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.
Seventeen million dollars.
$17,582,462.50, to be precise.
That’s the total statewide ad buy — starting mid-September and going into much of October, and including Spanish language ads — to sway voters for a proposed constitutional amendment creating a ‘victims’ bill of rights.’
That measure, also known as Marsy’s Law for Florida, was put on the November ballot by the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission. It must get no less than 60 percent approval to be added to the constitution.
The amendment creates constitutional rights for victims or their surviving family members to attend and be heard during certain court proceedings and to “full and timely restitution,” among other provisions.
To watch the Marcy’s Law for Florida video supporting National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (featuring state Sen. Lauren Book), click on the image below:
Here’s the backstory: Marsalee ‘Marsy’ Nicholas of California was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983.
“Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer,” according to the national Marsy’s Law website. “The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.
“In an effort to honor his sister, Nicholas — co-founder of Broadcom Corp. — made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.”
At least six other states have enacted a Marsy’s Law, including California, Illinois, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Montana.
In Florida, the amendment has been backed by Republican Gov. Rick Scott; Democratic state Sen. Lauren Book, a sexual abuse survivor; and law enforcement and victims groups across the state.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: I have accepted the resignation of Scott Pruitt as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Within the Agency Scott has done an outstanding job, and I will always be thankful to him for this. The Senate confirmed Deputy at EPA, Andrew Wheeler, will on Monday assume duties as the acting Administrator of the EPA. I have no doubt that Andy will continue on with our great and lasting EPA agenda. We have made tremendous progress and the future of the EPA is very bright!
—@RepLoisFrankel: Pruitt was corrupt and unethical — not to mention, he showed a blatant disregard for environmental protections, putting the health of millions of Americans at risk. His resignation was long overdue.
—@CarlosCurbelo: Finally. Actually he did a horrible job. He was a disaster and an embarrassment from day one, and the country is far better off without him.
—@MarcoRubio: So this is the great deal we have on #ZTE? They replace board members with new directors hand-picked by the controlling shareholder who in turn is backed & controlled by the #China government. Why are we allowing them to continue to play us like this?
—@AnaNavarro: Sign from a store in Miami: “In this store, talking about politics is not allowed. If you want to talk about politics, go to @VersaillesMiami on 8th St & 37th Ave.”
—@Speaks2ya: Jaws is the most American 4th of July movie because it’s the one in which an elected official acting on behalf of business interests allows several of his constituents to be literally eaten alive by a problem he was warned about
— DAYS UNTIL —
Florida Chamber Environmental Permitting Summer School — 11; MLB All-Star Game — 11; Florida Chamber Global Florida Webinar — 18; MAKE MORE Manufacturing Summit — 23; Deadline for filing claim bills — 26; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in West Palm Beach — 27; Republican gubernatorial debate in Jacksonville — 33; Start of the U.S. Open — 52; Primary Election Day — 53; College Football opening weekend — 55; NFL season starts — 53; Future of Florida Forum — 82; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 109; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 110; General Election Day — 123; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 144; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 223; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 242; 2020 General Election — 851.
— TOP STORY —
“Funding to fast-track Herbert Hoover Dike repairs is a ‘go’” via the Sunshine State News — The Office of Management and Budget will issue $514 million for expedited rehabilitation. These funds are part of the $141 billion supplemental funding package that Appropriations colleagues helped to secure after the 2017 hurricane season and wildfires. Both Florida Republican Congressmen Tom Rooney, a senior Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, and Mario Diaz-Balart, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus and a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, have been particularly responsible for pushing the Dike funding through. Rooney’s office says the money will allow the Corps of Engineers to complete the Dike’s rehabilitation by 2022-2023.
“Bill Nelson visits South Florida to see impact of blue-green algae” via Jaclyn Bevis of NBC-2.com — Nelson said things are already moving near the LaBelle area to create the C-43 reservoir which will store water, especially needed on the western coast during the dry season. He also previewed a possible announcement from the Army Corps of Engineers of an early completion date for improvements to the Herbert Hoover Dike. The improvements make it possible for the Lake to hold more water safely. The dike is now expected to be finished in 2022.
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Rick Scott’s latest ad: ‘Nelson toes the party line’” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times — “How much does Bill Nelson toe the party line? Nelson voted with Hillary Clinton 89 percent … With Obama, 98 percent …,” a narrator says. The ad attempts to undercut one of Nelson’s go-to selling points, that he is a common-sense politician who can cross party lines. Nelson is a reliable party vote — like Scott assuredly would be if elected — but scorecards over the years have shown he’s less fixed than some other Democrats.
