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.
As it’s unofficially summertime: You scream, I scream, we all scream for an end to AOB abuse. Namely, for the Legislature to finally do something about it.
The Consumer Protection Coalition fired off another warning to “Florida homeowners and insured drivers to beware of Assignment of Benefits (AOB) scams this hurricane season, which officially starts today.”
The warning coincides with the launch of a new series of digital ads aimed at protecting people from becoming victims of AOB abuse.
“This hurricane season, Floridians need to be aware of AOB abuse and not become a victim,’’ said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which spearheads the coalition.
“As we saw last year with Hurricane Irma, major storms attract scam artists seeking to make money off hardworking Floridians. With this hurricane season expected to be an active one, anyone who sustains damage should call their insurance company first before signing an AOB.’’
The Coalition’s new ads warn consumers to think twice before signing an AOB should they suffer damage from a storm. Floridians faced their first storm of the season with the arrival of Subtropical Storm Alberto last weekend and should be prepared for other storms in the coming months.
“Homeowners do not need to sign an AOB to start repairs and should be cautious of vendors who pressure them or refuse to do the work unless they sign one,” a news release says. “Automobile owners should also be on the alert for auto glass harvesters going door to door in storm-affected neighborhoods offering people new windshields if they sign an AOB.”
Meantime, let’s look forward to 2019 and lawmakers passing a bill. Jose Oliva, Bill Galvano, we’re talking to you.
“Florida officials make few changes for upcoming storm season” via Joe Reedy of The Associated Press — Florida’s Governor and Legislature promised a dizzying array of fixes following the devastation of last year’s hurricanes. But heading into a new storm season, the state has enacted only a few changes — the largest aimed at protecting seniors in nursing homes. The Florida House of Representative’s Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness issued 78 recommendations over the past year, with 27 being acted upon, mostly as appropriations in the state budget. The recommendations ranged from ensuring generators and three days of fuel in nursing homes and assisted living facilities to create a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday. Legislators recommended having the state consider using one-way traffic flows on major highways, but Gov. Rick Scott, citing state transportation officials, instead backed the use of highway shoulders to relieve congestion. Authorities allowed drivers to use shoulders several times during Irma.
“West Virginia case sheds light on Florida disaster contracting controversy” via Florida Politics — Last month we wrote about a questionable contract process involving Florida’s disaster recovery from previous storms. The state hired a consultant to help develop an action plan for an Invitation to Negotiate, and now that same company wants to win the contract. That seems like it would have a pretty huge unfair advantage since it helped create the contract it now wants to “compete” to get. Now we learn that the same consultant, Horne LLP, is also embroiled in a major controversy in West Virginia, where it’s accused by top officials of shenanigans that sound eerily similar to what’s going on in Florida. A federal audit of a relief program found that West Virginia had received about $150 million after 2016 flooding, but Horne had only distributed about $1.14 million of it. Horne’s contract with the state mysteriously mushroomed from $900,000 to $17 million — apparently without any proper oversight by the top state officials. So now West Virginia’s Senate President and House Speaker have asked a joint committee to investigate. Meanwhile, the state Attorney General is also investigating, the governor has put the contract on hold, and the second-in-command at the agency administering the contract is now gone (he and the state differ on whether he was actually fired). Tell me if this sounds familiar.
“New AAA report finds more Floridians making hurricane preparations” via Scott Harrell of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — According to a survey conducted by AAA in April … plenty of Floridians didn’t need Alberto’s reminder to begin readying earlier and more seriously for hurricane season this year. Eighty-one percent of Florida residents polled responded that they were making advance preparations this year, up 23 percent from a similar 2016 survey. What’s more, 78 percent said they would evacuate if warned to do so … though more than half of those folks said it would take at least a Category 3 storm to get them out. Whether or you prefer to hunker down or GTFO, AAA says certain preparatory steps, like stocking emergency supplies, making sure your home is hurricane-ready, taking an inventory of your stuff and having a well-defined plan, are non-negotiable. And it seems more Floridians than ever are taking them seriously.
“Puerto Ricans in Central Florida still reeling from Maria as new hurricane season nears” via Bianca Padró Ocasio and Carlos Vázquez Otero of the Orlando Sentinel — For many of the tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans who came to Central Florida after Maria in September, preparing for a hurricane is not a priority, said Rev. Luis De La Cruz, of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee. But the images of hurricane winds devastating electric lines and residents being rescued on the roofs of their flooded homes are etched onto the memories of last year’s hurricane survivors. “Many people were emotionally destroyed. Many would sit down and tell us they wanted to take their own lives,” said Linette Rivera, the owner and director of Outreach Access Center … But Rivera said many of those who have arrived in Central Florida are still focused on their current circumstances — rather than the upcoming storm season — as they struggle to find stable jobs and housing, and with federal hotel vouchers slated to expire in June.
