Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
Food for thought. Yes, Publix has donated what seems to be a significant amount of money to Adam Putnam in recent years — but not when you do the math.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the supermarket behemoth has donated $670,000 to Putnam over the last three years. In that same time, Publix’s gross revenue has been approximately $105,000,000,000. That means Publix has donated 0.00063% of its revenue to the Polk Republican.
According to the Census ACS 1-year survey, the median household income for Florida was $50,860 in 2016. Multiply that by three years (assuming the MHI hasn’t varied greatly) and you have $152,580 in aggregate median household income in the Sunshine State over the last three years.
If the median household were to donate to a candidate or a cause at the same rate Publix has donated to Putnam over the last three years, it would amount to three cents in annual giving.
Three cents.
Now, imagine if some of the people you regularly do business with told you they were boycotting your shop, firm, or small business over how you spent three cents a year.
That’s how ridiculous the idea of #BoycottPublix is … not that folks don’t have the right to vote with their wallets by protesting against a company’s social behavior … just that it’s stilly to judge an incredibly well-respected, Florida-based company based on actions which do not even equate to a rounding error.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@SenBillNelson: The president has been bluff and bluster on trade — now it appears China has gotten the best of him. No advance on trying to stop unfair trade with China.
—@LedgeKing: @RepMattGaetz, fierce critic of Russia probe, says having @POTUS sit down for an interview with the Special Counsel would be a”terrible miscalculation” that would extend the Russia investigation — not shorten it — and open up the probe in new directions.
—@RichardCorcoran: Reading @politicofl article by @Mdixon55 exposing @RepDeSantis largest donor as an ATM to liberal Democrats (including Bill Nelson). As a conservative, it’s a very disturbing article
—@MattGaetz: Yeah…..it would be totally wrong for a great conservative Republican like Richard to accept money from a dem mega-donor … #ForThePeople
—@TroyKinsey: FL Alcohol & Drug Abuse Assoc. today is calling on @FLGovScott to forestall @FL_Corrections cuts by week’s end: “Governor, you have the ability to exercise your executive authority to address this problem through a one-time appropriation from the state’s reserve funds.”
—@Netflix: President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have entered into a multiyear agreement to produce films and series for Netflix, potentially including scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries, and features.
Our favorite tweet:
My beloved dad is in Maine. pic.twitter.com/fu6h8Xgg9U
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) May 20, 2018
— DAYS UNTIL —
Solo: A Star Wars Story premier — 3; Memorial Day — 6; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in St. Petersburg — 18; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Miramar — 20; Time Warner/AT&T merger ruling — 21; 2018 FIFA World Cup begins — 23; Father’s Day — 26; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 31; Florida GOP Sunshine Summit starts — 37; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Fort Myers — 47; MLB All-Star Game — 56; Deadline for filing claim bills — 71; ‘The Race for Governor’ Republican gubernatorial debate — 71; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in Miami — 72; Start of the U.S. Open — 97; Primary Election Day — 98; College Football opening weekend — 100; NFL season starts — 107; Future of Florida Forum — 127; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 154; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 155; General Election Day — 168; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 268; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 287.
— TOP STORY —
“FPL parent to buy Gulf Power in multibillion-dollar deal” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — The parent company of Florida Power & Light will buy Northwest Florida’s Gulf Power as part of a $6.475 billion deal. NextEra Energy Inc. plans to buy Gulf Power, the Florida City Gas natural-gas company and ownership interests in two power plants from The Southern Company. The purchase of Gulf Power and the stakes in the power plants, which are subject to federal approval, are expected to close during the first half of 2019, while the Florida City Gas purchase is slated for the third quarter of 2018, according to a NextEra Energy announcement. The deal would expand NextEra Energy’s already-massive footprint in the state. Its Florida Power & Light subsidiary is by far the largest electric utility in Florida, serving nearly 5 million customers. Gulf Power, with about 450,000 customers in eight counties, is the largest utility in the Panhandle.
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Scott blitzes Florida with TV ads. Nelson holds off. That’s how Scott won last time.” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — Bill Nelson is an incumbent without the advantages of incumbency. Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat is in a career-defining U.S. Senate race against Gov. Rick Scott, a multimillionaire with unlimited campaign cash and nearly universal name recognition in the state, for better or worse. And so far, Scott is attempting to define Nelson through $8 million in television ads across the state, including Spanish-language ads in Miami. The early TV blitz raises the question: When is Nelson going to respond? “The question is not how much money you have or how much money you spend but what is effective,” Nelson said in an interview in his Capitol Hill office while Scott was crisscrossing Florida switching between his official office and campaign mode. “And so, to be determined. But I’m choosing not to use my hard-earned dollars now.” Nelson declined to say when he will spend his money and what type of message he plans to communicate to voters. But timing a television pitch too late could be Nelson’s undoing.
