Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.27.18

A general view of the Florida Capitol early in the morning Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 in Tallahassee, Fla. (Photo by Phil Sears)

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.

By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.

First in Sunburn are the complete numbers from a recent survey by left-leaning Public Policy Polling.

Kudos to The Miami Herald for reporting the top-lines from the poll, in which 613 likely primary voters were queried between March 23 to March 25. They showed that former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine is slightly ahead, with nearly half of all voters still undecided. Levine, who has been slowly climbing in polls, carried 22 percent of the vote, compared to 19 percent for former congresswoman Gwen Graham, 8 percent for Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and 5 percent for businessman Chris King. Some 46 percent of voters remain undecided.

What Sunburn can share are the favorability/unfavorability ratings of the four candidates, and they’re pretty interesting.

Levine is well-positioned at 29-15 percent, while Graham is all right at 24-14 percent. Inexplicably, King is upside down at 6-16 percent (why is a candidate who is barely known turning off three voters for every one he impresses?)

Gillum’s numbers reflect the problem at the core of his candidacy: he excites as many voters as he turns off. He’s slightly upside-down at 13-15 percent.

Then again, these numbers also reflect the reality of Gillum’s only path to victory. If he is to capture the nomination, it will be in a close race and one in which he wins the overwhelming support of black Democratic voters and some young and professional white voters.

The PPP poll was commissioned by a labor union, according to political consultant Christian Ulvert, who declined to name the organization.

The full results will be available on FloridaPolitics.com later this morning.

— “Only one issue tops health care among Florida Democrats, new poll shows” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

— @MarcoRubio: Ridiculous media freak out over John Bolton continues. It is a blatant lie to portray him as just some media pundit. With years of combined experience at DOJ & StateDept he is, by far, more qualified than Tom Donilon or Susan Rice were when they got the same job under Obama.

— @MDixon55: The confusion about what the announcement was going to be today, was quite something. Several people who have been in @FLGovScott‘s orbit thought THE announcement was coming today. They kept circle tight, everyone else was trying to read smoke signals.

— @Fred_Guttenberg: Most people who know me will know that I say what is on my mind. With that, I am getting a lot of messages from people concerned that the Parkland families are getting divided. I do not think so, although the media will try to create that.

— @FrankLuntz: Lots of misinformation going around about this, so I’ll try to set it straight. Cuba’s flag 🇨🇺 has been used by the country since 1902, before they adopted communism. It’s even regularly displayed in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood — where the people are no fans of Castro.

— @MichaelCBender: Congrats to @bethreinhard & the @washingtonpost team for winning the Toner Prize for political reporting for their stories about Roy Moore’s accusers. Well deserved!

— DAYS UNTIL —

Major League Baseball Opening Day — 2; Easter — 5; Reporting deadline for Q1 fundraising — 19; NFL Draft begins — 30; Avengers: Infinity War opens — 31; Close of candidate qualifying for federal office — 37; Mother’s Day — 56; Solo: A Star Wars Story premier — 59; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 87; Deadline for filing claim bills — 127; Primary Election Day — 154; College Football opening weekend — 158; General Election Day — 224; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 324; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 343.

— TOP STORY —

“Records, Zinke’s office refute Scott framing of impromptu oil-drilling reversal” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — When Gov. Rick Scott and U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced Jan. 9 Florida was “off the table” for offshore oil drilling, the governor cast the hastily arranged news conference at the Tallahassee airport as unplanned and the Donald Trump administration’s decision as something Scott had influenced at the eleventh hour. In fact, Zinke’s top advance staffer, whose job it is to plan ahead for such events, was in Tallahassee the previous day. And top officials from the offices of both Scott and the secretary were in regular contact for several days leading up to the announcement, according to more than 1,200 documents reviewed by POLITICO Florida as part of a public records request. The documents, which include phone records, text messages, and emails, contradict the supposed spontaneous event that portrayed Scott as single-handedly securing a politically popular win for Florida’s environmental future only days after the administration had spelled out a controversial new national five-year plan to boost offshore oil drilling.

— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —

“Scott expected to announce U.S. Senate bid in April” via John Kennedy of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — One of Scott’s longest-serving staff members is leaving for “other opportunities” that could include a role in what is expected to be his challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Jackie Schutz Zeckman, who has been the Republican governor’s chief-of-staff for the past year, has left that post, with deputy Brad Piepenbrink moved up to the top spot. Zeckman wouldn’t comment on what’s next. But she did say that a Scott event is planned for April 9 — although she would not confirm that it’s an announcement of his candidacy. “It’s been a wonderful job,” Zeckman said of her latest position in the Scott administration. She’s been with the governor since 2011, beginning as a deputy press secretary and also serving in his 2014 re-election campaign.

— “Scott poised to jump into Florida’s race for U.S. Senate” via Gary Fineout of The Associated Press

American Bridge: “For seven years, Rick Scott has played politics like the wealthy insider he is — an untrustworthy politician who only cares about his own ambition and making money for himself and his wealthy cronies. During Rick Scott’s time in office, his net worth has gone up by millions while a majority of Florida counties have failed to recover from the recession. In November, Floridians will reject his failed record.”

Meanwhile, the Republicans are hitting Nelson with a relatively weak charge, he supported Hillary Clinton!

Click on the image to watch the digital ad from the NRSC:

Assignment editors — Levine will speak at the Capital Tiger Bay Club meeting 11:30 a.m. at the FSU Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. in Tallahassee.

“Ron DeSantis denies link to Cambridge Analytica data” via The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s Mark Harper — DeSantis … is denying he ever used Facebook data harvested by Cambridge Analytica to help him in previous campaigns. This month the London-based data science firm admitted collecting information from about 50 million Facebook users without their consent but denies using that information to assist in the 2016 election of Trump and others. One of the firm’s directors, Rebekah Mercer, was named as part of DeSantis’ finance leadership team last December. A former Cambridge Analytica employee, Christopher Wylie, alleged in a Guardian article that he and the firm used Facebook information to match it to personality traits and voter rolls in an effort to target messages to help candidates get elected.”

“Tallahassee aims to challenge state pre-emption on gun control” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — Mayor Gillum asked City Attorney Cassandra Jackson to give a presentation on the state law that prevents local governments from passing any gun regulations and also allows for elected officials who attempt to pass such laws to be sued. He also asked his colleagues to consider a resolution directed toward both the state and federal governments “expressing our call for common sense gun reform and express again the argument we attempted to make legally with our disagreement with Florida Statute 790.33.” They voted unanimously to have staff come up with a resolution to bring back for final review and approval.

Former AG Bob Butterworth endorses Gwen Graham — “Graham is the only candidate for governor who has put forward an actionable plan to hold drug companies accountable and to end the opioid epidemic. Gwen understands Florida can’t arrest our way out of this crisis. The state must stop it at its source,” Butterworth said. “Just as Florida led the nation in taking on big tobacco, Gwen isn’t afraid to take on any industry or special interests, and she will lead our state in taking on the drug companies fueling addiction in Florida.” As attorney general, Butterworth led Florida’s lawsuit against the tobacco industry, which set a national example and resulted in an $11 billion settlement for the state of Florida … Butterworth also served as Broward County sheriff, a judge, and secretary of the Department of Children and Families. “With experience as a lawyer, public school official and member of Congress, Gwen Graham is the most qualified candidate to revive our state from 20 years of Republican negligence. She has a record of defending Florida families, and, as governor, will move our state forward to stop the opioid epidemic, protect our children and pass common-sense gun safety.”

“Super PAC targets ‘Never Trumper’ Mike Waltz in FL CD 6 race” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — The first spot in the district that includes Volusia, Flagler and southern St. Johns counties is from a political action committee targeting candidate Waltz and supporting John Ward. The fifteen-second ad features a Waltz voice-over from the 2016 campaign, saying “look at Donald Trump‘s real record and stop him now,” with graphics proclaiming Trump’s “real record” as being the tax cut package and appointing Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. In January, spokesman Brian Swensen made it clear that Waltz’s opposition to Trump was fertile narrative ground. “Michael Waltz was a strong #NeverTrump supporter who actively worked to make sure Trump was not elected and helped spread the egregious Trump and Putin lies being pushed by Hillary and the liberal media. He will quickly learn that Republican primary voters are not easily fooled, and they do not forget,” Swensen said.