— HURRICANE SEASON AWARENESS —
—@HillaryClinton: More than 4,600 lives lost in Puerto Rico. 70x the official number. The US gov’t has failed its own citizens. The response itself is an American tragedy. Hurricane season is about to begin in Puerto Rico. The administration must step up & protect its people.
—@LuisRiveraMarin: Since before Maria hit @FLGovScott has been working to support PR. His presence has been felt and his action speak louder than words. I was with the Gov. today during his 6th visit and am disappointed to see his comments taken out of context for the benefit of a political attack.
—@JimmyPatronis: The official start of the 2018 #HurricaneSeason is just days away. Time to be financially ready. Check your insurance policy and take photos of your valuables.
—@Anitere_Flores: Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is June 1-7. Stock up on essential disaster preparedness supplies
—@DaneEagle: The 2018 Hurricane Season starts tomorrow. Are you ready? Take advantage of tax savings as you get prepared
—@LoriBerman: Be sure to take advantage of the Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday beginning tomorrow! Remember: Hurricane Season starts on June 1, be sure you are prepared BEFORE a major storm forms.
—@FLSert: There are many ways to save $$$ and be prepared for an emergency. June 1-7, you can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies TAX FREE! For more information and essential supplies to include in your disaster supply kit, visit: http://floridarevenue.com/disasterprep
—@sakonige: Florida has three seasons: summer, bugs, and hurricanes.
—@BrianEntin: 3 months ago I met the couple who lived in this Keys home. They lost everything in Hurricane Irma & were living in a trailer. I just went back to check on them — they’re dead. Husband shot wife, killed himself. Stress of rebuilding broke them. New hurricane season starts Friday.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in St. Petersburg — 8; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Miramar — 10; Time Warner/AT&T merger ruling — 11; 2018 FIFA World Cup begins — 13; Father’s Day — 16; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 21; Florida GOP Sunshine Summit starts — 27; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Fort Myers — 37; MLB All — Star Game — 46; Deadline for filing claim bills — 61; ‘The Race for Governor’ Republican gubernatorial debate — 61; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in Miami — 62; Start of the U.S. Open — 87; Primary Election Day — 88; College Football opening weekend — 90; NFL season starts — 97; Future of Florida Forum — 117; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 144; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 145; General Election Day — 158; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 258; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 277.
— TOP STORY —
“City slapped with new FBI subpoena on Edison, Adam Corey” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — A new FBI subpoena delivered to the City Attorney’s office seeks more records related to The Edison restaurant, correspondence with its developer Corey, and audit reports and votes related to the investment company. The new subpoena asks for the business plans, staff evaluations, and proposals related to the restaurant undertaken by Cascades Holdings, the LLC formed by Corey and his investors. It also asks for much of the same material previously requested in two subpoenas that hit the doorstep of City Hall almost one year ago — financial transactions and communications between Corey, the city and the Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency. And federal investigators want the information by Tuesday.
— “With new indictments (reportedly) focused on Adam Corey, here is why Andrew Gillum should be worried” via Florida Politics
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Scott: ‘I don’t know what I’d do differently’ than federal government in Puerto Rico” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Democrats and liberal groups hit Scott over his comments in Puerto Rico that “I don’t know what I’d do differently” from the federal government’s response to Hurricane Maria. “What I’ve learned is, I’ve been governor for seven and a half years, so I’ve had quite a few storms and other disasters,” Scott said. “And what I’ve learned the most is, you’ve got to communicate, you’ve got to tell everyone your problem, and you’ve got figure out how to communicate. What I’ve watched here, that’s what people have been trying to do the whole time.” In response, Scott for Florida Communications Director Ryan Patmintra released a statement: “While Governor Scott continues to ask how Florida can be helpful for Puerto Rican families in our state and on the island, Bill Nelson’s first question with every tragedy always seems to be ‘how can this help me? By declaring that displaced Puerto Rican families should quickly register to vote because they’ll assuredly support him, or worse yet, using Hurricane Maria to fundraise, Bill Nelson has made it clear he cares more about his re-election than the people who have been affected by this horrific storm.”
To see Scott’s comments, click the image below:
Think for *one second* about how terribly the Trump admin treated Puerto Rico.
