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.
Bon voyage to GOP state Sen. Rob Bradley, who is taking to the high seas this weekend for a political fundraiser.
It’s a Disney cruise that was booked back in May through the Fleming Island Republican’s “Working for Florida Families” political committee.
He and others will be aboard the Disney Dream, christened by Jennifer Hudson in 2011.
The itinerary shows the vessel plans to anchor in Nassau, followed by a stop at Disney’s private island, “Castaway Cay.”
The booking — a “group sail,” not a charter, we’re told — came in at $65,260, including event venue, lodging, food, and beverage.
“Let your imagination set sail,” the ship’s promotional website says.
“Be front-and-center at original Broadway-caliber live shows, dine on artfully prepared meals in wondrously themed restaurants and make a splash on the AquaDuck,” the “exhilarating, twisting water coaster that extends over the side” of the ship.
“Combining classic beauty and modern luxury with legendary Disney storytelling, the award-winning Disney Dream invites you to embark on an unforgettable voyage where dreams really do come true.”
Make a wish, Senator!
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@KenDilanianNBC: Former DNI James Clapper has now confirmed on the record what NBC News and others have reported: That the U.S. has evidence of Putin‘s direct involvement in U.S. election interference. Clapper said that evidence was shown to Trump.
—@Redistrict: A few weeks ago I was skeptical Trump tariffs would cost Rs a lot of votes in Midwest/farm CDs. After visiting with a group of MN corn growers last night … less skeptical.
—@DrewHarwell: Ivanka Trump is asking companies to sign the White House’s “new Pledge to America’s Workers — a commitment to invest in the current and future workforce.” 100% of Ivanka Trump clothes are made by workers overseas
—@MDixon55: Anyone have a handy dandy list of most expensive 2018 Senate races? My @bing skills are failing me
—@Fineout: Among the donors to @ScottforFlorida US Senate campaign is Papa John’s John Schnatter, who resigned earlier this month as chairman after it was reported he used the N-word during a conference call
—@MarioDB: Thanks to FL Dept of Economic Opportunity @cissy_proctor for working with me to ensure Floridians continue the recovery process from last year’s hurricane season. It’s been almost a year, but work remains, and I’m committed to seeing it through.
—@TLHReports: Like his former boss — Mayor Andrew Gillum — mayoral candidate Dustin Daniels vacationed with Adam Corey and undercover FBI agents while he was working for the City of Tallahassee.
—@DDucassi: Hello, Twitter fans. Wanted to let you know that today will be my last day working for POLITICO. It’s been one hell of a ride, Tallahassee. Stay skeptical.
—@PascoGovAffairs: Scalloping, it’s kind of like an Easter Egg Hunt. The trial 10-day open season in Pasco County starts TOMORROW and runs until July 29. Who’s Eggcited? Remember to share your scalloping adventures in Pasco with photos and comments and use #PascoScalloping.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Florida Chamber Global Florida Webinar — 4; MAKE MORE Manufacturing Summit — 11; Deadline for filing claim bills — 12; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in West Palm Beach — 13; Florida’s back to school sales tax holiday begins — 14; Republican gubernatorial debate in Jacksonville — 19; School begins in the first 19 Florida districts — 21; Start of the U.S. Open — 38; Primary Election Day — 39; NFL season starts — 39; College Football opening weekend — 41; Labor Day — 45; Future of Florida Forum — 68; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 95; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 96; General Election Day — 109; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 130; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 207; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 228; 2020 General Election — 837.
— TOP STORY —
“Since Parkland shooting, youth voter registration has soared” via Florida Politics — According to a new analysis of voter registration data from Target Smart, there has been a significant surge in 18- to 29-year-olds registering to vote in the months since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Nationwide, the under-30 slice of the electorate has increased by more than two percentage points. Pennsylvania led the nation with young adult registrations jumping 16 percent and making up a whopping 61 percent of new voters — like Florida, the Keystone State is holding a gubernatorial and U.S. Senate election in the fall. But young Floridians haven’t skipped out on registering to vote. Target Smart found that new registrations for young millennials and older members of Generation Z have spiked by 8 percent after Parkland compared to the same length of time before the shooting. While that surge could be partially attributable to the shooting itself, there have been many voter registration efforts in its aftermath.