To watch the ad, click on the image below:
Another big ad buy for New Republican PAC – The PAC supports Republican Gov. Scott’s bid for U.S. Senate against incumbent Democrat Nelson. It’s bought another $771,000 in TV advertising, bringing its total investment in the race to $5.3 million, the National Journal reports. Matson Media, LLC, of Columbia, S.C. handled the buy, FEC records show: “Purpose of Expenditure: MEDIA PLACEMENT.”
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Democrats seize on Adam Putnam’s past praise of Pruitt” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — “A reminder that Putnam is one of his biggest supporters in Florida,” said Democratic spokesman Kevin Donohoe. In a guest op-ed for the Orlando Sentinel from January 2017, when Donald Trump first appointed Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Putnam wrote Pruitt “has the experience, understanding of the law and courage to get this out-of-control federal agency back on track.” Criticizing the Obama administration’s “egregious, overstepping regulations,” Putnam wrote, “this nightmare is almost over.” … “With Scott Pruitt in charge, we can finally unravel the mess of the EPA, and begin developing and implementing thoughtful policies that will make measurable improvements to our natural resources and unleash an energy revolution that will bring jobs and higher wages to Americans,” Putnam wrote.
Andrew Gillum releases video on ‘real morality’ in immigration — The Democratic candidate for Governor dropped a minute-long video on YouTube Thursday. “As the Department of Health and Human continues to struggle to identify children inhumanely separated from their parents at the border … Gillum released a new video from a rally in South Florida where he demanded justice for these children,” the campaign said. Gillum spoke at the federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 24. “We don’t rip children from the arms of their parents,” Gillum says in the clip. “And we ought to have an immigration system in this country that acknowledges that asylum-seekers come to the United States to get a better life.”
To watch the ad, click the image below:
“Ashley Moody says technology may change fight on crime” via the News Service of Florida — Q: If elected, is there anything that you want to change about the way the office is currently run? Moody: “I can tell you a priority that might change some of the things we do, as crime evolves and technology evolves at the same time, our crimes get a lot more complex and harder to identify. And so, ensuring that we have investigators that are trained in the areas that we need them to be experts in, and ensuring that our labs are able to keep pace with the technology as it evolves — and I’m not just talking about the rape kits that get a lot of attention — we certainly need to catch those up. But there’s all other types of forensic evidence and forensic tests that we can test for now. … (So) I would want to focus on that, and make sure that we’re keeping pace with our resources, and our recruiting reflects where crime is now.”
“Jimmy Patronis bolsters fundraising lead in CFO race” via the News Service of Florida — Patronis picked up about $88,000 in contributions during the first three weeks of June, as he continued to build a fundraising wall against Democratic challenger Jeremy Ring. With about $3.2 million in cash on hand in his campaign account and political committee as of June 22, the three-week haul included $10,000 from California-based Zenith Insurance Co., $5,000 from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and $5,000 from Introdynamics Group, a health care company from Brooklyn, N.Y. … Patronis’ contributions were broken into $54,800 raised for his campaign account and $32,900 for his political committee Treasure Florida. Patronis, who is unopposed in the Republican primary and will face Ring in the November general election, also received a $78,084 in-kind contribution to his committee from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The donation is listed as covering the cost of lodging and entertainment on June 15.
Assignment editors — Congressional candidate Ross Spano will host a “Rally for Our Rights,” in Lakeland, 2 p.m., Vets Army & Navy Surplus, 819 N Florida Ave. The rally is a direct response to the March for Our Lives Bus Tour, which the Dover Republican says is “targeting Floridians’ Second Amendment rights.”
“Vern Buchanan’s haul rises, posts $640K for Q2” via Florida Politics — “Vern’s independence and effective record of achievements fighting for seniors, children, veterans and middle-class families are why so many in Southwest Florida are proud to call him their congressman,” said Max Goodman, Buchanan’s campaign manager … his fundraising total beats his Q1 haul by $170,000. The campaign said it had about $2.5 million on hand at the end of the quarter.
“David Richardson gets Democratic Progressive Caucus support” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Richardson has added more ammo to his case that he’s the progressive choice in Florida’s 27th Congressional District, with the endorsement of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida (DPCF). The group is a chartered caucus of the Florida Democratic Party which works to promote progressive candidates throughout the state. “David Richardson has been a relentless champion for working families in the Florida Legislature, and we are confident that he will continue to put their interests first when he’s elected to Congress,” DPCF President Susan Smith said. “I am proud to be recognized for my progressive bona fides,” Richardson said.
First in Sunburn – Carrie Pilon, Democratic challenger to Jeff Brandes, withdraws from race for SD 24 – Citing the health problems of a close family member, Pilon, a well-regarded Democrat trial lawyer, is exiting the race for Senate District 24. “These health issues, unfortunately, have made it impossible for me to continue forward and give the campaign the attention that it deserves, while also being able to provide the support my family needs.” Pilon’s announcement comes despite her raising $150,000 for her bid and receiving a slew of endorsements, mostly from other Democrats. Polling showed that SD 24 is winnable for a Democratic candidate, especially in this election cycle. The local Democratic Party will have the opportunity to select a replacement for Pilon and, according to her campaign, has already identified several potential candidates.
Save the date:
– CAMPAIGN DIFFERENT –
Apple shook the world in 1997 with its “Think different.” ad series, and now, more than 20 years later, it’s the advertisement of a person that’s having a similar effect.
“Doors,” the three-minute-long touching introduction of Texas congressional hopeful Mary Jennings Hegar, is being heralded as the most-viral campaign ad of 2018, according to Amanda Whiting of the Washingtonian.
The creative mind behind the commercial, Cayce McCabe of Putnam Partners, “may have just made the first ‘come here, you’ve got to see this,’ huddle-around-the-same-monitor spot of the 2018 electoral season. It’s definitely the most viral, with more than 2.5 million views on YouTube and a passel of Hollywood retweets,” writes Whiting.
To watch Hegar’s viral “Doors,” click the image below:
Tailored for virality – McCabe wanted the ad to go viral. He found the candidate was just as helpful as the message. “These new people who have these really dynamic life stories, who come from non-traditional backgrounds and are not politicians. They make for just great visual video content because they have such powerful stories.”
Going south – The ad does go negative, but it does so in a different manner than what’s a staple for attack ads. “We don’t have the spooky images and the scary music and the dark-colored graphics and everything that people are used to in a negative ad,” McCabe told Whiting.
Perfect timing? – At more than three minutes, the ad is too long for television — and too long in general. But, notes McCabe, the ad was released as the country reckoned with a child separation policy at the border. “When someone shares a video like this, it gives you a little bit of hope. It’s the type of thing that people want to pass around and say, ‘Have you seen this?’… I think part of this has to do with the moment that we’re in.”
— STATEWIDE —
“[Jimmy Patronis] to black applicant: How many kids do you have? By how many different mothers?” via CD Davidson-Hiers of The Florida Phoenix — Erwin Jones, an African-American man, was standing before the governor and Cabinet on June 14 when Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Patronis asked him how many children he had and “how many different mothers to those children?” … He was in Tallahassee that day to get permission from Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet, sitting as the Executive Clemency Board, to get back his civil rights — to vote, sit on a jury, or run for public office. The arbitrary public questioning about Jones’ family status is an example, advocates say, of the deeply flawed process felons face when seeking official clemency to restore their civil rights … Richard Greenberg, a Tallahassee attorney with 28 years of experience representing people seeking clemency, said he was surprised to hear Patronis (also) question applicants about their church attendance: “I don’t think I’ve heard anyone else ask that question. It seems totally irrelevant.”
What Mike Carroll is reading — “She struck down gay adoption ban and handled notorious juvenile cases. Now she’s retiring” via Adiel Kaplan of the Miami Herald — Judge Cindy Lederman’s legacy stretches far beyond bears. During her 25-year tenure as a juvenile court judge, including a decade as the court’s top judge, she’s ruled in some of the most important cases to pass through, including that of 5-year-old Rilya Wilson, a child lost and apparently killed, and her decision to strike down the state’s gay adoption ban. Lederman has also led a movement to introduce science into the courtroom. Collaborating with child development experts, she transformed the Miami-Dade children’s court. Lederman’s reforms spread around the state and the model she built has been replicated across the country. Lederman’s last day will be December 21. When asked if she’ll miss it, she answered no, then, immediately, yes.
