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.
It must be 2001, because we’re jumping on a plane in a couple of hours to go to concerts featuring Britney Spears and Dave Matthews Band. Let’s get to a very busy edition of Sunburn.
Be sure to check back throughout the weekend at FloridaPolitics.com as we provide nonstop coverage of the primary campaigns.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: Twitter ‘SHADOW BANNING’ prominent Republicans. Not good. We will look into this discriminatory and illegal practice at once! Many complaints.
—@RepCurbelo re: attempt to impeach [Ron] Rosenstein: Reckless publicity stunt. No different from Dems who filed articles of impeachment against the President some months ago. What a sad, pathetic game of “how low can you go?”
—@FLGovScott: Great news — more than 88,000 business have opened in Florida since Dec. 2010. Florida is not only back on track, but we are serving as the success and turnaround story for the entire nation to follow.
—@Talkmaster (Neal Boortz): @adamputnam If you are having trouble understanding the FairTax perhaps you ought to contact me. I wrote the book.
—@Sabalogrande (Chris Dudley): Secretary [Christina] Daly brought so much respect, knowledge and passion to her job. Her leadership will be missed. But her influence over how the State treats families and children in need set a new standard for excellence. Thank you for your service Secretary Daly.
—@MaryEllenKlas: What to think with the state attorney issues a report and graph #2 contains a fact error? George Meros was not [Laura] McLeod‘s attorney. He was the Senate’s attorney. McLeod was represented by Ron Book
—@MaryEllenKlas: The error was made by FDLE, whose selection of evidence in its report is illuminating. Another error: It says McLeod alleged a quid pro quo relationship with [Jack] Latvala. She did not. That was the conclusion of Judge [Ronald] Swanson, the special master. McLeod said: “never occurred” to her.
—@ChrisLatvala: This entire episode was a fabrication of politics. It’s nice to see it end with a legitimate investigation followed by a solid judgment from a seasoned prosecutor. In America, you are innocent until proven guilty and guaranteed the right to defend yourself … Sadly, these Constitutional rights do not extend to the cesspool known as the Florida Senate, where Senator [Joe] Negron and [Lizbeth] Benacquisto violated their own Senate Rules to deny a fellow Senator Due Process solely for the political benefit of getting rid of a tough-minded colleague … Perhaps if so many Senators were not so focused on hiding their own acts of infidelity and misconduct, they might have been willing to give my father a fair shake.
—@AGlorios: I’m clarifying this for @KGBetta. The way sexual harassment works is that employers are liable for sex harassment committed by an employee. In this case, probable cause was found in a Senate-requested probe that Latvala harassed women. He resigned before the case went further
—@Fineout: So @JimRosicaFL — say “fundamental foundational document” three times real fast
— HE LOVES TO KICK YOU WHEN YOU’RE DOWN —
Metaphor alert in FL gov race where GOP primary polling shows @adamputnam trailing @RepDeSantis pic.twitter.com/1yBTSpH1Cb
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) July 26, 2018
— TOP STORY —
Shot: “Jack Latvala won’t be charged, prosecutor says” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Tallahassee’s top prosecutor says he won’t pursue criminal charges against former state Sen. Latvala. State Attorney Jack Campbell‘s decision, announced Thursday, had been eagerly waited on by the state’s political class — and by Latvala himself. Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, resigned in December after two damning reports on his alleged serial sexual harassment. He first served in the Senate 1994-2002, then returned in 2010. Latvala was term-limited this year. The Senate had sent on its findings to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which did its own investigation that was passed to Campbell’s office for review for a possible public corruption case. The most damaging allegation was that Latvala “on multiple occasions” offered to trade his vote for sex with a female lobbyist. But Campbell this week decided he couldn’t bring a case that he could prove by the stringent criminal legal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” and said he’d “take no further action.”
Chaser: Spotted in The Atlantic: Latvala in “The 24 Candidates for 2018 Sunk by #MeToo Allegations” — On November 3, six women working in Florida’s Capitol alleged that Latvala had inappropriately touched them or had made demeaning remarks about their bodies. The allegations ranged over several years. Response: Latvala told POLITICO, “I’m sure that you have hand-picked people and you are going to let anonymous people have this kind of impact on the career of a guy who has been there for 16 years. I’ve never had a complaint filed against me.” (Latvala had intended to run for governor this year.)
