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.
Stop what you are doing and go watch the Super Blood Blue Moon before you go to work today.
The moon will give early risers in Florida a rare glimpse of three simultaneous pre-dawn lunar events.
A celestial event known as “blood moon” occurs as the moon slides behind Earth’s shadow during a lunar eclipse. Unlike the solar eclipse last year — where the moon temporarily blocked out the sun — a lunar eclipse is when Earth moves between the sun and the moon. For much of the planet, the celestial alignment will give the moon a coppery hue lasting about an hour.
The 2018 supermoon is one of three instances where the moon’s orbit puts it closest to the Earth, called a perigee.
A notice for most of the East Coast, however, these events will be partially visible, at best, as early morning viewers in some parts can glimpse a copper-reddish moon. It will be about 7 percent larger (and slightly brighter) than usual.
And for many Floridians, the Super Blue Blood Moon will be a misnomer of sorts.
For example, in the Tampa Bay region, the morning’s lunar eclipse could be visible briefly, as the moon sets near dawn at 5:51 a.m. (Eastern time) — but it will be neither blue nor blood red.
The “blue” refers to the second full moon to appear in a single month — something that happens every 2.7 years or so. “Blood” means rays of sunlight reflected from the Earth will cast a reddish hue over the moon’s surface.
The best place to see this blood moon will be the West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii, according to Gordon Johnston, program executive with NASA Headquarters in Washington. Viewers there will have a “spectacular view of totality from start to finish.”
“It’s going to look pretty cool if you’re living in California,” St. Petersburg College Planetarium head Dr. Craig Joseph told the Tampa Bay Times. “Sadly, it’ll hardly be viewable at all for those of us on the East Coast.”
“I think people really expect too much,” Joseph added. “It’ll be a little bigger, a little bit brighter.”
A better opportunity will come next year, around March, when another lunar eclipse will be viewable from the entire East Coast.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
— @BrettBaier: Tonight’s speech just became the most Tweeted #SOTU or #JointSession address ever, passing last year’s record of 3 million Tweets.
— @AnaNavarro: Trump tells the people affected by natural disasters, specifically Puerto Rico, “We love you. We are with you”. Tomorrow, FEMA officially shuts-off operations in Puerto Rico.
— @HariKondabolu: That’s so cool about the kid putting flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. How about the government preventing them from being killed & spending more money on their healthcare after they come home?
— @GlennBeck: 45 minutes in and we are beginning the ‘infrastructure’ nightmare. $1.5 Trillion!!?!?! The R’s stand and the D’s sit. Wait? What? $787B under obama kicked off the tea party. How could the D’s not love this!? And the R’s do?!
— @Kriseman: Mayors throughout America, across the political spectrum, will welcome a federal investment in infrastructure. Long overdue. But the clock is ticking and we can’t wait on Washington.
— @HotlineJosh: Rubio remains seated during Trump presentation of DREAMer deal
— @NewsBySmiley: Come to the conclusion that the “shithole” meeting is the news media equivalent of South Park’s shit episode, potentially untethering the MSM from dashes and asterisks
— @Fineout: Session 2018 — hospital wars, gambling wars, helping payday lenders, hotels vs. Airbnb, insurers vs. trial lawyers and on and on and on.
— @MaryEllenKlas: House Rs rewrite @Kristin_Jacobs sexual harassment bill and include a new provision aimed squarely at Jack Latvala: preventing use of political funds for legal defense
— @Jay_Fant: What happened in the @flseante today re: sanctuary cities is an example of what happens when we send a liberal to do a conservative’s job. If you want to end Sanctuary Cities contact @anitere_flores and @SenReneGarcia and tell them to stop holding up this important bill!
— @RadioRicko: Having a rough day? Imagine what it’s like being Muslim and having to lobby the Florida Legislature to preserve your fundamental rights as an American.
— @SchmitzMedia: Vitamin C didn’t protect me from the kid who coughed on me while I was grabbing salad last week. Resistance is futile.
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— DAYS UNTIL —
Super Bowl LII — 4; the next government shutdown (maybe) — 8; Pyeongchang Winter Olympics — 9; Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training — 13; Valentine’s Day — 14; Disney Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival — 29; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program termination begins — 34; Sine Die (maybe) — 37; Major League Baseball Opening Day — 57; Solo: A Star Wars Story premier — 112; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 142; Primary Election Day — 209; General Election Day — 279.
— SOTU REAX —
Compilation of Florida politicians reactions here.
Tweet, tweet:
Great seeing my friend do so well tonight! pic.twitter.com/BsSS7BZ2B8
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) January 31, 2018
“Hundreds of protesters target Trump as he arrives for SOTU” via Christal Hayes of USA Today – More than 200 protesters set their sights on President Trump’s motorcade Tuesday as he arrived for his first State of the Union address. Many carried American flags and signs citing everything from the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico to women’s rights, shouting as they gathered under streetlights about a block from the U.S. Capitol. … The group Resist DC planned the event and expected it to remain peaceful. Organizers said they weren’t gathering because of one key issue and hoped the event would serve as a forum for those unhappy with Trump and his politics.
“Miami Democrats … surround Trump’s State of the Union speech with TV ads” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — Hoping to capitalize on Trump‘s polarizing personality, several Miami Democrats released commercials to air around the State of the Union speech. So far, two congressional candidates and a gubernatorial hopeful have announced ad buys on cable TV. Mary Barzee Flores, a candidate in the race to replace retiring Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, recently announced she’s running a commercial that calls on Congress to impeach Trump. Philip Levine says he’s dropped an extra $70,000 to keep running an anti-oil drilling ad around tonight’s speech. Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, also in the Democratic primary to replace Ros-Lehtinen, says she’s airing a commercial on “MSNBC, CNN, and even Fox News!”