“Dems join Senate TV war with $2.2 million pro-Nelson ad” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post — The biographical spot, called “Served,” highlights Nelson’s Army service and flight on the Space Shuttle and his opposition to privatizing Social Security and Medicare. Nelson’s support for Obamacare is described as “stopp(ing) insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.” Scott and Republicans have been attacking Nelson as a pro-Nancy Pelosi “party-line politician.” In a sign those attacks might be hitting home, the new pro-Nelson ad calls the incumbent “one of America’s most independent senators” and says he “serves all of us.” The ad also says Nelson “puts Florida first,” echoing a frequent Democratic refrain that Scott is self-serving. To view the ad, click the image below:
“Nelson keeps siding with Republicans on awful stuff” via Jerry Iannelli of the Miami New Times — As truly, utterly and monstrously terrible as Gov. Scott is, you’ll never see the Times or Herald refer to him as a canvas sack full of sea lampreys with a Navy hat glued on top … So if those same reporters are writing that, despite your 30-plus-year career in politics, “nothing particularly major stands out despite the long tenure,” you probably have a big problem on your hands. That’s exactly the case for the bowl of lukewarm cornmeal that is Nelson, who has somehow become the state’s top-ranking Democrat despite being an utterly boring pile of nothing the entire time … Nelson has repeatedly pissed off his Democratic base in the middle of what many people expect to be a Democratic wave election spurred by anti-Trump sentiment. In 2018 alone, Nelson has voted to deregulate big banks and confirm Gina Haspel, the new CIA director who previously tortured people.
Tweet, tweet:
If you add up all the money Scott and allies have spent on TV in Florida during his career so far, it adds up to about $144 million.
To put that in perspective, with $144 million you could purchase the entire first half of Super Bowl commercials in 2018.
— Kevin Cate (@KevinCate) May 21, 2018
“Why deep blue Broward looms large in Florida’s U.S. Senate race” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times — In the last midterm in 2014, the statewide voter turnout was 50.5 percent, but it was 6 points lower in Broward, 44.5 percent, and Scott beat Charlie Crist statewide by 64,145 votes. Scott won statewide by 1 point. The fact that Scott got 30 percent of the Broward vote might be enough for him to ignore the state’s second-largest county. But he gave a well-received speech at the Broward Republican Party’s Lincoln Day dinner with a crowd of 400 GOP activists … The last time Nelson was on the ballot in Broward, in 2012, he got a mother lode of 511,000 votes (about 3,000 more than President Obama got on the same ballot). But that was not a midterm, obviously, and voter turnout was dramatically higher.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Spotted: Democratic candidate for Governor Andrew Gillum in POLITICO, “‘Can the black candidate win?’ Democrats out to prove it in 2018” — A network of Democratic donors and operatives are organizing an ambitious effort to elect African-American candidates for governor and Congress in 2018 — politicians who have often been overlooked by the party’s predominantly white leadership in past years … Tallahassee Mayor Gillum (is) among several promising black candidates running for governor this year, and they have attracted the most interest from the donors and organizations … Gillum has caught the attention of progressives during his campaign, winning endorsements from the likes of the Bernie Sanders-inspired Our Revolution group. And though Gillum hasn’t come close to matching his opponents’ fundraising, one of the biggest donors in the Democratic Party has taken notice: Financier George Soros contributed $450,000 to causes supporting Gillum so far this year.
“Ron DeSantis committee gets $200K from large Democratic donor” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Andy Khawaja gave DeSantis’ political committee $100,000, his first Florida contribution, and a company he’s affiliated with, E-Payment Solutions, Inc. gave another $100,000 to the committee in February. His first name appears as Ahmad in campaign finance records. Khawaja, CEO and founder of Allied Wallet, has almost exclusively been a Democratic donor in the past. He and his company gave nearly $6.5 million during the 2016 election cycle to Democratic interests, including more than $1 million to a committee supporting Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential bid. This election cycle, he and his company have already given $1 million to Senate Majority PAC, which supports Democratic U.S. Senate candidates, including Sen. Nelson. The super PAC is funding $2 million in ads supporting Nelson, calling him “one of America’s most independent Senators.” Brad Herold, a DeSantis adviser, said it’s a sign that some Democrats are “disaffected.”
