state’s checkbooks and a nearly $300 million budget. “As a small-business man, Jimmy understand how to keep our state growing by securing high credit ratings, and through his role as State Fire Marshal Jimmy is protecting those who protect us by fighting to improve mental health and cancer benefits for Florida firefighters,” Bush said.
First on #FlaPol — “Jeremy Ring snags a pile of endorsements from state lawmakers” via Florida Politics — 19 Democratic state lawmakers have endorsed him in the chief financial officer race. The bulk endorsement includes Sens. Randolph Bracy, Oscar Braynon, Gary Farmer, Audrey Gibson, Bill Montford, Kevin Rader, Darryl Rouson, and Perry Thurston, as well as Reps. Joe Abruzzo, Lori Berman, Ben Diamond, Bobby DuBose, Katie Edwards, Joe Geller, Even Jenne, Shev Jones, Kionne McGhee, Sean Shaw and Richard Stark. The campaign called the wave of endorsements “the surest sign yet of building momentum.”
“Major conservative PAC backs Brian Mast, Carlos Curbelo” via Florida Politics — Maverick PAC, or MavPAC for short, focuses on getting young professionals engaged in the political process. It got started in the 2004 cycle and became known for hosting inexpensive fundraisers aimed at giving younger people access to politicians and top political operators. During the 2016 cycle, Maverick PAC raised over $3.5 million for federal candidates. Curbelo, Mast and another 44 candidates are on the MavPAC roster, including U.S. Sen. Rubio, whose current term runs through 2022. The PAC in the past named Curbelo, a former member, one of its “Future 40.”
“David Richardson cracks $1 million raised for CD 27 campaign” via Florida Politics — Richardson brought in more than $500,000 in the fourth quarter for his campaign to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in Florida’s 27th Congressional District … Richardson’s campaign said it closed out the year with over $1 million in total receipts including approximately $505,000 raised from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. That broad spectrum included more than 8,700 individual donors who combined to make more than 12,000 online contributions. Those small-dollar donors gave an average of $31.58, with about 97 percent weighing in at $100 or less, while nearly nine-tenths were for $25 or less. In his third-quarter report, Richardson touted 2,400 donors with about 80 percent of them pitching in $25 or less.
“Outgoing UNF President John Delaney eyeing potential run for Legislature” via Melissa Ross of WJCT — “It would probably be something local — maybe the state Legislature, either the state House or Senate. I’ll just see what happens,” Delaney said … Delaney, who has served as UNF’s president since 2003, is touting a record of fundraising success and academic achievement and expansion at the school during his 15 years in the position. “Politics is really about luck and timing,” he said. “And I would wait for one of those seats to open up before jumping in. But really, the rule in politics is never say never.”
“Josie Tomkow crosses $75K-raised mark in HD 39 special election” via Florida Politics — Tomkow raised nearly $62,000 last month, building on her strong lead in the race to replace former Rep. Neil Combee … The banner month gives the Polk City Republican $75,155 raised for her campaign account in less than two months, and she has $57,800 of that money on hand. Making the list of max checks were Lakeland rancher Suzanne Ellsworth, Wesley Chapel-based Wiregrass Ranch, Dade City seed farmers Chris and Jaclynn Hancock, livestock business Arcadia Stockyard, and many more. Future Senate President Wilton Simpson, sometimes referred to as the “chicken man” due to his poultry empire, even chipped in through his Jobs for Florida political committee.
“Democrat Debra Bellanti ‘in it to win it’ for HD 60” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics — Bellanti is well aware that there are those in her own Democratic Party who think the odds aren’t great that she can beat Republican incumbent Jackie Toledo in the Florida House District 60 race this year. The South Tampa-based marketing strategist and creative director in the health care industry begs to differ. “I’m in it to win it,” she said Thursday morning. “I’m not running just to get my name out. I’m not doing this so I can run later. That’s not my plan. My plan is to win this race.”
