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.
We have to lead Sunburn with a major development, first reported by Florida Politics, that could change the dynamics of the Democratic primary for Florida Governor: NextGen America, the civic action group founded by billionaire Tom Steyer, is endorsing Andrew Gillum. Coming on the heels of progressive activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez‘s upset victory in a New York congressional race, Gillum will head into Independence Day with a trainload of momentum. Read more about this possible game-changer here.
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The Florida Democratic Party has already sold out the 2018 Leadership Blue Gala this weekend, so if you didn’t get a ticket, here’s who you’ll be missing:
— Keynote speaker Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, the Democratic Governors Association chairman.
— House Assistant Minority Leader Jim Clyburn of South Carolina.
— Florida’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
Also, Democratic legislators and candidates from across the state will speak at the event.
They include the five candidates for Governor — Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham, Jeff Greene, Chris King and Philip Levine — as well as special guests like Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School teacher Kat Posada.
“We look forward to electing a Democratic Governor for the first time in 24 years,” FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo said in a statement.
“This weekend couldn’t come at a more important time,” she added. “We are so excited for this opportunity for Democrats across the state to come together to strategize, train, and prepare to turn Florida blue in 2018.”
The event is being held in Hollywood and will include “grassroots training, strategy meetings with Democratic caucuses and clubs, and Saturday night’s gala.”
“After eight years of Rick Scott, Florida is ready to elect a Democrat to lead their state,” Inslee said. “Florida Democrats are fired up to take back the governorship and win up and down the ballot.”
>>> The full weekend schedule can be found here.
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Meantime Friday, the Republican Party’s Sunshine Summit boasts a bonanza of conservative stars from Florida and nationally.
The speakers’ agenda is jam-packed, but let’s take a look at a few of the highlights:
— Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Congressman Ron DeSantis, candidates for Governor. After their Thursday night debate, this will be an opportunity for them to individually shine. “A recent Fox News poll shows Putnam with a healthy lead over DeSantis, 32 percent to 17 percent, though nearly four in 10 voters are undecided,” the Times’ Steve Contorno reports. Expect both to hit red-meat Republican issues hard before a friendly audience.
— House Speaker-designate Jose Oliva and Senate President-designate Bill Galvano. They’re slated to appear together for a “Future of Florida” panel. Expect some insights on priorities for the 2019 Legislative Session. As an aside: If we’re lucky, maybe they’ll hint at a path forward for gambling reform despite the likely passage of a state constitutional amendment this November. If passed, it will largely strip lawmakers’ influence over gaming.
— State Rep. Chris Sprowls. The Pinellas County Republican has already clinched the House Speakership for 2020-22, after Oliva. The former assistant prosecutor, now returned to private practice, may hint at his own priorities in the years ahead. Sprowls, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, joined the State Attorney’s Office for Pasco and Pinellas counties shortly after graduating law school. He led an effort this year to pass a bill that will initiate research and data collection on the state’s criminal justice system.
— Dick Morris, author and pundit who rose to fame as the political consultant to President Bill Clinton on “triangulation,” the melding of traditional Republican and Democratic policies in the hope of compromise. He has since gone on to support and consult for Republicans and has been a regular on the talk show circuit. And Morris has praised President Donald Trump, particularly on what he calls the new “dominance” of the United States.
— Last but not least: Dinesh D’Souza, author and filmmaker, and the reason Peter Schorsch won’t be attending this year’s summit. On Twitter, D’Souza mocked students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 people were murdered during a February mass shooting. Gov. Scott, Putnam, and Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo all released statements critical of D’Souza, who later apologized. But DeSantis said: “I disagree with what he tweeted, but I would not disinvite him” to the summit.
ICYMI: Frank White goes prime-time — If you tuned into last night’s gubernatorial debate between DeSantis and Putnam, you saw the following ad from GOP Attorney General candidate White, now a state Representative from Pensacola. We were told it would air twice statewide during the debate. White tweeted the ad earlier Thursday, with the message: “I am a Constitutional conservative with a record to back it up. I have an A+ rating from the NRA, am 100% pro-life, support term limits and stand with President Trump.”
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Happening today — POLITICO Playbook co-authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman, and Playbook Florida author Marc Caputo host a Playbook Elections event to discuss the 2018 midterm cycle and issues in the race. This event is part of the POLITICO-AARP Deciders series and will feature interviews with Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, David Richardson and Donna Shalala. The event will take place at the InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza. Doors open at 8 a.m.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@MattHarringer: Does anyone know, is @RonDeSantisFL endorsed by @realDonaldTrump?