“Gwen Graham brings passionate authenticity to her run for governor” via the Reggie Connell of the Apopka Voice — In a word, Graham is real. That may seem like a strange way to begin a feature on a candidate running for the Governor of Florida, but it describes her well. And in a time in politics when candidates take polls to decide which color tie to wear, real is unusual. Real is unreal … Despite her casual approach, Graham is a competitor. In 2014, during what could be described as a wave election for Republicans, and in a section of Florida that can also be described as a reliably Republican region, Graham was one of only two Democrats in the nation to defeat a Republican incumbent. How did she do it? Graham says it was people skills, interpersonal relationships and honesty. There is no candidate in history that does not include honesty, and ‘doing what they say they are going to do’ as part of their core beliefs. But with Graham, there is an authenticity to those words that makes her believable.
“Shoppers begin Publix boycott as chain continues supporting Adam Putnam for governor” via Sara DiNatale of the Tampa Bay Times — A handful of state advocacy groups have gone to social media — Twitter in particular — urging shoppers to “#BoycottPublix” this Memorial Day weekend. Some people have decided to boycott the store indefinitely, or until it withdraws $670,000 it has given to Putnam, a longtime Republican politician who drew ire after he called himself “a proud NRA sellout” and opposed Florida’s new, stricter gun purchasing laws in the wake of the Parkland school shooting. “Prior to social media, it was much harder to aggregate a bunch of people to take action,” said Thomas O’Guinn, a professor of marketing with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Consumers are starting to realize the new source of power they have.” Last week Publix responded to the Twitter backlash, posting it considers a number of factors when supporting a candidate and has never given money to the National Rifle Association. In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times, it called Putnam the hometown candidate who is “pro-business.”
Philip Levine campaign adds staff for North, South Florida — New hires for the Levine for Governor campaign include Megan Sirjane-Samples as North Florida Area Director and Chris Hudtwalcker as Miami-Dade Area Director. Sirjane-Samples previously served as a Legislative Advocate for the Florida League of Cities; Hudtwalcker worked as a legislative assistant to state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, managing the legislative and political affairs. Hudtwalcker also was Rodriguez’s campaign manager during the 2016 election.
Denise Grimsley picks up more Sheriff endorsements — Grimsley
Assignment editors — Grimsley will speak at the Miami Young Republicans meeting, 6:30 p.m. Eastern, Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, 1465 SW. 8th St., Suite 106, Miami.
“Attorney General hopefuls disagree on opioid lawsuit timing” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — Attorney General Pam Bondi is drawing praise from Republicans seeking to replace her after the term-limited state Cabinet member last week took on opioid manufacturers in court. However, Democratic candidate Sean Shaw … questioned a delay in launching a lawsuit to try to crack down on drug companies in the opioid epidemic causing an average of 15 deaths a day in Florida. And fellow Democratic attorney-general candidate Ryan Torrens, a Hillsborough County lawyer, said he’d immediately launch a criminal investigation into the actions of pharmaceutical executives if he is elected in November. Republican candidate Jay Fant said Bondi is right to take legal action “if malfeasance has occurred” and that he’d use every tool available to go after companies that mislead the public, fuel the opioid crisis and contribute to deaths. And Republican candidate Ashley Moody said people responsible must be held accountable regardless if it is “an individual doctor knowingly and wrongfully prescribing drugs or some of the largest companies in the world engaged in the conduct described” in Bondi’s lawsuit.
“’Political hitman’ gunning for Ileana Ros-Lehtinen seat shows lighter side in campaign commercial” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — Stephen Marks, a veteran campaign operative who 10 years ago published a book on his exploits as a “political hitman” for the Republican Party, is showing a lighter side of himself in a new commercial as he runs for the party’s nomination to replace Ros-Lehtinen in Congress. Marks, the first to go on air in the Republican primary for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, explains in a 60-second ad that he decided to run after his parents recently died. His father died as a result of “malicious” medical malpractice, he says, and his mother soon after following a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. The ad, which began airing a week ago in English and Spanish and will continue running this week, is the first on TV in the primary. It’s a crowded field, also featuring Elizabeth Adadi, Bruno Barreiro, Angie Chirino, Michael Ohevzion, Maria Peiro, Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, Maria Elvira Salazar and Gina Sosa.
Happening today — Delray Beach Republican Mike Caruso holds a kickoff event in his bid for House District 89. Term-limited Republican Rep. Bill Hager currently hold the Palm Beach County seat. The event begins at 6 p.m., Museum 66, 2051 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach.
— STATEWIDE —
Assignment editors — Gov. Scott will honor Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award. The ceremony begins 2:45 p.m., National Guard Armory, 401 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand.
