Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
Red Dog Blue Dog is back for a fourth consecutive year.
The event pits “celebrity bartenders” from either side of the political aisle against each other to see who can raise the most money for our canine (and other furry) friends.
Teams compete to see who can raise the most money in tips for local animal rescue organizations. All proceeds go directly to the organizations.
This year, it will feature Sen. Dana Young, on the Red team, and Rep. Evan Jenne, on the Blue team. Other bartenders include Republican Sens. Kathleen Passidomo and Wilton Simpson, and Democratic Rep. Tracie Davis and Sen. Annette Taddeo.
“In recent years, Red Dog Blue Dog has become a marquee event for people in The Process and Tallahassee’s animal rescue community,” a press release said.
This year’s competition is sponsored by Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light, Strategic Digital Services, Brecht and Hunter Heuchan, Steve Schale and Nikole Souder-Schale, and Enwright Rimes Consulting.
Red Dog Blue Dog will be 6-9 p.m. at Township, 619 S. Woodward Ave., Tallahassee. Benefiting Leon County Humane Society, Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation, and Last Hope Rescue.
P.S. Use code RDBD2018 to save $5 each way on your Uber ride.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
— @MonicaLewinsky: 🙏🏻♥️⚡️ for 20 years, i’ve marked 16 jan as the day i survived another year from 1998. on this 20th (!!!) anniversary, thinkin’ maybe we could try a survivor’s chain. whaddya think? (too corny?) RETWEET if you survived the unimaginable in your life
— @AnitaKumar01: Trump campaign email indicates a fundraising event in Florida this weekend: “The President is hosting dinner with Eric, Lara and some of his top supporters in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida, to celebrate the ONE YEAR anniversary of our historic inauguration.”
— @FLSert: Since Oct. 3rd, more than 329,000 individuals have traveled commercially to Florida from Puerto Rico through @FlyTPA @MCO and @iflymia
— @TroyKinsey: The @dscc is seizing on new @AP report finding @FLGovScott may have created a “bottleneck” contributing to South Florida nursing home deaths: “At the heart of this tragedy is Rick Scott’s pathological need to seize every opportunity to advance his own political self-interest.”
— @SShawFL: I’m running for Attorney General to uphold the rule of law, keep our state safe, & to protect the rights of ALL Floridians. Together, let’s bring a true independent watchdog to the AG’s office!
— @CaryPigman: Overnight hospital shift: ✔️ Six hour drive to Tallahassee: ✔️ Bill presentation: ✔️ Two Subcommittee meetings: ✔️ Exciting start to week two!
— @MDixon55: Listening to Montford pronounce names of speakers here for Indian Independence Day resolution is about as much fun as you can have in the Florida Capitol this side of a white Styrofoam cup
— @RadioRicko: ASPCA news conference at Fl Capitol with Reps Joe Gruters and Janet Cruz. First time I’ve rooted for a dog to take a dump indoors.
— @1stCircuitFL: Courts in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 17 due to inclement weather conditions. Presently, courts in Okaloosa and Walton Counties will be OPEN. Court administration is monitoring the situation. Any changes will be announced as soon as possible.
***Today’s SUNBURN is brought to you by Spectrum Reach, the marketing platform of choice, connecting you to your target audience on TV, digital and mobile. With access to our powerful data and insights, solutions for every screen, and the best programming content on the top 50+ networks, we’ll help you reach the right customers for your business. SpectrumReach.com #NeverStopReaching***
— DAYS UNTIL —
Days until: Florida Capitol Press Corps Skits — 6; Super Bowl LII — 18; Pyeongchang Winter Olympics — 23; Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training — 27; Valentine’s Day — 28; Disney Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival — 42; Sine Die (maybe) — 51; Major League Baseball Opening Day — 71; Solo: A Star Wars Story premier — 127; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 156; Primary Election Day — 223; General Election Day — 293.
— YES, IT’S NEWS —
Should Florida voters be concerned over Sen. Oscar Braynon’s relationship with Sen. Anitere Flores?
Yes — at least according to Langston Taylor, a data and general assignment reporter for the Tampa Bay Times. Taylor explained in a recent post how Braynon’s relationship with Flores could have negatively affected the 2016 District 39 Senate race, in which Flores, a Republican, won despite being outnumbered by registered Democrats.
Langston points out that a friendly relationship between Flores and Braynon was publicized. Though Flores had a two-year start on her Democratic opponent, Andrew Korge, Langston notes a few unsettling facts surrounding the race.