— TRUMPSHINE STATE —
A combination of disappointment in party leaders and bitter partisanship has led some to speculate the Republican Party of Florida is now the Florida Party of [Donald] Trump, a phrase coined by Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.
It’s an odd phenomenon, Smith writes, as the Florida GOP came into its heyday under Gov. Jeb Bush, an ideologue. “The former governor’s conservative ideas and activism defined a state party that today is driven at least as much by personality and populism as ideology,” Smith writes.
The true strength of the president’s power over Florida Republicans will be tested on Aug. 28, when the Trump-backed and surging Ron DeSantis faces off against Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Casualties: Strengthening the idea that Trump controls Republican politics in Florida is the case of retiring Rep. Tom Rooney, who withdrew his endorsement of the President upon hearing the leaked Hollywood Access Tapes in 2016. He tells Smith, “Ideology almost doesn’t matter anymore. It’s about unconditional loyalty to the president … It’s literally like he cannot do anything wrong.”
The knee-jerk: Through interviews, Smith was led to believe that Republicans turned to Trump following “George H.W. Bush breaking his ‘no new taxes’ pledge, George W. Bush‘s Medicare expansion and wars, and the exploding deficits fueled by virtually all Republicans in Washington.”
The rift: Old guard establishment Republicans, Smith writes, “are neither comfortable nor welcome in the Florida Party of Trump.”
–“’Trump hate’ costs elected official in Palm Beach County her seat” via Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post
“Schools, party leaders, protesters making plans for Trump’s visit” via Charlie Frago, Tim Fanning and Tony Marrero of the Tampa Bay Times — Workers are painting and pressure washing at Tampa Bay Technical High School, where Trump will visit first for a roundtable talk on career and technical education. Supporters are scooping up tickets to a nighttime campaign rally at the Florida State Fairgrounds, where the president will seize the chance to stump in a bellwether county in one of the state’s biggest media markets. Note no bread Protesters are ordering Trump baby balloons and checking out places to demonstrate. And though they won’t talk much about it, local authorities are working with the Secret Service to devise a plan to safely escort Trump across town, tackle rush-hour traffic, and manage the volatile dynamic that accompanies a polarizing presidency.
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
For Rick Scott, a gusher of oil, gas and energy campaign money” via Steve Bousquet of The Tampa Bay Times – America’s oil and gas industry is making a serious investment in Gov. Scott’s U.S. Senate campaign. Scott’s midyear campaign report shows at least $880,000 in contributions from oil, gas and energy executives and employees to his campaign and from the industry to a pro-Scott super PAC. The industry is generally aligned with Republican candidates. Scott’s campaign or pro-Scott PACs report donations from Murray Energy PAC, Chevron Employees PAC, Occidental Petroleum PAC, Marathon Petroleum Employees PAC, Valero PAC, Chemstream, Consumer Energy Solutions and Complete Drilling Solutions.
No brainer — “AIF backs Scott for U.S. Senate” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Scott has earned the endorsement of Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) as he continues his campaign to oust incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Scott, running for U.S. Senate after two terms as Florida’s governor, thanked the group for its endorsement. “Over the past seven and a half years, we’ve worked hard to improve the business climate in Florida by cutting taxes and reducing burdensome regulations and making it easier for job creators to create new opportunities for our families,” Scott said. “ … As a U.S. Senator, I will continue to fight for businesses all across our country, and I appreciate the endorsement of AIF as we continue to work toward making Florida the best state in the nation for business and job growth.”
“Builders also backing Scott” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Scott picked up another Florida business group endorsement with the announcement that the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida is backing his campaign. The organization cited Scott’s commitments to cutting taxes, reducing business regulations and supporting workforce development and job growth. “Construction is one of the top five economic drivers of Florida’s economy, and Gov. Rick Scott has worked tirelessly over the past seven and a half years to support our industry by working to turn around our state’s economy, which has helped create more jobs, grow a booming housing market and welcome millions of new residents to our state,” ABC National Chairman George Nash stated in a news release. “We know he will continue the fight in Washington to create and sustain a business and regulatory environment that will result in a strong Florida economy and a growing workforce.”
First in Sunburn: Democrats blast Scott on ‘failed’ Florida health care – On the anniversary of the GOP’s unsuccessful health care bill, a new statement from the Florida Democratic Party explains how, as governor, Scott “actively undermined Floridians’ access to quality and affordable health care.”
