Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Ana Ceballos, Daniel McAuliffe, and Jim Rosica.
As the 60-day Legislative Session heads into its third week, the high-stakes battle over the budget is about to start.
House and Senate appropriations subcommittee chairs are expected to roll out their policy-specific budgets next week, according to Senate spokeswoman, Katie Betta, and a source close to House leadership.
Betta says the chamber’s full budget should be out in the fourth week of Session.
Once the proposals are handed out next week, members of these subcommittees will get a chance to talk about the numbers, which in the end will reflect the priorities of each chamber.
Toward the final days, the Legislature will steam toward compromise and see how their proposal matches the $87 billion budget unveiled by Gov. Rick Scott before Session started.
Scott’s proposal, best viewed as a recommendation for lawmakers, is the biggest one in state history — and it has a little bit for everyone.
House Appropriations Chairman Carlos Trujillo already has said his chamber’s budget will likely be “more conservative” than the Scott’s, adding that there may not be a lot of room for individual member-projects.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
— @SenBillNelson: Sound the alarm: Despite their claim that Florida is now “off the table” for new drilling, the maps Interior officials showed at the first public meeting this week to discuss the new plan showed the waters off Florida are still very much open to drilling.
— @DWSTweets: I signed the resolution to censure Trump over his racist remarks because his vile comments should have no place in our public discourse.
— @RepLoisFrankel: Let’s be clear: Republicans control the House, Senate, AND White House. Instead of forcing our country into an unnecessary crisis by shutting down the government, they should work with Dems to address urgent bipartisan issues like protecting DREAMers & fighting the opioid crisis.
— @Deggans: Wow. Party of Five, the ’90s drama about a group of five siblings raising themselves after their parents died, will be rebooted for Freeform channel. New story features siblings raising each other after their parents are deported to Mexico. Talk about a topical subject …
— @AnaCeballos_: .@FL_Corrections spox says that although media reported inmates in 10 state prisons would go on work-strikes this week, no strikes or protests have occurred.
— @NewsbySmiley: Slipping under the radar yesterday in Florida MMJ news: CSE-traded iAnthus announced it bought out GrowHealthy, one of 13 licensed MMTCs in Florida, for $48M in cash and shares
— @SenRubioPress: With its business-friendly environment, hard workers, and beautiful beaches #Miami would be a great place for @amazon’s next headquarters. Glad to see it’s a finalist for #AmazonHQ2.
— @Fineout: If this is the last press skits in Tallahassee, do you want to miss it?
— @LedgeKing: 2017 ranked as the second warmest since 1880, according to @NASA. Globally averaged temperatures were 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.90 degrees Celsius) warmer than avg from 1951 to 1980. The warmest year? 2016.
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— DAYS UNTIL —
Florida Capitol Press Corps Skits — 4; Super Bowl LII — 16; Pyeongchang Winter Olympics — 21; Fat Tuesday – 25; Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training — 25; Valentine’s Day — 26; Disney Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – 40; Sine Die (maybe) — 49; First Day of Spring – 60; Major League Baseball Opening Day — 69; Solo: A Star Wars Story premier — 124; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 154; Primary Election Day — 221; General Election Day — 291.
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
Joe Negron another wants 5,000 acres for Everglades reservoir but why? – On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations committee heard a presentation from South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Ernie Marks on the status report of the reservoir project authorized by Senate Bill 10. Following the presentation, Appropriations Chair and Senate Bill 10 sponsor Rob Bradley expressed confidence in the district’s plans. But following the meeting, Senate President Joe Negron told reporters he is still planning to seek another 4,000 to 5,000 acres of land before the end of session. Why would Negron make these comments when the district says it has the land it needs, the chair is happy, and the project appears to be on schedule?
“Senate announces new rules on sexual, workplace harassment” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — Prompted by a series of sex scandals that enveloped several senators, the Florida Senate on Thursday rolled out new guidelines on how to handle sexual harassment in the workplace. The new code of conduct cites “patting, pinching, or intentionally brushing against an individual’s body,” unwelcome kisses and hugs as part of greetings — including a peck on the cheek –, as exampled that could violate the harassment policy. But any type of sexual harassment, whether verbal, nonverbal or physical, is prohibited. An employee found to be in violation of this policy could face immediate termination. As part of the new guidelines, Senate President Joe Negron said in a memo that senators and staff will have to complete online anti-harassment training in the coming weeks.
>>>Read the new rules in their entirety here.
Spotted disembarking from the American Airlines flight from Miami to Tallahassee: Frank Artiles.
