Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s Rick Scott Day. And we’ll get to that in a moment.
But first, a reminder for politicos in the Tampa Bay area that there is a Quorum — the not-too-political happy hour — tonight at Cassis American Brasserie on Beach Drive. It is a special occasion, as we are celebrating the engagement of Sarah Busk and Alan Suskey.
Please join us at 5:30 p.m.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
— @JonathanVSwan: We can’t overstate the severity of President [Donald] Trump’s buyer’s remorse from signing last month’s spending bill. It could even be a turning point in his presidency, on the issue of immigration and his level of cooperation with Republican leaders.
— @CBSMiami: Roger Stone accuses @DeFede of playing gotcha w/him when Jim points out a letter he sent to US Sen. Judiciary Cmte offered a non-denial denial abt allegations he discussed [James] Comey’s firing w/Trump
— @SenBillNelson: Glad to see that the FBI shut down the Backpage website today — though it took far too long to happen. That website promoted the modern day slavery of women and children, including in Florida.
— @RepCurbelo: As another U.S. election approaches, it’s important to keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin and his thugs. New sanctions from @USTreasury send a clear message to #Russia their efforts to undermine Western democracies and their malicious cyberattacks will not be tolerated.
— @RepTedDeuch: Deerfield, Illinois’ assault weapon ban is the latest victory in our movement to end gun violence. Local leaders across the country are recognizing that the safety of their communities is too important and are compelled to get weapons of war off their streets.
— @Fineout: A teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas said during town hall that there was supposed to be FHP and other security at school — but this past week he arrived at 6:30 a.m. and no one was there.
— @AdamSmithTimes: .@adamputnam made big tax announcement today in Tampa: He won’t raise taxezzzzzzzzzz
— @FLChamber: DYK: Data from the Florida Chamber Legislative Report Card shows the average GPA for both legislative chambers was 78 percent, compared to 73 percent in 2017.
— @Mike_Miller_FL: Really enjoyed seeing @marcorubio stump for me yesterday. His message was compelling and inspirational for the times we are living in
— @OAS_official: New Permanent Representative of #USA, @AmbCTrujillo, presented credentials to the #OAS Secretary-General
— DAYS UNTIL —
Reporting deadline for Q1 fundraising — 6; NFL Draft begins — 17; Avengers: Infinity War opens — 18; Close of candidate qualifying for federal office — 24; Mother’s Day — 34; Solo: A Star Wars Story premier — 46; Memorial Day — 49; Father’s Day — 69; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 74; Deadline for filing claim bills — 114; Start of the U.S. Open — 140; Primary Election Day — 141; College Football opening weekend — 145; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 197; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 198; General Election Day — 211; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 311; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 330.
— TOP STORY —
After months of speculation, Gov. Scott is expected to announce today that he will run for the U.S. Senate.
“Scott running for U.S. Senate in epic showdown with Nelson, test of Trump’s popularity“ via Matt Dixon and Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – Gov. Rick Scott makes his long-awaited U.S. Senate candidacy official today, setting up an epic battle against incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson and testing the limits of whether a close alliance with President Donald Trump is political poison or a pathway to success in the nation’s biggest swing state. Scott has never shied away from his friendship with Trump – who repeatedly urged him to run against Nelson, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat. And regardless of the constant string of White House controversies, Scott has only distanced himself from the president to the mildest of degrees. But the self-made Scott, who was born poor, raised in public housing and then won the Florida governor’s mansion as a political novice, wants everyone to know that he’s his own man. “I consider myself Rick Scott. I don’t consider myself any type of anything,” the governor told POLITICO in an exclusive interview Sunday when asked if he considers himself a “Donald Trump Republican.” “I run on what I believe in. I’ve been very clear,” he said. “People ask me that a bunch of times, about ‘are you this or are you that?’ No. I’m Rick Scott. I grew up poor. I believe in jobs.”
— Here is a link for watching Scott’s Facebook Live announcement.
— Scott will make his “major announcement” at a 10:00 a.m. press conference at ODC Construction in Orlando, followed by a 2:30 p.m. press conference at Sun Harvest Citrus in Ft. Myers.
— Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Scott will be ending Monday at a $10,000 per person fundraiser at the St. Petersburg residence of Ambassador Mel and Betty Sembler.
— The Miami Dade GOP, per Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times, is inviting Republicans to a “major announcement” on Tuesday afternoon in Hialeah.
“And just like that, Scott cuts ties to Let’s Get To Work” via Gary Fineout for his blog, The Fine Print – So a funny thing happened on Sunday. Scott’s image and his name and videos disappeared from the Let’s Get to Work website. (The problem with the committee for Scott is that it relied on large corporate donations, taking checks in from various groups whose business can be affected by Scott and the Legislature. Private prison providers, health care providers, utilities, business associations are among the long list of those who gave money.) So in order to remain complaint under federal election law while he runs for U.S. Senate, Scott needed to distance himself from his creation. Hence the makeover of the website this weekend. While Scott’s name and image have vanished from the website, it now states that “Let’s Get to Work is supported by Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera. Its chair, Abby Dupree, is also associated with this organization.
“Scott expected in Washington to raise money for Senate run” via San Sullivan of the Washington Post – Scott is expected to travel to Washington next week to raise money for the Senate campaign he is poised to begin Monday, said three Republicans familiar with his plans. Party power brokers have been in contact in recent days to make arrangements for the Republican governor to raise money in Washington. The Republicans said Scott is expected to be in the nation’s capital on April 19.
— “Rick Scott’s third career act” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
— “And now, the main event: Nelson vs. Scott” via Bill Cotterell of the Tallahassee Democrat
— “Florida’s governor, eyeing Senate run, offers hope to an unsteady GOP” via Patricia Mazzei of the New York Times
— “The Great Scott of Florida” via John Fund of National Review
— “Improbable journey of Scott leads to a ‘big announcement’ on Facebook Monday” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat
— “Florida’s suddenly competitive 2018 Senate race, explained” via Dylan Scott of Vox
— “Scott’s bid will give Florida Senate race marquee status” via Caitlin Huey-Burns of Real Clear Politics
— BRACKETING —
Democrats lining up to speak against Scott’s expected Senate run – The Florida Democratic Party began blasting in-boxes Sunday night, in advance of Gov. Scott‘s “big announcement,” including a message that “local leaders, state lawmakers and a survivor of the Pulse tragedy (would) be available to speak about how Scott has prioritized his self-serving politics at Floridians’ expense.” It also touted an oppo website, SelfServingScott.com. Those making themselves available to talk smack about the Naples Republican include former Florida Democratic Party Chair and state Sen. Rod Smith, incoming Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, former Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Ana Cruz, and Pulse survivor and ‘No NRA Money’ advocate Brandon Wolf.
“Hours before campaign launch, Senate Democratic PAC blasts ‘self-serving’ Rick Scott” via Florida Politics – Part of a six-figure digital campaign throughout the state, Senate Majority PAC produced a 30-second spot — “Won’t Look out for You” — outlining Scott’s track record, which began as a CEO of Columbia/HCA, a hospital company where he made millions while committing “Medicare fraud.” The ad then discusses touches on Scott’s seven years as Governor, where he “raised Floridians property taxes and/education funding while giving massive tax breaks to corporations and multimillionaires like himself.”
First in Sunburn – the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s Executive Director Mindy Myers has written her first memo in response to a candidate announcement this cycle. In it, she offers what the DSCC is describing as “Fast Facts About Rick Scott & The Florida Senate Race.” It offers a lot of the same these the DSCC pushed last week when it started pre-butting Scott’s announcement. The three key points per Myers are “Self-serving and dishonest, Scott’s looking out for himself at Floridians’ expense”; “Scott’s record as governor is a liability for his campaign”; and “In two of the best GOP years in modern political history, Scott never won by more than a point.”