Click on the image below to watch Rosen Gonzalez’ ad:
“Airbnb airs ‘Opening Doors, Not Building Walls’ ad during State of the Union” — The home sharing company recently launched a six-figure digital ad campaign — airing on MSNBC, CNN, FOX, Univision and Telemundo — to highlight Airbnb listings in Haiti, El Salvador and Africa. The campaign came in the wake of “expletive-filled interests” in the three places … In a statement, the company said that Airbnb hosts in Haiti, El Salvador, and Africa earned $170 million last year … now home to over 116,000 Airbnb listings … Airbnb also announced setting up formal relationships with the governments of both Haiti and El Salvador. The agreements will focus on destination promotion, sharing data and developing a stakeholder working group to identify ways to improve each country’s tourism infrastructure. In Haiti, Airbnb currently has 370 hosts and 580 listings. In El Salvador, Airbnb has 790 listings and 1,100 hosts.
Click on the image below to watch the ad:
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Bill Nelson, Dems blast FEMA decision to cut off aid to Puerto Rico” via Allison Nielsen of the Sunshine State News — The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would “officially shut off” food and water to Puerto Ricans, handing over the remaining food and water supplies to Puerto Rican officials for distribution. FEMA says it’s time for aid to be cut off since only 1 percent of Puerto Ricans need the aid, but not everyone is convinced the agency’s decision is in the best interest of the Puerto Rican people … Florida politicians were quick to respond to the announcement, upset over the agency’s decision to cut off aid to the struggling island. “FEMA cutting food and water aid to Puerto Rico, while more than 1/3 of the island is still without power, is a travesty,” said Nelson. “The announcement that aid would end Jan. 31 is both heartbreaking and shows an absolute lack of respect for fellow citizens,” said Florida Democratic Party senior spokesman Caroline Rowland.
“Booted by landlord a year ago, Marco Rubio opens new office in Tampa courthouse” via Tony Marrero of the Tampa Bay Times — Rubio’s office quietly started doing business Jan. 8 in the new regional office at the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in downtown Tampa. The opening comes nearly a year after the Miami Republican’s former landlord booted his staff out of a mid-rise building in the Westshore area because weekly demonstrations by activists outside the building were bothering other tenants. Rubio’s office in Suite 1130 of the courthouse, 801 N Florida Ave., stands seven floors above the regional office of Rubio’s Democratic counterpart, Sen. Nelson.
“Personnel note: Veteran staffer Kyle Glenn named Dennis Ross chief of staff” via Florida Politics — Glenn was previously Ross’ Deputy Chief of Staff and will transition into the new job over the next few weeks. Although he is a D.C. native, Glenn has served much of his career with Florida lawmakers. While attending Indiana College, Glenn interned for the House Republican conference for then-Chair Adam Putnam. After graduation, he interned for Republican Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite, for about a year before her retirement. Glenn then worked for Brown-Waite’s replacement, Republican Richard Nugent, before making a move to Ross’ office as Legislative Analyst, and later Legislative Director.
First in Sunburn — “David Richardson introduces resolution calling for Trump’s impeachment” via Florida Politics — Democratic state Rep. Richardson, who is running for Congress, introduced a resolution Wednesday morning calling for the impeachment of Trump. “I am even more convinced today than when I first called for Trump’s impeachment last November that this President must be removed from office. I hope others will join me,” Richardson said in a press release. Richardson’s resolution aims to urge Florida’s state and federal elected officials to support the articles of impeachment filed last year by Tennessee Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen. Richardson is one of several candidates vying to flip the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who is retiring at the end of her term. Hillary Clinton carried CD 27 by 20 points in 2016.
“Brian Ballard won’t put lobbying practice on hold to be RNC finance chair” via Florida Politics — With billionaire casino magnate Wynn’s exit as Republican National Committee finance chair over sexual harassment allegations, eyes turned to lobbyist and major Trump fundraiser Ballard to fill the role. But the GOP will have to look elsewhere, Ballard said. “I would basically have to go on leave from my duties at the firm,” Ballard told POLITICO Influence. “I can’t do that to my partners or my clients. … The party needs someone not necessarily full-time, but someone that can devote the majority of their time to this.” Top brass was expected to meet to decide on the next finance chair, but Tuesday afternoon sources told media outlets they made the selection: GOP mega-donor Todd Ricketts. Rickett’s family owns the Chicago Cubs, and he was at one time a Trump nominee for deputy Commerce secretary before he withdrew his name from consideration a few months after the inauguration.
— CAPITOL INSIGHT —
“Lawmakers to take on sexual harassment in government” via Brendan Farrington of The Associated Press — The Senate Ethics and Election Committee unanimously passed a bill that would create new penalties for elected officials, candidates, state agency workers and lobbyists who commit sexual harassment. Democratic Sen. Lauren Book said sexual harassment had been largely ignored in the Capitol for years. She noted the Senate is supposed to have 40 members but is missing two who resigned over sexual scandals. “For far too long bad actions have been able to hide in the shadows of this process, remnants of a good ol’ boys club that has passed the baton of bad behavior from generation to generation and set the stage for sexual harassment, coercion and misconduct to continue,” Book said. “Until now, you either got with the program, or you were intimidated, you were threatened, or you were forced out.” Also, the House released a similar proposal to fight sexual harassment.
“Sanctuary cities ban yanked from Senate panel” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel — A contentious immigration bill aiming to crack down on “sanctuary cities” was pulled ahead of a key vote by a Senate panel, a sign that the issue championed by Speaker Corcoran is in trouble nearly halfway through the legislative session. The bill would prohibit cities from enacting policies that prevent or inhibit local law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities. Bill sponsor Sen. Aaron Bean suggested he didn’t have the votes to get the bill through the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I have determined that the language presented to you does not yet meet the concerns of the committee,” he said.