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Rick Scott pours $14 million of personal fortune into Senate campaign” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times — Last week, Scott‘s campaign emphasized the $10.7 million raised from other people, noting that amount “does not include any candidate contributions.” That money includes $3.1 million Scott raised in a joint committee with the NRSC, so the campaign actually took in $7.3 million. All told, Rick Scott for Florida raised $21 million. As of the filing time, the campaign had $4.5 million cash on hand.
Tweet, tweet:
$100 mil to go from a car plastics executive with your obit’s first line being about a corporate scandal to a two-time governor on track to be a U.S. Senator and, maybe, running for president in 2024.
That’s the best return on investment you’ll ever see. #FlaPol https://t.co/gqfOdqbOgD
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) July 19, 2018
“Rick Kriseman, activists decry Scott fundraiser with oil, gas interests” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — Gov. Scott is in Oklahoma City, putting the touch on energy industry executives to fund his U.S. Senate bid. Florida Democrats are alarmed, and a press call featuring St. Petersburg Mayor Kriseman and environmental activists conveyed their pique. Kriseman expressed “great consternation and concern” regarding Scott, whose words about “protecting our environment” are election-year commitments at odds with his record, including mixed signals on offshore oil drilling, and a “failure to acknowledge … climate change.” … “Issues related to climate change,” Kriseman said, are “incredibly important … This is not a man who cares about our environment.”
Assignment editors — Bill Nelson hosts a roundtable with environmentalists and health care leaders, 2:30 p.m., Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant, 13021 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
First on #FlaPol — Freedom Partners launch mail campaign supporting Ron DeSantis — The Arlington, Virginia-based Freedom Partners Action Fund (FPAF) is announcing a strategically targeted, statewide mail campaign supporting DeSantis for Governor. In the first of a series of mailings, FPAF highlights DeSantis’s commitment to growing Florida’s economy, supporting taxpayers and small businesses, and combating corporate welfare.
Here’s what the mailers will look like:
“Adam Putnam dismisses concealed weapon permits reports as partisan attacks” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Speaking to reporters in Winter Park alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner said the reports are purely political and not legitimate concerns. Bondi spoke up too, first saying that the attorney general’s office has no jurisdiction to look into any of the complaints, and then that she doesn’t see the need anyway because she said they had been thoroughly reviewed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Inspector General’s Office. “It’s become an extension of the Florida Democratic Party’s governor’s race,” Putnam said of the reports. “It’s not legitimate, and it’s trying to undermine the hard work of our sworn officers and officials who are serving Floridians every day.”
“Bondi gives full support to ‘dear friend’ Putnam” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Bondi has long supported Putnam, but as he opened a campaign office in Winter Park, he gave her the opportunity to make the strongest public endorsement of her fellow Cabinet member, whom she called “a dear friend” … “Ethics, intelligence, and humility I think are so important for these jobs. And Adam Putnam epitomizes that here in the state of Florida. I know him personally. He’s like family to me. I know his wife, his kids. I know his heart. He’s a great human being,” Bondi said. “He cares about the state of Florida. He knows Florida inside and out and he will do everything he can to protect Floridians and take care of our great state,” she added.
Assignment editors — Putnam will join supporters for a South Sarasota County meet-and-greet at the historic Venice Train Depot, 3 p.m., 303 E. Venice Ave., Venice.
“United Conservatives radio ad blasts ‘liberal’ Ashley Moody” via LiberalJudge.com — United Conservatives unveiled its first radio contrast ad, “Moody Sued Trump.” The ad is airing statewide on conservative talk and Christian stations and contrasts a “clear difference” between state Rep. Frank White and Moody, his Republican opponent in the Attorney General’s race.
