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.
The first Republican gubernatorial debate, Thursday’s highlight at the two-day Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine Summit, ought to have Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam nervous and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis salivating.
At least under conventional thinking, which cautions against risking faceoffs if you’re 15 points up in polls, especially on national TV; and recommends high-profile shots at the front-runner if you’re down that much.
But not here.
Putnam’s most likely going to find himself among good friends packing Orlando’s Gaylord Palms Convention Center Ballroom; while DeSantis, who’s done too much of his campaigning through FOX News appearances, may have to hope his calling card from BFF President Donald Trump works with introductions.
Putnam spent his eight years as Ag Commissioner and certainly the 14 months of this campaign visiting every county and berg he could get to in Florida. He can tell you where the best BBQ is in Taylor County, or what infrastructure locals need in Hendry. He likely not only knows most delegates, he probably knows if one of their sons made the varsity football team this year.
Home-court advantage for Putnam, and potential traps aplenty for DeSantis.
Tweet, tweet:
In pre-debate Fox News appearance, Adam Putnam said “it’s not a great surprise” that Donald Trump endorsed opponent Ron DeSantis because “the two have built a relationship over Washington issues, but I’m focused on Florida issues.”https://t.co/voTVRIgODS
— Steve Contorno (@scontorno) June 28, 2018
First in Sunburn – Florida Democrats release guide to GOP debate — Putnam and DeSantis are gearing up for their first debate in the Republican primary for Governor, and the Florida Democratic Party is rolling out a digital ad and a “guide” to help viewers at follow along. … “This is the most extreme, far-right field of Republican candidates Florida has ever seen. Adam Putnam and Ron DeSantis are in a race to the right in which each candidate is aggressively competing to win over the GOP’s extreme base,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo. “While the Democrats have already held three debates focused on issues like health care, education and the economy, the Republicans are in an all-out brawl to be Donald Trump’s man in Florida.” … The ad, titled “Sellouts,” slams Putnam for referring to himself as an “NRA sellout” and the recent revelation that the department he runs as Agriculture Commissioner went a year without conducting a sometimes-required background check for concealed weapons permits. DeSantis gets hammered as a Trump gopher beholden to a stable of billionaires backing his campaign. It then goes dives into a back-and-forth of the two candidates blasting each other while lauding Trump. … As far as what to watch for the in the debate, FDP says to look out for DeSantis going “Full Trump” and questions whether he’ll hold Putnam accountable for “his mismanagement of the Department of Agriculture” … the guide also questions whether the candidates will “move beyond platitudes and address teacher pay” and whether they’ll use any time addressing health care issues.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@MarioDB: Sitting idly by was, and always has been, out of the question for me. I remain ready to negotiate with any Member of Congress who is willing to join me in prioritizing this issue over petty politics and party. #immigration
—@MattGaetz: Get ready for @seanhannity in Pensacola!
—@RosLehtinen: I voted for the compromise #immigration bill because it moves our country in the right direction by protecting #DREAMers from deportation, putting them on a pathway to citizenship, and allowing them to continue a productive life in a nation that benefits from their contributions.
—@SalNuzzo: Make no mistake — this was the single most consequential week of @realDonaldTrump Presidency. Today, constitutional conservatism achieves generational wins with several #SCOTUS rulings #FlaPol
—@mcimaps: This is actually lose-lose. If we somehow block a SCOTUS nominee and drag it to 2019 it could well tank several red state Dems. Then a GOP majority just confirms later. I’m having real trouble seeing a path that doesn’t lead to pain.
—@fineout: Chief Financial Officer @JimmyPatronis said that the state will set up a claims office on Thursday in Franklin County — residents who lost their homes from the fire will be provided assistance to help with living expenses to “create some stability.”
—@JimRosicaFL: A bench trial on the Florida Greyhound Ass’n suit against the @FloridaCRC betting on dog-racing ban previously had been set for July 26 at 2 p.m. before Gievers. #FlaPol
—@bruceritchie: “Today’s ruling is a huge win for the entire state of Florida,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott said of US Supreme Court ruling in case against Georgia over water use. But the case isn’t decided — it goes back to the special master to address evidentiary questions.