–State Sen. Lori Berman: “Scott has never prioritized Floridians’ healthcare. Not only did he go to D.C. to help write the bill that would’ve stripped protections for pre-existing conditions and increased costs for millions, he actively worked against expanding health care for hundreds of thousands of Floridians. Floridians deserve better.”
–State Rep. Amy Mercado: ” Scott bragged about helping write the failed GOP healthcare bill. It’s a true blessing for Florida that the bill didn’t pass.”
–State Rep. Shevrin Jones: “Rick Scott’s attacks on access to affordable healthcare are disgraceful, but not surprising. Scott has always put himself first, and his work helping write healthcare repeal is no exception. He cared more about getting props from his Republican friends in D.C. than actually helping Floridians.”
–Congresswoman Kathy Castor: “In regards to healthcare, Rick Scott has consistently worked against the best interest of Florida families.”
–Congresswoman Lois Frankel: “The facts are clear – Florida, under Rick Scott, has joined a lawsuit that would throw out protections for pre-existing conditions. Rick Scott is currently fighting against quality and affordable health care access for Floridians, and the results could be deadly.”
“Where is Scott? Healthcare provider files lawsuit to find out” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald -A not-for-profit health care company that lost a bid to renew its Medicaid contract with the state had a question for Gov. Rick Scott: Where can we find you? They asked his staff to send them a copy of his schedule — in the office and on the campaign trail — for the next three months so they could talk to him about their concerns. They argued that documents, compiled and recorded by taxpayer-paid staff and followed by the state’s top executive, his security entourage and other people on the state payroll, are public record and ought to be available for anyone in the state to see. But the governor’s office wouldn’t turn them over, claiming the calendars — even those already sent to the public — are exempt from public disclosure.”
“Progressive group canvassing for Bill Nelson, other Democrats on Saturday” via Florida Politics — For Our Future Florida said it aims to knock on 20,000 doors during its “Statewide Canvass Day of Action,” which consists of 72 separate events in all corners of the state, from smaller cities such as Apopka and Gainesville to major metros including Miami and St. Petersburg. The group added that it aims to “turn the groundswell of enthusiasm from newly engaged voters into action at the polls in 2018.” There’s some math behind that mission — according to recent reports, young voter registrations have soared in the months since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
Assignment editors — Nelson will join supporters and volunteers for a campaign rally to highlight the importance of supporting and protecting Medicare and Social Security, 3:30 p.m., Wildwood Community Center, 6500 County Road 139, Wildwood.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 1 —
“Requested vote-by-mail ballots top 2 million” via the News Service of Florida — More than 2.3 million ballots have been sent out for the Aug. 28 primary elections, according to the Florida Division of Elections. As of Thursday afternoon, 2,361 had been returned, 1,064 from Republicans, 920 from Democrats, 39 from third-party voters and 338 from people without party affiliation. Republicans had requested 913,071 vote-by-mail ballots and Democrats had asked for 933,777, according to the Division of Elections. The rest had been sent to people registered with third parties or without party affiliation.
Gwen Graham opens Miami field office with grassroots rally — The Democratic gubernatorial candidate’s parents, former Sen. Bob Graham and former First Lady Adele Graham, opened the campaign’s regional office in Miami’s Wynwood district. The campaign also announced hiring Chris Wills to serve as a regional field director for South Florida; the office will be a headquarters for the campaign’s Miami volunteers and organizers. “It was great to see so many old friends at the office opening, but I was even more impressed by all the young Floridians who have come out to show their support for Gwen,” Bob Graham said. “Exciting young people to engage in our democracy has been a passion of mine since my first Workday teaching civics. The election of Trump has woken them up unlike anything I’ve seen before and I’m excited to see so many of them volunteering for Gwen’s campaign.”
Sarasota leaders endorse Graham — Graham is receiving support from three Sarasota leaders: state Rep. Margaret Good, Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates and School Board Member Shirley Brown. “In our recent special election, we experienced firsthand how engaged citizens are in the political process. Gwen Graham represents the change Florida voters need,” Good said. “She will fight for a world-class education system, to protect our beaches, and to create a robust economy that works for everyone. I’m proud to stand with Gwen Graham today because I know, and the voters across Florida know, that Gwen’s the change we need to move Florida forward.” Added Ford-Coates, the longest-serving public official in the history of Sarasota County and the longest serving Florida Tax Collector currently in office: “We need a governor, who has demonstrated her strong commitment to all the people of Florida — Gwen Graham has done that as a Mom, PTA President, an attorney, and as a US Representative in Congress. I know Gwen Graham, and she will be an outstanding governor.”