“House panel clears gambling bill — with winners and losers” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — A key committee Tuesday moved along this year’s House gambling bill, but the fractures on the committee echoed those among the state’s gambling interests. The Tourism and Gaming Control Subcommittee OK’d the measure on a 9-6 vote, with Rockledge Republican Tom Goodson joining the panel’s five Democrats in voting ‘no.’ Committee chair Mike La Rosa said he wasn’t sure whether the bill, released just last Friday, would next go to another committee or the full House. “But I think we need to settle in with our friends on the Senate side and understand where they’re going,” the St. Cloud Republican said.
“Bill giving judges discretion over drug trafficking sentences moves forward” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — A proposal that would give judges discretion over drug trafficking mandatory minimum sentences advanced Tuesday after receiving strong pushback from a veteran Tallahassee lobbyist. “I don’t ever want to help a trafficker, no sir, and I don’t want to give a judge not one iota of an opportunity to go less on a trafficking sentence,” said Barney Bishop III, a lobbyist with the Smart Justice Alliance, a conservative criminal justice reform group. The proposal cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 7-3 vote, with some in the panel criticizing Bishop for “fear mongering” and painting all drug traffickers as violent offenders. The measure (SB 694) proposed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, would give a court power to depart from current state mandatory minimum prison terms. The judge would be able to look at the evidence and part from the mandatory minimum if the offender was not part of a criminal organization, used violence or a weapon during the offense. Mandatory fines would still apply. The measure has two more committee assignments in the Senate.
Ideological dispute erupts as ‘Healthy Marriage Guide’ passes House Committee via Mitch Perry of Florida Politics — Legislation aimed at reducing the divorce rate by having couples read a marriage guide before their nuptials is making its way through the Legislature — though at least one Democrat has raised concerns about conservative ideology tainting the document. The “Healthy Marriage Guide” is sponsored by Republicans Clay Yarborough of Jacksonville and Danny Burgess of Zephyrhills. It would contain resources addressing “conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence resources, and parenting responsibilities.” Cutler Bay Democrat Kionne McGhee said he had serious concerns about the potential for a conservative slant in the guide, referring to the fact that the volunteer committee that would write the pamphlet would be chosen by a Republican governor, Republican Senate President, and Republican Speaker of the House. Those comments didn’t play well with Sarasota Republican Julio Gonzalez, who called the Democrat’s response, “one of the saddest displays I’ve ever seen in this chamber.”
“House panel expands voucher money for bullied students” via Lobby Tools — The proposed Hope Scholarship program (HB 1), a priority of House Speaker Corcoran, would be funded through motorists making contributions when they buy cars or other vehicles. In exchange for the voluntary contributions, the drivers would receive credits on taxes they would otherwise pay on the purchases. The bill initially contemplated motorists making $20 donations and receiving the same amount in tax credits. But the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee changed the contribution and credit amount to $105, effectively making more money available for the scholarships to private schools. Bill sponsor Byron Donalds estimated 5,878 students could receive the scholarships, with an overall tab of about $40 million.
“House redrafts PTSD legislation to include educational component” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics — A House panel on Tuesday pushed forward a redraft of a workers’ compensation bill that would extend benefits to first responders who have post-traumatic stress disorder if they are diagnosed within two years of the work-related mental injury. The overhaul of the House proposal was approved at its first committee stop, with no questions or debate, and it now includes a mandate for employers to provide first responders with mental health awareness and treatment training. The Florida League of Cities has raised concerns over the cost of workers’ comp would have at the local level as measures in both chambers move ahead in the process.
“Senate committee forward bill pre-empting local control of vacation rentals” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — In a battle over how far to roll back local control and regulation of vacation rental homes, state Sen. Greg Steube won a crucial victory … The Senate Committee on Community Affairs approved the Sarasota Republican’s bill, advancing a comprehensive pre-emption of local laws regulating services provided by companies like Airbnb. That ended a legislative showdown between Steube’s industry-friendly proposal and a rival proposal from state Sen. David Simmons, who sought to grandfather in some existing local vacation rental regulations and laws and to allow for local inspections of building and safety codes of some rentals. Simmons’ proposal, Senate Bill 1640, ultimately was ruled out-of-order and withdrawn without a vote. He vowed to pick up the fight at a future stop for the bill. Steube’s proposal, Senate Bill 1400, became a strike-all amendment to a committee substitute, and then was voted favorably by a 4-2 tally. Simmons warned of potential calamity and liability nightmare — like a scenario when stretched-thin regulators might not have resources to inspect or do something about a bad vacation rental home, while local authorities would be left legally powerless.
Booze on the move in House – A bill that would expressly allow Floridians to order alcoholic beverages to be delivered by using a smartphone app cleared a House panel Tuesday. The Careers and Competition Subcommittee OK’d the measure (HB 667) on a 13-2 vote. Republican Reps. Ben Albritton of Wauchula and Julio Gonzalez of Venice opposed it. Services with apps such as Drizly and Shipt already deliver in the state, but “current law does not address orders received via the Internet or other electronic forms of communication,” a staff analysis says. The bill, carried by Miami Republican Daniel Perez, is supported by retail and restaurant groups, and by Target. The House measure now heads to the Commerce Committee; a Senate companion (SB 1020) sponsored by Tampa Republican Dana Young has cleared two of its three committees unanimously.
House panel says promoting beer in theme parks OK – Beer advertisements in theme parks would be allowed under a bill approved by a House panel Tuesday. The measure (HB 669) was approved 13-2 by the Careers and Competition Subcommittee, with chair Halsey Beshears, a Monticello Republican, and Rep. Larry Ahern, a Seminole Republican, casting ‘no’ votes. This is the second year the bill’s been up before lawmakers. It stoked controversy last year: Critics said it would allow theme parks to “extort” ad dollars from beer companies and ultimately favor Big Beer manufacturers who can pay to put up the biggest and most ads. They also could sponsor concerts, or other events or attractions at parks. It’s supported by SeaWorld and Universal Orlando, and opposed by beer distributors and the state’s craft beer industry. The House bill heads to the Commerce Committee; a Senate companion (SB 822) has cleared one of its three committees.