“Second Democrat enters race for House District 69” via the Tampa Bay Reporter — Lawyer and veteran Javier Centonzio is running for Florida House District 69. “I was honored to serve my country in the military, and now I’m ready to serve my community as a member of the Florida House,” Centonzio said. “District 69 needs a leader who is ready to take on tough issues from day one. I have the experience and the track record necessary to deliver positive results for the district.” Centonzio served four years in the Marine Corps and then five years in the Kansas Army National Guard before moving to District 69 to pursue a law degree from Stetson University College of Law. While at Stetson, he helped create the school’s Veterans Law Institute, which provides pro bono legal assistance to disabled veterans in the community. In 2014, Centonzio received a masters of law in Elder Law from Stetson. He also owns two businesses in the district, including the law firm of Weylie Centonzio.
“Andrew Vargas adds to money lead in GOP primary for HD 114” via Florida Politics — Seven weeks out from the Feb. 20 special primary election, Vargas has raised $154,823 for his campaign while Republican rival José Pazos has a to-date total of $16,750 after tacking on $3,050 between Nov. 28 and Dec. 28. In all, Vargas had $56,947 in his campaign account at the end of the reporting period, while Pazos had about $12,750. Making Vargas’ donor roll over the holidays were lobbying firms Greenberg Traurig and Becker & Poliakoff as well three regional divisions of hospital company HCA, each of which chipped in $1,000. Another 11 contributions came in for the primary campaign maximum of $1,000, with a handful of $500 checks rounding out the month.
— “David Smith announces more endorsements in HD 28 contest” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
— “Josie Tomkow endorsed by NRA, unified sportsmen of Florida” via Florida Politics
— “Tyler Sirois qualifies by petition for HD 51 race” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
Happening Monday:
***Start the 2018 Legislative Session on the right foot! Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner is less than a week away; tickets are selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to hear from our state’s elected leaders about issues that will affect YOU. The dinner is Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hotel Duval. Previous guest speakers included Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Both 2016 and 2017 events sold out. Hurry — reserve your spot now: www.floridataxwatch.org/
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
ICYMI: Rob Bradley blasts feds on medical marijuana decision — The Senate Appropriations Chairman, an early champion of medicinal cannabis in the Sunshine State, came out strong after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the federal policy on medical marijuana. “This is what happens when a do-nothing Congress hands major policy decisions to unelected bureaucrats in order to avoid confronting difficult issues,” Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, tweeted (as first reported in last night’s “Last Call” newsletter) … “Fix the pot law, Congress! Leave alone states with medical marijuana … Florida has designed a medical marijuana system that is safe and secure and holds specific entities accountable for bad behavior. It’s not the Wild West, like California,” where a new legalization law allowing recreational use went into effect Jan. 1. “If federal authorities are now scrutinizing states, Florida will be the model.”
“Jeff Brandes files ‘certificate of need’ repeal bill, identical to House priority” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — Brandes on Wednesday filed a bill that would repeal a controversial “certificate of need” (CON) hospital regulatory process as the House fast-tracks an identical bill. House Republican leaders and Gov. Scott, a former hospital CEO, have long supported repealing certificate of needs, but the effort has stalled in the Senate. This year, though, the bill has a powerful advocate in the Senate: Budget Chairman Rob Bradley, who last Session filed a bill to repeal CONs.
“House hurricane committee postpones meeting” via the News Service of Florida — Continuing to look at dozens of proposals about hurricane-related issues, the chairwoman of a House select committee Thursday postponed a meeting scheduled for next week. The House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness, created after Hurricane Irma slammed into the state in September, was scheduled to meet Monday. But Chairwoman Jeanette Nunez sent a memo to members saying the meeting would be moved back a week. “Based on the number of revised and new recommendations submitted by members over the holidays and the extent and complexity of the comments executive agencies have provided related to the member recommendations, I have decided to postpone our Monday, January 8 meeting until Tuesday, January 16,” Nunez said in the memo. “We have devoted a great deal of effort toward evaluating and improving Florida’s hurricane response and preparedness, and I believe it is important that we take the extra week to make sure we address these important issues in a thoughtful and inclusive manner.” The committee is looking at ways to help the state recover from Irma and to better prepare for future hurricanes. Proposals touch on numerous issues, such as evacuation routes, underground utility lines and aid for the agriculture industry.