Assignment editors — Graham, wrapping up her weeklong #GrassrootsWithTheGrahams tour, will make a major announcement, 1:30 p.m., Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, 3102 N. Habana Ave., Tampa.
Philip Levine rolls out more local endorsements — As the Aug. 28 Democratic primary approaches, the Levine campaign is announcing another batch of endorsements statewide: State Rep.-Elect Joe Casello, House District 90, Palm Beach; Mayor Daniel Dietch, Surfside; Council Member Larry B. Johnson, Pensacola; former Mayor Joe Kilsheimer, Apopka; former Mayor Lori Moseley, Miramar; Commissioner Herman Robinson, Lake Worth; Commissioner Mark Samuelian, Miami Beach; Commissioner Howard Weinberg, Aventura.
“Levine getting Disney, South Florida unions’ backing” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — UNITE HERE Locals 362 and 737, combining to represent 23,000 at Walt Disney World and other Central Florida locations, and Local 355, representing 7,000 workers in South Florida, are picking Levine in the Democratic primary over four rivals. Local 355 represents hospitality workers in South Florida’s hotels, airports, sports stadiums, and casinos. Local 362 represents attractions, custodial and vacation planning employees Walt Disney World and food service workers in Central Florida. Local 737 represents food and beverage workers and housekeepers at Disney and other locations throughout Central Florida.
Pam Bondi featured in new Adam Putnam ad — “I fought hard to elect President Trump and I’m supporting Adam Putnam for Governor,” Bondi says in the 30-second campaign ad, scheduled to appear on cable and broadcast beginning this weekend. “Adam will stand with President Trump to get tough on illegal immigration, ban sanctuary cities and deport criminal illegal aliens.”
To watch the ad, click on the image below:
Assignment editors — Republican gubernatorial candidate DeSantis will hold a meet-and-greet in Central Florida, 1 p.m., Starlight Ballroom, 385 Solivita Blvd., Poinciana.
Assignment editors — Republican Agriculture Commissioner candidate Denise Grimsley will speak at Café con Tampa, 8 a.m., Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Later, Grimsley will speak at the Florida Propane Gas Association annual convention, 11:30 a.m., Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach.
Carlos Lopez-Cantera endorses Ashley Moody for AG — Lt. Gov. Lopez-Cantera called Moody the “conservative choice for Attorney General” best qualified to continue with Bondi’s legacy of “keeping our streets safe, defending the Second Amendment, and ensuring those who break the law are held accountable. I am proud to endorse Ashley and am confident she will work with the next administration as well as Pam Bondi has with Gov. Scott and me.”
“Judge to hear ‘Marsy’s Law’ case in August” via the News Service of Florida — Judge Karen Gievers issued an order scheduling the hearing in the lawsuit filed by Southwest Florida criminal-defense lawyer Lee Hollander. The lawsuit seeks to block the proposed constitutional amendment from going on the November ballot, with Hollander arguing that the wording of the proposal would mislead voters. The Florida Constitution Revision this year approved putting the proposal, designated as Amendment 6, on the ballot. Supporters of the proposal, which has become commonly known as “Marsy’s Law,” argue it would establish a series of rights for crime victims, including the right to be notified of major developments in criminal cases and the right to be heard in the legal proceedings. The amendment also would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.
ICYMI from last night’s “Last Call”: Call it the law of unintended consequences of banning dog racing. A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending dog racing shouldn’t go on the November ballot, an attorney said Thursday, because its ballot title and summary don’t disclose that “humane treatment of animals would become a fundamental value of the people of Florida.” Major B. Harding, a retired Florida Supreme Court justice, represents the Florida Greyhound Association, which opposes Amendment 13. He argued before Circuit Judge Gievers in a final hearing on their lawsuit to strike the proposal … If the amendment passes, it will equate “humane treatment of animals” with the “education of children,” Harding said, another “fundamental value” enshrined in the Florida Constitution. That could lead to a whole parade of horribles, he added, including an end to animal experimentation at the state’s universities.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
“It’s official: NRA yanks Fred Costello endorsement in CD 6” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — “The previous endorsement … has been rescinded and his rating has been changed from an “A” to a “?” due to his recent statements in support of Florida’s gun control bill, SB 7026. This bill prohibits law-abiding adults aged 18 to 21 from purchasing firearms and imposes a three-day waiting period on the purchase of rifles and shotguns,” the gun lobby asserts. Costello explained last week that the NRA “pulled their Endorsement … due to my honestly saying I would have voted for the Parkland bill in spite of not liking all the provisions.” Costello wanted his A rating back, he told us last week. That didn’t happen.