“Democrats aim new website at Scott” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee launched a new website “SelfServingScott.com.” The site lays out several attacks on Scott, claiming he will say and do anything to help himself at Floridians’ expense. Among the Democrats’ allegations: That he personally made lots of money on investments as wages remained low in Florida; his business holdings make him a walking conflict of interest; his offer for nursing home directors to call his cellphone in a crisis, combined with his alleged failure to respond to such calls, may put some blame on him for the tragic deaths at Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills after Hurricane Irma in September. Scott supported drilling near shores and beaches even as he has claimed to oppose it in more recent times, and he let 612 days pass between the Pulse and Parkland mass murders without taking any action regarding gun violence.
“American Bridge lays out weaknesses for Democrats to aim at in Scott’s U.S. Senate bid” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — American Bridge contends that public opinion on current hot issues, the anticipated Democratic political wave, Scott’s tendency to underperform compared with other Republicans, the dramatic increase in Puerto Rican voters in Florida, and personal financial disclosure laws all are going to make it far more difficult for Scott to beat Nelson in November than it was for him to win two Governor’s elections. “Rick Scott’s decision to run for U.S. Senate will go down as one of the biggest mistakes in recent Florida political history,” American Bridge 21st Century predicted in a campaign strategy memorandum which argues in detail that Scott’s 2010 and 2014 victories came in years of Republican waves, while a Democratic wave is being projected this year. Even within those GOP waves, the group states Scott underperformed other Republicans on the ballot.
Assignment editors — Community organizations — including Organize Florida, Center for American Islamic Relations, Service Employees International Union of Florida, among others — will hold a rally to speak out against Scott’s announcement for U.S. Senate. The event begins 4:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park near Ashley Dr. in Tampa.
“Tensions between Scott and Marco Rubio strain GOP relations” via Sean Sullivan of The Washington Post — Rubio will not appear at the kickoff. He also has said he does not plan to “campaign against” Nelson, whom he has praised as a partner. Rubio’s stance, which could burnish Nelson’s bipartisan credentials, has struck a nerve with some Scott allies. They say the Republican senator is still nursing grudges from the 2016 campaign. “Rubio should tread carefully regarding his budding friendship with Nelson … because Rubio and Scott share a donor base and a voter base,” said Dan Eberhart, an oil industry executive and top Scott fundraiser. “If Rubio refuses to endorse and Scott were to narrowly lose, Rubio’s detente with Nelson might backfire.” Rubio said in a written statement that he is supporting Scott, but strategists and donors wonder how enthusiastically.
Meanwhile … “Court fight continues on Scott’s blind trust. Tallahassee lawyer argues for disclosure.” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald — The lawyer who has sued Scott alleging that he is violating state law by using his wife to shield his financial assets from public disclosure asked a court to throw out the governor’s appeal, arguing that he should stop fighting the case because he will have to disclose his assets if he announces he is running for U.S. Senate … “Procedurally and substantively his petition is unfounded, it is a delaying tactic as he seeks to run out the clock on having to disclose how much money he has made being governor of Florida,” wrote Don Hinkle, a Tallahassee lawyer and major Democratic fundraiser in a response to an appeal filed by the governor with the First District Court of Appeal. Scott spokesman John Tupps dismissed Hinkle’s lawsuit as “nothing more than a publicity stunt.” He noted that a court and the Florida Commission on Ethics rejected a previous complaint.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Nelson, in campaign mode, talks guns at St. Pete town hall” via Josh Solomon of the Tampa Bay Times — He told the crowd of roughly 75 at the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority headquarters not to hold their breath waiting for Washington to pass tough gun reform. “Not much more is going to be done because the votes are not there to address the issue of massacres,” he said. The senator also tried to distinguish himself and … Scott … Last month, Scott signed a guns and school safety package that has garnered him some praise among those who support gun control for bucking the powerful pro-gun lobby, the National Rifle Association. But Nelson characterized the bill, which implements some gun control measures but also allows schools to arm teachers and staff, as a gift for the NRA. “They wanted to sell more guns by arming teachers,” Nelson told reporters after the meeting.