“Americans for Prosperity praises Keith Perry, Manny Diaz for sponsoring regulation reform” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics — In a new mailer, the conservative-leaning Americans for Prosperity-Florida wants voters to congratulate two Republican lawmakers, Sen. Keith Perry and state Rep. Manny Diaz, who are championing bills that seek to significantly reduce government regulations. The measures will be up for debate in the upcoming Session. If passed, they would establish an advisory council inside the governor’s office to find ways to reduce red tape. Reducing red tape has been a popular pledge for conservative leaders over the years.
Here is the mailer:
Happening Saturday — State Sen. Travis Hutson and state Rep. Paul Renner, both of Palm Coast, join Farm Share to host a free food distribution at the WE Harris Community Center, 400 Harris St. Distribution begins 9 a.m., and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
— LUCY MORGAN REFLECTS ON RAUNCHY CAPITOL —
Pulitzer-winning journalist Lucy Morgan, who covered government extensively for what is now the Tampa Bay Times, shared anecdotes in a piece published by her alma mater, describing rampant sexual harassment and debaucherous Capitol behavior in the late 20th century.
The piece is timely, following the nationwide #MeToo movement, and, locally, the recent resignations of powerful men like Jack Latvala due to incidences of sexual harassment and other wrongdoings.
But per Morgan’s recollections, sexual harassment used to be worse. A lot worse. Without awareness and proper reprimands, women were forced to learn to not be alone with powerful men who could not keep their hands to themselves, Morgan recalls.
“Some men cannot be trained,” writes Morgan. “Back then, few women were powerful enough to do anything but run and cry.”
Morgan wrote that in Capitol restrooms she often found a “woman in tears who needed to be consoled because some legislator or lobbyist made unwanted sexual advances.”
Liquorlature: Booze was prevalent. “Sen. Tom McPherson of Fort Lauderdale had the M & M hour — a periodic cocktail party he sponsored with another South Florida legislator” … “Did I mention there was also a lot of liquor? Lobbyists supplied it to any legislator willing to accept the gift.”
The watering hole: “Sen. Dean Dempsey Barron of Panama City had a beautiful handmade wooden liquor dispenser supplied by lobbyists that was never empty. Barron referred to his office as the Senate ‘watering hole.’”
The cover-up: A House-hid secret in the 1990s came to light after an unexplained $47,000 payment to Kathy Jennings raised brows. Jennings was paid the amount to keep quiet about a sexual harassment complaint regarding then-Rep. Fred Lippman. “Lippman was formally admonished and lost his position as House Majority Leader but remained in the House,” recalls Morgan.
— STATEWIDE —
“Rick Scott’s Puerto Rico roundtable reaches same concern as others: housing” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Having largely tackled many of the education and jobs challenges arising from the mass migration of Puerto Ricans seeking a place to live in Florida after Hurricane Maria largely shut down their lives on the island, state and local officials gathered in Orlando told Gov. Scott that housing remains a major problem. Scott met with about two dozen Central Florida elected and nonprofit officials including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County School Board Chairman Bill Sublette, Osceola County Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr. and Kissimmee Mayor Jose Alvarez and mostly received praise for his administration’s efforts to coordinate services offered to tens of thousands of people fleeing Puerto Rico since September. That praise focused mainly on job support and education accommodation efforts, and on coordination of resources and programs, and responsiveness. Not so with discussions of housing challenges, which ran more of a gamut from universal concern to, when state Sen. Victor Torres got his turn, anger and frustration. “Quite honestly there is a crisis, and we can’t solve it … city by city or county by county. we need a statewide strategy on that,” Dyer said.
“Governor’s office seeks $1,200 to respond to Gwen Graham’s Hollywood Hills query” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The governor’s office sent an invoice for $1,200 to Graham after her campaign issued a news release alleging that Scott and his office had not responded to her September open records request. In that news release, Graham, a leading Democratic candidate aiming to succeed Scott as governor, demanded, “What is Rick Scott trying to hide?” Graham filed a records request under Florida’s public records laws for communications between Scott and his staff and nursing home administrators, particularly focusing on cellphone activity, but also seeking records from state agencies involved.
“Audubon happy Scott opposes drilling, releases Session priorities” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Audubon Florida announced its legislative priorities on Thursday, but also was happy to see Gov. Scott oppose the U.S. Department of Interior’s possible drilling explorations in the Sunshine State. “We were glad to see Gov. Scott’s response, coming out strongly in opposition to drilling near Florida’s waters,” said Julie Wraithmell, the interim executive director of Audubon Florida who took over after Eric Draper left to lead the Florida State Parks system. “It’s rather shocking to think that so soon after the 2010 Deep Horizon incident, we could be having this conversation already.” Audubon spearheaded the passage of Amendment 1 — commonly referred to as Florida’s Water and Land Legacy — in 2014, which provided for Florida Forever, a dedicated funding source for public land acquisitions. That’s a project Audubon will continue to pursue in the 2018 Session. Audubon also is throwing its weight behind the Department of Environmental Protection’s request to fund Everglades restoration at more than $300 million. Wraithmell … also is excited about legislation from Sen. Rob Bradley that addresses Florida’s springs.
“American Board of Medical Specialties gears up to battle opioid crisis, including in Florida” via Florida Politics — In October 2015, the American Board of Medical Specialties — which oversees 24 Member Boards — added Addiction Medicine as a subspecialty. The expansion will allow physicians to now apply for new certification through the American Board of Preventive Medicine. This new subspecialty — further proof that opioid addiction has become a top priority in the health care industry — came after years of developing curricula and fellowships in graduate training programs nationwide, as well as supporting the research necessary to set up addiction medicine as a legitimate medical specialization. Additionally, ABMS Boards are incorporating safe opioid education initiatives into Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs for the 47,000 Board-certified Florida physicians about opioid abuse, misuse and responsible prescribing procedures.
“Family of slain professor in ‘agony’ over trial delays” via The Associated Press — An attorney representing the parents of Dan Markel said they “remain in agony” due to the delay. Markel was shot in his garage in the summer of 2014. Police said that killing was sparked by a bitter divorce and family squabbles. Media outlets reported a judge agreed to push back the trial of Katherine Magbanua until October. She is one of three people charged in the slaying of the Florida State University professor and Toronto native. Magbanua has pleaded not guilty to charges that she helped orchestrate the plot. Sigfredo Garcia is scheduled to stand trial in July. Luis Rivera has already pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
“Name change marks VISIT FLORIDA exit from racing” via the News Service of Florida — The Troy Flis-owned IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship team, which this past summer had its $2.875 million sponsorship canceled by Florida’s embattled tourism-marketing agency, is now the Spirit of Daytona Racing. “Last season was so difficult, but even though we were on the back foot for a lot of the year, I think we learned a lot as an organization and improved as a team,” Flis told California-based Racer magazine in December … The Spirit of Daytona, based out of an 8,000-square-foot shop in Daytona Beach, will first roll at the three-day Roar Before the Rolex 24 this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway. Commercial partnerships are expected to be announced by the team before the event. VISIT FLORIDA spokesman Stephen Lawson noted that VISIT FLORIDA “is completely out of the racing business.”
“Those Iguanas falling from trees in Florida? They probably aren’t dead” via Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times — When temperatures dip into the 30s and 40s, people from West Palm Beach to Miami know to be on the lookout for reptiles stunned — but not necessarily killed — by the cold. They can come back to life again in the warmth. Iguanas, which can be as long as 6 feet, are not native to South Florida. They have proliferated in the subtropical heat, causing headaches for wildlife managers — and occasionally popping up in toilets. It took a prolonged cold spell to significantly reduce their population in 2010. (The same cold snap also resulted in the deaths of many invasive Burmese pythons.) Iguanas climb up trees to roost at night, said Ron Magill, communications director for Zoo Miami. “When the temperature goes down, they literally shut down, and they can no longer hold on to the trees,” he said. “Which is why you get this phenomenon in South Florida that it’s raining iguanas.” “Even if they look dead as a doornail — they’re gray and stiff — as soon as it starts to heat up and they get hit by the sun rays, it’s this rejuvenation,” he said. “The ones that survive that cold streak are basically passing on that gene.”