Click on the image below to watch the ad:

“Vulnerable Florida Republicans Carlos Curbelo and Brian Mast get air support on taxes” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times — Ads will run in the districts of Rep. Curbelo of Miami and Mast of Palm City,  two of the 26 districts nationally included in a $1 million campaign from American Action Network. “The district-specific ads highlight the middle-class tax cuts by the numbers: 3 million Americans receiving bonuses, the fastest wage growth in eight years, and working families receiving a tax cut of $2,000,” ANN said in a release. The group, aligned with House Speaker Paul Ryan, is spending “six figures” in Florida. It has been steadily spending to before and after the tax bill was passed.

Save the date:

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First on #FlaPol — Bill Montford rules out Tallahassee mayoral run — State Sen. Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat, is staying put for the remainder of his Senate term that ends in 2020, sources told Florida Politics. Montford had been toying with a run this year for Tallahassee mayor; current Mayor Gillum is a Democratic candidate for governor. Montford was a popular school principal, Leon County commissioner and schools superintendent before running for and winning his current position in 2010. “That leaves two candidates for mayor — Erik David, a Florida State University computer science student, Army veteran and martial arts instructor, and Joe West, a retired stand-up comic and disabled Vietnam War veteran,” the Tallahassee Democrat reported online Monday.

“Statewide vote could put a new sheriff in town even if Miami-Dade doesn’t want it” via Elizabeth Koh of the Miami Herald — Proposal 13, which moved forward in a state constitutional commission, would require counties to hold elections for five offices, including tax collectors, property appraisers, supervisors of elections and clerks of circuit court. But the biggest-ticket job on the list — sheriff — singles out the state’s most populous county, which appoints a police director instead at the discretion of the mayor. Opponents say the change, which other voters in the state could approve by the necessary 60 percent even if Miami-Dade voters don’t agree, would violate the county’s home rule charter. But supporters counter that the change would bring Miami-Dade in line with other counties and add more transparency and public accountability to the role. “The constitutional officers don’t implement policy from a [county] board,” said Commissioner Carolyn Timmann, clerk of the court in Martin County and the proposal’s sponsor on the Constitution Revision Commission. “They follow state laws, state rules and the state constitution.”— STATEWIDE —

Scott signs nursing home generator requirements — Gov. Scott held a signing ceremony for measures that make permanent the state’s emergency rules requiring every nursing home and assisted living facility in Florida to have emergency generators. The two bills (HB 7099, SB 7028) replace a pair of emergency rules that the Scott administration issued in September. That followed the deaths of residents of The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, a Broward County nursing home that lost its air-conditioning system during Hurricane Irma. The signing event was at the Calusa Harbor Health Center, Continuing Care Community, in Fort Myers. Along with a requirement that facilities also have 72 hours’ worth of fuel, lawmakers also OK’d a tax break for homes that purchase electric generators.

“Scott touts environmental, agricultural money” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — “I announced this morning that I’ll have a major announcement April 9, and I hope everybody comes. It will be a fun day,” Scott told reporters. As for the environment and agriculture money, Scott called it a “great year.” Combining the two broad areas, Scott was pitching a $4 billion total investment this year, which includes $293 million for the Everglades including $50 million to fix the Herbert Hoover Dike, $50 million for freshwater springs, $400 million for water resources, $100 million for land conservation, and $150 million to operate the state parks, and $128 million to support the citrus industry. “This was a great year for in the Legislative Session,” Scott said. “There are so many things that we are doing.

Spotted in The Washington Post — “Scott, another proud cost-cutter, is bragging about his more recent increases to school funding as he prepares to launch a bid for the U.S. Senate … The new rhetorical approach represents a major turnabout for a generation of conservative leaders who came into office promising to get better results with less taxpayer money for public schools … (T)eachers and the public demand more money after years of tight budgets and a Republican focus on tax cuts. That has forced a change in strategy, even as the legislators continue to resist calls for new taxes.”

“Agencies to pay millions in deaths, injuries” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — Gov. Scott signed eight “claim” bills, passed during the Legislative Session and stem from sovereign-immunity laws that cap the amounts of money government agencies can be forced to pay in legal cases. Claim bills typically direct agencies to pay amounts that exceed the caps — sometimes long after the deaths or injuries occur: The parents of 5-month-old Nicholas Patnode ($2.4 million) … Vonshelle Brothers ($1 million) … The foster family of J.W., a 10-year-old boy with a history of mental illness and sexually aggressive behavior ($5.1 million) … Cathleen Smiley ($25,000) … The parents of Jean Pierre Kamel ($360,000) … Christopher Cannon ($500,000) … The estate of Sherrill Lynn Aversa ($650,000) … Ramiro Companioni Jr. ($5 million).