“Adam Putnam rally at Manatee County ranch draws hundreds” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A few hundred people came out to eat BBQ and swamp cabbage, listen to country music and hear Putnam speak … Gathered under an open-air chickee hut with expansive views of cow pastures and woodlands, the crowd applauded as Putnam talked about “putting Florida first.” … He took a subtle jab at (Ron) DeSantis, who has made infrequent public appearances, in talking up his busy campaign schedule. “What you see here, this is the foundation of my campaign,” Putnam told the crowd. “Everybody talks about grassroots. We live it.”
— “Putnam committee adds $1.77M in March” via Florida Politics
Assignment editors — Putnam will join supporters in Charlotte County for an 11:30 a.m. luncheon at the Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court in Punta Gorda.
Assignment editors — Republican gubernatorial candidate DeSantis and Attorney-General candidate Jay Fant will appear at a meeting of the Palm Beach County Trump Club beginning 7 p.m., Palm Beach Kennel Club, 1111 North Congress Ave. in West Palm Beach.
First in Sunburn — “Chris King adds $610K in March to his gubernatorial campaign account” via Florida Politics — The total puts King at $4.1 million in total fundraising between his campaign and political committee since he entered the race in March 2017. An announcement said the two accounts combined to more than $2.1 million on hand heading into April. “Democrats want a real progressive who rejects conventional politics and Chris continues to impress voters across Florida as he introduces himself to the electorate,” said Omar Khan, senior adviser to King’s campaign. “As other candidates from the political establishment struggle to break through to the voters, Chris is amassing the resources that any candidate will need to compete in this wide-open race.”
Happening Tuesday — King will open a new Orlando headquarters in his bid for Governor; ceremony begins 5:30 p.m. at 1612 E. Colonial Dr., Second Floor, in Orlando.
Assignment editors — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine will host a meet-and-greet with Broward Democrats beginning 7 p.m. at the Deicke Auditorium at Hoffman Park, 5701 Cypress Road in Plantation.
“So … will Tom Lee or won’t he run for CFO?” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times — Lee has announced he intends to run for chief financial officer in a primary against appointed incumbent Jimmy Patronis, but hasn’t yet filed, and also hasn’t yet restarted fundraising after having to shut down for the legislative session. That has allowed Patronis to edge ahead of Lee in fundraising. Patronis has announced raising $463,000 during March — $178,585 in his campaign and $285,200 in his political committee, Treasure Florida. That gives him a total of roughly $2.5 million cash on hand in both funds. Lee, meanwhile, reported raising no money for the month for either his committee, The Conservative, or his campaign — he’s still technically filed for re-election to his Senate seat. He already had about $2.3 million cash in his accounts before he stopped fundraising during the legislative session.
— “Jeremy Ring adds $60K for CFO bid in March” via Florida Politics
“Navy veteran leads in fundraising race to challenge Dennis Ross” via John Chambliss of the Lakeland Ledger — Andrew Learned, of Valrico, will compete in a primary on Aug. 28. Through Dec. 31, 2017, Learned had raised $64,065 and spent $41,526. Learned said the most recent figures from the end of March would show that he’s raised more than $100,000 since filing to run in May 2017. He’s contributed $2,000 to his campaign. Learned’s nearest primary competitor in the financial race is Greg Pilkington, of Indian Lake Estates. Through Dec. 31, Pilkington has raised $46,709 but contributed $42,590 to his own campaign. Also running from the Democrat side are Phil Hornback of Brandon, Cameron Magnuson of Brandon, and Ray Pena of Lakeland. Ross had raised $662,388 through December 31.
Spotted at a Thursday fundraiser for CD 17 candidate Greg Steube held at Pepin Distributing in Tampa: Tom Pepin, Kent Bailey, Steve Cona, Randy Garcia, Andy Graham, Shawn Harrison, and Joe Wicker, as well as the team from RSA Consulting, Ron Pierce, Natalie King, Ed Briggs, Kaitlyn Bailey, and Kaitlyn Gardner.