—@FLBOG: Congratulations to @USouthFlorida for achieving its goal of reaching preeminent status, as designated by the Florida Legislature. Go Bulls!
— DAYS UNTIL —
Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Fort Myers — 10; MLB All-Star Game — 19; Deadline for filing claim bills — 34; ‘The Race for Governor’ Republican gubernatorial debate — 34; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in Miami — 35; Start of the U.S. Open — 60; Primary Election Day — 61; College Football opening weekend — 63; NFL season starts — 71; Future of Florida Forum — 90; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 117; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 118; General Election Day — 131; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 231; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 250.
— TOP STORY —
With the release of several high-stakes opinions, the U.S. Supreme Court has dominated the media cycle this week.
But perhaps the strongest bit of news didn’t come from a SCOTUS ruling. Instead, it came from Justice Anthony Kennedy, who announced on Wednesday he’d retire from the highest court.
Kennedy, a conservative, is regarded as a swing option on SCOTUS. He’s aligned with more liberal rulings on key issues in the past. Thus, the news sent shockwaves across the country, especially in Florida.
Starting at the top: Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said he respected Kennedy and believed he was a “balanced, consensus candidate” when former President Ronald Reagan appointed the judge. “I expect President Donald Trump to do the same with his nomination.” Nelson also suggested the nomination, which requires Senate approval, take place after the election. Gov. Scott, who’s competing against Nelson for his Senate seat, thinks otherwise. “I am glad a vote for the next Supreme Court Justice will happen this fall,” Scott said.
In Congress: Democratic Reps. Ted Deutch and Stephanie Murphy were quick to comment. “Now our country’s highest court could be tilted in favor of special interests over the American people,” Deutch wrote on Twitter. “Reproductive, LGBT, and voting rights are at serious risk. Our slow progress toward equality could now be undone.” Added Murphy: “America is watching. We will speak up & we will be heard. The future of our nation is at stake.”
On the trail: In the Democratic race for Governor, Chris King and Jeff Greene spoke up first. King said, “News of President Trump filling another lifetime appointment should send shivers through the spine of every American —— a Supreme Court refashioned in Donald Trump’s image will issue devastating blows to civil rights, workers’ rights and women’s health care.” On Twitter, Green wrote that Kennedy “has served fairly and honorably — I only hope his replacement will have the courage to do the same.” Conversely, on the Republican side, U.S. Rep. DeSantis wrote, “Trump has been terrific in his judicial picks and this will be biggest nomination yet!”
—“The 25 people most likely to replace Kennedy on the Supreme Court” via Jessica Estepa of USA TODAY
—“Scott: SCOTUS pick should happen this fall; Nelson: wait until after election” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
—“After failing to pass abortion restrictions, Joe Gruters sees hope in Kennedy’s retirement” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“FDP wants Scott to press Trump to end fight against Obamacare pre-existing condition rule” via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida – The FDP earlier this week began circulating the letter to people around the state from its various lists. It’s likely the respondents, whose names POLITICO reviewed, lean left. But they weren’t asked their party affiliation or whether they are registered to vote. The letter was signed by more than 60 Floridians from 38 counties. “On Thursday, while you spend the day hobnobbing with donors in Washington, D.C., we request that you stop by to see your ‘close friend’ Donald Trump and tell him to stop his attacks on healthcare protections for pre-existing conditions,” the letter states. Scott’s office said it would “keep [POLITICO] posted” on whether the governor will meet with Trump or anyone in his administration about its court battle over whether mandating insurance companies cover people with pre-existing health conditions is still constitutional under the Affordable Care Act.
“Playing with fire: Scott, a raging inferno, and a $50,000-a-head fund-raiser” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times – Thirty-six homes and 800 acres are reduced to charred rubble. Residents of a close-knit, hardscrabble community are left without food and shelter. As they assess their lives in 95-degree heat, all they have are questions. … One place to start is with the seven political appointees on the wildlife commission who hired the vendor. Every one of them is a close friend of Gov. Scott. Serving as a wildlife commissioner is a plum appointment. The FWC board is an extension of the governor’s office and always has been, so this is also Scott’s problem. … (A) Scott appointee to the FWC is Gary Nicklaus — the son of that Nicklaus, as in Jack, the Golden Bear, a long-time Palm Beach County resident. While Eastpoint residents were still sifting through the rubble on Wednesday, the golfing legend threw a fund-raiser for Scott’s Senate race, and a listing as a host cost a donor $50,000. That money would go a long way in Eastpoint right now — and those are hardly ideal optics for any political campaign.