Korge quits: The Democrat jumped out of the race and over to District 40 just two days before the candidate filing deadline. “Korge said he abandoned District 39 because he was unhappy with how much Democratic leadership — led at the time by Braynon — was helping him in his race against Braynon’s friend Flores.”
Candidate scramble: The Democrats had to rush to replace Korge and fielded Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. She lost cleanly to Flores, a Hispanic woman who had been fundraising for three years to win a race in Miami.
Mum’s the word: Braynon, Korge and Mucarsel-Powell all declined to comment on the article.
>>>“Tennyson condo dwellers not keen on privacy, security breach” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — The discovery that spycams were planted in bushes and behind closed doors to peep on unsuspecting state lawmakers staying at the Tennyson during last year’s legislative session is disconcerting to the luxury condominium residents and owners. Not only was the sixth floor sleuthing an invasion of privacy that made the Tennyson synonymous with sex scandals, but some also said it caused a potential security risk for residents. About 45 percent of the 15-story high-rise occupants are full-time residents, condo staff said. It’s also home to dozens of lawmakers, lobbyists and other public officials during the legislative session. Penthouse resident Cynthia Tunnicliff, a lawyer and member of the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority board of directors, said she didn’t care about people having affairs. She did care that the owner had violated the covenants by renting out the unit on a weekly basis. More upsetting than the privacy violation is the fact that another resident gave a stranger a fob to let them in and out of the building.
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“TV vendor ignores House subpoenas, sues Richard Corcoran” via Steve Bousquet and Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Corcoran has ordered an investigation of C. Patrick Roberts, a prominent TV executive who produces fishing and cooking shows for the state’s tourism promotion arm, VISIT FLORIDA. Roberts responded with a lawsuit that claimed Corcoran’s actions violate his civil rights that he filed in federal court, blocks from the Capitol. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, an appointee of former President Barack Obama who ruled against the state in a high-profile case in 2016 in which he extended Florida’s voter registration deadline during Hurricane Matthew. In that decision, Walker said the state’s opposition to an extension was “wholly irrational.”
“House select committee on hurricanes approves final report, 78 recommendations” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — A final report of 78 recommendations, ranging from nursing home safety to evacuation route improvements, and shelter planning to long-term development concerns, won unanimous approval from the Florida House’s Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness. The 21-member committee, appointed last fall by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, now presents the 2018 Legislative Session with a comprehensive blueprint that the committee intended to show what went right, what went wrong, and what fixes need to be considered immediately, generally or long-term, following the impacts of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in September. While Select Committee Chair Jeanette Nuñez called the 110-page report and its list of recommendations a good starting point, she also cautioned that there would be other recommendations and proposals emerging elsewhere, in bills and other committees, or which may emerge from further study and analysis. She also cautioned that some matters raised during the committee’s six previous public hearings this fall might not all be explicitly spelled out, but should all be addressed in one form or another.
“Three-day limit on opioid prescriptions gets first approval” via Dan Sweeney of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Floridians in acute pain would be limited to a three-day prescription for opioids under a plan that got its first approval from a Senate panel … The legislation, which is meant to help fight the state’s opioid epidemic, is designed to prevent excess medication from entering the black market. Under the bill, physicians could prescribe only a three-day supply of opiate-based painkillers. Exceptions include cases where they believe a longer supply is medically necessary and there are no alternative treatments; those would qualify for a seven-day prescription. The new law would not affect those on opioids for chronic pain, and critics point out that opioid prescriptions have generally fallen across the country, even as the opioid crisis has spread.
“Lawmakers optimistic about criminal justice reform as new report highlights areas for change” via Erin Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — A small news conference held by academics and think tanks outside the Florida Senate … was another reminder of the momentum criminal justice reform could have in the 2018 legislative session. The speakers highlighted a new report, Reforming Criminal Justice, that was put together by more than 120 scholars and university professors nationwide, including one from Florida State University. The multivolume work calls for re-examination of scores of hot-button criminal justice issues, some of which have already come up in committee meetings in the legislature, like minimum sentencing and supervised release as an alternative to cash bail bonds … criminal justice reform has been a key issue for libertarian-minded conservatives who see the criminal justice system as overly expensive and ineffective at rehabilitating offenders. Sen. Jeff Brandes was one of the lawmakers at the event and said this year he sees a potential for bipartisan change that he hasn’t seen before. “I think you’re going to see us reach consensus on a variety of topics in areas that just a few years ago we would’ve felt not within reach of this Legislature,” he said.