“Kristin Carlson launches TV, mailer ads in CD 15” via Bill Rufty of Florida Politics — Lakeland Democrat Carlson is beginning major ad campaigns this week in her quest for Florida’s 15th Congressional District … Television ads featuring school children and Carlson is running on YouTube and in the regional areas of MSNBC and CNN. A former general counsel for the Florida Citrus Commission, Carlson discusses her role in exposing and stopping out of state orange juice manufacturers of tampering with their product sold in Florida. In the same week, direct mail ads for Carlson are arriving at homes of registered Democrats in the district. Carlson is competing against Ray Pena of Lakeland and Andrew Learned of Valrico for the Democratic nomination.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
“Florida Senate Republicans to raise cash at the U.S. Open” via Florida Politics — Florida Senate Republicans are planning a grand slam of a fundraiser at the U.S. Open in New York City next month. According to an invitation sent out by the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, the main committee supporting GOP state Senate campaigns, donors who sign up will get to attend a “VIP Dinner” at Quality Italian on Aug. 28 and then catch Day Four of the hard court tennis tournament the following day. There’s no minimum donation listed on the invite, but its likely attendees will have to show FRSCC some serious love in order to rub elbows at the multi-day event. If that isn’t enticing enough, the invitation says donors could also get a private tennis lesson with Nick Bollettieri, the Hall Of Fame tennis coach who developed tennis legends Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles and others.
What Matt Caldwell is reading — “Paul Paulson resigns as GOP Orange state committeeman” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Paulson, who ran for Orlando mayor in a nonpartisan race in 2015 and cut short a bid for agriculture commissioner last year, settled a federal lawsuit last week that alleged the vast majority of the $11 million collected by his nonprofit, Help the Vets Inc., went to Paulson or for-profit solicitors. Paulson agreed to pay $1.75 million to legitimate veterans charities. GOP state chair Blaise Ingoglia immediately called on Paulson to resign his position, a call echoed by state Rep. Mike Miller and other Orange County Republicans. A new state committeeman for Orange County will be selected by the Orange County party membership.
— STATEWIDE —
“Christina Daly to leave Department of Juvenile Justice” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Daly will depart the agency August 31 … Daly has served at DJJ since 2006 in a variety of leadership positions. In 2014, Scott, shortly after winning re-election, picked Daly to lead the agency. “Christy Daly has done a fantastic job at DJJ and has driven positive change through innovative leadership to build a better system of care for the thousands of youth they serve,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “Under her leadership, DJJ has increased collaboration statewide with community partners, strengthened evidence-based practices and has been recognized as a national leader in reform of a comprehensive juvenile justice system.” In a resignation letter addressed to Scott, Daly wrote, “I’m extremely proud of the progress that has been made under your administration.
“Appeal court sides with Governor in dispute over filling Nassau County judgeship” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — The 1st District Court of Appeal had ruled in the same way against the same appellant, Jacksonville attorney David Trotti, the last time. This time, a three-judge panel overturned Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson, who’d issued a temporary order blocking Scott from replacing Judge Robert Foster of Nassau County. Judge Clayton Roberts cited “neutral principles (that) will apply no matter who the Governor is or what the current political climate looks like.” Ruling otherwise, the court said, citing its earlier ruling, “would be nullifying the governor’s power of appointment” under the Florida Constitution.
“Attorney calls Markeis McGlockton’s death a ‘coldblooded murder’ by ‘wannabe cop’” via Kathryn Varn of the Tampa Bay Times — Benjamin Crump stood in front of the Pinellas County Justice Center to demand justice for the family ofMarkeis McGlockton. “We are here to demand justice for the coldblooded murder of Markeis McGlockton by the self-appointed, wannabe cop Michael Drejka,” Crump told reporters, while flanked by McGlockton’s parents and girlfriend Britany Jacobs. Crump drew comparisons to two previous controversial “stand your ground” cases, both of which he provided legal counsel in: Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old who was shot and killed in 2012 by a neighborhood watch volunteer who was later acquitted, and Corey Jones, a 31-year-old stranded motorist who met the same fate at the hands of a plainclothes officer. A Palm Beach judge recently rejected the ex-officer’s attempt to claim “stand your ground.” All three cases share this trait, Crump said: The shooter “is the initial aggressor, starts the confrontation and then kills the unarmed black person and claims it’s self-defense. “It’s still ludicrous how you can claim that you have fear of your life but yet you approach and start the confrontation with the individual.”