“TPS dispute over Haitians & others will hold up confirmation of Carlos Trujillo” via The Associated Press – Democrat Sen. Ben Cardin will place a hold on the nomination of Trujillo to be U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States until State Department provides him with information regarding the decision process to end a temporary protected status for immigrants from Haiti and two Central American nations. “I intend to hold this nomination on the floor until the Department responds to my request,” said Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“Legislators want laws, executive order protecting LGBT rights” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics – A sizable group of bipartisan lawmakers attended a news conference in support of the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. Shortly after some demanded Gov. Scott issue an executive order preventing state offices from discriminating against LGBT employees. Competitive Workforce Act sponsor Ben Diamond said the legislation would expand the 1992 Civil Rights Protection Act — which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap or marital status — to include protections for the LGBT community. Diamond said the initiative enjoys healthy support, and many are unaware of the lack of LGBT protections and surprised when they discover otherwise. “When I talk to folks in my district on this bill, they’re surprised to learn that Florida law does not already protect LGBT individuals in these important areas,” Diamond said.
“Legislature could declare pornography a health risk” via The Associated Press — The House Health & Human Services Committee overwhelmingly approved the resolution … It states the need for education, research and policy changes to protect Floridians from pornography. Republican Rep. Ross Spano is sponsoring the resolution. He told the committee that pornography is readily available to children through smartphones and exposure to explicit material is harming them. Spano is also a candidate for attorney general. After the meeting, he said he isn’t sure what policy changes the state should make, but said acknowledging the problem is the first step.
“Florida’s harsh driver’s license suspensions draw Senate scrutiny” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times — The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill (SB 1270) that would in many cases end practices that its sponsor, Sen. Jeff Brandes says put many Floridians in a downward spiral of lawbreaking — just to feed their families. Florida imposes license suspensions for failure to appear in court on a bad check charge, misdemeanor theft, serving alcohol to a minor, truancy and failure to pay court costs, among other infractions. The state suspended more than 700,000 licenses in 2014. Under Brandes’ bill, the maximum suspension for a drug offense would be reduced from the current year to six months; make it easier for suspended drivers to get hardship licenses to drive to and from work; prohibit a license from being suspended solely for failure to pay a financial penalty; and require judges to ask about a person’s financial status before imposing a fine.
“Expansion of University of Miami needle exchange program gets bipartisan backing” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — Two years after a state law established a sterile needle and syringe exchange pilot program in Miami-Dade County, lawmakers are trying to expand the single-county program to other parts of the state. To decrease a growing opioid epidemic, state Rep. Shevrin Jones said his bill would act a “liaison” to myriad opioid measures proposed in the state Legislature this year. Under his bill, a statewide pilot needle exchange program would be established through the Department of Health, rather than just the University of Miami.
School visitation measure clears final panel — A bill to allow state lawmakers to visit schools in their local districts cleared its last committee unanimously and is headed to the Senate floor. The bill (SB 118), carried by GOP Sen. Dorothy Hukill of Port Orange, “provides the opportunity for elected officials to meet with their youngest constituents, and the teachers guiding them, in their district schools,” a news release said. “Visitation to schools will also provide the opportunity for teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff to communicate personally with their representatives.” Hukill said in a statement she “had the pleasure of visiting with many school children and teachers in my office. The opportunity to be able to visit them, and see the amazing work they do in our schools, would be both gratifying and beneficial.”
What Jose Javier Rodriguez is reading – “Resign-to-run law on floors of both chambers” via Lobby Tools – The House bill (HB 105) to require state and local politicians to submit their resignations before seeking federal office easily passed its final panel and joins the Senate’s version (SB 186) on their respective chamber floors.
— FLORIDIANS SUPPORT CHANGE OF AOB SYSTEM —
Abusing the state’s Assignment of Benefits (AOB) system is terrible, according to most voters sampled in a statewide poll commissioned by the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
More than 85 percent of those sampled disapproved of allowing a repair contractor to sue an insurance company following property damage without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent.
More than 65 percent approved requiring a repair contractor to pay for their own attorney if they sue an insurance company when there is a dispute. Currently, many fear contractors abuse the system because of a one-way attorney’s fees stipulation, forcing insurance companies to foot the legal bills of both parties if a judge rules an estimate is off by any amount — even a single dollar.
All eyes on the Senate: House Bill 7015 by Rep. Jay Trumbull addresses the one-way rule and cleared the House last week, but the Senate has yet to assign a committee hearing for a companion bill.
A growing problem: AOB lawsuits jumped from 405 in 2006 to more than 28,000 in 2016 or 6,800 percent.
Don’t take our word for it: The Wall Street Journal has published six editorials and news stories urging the Florida Senate to address the issue.