“Bipartisan passion for DREAMers” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida — Tallahassee insiders have long joked that there’s a dumpster outside of the nation’s Capitol reserved for memorials passed the state Legislature. But that didn’t stop Florida state Sen. René García, a Hialeah Republican who was born in Cuba, from making an impassioned plea to Congress to do something to address the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. The Obama-era policy protects from deportation individuals who were brought, as children, to the U.S. illegally by their parents. Trump announced in December he was terminating the policy, which could put 800,000 DACA recipients in danger of deportation. Sen. Daphne Campbell, a Haitian-born Miami Democrat, is sponsoring a memorial (SB 882), which sends a message to Congress to do something to protect the hundreds of thousands of children who entered the country when they were kids.
“Venezuela divestment bills moving ahead in Legislature” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — Lawmakers are trying to put into statute a Scott administration resolution that has blocked state funds from flowing into companies that do business with the Nicolas Maduro regime. The House bill has rocketed through its committee assignments and is ready for a floor vote, and a similar bill in the Senate is now starting its trek through its Senate stops with two committees remaining after a Senate panel advanced it through its first one on Tuesday. Sen. Rene Garcia says his bill would ensure the state does not “facilitate” business that could fuel the economic and political crisis in Venezuela.
“In major shift, House bill would turn three USF universities into one” via Claire McNeill of the Tampa Bay Times — Under proposed changes to a bill moving through the Florida House of Representatives, the USF System as it stands today could be no more. Instead, USF could have to phase out its separate accreditation at St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, melding the entire system into one unit. “It’s an opportunity for St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee to have a pre-eminent university in their community,” said Rep. Chris Sprowls who is behind the push. “I think, naturally, it will have them rising together as opposed to being separate limbs.” The provision is tucked away in a proposed committee substitute for the House’s version of a massive higher education package that passed unanimously in the Senate last week. Among other changes, the Senate bill would boost Bright Futures merit scholarships and tweak the way the state rewards university performance. The House version mostly follows suit.
“Greg Steube, Mike La Rosa drum up legislation to save vacation rentals from local government control” via Allison Nielsen of the Sunshine State News — The pair of bills — SB 1400 and HB 773 — would limit the ability of local governments to regulate vacation rentals. The power to regulate vacation rentals would instead be granted to the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants, which licenses, inspects and regulates public lodging and food service establishments. Sponsors of the legislation Sen. Steube and Rep. La Rosa said their bills are common sense solutions for property owners who they believe should have the right to their private property. Airbnb and vacation rentals are legal in Florida, but some local governments have pushed back against the idea, arguing vacation rentals cause damage to neighborhoods and negatively affect the quality of life in certain cities.
“Bill to legalize fireworks takes off in House committee” via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics — A bill that would legalize consumer fireworks cleared a House committee on Tuesday even as it faces strong opposition from the fireworks industry. Floridians buy and use fireworks just as much as any other state around the 4th of July and New Years Eve even though they can only purchase them after signing a form that says the product will only be used to “frighten birds from agriculture works and fish hatcheries.” The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jamie Grant, told members of the House Career & Competition Subcommittee that this practice is a loophole that invites the public to perjure themselves. Various lawmakers have tried for years to change the law, with no success.
“Bill to ban orca breeding filed in House faces pushback from SeaWorld” via Tracy McManus of the Tampa Bay Times — To solidify a voluntary policy change SeaWorld made two years ago, Rep. Jared Moskowitz introduced the Florida Orca Protection Act. It moved to the Natural Resources & Public Lands Subcommittee, but Moskowitz said he anticipates a fierce blowback from the marine park that could hinder progress. “They had been out there trying to prevent the bill from getting filed by any representative,” he said. “If they hear the bill, members will vote for this, so (Sea World) is going to work to prevent it from being heard.” In a statement, SeaWorld spokesman Travis Claytor said because the company has already committed to stop breeding orcas, “the legislation is unneeded and distracts from the great work being done to positively impact Florida’s wildlife.”
