Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 5.10.18

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Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.

By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.

With apologies to William Shakespeare…

Friends, Floridians, countrymen, lend me your ears;

I come to bury Corcoran, not to praise him.

The evil that Speakers do lives after them;

The good is oft interred with their bones;

So let it be with Caesar. The noble press corps

Hath told you Corcoran was too ambitious;

If it were so, it was a grievous fault,

And grievously hath Corcoran answer’d it.

Here, under leave of Dixon and Fineout and the rest –

For the press corps is an honorable group;

So are they all, all honorable people

Come I to speak in Corcoran’s funeral.

He was my friend, faithful and just to me:

But the press corps said he was too ambitious

And the press corps is an honorable group.

He hath brought forth many investigations

Whose ransoms did the generals coffers fill:

Did this in Corcoran seem too ambitious?

When that the taxpayers have cried, Corcoran hath wept:

Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:

Yet the press corps said he was too ambitious;

And the press corps is an honorable group.

You all did see he over the last week

He was presented a chance to run for AG,

Which he did strenuously refuse: was this ambition?

Yet the press corps says he had become annoying;

And, sure, Matt Dixon is an honorable man.

I speak not to disprove what the press corps spoke,

But here I am to speak what I do know.

You all did like him once, not without cause:

What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him?

O judgement! thou art fled to brutish beasts,

And the press corps has lost its reason. Bear with me;

My heart was at the podium there with Corcoran,

And I must pause till it come back to me.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@SenBillNelson: I am joining 48 of my colleagues in forcing a Senate vote to restore these essential #NetNeutrality rules that ensure a free and open internet.

—@Jason_Garcia: Having two future House speakers owe you for orchestrating their wins and a chip down with the front-runner for governor seems like a pretty good pace to be tbh.

–@NoahPransky: While the state budget has grown 39 percent since Gov. Scott took office in 2011, the DOC’s budget has grown just 3 percent.

–@MarcACaputo: Way back when while I worked at the Miami Herald & we combined state Capital bureaus with the Tampa Bay Times, we talked about having a joint blog. I wanted to name it The Shaft, both for the Florida Capitol’s design and for what happens to people when they deal with govt.

—@Fineout: This will be a semiregular tweet where I note that unlike DC that Tallahassee was not built on swampland but is, in fact, a collection of hills.

–@AnthonyPedicini: Asking all ppl involve in #FlaPol to keep @Gayle_Harrell and her husband, Doc in their prayers today.

—@MacStipanovich (replying to Matt Gaetz): As the GOP’s prodigal sons and daughters slowly recover from their right wing populist bender, there will fewer and fewer people out on that limb with you.

–@SteveSchale: Dear Fellow Floridians: As we think about Mother’s Day, remember someone is the mother of the child who grew up to invent turn signals. Honor that mother and all mothers by using yours.

— DAYS UNTIL —

Mother’s Day — 3; Deadpool 2 release — 8; Solo: A Star Wars Story premier — 15; Memorial Day — 18; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in St. Petersburg — 30; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Miramar — 32; Time Warner/AT&T merger ruling — 33; Father’s Day — 38; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 43; Florida GOP Sunshine Summit starts — 49; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Fort Myers — 59; MLB All-Star Game — 68; Deadline for filing claim bills — 83; ‘The Race for Governor’ Republican gubernatorial debate — 83; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in Miami — 84; Start of the U.S. Open — 109; Primary Election Day — 110; College Football opening weekend — 112; NFL season starts — 119; Future of Florida Forum — 139; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 166; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 167; General Election Day — 180; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 280; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 299.

— TOP STORY —

“Why Richard Corcoran failed in his bid for Florida governor” via Mary Ellen Klas and Emily Mahoney of the Times/Herald – As Speaker, Corcoran’s zeal for policy, cunning Legislative tactics and ability to cultivate loyalty in his party made him a powerhouse, but his aggressive pursuit of stronger ethics rules, budget transparency and controversial education reform and his conservative hard line on health care won both friends and enemies. Rep. Janet Cruz, the Democratic House minority leader from Tampa, said that Corcoran’s refusal to expand Medicaid in 2015 as well as his school choice crusade weakened his leadership.

— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —

“Donald Trump campaign rolls out new ad pumping up tax cuts” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The ad highlights benefits felt by the “Shortway Brewing Company,” based in North Carolina. The owners, Matt and Lindsay Shortway, say the tax cuts have been a boon for their business. “The president’s policies are helping our small business grow,” said Matt. “With President Trump’s agenda and the way that the country is moving right now, I am very optimistic about the future of this country.” The Trump campaign and the GOP hope ads like this which showcase the effects on small business can help turn that sentiment around. It may pay off, as Trump’s approval ratings have steadily been rising. That could give hope to Republicans in November. You can view the ad by clicking here.

Assignment editors — Gov. Rick Scott will roll out the second proposal of his “Make Washington Work” plan to require a two-thirds supermajority of Congress to approve any tax or fee increase. The event begins 2 p.m. at Dusobox, 2501 Investors Row, Suite 900, Orlando.

“Gwen Graham clears $1M in April, has $4.7M on hand” via Florida Politics — Graham’s gubernatorial campaign announced its April fundraising efforts yielded more than $1 million — her best total since filing for the race one year ago … her campaign said it ended the month with more than $4.7 million in the bank between her campaign and committee, Gwen Graham for Florida. That’s a $700,000 increase from her on hand total at the end of March, when the North Florida Democrat brought in $660,000. The new numbers put her total fundraising close to the $7.5 million mark. According to the announcement, Graham brought in more than $330,000 for her campaign and more than $670,000 for her committee.

Assignment editors — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine will speak to the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club, 11:30 a.m., St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. in St. Pete.

“Six-figure take buoys Denise Grimsley’s Ag. Commissioner bid” via Florida Politics – Grimsley topped the field last month with nearly $190,000 raised between her campaign and committee … her campaign said $110,985 of the April haul came in through her campaign account, while the remaining $78,500 was raised via her committee, Saving Florida’s Heartland. The campaign didn’t say how much the accounts had at the ready – they combined to $870,000 banked at the end of March – but it did add another milestone to the brag board: With April in the books, Grimsley has received contributions from more than 1,700 unique donors, which Grimsley’s team says is more than any of her challengers can boast.

“It’s official: Amanda Murphy is running for state Senate” via Florida Politics — Murphy said she would run for Senate District 16 last week, and she made it official by filing her paperwork with the Florida Division of Elections. “I am running because the people of Pasco and Pinellas counties need someone who will put them first, someone who knows what it means to get up every morning, go to work and earn a living, someone who is not beholden to Tallahassee politicians and their special interest handlers,” Murphy said in a news release. “I know how to fight — and win — for the hardworking people of this region, and I am ready to fight for them every day.” Murphy, who represented HD 36 from 2013 through 2016, joins Bernie Fensterwald in the Democratic Primary. Her true test, however, will be former Clearwater Republican Rep. Ed Hooper, who has been in the race and piling on the campaign funds for nearly two years.

—“Jeff Brandes clears $550K on hand for re-election bid” via Florida Politics

“MaryLynn Magar won’t challenge Harrell, Keiser in SD 25” via Florida Politics – Magar said Wednesday that she won’t enter the special election to replace exiting Senate President Joe Negron and will instead to stay put in the Florida House. Magar was the only other major candidate thought to have her sights set on Senate District 25, and with her announcement, it looks like the special Republican Primary will be a two-way race between Stuart Republican Rep. Gayle Harrell and Keiser University Vice-Chancellor Belinda Keiser.

“Hialeah mayor endorses Manny Diaz in SD 36 contest” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez is endorsing state Rep. Diaz for the Senate District 36 seat. “Manny Diaz is a proven leader and will be an outstanding senator,” Hernandez said. “Throughout his time in the Florida House, he has been a solid advocate for our community, and we need his forward-thinking leadership in the Senate. I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship as we work on a range of issues that make a difference in the lives of our constituents.”

Happening today — Maitland Democrat Joy Goff-Marcil holds a campaign kickoff in her bid for House District 30. Goff-Marcil hopes to unseat Rep. Bob Cortes in the district covering parts of Orange and Seminole counties. The event begins 5 p.m., An Tobar Irish Pub, 600 North Lake Destiny Road, Maitland.