“Drug and alcohol advocates to Scott: ‘We have yet to hear’ from you” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times — The Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) sent a second letter to Scott, urging him to take action to forestall reductions and eliminations of dozens of local substance abuse and re-entry programs to help close a $28 million operating deficit in the prison system. “We have yet to hear from your office … we are all running out of time to prevent cuts to vital programs,” wrote the group’s executive director, Mark Fontaine. “Now is not the time to take a step back … Without treatment, inmates and probationers are at higher risk to commit crimes and use drugs, undoing the progress Florida has made over the last 15 years in reducing recidivism rates and lowering the prison population … While these cuts may look like a quick fix to a budget shortfall, in reality, they will only exacerbate the problem.” The Legislature has until Friday to object to the program cuts. Both houses have to lodge objections, otherwise, the cuts will take effect.
“Price tag for restricting felons’ rights after prison put at $385 million a year” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald — Florida lost an estimated $385 million a year in economic impact, spent millions on court and prison costs, had 3,500 more offenders return to prison, and lost the opportunity to create about 3,800 new jobs. Those are just some of the conclusions of a new economic research report prepared by the Republican-leaning Washington Economics Group of Coral Gables for proponents of Amendment 4, the proposal on the November ballot that asks voters to allow the automatic restoration of civil rights for eligible felons who have served their sentences. The Washington Economics Group estimates that the passing of Amendment 4 would result in $385 million in annual economic benefits to Florida taxpayers from two sources: reduced court and prison costs through a decline in recidivism, and increased earning power through improved employment opportunities.
“School boards continue battle over controversial law” via the News Service of Florida — School boards from across the state have gone to the 1st District Court of Appeal as they continue to challenge a controversial 2017 law that includes steps to boost charter schools. Eleven districts signed on to notices indicating they will appeal an April 17 ruling by Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper that upheld the law. The legal battle centers on a measure, commonly known as HB 7069, that was a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran … The wide-ranging law included changes such as requiring county school boards to share local property-tax revenues with charter schools for building-related expenses. It also set the stage for adding new charter schools — dubbed “schools of hope” — that will serve students whose traditional public schools have been considered low-performing. School boards filed the lawsuit last year arguing, at least in part, that HB 7069 infringed on their constitutional authority to operate public schools within their districts. But Cooper rejected the school boards’ arguments.
DOE releases draft rules for ‘Hope Scholarship’ — The state Department of Education on Monday released draft rules on “Hope Scholarships,” which would grant K-12 students who are bullied in public schools tuition assistance to help them attend private schools. The proposed rules lay out requirements for organizations to administer the scholarships and for private schools to accept the funds. Forms for public school principals to use in catalog incidents were also included in the release. The department will discuss the draft rules in a June 6 rule development workshop. The Hope Scholarship program was included in HB 7055, the omnibus education bill passed by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Scott earlier this year. The program was a top priority for Speaker Corcoran.
“Tally shows GOP opposition to Special Session” via the News Service of Florida — The Department of State released results from lawmakers who had responded to a poll on a Special-Session request by Rep. Shevrin Jones and Rep. Nicholas Duran. As of 4:30 p.m. Monday, 27 House members had voted in favor of a Special Session, while 36 had voted against the idea. Three-fifths of the members of each Republican-dominated chamber must support the request for a Special Session to be held. For the House, that means support from at least 70 of the current 117 members. The Senate needs 23 yes votes from the current 39 members. Republican Reps. Julio Gonzalez and Kathleen Peters have joined House Democrats in supporting the proposal. With just 13 members of the Senate responding as of Monday afternoon, the tally was seven Democrats for the special session and six Republicans opposed, with the opponents including Senate President Joe Negron and incoming President Bill Galvano.
Spotted at Senate President-designate Galvano’s “Phil Galvano Annual Golf Classic” this past weekend: Outgoing House Speaker Corcoran, Speaker-designate Jose Oliva, past Senate President Andy Gardiner, as well as Sens. Aaron Bean, Lizbeth Benacquisto, Rob Bradley, Jeff Brandes, Anitere Flores, Denise Grimsley, Debbie Mayfield, Kathleen Passidomo, Keith Perry, Darryl Rouson, David Simmons, Perry Thurston, Dana Young. Also, House Republican Leader Ray Rodrigues, Rep. Joe Gruters, former Sens. Chris Smith and Nancy Detert, former Speakers Dean Cannon and Lee Moffitt, former Reps. Susan Goldstein, Doug Holder, Ed Hooper and Rob Schenck.