—@RumpfShaker: So we had an hour debate and what, maybe two questions actually about Florida? Pathetic, Fox News. The primary is in August and voters deserved to hear how these guys would actually operate as GOVERNOR, not just what they think about Trump.
—@Fineout: After watching both the Democratic/GOP debates so far, maybe it’s time to recognize that as TV news and media coverage spends more and more time on DC — and that’s what voters/focus groups tell the campaigns they are interested in — the debates revolve around those talking pts
—@MaryEllenKlas: Winners of the @FoxNews GOP debate: @marthamaccallum and @BretBaier. They asked well-prepared, FL focused, and tough questions. Predictably, the well-trained pols @adamputnam and @RonDeSantisFL avoided direct answers.
—@ErikaDonalds: Well, we got a question about the largest piece of the state budget, but what about the second largest?? #SunshineSummit
—@MarcACaputo: DeSantis not in favor of legalization of weed, but says it should be left up to the states and that the feds shouldn’t prosecute over it Putnam: as a dad, as an employer, I don’t want Florida to jeopardize our “family friendly” image
—@ChrisKingFL: Nothing on affordable housing. Nothing on raising the minimum wage. A whole lot of cozying up to President Trump. Is that really the best @FloridaGOP has to offer? That wasn’t a race to the right. It was a race to the bottom. #FLGOPsummit
—@FredGuttenberg: These vile candidates, Putnam and DeSantis, have simply shown that they are weak. We will make sure they will see the devastation of the gun policy that they support first hand. They will come face to face with an orange wave.
—@Lin_Manuel: This Saturday, 2600 Puerto Rican families will be kicked out of FEMA funded temporary housing on Sat, many in Florida. The same program for those displaced by Hurricanes #Katrina & #Rita were extended to 26 months. PR victims have only been given 9 months.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Fort Myers — 9; MLB All-Star Game — 18; Deadline for filing claim bills — 33; ‘The Race for Governor’ Republican gubernatorial debate — 33; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in Miami — 34; Start of the U.S. Open — 59; Primary Election Day — 60; College Football opening weekend — 62; NFL season starts — 70; Future of Florida Forum — 89; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 116; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 117; General Election Day — 130; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 230; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 249.
— TOP STORY —
“Ron DeSantis gets solid hits on national issues in Fox News debate” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The first Florida Republican gubernatorial debate mainly focused on national issues and how they affect Florida, giving U.S. Rep. DeSantis chance after chance to put Florida Agriculture Commissioner Putnam on the defensive Thursday night. The Fox News organized, moderated, and televised debate pressed the two on issues ranging from Supreme Court picks to Trump, and from international tariffs to immigration reform. DeSantis’ wheelhouse. While Putnam pressed his conservative values and credentials hard on everything from tightening abortion laws to gun control, DeSantis accused him of being soft on the estimated 850,000 illegal immigrants in Florida because Florida’s agriculture industry may want them, while waving his own endorsement from Trump like a trophy. “He has been weak on the border, weak on immigration,” DeSantis charged to Putnam. Putnam had few chances to talk about issues he’s watched dominate much of Tallahassee in recent years such as school reform, land conservation, jobs growth, or state budget priorities because they never remotely came up. “I care more about the jobs in Ruskin [Florida] than about Russia,” Putnam said, one of several attempts, mostly that went nowhere, to turn the attention to Florida state issues.
“Putnam, DeSantis vow to sign abortion-ban law if elected” via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida — Putnam and DeSantis both pledged at their first debate to sign legislation to ban abortions “after a fetal heartbeat is detected.” Such a law would be viewed as a direct challenge to the federal landmark abortion-rights case Roe v. Wade. “Yes, I’ve said I would sign the heartbeat bill,” Putnam said when asked about whether “the next Supreme Court justice should vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.” “Yes, we need a constitutionalist on the bench; someone who is not going to try and make law from the bench, but, someone who will abide by our constitution and protect and defend life.” … “I will always pursue a pro-life agenda here in Florida as Florida’s next governor,” Putnam said.
“Florida Democrats: Republican debate a ‘right-wing circus’” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — … within minutes of the 6:30 p.m. start time, Florida Democrats had a lot to say. … 10 minutes into the Republican debate, FDP sent out an email saying that if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade, “Adam Putnam and Ron DeSantis would lead Florida’s war on women.” … Gwen Graham echoed FDP in a series of tweets shortly after the debate started. … Andrew Gillum, who often touts his successful court battle with the National Rifle Association on the campaign trail, didn’t need to wait reheat Putnam’s most famous statement of the campaign season to date — that he’s a “proud NRA sellout.” … fellow gubernatorial candidate Chris King followed up after the debate wrapped with a statement lamenting the debate’s focus on the president … “Adam Putnam and Ron DeSantis just spent 60 minutes one-upping each other on who’s the bigger Trump sycophant.” … former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine hit his GOP opponents for their focus on blaming Barack Obama for everything from health care to, as Putnam asserted, the degradation of political discourse. … Most Democrats admonished Putnam and DeSantis for going “Full Trump” at the debate, and FDP chair Terrie Rizzo was among them. Her post-debate statement wasn’t one of frustration, however, but one of confidence and anticipation of Election Day. “After tonight’s debate, I’ve never been more confident that Democrats will retake the Governor’s Mansion in November,” she said.