Save the date:

—“Karen Skyers’ first finance report puts her atop HD 61 field” via Florida Politics

—“Former lawmaker Lisa Carlton endorses Tommy Gregory in HD 73 race” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics

— SCOTT TALKS HURRICANES —

Call it the calm before the storm. 

Tampa Bay Times’ William March recently caught up with Scott as he approaches his last hurricane season, one that could be a doozy. 

In the brief Q&A, Scott stressed preparedness, urging Floridians to “have your supplies, three days of water, three days of food, have your medicine, make sure you know your evacuation route … If you might have to go to a shelter, make sure you know where your shelter is.” 

The Governor also provided a few more insights. 

Nursing homes: Old folks are better equipped, thanks to the Legislature and Scott’s encouragement. The Governor signed legislation mandating nursing homes have generators and fuel at the ready. The tragedies and missteps at nursing homes in 2017 were Scott’s “biggest” frustrations, he said.

Statewide: Florida is spending a lot on infrastructure improvement, Scott said. He wants other agencies to have more synergy.

Looking ahead: The Governor told March there would be a “hurricane conference” in the next two weeks. March noted, “forecasters predict” the 2018 hurricane season could be “above active.”

— STATEWIDE —

“Scott, Cabinet eye land conservation projects” via the News Service of Florida — Gov. Scott and the Cabinet are expected to consider whether to spend nearly $11 million to help limit future development on four ranches and farms in four counties. The proposals would add 8,388 acres to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program … a 4,476-acre project in Highlands County known as Goolsby Ranch, with a cost of $7.63 million; a 929-acre project in Manatee County known as Howze Ranch, with a cost of $1.5 million; a 1,400-acre project in Madison County known as Sampala Lake Ranch, with a cost of $1.26 million; and a 1,583-acre project in Putnam County known as Rodman Plantation, with a cost of $540,000. State staff members have recommended approval of all four projects.

Assignment editors — Gov. Scott will attend a groundbreaking in The Villages to kickoff construction of the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood, 10 a.m., Publix Grand Traverse Plaza, 2925 Traverse Trl., Wildwood.

“Deputies who took cover at Parkland massacre lacked recent active shooter training” via Nicholas Nehamas of the Miami Herald — Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies … had not been through their department’s active shooter training since 2015 or 2016, according to their training files. Several deputies took cover behind their cars while gunfire raged inside the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School building … At least one deputy seemed to know where the shooter was. One possible explanation for the difference in response: BSO says it hasn’t done an active shooter training cycle since 2016. In contrast, most of the first Coral Springs officers to arrive went through active shooter training in 2017. Coral Springs, a smaller department, says its officers do active shooter training drills every year.

Constitution Revision Commission turns in its work — The commission, formed every 20 years to review and suggest changes to the state’s governing document, formally submitted its proposed amendments to Secretary of State Ken Detzner on Wednesday — one day ahead of the deadline. “The final report contains eight CRC revisions that will appear as constitutional amendments on the 2018 General Election ballot for voter consideration,” according to a news release. “The CRC is giving Floridians the opportunity to vote ‘yes’ on several important issues including ethics reform in government, rights for victims of crime, prohibiting oil drilling in state waters, and necessary education reforms,” Chairman Carlos Beruff said in a statement. “I commend my fellow Commissioners for their service, and we thank all Floridians who participated in this historic process.” The amendments must each gain at least 60 percent voter approval to be added to the state constitution.

“Tiger Bay puts CRC officers on hot seat over bundling ‘poison pills’ and ‘SweeTARTs’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — If the members of the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida reflect the views of regular people, then the eight proposals the Florida Constitution Revision Commission put on the November ballot last month could be in trouble. After Brecht Heuchan, Frank Kruppenbacher and state Rep. Jeanette Nuñez defended the commission’s decision to bundle multiple law changes into single amendment proposals, the members of the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida largely rejected their explanations at a forum in Orlando. “I think everyone in this room understands that the rationale of lengthy ballots and voter fatigue are bull,” said Jason Johnson, a lawyer and past president of the club. “Your argument that someone’s poison pill is another person’s SweeTART is making the point, for people who are against grouping, that you’re just doing it to get poison pills passed by getting people to vote for the SweeTARTs,” he continued. “Why not just separate them all and let the chips fall where they may?”

