Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
First on #FlaPol …
Onlookers have been wondering for weeks when House Speaker Richard Corcoran would do the expected and put his name in the hat to be Florida’s next Governor.
After millions raised and millions spent testing the water for a potential statewide run, his announcement is sure to be a shocker: He isn’t running, he’s endorsing Adam Putnam.
That’s according to multiple sources close to one or both men.
Corcoran will join Putnam at a news conference at the Florida Association of REALTORS® at 9:30 a.m.
Supporters of Putnam are already excited by the news of the Speaker joining their team.
“The Speaker has long been identified as closer in ideology with Ron DeSantis, so for him to join our team is a very big win,” said one Putnam booster.
We’ll have more details about this developing story on FloridaPolitics.com and in Sunburn.
Evening Reads
“Florida politicians react to Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from Iran nuke deal” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
“Deep in the heart of Rick Scott’s Texas connections” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Fox News plays kingmaker in Florida governor’s race” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Why Chris King is still a contender” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“Belinda Keiser files to run for Joe Negron’s state Senate seat” via Sunshine State News
“At height of opioid crisis, some Florida treatment programs face deep cuts” via John Kennedy of GateHouse Capital Bureau
“Gambling rule takes aim at controversial card games” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida
“Citizens Insurance board OK’s $1 billion-plus reinsurance plan” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics
“Detective: Officer’s statement doesn’t match tape of killing” via Terry Spencer of The Associated Press
“A split-second decision saved his life in the Parkland shooting. The trauma haunts him.” via Chabeli Herrera of the Miami Herald
Quote of the Day
“Our teachers are doing an extraordinary job. They want respect, they want to be honored, and they want to be treated like the professionals that they are. That includes pay.” — Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic candidate for Governor Andrew Gillum. Today was “Teacher Appreciation Day.”
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Chamber of Commerce will make a “special announcement” with CFO Jimmy Patronis, expected to be an endorsement of his 2018 campaign. That’s at 10:30 a.m., La Segunda Central Bakery, 2512 North 15th St., Tampa.
Members of the St. Lucie County legislative delegation will discuss the 2018 Legislative Session during a luncheon hosted by the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, the St. Lucie County Educational Foundation and the law firm Dean Mead. That’s at 11:30 a.m., Club Talavera at Verano, 10291 S.W. Visconti Way, Port St. Lucie.
Florida Constitution Revision Commission members Jeanette Nunez, Frank Kruppenbacher and Brecht Heuchan are slated to speak to the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida. That’s at noon, Country Club of Orlando, 1601 Country Club Dr., Orlando.
Ned Lautenbach, chairman of the State University System’s Board of Governors, and Syd Kitson, the vice chairman, will meet to discuss the system’s operations. That’s at 1 p.m., 42881 Lake Babcock Dr., Suite 200, Babcock Ranch.
Gov. Scott, as part of his campaign for U.S. Senate, will highlight a proposal of his “Make Washington Work” Plan that requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to approve any tax or fee increase. That’s at 3:30 p.m., PGT Innovations, 1070 Technology Drive, North Venice.
State Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, will hold a “Brews with Brandes” fundraiser for his re-election campaign. That’s at 5:30 p.m., Green Bench Brewing Co., 1133 Baum Ave., St. Petersburg.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold one in a series of public workshops about issues related to stone-crab and blue-crab fisheries. That’s at 6 p.m., Crystal River City Hall, 123 N.W. Highway 19, Crystal River.