Happening today:
“DGA chairman: Florida high on ‘national priority list’” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — “It is high on our national priority list,” Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, told POLITICO. “Florida is ready for a change after two decades.” Inslee, who as DGA chairman is tasked with coordinating Democratic gubernatorial races nationally, says that the sometimes aggressive tone does not concern him once primary politics are in the rearview mirror. Inslee said his group does not yet have a set budget or outline for what it will spend on the Florida race, but stressed the winner of the primary race will have DGA resources in the general election.
“Documents: Putnam office staffers admitted inappropriate, sexually charged behavior” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Within a one-year period, beginning in early 2015, three staffers in Agriculture Commissioner Putnam’s office admitted to sexual harassment and watching pornography on a work computer, as documented in state investigations. Two of the incidents were grocery store inspectors who work for Putnam’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; each made inappropriate comments to non-department female staff who worked at grocery stores. A third staffer was a fruit and vegetable inspector who used his state computer to view pornography more than 1,000 times, including searches involving state Attorney General Pam Bondi, who serves with Putnam on the Florida Cabinet. In all three cases, which are detailed in separate inspector general reports, Putnam, carried out some form of punishment. Two of the employees are still with the department, which has about 3,650 employees, while the third left for unrelated reasons.
More trouble for Putnam — “Florida wildfire started by state contractor attempting controlled burn, investigation finds” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — A wildfire in Eastpoint that destroyed 36 homes and burned more than 800 acres was caused by a state contractor attempting a controlled burn, an investigation has found. Wildland Fire Services, Inc., a company hired by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, caused the wildfire during a prescribed burn, Putnam said in a news release. His office conducted the investigation into the fire.
First in Sunburn — Video: Gwen Graham details plan to ‘Take it Back’ — Graham is out with a new video backed up by a digital ad buy pitting her campaign platform against the past 20 years of Republican rule in Tallahassee. “It has been really bad for the state of Florida that for 20 years the Republican Party has been in total control. It’s the special interest, high-paid lobbyists that are in charge in Tallahassee,” Graham says over high-contrast photos of Richard Corcoran, DeSantis, Putnam, and Scott. “It makes me really angry. It didn’t used to be this way.” … “I grew up in a household where public service meant caring about the people of the state and caring about the state itself,” Graham says. “We’ve lost that, but we’re going to take it back.” Her plan to unwind two decades of Republican control: Medicaid expansion, slashing public funding of charter schools, and getting “weapons of war off our streets and out of our schools.” The former Congresswoman, who more often defines herself as a one-time PTA mom, closed with a message for those who think she doesn’t have the right stuff to go toe-to-toe with Putnam or DeSantis in November. “As I’m campaigning to be the next governor of Florida, the commitment I’m making — they’re not just words. So do not mistake my friendliness for any single bit of lack of resolve. Because that’s why I’m running. I’m running to help this state, and I’m going to get it done for the people of Florida.”
To view the video, click on the image below:
Philip Levine rolls out more local endorsements — New backers include Miami Beach Commissioner John Elizabeth Alemán; former Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober; Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Levine-Cava; former Broward County DEC Chair Mitch Ceasar; Hillsborough County School Board Member Lynn Gray; Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy; former Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas; and Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick.
Save the date — Fox News conservative commentator Sean Hannity will hold a campaign rally with Matt Gaetz and gubernatorial candidate DeSantis on Monday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. Central time, New World Landing, 600 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. The event is open to the press and public.