To hear the ad, click on the image below:
“Complaint asks how White got $2.75 million” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — A complaint filed with the Florida Elections Commission this week casts doubt on the legality of the self-financing of candidate White. White, a Pensacola state representative, has given his campaign $2.75 million in recent months. Raymond Mazzie of Tallahassee (best known for a quixotic write-in campaign for Senate in 2016) wonders where White got the cash. Mazzie’s complaint cites White’s 2015 and 2016 financial disclosures, noting that to have made the first $1.5 million contribution to his campaign, he would have had to “liquidate more than 50 percent of his personal assets” as White had only $57,040 on hand as of the 2016 filing. White’s spokeswoman, Erin Isaac, claimed White’s wife contributed the money from a stock dividend, which also raises questions. The contribution of $1.5 million was 50 times over the legal limit.
“Jimmy Patronis cracks $4 million raised for CFO bid, says he’s not taking anything for granted” via Florida Politics — The Panama City Republican tacked on another $220,000 in contributions for his campaign and Treasure Florida political committee in a week, pushing him past the $4 million mark in total fundraising. Those fundraising numbers — both the new ones and the overall tally — outshine Patronis’ top rival, former Margate Democratic Sen. Jeremy Ring, by leaps and bounds. Ring, a former Yahoo! executive, raised just $3,029 for the June 30 through July 6 reporting period. Since entering the race in May 2017, he’s raised just over $1 million between his campaign and Florida Action Fund political committee.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
First on #FlaPol — “Poll: Dead heat among three Republicans seeking DeSantis’ seat” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — A private survey conducted by St. Pete Polls finds that three Republicans angling for DeSantis‘ seat in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, Fred Costello, Michael Waltz and John Ward, are in a dead heat heading toward the Aug. 28 primary. Costello, the former Florida House member from Ormond Beach, picks up 21.1 percent of likely Republican primary voters in CD 6; Ward, the businessman and former U.S. Navy officer from Palm Coast, gets 20.5 percent; Waltz, the businessman and former Army Green Beret from St. Augustine, has 20 percent. The remaining 38.4 percent of likely primary voters said they were undecided.
—“’Moms’ gun control group likes Darren Soto in CD 9” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Neil Combee touts Donald Trump connection in first TV ad” via Florida Politics — The 30-second ad features Combee on a ranch with his family and neighbors pitches him as the most conservative candidate in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, who is not running for re-election in 2018. “Growing up we studied hard, did our chores and learned the value of saving for a rainy day,” Combee says in the ad. “That’s how my parents raised me, and that’s how we’re raising our boys.” A narrator then takes over, describing the Polk County Republican as “the only candidate trusted and appointed by President Trump,” and “the only true conservative we can trust to fund President Trump’s wall,” as well as “the only candidate conservatives can trust to enact congressional term limits.”
To watch the video, click on the image below:
“New ad attacks ties between Debbie Mucarsel-Powell’s husband and Ukrainian oligarch” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Daily Beast first reported the ties between the candidate’s husband, Robert Powell, and Ihor Kolomoisky, who has been accused of hiring contract killers and running fraudulent billion-dollar schemes. Powell reportedly worked as an attorney at several firms owned wholly or in part by Kolomoisky. A 2010 court order also says it appeared Powell “answers” to Kolomoisky. However, Powell told the Miami Herald, “I have never worked for, represented, answered to, or received any payment from Mr. Kolomoisky at any time.” The ad is from the Congressional Leadership Fund, which is a super PAC that supports Republican candidates to the U.S. House, and attempted to tie Mucarsel-Powell to those accusations.
To hear the ad, click on the image below:
“David Richardson calls out Donna Shalala over UM sex assaults” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Richardson, a Democratic candidate for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, is calling for an investigation into primary opponent Shalala‘s handling of sexual assault cases when she was president of the University of Miami (UM). Shalala led the school in 2014 when two university football players were accused of raping a 17-year-old student in a campus dorm. Neither JaWand Blue nor Alexander Figueroa faced jail time over the incident after the victim declined to testify. That victim, identified only as “Jane Doe,” now is suing the university claiming it failed to protect her after she arrived on campus. The reported attack took place just days after she arrived at the university. The Miami New Times quotes then-President Shalala as saying at the time of the attack that after speaking to the victim, Shalala “reassured her of our full support.” Richardson says Shalala’s actions as president deserve more scrutiny.