“Bill to ban orca breeding in Florida dies in the Legislature” via Tracy McManus of the Tampa Bay Times — The Florida Orca Protection Act aimed to cement into law what SeaWorld voluntarily adopted in 2016 — an end to its killer whale breeding program and a phaseout of performances as public attitudes about whales in captivity have shifted. The Florida Attractions Association — of which SeaWorld is a member — the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Florida Retail Federation also lobbied on the bill. The Florida Orca Protection Act had been pending in the House of Representative’s Natural Resources & Public Lands Subcommittee but did not make the agenda of bills to be heard. Subcommittee Chair Rep. Holly Raschein said it did not make the cut because it was introduced in the House without a Senate companion, indicating “there is not a strong will to move this issue this year.”
“Franchisee bill squeaks by first Senate panel” via Florida Politics — The Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 5-4 Tuesday in favor of a bill that aims to put franchisees on a level playing field with their franchisor. SB 1076, known as the “Small Business Parity Act,” makes several changes to franchise regulations, including shielding owners from restrictions on selling their franchises or passing them on to an heir. Business groups oppose the measure because franchisees and franchisors are already capable of hammering out their own agreements. “Nobody forces anyone to sign a contract … it’s Contract 101, you learn that in the first year of law school,” said lobbyist Ron Book, who represents franchise brand 7-Eleven. Still, proponents say the bill isn’t aimed at smacking companies that develop good and mutually beneficial franchisor-franchisee relationships, but some others that have proved to be bad actors. “Franchisors who want to treat their franchisees fairly have nothing to worry about under this bill,” said Miami attorney Leon Hirzel. “This bill does, however, require franchisors to respect the investments franchisees make.”
Americans for Prosperity praises committee passage of red tape reduction bill — Americans for Prosperity-Florida is applauding the Oversight, Transparency & Administration Subcommittee for passing HB 791, which establishes a Red Tape Reduction Advisory Council within the office of the Governor. AFP-FL state director, Chris Hudson said: “With a check on government overreach, our talented and thriving workforce can continue to boost the economic engine in the Sunshine State. We commend the members of the House Oversight, Transparency & Administration Subcommittee, Reps. Blaise Ingoglia and Manny Diaz for sponsoring the bill and hope the members of the upcoming committees pass the bill the House floor for a full vote as soon as possible.”
“Penalties would increase for welfare recipients under House bill” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Penalties for welfare recipients who don’t “get with the program” would increase under a bill that cleared a House panel Tuesday. The measure, filed by Cape Coral Republican Dane Eagle, was approved by the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on a 12-1 vote, with only Rep. Shevrin Jones opposed. This is the third year the bill has been before the Legislature. It increases penalties for those who don’t follow Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance work requirements by withholding money for longer periods of time … But Jones, a West Park Democrat, said the “harsh sanctions … give me heartburn.” “There are good people who will be affected by the action of some bad players,” he told Eagle.
“Senators try to set framework for telehealth” via the News Service of Florida — A Senate committee approved a bill that includes some recommendations made by a state-appointed telehealth advisory panel but ignores other recommendations involving what is known as “parity” in health care coverage and reimbursements. The telehealth issue focuses on doctors and other health care providers using technology to provide care to patients remotely. The parity issue deals with requiring insurance coverage and provider reimbursements to be equitable whether care is delivered in person or through telehealth. The advisory council recommended requiring parity, but Sen. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican sponsoring the bill (SB 280), said it does not include mandates. While Bean’s proposal didn’t include the task force’s recommendations on coverage and reimbursement parity, it consists of a suggestion that prescribing controlled substances through telehealth be limited. It would make clear that telemedicine may not be used to prescribe controlled substances to treat chronic or nonmalignant pain or to issue physician certifications for medical marijuana.
“Sign language gibberish prompts bill on hurricane briefings” via The Associated Press — A House unanimously approved a bill that would require the officials to include a qualified sign language interpreter at televised hurricane briefings. Democratic Rep. Richard Stark said his bill was inspired in part by news accounts of a sign language interpreter who signed gibberish during a televised briefing in Manatee County, including the pizza and bear warnings. Stark said while he first chuckled at the news account, for hearing-impaired residents “this is anything but funny.” Interpreters would have to be certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
House convenes floor session — The House could consider as many as 30 bills during its floor session, including HB 619, from Republicans Jeanette Nunez and Holly Raschein of Key Largo to rename Florida Keys Community College and North Florida Community College. Other bills include HB 317, from Spring Hill Republican Blaise Ingoglia, to require local sales-tax referendums to be held at the time of general elections. Also, on the agenda is HB 7045, also from Nunez, that calls for starting the 2020 session in January instead of March. Session begins 3:30 p.m. in the House Chamber of The Capitol
Senate convenes floor session — On the Senate’s schedule is a proposal to set aside $100 million a year for the Florida Forever program and another setting up a statue of civil-rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune in the U.S. Capitol. Senate Appropriations Chair Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, sponsored the Florida Forever bill (SB 370), which will spend the money voters approved in 2014 for land and water conservation. The Bethune bill (SB 472), sponsored by Fort Lauderdale Democrat Perry Thurston, comes after a 2016 decision by the Legislature to replace a likeness of Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith as Florida’s representative in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Bethune, founder of what later became Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, would become one of the two Florida statues in the hall, along with John Gorrie, widely credited with inventing air conditioning. Session starts 10 a.m. in the Senate Chamber of The Capitol.
‘There will be blood’ – The Florida Chapter of American College of Surgeons (FCACS) is bringing a hands-on training session to the Capitol on Wednesday to show how to perform external bleeding control for victims in trauma situations. FCACS offers this “Stop the Bleed” training to legislators and the public as part of its annual Legislative Advocacy Days. That’s 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 3rd Floor rotunda, The Capitol. Visit bleedingcontrol.org for more information.
Assignment editors — The Florida League of Mayors will discuss its priorities for the 2018 Legislative Session, featuring Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, who serves as league president, and other members. News conference begins 8:30 a.m. on the Fourth Floor of The Capitol, outside Senate Chambers.