“Stephanie Murphy picks up union backing, pledges to fight for them” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — In an announcement of little surprise to anyone, Murphy’s re-election campaign announced the backing of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, its affiliate, the Central Florida AFL-CIO; and the Florida Education Association. Together they represent more than 180,000 members in Florida. She then took the occasion to address the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus vs. AFSCME, in which the court, by a 5-4 decision, banned so-called “fair-share fees,” which require workers represented by unions to pay dues whether they want to be union members or not. “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is the latest salvo in a decadeslong partisan attack on workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain for better jobs and a better life,” Murphy said in a news release. “Having grown up in a union household, I believe this ruling is a setback for workers and the people they serve.”
“Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorses primary challenger to Murphy” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Chardo Richardson hasn’t gotten much traction so far — but the Democratic Party’s biggest new star, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, made sure to endorse him after her stunning victory in New York on Tuesday night. Murphy, though, has a massive campaign-money advantage over Richardson and could point to two new endorsements from major labor groups the Florida Education Association and the AFL-CIO. Richardson, 38, of Longwood, a former ACLU of Central Florida board member, knows Ocasio-Cortez through progressive groups formed to find and recruit potential candidates. “We were the original Brand-New Congress and Justice Democrats,” Richardson said. “Alexandria and I always had a great relationship and supported each other.”
“Internal Annette Taddeo poll finds she starts re-election campaign with double-digit lead” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald – The poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling just as Cancio was getting into the race two weeks ago, found that Taddeo would have pulled 49 percent of the vote compared to (Republican attorney Marili) Cancio’s 32 were the campaign held in mid June. Cancio, who only filed her campaign papers June 12, fared slightly worse than a generic Republican candidate would in running versus a generic Democrat.
“Florida Medical Association backs Rebekah Bydlak for HD 1” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — A political committee tied to the Florida Medical Association gave Gonzalez Republican Rebekah Bydlak its seal of approval in the race to succeed term-limited Rep. Clay Ingram in Escambia-based House District 1. “As a lifelong member of her community, Rebekah Bydlak will be a great representative to her constituents in House District 1 and the FMA PAC looks forward to working with her on the health care issues important to the citizens of Florida,” said Dr. Mike Patete, president of FMA PAC. Patete’s pratique is the latest for Bydlak, who has also been endorsed by Ingram. … Bydlak’s main challenger is fellow Republican Mike Hill, who served three years in the House before leaving to mount a failed campaign for Senate District 1 in the 2016 cycle. Milton Republican Lisa Doss made it a three-way primary race when she filed two weeks ago. … HD 1 covers the bulk of Escambia County. It is a Republican stronghold.
“Palm Beach unions endorse Tina Polsky for HD 81” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Tina Polsky is pulling in support from several local and statewide unions in her race for House District 81. The Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association (CTA), the Florida Education Association (FEA) and the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) are all backing Polsky in her Democratic primary with Mindy Koch. “We are pleased to endorse Tina because she has shown us that she cares about access to high-paying jobs and health care,” said Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO President Pat Emmert. “Tina will also make sure that unions have a permanent seat at the bargaining table in order to ensure safe working conditions and equitable pay.”
—“Construction trade association endorses HD 114 challenger Javier Enriquez” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
— STATEWIDE —
“Scott, Cabinet delay decision on hiring new OFR head” via Florida Politics — Despite interviewing five “quality candidates” on Wednesday, Gov. Scott and the Florida Cabinet held off on appointing a new head of the state’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). Instead, they decided to keep the application period open through mid-July. Thirty-four people already had applied. Scott, Attorney General Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Patronis, and Agriculture Commissioner Putnam held a conference call and interviewed their top five applicants to replace outgoing OFR Commissioner Drew Breakspear … After interviewing the five — including state GOP state Rep. Jay Fant of Jacksonville — Scott balked, saying he wanted more time to make a decision. Scott and the others also agreed to accept more applications and decide at the next Cabinet meeting on Aug. 14.
PSC nominating panel sets meeting for next month — The Public Service Commission Nominating Council will meet July 17 in Orlando to interview the six “most qualified” candidates to fill two upcoming vacancies on the PSC, which regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities. They include Julie Brown and Gary Clark, who are hoping to get reappointed for another four years. Their current terms expire at the end of the year. Brown, an attorney from Tampa, has served on the PSC since January 2011 and was reappointed in 2014. Clark was appointed to his seat last September to complete the term of Patronis, named to serve as Florida’s chief financial officer. Clark previously was a deputy secretary at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. After interviewing the candidates, the council — chaired by Sen. Kelli Stargel, a Lakeland Republican — will forward a short list to Gov. Scott, who will make the final selections.