Rick Scott can think of *nothing* he'd do differently. #flsen #flapol
VIDEO –> pic.twitter.com/IBwahzEZXL
— Joshua Karp (@JoshuaKarp) May 31, 2018
“Nelson jabs Scott again on offshore drilling” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida — Nelson … on Thursday tweeted that Scott wants to move drilling rigs closer to Florida than is now allowed under federal law. Scott’s Senate campaign says simply that the governor opposes drilling off Florida’s coast. The tussle began last week when Nelson challenged Scott to support his legislation … extending from 2022 to 2027 a federal moratorium on drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The moratorium extends from 125 miles to 235 miles from the west coast of Florida, but only 100 miles from the westernmost Panhandle. In response … a Scott campaign spokesman told the Tampa Bay Times on May 25 that the governor supports the ban extending 125 miles out into the Gulf. “Instead of supporting my legislation that keeps oil rigs away from our beaches, Rick Scott wants to allow oil rigs closer to our shores,” Nelson tweeted.
Nelson: Allow smokable medical marijuana in Florida” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — Nelson said Thursday that Florida doctors should be allowed to prescribe smokable medical marijuana to their patients. “I don’t want a government or a politician to get in the way of a doctor recommending what should be the treatment, the medical treatment, for that doctor’s patient,” Nelson said. “That’s just not right, and therefore, yes, I support, and have with my vote, medical marijuana recommended by a physician.” Including smokable marijuana? “Of course,” the Florida Democrat confirmed. “That’s what the constitutional amendment was.” Nelson’s position puts him on opposite sides of his would-be election year opponent, Scott, whose Republican administration continues to fight efforts to allow medical marijuana in smoking form.
“Democratic PACs’ digital ad touts Nelson’s fight for Medicare, Social Security” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Democratic Senate Majority PAC and Priorities USA Action are teaming up on a $600,000 statewide digital advertising campaign … beginning with an ad focusing on Nelson‘s efforts to protect Medicare and Social Security. The initial 15-second ad “Privatize” is in addition to the campaign that the Senate Majority Political Action Committee is running on TV on behalf of Nelson in Florida’s U.S. Senate race against Republican Gov. Scott. The new campaign also is releasing a Spanish digital ad called “Pre-Existing Conditions,” portraying Nelson as taking on insurance companies that denied coverage to people with health care pre-existing conditions. The ads will appear on social media, Google search, and across websites and video properties such as YouTube playing on an iPhone, Pandora playing on an Echo, or Hulu playing on a smart TV.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN —
“School shooting survivor’s dad takes aim at NRA with super PAC” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — “We need to get the NRA out of our politics. It has made itself a political party. And that needs to end,” said Jeff Kasky, a South Florida attorney and father of Cameron Kasky, one of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students who became the face of a new youth gun-control movement after facing off with Marco Rubio at a nationally televised town hall. “We are very single-minded. We’re very laser-focused on this,” Jeff Kasky said in an interview. “The purpose of this act is one-fold: to pass one small paragraph or amendment to the National Firearms Act of 1934.” He said it would essentially ban the sale of “military-style assault weapons” and put new restrictions on their purchase. The specific language of the proposal has yet to be drafted by Kasky’s Families vs. Assault Rifles PAC, which was just formed.
“Chris King calls for sales taxes on bullets, firearms to pay for gun safety” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — King has separated from the pack of gubernatorial candidates by advancing a new proposal that would use sales taxes from firearm sales and impose a new “safety fee” on bullet purchases to fund violence prevention and treatment programs. King’s proposal — which comes on the heels of his new television ad campaign calling for an assault weapons ban — would establish the “Every Kid Fund” to pay for gun-violence studies and prevention as well as to reimburse trauma centers for medical costs incurred in treating victims of mass shootings. “We should be investing in new and innovative ways to keep Floridians safe, and that’s why I’ll bring my bold, progressive policy to Tallahassee and send ‘proud NRA sellouts’ like Adam Putnam packing,” King said.
Assignment editors — King will unveil a proposed gun safety policy with a roundtable featuring community leaders of the Tampa Bay area, beginning 9 a.m., Allendale UMC, 3803 Haines Road N., St. Petersburg. At 6 p.m., King will speak to the Florida Chapter of the National Organization for Women Conference, Tampa Marriott Westshore, 1001 N. Westshore Blvd.
“Gwen Graham justice reform emphasizes juvenile justice, inequity, sentencing” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — In a news release issued by her campaign, Graham said Florida faces a crisis particularly due to problems with inequity and what she called “pervasive prejudice” in the criminal justice system, leading to mass incarceration, increasing costs for taxpayers and chronic money problems for the bulging prison system. Her 21-point plan also calls for restoration of rights for convicted felons who have completed their sentences, a long-term phaseout of private prisons, a de-emphasis of minimum sentencing requirements, and a proposal to eliminate what she calls a poverty penalty that leads people who cannot afford to post bail to sit in jail while awaiting trials for nonviolent felonies. Graham’s campaign noted she is the only candidate addressing juvenile justice reform, and it emphasized the opportunities it sees for bipartisan support for her plan.