“Prep for hurricanes, PSC reminds Floridians” via Florida Politics — With last year’s Atlantic storm season among the strongest, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges residents to prepare now for the 2018 hurricane season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30. The commission, which issued a news release Monday, regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities. “Hurricane preparedness should top our to-do lists,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham in a statement. “Preparation is the best protection against dangerous storms. Build an emergency storm supply kit, gather important utility contact information, and prepare your home to help keep your family protected.”
“Judge faces discipline for racially derogatory remarks” via the News Service of Florida — A Miami-Dade County circuit judge could face a 30-day suspension without pay and a public reprimand … Circuit Judge Stephen Millan has acknowledged making the remarks and conducting what is known as an improper “ex parte communication” with the attorney, an investigative panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission said in the documents. In one instance, Millan used the racial epithet “moolie” to describe an African-American defendant during a one-on-one conversation with the defendant’s lawyer. In another instance, while on a break with attorneys in his chamber, Millan instructed a bailiff to return to the courtroom and retrieve his wallet because he didn’t “trust it in there with those thugs,” the investigative panel wrote in its findings and disciplinary recommendations.
“Jacksonville sues Councilwoman Katrina Brown over unpaid debt” via Eric Wallace of News 4 Jax — In 2012, the city loaned $380,000 to CoWealth LLC, which is owned by Brown and her mother Joann. The company took out loans to finance opening a barbecue sauce manufacturing plant on the Westside that was supposed to create 56 jobs. According to the lawsuit, called a complaint for breach of guaranty of payment, the company hasn’t made any loan payments since Jan. 1, 2017, and the company owes more than $357,000 in principal and interest. On April 24, a law firm hired by the city sent Brown a letter demanding payment within 15 days.
“Esteban Santiago researched layout of Los Angeles airport days before Fort Lauderdale shooting, feds say” via Paula McMahon of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Santiago used his cellphone to look up a map of the LAX airport Jan. 3, 2017, prosecutors wrote in court records. They did not elaborate on why Santiago traveled instead to South Florida. That same day, Santiago purchased a one-way ticket on a Delta flight from Anchorage, Alaska, where he lived, to Fort Lauderdale, via Minneapolis. The flight departed Jan. 5 and landed in Fort Lauderdale around lunchtime Jan. 6. Santiago, 28, is expected to plead guilty to multiple charges this week and will be sentenced to five life terms plus 120 years in federal prison, according to court records. Santiago has agreed to plead guilty to five counts of committing violence causing death at an international airport and six counts of committing violence causing serious bodily injury at an international airport. If his convictions or punishment are ever withdrawn or overturned, the feds have retained the right to reconsider seeking the death penalty in the future, according to the terms of the plea agreement.
Flags at half-staff for Texas school shooting victims — Gov. Scott ordered flags at half-staff in Florida, in solidarity with Texas as it mourns 10 dead there, after another high school shooting spree … “I spoke to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and offered any assistance or support they may need in response to this horrific act of violence against innocent students, teachers, and law enforcement,” he said … To “honor and remember” the victims at the Santa Fe High School on May 18, he directed the U.S. and state flags “to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida … The flags shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff until the expiration of President Donald Trump’s national directive, until sunset on Tuesday, May 22,” he said.
“Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz made cellphone video of himself” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Cruz made three video recordings of himself on his cellphone around the time of his deadly rampage, according to a summary of evidence turned over to his lawyers by prosecutors in the case. “Three video statements made by the defendant on his cellphone” were included, according to the summary. It’s not clear when Cruz recorded the videos — he was arrested more than an hour after the shooting stopped. The evidence will not be released to the public immediately — clerk’s office employees are legally required to redact certain information, which could take several days.
— FUTILITY —
Policymakers can do as they see fit to prevent school shootings, but without passing further gun restrictions, it could all be for naught.
That’s the suggestion made in a recent story in The Atlantic by Barbara Bradley Hagerty. People can sometimes see the ‘red flags,’ though in many cases it’s not so black and white. For instance, people had mixed feelings about alleged Santa Fe shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis.
And that’s just one example Hagerty uses to suggest that “in the end, there’s not much that anyone can do to stop a determined shooter, aside from preventing him from getting a gun in the first place.”
Denial: “Parents are often confused and overwhelmed by their child’s behavior, but they grow used to it, tolerate it, adjust their lives around it, and attempt to cope with it alone,” writes Hagerty in describing how some children ‘slip through the cracks.’
Defense: Policymakers look to enhance families and schools to prevent school shootings. Though ‘family’ had not prevented the deadliest school shootings since 1999.
Deadliness: Stemming access to stronger firearms, it seems, would be an effective approach to preventing deadly shootings. AR-15s, one source tells Hagerty, are so much more lethal. “You don’t have to hit the target straight on to kill a person. If you’re shot in the torso, it will kill you.”
