Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
New KIDS COUNT data for Florida’s 67 counties, to be released Thursday, “gives the state a very mixed progress report for Florida’s four million children in the areas of economics, health, education and community and family,” a Wednesday news release said.
“While some modest strides have been made, there’s also been some setbacks. This data is especially concerning considering Florida ranks in the bottom 10 states for overall child well-being. To begin reversing this trend, leaders from 13 organizations will announce the kickoff of a statewide civic engagement campaign called ‘Made in Florida — 100% for Kids.’ ”
The results will be presented at a 10 a.m. news conference in Tallahassee’s Florida Press Center, 335 E. College Ave.
Then, at 1 p.m. at FSU’s Turnbull Center, 10 Florida advocates and organizations will be recognized at a “Superheroes for Super Kids” award ceremony “to celebrate their vision, leadership and action that have resulted in major transformational changes for Florida’s children over the past 25 years.”
Honorees include Carol Marbin Miller, the Miami Herald reporter who co-authored the newspaper’s “Fight Club” series. The yearlong probe revealed systemic misconduct at DJJ stemming from inexperienced and underpaid staff, inadequate personnel standards and a high tolerance for cover-ups.
Evening Reads
“Marco Rubio on gun control: It depends who he’s talking to” via Ashram Khalil of The Associated Press
“Marco Rubio’s no longer making fun of philosophy majors” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Rick Scott appeals judge’s ruling on voting rights for felons” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“All in: Seminole Tribe says it will keep paying state” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“No Casinos: With Tribe’s decision, no need for Special Session on gambling” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“Gold Star mom Karen Vaugh considers GOP challenge to Brian Mast” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post
“DNC official quits after uproar over ‘colored people’ remarks” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Media presses for more school shooting video” via The Associated Press
“Gainesville’s self-driving shuttle rollout delayed” via Andrew Caplan of the Gainesville Sun
Quote of the Day
“In this environment, the prudence of funding so many local member projects at the expense of core statewide functions is questionable.” — Florida TaxWatch’s Kurt Wenner, at the organization’s budget turkey report presentation.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Gov. Rick Scott visits Ponce Inlet to sign SB 1576, “Ponce’s Law,” which strengthens criminal punishments for animal abusers. That’s at 8:45 a.m., Town of Ponce Inlet Council Chamber, 4300 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet.
The Style and Drafting Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission is scheduled to consider a series of proposed constitutional amendments for the November ballot. That’s at 9 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
Sen. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, and Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight are expected to speak at a Sarasota Tiger Bay Club meeting about issues involving school safety and guns in schools. That’s at 11:30 a.m., Michael’s on East, 1212 East Ave. South, Sarasota.
The University of North Florida Board Trustees will consider a proposal to name the student union building after outgoing university President John Delaney. That’s at 5:15 p.m., University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, Jacksonville.
Rep. Wengay “Newt” Newton, a St. Petersburg Democrat, will host a legislative town hall in Bradenton, with a focus on opioid epidemic policies, issues affecting local government, and the school safety package. That’s at 5:30 p.m., 13th Avenue Community Center, 922 24th Street East, Bradenton.
U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Democrat., and state Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat, will hold a town-hall meeting about gun violence and school safety. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex auditorium, 3000 N.W. 199th St., Miami Gardens.
