Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The Florida Chamber Foundation will hold their second annual Florida Business Leaders’ Summit on Prosperity & Economic Opportunity in Orlando Thursday to discuss how Florida’s businesses can help pave the way toward prosperity for all Floridians.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive.
From conversations on the importance of skills and workforce training, looking at Florida’s housing to how current business-led efforts can be replicated throughout Florida, business, community, and philanthropy leaders will join with elected officials to set the stage for action.
Speakers throughout the day will include:
— Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who also plans a “special announcement” there, in Ballroom B, at 10 a.m. The news is widely expected to be the Chamber’s endorsement of his bid for governor this year. A livestream will be available on the chamber’s Twitter feed, @FLChamber.
— Stan Connally, Chairman, President & CEO, Gulf Power; Vice Chair, Enterprise Florida; Vice Chair, Achieve Escambia.
— Forough Hosseini, Senior Vice President of Information Systems, ICI Homes.
— David Lawrence, Chair, The Children’s Movement of Florida; former Publisher of The Miami Herald.
— Sen. Mel Martinez, Chairman, Southeast U.S. and Latin America for JPMorgan Chase & Co.; former U.S. Senator & HUD Secretary.
— Will Weatherford, Weatherford Capital; Former Speaker of Florida House.
Click here to see the full agenda.
Evening Reads
“Many GOP politicians dislike Donald Trump. They’re terrified to admit it.” via David Jolly of The Washington Post
“Marco Rubio walks back criticism of GOP tax law“ via Quint Forgey of POLITICO
“Rick Scott pushing ‘supermajority’ proposal for Congress tax hikes” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Rick Scott woos the Puerto Rican vote in west Tampa” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times
“Joe Negron will retire early in November” via Ali Schmitz of TC Palm
“Negron retirement opens new swing Senate seat on Treasure Coast“ via Matt Dixon and Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida
“What became of Richard Corcoran’s allegedly brilliant political mind?” via Adam Smith
“Shooting suspect’s brother arrested on probation violation” via The Associated Press
“Sun-Sentinel apologizes after running front-page gun ad beneath Parkland story” via Tim Elfrink of the Miami New Times
“Orange and Osceola counties face lawyer shortage in capital cases, chief judge says” via Gal Lotan of the Orlando Sentinel
Quote of the Day
“In order to secure a health services contractor, fund the increased pharmaceutical budget, and adjust for reductions, we’ve unfortunately had to make some very difficult decisions.” — Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones, in a statement announcing cuts at the agency.
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Wake Up Early?
The Revenue Estimating Conference will hold what is known as a post-session “impact” conference at 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.
The Florida Public Service Commission will continue a workshop to review hurricane preparation and response plans for electric utilities. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.
Sen. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, will address a groundbreaking for a new Heart and Vascular Pavilion at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside. That’s at 10 a.m., St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside, 1 Shircliff Way, Jacksonville.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, a Lakeland Republican who recently announced he would not run for re-election this year, will speak during a meeting of the Tiger Bay Club of Polk County. That’s at 11:30 a.m., Bartow Civic Center, 2250 South Floral Ave., Bartow.
A National Day of Prayer event will be held in Tallahassee. Worship begins 11:30 a.m., with a prayer service at noon, both on the 22nd floor, the Capitol.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush is slated to speak during a commencement ceremony for the University of Central Florida’s College of Graduate Studies, College of Medicine, College of Undergraduate Studies, and Rosen College of Hospitality Management. That’s at 2:30 p.m., University of Central Florida, CFE Arena, Orlando.
Rep. Barrington Russell, a Lauderhill Democrat, will host a roundtable discussion focused on addressing the issues of gun violence and school safety. That’s at 6 p.m., The Faith Center, 5555 NW 95th Ave., Sunrise.
Agriculture Commissioner Putnam, in the running for Governor this year, will speak during the Polk State College commencement ceremony. That’s at 6:30 p.m., RP Funding Center, 701 West Lime St., Lakeland.