What Fred Piccolo is reading — “Democratic legislators weigh in on #AbolishICE” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Calls to stop the agency began as a distant battle cry of the far left, but amid recent turmoil … pushes to disband ICE have gained somewhat-mainstream traction among staunch opponents of the country’s immigration laws. Florida Politics reached out to several Democrats in the state Legislature, including both minority offices, for their takes. Orlando Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith said he supports “the abolishment and restructuring of ICE in its current form” — the strongest statement against the agency provided to Florida Politics. State Sen. Linda Stewart, also of Orlando, criticized the agency’s current state, but stopped short of calling for its abolishment. In the House, Rep. Nicholas Duran, a Miami Democrat, also stopped short of calling to abolish the agency. He instead suggested Congress suspend ICE’s nonessential activities — like its widely-criticized raids — “until ICE’s policies are reviewed, and a new framework can be put in place.” Both Duran’s and Stewart’s comments reflect what some higher-ticket Florida Democrats have been saying.
“SunPass problems: State awarded contractor millions more while unprocessed tolls mounted” via Noah Pransky of WTSP — As problems continued to mount for the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s SunPass system and a backlog of toll transactions grew to more than 100 million, the state didn’t hit its troubled contractor with penalties; instead, it kept awarding contractor Conduent more money … More than a dozen change orders have increased a $287 million electronic tolling contract to $343 million, including what appears to be more than $20 million for extensions and delays in getting the new, consolidated customer service system (CCSS) functional. 10Investigates has reported how Conduent — and its former parent company, Xerox — have had major problems with its electronic tolling systems in at least five states. Yet Florida awarded the lucrative contract to the firm in 2015 anyway. The state has steadily increased the value of the deal since then.
“Harassment, unpaid money feature in lawsuit against citizens insurance” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — A convoluted defamation lawsuit against Citizens Property Insurance Corp., involving a dispute over reimbursement of expenses and a harassment accusation by a female employee, has landed in Leon County after a transfer from Miami-Dade. Citizens sought the transfer on the ground that lawsuits against the state-sponsored insurer of last resort are supposed to be litigated in Tallahassee, spokesman Michael Peltier said. The plaintiff is Terry Houthoofd, described in the complaint as a former worker in Citizens’ Jacksonville office. He had sought damages of more than $15,000 in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade. But Houthoofd never worked directly for Citizens, Peltier explained, but rather for NCA Group, a vendor providing adjuster and inspection services.
Judge cancels trial in dog-racing ban case — The Tallahassee judge assigned to a lawsuit over a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit betting on greyhound racing won’t be holding a bench trial. Circuit Judge Karen Gievers has instead set a final hearing on competing motions for summary judgment on July 26 because the case can be decided solely on questions of law, not of fact, she said in a recent order. (Summary judgments allow parties to win a case without a trial.) Gievers also will allow the pro-amendment Committee to Protect Dogs and the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar five minutes of argument each. Amendment 13, put on the November ballot by the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), aims at ending commercial dog racing in the state. In Florida, live dog racing is still conducted at 12 tracks. The suit was brought by the Florida Greyhound Association, which opposes the constitutional change.
“Koch Brothers take aim at Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn” via Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Times — Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-funded group, issued a news release criticizing Buckhorn‘s advocacy to have an Ybor City census tract made eligible for an economic opportunity zone designation. “The only ones who will benefit from this lopsided deal are crony politicians and the Rays’ ownership. The audacity of the team to insist that they will only pay for $150 million of a potentially $800 million project is emblematic of the entitled mentality that drives these corporate welfare schemes. Taxpayers deserve better,” the release stated. The tax breaks were created through Trump’s tax-cut legislation late last year.
“Pinellas beach mayors want to take back power over short-term rentals” via Tracy McManus of the Tampa Bay Times — A state law prevents cities from regulating the length of time people can rent out vacation homes in residential neighborhoods. But a group of Pinellas County beach mayors is brewing a grassroots movement to bring the Legislative Delegation to a roundtable discussion this summer and demand a bill be filed next year giving oversight back to cities. Indian Rocks Mayor Cookie Kennedy has fielded steady complaints from residents. Her City Commission is expected to vote on an ordinance in August that’s a workaround for cracking down on short-term rentals, requiring them to register with the city, have a 24 — hour emergency contact posted outside, issue rental agreements with all occupants’ information and post noise and trash rules in the home. North Redington Beach Mayor Bill Queen, whose city has a 90-day rental minimum in residential zones, said he fears if the Legislature doesn’t act now, the tourism industry will pressure lawmakers to restrict cities further and revoke grandfathered ordinances like his.