“Florida strengthens animal cruelty laws” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Gov. Scott signed a bill that bumps animal cruelty to a level 5 offense up from level 3, meaning convicted offenders are more likely to serve prison time (selling cocaine also is a level 5 offense). The change comes into effect this October. Known as Ponce’s Law, state lawmakers spearheaded the legislation (SB 1576) this year after a man allegedly beat his nine-month-old Labrador, Ponce, to death last April in Ponce Inlet. The charged offender, Travis Archer, does not face a mandatory prison sentence under current statutes if he is convicted. Archer’s case is still pending. The new law also gives judges the option to prohibit an offender from owning a future pet. The legislation also requires animal control agencies and humane organizations to adopt policies to help return lost dogs and cats to their owners, especially in the wake of hurricanes.

“Jeff Vinik scores win with signing of Water Street Tampa bill” via Florida Politics — A bill that would create a special taxing district for the Water Street Tampa development in Hillsborough County was recently signed into law by Gov. Scott. The proposal was backed by Strategic Property Partners, a partnership of Bill Gates’ investment arm, Cascade Investment, and billionaire developer Jeff Vinik. Water Street Tampa has become one of the most eagerly awaited private developments in Tampa. The Water Street Tampa Improvement District, created by HB 1393, would allow an appointed board to levy assessments on commercial properties and charge property tax of up to one mill — $1 per $1,000 of assessed value — on property within the district. Water Street Tampa, a private development, seeks to bring the first new office towers to Tampa in a quarter century, as well as retail, educational and entertainment space.

Assignment editors — Gov. Scott will hold a signing ceremony for a bill (SB 376), backed by state CFO Jimmy Patronis, which extends workers’ comp benefits to first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress. The event is 2 p.m., Tampa Firefighter Museum, 720 Zack St., Tampa.

“It’s payday: Here’s every state salary at your fingertips” via Tallahassee Democrat — We’ve got everything you always wanted to know about state paychecks but might have been afraid to ask. The Tallahassee Democrat has assembled a cool little website that gives you probably more data than you even want to know … This searchable database compiles salary information from all executive branch agencies and higher education institutions and includes state attorneys, public defenders and judicial employees. It does not include the legislative, benefit-only entities, or municipal/county government employees. The information is updated the second business day of each week, typically Tuesday before 10 a.m. The data from the universities is collected biannually (usually April and November).

“New law allows smaller restaurants to get liquor licenses in downtown Orlando” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — A local bill pushed by state Rep. Mike Miller and just signed into law by Gov. Scott will allow for smaller restaurants in Orlando’s downtown area to qualify for liquor licenses. House Bill 1447 reduces the minimum size of restaurants serving liquor so that small niche eateries in some of the quirky-shaped and sized locations around downtown can do so. “This is pro-small business,” Miller said. That is the case even more than usual with this law since it deals with businesses that previously were too small. Under an old state law, restaurants seeking full liquor licenses are required to have at least 2,500 square feet of space and a capacity of at least 150 patrons. HB 1447 reduces those requirements to 1,800 square feet and 80 customers for an area that includes Orlando’s downtown proper as well as parts of neighborhoods and business districts surrounding it, such as the Lake Ivanhoe, Thornton Park, and Paramore.

“Court revelation: Pulse club gunman’s dad was FBI informant” via Tamara Lush and Jason Dearen of The Associated Press — The government has revealed only now that the Pulse nightclub shooter’s father was an FBI informant for 11 years before the attack, lawyers for his widow said … prosecutors also told them in an email that the government found evidence on the day of the attack that Omar Mateen’s father, Seddique Mateen, had been sending money to Afghanistan and Turkey, and that he had been accused of raising money to fund violence against the government of Pakistan. Noor Salman’s lawyers said the new information — shared only after prosecutors rested their case — should result in a mistrial or an outright dismissal of the charges against her. The judge didn’t immediately rule on the defense’s motion, and the U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment on the developments. Salman, now 31 and the mother of a small child, is being tried in federal court in Orlando. She is accused of helping her husband plan his June 2016 attack at the gay nightclub in Orlando, where he killed 49 people.