— SCOTT’S LEGACY —
“Scott will depart as he arrived, a solitary and distant figure without a clearly defined personality in the minds of many of his constituents,” writes Steve Bousquet.
Ahead of Scott’s potential bid for the U.S. Senate, the article questions (and answers) what will be remembered of the Governor’s legacy. The positives: a “workaholic” nature helping to guide the state through Hurricane Irma and leading the state out of a recession. The negatives: a whole lot more.
A man of firsts?: “Scott is the first Florida governor with a permanent campaign fund during his entire time in office … Scott is the first governor who was sued successfully for violating state public records laws … Scott will be remembered as the governor who ditched the state aircraft, a campaign promise he could keep easily because he had the money to replace it with one of his own … To get to the Governor’s Mansion .. Scott … spent more than $70 million of his own money, ran as an outsider, flew in his own plane, kept his travel plans secret and regarded the mainstream news media as an unwelcome distraction.”
Separate from the others: “More inmates have been put to death under his watch (26) than by any of his predecessors … Highly scripted and ill at ease in public, Scott’s style is starkly different from his four predecessors.”
From the horse’s mouth: “People expect certain things from their politicians like smoothness and likability,” said former top aide Steve MacNamara. “Rick didn’t have those.”
From a different horse’s mouth: “He’s the governor who led Florida’s economic recovery,” said former Senate President Don Gaetz. “When he got into office, Florida was on its knees economically, and when he leaves, Florida will be ahead of most states in terms of economic progress.”
— WATER WARS —
A series of legal issues dating back to the 1980s will have its day in the U.S. Supreme Court.
The decades-long debate over the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Fli
The issue began after a series of droughts but has since evolved.
A history lesson: “In 1997, the states (Alabama, Florida and Georgia) and the federal government entered into a compact for the ACF basin,” … But that fell through, ultimately leading to “eight separate cases in six different federal courts challenging various impacts of the Corps’ operation of its reservoirs.” … “In 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit held that ‘the Corps had the authority to allocate substantial quantities of storage in Lake Lanier for purpose of water supply for the Atlanta metropolitan area.’”
The oyster collapse: “After a drought and the collapse of its oyster fishery in 2012, Florida filed a motion for leave to file a complaint for equitable apportionment and injunctive relief against Georgia in the Supreme Court in 2013.” Florida argued that Georgia’s consumption reduced flow to Apalachicola, affecting the salinity of the water and ruining the oyster fishery.
Not so fast: Ralph I. Lancaster, Jr., the special master over Florida’s motion, concluded relief for Florida should be denied. Florida’s exceptions to Lancaster’s conclusions will be heard Monday.
— OPINIONS —
“Florida’s 1.5 million missing voters” via The New York Times editorial board — Today, Florida disenfranchises almost 1.5 million of its citizens, more than 11 states’ populations and roughly a quarter of the more than 6 million Americans who are unable to vote because of a criminal record. Felon disenfranchisement is a destructive, pointless policy that hurts not only individuals barred from the ballot box, but American democracy at large. It can make all the difference in places like Florida, which didn’t stop being competitive in 2000; the state remains a major presidential battleground, and victories for both parties in state and local elections are often narrow. That could all change if a proposed constitutional amendment gets enough signatures to be placed on the ballot in November and wins enough support. The initiative would automatically restore voting rights to the vast majority of Floridians who have completed their sentence for a felony conviction, including any term of parole or probation. The right to vote is the most meaningful mark of citizenship in a democracy. It should be withheld only in extreme circumstances, and its restoration shouldn’t depend on the whims of a governor. What’s worse, many of these laws, especially in the South, are inextricable from their racist origins.
“Marleny Olivo: Palm Beach School Board should stop attacking charter school students” via Florida Politics — This week I asked to join litigation against the Palm Beach County School Board. As a working mother of two young sons, this is not a battle I wanted to fight. But I have little choice. The school board is mistreating charter school students, including my younger son. Board members have filed a lawsuit against House Bill 7069, which the Florida Legislature adopted last Session. This bill requires all education dollars to be spent on public school students equally, including charter students. But the board doesn’t want to comply. It is ridiculous for the board to think district school students deserve more money than those in charter schools. Charter schools, after all, are public schools. They are funded by public dollars, though managed privately. They must meet strict standards, and they’re closed if they receive failing grades or don’t meet parents’ expectations. Yet the school board wants to disregard its obligation to the county’s charter students.