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
Conservative group launches Florida ads on Nelson, SCOTUS vacancy — One Nation, an issue advocacy organization dedicated to promoting common-sense legislative solutions, launched a digital campaign in Florida advocating for the nomination and confirmation of a constitutional conservative to the U.S. Supreme Court. The ad, entitled “SCOTUS,” calls on Nelson to not cave to the far left by obstructing Trump’s nominee. “This is merely the first step in our full-fledged advocacy campaign for the nomination and confirmation of a constitutional conservative to the U.S. Supreme Court,” said One Nation President and CEO Steven Law. The paid digital ad is part of a 10-state advocacy campaign that begins running today.
To view the ad, click the image below:
“Scott at the White House pushing for full dike funding, expanded water monitoring” via the Sunshine State News — Scott met with White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to continue advocating for full funding for the repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee. The governor also spoke about the importance of the federal government quickly approving the EAA reservoir project, which will hold more water south of Lake Okeechobee. For decades Congress has failed to address the dike or EAA water storage. Scott has fought for them, believing they ultimately will help minimize harmful water releases to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers and Estuaries that can cause algae to bloom.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“DeSantis scores Jose Oliva’s endorsement for Governor” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — Oliva endorsed DeSantis … Thursday, becoming the highest-ranking Republican to swing his support to a candidate who otherwise has little support from Tallahassee power brokers. “Ron always puts America first,” Oliva, a Miami Lakes Republican who made his fortune in the cigar industry, said in a written statement. “He’s a tax cutter, budget hawk, education reformer, and the rarest of elected officials in Washington, a demonstrated conservative. Florida has consistently shown what conservative governance can do for our schools, economy, job creation, and quality of life. We must continue that legacy of conservative leadership and Ron DeSantis is the candidate we can trust to do that.” The endorsement … could open the door to Oliva’s fundraising prowess as one of the two most powerful men in the Republican Florida Legislature. It could also signal support for DeSantis in the Cuban-American community in Florida’s most-populous county, Miami-Dade, where about 72 percent of the registered Republicans are Hispanic, nearly all Cuban-American.
After wildfire, Graham calls for investigation into contracting scandals” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Graham is calling for an outside investigation into recent state contracting scandals, after authorities said a wildfire that destroyed 36 homes in the panhandle was started by a company contracted by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “While I am glad the FWC and its Inspector General are conducting an internal review of the Eastpoint fire, that isn’t enough given the repeated state contracting scandals we are seeing from the Scott administration,” Graham said in a statement. “We need an outside investigation to examine what keeps going wrong so that we can demand accountability from the Governor and Florida Legislature,” she said. “If Scott doesn’t initiate it immediately, it will be one of the first things I do as governor to cut down on the state’s waste, fraud and abuse.”
“Two more sheriffs endorse Denise Grimsley for Ag Commissioner” via Florida Politics — Nods came in from Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell and Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert Schultz, who join the sheriffs of Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Levy, Putnam, Marion and Union counties to give the Grimsley campaign a monopoly on North Central Florida law enforcement. Darnell’s endorsement is somewhat notable given that, like most voters in the county she serves, Darnell is a Democrat. While she is the seventh Democratic county sheriff to cross party lines to endorse Grimsley, she is the first to do so since Florida Democrats got a competitive option in the statewide race with the entry of pro-marijuana lobbyist Nikki Fried.
“Shad Khan backs Alvin Brown for Congress” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — “Alvin Brown is a forward-looking leader that Florida needs,” Khan said. “I’ve worked with him and seen him in action up close as he’s made a difference on education and economic development. He is the best candidate for the job.” Brown added: “I am humbled by the outpouring of support our campaign has received from folks across the 5th District. Shad is a positive force in the community, and I’m proud of the incredible work he’s done in Jacksonville.” Khan, who heavily supported Brown’s re-election campaign for Jacksonville mayor, has not made a habit of supporting electoral challengers in local races. His preference has been to help incumbents with whom he can partner, so the decision to go against a sitting incumbent (one well-regarded by many in Jacksonville’s political class) is worth noting.