— STATEWIDE —
What POTUS’s lawyers are reading: “Robert Mueller involved in FBI release of deceptive statements about Sarasota 9/11 probe” via Dan Christiansen of FloridaBulldog.org — A recent government court filing is raising questions about then-FBI Director Mueller’s involvement in the public release of deceptive official statements about a secret FBI investigation of Sarasota Saudis with apparent ties to the 9/11 hijackers. The misleading statements, issued by FBI officials in Miami and Tampa, were made within days of a September 2011 Florida Bulldog story disclosing the existence of the investigation and reporting that Congress was kept in the dark about it. The statements sought to discredit the story, asserting that agents had found no connection between the Sarasota Saudi family and the 9/11 plot. In fact, the FBI’s own files contained at least three reports that said the opposite: that agents found “many connections” between the family and “individuals associated with the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001.”
“Scott gets chilly reception” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — The cold front that swept across the nation resulted in little media interest for a planned afternoon news conference in which Scott was expected to continue belittling Louisiana’s economic direction … Scott had used the mission as a chance to attack Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards. “While we are fighting to cut taxes and make it harder for politicians to raise taxes in Florida, Louisiana is doing the exact opposite,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “In fact, for nearly two years, Governor John Bel Edwards has been continuously working to raise taxes instead of reaching a long-term solution for their state’s financial crisis.” Before Scott’s jet was in the air, Edwards’s office dismissed the trip as a “fundraiser” and noted that many people in Scott’s inner circle worked for former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.
“Scott: VISIT FLORIDA-Emeril show tax credit deal ‘would not happen today’” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida — Scott said backroom deals like the tax credit swap between VISIT FLORIDA and a contractor that produced a TV cooking show starring Chef Emeril Lagasse would no longer occur under the agency’s new leadership … Scott said the agreement between Visit Florida and Tallahassee-based MAT Media was brokered by former agency leaders who were ousted in pursuit of transparency. “If you look at what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to promote transparency and accountability, and that wouldn’t happen today,” Scott said.
Assignment editors – Gov. Scott will announce December job numbers with a 10 a.m. news conference at 10 a.m. at the TPC Clubhouse Facility, 110 Championship Way in Ponte Verde Beach. Later, the Governor will attend the Florida National Guard deployment ceremony of the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion beginning 2 p.m. at the Florida National Guard Robert A. Ballard Armory, 700 NW. 28th St. in Miami.
“Jimmy Patronis: Attorney fee limits ‘good debate to have’” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida – The House last week passed a bill that would limit plaintiffs’ attorney fees to $150 an hour and reduce amounts paid to hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers for treating injured patients. Patronis, a Panama City restaurateur who was appointed state CFO by Gov. Scott last summer, said he knows firsthand how workers’ compensation insurance costs can impact employers and appreciates the benefits of affordable rates. “It gave me greater flexibility. It made me feel like I didn’t have to contract out labor. I could hire my own people,” he said. “So the proposal of limiting those overhead costs that can go to the ownership of the policy, I think that’s good for business.” While the House bill (HB 7009) would restrict attorney fees for injured workers, it does not impose the same limits on insurance companies that hire lawyers to fight the claims. When asked whether the restrictions should apply to insurers, Patronis said, “I think two-way attorney fees (restrictions) is a good debate to have.”
DOC says Florida state prison inmates’ plan to strike didn’t happen — Inmates in Florida state prisons were planning to go on a monthlong peaceful work-strike in protest of “prison overcrowding, brutal living conditions and working for no or little pay,” according to news outlets. Staff briefed Gov. Scott that there could be a potential strike, but according to Department of Corrections officials all normal daily operations continued and “inmates did not participate in work stoppages.” When asked about the strike on Thursday, Scott said, “The Department of Corrections follows the law” concerning safety and health. Organizers said in a statement that the goal of the protest was to make the “the governor realize that it will cost the state of Florida millions of dollars daily to contract outside companies to come and cook, clean, and handle the maintenance.”
“Voting rights proposal advanced by constitutional review board” via Florida Politics — A proposal to allow the automatic restoration of nonviolent ex-felons’ voting rights cleared a Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) committee on Thursday. The CRC’s Ethics and Elections Committee OK’d the measure (P7) by a 6-2 vote. “If successful, Smith and Joyner’s proposal would bring Florida in line with most of the states in the nation that already allow for automatic restoration of rights following completion of felons’ sentences and repayments of any outstanding fines,” a news release from the Florida Senate Democratic Office said. The proposal is backed by commission members Arthenia Joyner of Tampa and Chris Smith of Fort Lauderdale, both former Senate Democratic Leaders.