Assignment editors — State Reps. Kathleen Peters, a Treasure Island Republican, and Ben Diamond, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, are scheduled to appear at a rally calling for a ban on hydraulic fracturing, an oil and gas exploration process better known as fracking. Rally begins 10:30 a.m. at Waller Park at The Capitol.
Assignment editors — Speaker Corcoran, state Rep. Chris Sprowls, Sen. Jeff Brandes, Measures for Justice Executive Director and President Amy Bach and Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Mark Holden, will hold a joint news conference at 11 a.m. in front of the House Chamber on the 4th Floor Rotunda, The Capitol. The group will highlight the recently filed committee bill, PCB JDC 18-02, relating to the collection and reporting of criminal justice data in an open, transparent and uniform manner.
Happening tonight — The annual “Red Mass,” which includes state leaders and the Catholic bishops of Florida, will be held 6 p.m. at Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 900 West Tennessee St. in Tallahassee. Speakers include Republican state Rep. Colleen Burton of Lakeland.
‘Fighting For Kids’ Awards announced — The Florida Coalition of School Board Members (FCSMB) announced recipients of the 2nd Annual ‘Fighting For Kids’ Awards, which “recognizes state legislative leaders for their relentless dedication to improving education for all of Florida’s students, and for championing student-first policies aligned to FCSBM’s Core Values,” a press release said. They’ll be honored and presented with a Fighting For Kids award during FCSMB’s Night of Champions Reception on Wednesday in Tallahassee. Winners include Senate President Joe Negron, House Speaker Corcoran, Rep. Manny Diaz, and many more. The Coalition, founded in 2014, describes itself as an “organization of individual Florida school board members who believe in strong fiscal accountability in education; giving parents expanded education options for their children; maintaining common sense levels of testing for accountability; and forming beneficial, positive relationships with Florida lawmakers to enhance the education of all of Florida’s youth.”
Governors Club Wednesday buffet menu — mixed green salad with assorted dressings; potato salad; tomato Haricot Verts salad; cream of broccoli soup; chicken-fried steak with country gravy; baked salmon with mushroom, tomato and scallions; roasted red potatoes; cauliflower au gratin; asparagus au buerre; caramel flan for dessert.
— ALL EYES ON BILL —
Tallahassee Democratic Sen. Bill Montford could transition from leading in the Capitol to leading the capital city, a move that is sure to shake things up from Monroe Street to Gulf County.
Montford, a former Leon County commissioner and superintendent, acknowledged rumors that he might run this year for mayor of Tallahassee while speaking with James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat.
“Resigning from the Florida Senate is a monumental decision, and I need to reflect on it. All of this has come so quickly; I need to pause and really assess the situation and then determine what is best for this community, Senate District 3 and me, personally,” Montford told Call.
Montford said a decision would come before March 9, the last day of the 2018 Legislative Session. His term in the Senate takes him through 2020, meaning there’d be yet another special election if he chooses to run for mayor, or as Call notes, a special election that is just lumped into the 2018 midterm elections.
Possible mayoral competition: Former state Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, who converted from Democrat to GOP, is weighing a potential run for Tallahassee mayor. Tallahassee City Commissioner Gil Ziffer abandoned his bid and prematurely endorsed Montford.
Republican replacement in the Senate? Depends on who you ask: Matthew Isbell of MCI maps said not “realistically” because of the ‘blue wave’ Democrats hope to ride in 2018. “Leon County dominates the district with 60 percent of voters,” Call writes. “In the past three election cycles, District 3 backed Clinton by nine points, Charlie Crist by 15 and Barack Obama by 11.”
Senate speculations: Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge could run for the District 3 seat as a Republican. Local state lawmakers Reps. Loranne Ausley, a Democrat, and Halsey Beshears, a Republican, did not return Call’s requests for comment. Rep. Ramon Alexander essentially said no to a Senate bid. City Commissioner Scott Maddox had filed to run for the seat two years ago — that is before coming under intense public scrutiny (think exotic dwarf dancers) amid an ongoing FBI investigation of the capital city.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“GOP ad focuses on Bill Nelson’s voting record against Donald Trump” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times — The NRSC said it would run during the State of the Union a Facebook ad against Sen. Nelson for voting against the president — and with Chuck Schumer. Trump, who narrowly won Florida, will be a significant factor in Nelson’s re-election, even more so perhaps because expected rival, Gov. Rick Scott, is closely tied to the president.
Click on the image below to watch the ad:
Assignment editors — Agriculture Commissioner and Republican gubernatorial candidate Putnam will give a speech to the Panhandle Tiger Bay Club beginning noon, Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox St. in Pensacola.
“Meet Ron DeSantis’ Marco Rubio-centric campaign team” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis intends to have a lean, nimble campaign team. So far it includes a bunch of veterans of Rubio campaigns. Media and overall strategy: Something Else Strategies, Rubio longtime senior consultants. Campaign manager: Brad Herold. The Rubio alum is tight with DeSantis and used to be executive director of the Republican Party of Florida. Polling: Whit Ayers and North Star Opinion. Ayers is another Rubio alum, and also a longtime crusader for the GOP to more actively court Hispanic voters. Fundraising: Finance Director Heather Baker, who also has worked as finance director of the Florida GOP and Florida Senate President Negron. Digital: Ello Creative. Jordan Gibson, the firm’s president, has worked with DeSantis since 2016 and is an alum of Gov. Scott’s re-election campaign … Communications: Press Secretary David Vasquez most recently worked as associate director of government affairs at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and previously served as a press aide for the Donald Trump Inaugural Committee, campaign manager for Bob Cortez for state House as well as roles with the Florida GOP and DeSantis for Senate campaign.