Tweet, tweet:
From Clearwater, I just called for the repeal of Florida’s flawed Stand Your Ground law. We must come together in mourning for the McGlockton family and then take action to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening again. pic.twitter.com/Y7Sx374Fco
— Chris King (@ChrisKingFL) July 26, 2018
“Judge: Release school shooting suspect’s statement” via Curt Anderson of The Associated Press — Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer said in her order that much of the “non-confession” portions of the statement should be released in 10 days, barring any appeal by the defendant. Public Defender Howard Finkelstein said in an email that a decision on an appeal will be made after Nikolas Cruz’s lawyers see the final version edited by prosecutors. Media outlets including The Associated Press sought the release of the statement, arguing that Florida’s broad public records law required it. Cruz’s attorneys wanted all of it suppressed, contending disclosure could jeopardize the 19-year-old suspect’s right to a fair trial in such a high-profile case by unduly influencing potential jurors. But Scherer sided with the media in her decision.
“Expert tells Florida Chamber that fighting poverty takes focus on family, schools and work” via Florida Politics — State and federal governments have gotten pretty good at pulling people out of poverty through social programs according to Robert Doar of the American Enterprise Institute, but when it comes to improving incomes and opportunities for poverty-stricken Americans there’s a long road ahead. Data shared by Doar during a presentation to the Florida Chamber showed that “consumption poverty,” which measures all resources a household receives including the value of government assistance benefits, less than 5 percent of American children were living below the poverty line in 2016 — a reduction of more than two-thirds over the past 30 years. Finding an effective way help people facing these and other issues requires a three-pronged approach that focuses on family, schools and work according to Doar. Focusing on one method, such as improving education for impoverished youth, is simply not enough. “We need all three spheres working to move people up and out of poverty,” he said.
“Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie River will decrease starting Friday” via TCPalm — The new seven-day average will be 756 million gallons a day to the St. Lucie River, down from an average of 1.16 billion gallons a day from the previous 14-day discharge event. No water has been discharged from the St. Lucie Lock and Dam for the past three days as the culmination of a two-week pulse release schedule that started with ramped-up daily discharges and dwindled at the beginning of the week. “The water level in the lake has dropped slightly over the past two weeks,” said Maj. Joseph Sahl, the Army Corps of Engineers deputy commander for Florida. “The releases we’ve conducted have produced close to a foot in storage in Lake Okeechobee that … could prove vital in the coming months should tropical weather influence the area.”
“Suit aims to strike nonpartisan elections ballot question” via Florida Politics — The Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) has sued to get rid of a ballot initiative calling for nonpartisan county races, calling it illegal. The DEC’s suit was filed this week in Hillsborough County Circuit Civil court, seeking the measure to be declared unconstitutional and kept off the November ballot and “all Vote by Mail ballots.” BayLawsuits.com, which reported the suit Thursday, said DEC maintains “the true motivation behind the initiative was not to increase voter participation in elections but rather to reduce it” … Another “point of interest”: “A day after Republicans on the County Commission approved (the) ballot initiative …, Commission Chair Sandra Murman, a Republican, announced plans to run for Clerk of Court in 2020, a seat currently held by a Democrat.”
“Americans for Prosperity: Taxpayers getting shafted in Dolphins deal” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Americans for Prosperity-Florida (AFP-FL) is no fan of the new subsidy deal for the Miami Dolphins. The Miami-Dade County Commission agreed to new terms of the deal Tuesday, offering additional financial incentives to the team if it moves its practice facility away from the campus of Nova Southeastern University in Broward County. The new facility would be built in Miami Gardens, next to the team’s home field at Hard Rock Stadium. “The Dolphins went fishing for taxpayer subsidies and Miami-Dade and Miami Gardens elected officials swallowed hook, line, and sinker,” said Chris Hudson, state director for AFP-FL, in a statement.