“Graham didn’t always vote the party line in Congress. And she’s fine with that.” via Lawrence Mower of the Miami Herald — Graham voted against giving Nancy Pelosi another term as House speaker. She voted for the Keystone XL pipeline. And she voted in favor of measures limiting Dodd-Frank and Obamacare. Now, those votes are being used against her — evidence, opponents say, of her not being liberal enough to be governor. “Graham stood with Republican leaders over President Obama and Florida Democrats,” said a TV ad in May sponsored by a super PAC that supports her rival, Gillum. “Gwen Graham is not the progressive she claims to be.” Graham, 55, says she doesn’t regret any of the votes she cast during her two years in Congress (except one), explaining that she carefully researched and considered the issues. “Every vote that I cast, I voted as I believed was in the best interests of my district or Florida,” she said. “You’ve got to find a way to sit down and still continue to have a conversation … Because it’s the only way you’re going to get anything done.”
Happening today — Graham will discuss her juvenile justice reform plan at 8 a.m. with Joe Madison on SiriusXM Urban View, Channel 126. Madison, known as The Black Eagle, hosts an award-winning morning talk show about politics, social activism and “challenging the status quo ensuring that people of color are not undervalued, underestimated or marginalized.”
Assignment editors — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine visits Tampa to take part in an education roundtable with the Alliance for Public Schools, the Florida National Organization for Women Conference, and a roundtable conversation with Hispanic Business and Community Leaders. Events begin with the education roundtable at 1 p.m., Hillsborough County Children’s Board, 1002 E. Palm Ave. Hispanic roundtable begins 2:30 p.m., Centro de Ayuda de Hispano 3434 W Columbus Ave., Ste. 107. The women’s conference begins 5:30 p.m., Tampa Marriott Westshore, 1001 North Westshore Blvd.
Assignment editors — The National Organization for Women (NOW) begins its annual state conference at 3 p.m., Tampa Westshore Marriott, 1001 N. Westshore Boulevard, Tampa. First day activities include an action project to “Expose the Truth on Anti-Abortion Fake Clinics,” and welcoming remarks by mayors Bob Buckhorn of Tampa and Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg, as well as gubernatorial candidates Graham, King and Levine.
“John Ward ‘unleashes’ new ad for CD 6 campaign” via Florida Politics — Ward is continuing to stake out the Donald Trump lane in his bid to succeed exiting U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis in Florida’s 6th Congressional District. In support of that effort, his campaign announced Friday that it’s freshening up its previously announced six-figure ad buy with a new 30-second spot slated to start running on First Coast cable networks tout suite. The ad, “Unleash,” touts the Navy veteran and businessman’s record as a job creator and paints Ward as the Republican candidate most aligned with the Trump administration’s agenda. “Proven business leader John Ward knows how to revitalize our economy like President Trump, who has built many businesses and created jobs,” the ad narrator states. … “I’ll fight to slash overreaching regulations, lower taxes and build the border wall to grow Florida jobs and paychecks. Small business has been restrained by big government far long,” Ward says. … Ward faces former state Rep. Fred Costello and Fox News contributor Mike Waltz in the Republican primary.
Click on the image below to watch the ad:
“Tim Canova: Broward Supervisor of Elections must go” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Tim Canova, a candidate for Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, is now calling on Gov. Scott to suspend and remove Brenda Snipes as Broward County Supervisor of Elections. Canova’s call follows a court ruling that Snipes’ office illegally destroyed paper ballots from Canova’s 2016 primary challenge to current CD 23 Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The Florida Division of Elections agreed to send monitors to Broward for the 2018 election cycle, but Canova says that remedy doesn’t go far enough. “Brenda Snipes has shown herself unfit to supervise another election, and Gov. Scott needs to suspend and replace her,” he said. “Appointing yet another monitor is not a solution.”
First in Sunburn — “Former state Rep. Barbara Watson endorses Jason Pizzo in SD 38, again” via Florida Politics — Former Democratic state Rep. Watson of Miami Gardens is backing former prosecutor Pizzo in his bid for Senate District 38. It’s the second time Watson backed Pizzo for the seat (she endorsed him in the 2016 Democratic primary) and is notable because she chose him over the incumbent, Sen. Daphne Campbell, also a Democrat. “As we look ahead to the challenges that South Florida faces, this election will be a crucial test of our ability to deliver on a promise of a government we can trust,” Watson said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to endorse Jason Pizzo, a dedicated father, neighbor, and citizen who has fought for justice as a state prosecutor with honor and integrity.”