“Shevrin Jones files bill to repeal Stand Your Ground law” via Allison Nielsen of the Sunshine State News — HB 6073 would repeal Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which authorizes Floridians to protect themselves in the case of fear of death or bodily harm. Similar measures filed in previous legislative sessions failed to gain traction and died in committee. The last time a bill was presented to repeal the law was in 2013. At its core, Florida’s Stand Your Ground law removes the duty to retreat and justifies the use of deadly force in self-defense. Jones said part of his inspiration to file the legislation came from what he saw as a serious disconnect between people invoking Stand Your Ground for the right reasons or only as a cop-out for aggressive behavior.
Don’t fear the debate — Max Flugrath, the Communications Director for the House Democrats, emails: “In a commitment to openness and transparency, the House Democratic Caucus would like to provide a rundown of bills that have been placed on the agenda in House committees. We’ll be keeping a running tab each week as we progress through Session. As of Monday, January 16th, 206 bills have been placed on committee agendas in the Florida House. Of those, 144 are sponsored by Republicans, 30 are sponsored by Democrats, and 33 bills have bipartisan co-sponsors. To put that in a percentage, 69.6% of the bills that have been considered are Republican bills, 14.5% are Democratic, and 15.9% are bipartisan. On the House Floor, 16 bills have been heard. Of those, 15 are sponsored by Republicans, 0 are sponsored by Democrats, and 1 bill has bipartisan co-sponsors.
Assignment editors — State Sen. Victor Torres and state Rep. Joseph Geller will hold a news conference to discuss their legislation requiring Florida to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. News conference begins at 12:45 p.m. outside the House chamber, 4th-floor rotunda in The Capitol.
Assignment editors — Rep. Emily Slosberg, a Boca Raton Democrat, will hold a news conference highlighting her legislation, HB 443, to expand the rights of nursing home and assisted living facilities residents. That’s at 12:30 p.m., outside the 4th Floor Rotunda, The Capitol.
Assignment editors — The annual Hillsborough Day celebration is happening at the Capitol featuring a mock invasion of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Pirates and samples of authentic Tampa Cuban sandwiches. State lawmakers and Tampa Bay community dignitaries will be in attendance. The Courtyard Luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Capitol Courtyard Complex. The Hillsborough Day Reception starts at 5 p.m., 22nd floor, The Capitol.
Assignment editors — Hundreds of tourism and hospitality leaders from across the state will convene for a daylong Tourism Day event meant to give information to lawmakers, media and Floridians about the tourism industry. Admission to the street party is $15. That’s at 5 p.m., corner of Adams Street and College Avenue, downtown Tallahassee.
Governors Club Wednesday buffet menu — Mixed green salad with assorted dressing; tomato, cucumber and feta cheese; Nicoise salad; cream of mushroom soup; chicken and penne pasta; pesto sauce, mushrooms and artichokes; fried catfish and Hush Puppies; shoulder tenders with Marchand Du Vin; wedge fried potatoes; Broccolini Polonaise; buttered corn with bread pudding for dessert.
— STATEWIDE —
“DACA deal still possible says Miami Republican Mario Diaz-Balart” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — But for that to happen it would be unwise to comment or satisfy the media’s curiosity about what Trump said at a controversial immigration meeting at the White House last week. “Obviously you cannot say what is said in private meetings,” Diaz-Balart said. “I have not done it in 30 years and I’m not going to do it now.” After being at the receiving end of criticism for withholding comment, Diaz-Balart suggested that political pragmatism and his interest in avoiding the deportation of thousands of immigrants were behind his decision not to confirm or deny Trump’s offensive remark. “I fight for my community every day … Unfortunately, there is only one person from our community who is in these serious, very difficult and delicate negotiations to try to avoid the deportation of hundreds of thousands of people,” he said. “I’m not going to endanger those 800,000 people to go into accusations.”
Assignment editors — Gov. Scott will hold a media availability in Louisiana to discuss his latest economic development mission. News conference begins approximately 2:45 p.m. Central time at LaSalle’s Landing, 2101 Reverend Richard Wilson Dr. in Kenner, Louisiana.
“State, counties, feds face hefty Irma tab” via News Service of Florida — State agencies spent $680.2 million after Hurricane Irma, with county government costs exceeding $1 billion, according to a draft of a report by the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness. The state expects the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover most of the costs, but the numbers — separate from $2.49 billion spent by federal agencies in Florida — will continue to grow, as the figures reported by the committee are more than a month old. Proposals advanced from the select committee will go to other panels as lawmakers craft bills and the state budget during the Legislative Session that started last week. The report said Florida is working to receive a storm designation from FEMA that would include a 90 percent federal cost share.