“Florida unexpectedly releases school grades” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Without warning, the Florida Department of Education released 2018 school grades in a midday email that caught school districts unaware. The bottom line showed a continued increase in A-rated schools and a decrease in F-rated schools. Nearly all schools that received an F in 2017 saw an improvement of at least one letter grade. The grades take on even greater significance this year for another reason: Schools with continued poor results of D or lower face takeover by outside entities, with the possibility of a district-managed turnaround abolished by the state Legislature. For Foster and Oak Park elementary schools in Tampa, that’s bad news. They saw their grades remain low and will be taken over by an external operator as a result.
“FSU says it qualifies for nearly $100M in ‘performance funding’ ” via Florida Politics — Florida State University says it’s “improved in every performance metric outlined by the Florida Board of Governors and will receive $98.7 million in performance funding this year in recognition of its continuing excellence.” The school announced a Wednesday news release. The funding is subject to confirmation Thursday by the full Board of Governors. The funds will allow Florida State to “continue making investments in targeted areas as it strives toward its goal of becoming a U.S. News & World Report Top 25 public university.” “I’m pleased that our achievements are reflected in the performance metrics,” FSU President John Thrasher said in a statement. “This performance funding will help support the university’s preeminence in ways that will benefit our students and the state as we prepare career-ready graduates.”
“’Stand your ground’ rejected in murder case” via the News Service of Florida — The ruling by a panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal stemmed from the conviction of Hiram Gonzalez Morales in the death of Crestony Colin. Morales contended that he killed Colin in self-defense after Colin pointed a gun at him and demanded money while the pair were in a car in rural Palm Beach County. Morales said he twisted Colin’s hand that held the gun, which went off and killed Colin. Morales put Colin’s body in the trunk of the car and later set fire to the car in western Broward County, with Morales suffering burns on his legs. Morales unsuccessfully argued in circuit court that he should be shielded from prosecution under the “stand your ground” law, which says people are justified in using deadly force and do not have a “duty to retreat” if they believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. He also raised self-defense arguments at trial but was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison. The appeals court, in an eight-page ruling, said the circuit judge did not err in denying the “stand your ground” defense.
Dog-racing ban lawsuit to go before judge — Tallahassee-based Circuit Judge Karen Gievers has set a hearing for this Friday on a lawsuit filed by the Florida Greyhound Association against Amendment 13, court dockets show. That’s a proposed state constitutional change put on the November ballot by the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). The measure aims at ending dog racing in the state. The Animal Law section of The Florida Bar and the Committee to Protect Dogs have asked to get involved in the suit, which named the Department of State as a defendant. Among other claims, the suit says the ballot title and summary “ … fail to inform voters that its passage would essentially expand gambling by allowing pari-mutuel facilities in Florida to convert to minicasinos.” The amendment would allow other gambling activities such as card games to continue at tracks after betting on dog racing ends. The measure would need at least 60 percent approval from statewide voters to be added to the constitution. In Florida, live dog racing is still conducted at 12 tracks.
First in “Last Call”: Casino seeks tax relief for slots — Calder Race Course is seeking a tax break from the state’s Department of Revenue on its slot machines, records show. The department, in response to a public record request, on Wednesday released a copy of the petition Calder’s attorney, James M. Ervin Jr. of Tallahassee, filed June 20. The Miami Gardens track, which no longer runs live horse racing, now does business as Calder Casino, offering about slots and electronic table games. It leases 122 of its 1,100 slot machines from vendors, the petition says, and pays both state and local tax. But state law caps taxes collected on the first $5,000 worth of “tangible personal property.” Calder is asking that each of its three slots leases be considered separately to fall under the $5,000 cap, instead of as a whole “single sale,” easing its tax burden. “Each of the three supplied invoices detailing the leasing of slot machines meets the requirements of a single sale,” the petition says. “Given the high cost of slot machines, the implications of the $5,000 surtax limitation represent a substantial and material value to the petitioner’s business.”