“Secret talk among CRC members ‘just part of the process,’ says commissioner” via Daniel Ducassi of POLITICO Florida – After a coalition of more than a dozen advocacy groups called foul on procedural shenanigans and secret talks among members of the education panel at the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, its chairperson told POLITICO that private policy discussions among members are “just part of the process.” Meanwhile, CRC Education Chair Marva Johnson — who also chairs the State Board of Education — has so far refused to answer questions about a November meeting that critics say contributes to the belief the CRC is just “a sham.” She also has not addressed whether she’s had private conversations with other CRC members about commission-related policy matters. Open government and transparency advocates say all the work the CRC is doing could ultimately be declared invalid because CRC members are violating the constitutional open meeting requirements. They’ve pointed to the November meeting of the education committee as a prime example of the CRC’s disregard of transparency and the state constitution. The committee meets today to reconsider the proposal it had killed — and revived through procedural maneuvers — last November.
“Out of order: Bathroom shortage causes workflow stoppage” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat – Some 300 Florida Department of Economic Opportunity workers at the old Publix in the Northwood Centre face a bathroom crisis this week that has flushed them out of their normal work routine. With only two functioning single-stall restrooms in the renovated grocery store, they can either put up with 30-minute lines or leave the building and endure a cold walk to access one of the two open restrooms in the allegedly mold-contaminated building next door. “Staff were notified yesterday that while a portion of the restrooms in the office were not working, working restrooms were still available in the building,” DEO spokeswoman Karen Smith said. “Additional restrooms in the building next door were also offered.” The DEO is working with the building’s owners to repair the restrooms as quickly as possible, Smith said.
“Brian Mast wants Brightline shut down for safety review” via Andrew Atterbury of TCPalm — Mast, of Palm City, weighed in on Brightline safety after a bicyclist was hit and killed by a passenger train … It was the third fatality — and the second death by a Brightline train — on the Florida East Coast Railway tracks within a week. Brightline passenger trains share the rail corridor with Florida East Coast Railway freight trains. Florida East Coast Industries own both. Brightline, a $3.1 billion project which eventually is to run between Miami and Orlando, launched its passenger service Saturday morning, initially between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Mast tagged Brightline in a tweet, telling the company to “stop victim blaming and take responsibility for the fact your trains are killing people.”
“Florida pot grower sells for $48 million” via Jeff Ostrowski of the Palm Beach Post — iAnthus Capital Holdings announced a deal for GrowHealthy Holdings of Lake Wales. The company said it plans to open a dispensary in Palm Beach County during the third quarter of 2018. iAnthus Chief Executive Hadley Ford said he expects Florida’s marijuana market to be worth $1 billion by 2020, and he pointed to a statewide patient count that topped 67,000 as of last week. “The patient growth has been nothing short of remarkable,” Ford said.
“Decision on FPL plant expected in March” via The News Service of Florida — After holding an all-day hearing, the Public Service Commission is expected to decide March 1 whether to give key approval to a proposed Florida Power & Light plant in Broward County. FPL is seeking approval of what is known as a “determination of need” for the 1,163-megawatt plant in Dania Beach. The state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility cases, and the Sierra Club have objected to granting a determination of need. The $888 million project would replace two old generating units at the Dania Beach site and begin operating in 2022. FPL contends the new plant would increase reliability and ultimately save $337 million for customers when compared to continuing to run the older units. But the Office of Public Counsel and the Sierra Club argue FPL has not shown that the new plant is needed to meet customers’ projected energy usage in 2022.
“Following proposal to consolidate USF universities, trustees to hold conference call” via Claire McNeill of the Tampa Bay Times – President Judy Genshaft, who has not publicly weighed in on the potential for this major shift, is expected to tune into the 9 a.m. call. Members of the public can visit any USF campus to listen in on the call as well. To do so in Tampa, one can visit room 140 of the Patel Center for Global Solutions. In St. Petersburg, go to the Ocean Room on the second floor of the University Student Center. In Sarasota, visit room C306. No agenda has been published. The meeting description says trustees who are part of the Governance Committee will get a “general update” on the legislative session. Later in the day, USF St. Petersburg interim chancellor Martin Tadlock plans to hold open forums in Davis Hall, room 130. Those run from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
“UCF extends in-state tuition rates a year for Puerto Rico, Virgin Island evacuees” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics – The UCF board of trustees voted unanimously to continue to allow students from the islands to qualify for in-state tuition through the spring 2019 semester. Before that vote, the university had offered in-state tuition rates to island evacuees through the current semester. The board accelerated approval of the extended tuition rate for a full academic year in order to provide students with sufficient time to apply for the summer semester. “We should view this as an opportunity to serve,” UCF President John Hitt stated in a news release issued by the university. Approximately 200 Puerto Rican and Virgin Islander students who fled the islands have enrolled at UCF.