— BRANCHING OUT —
In both politics and business, Florida farmers are finding a way to innovate.
The latest installment of Florida Voices, a USA Today project highlighting Floridians, focuses on Carl Frost, a small-scale farmer who grows 80 different crops with his wife.
“It’s fitting that the couple’s venture, Kai-Kai Farm, was built on 40 acres of former citrus groves,” writes Eve Samples of Treasure Coast Newspapers. “Their approach to agriculture reflects the broader re-imagining of farming in Florida.”
Evolving: The Frost family has found ways to fight against large global agribusiness by providing farm-to-table products. Carl Frost, who said he wasn’t politically involved until becoming a farmer, also has made an effort to speak with politicians to help prevent small farmers from being marginalized in the political process.
Frost’s take: When asked to describe Florida at this moment in history, Frost says, “I would describe Florida as a very diverse, busy, economically powerful entity on the world stage.
Ecologically, I think Florida is a bellwether. We’re dealing with a lot of issues that are critical for mankind’s viability on the planet.”
‘Not a sexy issue’: That’s how Frost describes food policy and the need to match the increasing demand of a growing population. “We have to do our share of creating jobs so young people don’t have to migrate to cities somewhere else to find decent employment. Without a healthy economy, nothing else really matters.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Can lowering Lake O stop toxic algae flows? The Trump administration wants to find out” via Alex Daugherty and Jenny Staletovich of the Miami Herald — Brian Mast wasn’t scheduled to speak at the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force’s first meeting since Trump became president. But as Mast emerged in the back of the auditorium, Assistant Secretary of the Interior Susan Combs stopped a scheduled question-and-answer session with Army Corps officials to let the congressman question some of the officials in attendance. His most pressing concern? Getting government officials to lower Lake Okeechobee water levels in the dry season, so the lake has more capacity during the wetter summer months, decreasing the chances of algae-ridden water ending up in canals and rivers on Florida’s east and west coasts. “This is the issue that’s at the crux of my community, the fact that water is being held on Lake Okeechobee, not just as it relates to risk management but as it relates to the benefit of a number of other entities to the detriment of an epicenter of population,” Mast said. “I think this issue needs to be dealt with in the short term as we wait for everything in this integrated delivery schedule to come to fruition. This is an emergency situation in an epicenter of human population.”
“D.C.-based tech startup FiscalNote to buy CQ Roll Call” via Aaron Gregg and Thomas Heath of The Washington Post — Under the agreement, London-based Economist Group, which has owned CQ Roll Call since 2009, will own 18 percent of the combined company, making it the largest minority shareholder. FiscalNote founder Tim Hwang will lead the combined company, while Economist Group chief executive Chris Stibbs will retain a board seat. For CQ Roll Call, the deal offers a degree of financial stability by aligning it with a subscription-based data business similar to Bloomberg News’s terminal, as well as a set of data capabilities that could help it against rivals like Politico Pro. In a phone conversation, Stibbs said the publisher would remain closely involved in the business moving forward.
— OPINIONS —
“If Republicans lose big, this will be why” via Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post — It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that Trump’s misogynistic, xenophobic and pro-Russian outlook — the things that endear him to his core base — are turning off a large majority of voters. Overall, Democrats enjoy a healthy lead in the generic lead — 12 points in Quinnipiac, six in the NBC/Wall Street Journal and seven in the NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist polls, to name a few. In large part that lead reflects a huge gender gap. In the Quinnipiac poll, for example, women prefer Democrats by a 57 to 32 percent margin. One factor in their antipathy toward Republicans seems to be abortion; 68 percent of women think reversing Roe v. Wade would be a “bad thing.” The RealClearPolitics average is now nearly an eight-point lead for Democrats. Even worse for Republicans, white women — who traditionally have supported Republicans — now tilt heavily toward Democrats.