“Brightline high-speed rail opponents want to know where candidates stand on the issue” via Janelle Irwin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — A group is asking candidates for several local, state and federal seats to take a survey about the proposed Brightline high-speed rail project that, if completed, would connect Miami, Tampa and Orlando. Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida is sending the survey to 76 candidates. Candidates targeted include those running for U.S. Senate, congressional districts 8,18 and 20, governor, the Florida Legislature and county and city commission seats along the Treasure Coast. The three congressional districts are on Florida’s east coast from Fort Lauderdale to just north of Titusville. Tampa Bay and Orlando candidates are not included in the survey. The group is asking candidates to return the survey by July 13 in order to have a report card ready for voters ahead of the Aug. 28 Florida primary.
“Class action gets go-ahead in toll dispute” via the News Service of Florida — A state appeals court cleared the way for a class-action lawsuit against the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority by companies that lease trailers pulled by tractor trucks. The lawsuit stems from tolls that the expressway authority charged to the trailer companies based on a system that captures images of vehicles’ rear license tags. The companies had leased trailers to other businesses that, in many cases, then hired tractor-truck owners to haul the trailers. The trailer companies allege in the lawsuit that they should not have been charged tolls, which were the responsibility of the truck drivers, according to the ruling by a panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal. The plaintiffs, including Tropical Trailer Leasing, LLC, also sought to “certify” the lawsuit as a class action. A Miami-Dade County circuit judge approved the certification, leading the expressway authority to appeal. In a 2-1 decision, the appellate panel allowed the class-action lawsuit to move forward.
“DeLand city commissioner arrested on drug charges, FDLE says” via Michael Williams of the Orlando Sentinel — Jeffrey Hunter, 59, has been under investigation since February 2018, authorities said. He faces a charge of sale or delivery of hydrocodone. Authorities learned Hunter might have been involved in drugs while investigating a fraud and extortion case in which he was a victim. Agents discovered that Hunter had allegedly given his ex-girlfriend pills on several occasions, officials said. Hunter was booked into the Volusia County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
Happening today — The Florida Association of Counties continues its annual conference, with panels starting at 8:15 a.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Dr., Orlando. Workshops include “Running for Higher Office: What You Need to Know.” Schedule panels discussions will feature former Secretary of State Sandra Mortham; state Rep. Charlie Stone of Ocala; state Rep. Chuck Clemons of Newberry; state Rep. Kathleen Peters of Treasure Island; and former lawmakers Steve Geller and Nancy Detert. Speakers on other panels throughout the day include state Rep. Kristin Jacobs of Coconut Creek; state Sen. Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg; and Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg.
— GROUND ZERO —
A glimpse at recent history paints a rough picture for the Sunshine State.
A new Palm Beach Post investigation ties the nation’s heroin epidemic to actions in the state beyond the already reported pill mill hubs in South Florida.
DEA records reviewed by the Post show that the state was the opioid dealer of choice for anywhere east of the Mississippi River. “And when Florida finally turned off the free-flowing oxycodone spigot in 2011, drug users in states once fed by Florida oxycodone did exactly what users in Palm Beach County and Florida did: They turned to heroin.”
‘Oxy Express’: Post reporters traveled the route stretching from Palm Beach through Appalachia. They found an overall influx of heroin in the entire region following Florida’s 2011 crackdown on pill mills.
The numbers: A timeline shows that in 2012, “East of the Mississippi, where Florida oxycodone had flowed, heroin death rates rise 53 percent while death rates linked to oxycodone and similar drugs fall 7 percent.”
The team: The project is worth reviewing in its entirety. Pat Beall, Joe Capozzi and Lawrence Mower, who now is at the Tampa Bay Times, all contributed reporting. Beall spearheaded the effort. “It took 2,188 miles of travel by a Post reporter and photographer, 15 years of drug and treatment data, 13,000 pages of documents, 80 million hospital patient records and months of listening.”
— WHERE TO NOW? —
FEMA’s Temporary Shelter Assistance, currently funding motel stays for many Puerto Ricans displaced by Hurricane Maria, is set to expire after Saturday.