“Times-Union announces additional layoffs” via the Florida Times-Union — The Florida Times-Union plans to reduce its non-production workforce by about 10 percent, or about two dozen positions. The restructuring is across the board for 2018, including the departments of advertising, circulation, newsroom, accounting and administration. Many of the positions were eliminated through attrition or transfer, said Mark Nusbaum, president of the Times-Union. About ten employees were told their positions had been eliminated.
Tweet, tweet:
The largest city by area in the continental United States now has two photographers to cover it. https://t.co/Zwv9WqjiW6
— Nate Monroe (@NateMonroeTU) January 19, 2018
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Hulk Hogan on Senate race: ‘If I run, I would win’” via TMZ — “I don’t want to run, OK. I have a great life here on the beach,” he told TMZ, though he hedged his bets somewhat. “Right now, this moment, it’s a flat-out no.” One thing’s clear: The former WWE champ says if he throws his hat in the ring, he’s going to Washington. “If I run, I would win,” he insisted.
“Ron DeSantis’ campaign kickoff isn’t where you’d expect” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times – DeSantis was raised mainly in Pinellas County, Dunedin, and now resides in Flagler County, Palm Coast. But when he formally kicks off his campaign for governor, it will be in Palm Beach County. DeSantis has scheduled a kickoff rally for 11 a.m. Jan. 29. The south Florida location should signal that the Trump-backed contender is more than a regional candidate. He’s not the only gubernatorial candidate to make the big announcement far from their home county. Democrat Gwen Graham of Tallahassee made her announcement in Miami-Dade, though that’s where she grew up.
Assignment editors – Graham will hold her next Workday Saturday at M.I.A. Beer Company in Doral. Media are invited at 1:30 p.m. as Graham serves customers, supporters and Florida’s next First Dad Bob Graham beginning 2 p.m. M.I.A. Beer Company is at 10400 NW. 33rd St., #150 in Doral.
“Andrew Gillum opens up about cutting ties with lobbyist friend Adam Corey and Mike Miller” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — “I had a trusting relationship and I felt like I allowed people around me who were acquaintances of his because I trusted him,” Gillum said. “And it appears that if these guys were here for an investigation, that the only way they got to me was by leveraging my friendship with Adam” … Corey has been at the heart of the probe that began as early as August 2015, when a self-described developer from Atlanta named Mike Miller, whom sources said was an FBI undercover agent, began hobnobbing with local officials and business people. When the first subpoenas dropped, Gillum was shocked by the news and subsequent media coverage. “I was caught by surprise as anybody else was by all of it,” he said. “This was a case of dog biting man, not man biting dog. I didn’t go out there saying ‘Hey come try to buy my vote.” Miller and his pals had met with city growth management officials, seeking to move the boundaries of the Community Redevelopment Agency to encompass land they were thinking of buying and developing for a multimillion-dollar mixed-use project. “Mike Miller was the guy who was around the most, around the city the most, and around me through Adam the most,” Gillum said. “Our communication came to a decisive conclusion because I felt uncomfortable about one occurrence that took place. “And that was the last time I ever heard from them.”
Assignment editors – On Saturday, Gillum will campaign at a breakfast event as well as a “Soapbox Speech and Take Back Our State Getdown.” The breakfast begins 10 a.m. at The Frances, 1289 N. Palm Ave. in Sarasota. Soapbox event begins 3:30 p.m. at Louie’s Modern, 1289 N. Palm Ave. in Sarasota.
“Pals with Leo DiCaprio. Ex-mayor of glitzy Miami Beach. So why don’t Florida voters know this guy?” via David Smiley of the Tampa Bay Times — Despite a mild celebrity built off appearances in documentaries with Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio, and a longtime status as a Democratic booster, Philip Levine, the 55-year-old entrepreneur and media CEO finds himself, like his competitors, beginning the year relatively unknown to voters in the Sunshine State. Though he’s led two previous statewide bus tours over the last 18 months, acted as a surrogate for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign and made regular appearances on cable news networks, early polls still show him in the single digits, behind Graham and just ahead of Gillum and Winter Park businessman Chris King … despite conventional wisdom that voters aren’t all that interested yet in the choices for their next governor, Levine is pushing hard to get his name out now. Promising to spend millions of his personal money on his campaign, the independently wealthy businessman has already invested $2 million on a Florida commercial blitz and last week dropped $30,000 on a Premiere Transportation Eisenhower model to comfortably take him across the state and boost his visibility. “I didn’t get into this to make friends,” Levine told a reporter as his coach headed on a path to governor-or-bust. “If people don’t like you, they don’t like you. Life goes on.”