“Thanks to Hurricane Irma, there’s a pass at Shell Key again” via Craig Pittman of the Tampa Bay Times — From a boat puttering along in the water, the sandy beach seems to go on and on. Then, abruptly, it ends at a mass of tangled, overturned mangroves where a great blue heron sits on an exposed root. And there, stretching for the next 120 feet, is a brand-new opening in Shell Key off the Pinellas County coast. Two years ago, fans of the Shell Key Preserve in Tierra Verde feared it was dying … Then Hurricane Irma swept through in September and blew open this new pass, one that has grown wider in the succeeding months … others say it’s not big enough to replace the old pass and its steady flushing action. The homeowners, who are convinced that the sand came from beach renourishment projects further north, managed to persuade the Legislature last year to approve $1.6 million to dredge out the sand and reopen the pass … Gov. Scott vetoed the appropriation.
“FPL to pass federal tax cut onto customers instead of raising rates to pay for $1.3 billion Hurricane Irma restoration” via Florida Politics — Florida Power & Light says it’s dropping plans to charge customers for Hurricane Irma costs and will instead apply savings from the recently enacted Tax and Jobs Act to cover the cost. For the average customer, this means savings of about $250. FPL also announced that the tax savings could allow it to continue operating for an additional two years under the 2016 base-rate agreement. That agreement has been scheduled to expire in 2020. “The timing of federal tax reform, coming on the heels of the most expensive hurricane in Florida history, created an unusual and unprecedented opportunity,” FPL President Eric Silagy said in a news release. “Our current rate agreement provides the ability to use federal tax savings to entirely offset Hurricane Irma restoration costs, which delivers an immediate benefit to customers, and also the potential opportunity to avoid a general base rate increase for up to an additional two years.”
“River advocates optimistic about Florida versus Georgia water dispute” via Katie Payne of WFSU via HealthyNewsFlorida.org — After years of conflict, the U.S. Supreme Court is taking up the case over Florida and Georgia’s water disputes. Somewhat surprisingly, the justices seem sympathetic to Florida’s problems, and that has some of the state’s advocates feeling optimistic. After taking the case all the way to the top, Florida’s environmentalists and river advocates are hoping years of debate might just pay off. Dan Tonsmeire is with the Apalachicola Riverkeeper, an advocacy group. “I think the fact that the justices were trying to find how they could get some relief to Florida is very encouraging,” Tonsmeire said. He says Florida was making a common-sense sort of case, asking the justices to equal out the playing field. But there are some issues. The management of the river system and its series of dams and reservoirs is up to the Army Corps of Engineers. The problem is the Corps isn’t technically part of the lawsuit … it’s not clear if the Court could make the Corps change its policies and give Florida more water.
“Supreme Court rejects appeal from suspended Florida judge” via The Associated Press — The justices offered no comment in rejecting an appeal from Judge Kim Shepard. She was suspended without pay for 90 days by the Florida Supreme Court. Shepard said the suspension violated her right to free speech. She was punished for using an endorsement she received from the Orlando Sentinel during her 1994 campaign for re-election to the Florida House of Representatives when she successfully ran for election as an Osceola County judge in 2014. The newspaper had endorsed candidate Norberto Katz in the 2014 race.
“Florida watchdog proposes new ways to grow lottery sales, boost education funding” via Margie Manning of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — New lottery games and expanded product distribution, including more retail outlets, could generate additional revenue, according to a report released this month by the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability. That would mean more money for schools. Florida’s lottery sales increased 1.5 percent to $6.156 billion in FY 2016-2017, compared to $6.063 billion in the prior year. But the transfer to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund was $1.656 billion, a drop of 2.1 percent or $36 million from a year earlier. “To maintain and increase sales, lotteries need to continually review and refresh their product mix,” the report said. But new games are not a panacea. Some new game options could represent expanded gambling, and the introduction of new games likely would result in shifts in sales from existing games, OPPAGA said.