“Criminal justice reform advocates call for lawmakers to reconsider prison budget cuts” via Laura Morel of the Tampa Bay Times — After learning last week that the Department of Corrections slashed $28 million in funding for rehabilitation programs, Kim Lawrance of Winter Haven is worried about her daughter’s ability to transition back into society when she’s released. “My daughter has until 2025, and with these budget cuts, she and a lot of others will have a lot of idle time on their hands,” Lawrance said Wednesday. “How will my daughter adapt when she comes home?” Lawrance spoke at a news conference organized by the Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform, where stakeholders from several organizations, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, called on Gov. Scott and lawmakers to find funding for these programs … the Legislature passed a budget that was $28 million short in prison funding. To cope with the lack of resources, Corrections Secretary Julie Jones announced the agency is making cuts to substance abuse, mental health treatment, re-entry and work release programs.

‘False advertising’ lawsuit against John Morgan dismissed — A federal judge in Philadelphia has closed a lawsuit over a false advertising claim against Morgan and his Orlando-based Morgan & Morgan law firm. The order for dismissal did not include any terms of a settlement. Court records show a settlement conference that had been scheduled for May 22 was canceled. A complaint was filed last September by the competing Rosenbaum & Associates personal injury firm. Its suit said Morgan’s well-known advertisements, also running in southeastern Pennsylvania, were “misleading” potential clients. The suit said the ads, ubiquitous on billboards and buses in the Sunshine State, wrongly give the impression that the firm “actively litigate(s) claims in Pennsylvania” when its personal-injury practice there is actually “nonexistent or minimal.” In a statement last year, Morgan called the lawsuit “utter nonsense,” adding, “This guy (Rosenbaum) doesn’t like competition. Sorry, it’s the American way.”

“Court sides with church in priest defamation fight” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — Saying judges cannot become entangled in church administrative decisions, an appeals court Wednesday blocked a Catholic priest’s defamation lawsuit against the Diocese of Palm Beach. The lawsuit, filed by priest John Gallagher, came after series of events that started with allegations in early 2015 that another priest at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in West Palm Beach had shown child pornography to a 14-year-old boy. The other priest … pleaded guilty and was ultimately deported … After the incident … Gallagher was not offered the job of the pastor of Holy Name … He alleged that the diocese tried to cover up the child-pornography incident and that he was reassigned for not going along … diocese officials made critical comments about Gallagher, who alleged that he had been defamed … the appeals court sided with the diocese, at least in part because the court said judges could not get involved in church decisions about issues such as employment.

What Hard Rock chairman Jim Allen is reading: “Hard Rock Granted Casino License in Atlantic City” via AP — Hard Rock had an easy time with New Jersey gambling regulators on Wednesday, gaining a license to reopen a casino and begin Atlantic City’s recovery from a string of gambling hall closures on a property that President Donald Trump once hailed as “the eighth wonder of the world.” The Casino Control Commission granted a license to Hard Rock, the worldwide hotel, gambling and entertainment company owned by Florida’s Seminole Indian tribe. It is reopening the former Trump Taj Mahal. The casino is set to reopen on June 28 — the same day as another shuttered Boardwalk casino, the former Revel property, that will open as the Ocean Resort Casino. Together, the new casinos will restore as many as 6,500 of the 11,000 jobs Atlantic City lost when five of its 12 casinos went out of business since 2014. Casino officials say Hard Rock has received 50,000 applications for 4,000 jobs.

“This firm would like to release GMO mosquitoes in the Keys. The EPA wants your thoughts.” via David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — The Environmental Protection Agency has extended the public comment period on an application received from a British company in December seeking to release millions of genetically modified mosquitoes somewhere in the Florida Keys. The deadline for comments is June 7. The lab-grown Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are almost all male and are designed to mate with females. Their offspring, according to the research by the biotech company Oxitec, which is seeking the release of the GMO mosquitoes, will not survive into adulthood because of a self-limiting gene bred into the males. The aim is to wipe out, or significantly reduce, the local population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread deadly viruses like dengue fever and Zika.