— COUNTY CONTROL —
As the school year winds down and the nation finds itself reeling from another shooting, counties in the Sunshine State are moving apace to make changes to prevent another school tragedy.
In at least one case, reports Suzie Schottelkotte of The Ledger, the county (Polk) will make immediate changes for the remaining days of school this week.
Meanwhile, other counties still are polling public sentiment, asking whether parents, teachers and students would like to have non-law enforcement personnel carry firearms at school. And, should the former not be favorable, where the money will come from to staff armed officers at each school, a mandate included in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.
Sheriff Grady Judd: The renowned Polk Sheriff told media Friday, “Today is the last afternoon in the Polk County school system that there won’t be armed security on every public campus.”
In Lake: Support is split for the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, the optional plan to arm nonteacher personnel, reports Tom McNiff of the Daily Commercial. Currently, there aren’t any school resource officers at elementary schools, but additional funding to staff more SROs could come from municipalities within Lake.
In St. Johns: Colleen Jones of the St. Augustine Record reports, the Guardian Program is not favored, but the county still is unsure what it will do. “Some difficult choices will no doubt have to be made as both the St. Johns County school board and county commission begin drafting their 2018-19 budgets.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Man who stormed Trump resort booked into jail” via The Associated Press — Miami-Dade County jail records show 42-year-old Jonathan Oddi of Doral was booked Sunday evening while still wearing what appeared to be a hospital gown. Police say Oddi stormed the lobby of the Trump National Doral Golf Club carrying an American flag and shouting about the president. According to police, he fired at a chandelier before exchanging gunfire with officers, who shot him in the legs and took him into custody. Oddi was held without bond on charges of 2nd-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary with assault, criminal mischief, grand theft and falsely pulling a fire alarm.
What Kevin Donohoe is reading — “The princes, the president and the fortune seekers” via Desmond Butler and Tom LoBianco of The Associated Press — After a year spent carefully cultivating two princes from the Arabian Peninsula, Elliott Broidy, a top fundraiser for Trump, thought he was finally close to nailing more than $1 billion in business. To do that, the California businessman had helped spearhead a secret campaign to influence the White House and Congress, flooding Washington with political donations. Broidy and his business partner, Lebanese-American George Nader, pitched themselves to the crown princes as a backchannel to the White House, passing the princes’ praise — and messaging — straight to the president’s ears. Now, in December 2017, Broidy was ready to be rewarded for all his hard work. It was time to cash in. Broidy and Nader sought to get an anti-Qatar bill through Congress while obscuring the source of the money behind their influence campaign. A new cache of emails reveals an ambitious, secretive lobbying effort to isolate Qatar and undermine the Pentagon’s long-standing relationship with the Gulf country. The cache also reveals a previously unreported meeting with the president and provides the most detailed account yet of the work of two Washington insiders who have been entangled in the turmoil surrounding the two criminal investigations closest to Trump.
“Florida delegation playing hardball to extend offshore drilling moratorium” via Jeremy Dillon of Roll Call — Emboldened by a Defense Department report that expressed worries about unfettered offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s House delegation is preparing to throw its weight around to win a multiyear extension of a moratorium off its coasts. The bipartisan commitment from the third largest congressional delegation … may affect the $708.1 billion defense authorization bill that is being considered by the Rules Committee ahead of a vote … That must-pass defense measure, as well as a comprehensive public lands energy bill moving out of the House Natural Resources Committee, could be a vehicle for an amendment to extend the moratorium. “I don’t see any light between Democrats and Republicans on this very passionate issue,” said GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan, the co-chairman of the Florida delegation. “We are the third largest delegation, and we have a lot of clout when we are united.”
“Val Demings: Orlando is back in federal anti-terrorism grant program” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Demings and others from Central Florida have been fighting for several years to convince the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that rules it adopted for 2014 were unfair to cities such as Orlando that have enormous swells of tourism population, making them more likely targets. Orlando had received grants from the department’s Urban Area Security Initiative before 2014, but not since, even with the horrific 2016 attack on the city’s popular gay nightclub Pulse, which killed 49 people. Orlando will receive $1.5 million this year, announced Demings, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. The grant program was created to provide funding to help with anti-terrorism planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises in urban areas which could be targeted. Since 2014 it has gone only to the nation’s largest cities.