—“Martin County’s top cop backs Gayle Harrell for SD 25” via Florida Politics
“Candidates line up for Elizabeth Porter House seat” via the News Service of Florida — With the addition of a Democrat this week, the list of candidates to succeed Republican Rep. Porter of Lake City continues to grow. Ronald Williams opened a campaign account, becoming the seventh candidate to open an account in House District 10 … Term limits bar Porter from running again this year in the district, which is made up of Baker, Columbia, Hamilton, Suwannee and part of Alachua counties. Along with Williams, others who have opened accounts are Republicans Chuck Brannan, Benjamin Robert Leon and Marc Vann, Democrat Evan Tharpe Leslie and unaffiliated candidates Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson and Fred Martin.
“Clay County judge sues to keep opponent off primary ballot” via Emily Sullivan of the Florida Times-Union — Clay County Judge Kristina Mobley filed an emergency motion to require Chris Chambless, Clay County election supervisor, to scratch Lucy Ann Hoover’s name from ballots and de-certify her candidacy ahead of the Aug. 28 primary election for court judge. The motion states Hoover, a visiting professor at the University of North Florida, arrived at the Clay County Supervisor of Elections office on … the last day to qualify to run. She reportedly entered the office less than 90 minutes before the noon deadline. With no one else in line, Hoover obtained all forms on the spot and worked to complete them under the looming deadline, the motion states. She filed three of five required documents after the deadline passed and needed to amend two submissions, according to the suit. Chambless said Hoover was in the office before noon and that, collectively, his office believes she is properly qualified to run for judge.
— YOUR REPUBLICAN PARTY —
“Trump pardons controversial Sunshine Summit guest” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — With his campaign finance violations behind him via a presidential pardon, conservative thought leader Dinesh D’Souza can now focus his full attention on the upcoming Florida GOP’s Sunshine Summit in Orlando at which he is a featured speaker … Trump tweeted he would pardon D’Souza because “he was treated very unfairly by our government.” D’Souza pleaded guilty and was convicted on a 2014 charge of attempting “to illegally contribute over $10,000 to a Senate campaign,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York. Despite his guilty plea, D’Souza maintained he was the victim of a political attack in retaliation for his documentary critical of Barack Obama. The Republican Party of Florida in April announced that D’Souza would be a featured guest speaker at its 2018 Sunshine Summit. The two-day event begins June 28 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.
“Florida GOP leader shares racist post in support of Roseanne Barr” via The Associated Press — A Republican leader in Florida has said he doesn’t understand the anger generated by Barr’s tweet comparing a former adviser to Obama to an ape. Lake County Republican Committeeman Ralph Smith posted an image of Valerie Jarrett and a character from “Planet of the Apes” on Facebook with the caption, “And the issue with Roseanne is?” Barr’s tweet likening Jarrett to a cross between the Muslim Brotherhood and a “Planet of the Apes” actor sparked nationwide criticism and prompted ABC to cancel its reboot of the comedy show Roseanne. No one answered the phone at Smith’s home and business Thursday. The chairman of the Lake County Republicans didn’t respond to email and phone messages. Smith deleted his post on Wednesday.
“Rubio campaign volunteer and ex-Florida lawmaker says Obama looks like a monkey” via Jerry Iannelli of the Miami New Times — Susan Goldstein previously served as a Florida state representative for western Broward County from 2004 to 2006. She’s now a prominent figure in Tallahassee and serves on the board of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists. In 2016, she was Rubio’s presidential campaign chair in Broward. And in 2018, she’s apparently fine with announcing she thinks Obama looks like a monkey, and she doesn’t get why that comment is obviously racist. “And I truly think Obama resembles the Curious George cartoon, who I think is an adorable character,” Goldstein wrote on Facebook. “Curious George that is. That is what my eyes see. And I am not racist, and there is not mean-spirited intent in my observation. But I can’t say it. Double standard.” She then added, “One thing has nothing to do with the other. God made everyone with some kind of cultural identifying characteristics.” Goldstein initially denied that she wrote the comment and claimed someone else had posted the text under her name. After a reporter read the quote back to her, though, she no longer denied writing it and instead said she was having a discussion “among friends.” She vehemently denied that her comment was racist.