— FOR YOUR RADAR —

Former state Rep. Bev Kilmer turns to acting — Kilmer, a former Republican House member from the Panhandle, reports that she will be “debuting as ‘Bunny,’ (one of) ‘The Bad Girl of Eden Falls,” in a community theater production of “The Hallelujah Girls.” The show starts next month at Chipley’s Spanish Trail Playhouse. The play is by three of the writers for “The Golden Girls,” which aired on NBC in 1985-92. “Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives,” the theater’s website explains. “The action in this rollicking Southern comedy takes place in SPA-DEE-DAH!, the abandoned church-turned-day-spa where this group of friends gathers every Friday afternoon.” Performances are June 1-3, with tickets available online. “It is hilarious,” Kilmer says.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Bill Nelson, Democratic congressional members urge state lawmakers to repeal statewide gun law” via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida — Nelson and 11 Democratic congressional members from Florida urged the Republican leadership in the Legislature to repeal a law that prohibits local governments from regulating guns. “This law not only prevents localities from enacting any kind of firearm measure but also subjects a violating locality or local official to a civil fine — a provision that we believe is unconstitutional given that legislators are immune from civil liability for legislative activities,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter sent to House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron. “Allow local officials to enact reasonable firearm measures that best reflects the view of their constituents,” they wrote. Incoming Senate President Bill Galvano told POLITICO the letter was “a publicity stunt.”

“Republicans move to force DACA vote in defiance of Paul Ryan” via Rachael Bade of POLITICO — Reps. Carlos Curbelo … Will Hurd of Texas, and Jeff Denham and David Valadao of California filed a discharge petition that would trigger a series of votes on different immigration bills if 218 members sign on. If every Democrat supports the idea, which sources said is likely, 20 Republicans would have to break ranks and join them to trigger the votes. Two sources intimately involved in the effort say at least 15 Republicans are ready to join. This week they picked up a significant GOP voice on immigration, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who had been working hand in hand with Ryan and the White House on immigration. Diaz-Balart has wanted Congress to codify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals but had been unwilling to go against the speaker until now. His support is likely to sway other centrist Republicans frustrated by the lack of action on Dreamers to sign the petition.

— OPINIONS —

“Peter Hamby: What John Edwards should teach the media about covering Donald Trump” via Vanity Fair – Aggressive, always-on skepticism: it must be the media’s enduring posture with the Trump administration and its allies and its attempts to diminish what’s under investigation. For the public and the press, our north star, even in moments of doubt, has to be the knowledge that it’s all probably worse than we think it is. That’s always how political scandals work. To take Raelyn Johnson’s analogy a step further: where there is smoke, there is fire. What about when there are four dozen fires, all burning simultaneously in the same house?

“Joe Henderson: We haven’t seen the last of Richard Corcoran” via Florida Politics — While it unquestionably is the right time for Corcoran to go home to Land O’Lakes, as he promised to do if he didn’t run for governor, that doesn’t mean he will stay there. At age 53, Corcoran has a lot of hop left on his political fastball. I would be stunned if we don’t see him in a significant role if Putnam is elected governor this fall. It became clear in recent weeks that a Corcoran candidacy was attracting stifled yawns from the electorate. I’ll give him credit for seeing the landscape as it really was and not pushing a losing hand. Aligning with Putnam was the smart play for him, and we’ll see how that plays out. And while pundits are combing through the story of Corcoran’s gambit looking for deeper meaning, I doubt it will have much impact on the Republican primary or general election … even though he won’t be on the ballot this time or maybe ever again, we haven’t seen the last of Corcoran. It’s up to the individual to decide if that’s good news or ill.

— MOVEMENTS —

“Gregory Haile named president of Broward College” via The News Service of Florida – A new president was named Wednesday for Broward College, the second-largest institution in Florida’s 28-member state college system. The college’s board of trustees unanimously picked Gregory Haile, the school’s general counsel, to replace outgoing President David Armstrong, who will step down in late June. The college, which has some 63,000 full- and part-time students, started with an initial list of 22 candidates recommended by consultants in a nationwide search. John Benz, chairman of the trustees, said the board determined that Haile, who has been at the school since 2011 and has a law degree from Columbia University, “was both the best qualified and best fit.”

