Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
It’s qualifying time.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Ken Detzner reminded officeholders and contenders about the qualifying period coming up for Congress (U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative), judges, and state attorney and public defender for the 20th Judicial Circuit in southwest Florida.
That’s next week, from noon on April 30 to noon on May 4.
Qualifying papers are currently being accepted under a state law permitting paperwork to be filed 14 days before the beginning of qualifying, Detzner said.
“2018 will be a busy election year in Florida, and I encourage all candidates who plan to run for office to file qualifying papers within the permissible window,” he said in a statement.
“Information about qualifying is available on the Division of Elections’ website and the Division’s staff is here to help.”
The Division of Elections’ website will be updated as qualifying paperwork is received, he added.
Evening Reads
“U.S. Chamber places 6-figure ad hitting Bill Nelson on economy” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Ricardo Rosselló pushes to empower Florida Puerto Ricans to support Puerto Rico” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“BSO deputies took cover during Parkland massacre, cop sys – and one knew where shooter was” via Nicholas Nehamas of the Miami Herald
“Investigators: School design contributed to massacre” via Terry Spencer and Curt Anderson of the Associated Press
“Marco Rubio challenges legitimacy of Brightline financing” via Lisa Broadt of the TC Palm
“Local fishing leaders hit Washington to advocate for Everglades restoration” via Jaclyn Bevis of NBC 2
“Dana Young: Let’s get the medical marijuana licensing train rolling” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“Meet the Florida Senate’s newest member: Lori Berman” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Contractors see benefits of Sunshine Protection Act” via Mark Shanklin of the Orlando Sentinel
“St. Augustine planning board member charged with FEMA board” via Sheldon Gardner of the St. Augustine Record
Quote of the Day
“YETI severed ties with the NRA and is now engaging in damage control after a backlash from many of its customers … YETI is trying to spin the story otherwise. While (they) can choose to run from the NRA, they can’t run from the facts.” — NRA Florida lobbyist Marion Hammer, a former president of the national gun-rights group, in an email to supporters on the conflict with the cooler manufacturer.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Members of the Brevard County legislative delegation will discuss the 2018 session during a breakfast hosted by the Space Coast Economic Development Council and the law firm Dean Mead. That’s at 7:45 a.m., Hilton Melbourne Rialto, 200 Rialto Place, Melbourne.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will meet and take up a series of issues, including a discussion about the Everglades. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Fort Lauderdale Marriott North, 6650 North Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
Republican candidate for governor Adam Putnam will host an “Up & Adam” Breakfast in Jacksonville. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Beach Diner Mandarin, 11362 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville.
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican, will discuss the 2018 legislative session during a meeting of the Space Coast Republican Club. That’s at 11 a.m., Red Lobster, 215 East Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island.
Incoming Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson holds a fundraiser to support her re-election bid to Jacksonville’s Senate District 6. That’s at 11:30 a.m., Intuition Ale Works, 929 E. Bay St., Jacksonville. RSVP with Melissa Langley at [email protected] or (904) 358-2757.
Rep. Rick Roth, a Loxahatchee Republican, will discuss the 2018 legislative session during a meeting of the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches. Former Rep. Baxter Troutman, who is running for state agriculture commissioner, also is slated to speak. That’s at noon, Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center, 1301 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach.
St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes hosts a fundraising reception to benefit Liberty Florida and his re-election bid for Senate District 24. That’s at 5 p.m., 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, 400 Beach Dr. NE., St. Petersburg. RSVP with Rick Porter at (407) 849-1112 or [email protected].
Democrat Shevrin Jones hosts a campaign kickoff for his re-election bid in Broward County’s House District 101. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Hollywood Vine, 2035 Harrison St., Hollywood. RSVP info at www.shevrinjones.com.
Two Miami Democrats, Sen. Annette Taddeo and Rep. Robert Asencio, will hold a town-hall meeting about legislative issues. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Kendall Community Pavilion, 8625 S.W. 124th Ave., Miami.
Rep. Julio Gonzalez, a Venice Republican running for Congress this year, is slated to speak at the Republican Club of South Sarasota County’s annual Reagan Patriot Day Dinner. That’s at 7 p.m., Elks Lodge, 401 North Indiana Ave., Englewood.