Firefighters still battling blazes in Collier County — The Florida Forest Service and local first responders continued efforts to contain three massive wildfires in rural Collier County and more than 45 other wildfires across the state, the state’s Department of Agriculture reported Monday. “The Florida Forest Service is doing everything in its power to suppress and contain current wildfires in anticipation of very poor weather conditions tomorrow, especially in southwest Florida,” Commissioner Adam Putnam said in a statement. “It’s imperative that Floridians are cautious with fire to help protect Florida’s residents, natural resources and wildland firefighters.” While Florida has received some rainfall, drought and others wildfire dangers are expected to continue. The Florida Forest Service has battled over 700 wildfires across the state in 2018.

“Women’s group slams Everglades Foundation head for Harvey Weinstein ties” via Jerry Iannelli of the Miami New Times — But billionaire hedge-fund investor Paul Tudor Jones is pushing back and alleging that the group is actually a front for Big Sugar. Tudor Jones started the Everglades Foundation back in 1993 in an attempt to replenish Florida’s unique ecosystem. But he also has a history of saying demeaning things about women while working closely with Weinstein as a board member of his organization, and he was caught sending emails to the disgraced producer wishing him well as news broke of his alleged sexual misconduct. Last month, a group called Women United Now started staging protests against Tudor Jones, from the University of Virginia — where he’s a major donor — to the Everglades Foundation’s yearly gala at the Breakers in Palm Beach to a Miami Heat game last week. “The Harvey Weinstein scandal has unveiled a cultural problem that was hiding in plain sight,” Women United Now founder Catrena Norris Carter tells New Times via email. “Powerful men have been abusing and exploiting women, and other powerful men have been complicit in these actions by ignoring it and worse, covering it up. Paul Tudor Jones is one of these men.”

“Flags at half-staff for Air Force sergeants killed in Iraq” via Florida Politics — Gov. Scott ordered flags at half-staff for two Florida men killed in a military helicopter crash in the Middle East. On March 15, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. William R. Posch of Indialantic and Air Force Staff Sgt. Carl Enis of Tallahassee died along with five other crew members in the crash, in western Iraq. Posch and Enis were pararescuemen with the 308th Rescue Squadron, 920th Rescue Wing, based at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, according to the Governor’s Office. “As a mark of respect,” Scott directed the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at the Brevard County Courthouse in Viera, the Leon County Courthouse in Tallahassee, Town Hall in Indialantic, City Hall in Tallahassee, and at the Capitol in Tallahassee, from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday.

— A MOVEMENT OF HOPE —

It’s difficult to capture the extent of the state’s opioid crisis.

But the Panama City News Herald’s recent 13-story report does a pretty good job. Interviews with those affected by the epidemic — ranging from parents of kids who overdosed to the doctors who perform autopsies — depict a harrowing situation in Bay County.

Drug addiction plagued the Panhandle area, but, per the Herald, “it also fueled a movement of help, in churches, doctor’s offices, jails and even courtrooms.”

Gut-wrenching: One segment spotlights Christopher Jackson, a state diving champion who attended the U.S. Naval Academy. Jackson overdosed in 2016 after becoming addicted to painkillers following diving-related injuries.

Balance: The knee-jerk effect of the crisis has resulted in some group’s limiting opioids — like the VA. One installation tells the story of Tim Ford, an army veteran who was unable to get needed painkillers because he’s tested positive for marijuana in the past.

Backdrop: The special report was published less than a week after Gov. Scott signed landmark legislation tailored to curb the state’s opioid crisis. The bill includes prescription day limits for acute pain and enhanced use of a statewide database to monitor prescription frequencies. 

— OPINION —

“Missing: Criminal justice data” via Amy Bach of The New York Times — Missing data is at the core of a national crisis. The United States leads the industrialized world in incarceration. With nearly 5 percent of the planet’s population and almost a quarter of its prison population, the country has invested a tremendous amount of money in the corrections system without the statistics necessary to tell us whether that money is actually reducing crime, improving fairness or lessening recidivism. State and federal spending on corrections has grown more than 300 percent over the past 20 years — becoming one of the fastest-growing line items in state budgets. But all of this is beginning to change. Two weeks ago, Florida legislators passed a bill that would make the state’s criminal justice system the most transparent in the country. The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Scott, requires the state’s 67 counties to collect the same data, record it in the same way and store it in the same public place. The state is to set up a repository that will house data that covers arrest to post-conviction and will be collected and reported by court clerks, state attorneys, public defenders, county jails and departments of correction.