Personnel note: Dawn Jiménez promoted to LeadingAge Florida VP — Jiménez started at the organization nearly four years ago, and now will be Vice President of Operations, according to a Wednesday news release. “In her new role, she’s responsible for overseeing and improving our overall operations, (and) oversees our convention exhibits and annual sponsorships.” She’s a native of the San Francisco area, where she began her career in finance with Ford Motor Co. She later was at Triad Systems Corp. (now Epicor), where she was a National Account Manager and the Western Area Education Manager. LeadingAge Florida was formerly known as Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, founded in 1963, and represents continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), nursing homes and assisted living facilities, among others.

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

Jose Davila: Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund

John Forehand, Robert Craig Spickard, Kurkin Forehand Brandes: Florida Automobile Dealers Association

Darrick McGhee, Johnson & Blanton: United Data Technologies

Timothy Meenan, Karl Rasmussen, Joy Ryan, Meenan: Pharma Cann

Robert Pritt, Roetzel & Andress: Upper Captiva Fire Protection and Rescue Service District

— WHAT’S COOKING —

“Interview: After historic James Beard win, St. Pete native Edouardo Jordan reflects” via Laura Reiley of the Tampa Bay Times — The 1998 graduate of Boca Ciega High School grew up around food, Sunday suppers at his grandma’s house, Southern staples like collard greens, chitlins, black-eyed peas and cornbread, as well as more exotic options like possum, raccoon and snapping turtle. Still, he didn’t see a career for himself in the restaurant industry, earning dual degrees from the University of Florida in sports management and business administration. He dabbled with a food blog, which led him to culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando and then a job at Marty Blitz’s Mise en Place in Tampa. He made friends with Tampa’s food powerhouses, like Ferrell Alvarez, now co-owner of Rooster & the Till. He shared dreams of one day working at the elite French Laundry in Napa Valley. Jordan fulfilled his dream of working with Thomas Keller at the Laundry, then bounced around California and New York, eventually settling in Seattle, a city he says was striving to become a top food destination.

— ALOE —

“Airbnb, Puerto Rico, announce partnership initiatives to foster tourism” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Initiatives will include promotions of Puerto Rico through Airbnb, the launch of an “Experiences” program, essentially private package tours to what Airbnb calls authentic Puerto Rican activities, and the agreement to give three months of fees for homes and tours to nonprofit organizations helping with Hurricane Maria relief efforts on the island. The company also pledged to increase marketing efforts to promote Puerto Rico tourism. “The future is bright for the tourism sector of Puerto Rico. Leveraging the power of the Airbnb platform, we have the opportunity to increase the visibility of the Island as a travel destination, making it more sustainable, more diverse, and allowing more residents to benefit from the economic opportunities that tourism provides,” Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló stated in a news release.

We had nothing to do with this — “LAPD investigating disappearance of Iron Man suit used in Marvel’s ‘Avengers’ films” via James Queally of the Los Angeles Times — The costume, valued at $325,000, vanished from a prop storage warehouse sometime between February and late April … The famous red and gold suit, which first flashed across movie screens in the 2008 “Iron Man” film that kick-started Marvel’s movie empire, was reported missing … Employees at the warehouse “just happened to check” on Tuesday and noticed the costume was gone. It was not immediately clear who reported the costume stolen, and an LAPD spokeswoman declined to say who owns the warehouse. No other items were reported missing. The LAPD’s Foothill Division are investigating the incident.

What Jeremy Susac is reading — “Amazon’s Alexa will be built into all new homes from Lennar” via Elizabeth Weise of USA TODAY — Lennar announced that standard features in its new homes will include built-in Wi-Fi, smart locks, doorbells, thermostats and lights — all controlled by Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated digital assistant. Each house will come with two Alexa-enabled smart speakers, an Echo Show and an Echo Dot. New homeowners will also get a free visit from an Amazon technician to help set everything up and teach them how to use it. “This will be the hallmark of why we buy a new home,” said David Kaiserman, president of Lennar Ventures. “It’s an important step in the mass adoption of all these technologies.”

Happy birthday to the pride of Pensacola, Ryan Wiggins. Also celebrating day is Tom DiGiacomo.