Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
A bipartisan panoply of political stars came out this past weekend for the 22nd annual “Phil Galvano Golf Classic,” held at the Longboat Key Club and Resort.
The event is held in memory of Senate President-designate Bill Galvano’s late father — golf pro Phil Galvano — and raised $600,000 for the Manatee Education Foundation.
Spotted on the attendee list were Outgoing House Speaker Richard Corcoran, Speaker-designate Jose Oliva, and past Senate President Andy Gardiner.
Joining them were 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, and 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, and former Reps. Susan Goldstein, Doug Holder, Ed Hooper and Rob Schenck.
Legal and lobbying behemoth GrayRobinson was the title sponsor.
The elder Galvano, who died in 1996, wasn’t your run-of-the-mill golf pro. For a story on his background and achievements, check out this post from last year.
Evening Reads
“Bill Nelson gets $2.2M in air support from Senate Democrats” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Ron DeSantis committee gets $200K from large Democratic donor” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Did Gwen Graham vote against President Obama 52 percent of the time?” via Allison Graves of PolitiFact Florida
“Patrick Murphy, David Jolly going national with TV appearances as speculation of bipartisan ticket grows” via Emily Mahoney of the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
“Attorney General hopefuls disagree on opioid lawsuit timing” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida
“Price tag for restricting felons’ rights after prison put at $385 million a year” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald
“School boards continue battle over controversial law” via News Service of Florida
“FPL parent to buy Gulf Power in multibillion-dollar deal” via Jim Sauders of the News Service of Florida
“Airbnb a boon for Florida seniors” via Chris Wille of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
“Rainy season arrives in full force in Sunshine State” via the Associated Press
Quote of the Day
“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.” — U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, on filing a “discharge petition” in a showdown over DREAMers.
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Wake Up Early?
Sen. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, will discuss the 2018 legislative session during a meeting of the Jacksonville Oceanside Rotary Club. That’s at 7:30 a.m., Atlantic Beach Country Club, 1600 Selva Marina Dr., Atlantic Beach.
The Florida Public Service Commission will hold an event in Hillsborough County to provide information to senior citizens about issues such as energy conservation, applying for the Lifeline program and avoiding utility scams. That’s at 11 a.m., Tampa Baptist Manor, 215 West Grand Central Ave., Tampa.
Gov. Rick Scott will honor Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award. That’s at 2:45 p.m., National Guard Armory, 401 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand.
Rep. Julio Gonzalez, a Venice Republican running in Congressional District 17, is slated to speak to the North Port Area Republican Club. That’s at 5 p.m., Olde World Restaurant, 14415 Tamiami Trail, North Port.
A campaign kickoff event will be held for Delray Beach Republican Mike Caruso, who is running in state House District 89. The Palm Beach County seat is open because GOP Rep. Bill Hager faces term limits. That’s at 6 p.m., Museum 66, 2051 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach.
Republican candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Denise Grimsley is slated to attend the Miami Young Republicans Meeting. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, Suite 106, 1465 SW 8th St., Miami.
Democratic candidate for Governor Chris King will address Broward County Democrats on reforming criminal justice in Florida. That’s at 7 p.m., Edwin F. Deicke Auditorium, 5701 Cypress Road, Plantation.
Enterprise Florida has secured space for a Florida section within the USA Pavilion for Hospitalar 2018, a health fair that is one of the largest in South America. That’s Tuesday through Friday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