“National teachers union to back Richardson in CD 27” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The National Education Association (NEA) has chosen to back Richardson over his primary opponents. Instrumental in recommending him for the NEA endorsement were the United Teachers of Dade (UTD) and Florida Education Association (FEA), two groups which also support Richardson’s campaign. “As a former teacher himself, Representative Richardson has protected and advocated for Miami-Dade County students, teachers, and our traditional public schools in the State Legislature,” said UTD President Karla Hernández-Mats. “On behalf of the United Teachers of Dade, I can say we were proud to recommend him and now are excited to support his endorsement by NEA.”
“Florida Chamber endorses 20 more state legislative candidates” via Florida Politics — Making the cut in the upper chamber was Thonotosassa Republican Sen. Tom Lee, while House incumbents getting the nod included Neptune Beach Republican Rep. Cord Byrd, Polk City Republican Rep. Josie Tomkow and Tequesta Republican Rep. MaryLynn Magar. Like the current lawmakers in the announcement, all the non-incumbents picking up an endorsement were Republicans. The full list: Alex Andrade for HD 2, Marc Vann for HD 10, Wyman Duggan for HD 15, Elizabeth Fetterhoff for HD 26, Ardian Zika for HD 37, Henry Parrish for HD 51, Sean McCoy for HD 57, Joseph Wicker for HD 59, Nick DiCeglie for HD 66, Jeremy Bailie for HD 69, Melissa Howard for HD 73, James Buchanan for HD 74, Spencer Roach for HD 79, Matt Spritz for HD 89, Vance Aloupis for HD 115, Anthony Rodriguez for HD 118.
“Dana Young holding ‘super weekend’ canvassing event” via Florida Politics — Young is looking for supporters to turn out this weekend to help her spread the word about her re-election campaign in Senate District 18. … he Tampa Republican has planned a “Super Weekend” of canvassing events to be held on Friday and Saturday within the Hillsborough County district. Both canvassing drives will see volunteers check in with the campaign at 800 S. Albany Ave. in Tampa to grab their clipboards before fanning out to knock on doors. The Friday event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Saturday drive will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. … Young, elected in 2016, is facing a serious challenge this year from House Minority Leader Janet Cruz … a recent poll shows the two Tampanians are neck-and-neck.
—“State police union backs David Smith in HD 28 race” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
Happening tonight:
“Anna Eskamani’s primary opponent drops out amid ‘fake primary candidate’ suit” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Democratic House District 47 candidate Lou Forges dropped out of the primary field while facing an approaching court hearing on his opponent Eskamani‘s lawsuit claiming he was a fake Democratic candidate who improperly filed candidacy paperwork. Forges, an Ocoee real estate agent who does not live in the district, sent notice to the Florida Department of State Division of Elections requesting to withdraw his candidacy. On July 6, Eskamani filed a lawsuit in Leon County Circuit Court charging that Forges had violated the law by having his wife sign and notarize his documents. Earlier this week a hearing was set on that suit. Forges’ letter of withdrawal was brief, giving no reasons.
“David Straz releases ads touting philanthropy in Tampa mayor’s race” via Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Times — Straz recently self-funded his campaign with an $800,000 donation. He’s already smashed the $1,000,000 mark in his run to become the city’s mayor next year. Campaign manager Mark Hanisee said the ads would run for the next three weeks on broadcast and cable. They’ll also be targeting super voters in a digital campaign. “We are already getting a great reception throughout the community, and we are finding that people are very curious about David Straz, his background and why he’s running for mayor. We believe our advertising will start filling in the blanks and help people understand the tremendous impact he has already had on Tampa through the private sector,” Hanisee said in a Thursday release. “Just imagine what he can do as our mayor.”