Spotted last week in Nashville as part of a two-day fundraising trip for the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee: Sens. Bill Galvano, Lizbeth Benacquisto, Rob Bradley, and Jeff Brandes, Robert Coker, Brady Benford, Greg Black, Gaston Cantens, Jorge Dominicis, Jeff and Sonya Dean Hartley. The itinerary included a private concert with Phil Vassar.
Happening tonight – State Sen. Kelli Stargel kicks off her re-election campaign with an event beginning 5:30 p.m. at Sunny Acres Lodge, 7290 Hacienda Trail in Polk City. Host committee includes Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senate President Joe Negron, President-Designate Bill Galvano, Majority Leader Wilton Simpson and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
“Democrat Katie Tripp to challenge Tom Leek for House District 25 seat” via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — For months, no one had filed on the Democratic side for Leek’s Florida House District 25 seat. That changed dramatically last week when not one, but two Democrats turned in paperwork to challenge. But then the suddenly complicated picture became clearer when Brandon Schwedes said he intends to step aside, leaving Tripp as the lone Democrat in the race and allowing her to concentrate efforts on defeating Leek and Libertarian Joseph Hannoush in November. She has a doctorate in veterinary medical sciences from the University of Florida and has worked as a biologist with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Tripp is a supervisor with the Volusia County Soil & Water Conservation District and is an appointee to the Indian River Lagoon Citizens’ Advisory Committee.
First on #FlaPol — “Field clears for Jennifer Webb in HD 69 Dem. Primary” via Florida Politics — Javier Centonzio is dropping out of the race for House District 69 and endorsing fellow Democrat Webb for the open seat. The St. Petersburg attorney filed for HD 69 at the beginning of the year, and after his first campaign finance report, it seemed a contentious Democratic Primary could be on the horizon. Webb has added bulk endorsements from local leaders, a nod from St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman, and the endorsement of the LGBTQ Victory Fund — if elected Webb would be the fourth openly LGBTQ member of the Florida Legislature, and the first LGBTQ woman. Her fundraising operation has also remained competitive with the two Republicans in the race, Jeremy Bailie and Raymond Blacklidge. In the face of this, Centonzio is living to fight another day.
— “Jerry Demings pulls in $237K in Orange County mayor’s race” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Florida GOP says it can fend off ‘blue wave’” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — Florida Republican leaders who gathered in Tampa believe they can hold back a Democratic wave in November to keep the “Trump agenda alive.” But to retain congressional and legislative majorities and to unseat Nelson, that means ramping up messaging about economic growth, boosting turnout, particularly among voters who request absentee ballots, and countering what the GOP describes as “mainstream media” narratives of looming Democratic victories. “It’s going to be very hard for them to keep that energy up,” Republican Party of Florida Chairman Blaise Ingoglia said during a quarterly party meeting at a DoubleTree hotel. Ingoglia also said Democrats would have to spread resources to campaigns across the country, unlike during their recent special-election victories for a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama and a congressional seat in Pennsylvania. “They’re very good at winning one race at a time,” Ingoglia said.
— STATEWIDE —
“Scott vetoes ‘toilet to tap’ bill” via Brendan Farrington of The Associated Press — Gov. Scott sided with environmentalists by vetoing a bill that would have allowed treated wastewater to be pumped back into the state’s groundwater. With that pen stroke, Scott avoided the epithet “Governor Poopy Water,” something environmentalists had vowed to call him if he let the bill become law. “Protecting Florida’s environment has been a top priority during my time as governor,” Scott said in the veto letter. “Florida has stringent water quality standards, and we are going to keep it that way.” Scott hasn’t always been popular with environmental groups, and the decision will head off criticism as he prepares a run for U.S. Senate. A group calling itself Citizens Against Contaminated Aquifer Water, or CACA Water for short, canceled a news conference in a last-minute effort to persuade Scott to veto the bill.