— MOVEMENTS —
Assignment editors — The League of Women Voters of Florida has relocated its state headquarters from Tallahassee to Orlando, and plans an open house Friday evening. That’s at 5:30 p.m., Credo Conduit, 1001 N. Orange Ave., Orlando.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Dean Cannon, Rheb Harbison, Kim McDougal, Joseph Salzverg, GrayRobinson: Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Leslie Dughi, Fred Karlinsky, Greenberg Traurig: Florida Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Florida Farm Bureau General Insurance Company
George Feijoo, Floridian Partners: EPICMD Technologies
Jeff Littlejohn, Littlejohn Mann & Associates: Government Services Group
Timothy Meenan, Meenan: Florida Power & Light Company
— WEEKEND TV —
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: Guest is Agriculture Commissioner and Republican gubernatorial candidate Putnam.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei hosts a roundtable with Democratic political commentator Barry Edwards, former Hillsborough County GOP Secretary Susan Calvert, Florida Phoenix reporter Mitch Perry and Tampa Bay Times political editor Adam Smith.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on the pros and cons of tax cuts for businesses and individuals. Joining Walker-Torres are Florida state Sen. Kelli Stargel; Florida state Rep. Wengay Newton; Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh; and former Congressman Alan Grayson.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: This week’s show will discuss the latest from Washington; the heated exchange between Trump and Iran and Michael Cohen’s secret tapes; Attorney General candidate Frank White discusses what he brings to race. PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter rates claims about Democratic gubernatorial candidate Levine’s record.
Sunday Morning Politics with Evan Donovan on News Channel 8 WFLA (NBC): Attorney Robert Tager, a Democratic candidate for Florida’s 12th Congressional District; and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris King.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with Florida Education Association president Joanne McCall.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests: Former Jacksonville Mayor and Democratic candidate for Florida’s 5th Congressional District Alvin Brown; Dr. Diana Greene, the new Duval County Public Schools Superintendent; and Troy Mosley, author of “Unwritten Truce: The Armed Forces and American Social Justice.”
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg will talk with Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie to discuss a referendum that would provide more funding for Broward County Schools to increase school safety and provide raises for teachers and staff. Also, the roundtable will give their take on the news of the week.
Free for All Fridays on WZNF 94.9FM/1550AM: Republican state Rep. Paul Renner talks with host David Ayres about Florida education funding.
— ALOE —
“Century’s longest ‘Blood Moon’ to arrive. Here’s why Tampa Bay won’t see it.” via Devin Rodriguez of the Tampa Bay Times — On Friday, the full moon will pass through the shadow of the Earth at 1:14 p.m. It will take on a blood orange hue as light from Earth’s atmosphere cascades out, reflecting on its surface, which gives it the name blood moon. This extraordinary blood moon will be visible in parts of South America, the Middle East, eastern Africa and Central Asia. This total lunar eclipse will last for an hour and 43 minutes, the longest in 100 years, because the moon is at its furthest orbital distance from the Earth, also known as its Apogee point. Since the moon is farther away, it will take longer to escape the Earth’s shadow. Sadly, by the time the full moon rises for North America, the eclipse will be long over, according to Craig Joseph, the Planetarium director for St. Petersburg College.
What Rob Bradley is reading — “Disney announces plan to eliminate plastic straws and stirrers” via The Associated Press — The Walt Disney Co. has announced it will stop using single-use plastic straws and plastic stirrers at all of its locations. Disney officials said the policy will be in place by mid-2019 and is part of the company’s “long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.” The plan will eliminate more than 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually.
“Universal hints at possible name for fourth Orlando theme park” via Amanda Ober of WESH TV — When a banking analyst asked about a patent application filed last month for the name Fantastic Worlds, a Comcast executive confirmed the company filed the name registration. That same executive also went on to say, “Another gate in Florida would have the advantage of turning Florida from a two or three-day destination to potentially a weeklong destination.” Universal recently purchased about 500 acres of undeveloped land east of International Drive. It is bordered to the north by Sand Lake Road and to the south by Destination Parkway.
Happy birthday to Ryan Reiter. Early birthday wishes to the First Lady of Seminole Nation, Jean Thrasher. My beloved father would have been 77 on Sunday. I think of and miss him every single day.
Dr. Maxin Reiss, wife of Tallahassee restaurateur Andy Reiss, dies — Dr. Reiss passed Wednesday afternoon “after a courageous battle with cancer,” according to longtime family friend Ron Sachs. “She was the love of his life and his best friend,” he added, referring to her husband, who has long owned and operated of Andrew’s Capital Grille in downtown Tallahassee. “They were in love since they met during high school, at a summer camp where they both worked. In her own career, she was a brilliant mental health professional who built a highly-regarded and very successful counseling service for school districts throughout the state.” Florida Politics will have a full obituary later today. A profile of the couple was published in Tallahassee Magazine in 2012. It’s available to read here.