What Billy Corben is reading — “How drug lords make billions smuggling gold to Miami for your jewelry and phones” via Jay Weaver, Nicholas Nehamas and Kyra Gurney of the Miami Herald — The United States depends on Latin American gold to feed ravenous demand from its jewelry, bullion and electronics industries. The amount of gold going through Miami every year is equal to roughly 2 percent of the market value of the vast U.S. stockpile in Fort Knox. But much of that gold comes from outlaw mines deep in the jungle where dangerous chemicals are poisoning rainforests and laborers who toil for scraps of metal, according to human rights watchdogs and industry executives. The environmental damage and human misery mirror the scale of Africa’s “blood diamonds,” experts say. “A large part of the gold that’s commercialized in the world comes stained by blood and human rights abuses,” said Julian Bernardo Gonzalez, vice president of sustainability for Continental Gold, a Canadian mining company with operations in Colombia that holds legal titles and pays taxes, unlike many smaller mining operations. Pope Francis is expected to condemn the horrors of illegal mining when he visits the Peruvian Amazon this week.
Assignment editors — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials will join Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, as well as representatives from the National Sheriffs’ Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America, to announce new efforts to enhance public safety. News conference begins 1:30 p.m. at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.
Breaking overnight — “Nine face hazing charges in death of FSU pledge” via Karl Etters of the Tallahassee Democrat — Nine people are facing hazing charges in connection with the November death of Florida State fraternity pledge Andrew Coffey. TPD Chief Michael DeLeo released a brief, prepared statement along with the announcement. “This collaborative investigation was critical to finding answers for Andrew Coffey’s family and our community,” DeLeo said. “Hopefully this investigation and its outcome will prevent another tragedy from occurring.”
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Email we didn’t open — “Tallahassee’s Gillum, Newton’s Warren Make a Wager on Jaguars-Patriots Game.”
“Lurid Jack Latvala texts to former lobbyist go public in sex-for-votes scandal” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — Laura McLeod, now an aide to another Florida senator and a former ally of Latvala’s, acknowledged to the Miami Herald that her relationship was “complicated” and once consensual with the former Senator, who resigned last month after two independent investigations concluded the Republican lawmaker engaged in repeated acts of sexual harassment. McLeod’s accusations were first anonymously detailed in general in one of those investigative reports, conducted by special master Ronald Swanson, who said that the text messages exchanged between Latvala and McLeod indicated he might have broken corruption laws by implying that he would vote favorably on her legislative priorities in return for sexual favors.
“Latvala mulling what to do with $4.5 million of political money” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Latvala, who is sitting on nearly $4 million in political committee money and another $600,00 in the campaign fund for his going-nowhere bid for Florida governor, said Tuesday his unused campaign money would be returned to donors if he closes down that campaign. As for the rest of the money, he says he’ll decide next week what to do with it. The Republican from Clearwater who stepped down from the Senate because of a sex scandal was one of the most effective fundraisers in Tallahassee. In December he made payments of $100,000 to the law offices of Steven R. Andrews P.A., and $12,705 to the Adams and Reese LLP law firm, and he made a payment of $40,000 to Andrews in November.
“Poll: Andrew Gillum v. Gwen Graham in Leon County” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times — Which one would carry overwhelmingly Democratic Leon County today? Graham easily, according to an internal poll by SEA Polling & Strategic Design. Graham receives 43 percent support, Gillum 29 percent, hello what that 3 percent, Chris King 2 percent, and Undecided 23 percent, the Jan. 8-11 telephone survey of 300 likely general election voters (MoE +/- 5.6 percent) found … Gillum is better known than Graham but carries higher negative ratings with a 51-27 rating. Graham has higher positives with 56 percent favorable and lower negatives at 17 percent. Despite strong job approval ratings, 46 percent believe it’s time for someone else as Mayor to 40 percent who believe Gillum deserves to be re-elected. Gillum could be struggling in this re-elect measure and the primary question due to the well-publicized FBI investigation that continues to plague City Hall.
“Who was the only candidate for governor at Everglades coalition conference?” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post — Chris King, the Winter Park businessman seeking the 2018 Democratic nomination for Governor, scored some points with Everglades advocates by being the only gubernatorial hopeful to attend the recent Everglades Coalition Conference in Stuart. King impressed attendees by appearing “sharp” on the issues, said Kimberly Mitchell, the former West Palm Beach city commissioner who is executive director of the Everglades Trust. The Everglades Trust, the Sierra Club and several other groups sponsored the four-day conference.
Philip Levine up with new ad — His gubernatorial campaign announced it is placing a new television ad, titled “Denial,” behind an almost $375,000 broadcast and cable ad buy for two weeks, which will run in all of Florida’s ten media markets.