“No Casinos won’t fold ‘em: Letter skirmish with lobbyist continues” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — The war of words between gaming industry lobbyist Marc Dunbar and No Casinos head John Sowinski continues … Sowinski released an “open letter” admonishing Dunbar that he won’t “fool Florida voters” about a gambling-related constitutional amendment on November’s ballot. Sowinski also chairs Voters In Charge, the political committee behind the proposed “Voter Control of Gambling” constitutional amendment, also known as “Amendment 3.” Its aim is to give statewide voters sole authority to approve future expansions of gambling in the state. Dunbar started it with his own “open letter” to Sowinski, saying he had “declared war on (the gambling) industry,” was a “bully,” and “lack(ed) candor.” At issue was a legal opinion that, if passed, the amendment would retroactively undo, or “de-authorize,” any gambling expansion approved by state lawmakers between now and then. Lawmakers recently considered — but are now silent — on a Special Session on gambling after they failed to pass any related legislation this past Regular Session.
“Parkland hero blames sheriff, superintendent” via Terry Spencer of The Associated Press — An attorney for 15-year-old Anthony Borges read a statement from him during a news conference criticizing Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel and Superintendent Robert Runcie for the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland … Borges was shot five times, suffering wounds to the lungs, abdomen and legs. He was released from a Fort Lauderdale hospital Wednesday morning, the last of the 17 wounded to go home. Borges, too weak to talk, sat silently in a wheelchair with his right leg propped up. His statement specifically attacked the Promise program, a school district and sheriff office initiative that allows students who commit minor crimes on campus to avoid arrest if they complete rehabilitation. Runcie and Israel “failed us students, teachers and parents alike on so many levels,” Arreaza read for Borges, who sat next to his father, Roger. “I want all of us to move forward to end the environment that allowed people like Nikolas Cruz to fall through the cracks. You knew he was a problem years ago and you did nothing. He should have never been in school with us.”
— “The close-to-home reason why I support the new gun laws passed by the Florida Legislature” via Peter Schorsch
“Cops, lawyers say questions remain about how to use Florida’s ‘red flag’ gun law” via Bianca Padró Ocasio of the Orlando Sentinel — Law enforcement agencies and legal professionals are still scrambling to address the challenges of the so-called “red flag” law — developing consistent protocols and procedures to serve the orders, getting appropriate training and interpreting terms not explicitly defined in the law. “There’s still issues,” said Leonard Dietzen, an attorney who represents the Florida Police Chiefs Association. “It was put together very fast because the [Parkland] incident happened on Valentine’s Day and a couple of weeks later we have a new law. That’s never happened in Tallahassee.” Under the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, law enforcement officials can obtain a temporary risk protection order by showing evidence that people are a danger to themselves or others in the near future. Authorities also can seek a longer-term order, which lasts 12 months. Dietzen said he developed a 10-page “tutorial” document to help police departments train their staff, but there are still concerns among police officers about liability, and the potential danger of serving the injunctions to people with mental illnesses and access to weapons.
“Parents, lawmakers fear arming school staff puts black students at risk” via J.D. Gallop and Caroline Glenn of FLORIDA TODAY — Though popular among many people, Florida’s school marshal problem is proving to be a source of high anxiety for families of color. Minority families have struggled for years to draw attention to the disproportionate discipline of minority students, and the high-profile killings of unarmed black men by white police officers across the country. Now, the growing concern among some black parents, students, and activists is that in the best-case scenario, more guns in schools are only going to add to the atmosphere of fear and intimidation many minority teens already feel. And, in the worst case, they fear their children could become potential victims of undercover, armed school staff. Many of the large school districts in Florida have already taken a hard stance against the program. But the Brevard school board has not rejected it outright, and Sheriff Wayne Ivey is making a hard sell, pushing it as a critical component to better protect schools.
“As Parkland victims get national attention, a black community wonders, ‘what about our children?’” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — In a different context, Shevrin Jones might have sounded like a spokesman for the National Rifle Association. Just two days after hundreds of Parkland families cheered on Florida’s new gun restrictions, the West Park Democrat stood in front of nodding parents and children in a rec center and called the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act deeply flawed. After all, what good are extended waiting periods to South Florida’s minority communities when the shooters who terrorize their neighborhoods are often stealing weapons and buying them on the street? “Our communities don’t care about whether you do a background check,” said Jones, a state Representative. “Because we’re not going to the store to buy a gun. We’re going to buy them illegally.” As South Florida lawmakers hosted a series of town hall events coordinated across the country this week in the hopes of furthering a renewed gun control movement, the tenor and tone of the gatherings — much like their relationship with guns — has varied from community to community. Less than 30 miles and 48 hours apart, events near Parkland and in Miami Gardens illustrated just how complex the problem of gun violence is, and why answers have been so elusive even among communities supporting the same party.
