Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Revenue forecasters aren’t moved about the status of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s casino money.
The Legislature’s chief economist on Wednesday said revenue forecasters won’t be changing their classification of the money the Tribe pays the state.
Amy Baker and other forecasters met as part of a regular conference on the financial ‘impact’ of bills passed during the annual Legislative Session.
During a break, Baker told a Florida Politics reporter there’s no plan to change formal consideration of that money as “nonrecurring,” or not to be counted on.
A settlement agreement between the Tribe and the state over blackjack has expired. But an overarching 2010 agreement, known as a “compact,” is still in place.
Even though the Tribe through its lawyer said it would keep paying the state millions each month, that’s not enough for Baker and her colleagues.
Without a Special Session on gaming resulting in a resolution, or an official statement from the Tribe, the money will remain nonrecurring, Baker said.
Evening Reads
“Puerto Rico suffers island-wide power outage” via Ray Sanchez and Lonzo Cook of CNN
“Florida conservatives to Jeff Sessions: Investigate ‘Obama-era’ officials” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Rick Scott has made enemies over voting rights during last eight years” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Report: Unemployment assistance in Florida lagged after Hurricane Irma” via Malena Carollo of the Tampa Bay Times
“Florida GOP edges Democrats in Q1 fundraising, but both parties struggle” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Florida Petroleum Council opposes combining vaping, offshore drilling bans on ballot” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida
“1st DCA asks Supreme Court to reconsider personal injury claims involving pollution” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics
“Appellate court will review Joe Redner ‘home grow’ marijuana case” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“Ahead of the start of hurricane season, Florida lauded for its building codes” via Wayne Price of Florida Today
“Recall: Over 200 million eggs recalled in Florida Publix stores” via Action News JAX
Quote of the Day
“I’m exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush.” — Former Gov. Jeb Bush. His mother died Tuesday at the age of 92.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Drug Policy Advisory Council, which analyzes impacts of substance abuse in Florida and makes recommendations related to a drug-control strategy, will meet. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Department of Children and Families, 1317 Winewood Blvd., Building 6, Tallahassee.
The Florida Defense Support Task Force, which works to protect and enhance military installations, will hold a conference call. That’s at 9 a.m. Call-in number: 1-800-501-8979. Code: 1869945.
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican, will speak at a Brevard Veterans Resource Network event. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Merrill Lynch, River Tower, fourth floor, corner of Suntree Boulevard and U.S. 1, Melbourne.
Staff members for Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will hold “mobile” office hours in Alachua and Miami-Dade counties. That’s at 10 a.m., Newberry City Hall, 25440 West Newberry Road, Newberry. Also, noon, West Flagler Library, 5050 West Flagler St., Miami.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club will host a discussion about the 2018 legislative session. Expected to take part are Sen. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican; Rep. Julio Gonzalez, a Venice Republican; Rep. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican; Rep. Margaret Good, a Sarasota Democrat; and Rep. Wengay Newton, a St. Petersburg Democrat. That’s at noon, Michael’s on East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota.
Florida TaxWatch and the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will announce a strategic partnership that “benefits the taxpaying citizens of Florida,” they said in a news release. That’s at 12:45 p.m., Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, 6601 Adventure Way, Orlando.
Rep. Newton also will host his second Legislative Town Hall of 2018, with a focus on opioid epidemic policies, issues affecting local government, and the school safety package. That’s at 5:30 p.m., North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who is running for a full term this year, will speak during a meeting of the Sarasota Republican Club. That’s at 6 p.m., Marina Jack Restaurant, 2 Marina Jack Plaza, Sarasota.
Rep. Sean Shaw, a Tampa Democrat and candidate for Attorney General, will join a Legislative Session round-up and Town Hall on gun safety. That’s at 6:30 p.m., West Tampa Library, 2312 W. Union St., Tampa.