“Students in Florida school district to get free meals” via The Associated Press — Thanks to Hurricane Irma, all students in one Florida school system will qualify for free breakfast and lunch through 2022 … the federal Community Eligibility Provision program that offers meal assistance in low-income areas covered 17 of Hernando County’s 25 schools last year. But because the area was deemed a disaster area after the 2017 storm, all schools there will now qualify for the free program. And that’s regardless of students’ individual economic needs. School district food and nutrition services director Lori Drenth says after Irma, the county’s households qualified for a short-term assistance program. Those enrollment numbers led to a spike in the percentage of students getting free meals. She said the “artificially high” count allowed the district to offer free meals to everyone.
—D. C. MATTERS —
“Defending Trump, threatening shutdowns: What 5 years in Congress tell us about Ron DeSantis.” via Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — There’s no denying that the voting record of DeSantis reveals an uncompromising advocate for smaller government who’s worked to shrink the institution he serves while emboldening an executive branch led by Trump. After five years on Capitol Hill, he’s a top member of a renegade Republican caucus that’s become Trump’s top defender from the Russian investigation. And in every budget standoff except one, DeSantis voted to shut down the government rather than agree to a major spending package. He’s introduced several long-shot bills to eliminate a pay raise for nonmilitary federal employees, impose a 5-year lobbying ban on former employees of Congress or the executive branch, and proposed constitutional amendments to create Congressional term limits and a prohibition on Congress for exempting itself from its own laws. Legislatively, DeSantis hasn’t left much of a footprint. None of the bills he’s introduced as the original sponsor has become law.
“Brian Ballard to lobby on behalf of 9/11 victims” via POLITICO — Ballard and Syl Lukis registered recently to lobby for the law firms Kreindler & Kreindler and Anderson Kill P.C., both of which represent the families of 9/11 victims. Family members of 9/11 victims have sued the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for damages. Such lawsuits were allowed under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which Congress passed in 2016, overriding a veto from President Barack Obama. (The fight over JASTA itself generated a significant amount of lobbying.) A judge recently denied Saudi Arabia’s motion to dismiss the case and the plaintiffs are now in limited discovery. In an interview, Jim Kreindler, who represents the victims’ families, said his firm hired Ballard to help convince the Trump administration to declassify FBI documents related to the 9/11 attacks. “Only the president can declassify the thousands of documents that will reveal both Saudi Arabia’s role and our government’s cover-up,” he said. Documents will “help the families in their suit against Saudi Arabia.”
— OPINIONS —
“Florida’s race for Governor highlights flaws in campaign finance system” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — This year’s race for governor in Florida is on pace for an record in spending, thanks in part to six- and seven-figure contributions from out-of-state moguls, the state’s most powerful corporations, business lobbies and three candidates themselves — a billionaire and two millionaires. Is this really the best way to choose Florida’s top public servant? Florida law limits contributions to political candidates in statewide races to $3,000, but there are no caps on giving to political committees that campaigns set up to cover advertising and other expenses. Florida voters tried to create an alternative to campaigns dominated by special interests and other big-money contributors, and level the playing field for candidates who aren’t millionaires or billionaires, by approving a public-financing system for gubernatorial and Cabinet races 20 years ago. But legislators undermined the system in 2005 by more than tripling the spending limit for statewide races. The cap for candidates for governor is now $27 million.
“Florida’s political cockroaches return to wreak havoc in primary elections” via the Treasure Coast’s Editorial Board — In 2016, write-in candidates closed primary elections in 20 state House and Senate races, disenfranchising 1.6 million voters, according to the Times/Herald Tallahassee bureau. Now, two years later, the slimy creatures are at it again. Only Democrats will be allowed to vote in the primary for state Senate District 30 in Palm Beach County, where Sen. Bobby Powell will face fellow Democrat Rubin Anderson. All Florida voters are allowed to cast ballots in a primary race when candidates have no opposition outside the party. However, a write-in effectually closes the primary to all voters except those of the same party as the main candidates. It’s unconscionable voters still are being turned away from primary elections because of this egregious provision in state law.