To watch the video, click on the image below:
“Push to put open primaries amendment on 2020 ballot begins” via Florida Politics — Florida Fair and Open Primaries said it was launching two petition drives to correct what it sees as the mass disenfranchisement of the Sunshine State’s 3.4 million independent voters. “We believe voters should have been afforded the opportunity to determine the fate of an open primaries amendment. Despite the failure of the CRC to forward an open primaries amendment to this year’s ballot, voters may have an opportunity to decide in the future. We are currently engaged in a citizens’ initiative to place an amendment on the 2020 ballot.” said FFAOP director Steve Hough. “At issue is whether Florida citizens believe the fundamental right to vote should be extended to all registered voters in every election. As the vast majority of races are decided in a primary election, by a tiny fraction of the electorate, we believe they will agree.”
First on #FlaPol — “Palm Beach prosecutor targets ‘sham’ write-in candidates” via Florida Politics — Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg is filing elections and ethics complaints against several of what he calls “sham write-in candidates.” Aronberg is pursuing the following write-ins: Barbara Hulse Brooke, running for Walton County Commission District 4; Joseph Patrick Hoffman, running for 20th Judicial Circuit State Attorney; Valion Joyce, running for State House District 61; William Kruse, running for Nassau County Commission District 4; Jared Brice Reddick, running for Marion County Commission District 2; Josh Santos, running for State Senate District 30; Richard Hal Sturm, running for State Senate District 34; Jose Vazquez Figueroa, running for State House District 62. Aronberg, a Democrat and former state senator, says he believes the candidates were recruited by campaigns strictly to close a primary contest.
— BALANCING ACT —
Female Republicans in the Trump era are struggling to find their niche.
The most recent evidence? Alabama Republican Congresswoman Martha Roby, who just survived a primary that “almost ended her career,” reports Rachel Bade for POLITICO.
“While their female Democratic counterparts have benefited politically from going against the president on women’s issues, GOP women don’t have the same luxury,” Bade writes.
Endangered species: That’s how retiring Republican South Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros–Lehtinen describes her same-gender colleagues. “The base is with Donald Trump, and he can do no wrong. … He’s going to be hanging on you like an albatross around your neck. Ugh! It is a real knot for female candidates,” she tells Bade, who notes about 10 percent of the GOP Conference is female and almost a third of the Democratic Caucus is made up of women.
Male egos: “For the men, it is a challenge for a lot of them,” Rep. Kristi Noem, a South Dakota gubernatorial candidate tells Bade. “For some reason, they were willing to vote to send a woman to Congress for years, but to put a woman in the governor’s office, it’s very different.”
In Trump’s defense: Republican Rep. Diane Black interacted with the President several times. “In fact, the president would often say: ‘Diane, what do you think?’” she recalls to Bade. “So when people start to talk [about Trump and women], I say: ‘Well, let me just tell you about my experience.’”
— STATEWIDE —
Assignment editors — Gov. Scott holds a news conference to highlight job growth, 10 a.m., Hull’s Seafood Market and Restaurant, 111 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach.
“State AIDS, mental health changes spur protests” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — Gov. Scott is coming under fire for his administration’s decisions to shift tens of thousands of patients with serious mental illness or HIV into new Medicaid health plans in the coming months, changes that could force many patients to switch doctors. The backlash has included newspaper ads across the state as well as protests, including one staged outside the governor’s beachfront home in Naples. After a lengthy bidding process, the state Agency for Health Care Administration is preparing to sign new five-year Medicaid contracts with 13 managed care plans. But it also wants to end ties with other plans, including two “specialty” health plans that, combined, account for 90 percent of the specialty-plan enrollment in the state. The ad features a picture of Scott grinning and asks: “Do you care about people living with AIDS?” The words “do you care” are spelled out in blood-red type and provide a sharp contrast to the otherwise black and gray advertisement.
“Amid reports of attempted Russian hacking, lawmakers look to increase election security” via John Kennedy of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — State lawmakers approved spending $19.2 million in federal money to improve security. The Legislative Budget Commission formally accepted the money, most of which will be distributed across all 67 counties. The extra spending is intended to help counties make security improvements, said Secretary of State Ken Detzner … “The monies can be used for cybersecurity … preventing any access, breach, hack or however you want to define it, of our election system.” The indictment of 12 Russian intelligence officers last week for hacking into the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton’s campaign included allegations that an email account sent more than 100 “spearphishing” emails with malware to infect host computers in several unnamed Florida counties. Detzner told lawmakers that his office was notified last September by federal officials about the attempted breach. But he said Florida’s online elections databases and voting systems remained secure.