“Man killed by Brightline train in Delray Beach – and it’s the fifth death this year” via Monique Madan of the Miami Herald – A man died after being hit by a Brightline train Sunday in Delray Beach, according to police. The crash happened at 12:47 p.m. on the northbound tracks, about 100 feet south of the Southeast Fourth Street crossing, Delray Beach police confirmed. The pedestrian died immediately from the impact, police said.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Trump in Palm Beach: FAA notice hints at April 15-22 Mar-a-Lago visit” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post — The FAA notice says there will be “VIP Temporary Flight Restrictions” in the Palm Beach area from April 15 to April 22. Such notices, while subject to change, are usually the first indicator of a presidential visit. Trump is scheduled to attend the April 13-14 Summit of the Americas in Peru — his first visit to Latin America as president. The White House has also announced Trump will host Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago on April 17-18.
Tweet of the Weekend:
His Holiness the @DalaiLama with the US Representatives @RosLehtinen and @RepTenney during their visit to Dharamshala, India. https://t.co/gj9VYV7Wh1#Tibet #USA #DalaiLama pic.twitter.com/8sLVdXHeYG
— TibetanReview (@TibetanReview) April 6, 2018
“Irma agriculture aid slated to start in summer” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — A program to distribute federal disaster aid to Florida farmers hit by Hurricane Irma will be set up within the next 100 days, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced … “USDA (the U.S. Department of Agriculture) is working as quickly as possible to develop procedures and a system by which affected producers can access disaster assistance,” Perdue said in a prepared statement. The announcement added that “sign-up for the new program, authorized by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, will begin no later than July 16,” about 100 days from now. It remains unknown how claims can be filed or how money will be distributed.
— OPINIONS —
“Joe Henderson: Guns and Trump form backdrop of Rick Scott” via Florida Politics — Let’s just cut to what figures to be the essence of a showdown between Nelson and Scott for a Florida U.S. Senate seat. Scott’s entry into the race, long a foregone conclusion, signals the start of what could the most expensive and nasty race in the country … two things that matter most in this campaign: Guns and Trump. Scott has been joined at the hip to Trump, which Nelson’s camp will exploit to the max. It may not matter as much as Democrats would like, though. While Trump’s approval is hovering around 40 percent, and perhaps a little higher in Florida, his people will turn out and vote no matter what. In a midterm election, turnout is the key and Democrats have fallen short there in the past. The X Factor is whether the slaughter of innocents at Parkland brings out thousands of new voters. If so, it could turn the election in Nelson’s favor. Scott likely will be a tougher opponent, but by how much? He won both his gubernatorial races by about 1 percentage point. A win is a win, but wins like that are hardly an overwhelming mandate.
“Don’t gamble on special session” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — The main reason legislators have struggled to pass legislation on gambling is that multiple players with competing interests always seem to get involved. That group includes not only the Seminole [Tribe of Florida] but also the pari-mutuel operators of the state’s horse and dog tracks and jai-alai frontons. While the Seminoles want to maintain or expand their exclusive right to offer games at their casinos, the pari-mutuels’ wish list includes adding slot machines in counties where voters have approved them and reducing the taxes they owe the state. Legislators tend to dig in on competing sides and run out of time to settle their differences. Here’s where the unsavory part comes in: The players in the gambling debate — the rivals in the industry, and the opponents of any expanded wagering in the state — have deep pockets, and don’t hesitate to seek influence with legislators through hefty campaign contributions. Legislators can’t collect those contributions when they’re in session, but the prospect of a special session on gambling could generate a flood of cash for them in weeks leading up to it. That’s a boon in an election year — especially for legislators who are ramping up statewide campaigns. But it’s an utterly self-serving and irresponsible way to make public policy.