“Miami congressional candidate says chemical attacks in Syria were staged” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — Souraya Faas, a Republican who has filed to run against Rep. Carlos Curbelo in the August primary, says Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar Assad are “heroes” for fighting terrorism in Syria. She says chemical attacks in 2017 and 2018 that the U.S. government and the U.N. said were orchestrated by Assad’s government never happened. “All those attacks are staged by the White Helmets,” Faas said in an interview, referring to a group of 3,000 volunteer rescuers who have saved thousands of lives since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011. There is no evidence to suggest that the White Helmets faked chemical attacks in Syria. Pictures purporting to confirm Faas’ argument on the internet are in fact from the set of a Syrian film.
— STATEWIDE —
“Scott to announce 200 new corporate jobs at Wyndham in Orlando” via Paul Brinkmann of the Orlando Sentinel — Gov. Scott plans to announce Friday that Orlando has lured 200 high-paying corporate jobs from Wyndham Worldwide’s headquarters in New Jersey. Scott’s visit comes on the same day that Wyndham’s spinoff of its hotel franchise business becomes official, and it starts trading on the New York Stock Exchange under a separate name, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts … The jobs would have “an average salary of at least $68,195, which is 150 percent of the overall prevailing average salary in the county” according to a memo from Eric Ushkowitz, the county’s economic development administrator. The jobs would include executive leadership and management, senior management and professional IT positions. The company would only get the incentive dollars if the jobs move to Orlando and the company shows proof of that. A Wyndham relocation would also mean about $7.5 million of new capital investment for facilities, according to the county.
“The regulator Patronis wants fired clashed with high-profile financial interests” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — A top state financial regulator clashed with a host of powerful interests he oversees in the months leading up to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis calling for his ouster … Hundreds of pages of public records reviewed by POLITICO indicate Patronis’ push to fire Drew Breakspear came amid fights with scorned companies and high-profile securities traders who lobbied Patronis after disagreements with Breakspear’s office. Breakspear is no stranger to the political hot seat. Gov. Scott tried to oust him in 2015, but did not get the needed support of then-CFO Jeff Atwater. Some political observers viewed Patronis’ call for resignation one way: Scott wanted Breakspear gone, and he now had the CFO to do it. Patronis‘ office disagrees with that perception, saying that along with the regulator-industry clashes outlined in public records, Breakspear did a poor job communicating with Patronis, who oversees the office, and showed “lack of cooperation” with those he regulated and the CFO’s office.
“Court sets date for felons’ rights arguments” via the News Service of Florida — The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments July 25 in Atlanta in a constitutional battle about Florida’s process for restoring the voting rights of felons. The case went to the appeals court after U.S. District Judge Mark Walker declared unconstitutional Florida’s process for restoring the voting rights of felons who have served their sentences. Walker had ordered Scott and the Cabinet to revamp the process by April 26. But state officials won a partial victory April 25, when a panel of the federal appeals court granted a stay of the order.
“Relatives of inmates riled over proposed tightening of prison visitation” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — Family and friends of some of Florida’s 97,000 prison inmates offered public testimony denouncing proposed visitation rules that could make it harder to see their loved ones regularly. “Limiting visitation is not in the best interest of the citizens of Florida and the communities in which they live,” Michael McBride, the father of an inmate, told officials including assistant deputy secretary for institutions Richard Comerford. Some 48 people spoke during roughly three hours. Several expressed fear of retaliation against their loved ones or themselves for speaking out. The rules would establish three types of visitation. Standard visitation would vary little from the system in place now: Visits would be allowed for six hours every Saturday and Sunday and on state holidays. Modified visitation would allow visits only every other weekend and on holidays; and emergency or temporary visitation would entail suspension or limitation of visiting privileges in case of disturbances including riots, strikes or uprisings, or natural disaster or epidemic.
“Two health plans tapped for Medicaid contracts” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — … bringing to 11 the number of managed-care plans expected to sign five-year contracts with the state. Lighthouse Health Plan, which is based in Pensacola, would provide Medicaid services in Northwest Florida, and Miami Children’s Health Plan would provide similar services in Southeast Florida. Both companies — known as provider-sponsored networks because they are owned and operated by health care providers — are new and don’t have current contracts with the state. Lighthouse is affiliated with Pensacola-based Baptist Health Care, while Miami Children’s Health Plan is affiliated with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The Agency for Health Care Administration on April 24 said it intended to sign five-year contracts with nine managed-care plans to serve Medicaid patients in regions throughout the state.