“Bill McCollum ‘exploring the possibility’ of running for Attorney General” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — “The last couple of weeks I have been exploring the possibility of running again for AG, but I have made no decision to do so,” he told POLITICO in a text message … He’s been mulling the idea of running for attorney general for roughly the past month, a process that has included calling old political allies and donors, according to those familiar with the process. Those familiar with the conversations say that McCollum has had feelers out, but has not yet gathered real momentum. McCollum is one of Florida’s most veteran politicians. He served as attorney general from 2007-10 and then left office for a failed bid for Governor. Then-political newcomer Scott defeated him.
— “Here’s why Bill McCollum isn’t going to run for A.G.” via Brian Burgess of The Capitolist
“Ron DeSantis’ now-open CD 6 shifts to ‘likely Republican’” via Kyle Kondik of Sabado’s Crystal Ball — One we’re adding to our competitive seat ratings is [Florida’s 6th Congressional District], which DeSantis is leaving in favor of a gubernatorial bid. The seat is very Republican — Trump won it by 17 points — although Democrats have an interesting challenger who has raised legitimate money, former Clinton administration deputy National Security Adviser Nancy Soderberg. We thought about listing this seat as Likely Republican before DeSantis left to run for governor, so it stands to reason we’d list it now that it is an open seat even though the eventual Republican nominee will be clearly favored.
“Ashley Moody adds pair of Miami pols’ endorsements” via Florida Politics — Former prosecutor and circuit court judge Moody added two more endorsements, this time from Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart. “As elected leaders, there is no greater priority than the safety of those we serve. Our next Attorney General must be prepared to work with agencies and law enforcement leaders from every level to keep our state safe and strengthen our criminal justice system. Ashley Moody has the knowledge and experience needed to hit the ground running and keep us safe. I look forward to working with her to help strengthen the safety and security of our Miami community and I’m proud to endorse her for Attorney General,” Suarez said. In his endorsement, Diaz-Balart called Moody “a tireless advocate for the Rule of Law.”
Spotted – On the cover of Time magazine: Lauren Baer, candidate for Florida’s 18th Congressional District, and Anna Eskamani, who is running for House District 47. The Democrats are two of 48 first-time female candidates for public office featured in an article declaring them as “The Avengers,” which represent the current women’s empowerment movement.
— END OF THE ROAD —
For Agriculture Commissioner candidate Baxter Troutman, the Cabinet post he’s vying for is a final destination.
“This is it for me,” Troutman told Florida Politics in a recent interview.
If elected to two terms, Troutman would be 60 years old by the time he left office. He said he’s not interested in campaigning for anything past that age. A citrus farmer by lineage, Troutman also said Ag Commissioner is his end game.
Long time coming: Troutman ran for Ag Commissioner at Boys State when he was 16. He intended to run in 2010 but was talked down by Adam Putnam.
A ‘statesman’: As CEO of a Central Florida personnel services company, Troutman distinguishes himself from candidates by saying he’s a “statesman,” not a “politician.” He said that separates him from his Republican candidates, lawmakers Sen. Denise Grimsley and Rep. Matt Caldwell.
Cha-ching?: The race could be costly. Troutman has dumped $2.5 million of his own money into the race, giving him a cash-on-hand advantage. Grimsley and Caldwell still lead in fundraising, however.
— LAW & ORDER AND REFORM —
Planning to run for a State Attorney seat? Well, you might want to be more reform-minded.
That’s the gist of a new MCI Maps post in which data consultant Matthew Isbell examines voting trends in the 2016 State Attorney elections.
“Candidates are running, and winning, on platforms of reform,” writes Isbell. “Second chances for youth offenders, treatment for drug dependencies, and community outreach; are all becoming bigger staples of campaigns for prosecutor jobs in America.”
The 9th Circuit: State Attorney Aramis Ayala made headlines during her monthslong spat with Gov. Scott after ruling out further prosecution of the death penalty. But Isbell contends this won’t adversely affect her reelection, but rather help it. “Polling consistently shows Hispanic and African-Americans are against the death penalty and these two groups were the key to Ayala’s success,” notes Isbell.
The upset: The 13th Circuit race saw longtime Republican State Attorney Mark Ober lose to Democrat Andrew Warren. The victor attacked Ober before the election for victim blaming, citing Ober’s hesitance to prosecute a 27-year-old man who lured a 15-year-old girl into a sexual relationship. Warren won the Hillsborough circuit, mirroring Hillary Clinton’s victory in the area.