“Lawmakers grudgingly OK more money for marijuana regulators” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — The Legislature opened the state’s wallet again Thursday, granting a request from the state’s medical marijuana regulators for another $13 million in operating costs. The approval from the Joint Legislative Budget Commission didn’t come without some grousing, however. The Department of Health, under Gov. Scott, regulates the drug through its Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz of Tampa told department officials she had “lost some sleep over this,” mentioning her and other lawmakers’ frustration (with) the office … $1.5 million of the extra money requested Thursday will go to outside lawyers hired by the office to represent it in ongoing litigation … “Let’s stop wasting taxpayer dollars” on suits the state shouldn’t be appealing, Cruz said. “Please start taking this seriously,” she added, calling the office’s actions part “intentional ineptitude” and part “simple sabotage.”
“Lawmakers sign off on money for citrus farmers” via the News Service of Florida — Gov. Scott said the state would “soon” begin accepting applications from citrus farmers whose crops and groves were damaged by Hurricane Irma after the Joint Legislative Budget Commission accepted $357 million in federal funding for the industry. The state Division of Emergency Management will administer the funding, which is part of $2.36 billion appropriated by Congress to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 2017 disaster relief. With an initial estimate of $761 million in damages from Irma to the state’s citrus industry, Florida was the only state to get a block grant specific to an industry as part of the “2017 Wildfires and Hurricane Indemnity Program.” The so-called WHIP program will compensate farmers in Florida and other states for expenses related to losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and various wildfires last year.
“Lawmakers clear way for homeless money” via the News Service of Florida — State lawmakers resolved a budget glitch and freed up $3.18 million for homeless programs across the state. Lawmakers in March approved funding for the State Office on Homelessness when they passed an $89 billion budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. But the Legislature failed to specifically authorize the homeless spending in the annual appropriations bill. That was resolved when the Joint Legislative Budget Commission approved a budget amendment for the Department of Children and Families that will provide more than $3 million in funding to 27 homeless programs across the state.
“NRA’s lowest-graded legislator embraces it as a ‘badge of honor’” via Skyler Swisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — State Rep. Jared Moskowitz considers his new F-minus rating from the National Rifle Association as proof that hard work pays off. The Coral Springs Democrat vowed on Twitter to wear his rock-bottom mark as a “badge of honor.” Moskowitz, 37, is the only Florida lawmaker to receive the F-minus grade in the gun rights group’s latest ratings. He views the grade as an effort by the NRA’s influential lobbyist Marion Hammer to punish him for helping to secure the passage of Florida’s first new gun-control measures in 20 years. “Marion Hammer considers me public enemy No. 1,” he said.
“Sugar response: ‘Anti-farmer’ groups have ‘hijacked’ algae issue” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida — A sugar industry representative responded to criticism from Democratic candidates for governor by saying the issue of algae blooms had been “hijacked” by anti-farmer groups. Wednesday night’s debate occurred 12 days after Gov. Scott declared a state of emergency because of algae in waterways receiving discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Environmentalists and the sugar industry agree that more water storage is needed to reduce discharges from the lake to the estuaries to protect the flood-control dike around Lake Okeechobee. But the sugar industry opposes attempts to use more farmland south of the lake for a reservoir, which environmentalists support, and says storage north of the lake instead is needed to hold back water flow. The group Florida Sugarcane Farmers responded that it looks forward to educating candidates about the issues affecting its members.