— TALKING SHOP —

Journalists and communications professionals hold unique perspectives on the behind-the-scenes activity of the news cycle — but it’s rare they’re given a platform for their unfiltered insights.

That’s why Trimmel Gomes’ conversations with Sun Sentinel political reporter Dan Sweeney and Karen Moore, CEO of recently rebranded communications powerhouse Moore, in the latest episode of The Rotunda podcast are so valuable.

Released Monday, Gomes delves into the grassroots advocacy of the Parkland anti-gun violence movement, particularly Saturday’s March for Our Lives, with communications veteran Moore. With Sweeney, listeners get a local understanding of the fallout of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Here are some other episode highlights:

Activist tips: Starting advocacy campaigns on the first day of Session is too late, says Moore. Also, relax on the facts. Build a story instead. “Legislators voting on an issue may remember a few data points, but what they’ll really remember is a story.”

On social: Moore said Florida is a top-ranking state for elected official presence on digital media. “So if you’re not using that tactic then you’ve lost a whole opportunity to gather attention to your issue by the people you need to have vote on them.” From Sweeney (who tweeted 217 times during the Senate’s Saturday floor session): Thread your tweets.

What’s next for Sweeney: He told Gomes the past Session is likely his last. He’ll instead focus on digital engagement and reader interaction. In early April, Sweeney says the Sun-Sentinel will launch a true-crime podcast, “Felonious Florida,” which he described as “a little dose of crime stories, a little dose of ‘Florida Man.’”

— ALOE —

Can’t wait to read:

“FSU lifting ban on alcohol for Greek, registered student organizations” via Byron Dobson of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida State University is lifting its self-imposed five-month ban on alcohol for all Recognized Student Organizations. But all organizations must complete risk management training if they plan to host events with alcohol, said Amy Hecht, vice president for student affairs: “The Student Activities Center staff will continue to offer training and advising, and will continue supporting all student organizations to prevent dangerous and unsafe conduct and behaviors … The university also will continue to engage students as we strive for a safer, healthier community for all.” In January, FSU President John Thrasher lifted some restrictions he imposed November to allow Greek organizations to begin recruiting again and to participate in philanthropic events.

“Florida State returns bulk of roster from Elite Eight team” via Joe Reedy of The Associated Press — When next season begins, the Seminoles will not be considered an underdog after their first Elite Eight appearance in 25 years. Leonard Hamilton will have most of his squad back after the season ended with a 58-54 loss to Michigan in the West Region final. That is the opposite from a year ago when he lost four starters and his top three scorers. That is why many back in October thought this would be a transition season for the Seminoles before they could make another run for a high seed and contend in the Atlantic Coast Conference next season. “I don’t know if we arrived a year early or not,” Hamilton said about his team’s 23-12 season. “We very well could have won the game and be on our way to San Antonio, but we didn’t.” The Seminoles’ biggest question going into the offseason is if the NCAA will grant an extra year of eligibility to leading scorer Phil Cofer? The 6-foot-8 forward, who averaged 12.8 points, missed most of the 2015-16 season due to a foot injury. Cofer and school officials have been optimistic that the NCAA will grant the request.

“Gulf Power customers to see lower bills” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — State regulators approved a plan that will lead to Gulf Power Co. passing along more than $100 million in savings to customers because of the federal tax overhaul. Gulf, which has 460,000 customers in Northwest Florida, and other utilities put together such plans after Congress and Trump approved a package in December that included cutting the federal corporate income-tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. Gulf will pass along about $103 million in savings to customers, with reductions starting in April power bills. The Pensacola-based utility said an average residential customer would save about $14 a month in 2018.

Happy birthday to our friend Joni James and DeVoe Moore.

Welcome to the world:

Casey and I are blessed to welcome our son Mason Joseph DeSantis. 8lbs, 4oz and very strong! Both baby and mom are doing great. pic.twitter.com/dRMPDgsL9y

— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) March 26, 2018