Looking ahead: “The 2016 races for State Attorney didn’t see as much of the stereotypical ‘lock them up’ talk,” concludes Isbell. “Candidates of all parties talked about reforms being needed to reduce crime as well as properly going after serious offenders. … Expect more reform-minded candidates to run in 2020.”
— OPINIONS —
“Eve Samples: The greenwashing of Rick Scott” via the TCPalm — The governor, who started his term seven years ago by gutting state agencies that protect Florida’s environment, is presenting himself as more green than Kermit the Frog as he considers a run for U.S. Senate. Scott is now against offshore oil drilling. He’s a champion of the Everglades. He supports land conservation. He wants to save the imperiled St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries and the Indian River Lagoon. He’s for those things now … but his actions early in his tenure as governor sure made it look like he was against them. Scott’s reversal on offshore drilling earned him a “full flop” rating from PolitiFact Florida … “I will never stop fighting for Florida’s environment and our pristine coastline,” Scott proclaimed. It’s official. We’re witnessing the full-on greenwashing of Gov. Scott.
“Tim Cerio: Marsy’s Law for Florida brings fairness to criminal justice system” via Florida Politics — While amending our constitution is not something I take lightly, I do feel strongly about a proposed constitutional amendment I put forward called Marsy’s Law for Florida (CRC Proposal 96). This measure would ensure that victims and their families are provided with the same level of rights and protections as those given to the accused and convicted. Marsy’s Law for Florida is a pro-victims’ rights proposal, but to me, it is more about bringing equity to the criminal justice process. I want to be very clear that the accused are entitled to their rights, as they should be. They deserve to have every single right currently provided to them under federal and state law. Nothing should change there at all. What should change is that victims should have the same level of rights and protections too. The U.S. Constitution is silent on victims’ rights. Our state constitution does not have to be.
“Dana Young: Florida’s boaters deserve consumer protections, too” via Florida Politics – Many boaters pay for memberships with maritime salvage and towing companies in order to be covered for services like fuel delivery, towing and so on. But sometimes these companies seize on the opportunity to unfairly classify assistance as a “salvage claim,” a classification that lets them charge outrageous and unexpected fees based on the value of the boat, not on the value of their actual services. These fees can sometimes end up costing tens of thousands of dollars for what should be a relatively simple job. Additionally, when basic assistance isn’t enough, some companies take advantage of arcane maritime law and choose to declare it a salvage situation. Here’s the real shocker: Because the cost of assistance on the water isn’t disclosed up front, these companies can stick boat owners with costly salvage fees after the fact. This is a case of powerful companies preying on the vulnerable and unsuspecting — an act of modern-day piracy. To combat this unscrupulous practice, I have filed legislation that would provide added transparency and accountability to the marine towing and salvage business. The bill, which I filed with Rep. Shawn Harrison, requires salvors to give boaters a written estimate before providing service. That’s it. We are essentially taking the common-sense consumer protections Floridians have come to expect on land — from auto mechanics, for example — and extending them to our state’s boaters.
“More talk, answers needed on future of USF St. Petersburg” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board – Without warning, legislation popped up just before a three-day holiday weekend that directs USF to create a plan over the next year to phase out the separate accreditation of USFSP and the Sarasota-Manatee campus. Rep. Chris Sprowls … pursued the change without consulting USF president Judy Genshaft, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman or virtually anyone else with a vested interest in the future of the St. Petersburg campus. The reality is that a fully unified USF is not the worst idea the Florida Legislature has ever had about higher education. Sprowls considers the separate accreditation for USFSP a worthwhile experiment, and there is no apparent reason to question his motives for change. He makes a provocative argument that times are different and that the Legislature will continue to steer more money toward universities based on performance standards. Yet history has to be taken into account in any push for transformational change. The compact St. Petersburg campus is a public jewel that has been dramatically improved and expanded. Student enrollment and performance are up from years ago. That progress should not be put at risk, and this proposed change comes at a moment when USFSP is particularly vulnerable to political meddling. A unified USF may have merit. But decades of effort for some measure of self-determination for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg should not be erased in weeks in Tallahassee without a more complete picture of what the future would hold for a campus that has made tremendous strides.
— MOVEMENTS —
Reappointed – Ellis Hunt Jr., Dan Casper and Marty McKenna to the Florida Citrus Commission.