“How dirty is Miami real estate? Secret home deals dried up when feds started watching” via Nicholas Nehmas and Rene Rodriguez of the Miami Herald — A new working paper from economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the University of Miami offers one answer: The anonymous cash buyers stopped buying homes — at least using the method targeted by regulators. In Miami-Dade, the first-of-its-kind study found a 95 percent drop in how much cash shell companies and other corporate entities spent on homes. The decline began immediately after the rule took effect in March 2016. Regulators “shined the spotlight and at the very same time these buyers have scurried away back into the shadows,” said Sean Hundtofte, one of the co-authors of the study. Despite the flight of shell companies, the bottom didn’t drop out of Miami-Dade’s residential real estate market: Overall sales didn’t budge much, although prices rose less rapidly than would otherwise be expected, the study found. South Florida Realtors say they haven’t noticed a change in buyer behavior.
“Dolphins anthem punishment includes suspensions” via Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press — Miami Dolphins players who protest on the field during the national anthem could be suspended for up to four games under a team policy issued this week. The “Proper Anthem Conduct” section is just one sentence in a nine-page discipline document … It classifies anthem protests under a large list of “conduct detrimental to the club,” all of which could lead to a paid or unpaid suspension, a fine or both. Miami’s anthem policy comes after the NFL decided in May that teams would be fined if players didn’t stand during “The Star-Spangled Banner” while on the field. The league left it up to teams on how to punish players.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Judge extends hotel vouchers for Puerto Rican evacuees until August 6” via Bianca Padró Ocasio of the Orlando Sentinel — The advocacy organization LatinoJustice and four Puerto Rican families — two of whom are living in Central Florida — are suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency for ending the so-called hotel voucher program after eight months. The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program was first activated on October 30 for Maria evacuees who fled Puerto Rico and extended several times until the end of June. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued an emergency extension of the program, which was continued by U.S. District Judge Timothy Hillman until July 23 to give the families and federal government an opportunity to file additional arguments … Hillman extended the program for two more weeks.
“Neal Dunn appointed to Farm Bill resolution committee” via the Panama City News-Herald — The conference committee is tasked with reconciling differences in the two farm bills that passed the two chambers of Congress, and report a final bill both chambers can adopt and send to Trump’s desk for a signature … Differences include work requirements to qualify for food stamps, as well as conservation programs and farm subsidies, according to news reports. Dunn, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said in a release: “We all depend on a thriving agriculture industry, and we need to ensure that this Farm Bill works for all of our producers. Agriculture is a risky business, and while Congress can’t control the weather, we can create a climate of sound, consistent farm policy to help farmers and ranchers manage risks as they produce affordable, safe and abundant food and fiber.”
“Republicans scoff at a carbon tax as Carlos Curbelo unveils his own climate-change plan” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — As the Miami Republican prepares to officially unveil a sweeping carbon tax bill that would provide $700 billion for infrastructure by taxing coal and natural gas emissions, House Republicans overwhelmingly voted for a resolution expressing that a potential tax on carbon emissions would be detrimental to the U.S. economy. Only six of 236 Republicans voted against the resolution, including Curbelo and retiring Miami Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. Curbelo argued that the resolution’s language was correct in that a carbon tax on its own would hurt the economy, but that a carbon tax paired with other ideas would help it.
Spotted — Matt Gaetz on The Washington Post Twitch channel ‘Playing Games with Politicians’ (Amazon also owns Twitch). Political reporter David Weigel interviews politicians and other guests while they try their hand at video games.
— OPINIONS —
“Is Rick Scott’s blind trust that blind?” via Daniel Ruth of the Tampa Bay Times — Michigan-based Continental Structural Plastics, in which the governor held a 66.7 percent controlling interest, was sold to a Japanese conglomerate for $825 million. So Scott and his family enjoyed a boost to their bottom line of some $550 million. And not a dime of that windfall was required to be reported on the governor’s annual state financial disclosure forms. We only know about Scott’s good fortune (emphasis on fortune) because documents regarding the sale of CSP had to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Japanese regulators and the Florida Commission on Ethics. The CSP investment has remained largely shrouded from scrutiny … despite a state law enabling Scott to place his holdings into a blind trust, the governor did not transfer his management of the company until 2012. The governor, with his penchant for secrecy, has not earned a scintilla of forbearance when it comes to giving him the benefit of the doubt — especially when it comes to explaining his profitable time in Tallahassee.