“Melba Pearson, Shalini Goel Agarwal: Keep Florida from falling further behind; adopt meaningful criminal justice reform” via Florida Politics — While a majority of states — including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas — have adopted comprehensive criminal justice reforms over the last several years with bipartisan support, Florida has done little to evaluate its existing policies and create a more effective system. Other states are reducing incarceration levels while simultaneously lowering crime rates and saving millions of dollars. It’s clear that Florida is sending too many people to prison for too long, and in doing so, wasting our tax dollars. It’s time that our legislators do something to stop as well as reverse Florida’s ineffective reliance on mass incarceration. Fortunately, several leading legislators have proposed these reforms and are taking to heart that Floridians say the primary purpose of the criminal justice system should be to rehabilitate, not punish. Now is the time for the entire legislature to support their effort. It is time for our leaders to adopt smart policies that will prevent crime and reduce recidivism, while saving taxpayer dollars and keeping us safe.
“Vacation rentals bill would neuter local governments” via TCPalm Editorial Board — Sen. Greg Steube is at it again — attempting to vacate the authority of local governments to regulate their respective communities. Steube’s latest target is vacation rentals. Senate Bill 1400 would give the state sole authority to regulate vacation rentals. It also would nullify vacation-rental rules already on the books in respective cities prior to 2011 — regulations grandfathered in under current law. Local governments, and the citizens they represent, should decide vacation-rental rules for themselves. Not the state. Once again, Steube is attempting to insert state authority where it doesn’t belong.
— MOVEMENTS —
“New interim U.S. attorney for Tampa named” via Frances McMorris of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Maria Chapa Lopez was appointed the interim U.S. attorney by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. She is one of 17 current and former federal prosecutors that Sessions named as interim U.S. attorneys Wednesday. Chapa Lopez’s appointment arises out of the period last year when about 50 U.S. attorneys were asked to resign, propelling several first assistant U.S. attorneys into those top prosecutorial positions. On Jan. 4, some of those acting U.S. attorneys will have served the maximum amount of time permitted under the Vacancies Reform Act. Chapa Lopez replaces acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, who will resume his role as first assistant U.S. attorney.
“Former lawmaker Rich Glorioso reapplies for PSC seat” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Glorioso, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who served in the House 2004-12, has again thrown in his hat to be considered for a seat on the Florida Public Service Commission. Glorioso’s was one of two initial applications for a vacancy created by the withdrawal of former Rep. Ritch Workman. The applications were released Wednesday by the Public Service Commission Nominating Council. Gov. Scott had picked Workman to replace Ronald Brisé on the panel, which regulates investor-owned utilities in the state. But Workman, a Melbourne Republican, bowed out after a sexual misconduct allegation. Glorioso was a finalist last year to serve the unexpired term of former Commissioner Patronis, who stepped down to replace Jeff Atwater as state Chief Financial Officer.
“George Meros joins Holland & Knight’s Tallahassee office” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — Meros a prominent litigation attorney in the state, most recently involved in the high-profile case of embattled Sen. Jack Latvala, has joined the Holland & Knight’s Tallahassee lobbying effort. The international law firm announced Wednesday that Meros, formerly with the Gray Robinson law firm, is a new partner in its Tallahassee office. Meros was most recently part of a trio of attorneys that helped Senate President Joe Negron navigate internal investigations into sexual harassment allegations against Latvala. In another prominent case, he acted as lead counsel for the Florida House as it defended the state’s new redistricting plan.
“Help wanted: GateHouse Media seeks statewide political reporter” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — GateHouse Media’s Florida newspapers are looking for a reporter that can take on a beat “demanding a mix of daily, enterprise and longer-term investigative pieces” that “compliments” the work of The Associated Press and News Service of Florida. The job was posted on Dec. 21, less than a month ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session. The position has not yet been filled. Until late last year, Tia Mitchell works at Jacksonville’s Florida Times-Union as its dedicated Tallahassee “bureau chief.”