Assignment editors — Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn of South Carolina joins congressional candidate Lauren Baer for church services Sunday at River of Life Fellowship Church, 4500 S. 25th St., Fort Pierce.
“Republicans burn Carlos Curbelo after taking his PAC money” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO – Curbelo needed just 25 Republicans to support his push for a “discharge petition,” a parliamentary move designed to bypass House leadership and bring the issue of immigration reform to the House floor. But only 20 of the 61 Republicans he contributed to signed on, leaving the effort two votes short of the necessary threshold. Worse, 13 Republicans who received money from “What a Country!” both refused to sign the discharge petition and also voted against the compromise legislation this week — denying the Miami Republican on his signature issue, immigration reform. That failure is now haunting him on the campaign trail in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, the nation’s most Democratic-leaning seat held by a Republican running for reelection.
“Congressional candidate says NBC Miami rejected campaign ad over Spanish content” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — Matt Haggman, a Democrat running for Congress in Miami, ripped NBC’s Miami affiliate after he says they refused to run a campaign commercial because it includes 10 seconds of his wife speaking Spanish. But the station says his facts are all wrong. According to Haggman’s campaign, he purchased airtime on the station recently in order to run a 15-second commercial. But Brian Svoboda, an attorney representing Haggman’s campaign, says the campaign was told by its media buyer that WTVJ “would not run the advertisement because of a general policy that disfavors Spanish-language advertising.” An NBC6 spokesperson said in a statement that Haggman’s campaign was completely wrong and that the ad would run as early as Friday. “The Haggman campaign’s information is inaccurate,” said the statement. “We do accept Spanish-language ads, and NBC6 accepted the Haggman campaign’s ad.”
“Janet Cruz scores endorsement of Ruth’s List in state Senate race” via the Tampa Bay Reporter — “Leader Cruz is an extraordinary advocate for Florida’s women and families,” said Pamela Goodman, Ruth’s List Florida executive director. “Her record is unblemished — supporting gender equality, women’s reproductive rights, and health care for all. The Ruth’s List community — now tens of thousands of members strong — is excited to support her candidacy.” Cruz said, “I am privileged to stand with the grassroots army of strong, dedicated women built by Ruth’s List. Women all across this country are energized and making the difference by demanding and voting for candidates who support equality and fairness at work, school, and everywhere.” Cruz is running for the District 18 seat which is currently held by Dana Young.
“United Teachers of Dade endorses Jason Pizzo in SD 38 race” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Jason Pizzo has grabbed the endorsement of the United Teachers of Dade (UTD) in his Democratic challenge to incumbent state Sen. Daphne Campbell. Pizzo, a Miami attorney, is competing with Campbell in the Senate District 38 primary. No Republicans filed to run in the race. The teachers’ union released a statement explaining why they’re supporting Pizzo. “We believe that he will make a difference in Tallahassee by voting pro-public schools, working toward sound education policies, and looking to improve the lives of working people,” said UTD President Karla Hernandez-Mats. “We know that by doing so, Jason will help us positively impact the 350,000-plus children that we educate every day.”
“Rebekah Bydlak earns NRA endorsement over former lawmaker Mike Hill” via Florida Politics — The NRA said it picked Bydlak out of the three Republicans in the primary race due to her “strong support of the Second Amendment, self-defense, and anti-crime issues.” The endorsement comes in a day after Bydlak got the nod from the Florida Medical Association. She has also been endorsed by Clay Ingram, who has held the House District 1 seat since it was redrawn ahead of the 2012 elections.
“National Rifle Association backs Sasha Dadan for HD 83” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Dadan, a Port St. Lucie attorney, has picked up an endorsement from the National Rifle Association in her bid to succeed term-limited Stuart Rep. Gayle Harrell in House District 83. “The National Rifle Association and the Unified Sportsmen of Florida are pleased to inform you that both organizations have endorsed you for election to the Florida House of Representatives,” reads a letter signed by past NRA president Marion Hammer. “We sincerely appreciate your strong support of Second Amendment, self-defense, and crime issues.” … Dadan, a who entered the race in late May, faces businessman and Martin County Republican Party chair Toby Overdorf for the GOP nom in the safe Republican seat covering parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties.
—“Anna Eskamani receives teachers’ union endorsement” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“State attorney race heats up with complaints, counter-complaints among Republican candidates” via Michael Braun of the News-Press -He said, she said. That’s been the tenor of the Republican campaign for state attorney of the 20th Judicial Circuit. The latest salvo came this week when Stephen Russell, the current state attorney, requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conduct an investigation into a complaint alleging a felony violation by attorney Chris Crowley, who is running for state attorney against Chief Assistant State Attorney Amira Fox.