— MOVEMENTS —
“CSX executive joins Brightline as plans for Tampa/Orlando high-speed rail are put in motion” via Janelle Irwin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Bob O’Malley, a top executive for CSX Transportation, is leaving the company to work for another train company — All Aboard Florida’s Brightline. Brightline is currently working through the request for proposal process with the state to use the stretch of right of way between Tampa and Orlando in the median of Interstate 4 to build high-speed rail. The company already has routes operating in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Eventually, the company plans to connect all of the routes so riders in any of the five locations can connect to each other. “I’m a big soccer fan. I want Tampa soccer fans to be able to take a train to a World Cup game in Orlando or Miami in 2026,” O’Malley said, though the company does not yet have a timeframe on the new service.
— WEEKEND TV —
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues that affect the area’s citizens.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei hosts a roundtable on the local topics of the day.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on housing insecurities among Florida homeowners, and what can be done to combat the situation in Central Florida. Joining Walker-Torres are Congressman Darren Soto; state Rep. John Cortes, state Sen. Linda Stewart; and Larry Butler of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: This week’s show will discuss criticism and concern surrounding Trump’s meeting with Russian President Putin. Democratic candidate for Governor Jeff Greene will join in-studio to talk about new developments with his campaign. PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter rates a claim by Putnam about taxpayers supporting illegal immigrants in prison.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks pollster Steve Vancore and Miami Herald reporter Mary Ellen Klas.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests: Dr. Ed Moore and News Service of Florida political reporter Dara Kam.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg will discuss the recent Miami City Commission vote to approve a referendum for a new soccer stadium.
— ALOE —
“The accent gap” via Drew Harwell of The Washington Post — For people with accents — even the regional lilts, dialects and drawls native to various parts of the United States — the artificially intelligent speakers (like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) can seem very different: inattentive, unresponsive, even isolating. For many across the country, the wave of the future has a bias problem, and it’s leaving them behind. People with Southern accents, for instance, were 3 percent less likely to get accurate responses from a Google Home device than those with Western accents. And Alexa understood Midwest accents 2 percent less than those from along the East Coast. People with non-native accents, however, faced the biggest setbacks. To learn different ways of speaking, the AI needs a diverse range of voices — and experts say it’s not getting them because too many of the people training, testing and working with the systems all sound the same. That means accents that are less common or prestigious end up more likely to be misunderstood, met with silence or the dreaded, “Sorry, I didn’t get that.”
“Butterflies in the storm” via Hannah Hoag of bioGraphic.com — Of the 25 native butterflies on the U.S. endangered species list, four reside in Florida. Ecologist Erika Henry is studying two of them, the Miami blue (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak (Strymon acis bartrami). Farming, urbanization, and forestry have carved up habitat, wiped out key plant species, and squelched natural disturbances like fire, flooding, and grazing, that help keep butterflies alive. And when isolated fragments of rare habitat sit adjacent to homes or schools — or on the edge of rapidly rising seas — the extinction risk only grows. Ecologists have discovered that by reintroducing this natural disturbance, often in combination with captive breeding programs, they can set butterflies on track to recovery. It had now been six months since Irma, and in the lead-up to this spring’s visit rainfall had been scarce. After the wettest rainy season in 86 years, South Florida had seen several months of unusually hot, dry weather. The conditions didn’t bode well for the Miami blue.
“New El Niño forecast, what it means for hurricane season” via Kimberly Miller of the Palm Beach Post — Chances that the global climate pattern El Niño will develop this fall were increased in the most recent forecast, boosting confidence in revised predictions for a below-normal hurricane season. The federal Climate Prediction Center’s July El Niño forecast is giving it a 65 percent chance of appearing in the fall, and about a 70 percent chance of a winter formation. For Florida, the periodic warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean can mean a less active hurricane season with fewer of the powerhouse Cat 5 tropical cyclones known to build during the peak months of August through October.
Happy belated birthday wishes to Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. Celebrating today is state Sen. Darryl Rouson and William Large of the Florida Justice Reform Institute.