“Email insights: FDP says DeSantis needs to dump Steve Wynn” via Florida Politics — An FDP email says DeSantis has “repeatedly bragged about earning the casino magnate’s support,” and points out that Wynn was one of the North Florida Republican’s biggest backers for his U.S. Senate run last cycle — a campaign DeSantis put aside when Rubio decided to run for re-election. After a damning report accusing Wynn of sexual misconduct with dozens of his employees, FDP says it’s time to walk back that braggadocios-ness. “Just hours after Congressman Ron DeSantis launched his campaign for governor, he continues to remain silent over accusations of sexual harassment by one of his biggest supporters, Steve Wynn,” FDP said in an email, adding that Wynn “has been a longtime supporter of DeSantis.”
Click on the image below to watch the video:
“Al Lawson faces another Brown, but this one isn’t a felon” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — This time, the Tallahassee Democrat faces former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, who was being shepherded around Washington last spring by former Rep. Corrine Brown. She reported to federal prison Monday and was bested by Lawson in the last Democratic primary for the newly drawn seat in 2016, Florida’s 5th Congressional District. “These challenging times call for each of us to stand up and speak out about the kind of community in which we want to live. When I look at our region, our state and our country, I know that we can do better,” Alvin Brown said in a written statement. “That’s why I am running for Congress.” But Lawson said this Brown would meet the same fate as the last Brown.
“Nancy Soderberg raises $544K in race to replace DeSantis” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — Per a news release from Soderberg’s campaign, the candidate raised $207,949 raised last quarter, putting her above the $544,000 mark. The news release does not include cash on hand, but her third quarter only showed $77,000+ spent. Soderberg, a veteran of the Bill Clinton administration, notes in a statement that she is “honored to receive so many grassroots donations.” Soderberg likely will face one of the following Republicans: former Ormond Beach Rep. Fred Costello, businessman John Ward, or former Green Beret Michael Waltz.
First on FlaPol – “Kayser Enneking releases first ad for SD 8 campaign” via Florida Politics – Democratic and SD 8 candidate Kayser Enneking released an ad Tuesday that her campaign says will begin running online in the coming days. The 30-second spot, titled “Steep Climb,” depicts the University of Florida physician climbing the steps of the Swamp with a script encouraging district residents to get involved in politics. “Running for office is a steep climb. It has never been more important to elect leaders who will work for our communities,” Enneking said in the video. “I need your help to get to the top.” Enneking’s ad didn’t take any jabs or even mention her opponent, incumbent Republican Sen. Keith Perry. SD 8 is one of a handful of districts that became more winnable for Democrats after Florida courts approved new maps ahead of the 2016 election, though Perry managed to secure a 4-point win over Democrat Rod Smith that cycle. President Donald Trump was also able to take the district, though his win came by only fractions of a point.
Click on the image below to watch the ad:
“Polk Democrats see a chance for Bob Doyel to defeat Kelli Stargel in District 22 race” via Jon Chambliss of The Lakeland Ledger — With political headwinds in their favor, Democrats are pushing to flip District 22 in a race that pits retired Circuit Judge Bob Doyel against Kelli Stargel, the Republican who has held the seat since 2012. As Doyel campaigns for the November race, he said talk of President Trump is everywhere. And much of it is negative. “I’m feeling really good,” Doyel said. “We have a lot of people who want to be actively involved in politics” … “We didn’t have that last time,” he said. “We have a lot of people who may have thought they were getting a government that would be more responsive to the people when Trump was elected, and it turns out they are not responsive unless they are in his base.”
“Lori Berman cruises to landslide primary victory” via Dan Sweeney of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel – Berman, Lantana Democrat won an expected victory in a special primary election, defeating fellow Democrat Arthur Morrison. Now, she’ll face Palm Beach County Republican Party Vice Chair Tami Donnally in a general election April 10. Early and absentee votes showed Berman had won 96 percent to Morrison’s 4 percent. Her long record of advocating for women’s rights not only sets her apart from the scandal that destroyed Sen. Jeff Clemens’ career, but also makes her a candidate well-placed to capture the #MeToo zeitgeist that has seen powerful men in state and national politics fall over accusations of sexual impropriety. As of Jan. 2, there were 312,897 registered voters in the district, according to the state Division of Elections. Of them, 144,299 were Democrats, giving the party an almost two-to-one advantage over Republicans, who have 75,388 voters in the district. Another 91,718 voters are registered with no party, and a small remainder are registered with third parties.
“Sarasota state House candidates spar over campaign contributions, education policy in first debate” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune – Compared to the steady onslaught of negative advertising in the race, the first debate between the three candidates vying for a Sarasota state House seat was largely civil, with the candidates playing it safe and mostly sticking to the issues before trading jabs in the final minutes. … for 45 minutes there was little evidence of animosity between the two candidates. Instead, viewers saw ABC7 moderator Alan Cohn try to flesh out where Good, Buchanan and Libertarian Alison Foxall stand on a number of issues, from the Legislature preempting local government regulations to abortion and school vouchers. All three candidates said they have concerns about the Legislature passing so-called preemption laws. State lawmakers have tried to prevent local communities from regulating trees, vacation rentals and lawn fertilizer in recent years, among other issues. … Good and Buchanan exchanged a few barbs over their donors and education policy toward the end of Tuesday’s debate on ABC7.
— “Video: Special election candidate struggles to answer where she’s from” via Florida Politics
— STATEWIDE —
Tweet, tweet:
… and almost 90 years later we are dealing with predatory jackasses who believe they can harass women. #TimesUp pic.twitter.com/B89sJuEbCn
— Fla. AG Pam Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 30, 2018
Happening today — Aides to Gov. Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet will meet to discuss issues in advance of its Feb. 8 Cabinet meeting. Meeting begins 9 a.m. in the Cabinet meeting room of The Capitol.