“Sean Shaw announces bid for Attorney General” via Allison Nielsen of the Sunshine State News — Shaw, a Tampa Democrat, announced in Tallahassee. Shaw has represented Florida’s 61st District since 2016 but was rumored to be contemplating a bid for higher office for the last several months. “I’m running for Attorney General to uphold the rule of law, keep our state safe, & to protect the rights of ALL Floridians,” Shaw wrote. “Together, let’s bring a true independent watchdog to the AG’s office!” Shaw has worked as a private insurance attorney and previously served as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate. He is the son of Leander Shaw, the state’s first black chief justice and the second black Supreme Court justice.
Republican Attorneys General Association dings Shaw: “Sean Shaw is an extreme liberal who would put his personal political agenda ahead of anything else — including the law. There should be no doubt Shaw would join progressive Democrats across America as an activist attorney general — legislating through the court at every turn. This is an affront to our system of government and speaks volumes about Shaw’s disrespect for Floridians. Florida deserves an attorney general who defends the rule of law, protects its citizens and champions opportunity for every person. … The Republican Attorneys General Association is confident that the winner of the Republican primary will become the 38th Attorney General of Florida.”
Tweet, tweet:
It would be close, but now we have to decide who has the more liberal record — Moody or Shaw? #photofinish
— Jay Fant (@jay_fant) January 16, 2018
“Brian Mast re-election ad: ‘My mission is not over’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Mast of Palm City is dropping his first re-election digital ad of the cycle featuring him talking with seniors, paying respects at a veterans’ memorial, fishing with his sons, and declaring, “My mission is not over.” The 30-second ad, “Promises Kept,” highlights three areas of bipartisan Congressional achievements for the freshman lawmaker: protecting seniors from fraud preventing critical veterans’ programs from expiring, and passing new funding to combat algal blooms.
Click on the image below to watch the ad:
“Oops. Senate Republicans return in-kind contribution from Palm Beach gentleman’s club” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald — The Florida Republican Senatorial Committee blew the optics test this month when it reported it had taken $2,100 in in-kind contributions for a Dec. 18 fundraiser from Monroe’s of Palm Beach, a gentlemen’s club that touts itself as “the #1 Adult Entertainment Club and Steakhouse in America.” The contribution was for beverages at the event held at the Cars of Dreams Museum in Palm Beach, said Sen. Bill Galvano, the Bradenton Republican designated the next Senate president if Republicans hold their majority. Were any other staff of the gentlemen’s club used for the event? “Absolutely not,” Galvano said. He said the event was organized by Palm Beach political consultant Tom DaVita and “he chose the vendor.”
— OPINIONS —
“Rick Scott: On DREAMers and border security, Congress should just do it” via USA TODAY — I’ve long been an outspoken opponent of illegal immigration, and I remain so. But I refuse to watch these children be punished for the actions of their parents. The United States has become the home for these children — and this should absolutely not be a partisan issue, or even a political issue. While I understand that they did not arrive here in accordance with our country’s immigration laws, it is simply not right to hold these children accountable for that. Congress needs to secure the immigration status of DREAMers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Additionally, it is perfectly logical for the Congress to, at the very same time, take real steps to secure our borders. Personally, I just don’t see how doing the right thing for these kids, and doing the right thing for our country by securing our borders, are partisan issues. These are just plain common-sense actions for Congress to take.
“Scott Maxwell: Florida spends $420k to justify its obsession with flawed tests” via the Orlando Sentinel — Two years ago, Seminole County school officials made a sensible suggestion — replace Florida’s unreliable tests with nationally respected tests like the SAT. Also, cut back on testing in general. The idea was roundly praised — by parents, teachers and school administrators around the state. After all, Florida’s testing and “accountability” system has been ever-changing and often-flawed. But it hasn’t happened. Why? Well, Scott’s Education Department just spent $420,000 on a “feasibility” study that said using nationally accepted tests couldn’t possibly work. That’s weird … because it does work in plenty of other states. Yet the state’s $420,000 study didn’t even acknowledge those other states. Yes, the study ignored evidence that proves it can work, so it could claim it doesn’t. It was like hiring the Mad Hatter for logic lessons. You’ve been conned … on the facts and out of your money.