— WEEKEND TV —
Black Almanac with Dr. Ed James on WWSB, ABC 7 in Sarasota: Representatives from Sarasota’s MLK Celebration Committee discuss plans for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues that affect the area’s citizens.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Panelists this week include State Sen. Brandes, state Rep. Shaw, USF Professor of Public Administration and Political Science Dr. Susan MacManus and Tampa Bay Times columnist Ernest Hooper.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on how Florida hotel tax dollars are being used to promote tourism and alternative ways the money can be used. Joining Walker-Torres are state Rep. Randy Fine of Palm Bay; Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond; Richard Maladecki, Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association; David Downing, President and CEO, Visit St. Pete Clearwater; and Robin Sollie, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: A preview of the 2018 Florida Legislative Session, including the agendas for Gov. Scott, Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran. PolitiFact will clear up misconceptions about the Florida Legislature and the legislative process.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore, attorney Sean Pittman and political reporter Dara Kam.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg speak with chairs of the South Florida legislative delegation.
— ALOE —
Kevin Cate’s ‘Blizzard’ tees will support charity — The Tallahassee-based communications savant wrote in an email Thursday: “Nothing tops how much fun I’m having with the fact that it snowed in Tallahassee yesterday. It was pretty much zero inches, but for Tallahassee, that’s a once-in-28-years blizzard. So we made a shirt (and a tank top and hoodie). All profits will go to a local charity (The Kearney Center) that helps homeless people.” To get your own ‘I Survived the Blizzard of ‘18’ T-shirt, hoodie or tank top, click here.
“Midtown Reader plans expansion this month” via CD Davidson-Hiers of the Tallahassee Democrat — The bookstore will be closed for renovation next week … A projected reopening date is set for the third week of January. The store owned by Sally Bradshaw first opened November 2016. A newly installed staircase will lead from the current bookstore room to a refurbished upstairs lounge and book-selling area. The second-floor level, which will be double the size of the current store layout, will have enough space to host the larger literary events Midtown Reader offers. It will also allow for an expanded inventory, couches and tables where readers and students can relax and study and a cafe area selling Lucy & Leo’s cupcakes. “Now you can stop by your neighborhood bookstore, buy a freshly baked cupcake, a mug of hot coffee, and a new book and curl up on the couch to read or study,” said the email signed by Bradshaw and the Midtown Reader staff.
“Disney offers multi-day discount for Florida residents” via Bay News 9 — The three- and four-day “Florida Resident Discover Disney” ticket is now available. The tickets allow guests to visit one of the four Disney World theme parks per day. The three-day ticket costs $159, while the four-day ticket costs $179. The “Park Hopper” option can be added to either ticket at an additional cost and allows visits to multiple parks per day. Tickets can be purchased now through June 20 and are valid through June 24. Proof of Florida residency is required to purchase the tickets.
“Game of Thrones returns in 2019, HBO confirms for first time” via James Hibberd of Entertainment Weekly — The Emmy-winning sensation won’t be back for its final season until 2019. Last summer, EW was first to report that GoT might skip 2018, after the show’s showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss explained they planned to spend a year and a half crafting the show’s final episodes in an effort to make the final hours as spectacular and satisfying as possible (the eighth season, currently in production, is expected to film until this summer). Later, HBO programming chief Casey Bloys confirmed to us that a 2019 date was indeed possible. Since then, star Sophie Turner let slip in a recent interview that she didn’t expect the show to come back until next year either. As for the final season’s content, so far the GoT team has managed to keep a lid on spoilers with unprecedented behind-the-scenes security. Yet former Thrones actor Jason Momoa was recently visiting the set and teased to EW: “It’s going to be the greatest thing that’s ever aired on TV. It’s going to be unbelievable. It’s going to f — up a lot of people.”
Happy birthday to our ol’ friend Bruce Cotton and former state Rep. Doc Renuart. Early birthday wishes to friends of the ‘burn Bryan Anderson and Kyle Simon.
One comment
Michael
January 5, 2018 at 1:36 pm
Leandro Rizzuto, our new Ambassador to Barbados is dead.
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