Meanwhile … “Poll: Gay voters are concerned about guns” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — A new national poll by the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence finds an overwhelming percentage of LGBTQ voters support what the fund is campaigning on: gun control. The survey was conducted of 880 self-identified LGBTQ adults by Whitman Insight Strategies in association with Pride Fund; the margin of error is 3.3 percent. Of those surveyed, 79 percent said the sale guns should be stricter, and 75 percent said that a political candidate’s position on gun reform is likely to impact their vote. Among other findings: 89 percent support expanded background checks to cover all gun sales; 88 percent support preventing individuals convicted of hate crimes from purchasing guns; 80 percent support banning assault weapons; 78 percent support banning large-capacity magazines.
— HELP WANTED —
FEC officials are having a hard time regulating political advertisements in the digital age.
“During a daylong public hearing in Washington, D.C., the Federal Election Commission’s four remaining commissioners … couldn’t find consensus on how to best drag federal political ad regulations into an internet age that commenced last century,” reports Ashley Balcerzak for The Center for Public Integrity and TIME.
Worsening the situation for the FEC, tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google declined to testify, which caused FEC Democratic Vice Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub to declare that those companies ‘would have been more useful than a panel of constitutional lawyers.”
Baby steps: “At the most basic level, FEC commissioners are trying to decide how online ads should display a disclaimer that generically reads: ‘Paid for by Committee X. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee,’” reports Balcerzak.
Self-regulation: Facebook, Twitter and Google already have placed restrictions on political ads in the wake of Russian trolls interfering in the 2016 U.S. election. Facebook recently launched a public database of all political ads showing who has paid for them. “Twitter goes so far to require a U.S. passport in some cases.”
Can’t keep up: Part of the problem of trying to regulate digital media is how frequently the landscape changes. One source told Balcerzak, “Rules focused on characters, pixels, seconds, font size, contrast and other visual factors are too inflexible to withstand technological change.”
— A BILLION HERE, A BILLION THERE —
Florida lawmakers passed an $88.7 billion budget during the 2018 Legislative Session.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story, writes Lloyd Dunkelberger for the News Service of Florida. Nearly $610 million was tacked onto the overall budget to fund 16 other bills passed and signed into law by Gov. Scott — meaning Florida is spending quite a bit more this year than in years past.
“The $89.3 billion in spending is $4.36 billion higher than the 2017-2018 budget year that ends Saturday, representing more than a 5 percent increase,” writes Dunkelberger. “It is more than $20 billion higher than the $69 billion 2011-2012 spending plan, which was the first under Scott, who leaves office in January because of term limits.”
Parkland: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act was accompanied by $400 million, the largest out-of-main-budget expense, notes Dunkelberger. It includes “$69 million for mental-health programs in school districts, a $97 million increase to hire more school resource officers, a $98 million grant program for improving school security and $67 million for an initiative that would allow school personnel to be trained as armed ‘guardians’ on school campuses.”
Bright Futures: The permanent expansion passed by the Legislature and signed into law came with a $123.5 million sticker price, also outside of the main budget.
Opioids: Landmark opioid legislation passed the Legislature this year was accompanied by $53.6 million to target the drug epidemic.
— STATEWIDE —
“Appellate court mostly finds for lawmakers in matching-gift case” via Florida Politics — The Legislature largely won in an appellate decision out Thursday in a case alleging lawmakers failed to match $460 million in private donations to universities and state colleges that were made under Florida’s matching-gift laws. A unanimous panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal found that Circuit Judge Charles Dodson overstepped when he declared “that the Legislature’s failure to appropriate funds constitutes a violation of the single-subject requirement (in) the Florida Constitution.” Dodson also didn’t have “jurisdiction to grant one of the remedies sought in the complaint — an injunction prohibiting the Legislature from adopting future appropriations bills that do not contain specific appropriations for matching donations — because doing so would violate the separation of powers doctrine,” the opinion says. “The message is clear. Courts cannot interfere with the process of another branch of government to perform its constitutional duties.”
Three more lawmakers going to gambling conference — Another trio has confirmed attendance at the National Council of Legislators from the Gaming States’ (NCLGS) summer meeting next month in Cleveland. Reps. David Santiago, a Deltona Republican; Randy Fine, a Palm Bay Republican; and Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican; have said they will be there, organizers said. They join Sen. Perry Thurston Jr., a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, and Reps. Joe Geller, an Aventura Democrat, and Halsey Beshears, a Monticello Republican. Those three had previously confirmed. The conference is July 13-15 at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown. The meeting agenda includes six legislative sessions on “Casinos, Emerging Forms of Gaming, Lotteries, Pari-Mutuels, Responsible Gaming, and State-Federal Relations;” two “master classes” presented by the International Masters of Gaming Law, and a special general session panel “examining the economic impacts of gaming.” The event is organized by Spectrum Gaming Group, the New Jersey-based consulting firm hired by the Florida Legislature in 2013 to review and analyze the state’s gambling landscape.