“Amanda Pedigo: Traditional vacation rentals part of Florida tourism DNA” via Florida Politics — If you had the chance to improve the industry and amplify its benefits to travelers, local small businesses and residents across the state, wouldn’t you? That question and how to achieve it will surely be a topic of conversation during this week’s annual Florida Tourism Day in Tallahassee … Florida didn’t become the travel destination it is today based solely on its attractions, sandy beaches and beautiful weather. The state also has an abundance of options when it comes to lodging. Fortunately, the state has been considering legislation that both protects the economic benefits vacation rentals bring to the state and preserves the rights of Florida homeowners to engage in the tourism economy responsibly. Sen. Steube and Rep. LaRosa introduced the Florida Vacation Rental Act, which establishes guardrails that prohibit local regulations dictating where and how many vacation rentals are allowed. The bill prevents patchwork regulation across the state, improving clarity and compliance for homeowners. HomeAway supports this effort and the conversation unfolding around how to create smart regulations that preserve vacation rentals as a valuable addition to the Florida economy.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Jose Felix Diaz joins Ballard Partners” via Florida Politics — A well-respected name in Miami-Dade County, Diaz most recently served seven years representing Districts 115 and 116 in the Florida House. Later during his time in Tallahassee, Diaz — a Cuban-American known throughout the Capitol as “Pepi”— led the Commerce Committee, overseeing gaming, economic development, regulated industries and tourism. Diaz’s hiring may also give Ballard the one thing the super-lobbyist has, to date, not been able to have: A definitive “No. 2” who could one day take over the firm (or just the Florida office) if and when Brian Ballard decides to step away from lobbying and/or moves to be closer President Donald Trump, with whom the firm has a close relationship.
— “With Diaz out, Fajardo is likely Trump’s top prosecutor for South Florida” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Ben Crump teams up with Rosen Law on corporate fraud” via Florida Politics — Crump is branching out. The Tallahassee-based national civil-rights attorney Tuesday announced his partnership with New York’s Rosen Law Firm “to help institutional investors that have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct,” a news release said. “We are excited to join forces with Larry Rosen and one of the country’s leading securities law firms to expand the services we provide to our clients and fight for justice for those who have been defrauded,” Crump said. “This partnership will serve the needs of state and local governments and their pension funds that have been taken advantage of by dishonest corporations.”
Play ball — Jason Latimer is the new vice president of communications and outreach for the Florida Marlins. That’s an out-of-the-ballpark move from his previous job as the communications director for the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. Latimer is the son of Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. H/t to Patrick Manteiga of La Gaceta.
— ALOE —
“Aside from a few flakes, snowfall expected to bypass TLH” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Winter Storm Inga, which brought snow and ice from Texas to Pennsylvania o, is expected to drop more snow on parts of the Florida Panhandle and South Georgia. But in Tallahassee, it’s not expected to be cold enough when light precipitation arrives to produce measurable snow. Kelly Godsey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said temperatures are forecast to be just north of freezing — around 33 to 35 degrees — when the moisture approaches around daybreak. It may be just a little too warm around Tallahassee to see everything completely transition to snow,” he said. “While we may see a few flakes of snow mixing in, based on what we’re seeing at this time, we don’t anticipate any accumulation in Leon County. The coldest air is just not going to quite get here in time.”
What Lenny Curry is reading — “Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette not hurt in car accident” via The Associated Press — Fournette escaped injury after what authorities say was a minor, three-car crash. The team said its star running back’s car was rear-ended about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, and that he was not hurt. He was able to drive home after the crash. The Florida Highway Patrol says Fournette was not at fault in the crash.
“Why 7-Eleven, inventor of the Slurpee, is now all about cold-pressed organic juice” via Caitlin Dewey of The Washington Post — Nearly half of all convenience stores expanded their fruit and vegetable offerings in 2017, according to a NACS survey, and thousands more introduced yogurt, health bars, string cheese, packaged salads and hard-boiled eggs. At 7-Eleven, the world’s largest convenience store chain, with 10,500 U.S. locations, the company has aggressively developed “better-for-you” products under the Go!Smart banner, pushing low-sugar herbal teas, fruit-and-nut bars and rice crackers. Convenience stores also face faltering sales for the industry’s top-selling items — cigarettes, soda and gas — said Frank Beard, an analyst for GasBuddy, an app and data service for convenience stores. Soda and cigarette sales have been down for years, he points out, and the margins on gas are low. “Food sales are an opportunity for them,” Beard said. “It’s a perfect storm of factors.”
Happy birthday to Tom and Bette’s wonderful daughter, Caitlin Murray, as well as Brian Goldmeier, AARP’s Jeff Johnson, and Emily Rimes.