Eighteen selected to interview for PSC seat — They were selected by the Public Service Commission Nominating Council out of 23 applications. Gov. Scott had picked former Rep. Ritch Workman to replace Ronald Brisé on the panel, which regulates investor-owned utilities. But Workman, a Melbourne Republican, bowed out after a sexual misconduct allegation. Current contenders include Rep. Kathleen Peters, a Treasure Island Republican; former Rep. Janet Adkins, a Fernandina Beach Republican; and former Rep. Ray Pilon, a Sarasota Republican. Interviews are set for on Jan. 25 in Tallahassee. The full-time PSC position, based in Tallahassee, pays $132,036 a year. Scott’s pick must get Senate approval.
“’Fitness’ of PSC applicants to be considered” via the News Service of Florida — State Sen. Kelli Stargel wants “fitness” for office to be considered as background checks are conducted on 18 people, including some current and former lawmakers, who will be interviewed for an open seat on the Florida Public Service Commission. A Lakeland Republican and chairwoman of the Public Service Commission Nominating Council, Stargel said investigations into the qualifications of each applicant must use “all the sources reasonably available within the time permitted by law to make sure we vet these candidates going forward.”
“Bad pot advice leads to lawyer disbarment” via the News Service of Florida –The Florida Supreme Court disbarred a former Jacksonville lawyer who charged sick people nearly $800 for a “patient identification card” he claimed could keep them from getting arrested for having or growing marijuana. Several of Ian Christensen’s clients were arrested and prosecuted after following the lawyer’s advice, according to court documents. Doing business as “Health Law Services,” Christensen and Christopher Ralph charged patients $799 for services that included a visit with a doctor, legal services and documents, as well as the ID card, which was not sanctioned by any government agency. Critics accused the duo of running a scam. Christensen stopped practicing law in 2015 and no longer lives in Florida, according to an affidavit filed with the court last year.
— WEEKEND TV —
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 include PolitiFact editor Angie Holan, Democratic political consultant Barry Edwards, Republican attorney William Merlin and Tampa Bay Times columnist John Romano.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: As the Legislative Session is underway, Walker-Torres will discuss “Texting While Driving” legislation currently up for discussion in the legislature. Joining Walker-Torres are Reps. Emily Slosberg and Jackie Toledo; Sen. Keith Perry; and Sgt. Kim Montes, Florida Highway Patrol.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: Ybeth Bruzual will interview Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló on Puerto Rican residents who wish to relocate to the U.S. due to Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico as the 51st state, and more. Also, the latest on immigration, DACA, federal funding and the potential government shutdown. PolitiFact’s Truth-O-Meter rates a claim by House Speaker Paul Ryan about the recently passed tax legislation – whether the main goal was to give the middle class a tax break rather than high-income earners.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore and Miami Herald political reporter Mary Ellen Klas.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg will take up the immigration debate with a focus on the fate of DACA DREAMers. Also, a live report from Venezuela as well as the weekly powerhouse news Roundtable.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week, Justice takes a break as the Jacksonville Jaguars play in the AFC championship.
— ALOE —
“Lawyer: OJ Simpson is golfing a lot, staying in Las Vegas” via Ken Ritter of The Associated Press – Simpson is not planning to move from Nevada to Florida like he told state parole officials before he was released in October from Nevada state prison, his Las Vegas lawyer said … The 70-year-old former football hero, acquitted murder defendant and armed robbery inmate has not filed paperwork with parole officials to move to a different state, attorney Malcolm LaVergne said. “Mr. Simpson has no immediate plans to return to Florida,” LaVergne told The Associated Press. “He’s very much enjoying his time here in Vegas. It’s January, he gets to play golf every day.”
Sign of the times – “After half a century, World Liquors sign may finally come down” via Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Times — This time, it’s no rumor. It looks very likely that by the end of spring the corner of 16th Street and Central Avenue will no longer be graced by World Liquors and its iconic overhead sign for the first time since 1961. Where the establishment’s famous sign ends up is anybody’s guess. At this point, it appears headed to an auction to be awarded to the highest bidder. Milhaus Development of Indianapolis closed on a deal to buy the entire block between Central and First Avenues N and S and 16th and 17th Streets. They plan to build a $50 million six-story project with 251 multifamily units and over 12,000 square-feet of retail space. Groundbreaking could take place in March or April … It could be finished by mid-2020. Why can’t the sign stay in its old neighborhood? World Liquors owner Paul Misiewicz said Milhaus had no interest in incorporating the sign into its project because its size would have cut into the development’s footprint. “They had no interest,” Misiewicz said. “These guys are strictly business. They’ve got the formula.”
Happy birthday to Rep. Jayer Williamson. Celebrating this weekend are the handsome AND smart Jon Costello, Jim Horne, Jennifer Lux, Heather Meehan, Chris O’Donnell, Rick Oppenheim, and Alan Suskey‘s better half Michael Johnston.