“Some education proposals withdrawn from Florida Constitution Revision Commission” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Marva Johnson withdrew one of her recommendations … Proposal 60, which aimed to guarantee college financial assistance to needing students, before it could be considered. She also removed Proposal 59 … It would have allowed the state to use tax dollars for religious education, similar to a broader proposal to eliminate the Blaine Amendment that is continuing forward. Proposal 59 also would have defined rights for public education students. Other education proposals deleted before a hearing include Proposal 70, to create a tuition and fee waiver for the survivors of specified military members; Proposal 82, setting a start date for public schools as no sooner than seven days before Labor Day. Commissioner Nicole Washington also has withdrawn Proposal 89, which already was heard by the Education Committee. It would have established the state’s “purpose” of public education as to “develop the intellect of the state’s citizens, to contribute to the economy, to create an effective workforce, and to prepare students for a job.”
“Supreme Court eyes traffic ticket firm” via the News Service of Florida — The Court ordered a Miami-Dade County firm that helps customers fight traffic tickets to show why it is not practicing law without a license. The Florida Bar last week filed a petition with the Supreme Court, alleging that TIKD Services LLC is violating a ban on the unlicensed practice of law and asking justices to issue an injunction against the firm. The Supreme Court issued an “order to show cause” requiring TIKD to respond to the allegations. TIKD’s customers take pictures of their traffic tickets and submit payments to the firm, which then hires lawyers to challenge the tickets, according to the firm’s website. TIKD says it covers all costs, including any fines and court costs. The Bar petition contends that TIKD advertises “in a fashion which may lead a reasonable layperson to believe” the firm is qualified to provide legal services.
“Miami-Dade, FPL pitch deal to use treated sewage to fix nuclear cooling canals” via Jenny Staletovich of the Miami Herald — While details remain vague, Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced in his state of the county address an agreement with FPL to share the cost of building a wastewater treatment facility at the county’s south district station. Treated wastewater would then be used to clean up the troubled cooling canal system at Turkey Point’s nuclear reactors, which has been leaking into groundwater and creating a saltwater plume threatening nearby drinking wells. That same water would also be used to cool a natural gas unit. The plan is not without major challenges: County commissioners, who previously backed an effort to retire the canals, would need to approve it. It would need to meet strict water quality rules. And it would be expensive, but just how expensive remains unclear.
“Tampa Electric customers get break from tax law” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — Joining Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co. said the new federal tax overhaul would allow it to avoid billing customers for costs of restoring power after Hurricane Irma. The move will save Tampa Electric customers an estimated $102.5 million that they would have been required to pay primarily to cover Irma expenses and to replenish a storm reserve, according to filings with the state Public Service Commission. FPL and Duke Energy also recently announced that savings from the federal tax law, which was approved last month, would allow them to forgo collecting a combined total of about $1.8 billion from customers after Irma.
“UF paid $302,000 in security fees for Richard Spencer speech by mistake” via The Associated Press — Days after county officials decided not the charge the University of Florida $302,000 in security costs during a white nationalist speaking event featuring Spencer, the school accidentally paid the entire amount. Now university officials want the money back. University spokesman Steve Orlando tells The Gainesville Sun the wire transfer was made after an “internal miscommunication.” The Sun reports Spencer and his group paid $10,500 toward the event’s costs, while the Florida Highway Patrol spent $266,000 on the event.
“Florida Hospital pulls its Sanford Burnham offer” via Naseem Miller of the Orlando Sentinel — … a week after Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs complained that she didn’t know about the exclusive nature of the deal. The health system announced its decision in a letter addressed to the mayors of Orlando and Orange County and Tavistock, the land development company that helped set up the research center a decade ago. “Though our proposal has merit, we have no interest in being part of a process where winning requires that major community partners seek to defeat each other,” Daryl Tol, president and CEO of Florida Hospital wrote. “This type of process will be lengthy and difficult and require focus and resources from all sides better used in the interest of the community.” This leaves the University of Central Florida as the only other entity that has presented a plan to take over Sanford Burnham.
— OPINIONS —
“Rick Wilson: Trump turns GOP into a conspiracy of dunces” via The Daily Beast — Secret societies, government agents of dubious loyalties, dark cabals who work from shadowy bureaucracies seeking to overthrow the president of the United States, sinister masterminds exercising fell powers to serve a diabolical conspiracy, occult powers that shift the levers of control in mysterious ways — no, it’s not X-Files fan fiction or some modern-day Lovecraft reboot. It’s today’s GOP. The Republican Party’s headfirst dive into breathless conspiratorial fantasies in defense of Trump is a brand-defining moment as the Party of Lincoln morphs into the Party of [Lyndon] LaRouche. Listening as members of Congress, the Fox News/talk-radio world and the constellation of batshit-crazy people drawn to Esoteric Trumpism adopt increasingly baroque theories to protect The Donald isn’t just depressing; it’s tragic. A diseased slurry of fake news, post-Truth Trumpism, and Russkie agitprop infects the Republican Party. It’s an Ebola of wild-eyed MK-ULTRA paranoiac raving, spreading to every organ of the Republican body politic … It’s is a bad look for a governing party, and it’s getting worse by the day.
“Joe Henderson: Corcoran TV ad is indecent” via Florida Politics — It shows a sinister-looking Latino man, wearing a hoodie (because all bad people wear hoodies), passing a happy, smiling woman on the street in broad daylight. He pulls a gun for no reason and fires. The terrified woman is killed, and the message is clear: We need to pass tougher gun control laws to prevent horrific acts like this in the future. Oh, wait … that wasn’t it? Of course not. Corcoran’s ad, released by his Watchdog PAC, is a dog whistle to those inclined to be suspicious at best of anyone who doesn’t look like them. Corcoran, though, is using this as a rallying cry against Florida cities — including Tampa — that don’t crack down on illegal immigration. I don’t doubt Corcoran sincerely believes cities that defy immigration laws, even if it means tearing families apart who have been in this country for decades, are wrong. Implying that every undocumented immigrant is a threat to murder you or a loved one? Disgusting.