For 610 Boricua families in Florida, writes Bianca Padró Ocasio for the Orlando Sentinel, that means it could be time once again to pack bags and move.
Ocasio’s story centers on a Super 8 in Kissimmee, “where [displaced Puerto Ricans] have been united by a sense of loss and have put down unexpected roots.” Names, faces and narrative tell stories of continued hardship and misfortune. In mid-May, the Super 8 was a temporary home to 33 Puerto Rican families.
Loss: Valuables and other belongings were washed away by Maria. “We lost everything … the baby’s crib, the beds, the drawers, our TV … everything,” one source at the motel told Ocasio.
Politics: Scott, Nelson, Ricardo Rossello, Marco Rubio, Darren Soto and local politicians all are mentioned in the story. Soto seems to be the favorite, according to Ocasio.
New horizons: The Super 8 manager is skeptical of TSA’s expiration; it’s been extended four times before. Companies stretched thin labor-wise — like a Japanese auto-parts manufacturing factory in Ohio — are looking to hire displaced Puerto Ricans, and that could be a small saving grace.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Reversing course, Trump urges House GOP to pass immigration bill” via Rachael Bade and Louis Nelson of POLITICO Florida — Trump issued an all-caps call on Twitter for House Republicans to pass immigration reform legislation, a sharp reversal from last week, when he said Republicans were “wasting their time” trying to pass such a measure. But House Republicans say it’s probably too little, too late. Senior GOP sources still expect their carefully crafted immigration bill to fail in a Wednesday afternoon vote — though the whip team has set to work to see if Trump’s comments can bolster their numbers. If Trump really wanted this bill to pass, they argue, he should have tweeted his endorsement last week instead of sending mixed signals to the party.
“Trump signals U-turn on federal opposition to highway across Everglades wetlands“via Jenny Staletovich of the Miami Herald – In the first year of the Trump administration, Department of the Interior officials issued a rare, detailed letter warning Miami-Dade County that extending the Dolphin Expressway across sensitive wetlands could block part of the $16 billion, decades long effort to restore the ailing Everglades … Three months later — with a new Trump appointee overseeing Everglades restoration — the federal agency signaled it was open to a U-turn on the prospect of paving protected wetlands. Just after Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced plans to make the Kendall Parkway a top priority for his final term in office, Interior sent a second short, breezy and encouraging letter to expressway planners that the previous letter was under review.
“It’s the media! Rubio says he knows why Republicans don’t criticize Trump” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times — Rubio said that speaking out “means siding with a media that never cuts him a break, turns even little things he does into an act of evil, are also unfair to them & in the end will still attack you anyway.” He was commenting on an online poll in which 92 percent of Republicans said they think the media intentionally misreport information. But Rubio’s take ignores other factors: Some Republicans are fearful of speaking out because they could draw a primary opponent — or the wrath of Trump himself.
Tweet, tweet:
Many Republicans won’t criticize Trump even when they don’t agree with him b/c it means siding with a media that nevers cuts him a break,turns even little things he does into an act of evil,are also unfair to them & in the end will still attack you anyway https://t.co/jv3A18ka4V
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 27, 2018
“Senate farm bill stalled by Rubio’s Cuba crusade” via Liz Crampton of POLITICO – Senate leadership’s goal of holding a floor vote on the farm bill this week is now in doubt, as key farm-state lawmakers work to resolve a new demand from Rubio over a provision that would promote agricultural trade with Cuba. The Florida Republican on Wednesday declared on Twitter that he’d block any new amendments to the farm bill unless the Senate votes to strike a provision that would allow USDA funding for foreign market development programs to be spent in Cuba — or until senators adopt his proposal to ban U.S. taxpayer dollars from being spent on businesses owned by the Cuban military.
“Justices give Florida narrow win in water fight with Georgia” via Jessica Gresko and Gary Fineout of The Associated Press — The justices’ 5-4 ruling concerns a dispute over Georgia’s use of water from the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers that serve booming metro Atlanta, Georgia’s powerful agricultural industry and Florida’s oyster fisheries beyond the river’s mouth. The court said a special master appointed to hear the lawsuit should reconsider Florida’s argument that limiting how much water Georgia uses would provide more water downstream to the Apalachicola River that flows into Apalachicola Bay and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Florida officials celebrated the decision even though it means that the expensive battle, which has cost the state’s taxpayers $57 million in the last four years, will continue forward. “Today’s ruling is a huge win for the entire state of Florida,” said Gov. Scott, who pushed to have the state sue Georgia directly. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, however, said he “remained confident” in his state’s legal position.