“State Farm fighting disclosure order in AOB-linked auto glass repair dispute” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — State Farm is fighting a Hillsborough County judge’s order to turn over details of its claims-handling process to an auto glass repair shop that argues the insurer shortchanged it for replacing a policyholder’s damaged windscreen. State Farm claims the information the judge ordered turned over during the spring comprises legally protected trade secrets. “By rejecting State Farm’s trade-secrets and work-product objections, the county court has effectively declared ‘open season’ on these otherwise immune materials,” the motion argues. The dispute involves a difference of opinion worth more than $400 on Shazam Auto Glass LLC’s bill for fixing State Farm policyholder Christine Jennings’ 2013 Kia Optima. The Tampa Bay area has become a hotbed of litigation filed by auto glass shots armed with AOB agreements. Statewide, the number of such claims increased from nearly 400 in 2006 to almost 20,000 just 10 years later.
“Bill Montford earns a C+ grade from Florida teachers union for anti-labor vote” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — For two years as chairman of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, Sen. Montford … prevented an anti-labor bill from seeing the light of day. But when the anti-union legislation was combined with a funding bill for local schools, Montford voted yes. That vote earned the former middle school math teacher a C+ grade from the state’s largest union. “Nobody could get higher than a C if they voted for 7055,” said Joanne McCall, the FEA’s president, when asked about the grade for Montford, a staunch FEA ally. During the two-year grading period the union used for its scorecard, Montford points out that he had chaired 17 meetings of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. And not once, he said, did he allow a recertification proposal for all public employees unions to be heard. “And you know what that means? That means it does not move,” said Montford … “I understand why the unions did not like the union certification piece in 7055. I didn’t like it either.”
Tweet, tweet:
At today’s @FarmShareFL event hosted by myself, @mattcaldwell_fl, @isayray, and @Kathleen4SWFL we helped to feed over 500 Southwest Florida families in need. Thank you to everyone who participated! #SWFL pic.twitter.com/vJNxFJYoBw
— Lizbeth Benacquisto (@lizbethkb) May 31, 2018
Flags at half-staff for John Morroni — Gov. Scott has ordered flags at half-staff on Friday to honor the late Morroni, a former House member from Pinellas County. Morroni died Sunday. He represented House District 50, which covered parts of Pinellas County, from 1992 to 2000. Morroni spent the last 18 years on the Pinellas County Commission, serving as chairman in 2005, 2012, and 2015. “As a symbol of respect for the memory of former state Rep. Morroni, and his service to Florida, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the Pinellas County Courthouse and County Administration Building in Clearwater, the City Hall of Treasure Island, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, from sunrise to sunset (on) Friday, June 1,” Scott said in a statement.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“DeSantis blasts FBI efforts regarding Trump campaign as ‘not normal’” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Gubernatorial candidate DeSantis is siding firmly with Trump in the so-called “Spygate” controversy, calling the FBI’s actions to uncover Russian interference in the 2016 campaign “not normal.” Trump has repeatedly accused the FBI of implanting a spy within his campaign during the 2016 election. According to what we know so far, that’s not quite the case. Instead, it appears the FBI used an informant to contact Trump staffers who the FBI suspected may have information about Russia’s efforts to interfere with the election. That informant was not “implanted” into the campaign but instead met with members of Trump’s team to ferret out any ties to Russia. Still, DeSantis says those actions were inappropriate.
“Official: 2 more months to restore power in Puerto Rico” via Danica Cotto of The Associated Press — It could take up to another two months to fully restore power in Puerto Rico as crews across the U.S. territory prepare to strengthen its electrical grid amid a new hurricane season … Walter Higgins, the new CEO of Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority, said the company just awarded a $500 million contract to Florida-based MasTec to help with power restoration efforts and plans to build a better, more efficient grid. Another $900 million contract was recently awarded to Cobra Energy, and a third contract is still being finalized, he said. “We all wish we were further along,” he said of efforts to restore power to the more than 11,000 customers who remain in the dark more than eight months after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico … Higgins estimated it could take $5 billion to $8 billion to strengthen the grid and said the islands of Vieques and Culebra would be first places where the grid would be built to modern standards, starting within four months. This would include installing new poles, wires and transformers as well as smart meters and renewable power sources for an estimated $150 million to $160 million.
“Feds approve six-month extension for Brightline train bonds” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The federal government has granted a six-month extension for All Aboard Florida to sell the $1.15 billion in private equity bonds it intends to use to finance the proposed higher-speed rail expansion that could roll private Brightline passenger trains between South Florida and Orlando. The extension comes in the nick of time, as the company’s federal approval for the bonds was to expire Thursday. With the extension, the train project continues to roll, even as opponents have heated up efforts to convince the U.S. Department of Transportation that it had made a mistake in approving the federally-authorized, tax-exempt bonds in the first place. Opponents contend that Brightline shouldn’t have been eligible under federal rules, which they interpret to apply to highways, not railroads.