“Six lawmakers call for review of civics test administration in three Florida counties” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — The six legislators — Sen. Dennis Baxley and Reps. Jason Fischer, Michael Bileca, James Grant, Bob Rommel and Jennifer Sullivan — repeated criticisms raised by members of the Florida Coalition of School Board Members, an organization that formed to oppose the Florida School Boards Association’s legal challenge of the state tax-credit scholarship program. Fischer, a one-time Duval County School Board member, is a former coalition member. In a news release, the coalition contended that the Duval, Manatee and Polk districts held low-performing seventh-graders out of taking the civics exam to boost their passing rates. District officials explained they intended to have the students take the exam as eighth graders after they are better prepared. State officials have confirmed there’s nothing wrong with that approach.
“Performance money ready to flow to universities” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the News Service of Florida — The Florida Board of Governors approved the distribution of $560 million in annual performance funding for 11 state universities, and, as usual, there were winners and losers … the university-system board approved $265 million in state performance funds for eight schools, with three schools at the bottom of the performance list getting shut out. The board also endorsed the distribution of $295 million in “institutional” performance funds for 11 schools. Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s newest school, is not eligible yet. The total performance funding is $40 million higher than the $520 million in performance funding in the 2017-2018 academic year. The annual list is based on 10 measurements of performance by each of the institutions, including graduation rates, salaries of recent graduates, retention of students and student costs. The University of Florida was at the top of the funding list with $110.6 million, including $57.6 million in state performance funding. Last year, UF received just under $104 million.
Dog-racing ban lawsuit to go before judge — Tallahassee-based Circuit Judge Karen Gievers has changed the time of a hearing this Friday on a lawsuit filed by the Florida Greyhound Association against Amendment 13, court dockets show. The hearing will now be 11:30 a.m. The amendment, put on the November ballot by the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), 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 mini-casinos.” 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.
Department of Corrections hosts ‘same-day hiring’ event — The state’s prison system will be at Gulf Coast State College on Friday with “same-day job offers for correctional officers.” Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley, Franklin Correctional Institution in Carrabelle and Gulf Correctional Institution in Wewahitchka all have jobs open, and each is offering a $1,000 signing bonus. Applicants should bring a driver’s license, legible copy of birth certificate, social security card, high school diploma, GED or college transcripts and any name change documents (if applicable), such as a marriage certificate. Veterans and current reservists/Guardsmen should bring a copy of their DD-214 or military ID, respectively. If you want to take the Criminal Justice Abilities Test during the event (required for employment), please bring a money order in the amount of $12 made payable to the Florida Department of Corrections. That’s from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Central time, Gulf Coast State College, Robert L. McSpadden Student Union East, 5230 W Highway 98, Panama City. Preregister for the event by calling 866-562-3362.
State weighs adding data to health transparency site” via the News Service of Florida — There is no “launch date” for new data to be uploaded to a Florida website aimed at improving health care price transparency … Molly McKinstry, deputy secretary for health quality assurance at the Agency for Health Care Administration, said the state hasn’t decided when to make the updated cost information about care at local hospitals available on the FloridaHealthPriceFinder website. “That’s something we’re considering,” McKinstry told members of the State Consumer Health Information and Policy Advisory Council when asked about the agency’s plans. The council assists the agency in how the state collects and shares health care data and recommends improvements.
“Somebody started an attack website in this activist’s name. Now, she’s suing” via David Ovalle of the Miami Herald — A blogger known for criticizing politicians in Northeast Miami-Dade is suing a website hosting company — for allowing someone to create an anonymous page dedicated to bashing her. Stephanie Kienzle filed a lawsuit against Fabulous.com, which hosted a page created by unknown critics in her name. Kienzle, who runs the website votersopinion.com, was once named “Gadfly of the Year” by the Miami New Times for her persistent columns about what she sees as corrupt politicians in North Miami and North Miami Beach.
“Confederate statue to be moved to Lake County” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — The question of the day: Where do you put a statue of a Confederate general that has represented the state in the U.S. Capitol for years? The answer: The Lake County Historical Museum. The panel … received three proposals from curators looking to bring the statue back to the Sunshine State. The Statue Location Selection Committee decided on Thursday to allow the Tavares museum to take ownership and responsibility of the no-longer-wanted statue depicting Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith. After hearing two interested parties make pitches, taking public comment and scoring each proposal based on viability, the panel overwhelmingly agreed that the Lake County Museum fits the bill.
