Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Oil prices have reached a new 2018 high, on the belief that President Donald Trump may pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, the AAA said Monday.
Such a move would likely reinstate sanctions, resulting in reduced global supply and higher fuel prices, the association said. Florida motorists already are paying 35 cents more per gallon on gasoline than this time last year. Florida gas prices averaged $2.73 on Sunday.
“Preliminary projections had gasoline averaging around $2.75 this summer,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “However, all bets are off right now, pending the president’s decision on the Iran deal.
“Gas prices were relatively stagnant last week, but we could see a slight boost, based on oil price gains last week and the potential for additional hikes in the coming days.”
The president has until May 12 to decide whether to extend the existing Iranian Nuclear Deal, or restore penalties on one of the world’s biggest oil producers.
Restoring sanctions could eliminate 1 million barrels of Iranian oil per day, further constricting supplies in what is already considered to be a tight global market.
Evening Reads
“Marco Rubio applauds idea of election security consultants but again warns of risks” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Rick Scott raising money in Texas” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Ron DeSantis: I would not disinvite Dinesh D’Souza” via Dan McAuliffe of Florida Politics
“Andrew Gillum ramps up money game, adds $447K in April” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
“Richard Corcoran’s political committee tops $52K in April” via the News Service of Florida
“Philip Levine campaign announces $2 million raised in April” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald
“Legislature left $28 million hole in prison budget. Now essential programs are cut.” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald
“Board of Education to consider civic literacy requirements for college students” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
“State objects to woman’s anonymity in NRA case” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida
“Medical marijuana advocates say state promotes misleading ads on driving dangers” via Arek Sarkissian of the POLITICO Florida
Quote of the Day
“Guys like me can make it clear, I would not have tweeted that. He says a lot of things I disagree with and that’s just the reality of the situation.” — Republican Congressman and candidate for Governor Ron DeSantis, on invited Florida GOP 2018 Sunshine Summit speaker Dinesh D’Souza, who mocked students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Twitter.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Department of Revenue will hold meetings about a new sales-tax credit scholarship program passed by lawmakers during this year’s legislative session and the “hope scholarship” program. That’s at 9 a.m., and 1 p.m., Capital Circle Office Complex, Building 1, 2450 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee.
The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases, including a dispute about whether a biological father should be able to establish legal paternity of a child. Arguments begin at 9 a.m. Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.
The Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care will consider applications for nursing homes to receive “gold seal” awards. That’s at 9 a.m., Aloft Orlando Downtown, 500 South Orange Ave., Orlando.
The Florida Public Service Commission will decide whether to give key approvals to two proposed power plants that would generate electricity for customers of electric cooperatives across the state. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.
The South Florida Water Management District will host a site visit for the construction industry of a major reservoir project in Hendry County that is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. That’s at 10 a.m., 3338 Congen Road, LaBelle.
The Florida Public Service Commission will hold a hearing about a proposal by Tampa Electric Co. to increase base electric rates to pay for two solar-energy projects in Polk and Hillsborough counties. That’s at 1:30 p.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.
The Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors is slated to hold a conference call at 3 p.m. Call-in number: 1-888-942-8686. Code: 5743735657.
Barbara Cady, a Kissimmee Democrat running in state House District 42, is slated to speak to the Lake Wales Democratic Club. Cady is seeking to unseat Rep. Mike La Rosa, a St. Cloud Republican. That’s at 7 p.m., Oullette Law Firm, 151 East Central Ave., Lake Wales.