— OPINIONS —
“Getting the hang of Florida’s politics is rough business” via Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post — The regressive ignorance of political discourse in Florida can be breathtaking. That was the case over the weekend when a DeSantis campaign speech in Citrus County turned toward a return to lynching. “Bring back the hanging tree!” … This might have been an opportunity for an adult in the room, perhaps the federal lawmaker running for governor, to pump the brakes on this frontier-justice talk by suggesting that stringing up people from trees wasn’t a good idea. … when asked by The Tampa Bay Times about the hanging remark, DeSantis’ spokesman dug in deeper. “Ron thinks that Floridians should be forgiven for having some pretty strong and not at all politically correct feelings about what should happen to this animal,” … Not to be too picky here, but lynching isn’t “politically incorrect,” it’s a barbaric disregard for the rule of law. It’s not like DeSantis, a Harvard Law School graduate, has no appreciation for the rule of law. A real leader might have told the villagers to put down their pitchforks. Or better yet, not have inflamed them with this in the first place.
“The 2018 Hurricane Season is here. We can’t just rely on the federal government to help us prepare” via Jeff Schlegelmilch of Fortune — The economic stress of disasters is now regularly measured in billions — and even sometimes in trillions of dollars — and has measurable impacts to GDP. Relying on federal management of disasters is not enough, and a more holistic approach is being sought. The disaster responses of 2017 nearly broke our national emergency management systems. As this next hurricane season begins, we cannot continue to rely on federal coffers to finance our complacency. The federal government is still necessary to guide a national strategy and to provide resources where there is no viable alternative. But in the face of more billion-dollar disasters, leveraging the resources and influences that all sectors have on our society is the only sustainable way forward.
— WEEKEND TV —
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues that affect the area’s citizens.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei hosts a roundtable with independent journalist Joe Brown; Democratic National Committee member Alan Clendenin; Dan Maduri, commentator and host of “Florida Live” AM 820 News; and Deborah Tamargo, second VP of the Florida Federation of GOP Women.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on the Summer Food Service Program, providing meals for kids in Central Florida and Bay-area during the summer break. Joining Walker-Torres are Karen Broussard, vice president of agency relations and programs, Second Harvest Food Bank; Linda Kobert, vice-chair and District 3 Orange County School Board Member; Thomas Mantz, executive director, Feeding Tampa Bay’s Summer Food Service Program; and Rachel Mohler, summer food service program director, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: The latest from Tallahassee with Capital Reporter Troy Kinsey and an interview with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter rates a claim about Gov. Scott and the privatization of beaches.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore and clemency attorney Reggie Garcia.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guest is U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and Rick Mullaney of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Will discuss the race for Florida’s 27th Congressional District and speak with some of the candidates.
— ALOE —
“Heroic Florida drama teacher to get special Tony Award” via Mark Kennedy of The Associated Press — Melody Herzfeld, the one-woman drama department at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, will be presented with the award onstage June 10 at the Tony telecast. “I’m overwhelmed,” Herzfeld told The Associated Press. “But I hope that this award will remind everyone of how vital and important arts education is to our kids. Drama, music, art, creative writing — that’s how you make good citizens.” Herzfeld saved 65 lives by barricading students into a small classroom closet on Valentine’s Day when police say a former student went on a school rampage, killing 17 people. She then later cheered as many of her pupils led the nationwide movement for gun reform, including organizing the March for Our Lives demonstration and the charity single “Shine.” The award includes a $10,000 prize and a pair of tickets to the Tony ceremony and gala. When Herzfeld was being considered for this year’s honor — the fourth — one Tony administration committee member commented: “Never has the drama department looked so cool.”
What Stephanie Smith is reading — “Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the company is on track for a 2019 IPO” via Saheli Roy Choudhury of CNBC — “We’re in a good position in terms of the company’s profile, in terms of profitability and margins continue to get better,” Khosrowshahi told CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla … Khosrowshahi added that Uber has a “very strong balance sheet.” … “I do think that we’re on track in 2019 for an IPO,” he said. “Lots of things can happen in the world but we have a reasonable buffer as well, so I think we’re in a pretty good spot.” The CEO specified that he was looking at the second half of 2019 for an IPO. A person familiar with the matter had told CNBC that Uber is targeting to go public in late 2019 but the company has not started interviewing banks yet.
Happy birthday to Tallahassee Democrat scribe Jeff Burlew and state Rep. Danny Burgess. Early birthday wishes to our friends Chris Ingram and Reggie Cardoza.
— TWEET OF THE DAY —
Tweet, tweet:
#Day1 pic.twitter.com/7jjPL277Es
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) May 31, 2018