“Florida getting better for kids” via Ryan McKinnon of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Life as a kid in Florida is getting better, slowly but surely, according to a national report released Wednesday, though the state still ranks among the bottom half in the country. Florida moved up six spots to rank the 34th best place in the country for children on the 2018 Kids Count Data Book, an annual ranking of outcomes for children in the United States produced by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual report measures all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico across four areas: economics, education, health and family. Although Florida remains in the lower half of rankings, the state’s 34th place ranking is a major improvement from last year’s report, which ranked Florida 40th.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Trump administration extends ban on lawsuits over confiscated property in Cuba” via Mimi Whitefield of the Miami Herald — U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Congress that he intends to suspend a section of the Helms-Burton Act that allows former owners of commercial property expropriated by Cuba to sue companies and the Cuban government for using or “trafficking” in those confiscated holdings. Beginning Aug. 1, Pompeo said, he would suspend for another six months the right to bring a legal action under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, also known as the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act. The law requires notification of congressional committees at least 15 days before a suspension is to begin. The secretary of state has authority to determine Title III since January 2013, when former President Barack Obama delegated the matter to the State Department.
“US government OKs Florida’s Hurricane Irma recovery plan” via The Associated Press — The federal government has approved Florida’s request for $616 million that will be partially used to repair homes destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Irma last year. The state’s plan says $273 million will be spent fixing and rebuilding 6,000 homes. Another $100 million will be used to build affordable housing, $75 million to buyout homes in high-risk areas, $62 million for administration and $60 million for small business recovery.
“Darren Soto’s longshot tactic aims to stall deportation of undocumented wife of Polk County Marine veteran” via Lisa Maria Garza of the Orlando Sentinel – Alejandra Juarez, the wife of a Marine veteran in Davenport, is putting her faith in a rare legislative tactic in hopes of avoiding her scheduled Aug. 3 deportation to Mexico and the breakup of her family. But it’s a longshot that apparently has little chance of delaying the 38-year-old undocumented immigrant’s deportation, based on a policy change by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Trump.
“Ex-aide to Roger Stone subpoenaed in Russia investigation” via Maggie Haberman of The New York Times — The aide, Andrew Miller, has not been mentioned before publicly in the investigation by the special counsel, Robert Mueller. Miller, a registered Libertarian, worked briefly for Stone around the Republican convention in 2016, helping to arrange media interviews and conducting other tasks … A lawyer, Paul Kamenar, said he planned to file a motion on behalf of a client who was subpoenaed to be questioned in front of the grand jury, though he did not identify Miller. Kamenar said the National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative nonprofit organization, was paying for his services. His motion will argue that Mueller’s appointment “was unconstitutional,” he said.
— MOVEMENTS —
League of Cities forms “Florida Municipal Communicators Association” — The new association, launched Thursday, is dedicated “entirely to the communication efforts of Florida’s municipal governments.” It’s billed as a professional network of individuals providing communications leadership and support in Florida’s cities, towns and villages. “Regardless of the size of your city or staff, this association can be a valuable resource to your daily operations,” City of Parkland Public Information Officer and FMCA President Todd DeAngelis said in a statement. “On behalf of the founding board, we are confident that FMCA will provide valuable and substantive resources for communications professionals at city halls throughout the state.” The association will be administered by the Florida League of Cities. Membership is open to any person employed by a Florida municipal government who performs communications functions in the regular course of his or her official duties. To learn more, visit fmcaonline.com.
Personnel note: Michelle Ashton joins Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida — Ashton is the organization’s new digital marketing and membership manager. She comes to the foundation with “more than 12 years of experience in communications, project management, and community engagement,” a news release said. “Her diverse background includes work in public-private partnerships, cultural organizations and nonprofits in Louisiana and Texas.” President and CEO Andrew Walker said in a statement, “Her experience fills a need at the Foundation and will help us grow to better serve Florida’s wildlife. Communicating with donors, the media and the public is vital to our mission, and we look forward to improving our efforts with the creation of this role.”
Personnel note: BG Murphy leaves Jimmy Patronis’ office, joins Sentry — Murphy, formerly legislative affairs director for the Department of Financial Services, has joined Wisconsin-based Sentry Insurance’s government relations team. He’ll represent Sentry, working with lawmakers and regulators in Southeastern states. “We’re excited to have someone with a wealth of knowledge about how public policy is formed join our team,” said Tony Trenzeluk, Sentry’s director of Government Affairs. Sentry’s Government Affairs team “tackles insurance issues on the local, state, regional, and national level. Team members come from all political backgrounds with the goal of building relationships with legislators, candidates, and trade associations,” a release said. Murphy will continue to be based in Tallahassee.