— MOVEMENTS —
“The ‘Florida Phoenix’ news operation soars into Tallahassee” via Florida Politics — A new online state-news website — “The Florida Phoenix” — launched Thursday in Florida’s capital. The nonprofit Phoenix “will cover state government and politics with a staff of four journalists located at the Florida Press Center in downtown Tallahassee,” according to a news release provided to Florida Politics. They include Editor-in-Chief Julie Hauserman, an award-winning former reporter for the Tallahassee bureau of the then-St. Petersburg Times, now Tampa Bay Times. The site, which will be “free of advertising and free to readers,” is backed by the Washington, D.C.-based New Venture Fund, a “public charity that supports innovative and effective public interest projects,” its website says. The Phoenix is “part of a national effort to fill the void caused by corporate news operations cutting their state capitol bureaus,” the release said.
“Doug Holder and Rob Schenck welcome Patrick Bell to The Legis Group” via Florida Politics — Bell has lobbied Florida state government for over two decades, with experience representing local governments, community colleges and private businesses. “I have been impressed with how fast the business has grown,” Bell said of The Legis Group. “I have known Rob and Doug since they were first elected into the Florida House and have always respected their work ethic and integrity. I look forward to the challenge of helping to grow the firm.” Schenck added: “It’s a huge honor for Patrick to join our firm. He brings a tremendous amount of experience and expertise that will be invaluable as the Legis Group continues to grow.”
“Former Congressman David Jolly joins Shumaker Advisors” via Frances McMorris of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Jolly is joining Shumaker Advisors as executive vice president and principal. “This is a long-term commitment to each other; to take on the big projects in this community,” said Ron Christaldi, president and CEO of Shumaker Advisors, a prominent business lawyer at Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick and co-chair of the Tampa Bay Rays 2020 effort. “The challenge we have is there is so much opportunity. We’re trying to figure where the best bang for the buck is, the best opportunity to have an impact,” Christaldi said.
New and renewed lobbying registrations
Robert Boyd, Sachs Sax Caplan: Zaner-Bloser
Hayden Dempsey, Greenberg Traurig: Erickson Living
Ashley Stacell, Capitol Strategies Consulting: The Centers
Eileen Stuart, Hopping Green & Sams: National Marine Manufacturers Association
— 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 political columnist William March, Democratic advocate Laila Abdelaziz, Tampa Bay Times reporter Steve Contorno, and Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on the “farm-to-table” trend and what protections or guarantees are in place for Florida consumers. Joining Walker-Torres are state Sen. Dennis Baxley; Laura Reiley, Tampa Bay Times food critic; Kathleen Blake, chef/owner, Rusty Spoon; and Emily Rankin, chef/owner, FL & Co. at the East End Market.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: This week’s show will discuss the latest from Tallahassee with capital reporter Troy Kinsey, and Ashley Moody talks about her bid for Attorney General. PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter rates a claim by gubernatorial candidate Graham.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with Bob McClure from The James Madison Institute.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests: George Maxey, executive director of the Edward Waters College New Town Success; Daniel Conrath political science professor at Florida State College Jacksonville; and House District 11 candidate Joe Zimmerman.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg hold a roundtable to discuss the upcoming U.S. congressional races.
— ALOE —
“It’s ‘Recreation and Parks month’ in Florida” via Florida Politics — “People from across the world come to Florida to enjoy our state’s natural beauty,” Gov. Scott said in a statement. “I encourage all Floridians and visitors to take advantage of our 175 state parks.” Family-friendly activities during Recreation and Parks Month at state parks include: Beach Exploratory Walk, July 6, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach; Beach Cleanup, July 7, 8 a.m. to noon, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park; Kayaking the Mangroves, July 7, 10 a.m., Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park; An Evening Under the Stars, July 7, 7:15 to 11 p.m. Central time, Big Lagoon State Park.
“Stop driving past Shell world in the Florida Keys. It’s a national treasure.” via Connie Ogle of Miami.com — The massive store — 18,000 square feet of Florida realness — sits on the median at Mile Marker 97-and-a-half on the Overseas Highway. You may fear that those tacky souvenirs that have made Florida infamous fill the shelves. Those things do exist at Shell World, because they have to. This is Florida. But they are only part of the story. Founder and owner Jim Waterman opened the shop in a gas station across the street in 1972, originally called Jimmy’s American Gas and Gifts. It became Shell World in 1977 and moved to the current space in 1984. Its second location at Mile Marker 106 closed in June. But that’s OK, because there is literally every Florida thing you could want here at Mile Marker 97-and-a-half. And Shell World is perfect for every budget. Some items cost as little as a quarter. Others will set you back more than $5,000.
Happy birthday to state Reps. Joe Gruters and MaryLynn Magar, as well as Susanne Dudley. Early birthday wishes to smart political guy Jordan Connors.