— “A shameful campaign ad sheds heat where Florida’s immigration debate needs light” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board
— MOVEMENTS —
Appointed — Louise Peyton to the Rehabilitation Council for the Blind; Dr. Rao Musunuru to the Pasco-Hernando State College District board of trustees; Lory Chancy (reappointed) to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority.
Appointed — Christian Cunningham to the Florida Southwestern State College District board of trustees.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Kirk Bailey: ACLU of Florida
Christopher Dawson, GrayRobinson: City of Kissimmee
Charlie Dudley, Floridian Partners: Airbnb
Leslie Dughi, Greenberg Traurig: Associated Community Services
Peter Dunbar, Martha Edenfield, Dean Mead: Florida Bowling Centers Association
David Guest: Sierra Club
Jeff Littlejohn, Littlejohn Mann & Associates: American Water Works Association (Florida Section), Florida Drycleaners Coalition, Florida Engineering Society, Florida Ports Council, Kyra Solutions, Town of Palm Beach
Shane Messer: Florida Council for Behavioral Healthcare
Roy Miller: The Children’s Campaign
Laura Boyd Pearce, Flywheel Government Solutions: Johnson Controls
Adriana Pereira-Reyes: Walmart Stores
Kellie Ralston: American Sportfishing Association
Frederick Springer, Bryant Miller Olive: Bryant Miller Olive, KPMG, Motorola Solutions
— COUNTDOWN TO PYEONGCHANG —
“The 2018 Winter Olympics will have four new events, including (the crazy) big air snowboarding” via Chris Chase of USA TODAY – Here’s your guide to what’s new at the Winter Games: Big Air Snowboard … snowboarders start at the top of a hill, gain speed and then hit a ramp – not your normal ramp, but a massive one – that allows athletes to perform more rotations, twists, grabs and flips than your usual ramp or half-pipe. Curling mixed doubles … for the first time, the Olympics will host that version of the sport, with a man and woman representing the qualified countries. Alpine skiing national team event … Two men and two women make up a national team. They compete against another country in a knockout-style bracket (with 16 teams, it resembles a region in the NCAA tournament). Mass-start speedskating … As many as 28 racers will start a 16-lap race around the regular speedskating oval. At the halfway point, there’s a one-lap intermediate sprint in which points will be awarded to the first three-skaters who finish each of those laps.
“The Winter Olympics will be so cold that organizers are giving out heating pads and blankets” via Mahita Gajanan of Time magazine – While the previous two Winter Olympics drew complaints for being too warm, this year’s Olympic games may set a record for being the coldest since the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. This year’s Olympic events will be held in venues across several locations in northeastern South Korea, including the mountainous region of PyeongChang, the coastal area of Gangneung and the town Jeongseon. But Olympic organizers are particularly worried about the opening ceremony, which will kick off the Olympic Games Feb. 9 in PyeongChang. Located at a higher latitude than the other Olympic venue sites, PyeongChang draws cold so severe that six people who attended a concert in the city’s Olympic stadium last month reported getting hypothermia … About 35,000 spectators are expected to fill the same stadium for the Olympic opening ceremony, where the wind chill is predicted to be about 7 degrees Fahrenheit.
“If curling can make It in Tampa, it can make It everywhere” via Kim Tingley of The New York Times Magazine – Bernard Skerkowski, his partner, Lisa Wycoff, and others are members of the Tampa Bay Curling Club. Skerkowski, its 58-year-old founder, grew up playing the sport in Canada before moving in the early 1990s to Florida, where expanses of ice are as exotic as man-eating reptiles are commonplace. Two and a half decades later, when he heard that a huge skating complex would be opening in nearby Wesley Chapel, Skerkowski started ordering equipment and plotting to reserve three hours of weekly rink time, which the facility priced at $450 per hour. He would persuade a few dozen snowbirds to join him or eat his investment … more than a hundred Floridians signed up: big, small, old, young, athletic, arthritic. All they had in common was their raw enthusiasm for the sport, matched by their near-total ignorance of how to play it. Skerkowski is counting on this year’s Games to spur hundreds of Tampa residents to join his club. In anticipation, he will forgo league play for the summer to offer more beginner clinics. He dreams of soon having a rink with dedicated curling ice, perfect, unscarred by hockey skates. More people could play — and practice, which, because of scheduling and cost restrictions, is impossible now.
— ALOE —
“Florida consumers haven’t been this confident for more than 15 years, survey says” via Richard Danielson of the Tampa Bay Times — Floridians are starting 2018 with their sunniest consumer outlook in 16 years, according to research from the University of Florida. Consumer sentiment rose to a score of 99.8 on a scale that tops out at 150. That’s a level not seen since March 2002, when consumer confidence was even a little higher at 102 points. Residents surveyed in January felt slightly better than they did the previous month about where their personal finances stand compared to a year ago. They had stronger positive outlooks about what their finances should be like a year from now, as well as how they expect the U.S. economy to fare a year from now and five years from now. That said, not every good feeling was universal. Respondents with incomes of less than $50,000 a year were more pessimistic — that is, their level of consumer sentiment dropped from where it was in December — by every measure in the survey. Those younger than 60 reported being less optimistic this month about what they expect from the national economy over the next five years.
“Big 12 commish to Florida lawmaker: No expansion plans on tap” via Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times — Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby informed Rep. Robert “Bobby” Olszewski the league currently has no plans to expand. Olszewski, who attended both USF and UCF, recently sent a letter to Bowlsby urging the Big 12 to strongly consider the Bulls and Knights if/when the league expands. “Thank you for taking the time to contact me,” Bowlsby’s letter says. “However, I do not foresee a scenario in which expansion would again become an active agenda item for our board of directors in the near future … I can appreciate your pride for the University of Central Florida and in the University of South Florida … not only as an alumnus of both institutions, but also on the heels of tremendously successful football seasons for the Knights and Bulls.”
Happy birthday to the next Governor of Florida, Gwen Graham, our friend Ryan Ray, Ben Sharpe, and Kelsey Swithers of Bascom Communications and Consulting.