Appointed — Major General Don Litke (U.S. Air Force, Ret.) to the Northwest Florida State College District Board of Trustees.
— 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 host a roundtable with guests Republican political consultant Adam Goodman, Tampa Bay Times columnist John Romano, Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau Chief Steve Bousquet and Gayle Andrews, a Democratic political and media consultant.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on population growth across Florida cities and how it affects the quality of life. Joining Walker-Torres are Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn; Oviedo Mayor Dominic Persampiere; West Melbourne Mayor Hal Rose; and Lakeland Mayor Pro-Tem Phillip Walker.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: Guests include former state Rep. Amanda Murphy and candidate Leo Karruli to discuss the Supreme Court travel ban ruling. PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter will rate a claim made by the Florida Democratic Party about Gov. Scott.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with reporter Dara Kam and Bob McClure of the James Madison Institute.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests: Rick Mullaney, Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute director; Anna Lopez Brosche, outgoing Jacksonville City Council president; Melanie Patz, co-chair of the 904ward Jacksonville Community Remembrance Project; Dr. Rudy Jamison, UNF Center for Urban Education and Policy; state Rep. Cord Byrd.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg hold a roundtable focusing on immigration.
— ALOE —
“Central Florida could get another area code” via the News Service of Florida — State regulators next month could approve moving forward with a new area code — 689 — in parts of Central Florida. The state Public Service Commission is scheduled to take up the issue July 10 because of a projection that the region will run out of available numbers in the 407 area code, which serves Orange, Osceola, Seminole and parts of Lake and Volusia counties. Public Service Commission staff members recommended approval of using the additional area code. The proposal came after Neustar, Inc., which helps administer area codes, sent a letter to the Public Service Commission in May saying that the available numbers in the 407 area code were only sufficient to meet demands for another year.
“First look at Toy Story Land” via John Gregory of Orlando Rising — Toy Story Land opens to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday, but Orlando Rising was a part of a special sneak preview and its two new attractions. Also featuring a new entrance for Toy Story Mania and a new counter-service restaurant … “All the toys around you are playing, and when you enter the land, you become an honorary toy as well,” said Wilma Colon, Walt Disney World spokesperson. Turning right into Toy Story Land … guests will first see Woody, leaning on the Toy Story Land sign. Keeping with the “toys in Andy’s backyard” theme, you’ll find large footprints on the dirt-colored pathways and structures made to look like toys or random items strewed across the yard, like Popsicle stick benches and wooden blocks as barricades. The first attraction you’ll also notice is Slinky Dog Dash, the family roller coaster which weaves throughout much of the 11-acre land. The ride features two powered launches with the whole experience lasting just under two minutes.
“Florida dominates ‘best beach towns’ list” via WalletHub — With summer being peak moving season, the personal-finance website WalletHub determined the most livable beachside communities, by comparing 205 cities across 58 key metrics. Five Florida cities made the top 10 list. The dataset ranges from housing costs to share of for-sale waterfront homes to the quality of beach water. Top 10 Best Ocean Beach Towns in America (in order): Lahaina, HI; Naples; Sarasota; Mill Valley, CA; St. Augustine; Santa Monica, CA; Boca Raton; Kihei, Hi; Westport, CT; Key West.
There’s a Gmail plug-in to make you stop apologizing so much” via Leah Fessler of Quartz — If you begrudge your knee-jerk hedges, you may enjoy the Gmail Chrome plug-in called Just NOT Sorry, created by Tami Reiss, Steve Brudz, Manish Kakwani, and Eric Tillberg of Def Method, a software consultancy based in New York. Once you’ve installed Just NOT Sorry, which takes approximately 20 seconds, the plug-in alerts you whenever you write minimizing words like “I’m sorry,” “I just,” or “I’m no expert” in an email, by underlining such phrases in red. When you hover over the underlined phrase, the plug-in provides succinct pop-up advice as to why you should amplify, and not undermine, your message. The advice comes from experts like Sylvia Ann Hewlett, a labor economist specializing in gender, and Tara Sophia Mohr, author of Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead. (Should you choose to keep the underlined words, they will not appear underlined when you send your email.)
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes today to two politicos at the top of their game, even though they play for opposite teams: Sarah Bascom, a fierce defender of, well, half of the capital and Christian Ulvert, proud Democrat representing, well, half of South Florida.