“Ted Deutch, Carlos Curbelo-led climate caucus urges budget help” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The bipartisan congressional Climate Solutions Caucus, led by Democrat Deutch and Republican Curbelo, is urging House budget leaders to remove provisions from 2019 budget proposals that would hamper climate change research and initiatives. The pair sent a letter to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee asking they “oppose and remove any policy provisions or riders from the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bills that undermine efforts to confront climate change.” The letter was signed by 34 members of the Climate Solutions Caucus including Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Democrats Stephanie Murphy and Charlie Crist. “Climate change is already a threat to life and property, rising temperatures, sea levels and worsening impacts from severe weather events,” the letter states. “The bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus, of which we are all members, is engaged in developing market-based solutions to address the critical issue of climate change.
Spotted: Carlos Curbelo in The Washington Post, “‘Just pure frustration’: How months of inaction led 20 Republicans to take a stand on immigration” — Nearly two dozen Republican lawmakers have now joined together, spurred by pressure back home and frustrated by the GOP leadership’s lack of action on a heated issue that has long stymied the party. They could represent the best chance that dreamers — beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program — now have to secure legal protections under President Trump. They are pitted against the conservatives who dominate the Republican rank-and-file and have campaigned against “amnesty” for people who are in the country illegally … “You just wake up one day and realize that you’re running in place, and that’s when we got together and said it’s time to take this step,” said Rep. Curbelo, who filed the “discharge petition” that has prompted the showdown.
— OPINIONS —
Ernest Hooper: Vote against the politics of division” via the Tampa Bay Times — My friend says instead of boycotting Publix, people upset about the company’s support of gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam should back voter registration drives and get more people to the polls. I’m more upset about the pages he’s borrowed from Trump’s playbook than the money Publix gave him. His decision to smear “liberal elites” with misleading assertions leaves me wondering who Putnam is. In one commercial, he speaks of faith and in the same breath insults people who share a love for Florida but hold a different perspective on how to make it better. What faith tells people to rise up by putting others down with lies? Divisiveness will be on the ballot in a lot of forms this November, and if it wins — again — the state will struggle to right the ship.
“Joe Henderson: Sure, young people are registering to vote, but for whom?” via Florida Politics — Idealistic young voters often feel neither major party listens to them, and they can be attracted to the message that a candidate out of the mainstream might offer. That’s where I think Republican gubernatorial candidate Putnam has been smart. He has become a champion of expanded vocational education in the state, even to the point of ridiculing the notion that everyone should go to college as some liberal elitist plot. I think that’s an issue that could resonate with young voters who see a job market that seems to offer them only service positions at $10 an hour. In close races, those voters can sink the hopes of a candidate from one of the established parties. Put another way, while major Republican candidates would love to have a big share of the youth vote, they’re probably OK if it goes to anyone else but a Democrat. That thought alone should keep Dems awake nights.
“Rebecca McLaughlin: What Publix can learn from Chick-fil-A about handling political activists” via Florida Politics — First, never apologize for your political position. The best corporate example here is Chick-fil-A. Progressive activists disdain the company for its conservative, Christian values. Chick-fil-A, however, just keeps growing, even in places such as liberal Manhattan, because Chick-fil-A doesn’t apologize for its views. Apologies for intentional political stances only draw media attention, attract more activists, and make companies appear less authentic. Second, never say what your company did NOT do. In the @Publix tweets, Publix clarifies they do not support the National Rifle Association (NRA). By attempting to be unambiguous Publix actually reinforced the idea of a link between themselves and the NRA. By saying what the company doesn’t support, Publix issued a denial and in politics, denials look like guilt. Third, don’t respond to activists unless the media is directly asking for a response regarding the issue. The criticism of Publix could have been limited to a fringe social media campaign had Publix opted not to respond. By issuing a response, however, Publix created a mainstream media story that probably would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
— MOVEMENTS —
Appointed — Stephen Pitre to the 1st Judicial Circuit Court; Angela Mason to the Okaloosa County Court; Ramiro Christen Areces and Elijah Levitt to the Miami-Dade County Court.
He did it again: Ballard Partners scores another big client — Leonardo DRS, “the U.S. arm of Italy’s top defense, aerospace and security contractor,” hired the Ballard team for military procurement matters, O’Dwyer’s PR News reported Monday. Brian Ballard heads the lobbying team, along with Daniel McFaul, campaign manager for former Republican Congressman and now “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough. Earlier this month, Leonardo DRS replaced Northrop Grumman as incumbent on a $65M contract from the Navy and Japan for radars designed to detect low-flying cruise missiles. If all contract options are exercised, the pact’s value could increase to $265M. The firm also is “pitching the Air Force to build its next-generation trainer aircraft.”