“A vote for Marsy’s Law helps protect vulnerable victims of crime” via Chip LaMarca for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A proposal before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) called Marsy’s Law would amend our state constitution to give equal rights to crime victims. Quite simply, Proposal 96 is good public policy and I am proud to offer my support. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, commemorated this year April 8-14, is the perfect time to reflect on how our state treats innocent victims of crime and their families. Until a violent crime happens to us or someone we love, we can only imagine how it feels to be victimized — and, how scary it is to seek justice. Marsy’s Law would not take away any of the rights of the accused. Instead, it would ensure crime victims and their families are no longer silenced in the criminal justice process.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Justin Day heads to Capital City Consulting” via Florida Politics — Day now will open a new office in the Tampa Bay area with CCC partner Dan Newman. It’s the first satellite office for INFLUENCE Magazine’s 2016 Lobbying Firm of the Year, which is looking to have a greater statewide presence and will continue to grow in other local markets. “With CCC’s strong growth over the few years, a local office in Tampa is a natural progression,” said Nick Iarossi, the firm’s founding partner. “In fact, we have an eye toward future offices in key local markets to expand the services we can provide clients.” Added Ron LaFace Jr., another founding partner: “Local market expansion has always been a goal to enhance our client services, but finding the right people is paramount.”
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Silvia Alderman, Akerman: Florida Crystals Corporation
Rheb Harbison, GrayRobinson: Quaker Foods & Beverages
Ken Pruitt, The P5 Group: N. Vision Communities
Jonathan Paul Steverson, Foley & Lardner: Dewberry Engineers
Appointed — Alissa Ellison to the Hillsborough County Court.
Reappointed — Eduardo Almeyda, Robert Dietz, Iliana Forte, David Langham, Neal Pitts and Margaret Sojourner as Judges of Compensation Claims.
— ALOE —
“The mystery behind why a beautiful movie theater in the town created by Disney World has been closed for almost a decade” via Jason Guerrasio of Business Insider — The two-screen movie theater in Celebration is one of the crown jewels of the Town Center downtown area. Like the entire downtown, it was built in 1994 to entice people to buy the condos above storefronts or the surrounding farmland that would soon be transformed into quaint homes. But in 2004, Disney sold its stake in the Town Center to the private-equity firm Lexin Capital. The theater, operated by the AMC theater chain, closed its doors in 2010, but AMC still owns its lease … after years of public outcry, AMC began turning on the lights in the evenings. When AMC started work on a massive 24-screen multiplex at Walt Disney World Resort’s Pleasure Island in 1997 — now renamed Disney Springs — the park had one stipulation: If AMC wanted the 24 screens, it also had to take on the existing two-screen theater in Celebration … AMC has kept the Celebration theater empty for close to a decade because it’s cheaper to take the loss on the theater than to pay staff and operate it.
“Sarasota Film Festival: 20 years of stars, screenings and parties” via Jimmy Geurts of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The 10-day event remains a popular destination for anyone interested in seeing Oscar-winning and nominated actors, directors and movies at downtown venues such as Regal Hollywood, Florida Studio Theatre and the Sarasota Opera House. The festival celebrates its 20th anniversary when it returns April 13-22. Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen and actor Steve Guttenberg, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will be in Sarasota to receive career achievement awards, as Sophia Loren and Richard Dreyfuss have in the past. Other scheduled guests this year include actor and director Eric Stoltz, Oscar-nominated documentarian Rory Kennedy and comedian Bo Burnham, attending with his acclaimed directorial debut “Eighth Grade.” There will be nearly 100 features and more than 100 short films playing, with parties, talks and other events, compared with just eight films in its first year.
Happy birthday from the weekend to the St. Louis Cardinals #1 fan, Jeff Atwater, as well as Lori Costantino-Brown, Jesse Phillips, and Chris Turner. Celebrating today are Emily Duda Buckley, Matt Carlucci, and Alli Liby-Schoonover (ciao!).
