Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Floridians are freaked out over algae blooms that have plagued the state’s waterways, including Lake Okeechobee.
That’s one finding from the latest statewide survey by the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI).
Of those polled, 53 percent said they are “very concerned” about algal blooms. Another 33 percent said they’re “somewhat concerned.”
Gov. Rick Scott earlier this month declared a state of emergency in Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie counties because of the toxic blue-green algae.
The top issues remain immigration (29 percent) and health care (26 percent), followed by the economy (13 percent) and gun control policy (10 percent).
The survey, which polled 800 Florida registered voters July 20-21, has a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points. “Responses for the entire sample were weighted to reflect the statewide distribution of the Florida population,” a news release said.
Party breakdown among the survey respondents was 35 percent registered Democrats, 33 percent registered Republicans and 32 percent registered Independents.
Evening Reads
“Was Pam Bondi the ‘Pam’ on secret Donald Trump tape?” via Steve Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“Twitter is ‘shadow banning’ prominent Republicans like the RNC chair and Trump Hr.’s spokesman” via Alex Thomson of Vice News
“Funding for Obamacare Navigators in Florida cut by 81 percent” via Julia Ochoa of Health News Florida
“As Rick Scott targets congressional work schedules, his own shrinks” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Founder of company behind SunPass collapse raises money for Scott campaign” via Noah Pransky of 10 News
“Adam Putnam’s agency raised concerns it couldn’t keep up with surge in weapons permits” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Underdogs not intimidated in House District 37 race” via C.T. Bowen of the Tampa Bay Times
“Florida’s sobering new focus on school security creates a challenge: How to protect and not stoke fear” via Megan Reeves of the Tampa Bay Times
“BSO must release Stoneman Douglas surveillance video, appeals court rules” via Nicholas Nehamas of the Miami Herald
“Florida gambling changes could include more poker” via Jennifer Newell of LegalUSPokerSites.com
Quote of the Day
“This Court can conceive of fewer ham-handed efforts to abridge the youth vote than (the state’s) prohibition of on-campus early voting.” — U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, in an order striking down the Rick Scott administration’s ban on early voting on public college and university campuses.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Chamber Foundation will help host the “Make More Manufacturing Summit,” with speakers expected to include representatives of CareerSource Florida, Space Florida, Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and industry groups. That’s at 7:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, 9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd., Orlando.
The Florida Commission on Offender Review will continue a two-day meeting in Broward County that will include taking up numerous parole cases. That’s at 9 a.m., Fort Lauderdale City Hall, 100 North Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will hold a meeting about an application by the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department for a permit to construct injection wells at the South District Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cutler Bay. That’s at 10 a.m., Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, 3071 S.W. 38th Ave., Miami.
State Sen. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, is expected to receive an award for his support for the guardian ad litem program. That’s at 1 p.m., Edward Ball Building, 214 North Hogan St., Jacksonville.
Gov. Scott will speak at the Associated Builders and Contractors annual convention. That’s at 1:30 p.m., JW Marriott Marco Island, 400 South Collier Blvd., Marco Island.
Tallahassee-based Circuit Judge Karen Gievers is scheduled to hear arguments in a battle about a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban greyhound racing at Florida dog tracks. That’s at 2 p.m., Leon County Courthouse, 301 South Monroe St., Tallahassee.
Democratic candidates in Sarasota County will take part in a meet-and-greet event. Participants are expected to include Olivia Balbis, who is running in Senate District 23, and Tony Mowry, who is running in House District 74. That’s at 5 p.m., St. Nathaniel’s Episcopal Church, 4200 South Biscayne Dr., North Port.