— OPINIONS —
“Joe Henderson: Marco Rubio says media is reason GOP won’t criticize Donald Trump” via Florida Politics — Huh? Rubio tweeted that Republicans are afraid to criticize President Trump because “it means siding with a media that never cuts him a break, turns even little things he does into an act of evil….” Apparently, he believes the reason members of his party won’t stand up to the man who put the bully back in the pulpit is because they’re afraid of the media? The only media they’re afraid of is @realDonaldTrump. Republicans don’t criticize Trump because they don’t want to be the target of his Twitter attacks. Their knees shake at the notion that offering even reasoned opposition to the president’s globe-stomping antics would earn them the rebuke of hard-liners and a primary challenge.
— MOVEMENTS —
Personnel note: New specialty PR firm opens in Tallahassee — Privy Public Relations & Marketing will specialize in “influencer marketing,” married co-founders Molly Kellogg-Schmauch and Brien Schmauch said in a statement. Influencer marketing focuses on influential people in a particular market, rather than the target market as a whole. The influence market “ad spend” is poised to “reach between $5 billion and $10 billion in 2022. Influencers also tend to have higher user engagement than content generated by brands,” they said. The goal: Target “niche audiences that social influencers have cultivated into a community.” Locally, Kellogg-Schmauch most recently handled communications for the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers and the Florida Commission on Offender Review.
New and renewed lobbying registrations
Amy Bisceglia, The Rubin Group: 831 Federal Acquisition dba The Big Easy Casino
Gregory Borys, Susan Jun: Morgan Stanley
Jim Boxold, Capital City Consulting: Florida International University Foundation
Chris Carmody, GrayRobinson: Seminole County Supervisor of Elections
Megan Fay, Capital City Consulting: Sunshine State Tag Agency
Jennifer Green, Liberty Partners of Tallahassee: Jobs for Florida’s Graduates
Nick Iarossi, Capital City Consulting: Brandt Information Services
Meredith Woodrum Snowden, Leath Consulting: Amerisure Insurance Companies
— ALOE —
“Five years of transformation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios” via John Gregory of Orlando Rising — With the June 30 opening of Toy Story Land, the slimmed-down park begins to fill out again with new attractions ahead of the massive crowds expected in 2019 when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is scheduled to open. Here’s a look back what comes next … Sept. 27, 2014: The Studio Backlot Tour closed; Nov. 6, 2014: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow closed. Jan. 7, 2015: Removal of the Sorcerer’s Hat begins. Aug. 15, 2015: At the D23 Expo, Disney announced what was taking over much of the now-empty space in Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Dec. 4, 2015: Star Wars Launch Bay opened in the old Magic of Disney Animation building; April 29, 2016: The Earffel Tower was demolished; Aug. 13, 2017: The Great Movie Ride closed. Sept. 29, 2017: The Grand Avenue section of the park opened; Late Fall 2019: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open.
Seminole Tribe opens newest casino in New Jersey — The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will host a grand opening Thursday. The Seminole Tribe of Florida in late 2016 consolidated its control over the Hard Rock brand, buying out remaining rights from the owner-operator of Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The latest casino, on the Atlantic City boardwalk, was once owned by President DonaldTrump and called the Trump Taj Mahal. In addition to Atlantic City, the Seminoles recently added a Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach and made a deal to open a Hard Rock Casino in Ottawa, Canada. The tribe also has expressed interest in building a $1 billion casino in northern New Jersey, just outside New York City. Hard Rock-themed properties are now in Tampa, Hollywood (both include casinos) and Orlando.
Happy birthday — Celebrating today is state Sen. Wilton Simpson, as well as Disney’s Leticia Adams, the Associated Press’ Brendan Farrington, Tyler Hudson, Brian Lee, lobbyist for Floridians Against Fracking.