“Personnel note: Heather DiGiacomo to chief of staff at DJJ” via Florida Politics — DiGiacomo will be the Department of Juvenile Justice’s new chief of staff, effective July 2, Secretary Christina Daly announced in an internal email Monday. “Heather has also been a valuable member of the leadership team and was an instrumental part of the development and rollout of the Department’s ‘Roadmap to System Excellence,’ before her appointment as communications director in 2014 and then her dual role of deputy chief of staff in 2016,” Daly said. DiGiacomo replaces Fred Schuknecht, who … has agreed to stay on with DJJ in a part-time capacity. … “Over the next month and half, Fred and Heather will be working closely together to ensure a seamless transition,” Daly said. … Prior to joining DJJ, DiGiancomo worked at the Florida Juvenile Justice Association from 2011 through 2013 and at the Florida Association of Counties from 2006 through 2011. She is an alumna of Florida State University.
“Personnel note: UF taps Mark Kaplan for government relations VP” via Florida Politics — Kaplan’s resume includes working as the global head of public affairs and chief communications officer for The Mosaic Company … He’s held that position since 2007, though Sunshine State politicos are more likely to remember Kaplan as former Gov. Jeb Bush’s chief of staff during his last three years in office and as the former executive director of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Kaplan’s connections to the Bush family remain strong more than a decade later. He has a seat on the board of The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and has served as its chair since 2017. Gov. Scott also appointed Kaplan recently to the Tampa Port Authority.
Spotted: Greenberg Traurig’s Barry Richard again listed in the Chambers USA Guide — Richard, a shareholder in the firm’s Tallahassee office, has been recognized as a ‘senior statesman’ in the guide since 2014. He was again listed in this year’s guide for appellate litigation and general commercial litigation. According to its website, Chambers and Partners, UK-based publisher of annual guides in several global markets, selects attorneys and practice areas for inclusion based on thousands of interviews with practicing lawyers and clients around the world. In the USA Guide, attorneys can also be designated as a “Star Individual,” “Eminent Practitioner,” “Senior Statesman,” “Up and Coming,” “Star Associate,” or “Associate to Watch” by market and practice.
—“Adams St. Advocates reeled in up to $300K in Q1” via Florida Politics
—“Anfield Consulting collects $655K in first quarter” via Florida Politics
—“Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney saw earnings boost in Q1” via Florida Politics
—“Capital City Consulting maintains top-tier status in Q1” via Florida Politics
—“Capitol Alliance Group nets up to $610K in Q1 lobbying pay” via Florida Politics
Volunteer Florida announces hirings, promotions — Among several moves announced Monday, Erin Sjostrom joins the organization as Chief Financial Officer, responsible for finances of both the Commission and Foundation. Previously, she worked for the State of Florida as the Director of Retirement as well as being on the Florida Prepaid College Board. She’s married to Jonathan Sjostrom, chief judge of the Tallahassee-based 2nd Judicial Circuit. Also, Audra Peoples is now External Affairs Director and Aly Coleman is External Affairs Coordinator. Savannah Kelly has been promoted to Executive Liaison and Legislative Coordinator, supporting the agency’s legislative initiatives and Cabinet Affairs. Erik Steffen is now Director of Information Technology, Tracie Lambright was promoted to Senior Financial Analyst, and Anitra Thomas becomes AmeriCorps Program Manager.
— ALOE —
“All-glass house to be built in Fort Lauderdale’s posh Las Olas Isles neighborhood” via Lisa Huriash of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Designed by Rex Nichols Architects, the home will feature an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling, unobstructed views of the back garden. A wraparound, L- shaped pool, Jacuzzi and waterfall will be accessible through exposed sliding glass doors at the back of the home. Once completed in 2019, the 4,000-square-foot home could be listed for $3.5 million. “The walls are literally all glass,” said architect Rex Nichols. That includes all living areas such as the master suite, library and the bathrooms. What about privacy? The pool will wrap around the master bedroom and bathroom, and the landscaping will be a buffer. Landscaping and an “art wall” near the master bathroom is also intended to keep neighbors’ eyes out, Nichols said.
“Here’s where Tech Data, Publix fall on the new Fortune 500 list” via Margie Manning of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Tech Data Corp. is No. 83 on the new Fortune 500 list. The Clearwater IT distributor with $36.78 billion in revenue, landed in the highest spot on the list for a Tampa Bay company, at least in recent years. Tech Data, which was No. 107 last year, advanced after an acquisition in February 2017, and surpassed the longtime local leader on the Fortune 500, Publix Super Markets Inc., for the first time. The companies on the 2018 list have a combined $12.8 trillion in revenue or two-thirds of U.S. GDP, and 28.2 million employees worldwide.
Happy Birthday to state Rep. Dane Eagle.
