Last Call for 7.23.18 — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics

Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a warning letter to Florida State University (FSU) over procedures done last year on hamsters in the school’s research laboratories.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) released the document Monday, which it gained following a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the department, the organization said in a statement.

The incident had been previously reported by the Tallahassee Democrat.

“At least 17 of these animals were not given pain relief following highly invasive surgery,” PETA said Monday. “The procedures themselves were also botched: Several hamsters were sutured inappropriately, and incisions were made at incorrect sites.”

The USDA letter did not make clear the experimental reason for the surgical procedures, which included surgical removal of one or both ovaries on “multiple hamsters.”  

“At least three of the animals were euthanized,” PETA said. “FSU should be compelled to repay all taxpayer money that was wasted on this ill-conceived and sloppy animal experiment that provided no social benefit or useful data whatsoever.”

The same letter, however, showed that “appropriate changes were instituted by the attending veterinarian to correct this noncompliance.”

“FSU has been fully transparent in self-reporting this procedural violation regarding the postoperative care of hamsters to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” FSU Vice President for Research Gary K. Ostrander said.  

“As we said publicly a year ago, we very much regret the incident and took immediate action to further train and educate those involved regarding the appropriate care for animals involved in research.”

Evening Reads

“Brian Ballard bundles nearly $100K for ‘outsider’ Rick Scott” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida

“More Trump-centric campaign: Ron DeSantis or Jeff Greene?” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post

“Ron DeSantis just reduced the Democratic Party’s new star to ‘this girl Ocasio-Cortez or whatever she is.’” via Jennifer Bendery of the Huffington Post

“Billionaire-backed group to launch six-figure digital ad buy in support of Andrew Gillum” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times

“‘Proud NRA sellout’: One year later, Adam Putnam fights for his political survival” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times

“Ashley Moody gets backing from Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson” via the News Service of Florida

“Republican Party’s divides seem to District 73 primary” via Zac Anderson of Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“State fixes voter registration problem with simple updates” via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida

“Bullied at school, students have options to transfer or go private” via Denise Amos of the Jacksonville Times-Union

“Grown-ups fight for children’s right to sell lukewarm lemonade” via Corinne Ramey of The Wall Street Journal

Quote of the Day

“Our condolences to Adam Putnam.” — Florida Democratic Party spokesman Kevin Donohoe, on President Donald Trump’s planned campaign stop for GOP candidate for Governor Ron DeSantis.

Bill Day’s Latest

Breakthrough Insights

Wake Up Early?

Republican candidate for Governor Putnam will take part in a “meet & greet” breakfast hosted by the Christian Family Coalition Florida. That’s at 8 a.m., Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, 3900 NW 21st St., Miami.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will hold a meeting in Broward County about edible medical-marijuana products. That’s at 9 a.m., Hurricane House, 3025 S.W. 70th Ave., Davie.

The Education Estimating Conference will discuss enrollment in prekindergarten through 12th grade in the state. That’s at 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will hold a public hearing about an application by American Family Insurance Mutual Holding Company for a merger with Main Street America Group Mutual Holdings Inc. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Larson Building, 200 East Gaines St., Tallahassee.

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a meeting that will include discussion of ways to expedite freight processing on the state’s interstate system. That’s at 10 a.m. Burns Building Auditorium, 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.

State Sen. Linda Stewart, an Orlando Democrat, will hold a news conference to address Agriculture Commissioner Putnam’s “concealed carry licensing failures.” That’s at 10:30 a.m., in front of the former Pulse Nightclub, 1912 S. Orange Ave., Orlando.

People For the American Way’s “Next Up Victory Fund” holds a panel discussion about the impact of the #MeToo movement on candidates, featuring Anna Eskamani, Democratic candidate for House District 47. That’s at 11 a.m., National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.

The Criminal Justice Estimating Conference will analyze issues in the criminal justice system. That’s at 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.

Gov. Rick Scott will highlight the newest proposal of his “Make Washington Work” Plan, requiring Congress to work full-time in order to receive their full-time salary, at an event in Lakeland. That’s at 2:45 p.m., Frescos, 132 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland.

Former Miami Beach Mayor and Democratic candidate for Governor Philip Levine will be holding a roundtable discussion with leaders of Florida’s film industry. That’s at 4 p.m., Levine for Governor Orlando Office, 646 West Colonial Dr., Orlando.

Republican candidates for agriculture commissioner are slated to appear at a meet-and-greet event in Hillsborough County. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Plant City Women’s Club, 1110 North Wheeler St., Plant City.

Former Sen. Jeremy Ring, running for state chief financial officer, is slated to appear at the Democratic Club of Boca Raton and Delray Beach. That’s at 7:30 p.m., South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach.