Peter Schorsch
Correction: An earlier version of this incorrectly attributed a statement to Monroe County Mayor David Rice. The statement was made by his predecdessor, George Neugent, who was mayor at the time of cleanup efforts following Hurricane Irma last year.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
There’s less than four weeks to go before Florida Democrats decide which of five gubernatorial candidates will have their name printed at the top of the November ballot.
A new survey from St. Pete Polls shows that former Congresswoman Gwen Graham has rocketed into the lead with 29 percent support among primary voters while Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene has managed to build up a large enough base to surpass the one-time frontrunner, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, 23-19 percent.
For those wondering when “undecided” would be dethroned from the top of the polls, that time is now — just 9 percent of Democrats said they were still unsure of their pick while another 4 percent said they’re eyeing one of the minor candidates.
That’s more than enough to leeway to halt plans for Graham’s coronation. It still remains to be seen whether Bernie Sanders’ late endorsement of Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum will grant him some late-game momentum; and for as much as Greene and Levine and have pumped into their campaigns, Orlando businessman Chris King could shift the vote now that he’s started putting $1 million a week into his bid.
Much like the closing act of the 1981 film “Arthur,” the real mystery is whether Democrats will continue breaking toward Graham, the steady moderate who has shown a knack turning red voters blue, or Greene, the suitor whose promises of funding other Dems up and down the ticket plays into the party faithful’s perception that money alone is the barrier keeping them from toppling Republican hegemony.
All five candidates will be in South Florida tonight for the final debate of the primary season, this time televised statewide. Once it wraps, there’ll still be loads of media buys and plenty of pavement to pound, but all that’s truly left is for Florida Democrats to tick a box on Aug. 28.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
A near-the-top-of-Sunburn birthday shout-out to Speaker Dean Cannon, who turns 50 today. Dean is, to employ a term used by the recently depart Tom Wolfe, a genuine man in full. I wish I could have given him a top-of-Sunburn birthday shout-out, but that is reserved for my favorite ex-Speaker of the House, Will Weatherford :-).
— DAYS UNTIL —
Florida’s back to school sales tax holiday begins — 1; Republican gubernatorial debate in Jacksonville — 6; School begins in the first 19 Florida districts — 8; Start of the U.S. Open — 25; Primary Election Day — 26; College Football opening weekend — 28; Labor Day — 32; NFL regular season starts — 35; Future of Florida Forum — 55; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 82; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 83; General Election Day — 96; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 117; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 194; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 215; 2020 General Election — 824.
— TOP STORY —
“Judge strikes down dog-racing ban, calling it ‘outright trickeration’” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Saying it “hide(s) the ball” and calling it “outright ‘trickeration,’ ” a Tallahassee judge has ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending dog racing shouldn’t go on the November ballot. But in a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi— who supports a dog-racing ban — said her office “will appeal this decision immediately and seek an expedited review by the Florida Supreme Court.” Time is of the essence; Election Day is 97 days away as of Wednesday. Among other things, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers’ order said Amendment 13‘s ballot title and summary would mislead voters into believing a ‘yes’ vote was an outright ban on greyhound racing. The amendment bans betting on live dog racing in Florida, and doesn’t make clear that track-goers in Florida could still bet on ‘simulcast’ dog races outside Florida, she said. Live racing is still conducted at 11 tracks in the state.
Meanwhile: “Over 60 greyhound adoption groups oppose racing ban” via Florida Politics — More than five dozen greyhound adoption groups in the U.S. and Canada — including 14 in Florida — have formally opposed a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending commercial dog racing in the state. Greyhound Adopters for Racing, which also opposes the ban, released the announcement Wednesday. Its statement said the number of groups “reflects the breadth and depth of support for greyhound racing in the adoption community” … Dr. Jennifer Ng, the South Carolina veterinarian who is president of the adoption coalition, said the fact “that so many greyhound adoption groups from around the country would come out in support of racing, speaks volumes about whether racing is ‘cruel’ or ‘inhumane’ to the dogs as the animal rights activists claim.”
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Bill Nelson airs TV ad ripping Rick Scott for ‘hurricane gouging’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The 30-second spot, “Gouge,” cites news reports and uses TV news footage reporting that contractors overcharged, costing Florida taxpayers an additional $28-30 million in storm cleanup in Monroe County. The commercial starts off with Monroe County Mayor George Neugent declaring, “The governor was actually doing the price gouging.” It ends with a narrator citing a Sun-Sentinel of South Florida report stating, “if he had to do it all over again, he wouldn’t change a thing.”
To watch the video, click on the image below:
“Scott paid $200,000 in tax incentives to company in which he had financial interest” via Dan Christensen of FloridaBulldog.org — The incentives to a management services subsidiary of 21st Century Oncology were approved by the state three days after Scott’s election in November 2010, while then-fellow Republican Gov. Charlie Crist was still in office. Two years later, at the company’s urging, Scott’s Department of Economic Opportunity amended the incentives agreement to make it more favorable to 21st Century. Specifically, the new deal gave 21st Century an extra year to create promised jobs and wage levels, relinquished the state’s previously negotiated contractual power to “unilaterally cancel” the agreement if 21st Century refused to allow public access to certain information about the deal and added an additional state excise tax to the list of taxes eligible for refunds. Scott — via his “blind trust” — owned an indirect interest in 21st Century Oncology via his $210,000 investment in Vestar Capital Partners, the private-equity firm that owned about two-thirds of its stock.
“Rick and Ann Scott had stake in shipping giant linked to Vladimir Putin” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times — Scott’s recently-filed 125-page federal financial disclosure statement listed at least $50,000 in income last year from the sale of corporate securities stock in Navigator Holdings … a shipping company that specializes in transporting liquefied petroleum gas for international energy companies, state-owned utilities and commodities traders, according to a corporate profile by the Reuters news service. One of Navigator’s major clients is a Russian energy company with links to the Kremlin. The Russian company is Sibur, whose owners include Russian President Putin‘s son-in-law and a Russian oligarch facing U.S. government sanctions, according to the The New York Times.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Bernie Sanders endorses Andrew Gillum for Florida Governor. Is it enough?” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — Sanders unexpectedly endorsed Gillum for Governor, giving the only African-American in the race a needed boost and continuing a recent trend for the Vermont senator who has increasingly endorsed nonwhite liberals as he considers another run for president. “Andrew has never backed down from a fight, including beating the NRA and standing up against xenophobic politicians,” Sanders wrote in a series of three messages on Twitter about the Tallahassee Mayor. “@AndrewGillum will set a new course for Florida — a governor who represents all the people and not just powerful special interests.” … Gillum has been outgunned in TV advertising by his four major rivals and is running in third or fourth place, according to most recent polls. With Sanders’ energized base of followers and his ability to turn on small-dollar donors, Gillum’s team hopes the endorsement will help lift his campaign out of the fundraising doldrums.
“Gillum’s other job: P&P Communications shares building with campaign HQ” via the Tallahassee Democrat – … Gillum’s second job with P&P Communications hasn’t exactly been high profile. He took the job with little fanfare in early 2017 after stepping away from the (People for the American Way) Foundation, a (nonprofit group) that under tax law can’t participate in partisan politics. Gillum and his campaign have been reluctant to talk about his work with P&P in detail; in a recent interview with The Huffington Post, Gillum declined to reveal his clients. Behind the scenes, his political opponents have questioned his role with the company. The Democrat in June asked Gillum’s campaign manager, Geoff Burgan, about Gillum’s work for P&P and who its clients are. His response lacked detail. “P&P Communications is a private company that does leadership consulting,” Burgan said. “I don’t have a client list for you though.”
“Watch and listen as editors interview Democratic candidates for Governor” via Rosemary O’Hara of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The five candidates who hope to win the Democratic nomination for Florida governor will sit down with the editorial page editors of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post on Friday, Aug. 3, for back-to-back, hourlong interviews … The day marks a first in the history of newspapers. Never before have editorial page editors conducted their gubernatorial endorsement interviews together. While each paper plans to offer its own recommendation in the race, we want to open up these interviews to better inform you about the choices you face in this election. The interviews will be livestreamed on SunSentinel.com, MiamiHerald.com, PBPost.com and WLRN.org.
Happening today — The five major Democratic candidates for Governor will hold their final debate, presented by the Florida Press Association and WPBF 25 News, before the Aug. 28 primary election, 7 p.m., WPBF 25 in West Palm Beach, to be broadcast throughout the state.
New Gwen Graham TV spot in Tallahassee, Panama City; expands ads to Gainesville — Graham is returning to her North Florida home base with new ads this week this week in Tallahassee and Panama City. “We are excited to build on our huge base of grassroots support in North Florida by bringing our positive message to TV in Tallahassee, Panama City and all the amazing small towns and rural communities between them,” said campaign manager Julia Woodward. Graham is also airing her ad “Service” in new markets, including Gainesville, to target college students returning to school.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
Bullsugar endorses Chris King for Governor — Bullsugar.org is a leading voice in the fight for Everglades restoration, clean water and a healthy environment. King is the only gubernatorial candidate to receive the group’s endorsement. “Chris King has shifted the discourse of the 2018 elections to where it belongs, the corrupting influence of sugar industry money on both political parties,” Bullsugar.org co-founder Chris Maroney said. “The cyanobacteria crises of 2018 and 2016 are a result of that influence, and our next governor must have the political courage to address these problems not in 20 years, but now. That means putting the health of Floridians before sugar-cane crop yields. Chris King has that courage and integrity, and we are proud to endorse him.” Bullsugar’s endorsement of King follows recent endorsements from top Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell and the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida.
— People are starting to talk: “Ron DeSantis loves the President’s musk” via Jonah Goldberg of the National Review
“Adam Putnam hammers DeSantis for Koch support” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Trump‘s annoyance with the Koch network is turning into Florida campaign fodder, as GOP gubernatorial candidate Putnam uses it to hit Koch-backed primary foe DeSantis. Trump tweeted that the “Koch Brothers” are “jokes” after the group, which has long supported free trade, criticized tariffs and other restrictive trade policies put in place by the Trump administration. Putnam’s Koch attack comes one day after Trump visited Tampa to support DeSantis, in one of the lowest points of Putnam’s bid for the governor’s mansion. Many saw the rally as a death blow to his campaign, which has lost its front-runner status in recent weeks. To push back, Putnam took to Fox News: “I do support President Trump’s agenda, and I’m not surprised. Congressman DeSantis is certainly very comfortable with the ways of Washington,” Putnam, who himself spent a decade in Congress, said. “I am focused on Florida.”
“Putnam visits The Villages” via Frank Ross of The Villages Daily Sun — “Yours is the only endorsement that matters to me, because you’ve chosen to make Florida your home and know that we roll out the red carpet for veterans and their families,” Putnam said to those who are part of the 600-member social organization made up of veterans from every branch of service. Putnam isn’t the first and won’t be the last to pitch his platform to veterans in The Villages. It’s no secret why candidates woo veterans in The Villages: One in every five households contains someone who served. Putnam said one of his highest priorities in office will be addressing veterans’ issues. He also spoke about speeding up the waiting list for VA medical treatment. In Putnam’s assessment, the most pressing issue for veterans is long-term care.
Happening today — Republican candidates for Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, Attorney General, legislative seats and congressional seats will appear at an event hosted by the Federated Republican Women of North Dade, 6 p.m., Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment, 4800 Palm Ave., Hialeah.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
Happening today — Donald Trump Jr. will make a campaign appearance for Northwest Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz. DeSantis is also expected to appear, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Central time, Northwest Florida State College Arena, 100 East College Blvd., Niceville.
In a new ad, Judson Sapp talks pigs, job growth and Trump — Sapp, who faces incumbent Ted Yoho in the GOP primary for Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, is out with a new campaign ad where he talks job growth, the border wall, Obamacare, Yoho … and pigs. “My opponent talks a lot about pigs,” Sapp says in the 30-second spot “New Leadership.” “I don’t know much about pigs, but I do know how to create jobs and fix infrastructure … I’m Judson Sapp, conservative businessman, just like Trump.”
To watch the ad, click on the image below:
Nancy Soderberg racks up congressional endorsements — Five key Democratic members of the Florida congressional delegation — Charlie Crist, Val Demings, Ted Deutch, Lois Frankel and Darren Soto — are endorsing former Ambassador Soderberg in Florida’s 6th Congressional District. Each lawmaker cited her strong leadership, negotiation skills and her willingness to “fight for American families.” Soderberg responded: “I am honored to receive the endorsements of these exemplary members of Congress … They are on the front lines of fighting for Floridians in Washington, and in Congress, I look forward to joining them to deliver true results for Central Florida families.”
Happening today — U.S. Rep. Darren Soto and former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, who are competing in the Democratic primary in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, will appear at the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, noon, Varsity Club, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando.
“Congress District 22: Ted Deutch faces rival as 3 Republicans duke it out” via Christine Stapleton of the Palm Beach Post — Republican candidate Javier Manjarres — who has obtained major GOP endorsements — infuriated Parkland victims and gun-control advocates with a tweet on July 6 accusing Fred Guttenberg, father of 14-year-old Parkland victim Jaime Guttenberg, of using his daughter’s death to advance his gun control initiatives. “Everyone knows he has an agenda … at the end of the day, you can’t say ‘boo’ to these people.” For a week, angry critics brought to the surface a particularly ugly episode from the GOP candidate’s past … Namely, Manjarres’ arrest in 2016 on charges of attempted first-degree murder. According to a Boca Raton police report, Manjarres broke the nose of his sister’s boyfriend, then fired three shots into the boyfriend’s truck as he drove away. Manjarres has also been involved in 14 domestic violence and stalking cases since 2008. In most of the cases, ex-girlfriends accused him of stalking them and confronting men they were subsequently dating. Manjarres, in turn, sought injunctions against some of the women, saying he feared they would harm him.
“SEIU Florida endorsing Debbie Mucarsel-Powell” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida has thrown its support behind Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in her campaign against incumbent U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo. “Debbie Mucarsel-Powell has a keen perspective on the needs and challenges of working people, and she has spent her life’s work on expanding access to quality health care for Floridians, especially those who need it most,” said SEIU Florida State Council President Monica Russo. SEIU is a labor union representing workers from multiple sectors. The organization serves “over 55,000 active and retired Floridians including healthcare professionals, public employees, and property service workers,” according to its website.
DLCC announces additional ‘races to watch’ in 2018 — With less than 100 days till Election Day, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) on Wednesday highlighted still more state Democrats to watch on its Spotlight Races page. The committee added Bob Doyel for Florida Senate District 22, and David Perez for Florida Senate District 36. The DLCC “is the only organization exclusively committed to electing Democrats to state legislatures all over the country and winning Democratic control of chambers … in order to fight to correct the damage done by Republican majorities and prevent Trump’s divisive and dangerous agenda from impacting their communities and neighbors.”
“New ads slam Gary Farmer as ‘sexist’ and ‘obnoxious’” via Florida Politics — In March, Farmer and Democratic Sen. Lauren Book were the top two names in contention to succeed current Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson, but things went sideways in the Democratic caucus and Farmer made some sexist remarks behind closed doors during the run-up to voting on Gibson’s successor. A new mailer and video ad paid for by political committee Moms Speak Out are heading out to Senate District 34, and neither one is pulling punches. “A power-hungry politician that bullies and demeans. It’s too familiar and we have to stop him. Gary Farmer exposes his true opinion of women, saying Sen. Lauren Book can’t lead and fulfill her duties because she’s a mother,” the video says. “Will this man do anything to beat this woman? Only after Democrat Kevin Rader called Farmer’s words ‘sexist,’ ‘discriminatory’ and ‘obnoxious’ does Farmer back down. Sexist. Obnoxious. Gary Farmer, your time’s up,” the ad concludes.
To watch the video, click on the image below:
“Fraternal Order of Police backs Manny Diaz in SD 36” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Manny Diaz has pulled in another endorsement from the law enforcement community, as the Florida State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is backing his bid for the Senate District 36 seat. FOP is a nationwide organization that advocates on behalf of law enforcement officers. Diaz issued a statement thanking the Florida Lodge for its support after he received word of the endorsement. “I’m very honored to have FOP’s support,” Diaz said. “Keeping law enforcement strong is vital to every community across Florida, and I will continue to make that a priority. I admire and appreciate the bravery and dedication law enforcement personnel show each and every day, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to make sure residents and tourists alike enjoy peace and safety in our state.”
“Jason Pizzo adds another $125k in loans to his campaign” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Jason Pizzo has added another $125,000 in loans to his campaign in an effort to unseat state Sen. Daphne Campbell in Senate District 38. The newest self-funding spree came during the period of July 7 to July 20, according to a recent report filed with the Florida Division of Elections. He also added more than $5,000 in outside donations during that period. Pizzo, a Miami attorney, has now poured in $275,000 in self-loans, on top of more than $110,000 in donations. He’s also spent more than $260,000 of that money, including more than $60,000 last period. Much of his recent expenditures have gone toward direct mail and door hangers (more than $31,000), canvassing ($4,335) and voter outreach ($4,000).
“Chris Nocco gives full endorsement of Ardian Zika in new ad” via Florida Politics — “I’m standing with Ardian Zika for state representative,” Nocco says in the ad. “Ardian stands with our first responders, that’s why he is endorsed by the Police Benevolent Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.” In addition to his strong fundraising and law enforcement support, Zika has locked down endorsements from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes, Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson and former House Speaker Will Weatherford. HD 37 covers the majority of inland Pasco County, including the communities of Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Heritage Pines, Shady Hills, Meadow Oaks and Moon Lake.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
“Mike Beltran gaining traction in HD 57 race” via Florida Politics — Lithia Republican Beltran is starting to gain some traction in his bid to succeed Republican Rep. Jake Raburn in House District 57. The attorney has piled on endorsements from staunch conservative groups Florida Right to Life and the Florida Family Policy Council and his pro-gun views have earned him an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association. The 34-year-old Harvard graduate has also found some success on the fundraising trail. Through one month in the race, Beltran has brought in $25,207 in outside money and kicked in another $100,000 in candidate loans. As of July 20, he had more than $107,000 in the bank. That gives him an edge over his Republican primary opponent, businessman and U.S. Army veteran Sean McCoy, who has bested him in outside fundraising with nearly $40,000 raised but has so far only put up $2,000 of his own money. As of July 20, McCoy has about $38,250 in the bank.
“Sean Shaw endorses Karen Skyers as his successor in HD 61” via Florida Politics — “Skyers is the right choice to build upon the progress that we have achieved in House District 61 over the last two years,” Shaw said. “Karen is a tough-as-nails fighter, who will be a zealous advocate for the citizens of Tampa. I am excited to personally endorse Karen’s candidacy and work with her to move HD 61 forward.” Shaw’s endorsement comes a couple weeks after Skyers, a former lobbyist, earned the backing of Ruth’s List Florida, a Democratic Party-aligned group that supports female candidates for public office. Her other backers include Orlando Sen. Victor Torres, the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida and former Sen. Arthenia Joyner, whom Skyers worked for as a legislative aide before joining Becker & Poliakoff.
“Lauren Book endorses Andrew Dolberg in crowded HD 98 primary” via Florida Politics — Small business owner Dolberg has earned a high-profile endorsement in the packed primary for House District 98, as state Sen. Book announced her support for the Dolberg campaign … “Andrew is exactly the kind of bold and fresh-faced leader we need in Tallahassee,” said Book on her decision to back Dolberg. “In the Florida House, I know that he will be a strong ally on women’s issues, a champion for children, and a fierce advocate for Florida’s public schools. I look forward to working with him to deliver results for the residents of Broward County.” Dolberg, a Plantation Democrat, is one of five Democrats competing for the nomination in HD 98, making it one of the most competitive Florida House races this election cycle. The district covers parts of Davie, Plantation and Sunrise.
“Candidate for circuit court admits affair with client in 2013” via Jane Musgrave of the Palm Beach Post — Royal Palm Beach family law attorney Marybel Reinoso Coleman, who has garnered support from the county’s legal elite in a three-person race to replace retiring Circuit Judge Peter Blanc, made the admission in response to two letters the client sent to The Palm Beach Post. In the letters, Jeffrey Chase claims the affair clouded Coleman’s ability to represent him. “I chose to finish the divorce case as soon as possible due to financial reasons and emotional duress,” Chase wrote. “I firmly believe I was not represented properly and ethically.” While Coleman disputed Chase’s claims, she didn’t deny the affair. “We had a romantic relationship,” she said.
— ENDORSEMENT ROUND-UP —
The Tampa Bay Times rolled out three primary recommendations for Florida state Senate candidates on Wednesday. In the Republican primary for Senate District 16, the Times suggests voters back Ed Hooper, a former Clearwater city commissioner and former state Representative, because “Hooper knows the issues best and could make the most immediate impact.” He faces restaurant owner and entrepreneur Leo Karruli in the Aug. 28 primary. In the Democratic primary for Senate District 20, the Times is backing Kathy Lewis over Joy Gibson because Lewis “seems to have a better grasp of the Legislature’s role in improving the every day lives of Floridians.” On the Republican side of Senate District 20, the Times is supporting incumbent Sen. Tom Lee over John Houman, saying Lee “generally tries to balance his pro-business stance with a healthy approach to what’s best for the state, and he is not shy about challenging Senate leadership and charting his own course.”
— ALGAE BLUES —
“Brian Mast: ‘Call in the cavalry’ to combat St. Lucie River’s toxic algae blooms” via Tyler Treadway of TCPalm — Speaking where algae-laden water from Lake Okeechobee pours into the St. Lucie River, Mast unveiled legislation he’s proposing to involve two federal agencies — NOAA and the EPA — in the battle against blooms. In the 15 or so minutes Mast spoke with reporters, about 13.1 million gallons of water, nearly 90 percent of it from Lake O, flowed through the dam behind him. The bill, which has U.S. Rep. Bill Posey as one of its co-sponsors, amends 1998 legislation to call for: A study to identify the sources of algae blooms that flourish in Lake O and spread to the rivers. The federal task force set up by the 1998 bill has prepared reports on algae blooms throughout the country, but not Lake O.
“Mast, Bill Posey push increased funding to combat algae blooms” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — U.S. Reps. Band Posey have co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that seeks to increase federal assistance to deal with toxic algae blooms in Florida and other states. The pair of Florida Republicans joined with Democratic Reps. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon to co-sponsor the “Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2018.” The bill would seek to extend a program set to expire this year, which serves as the principal federal program to address harmful blooms. Also, the new bill would increase funding for that program from $20.5 million to $22 million.
“Dead fish, birds, manatees, even a whale shark. Toll from worst red tide in decade grows.” via Jenny Staletovich of the Miami Herald — The list goes on: earlier this month the carcass of a whale shark was found on a Sanibel beach with red tide in its muscles, liver, intestines and stomach. Hundreds of double-breasted cormorants, brown pelicans and other seabirds have been sickened or died. Coupled with massive blue-green algae bloom that spread across Lake Okeechobee and snaked down the Caloosahatchee River in June, the dire conditions have infuriated businesses and residents, and drawn national attention to the normally quiet tourist towns. “This is horrific what we’re enduring now, but it needs to be a wake-up call to people that clean water is important to more than just wildlife,” said Heather Barron, a veterinarian and research director at Sanibel’s CROW Clinic wildlife rescue center, which began treating poisoned birds as early as October. “As the person dealing with all these hundreds of dying animals, I’m upset.”
“Fort Myers Beach restaurant crafts ‘Fish Kill’ cocktail to fight algae, red tide” via Annabelle Tometich of the News-Press.com — A tequila cocktail colored blue-green with liqueurs and finished with a floater of bright-red candy fish is raising attention, and money, for the area’s algae and red-tide woes. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill on Fort Myers Beach created its “Fish Kill” cocktail to raise funds for Captains for Clean Water. 100 percent of all sales of the drink will go to the nonprofit organization that’s goal is to treat runoff from Lake Okeechobee and redirect it south where it once flowed naturally. “As a business that depends on the waters of Southwest Florida, keeping the quality of our water as clean as possible is a high priority for us, and as a parent I want to make sure the waters are something my kids and their kids will always have to enjoy,” Matt Hanson, owner of Parrot Key and the neighboring Salty Sam’s Marina said in a news release.
— STATEWIDE —
What Christie Daily is reading: “Florida juvenile justice chief stepping down after tenure marked by tragedy, questions” via Carol Marbin Miller of the Miami Herald — Daly, the Florida agency head hailed by Gov. Scott as “a national leader in reform of a comprehensive juvenile justice system,” is stepping down. Daly oversaw the state Department of Juvenile Justice as it dramatically expanded its effort to divert nonviolent youth away from brick-and-mortar facilities and into treatment and community services. But Daly also oversaw a tumultuous period in which youth workers were accused of turning detainees into goons who were rewarded with vending machine honey buns and other treats. Daly’s administration saw some of DJJ’s worst tragedies, though, including the questionable deaths of three youths in state custody. One of the teens who died was Elord Revolte, a 17-year-old foster child who was savagely beaten by more than a dozen other detainees shortly after he had gotten into an argument with an officer at the Miami lockup.
What Daly is also reading: “Grand jury, citing Herald series, laments lack of progress in juvenile justice reform” via Carol Marbin Miller of the Miami Herald — Members of a Miami-Dade grand jury pronounced themselves “saddened” to learn that Florida’s juvenile justice system remains plagued by “horrific problems” more than a decade after a previous grand jury decried conditions at the Miami lockup — but also pleased that reform is underway as the result of a Miami Herald series. In a report handed up to a Miami judge, Miami’s fall 2017 grand jury said the state’s long-troubled juvenile justice system “grabbed [its] attention” in the wake of a six-part Miami Herald series published last fall. The series, grand jurors wrote, left echoes of a previous grand jury report from 2003 that studied the death of 17-year-old Omar Paisley, who slowly died of a ruptured appendix while officers and nurses stood by and did nothing. The Herald series, called Fight Club, “detailed a pattern of conduct wherein guards within the juvenile detention facility created intolerable conditions and behavior by bribing certain juveniles with fast food, including pastry ‘honeybuns,’ in order for those teens to discipline other juveniles within the facility,” the grand jury wrote.
“Jared Moskowitz asks Governor to ban 3D-printed guns” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — State Rep. Moskowitz is out with a letter to Gov. Scott, urging him to sign an Executive Order banning 3D-printed guns in the state. “The threat posed by the distribution of plans for these weapons, and the possession of the weapons themselves, is a true public emergency,” said Moskowitz. The “emergency,” as Moskowitz called it, was kicked into full swing after a company called Defense Distributed settled with the federal government to allow the posting of blueprints on how to make the guns online. A judge has since blocked the release of those plans, but it’s not clear whether that restraining order will hold, or for how long.
Assignment editors — Gov. Scott will highlight the back-to-school sales tax holiday running Aug. 3-5, 10 a.m., Educational Outfitters, 3904-D W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa.
“Justices asked to halt Scott judicial pick” via the News Service of Florida — Jacksonville attorney David Trotti filed an emergency motion with the Supreme Court, a day after the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled that Scott had the authority to name a replacement for retiring 4th Circuit Judge Robert Foster. Shortly after the appeals court ruling, Scott announced he would appoint Duval County Judge Lester Bass to replace Foster as soon as the 1st District Court of Appeal ruling becomes final. Trotti, who argues Foster’s replacement should be elected by voters, filed a notice that he would challenge the 1st District Court of Appeal ruling at the Supreme Court. But with Scott also announcing the pending appointment of Bass, Trotti followed by filing the emergency motion seeking a stay of the 1st District Court of Appeal’s issuance of a “mandate” — the action that would make the appeals-court ruling final — until the Supreme Court resolves the underlying issues in the case.
“’Claim’ bills emerge for 2019 session” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — A handcuffed man shot twice after being put into the back of a patrol car in Pinellas County and a bicyclist hit by a school bus in Miami-Dade County are among the subjects of “claim” bills filed in the state Senate. As of 5 p.m., senators had filed at least 16 bills, seeking more than $28.9 million, for incidents in which state or local government agencies played a role in people dying or getting harmed … For example, Sen. David Simmons has reintroduced legislation (SB 24) that seeks $1.45 million for the family of Eric Scott Tenner. Tenner, 45, died after being hit on his bicycle by a Miami-Dade County school bus in 2014. Another proposal that has failed repeatedly seeks $1.9 million for Barney Brown. Brown had a 1970 conviction of rape and robbery vacated by a circuit judge in 2008. Brown had been convicted despite an earlier acquittal of the same charges in juvenile court.
“Document: Walton Co. was singled out by HB 631 for customary use” by Tom McLaughlin of the Northwest Florida Daily News – A South Florida Democrat did much of the heavy lifting to guide HB 631 through a Florida Legislature dominated by Republicans. But state Rep. Katie Edwards-Walpole had input from a law firm that now represents Walton County beach property owners. Attorneys at Hopping Green and Sams helped influence Edwards-Walpole’s decision to amend HB 631 so that only Walton County would feel its impact. And the impact has been profound.
“Duke seeks to recover costs for solar projects” via the News Service of Florida — Duke filed a petition with the Florida Public Service Commission as an initial step toward collecting the money, while also announcing plans for the 74.9-megawatt solar plant in Columbia County. Under terms of a base-rate settlement approved by the Public Service Commission in 2017, Duke is allowed to seek recovery of solar-project costs, though it also has to show that the projects are reasonable and cost-effective. The 74.9-megawatt Hamilton County solar plant is expected to begin operating late this year, with customers likely to see a slight increase in their monthly electric bills starting in January. Residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours electricity a month would see an increase of 46 cents on their bills, according to Duke’s filing at the Public Service Commission. The Columbia County plant is expected to begin operating in early 2020.
“State goes along with early voting ruling” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida — Secretary of State Ken Detzner has told a federal judge the state will comply with an order that struck down a policy barring early voting sites on college and university campuses. But elections supervisors in Alachua, Leon and Hillsborough counties say it’s too late to secure early voting sites before the Aug. 28 primaries, and they’re not sure whether they can nail down on-campus sites before the November general election. The issue stems from a 2014 advisory opinion by state Division of Elections Director Maria Matthews that advised elections supervisors that a 2013 law expanding early voting sites to a variety of public facilities didn’t apply to college or university locales. The League of Women Voters of Florida, the Andrew Goodman Foundation and six University of Florida and Florida State University students filed a lawsuit challenging the prohibition this year.
Assignment editors — The group Integrity Florida will hold a news conference to release a report about federal judicial nominees during the Trump administration, 11 a.m., Florida Press Center, 336 East College St., Tallahassee.
“Florida ranks high in workers’ comp legislation, survey shows” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — A new law extending mental health treatment to firefighters, police officers, and other first responders with PTSD ranked Florida among the bellwether states in a survey of trends published by a national workers’ compensation ratings agency. The Regulatory and Legislative Trends Report, compiled by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, or NCCI, cites SB 376, signed into law in March by Gov. Rick Scott. The legislation, initially opposed by the Florida League of Cities, cleared both legislative chambers unanimously.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Jeff Sessions says it’s up to schools to decide whether to arm staff” via Caitlin Emma of POLITICO Florida — The attorney general said at the third listening session of the Federal Commission on School Safety that “there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing school shootings” and that states and school districts should have the “flexibility and discretion” to “decide how to handle these situations.” Sessions also said anyone who carries a gun in school for student protection deserves respect. “We have people who say, ‘I don’t want to carry a gun in a school,'” he said. “But the person who does is going by themselves into a very dangerous situation, not knowing what’s behind that door, and we expect them and ask them to place their lives on the line for students. They know that when they sign up, and we should always be respectful and appreciative of their service.”
Spotted: Marco Rubio in the next season of PBS series “Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis Gates Jr.” — According to The Associated Press, “Gates said he … picked Rubio (a Florida Republican) because he wanted to include a Cuban … Gates’ wife, Sharon Adams, is a Cuban historian and she had her graduate students research Rubio’s history in addition to hiring people in Cuba to find his family tree in parish churches: ‘It was like a challenge, an intellectual challenge for me.’ Gates said his purpose in doing the show is to deconstruct race and show how racism manifests itself in the current anti-immigrant feeling in the United States.”
Assignment editors — Rubio and U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri will hold a news conference to introduce legislation to offer a conservative solution for paid family leave for working American families, 2:30 p.m., Senate Radio-TV Gallery, S-325, The U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. Rubio’s remarks will be live streamed here.
— OPINIONS —
“How Donald Trump could be like Ronald Reagan” via Stephen Moore, Arthur Laffer and Steve Forbes for The New York Times — We were particularly heartened that Trump and the Europeans now have a handshake agreement to aim for zero tariffs on both sides of the Atlantic. If Trump’s goal is more jobs and higher wages, America comes out the big winner under the zero-tariff scenario. Most of our major trading partners have higher tariffs than we do. With this new offer to abolish tariffs, Trump might be borrowing a page from Reagan’s playbook. Throughout much of his presidency, Reagan was portrayed as an anti-Soviet hawk because he oversaw a huge expansion in American military spending. But at a 1986 summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, Reagan proposed to the leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, the radical idea that both countries should abolish their nuclear arsenals. This caught the Soviets by surprise, and though the two leaders left Iceland with no agreement in hand, Reagan’s bold strategy ultimately laid the path to the greatest period of nuclear disarmament in history. Just as no one ever thought Reagan would stem nuclear proliferation, if Trump aggressively pursues this policy, he could build a legacy as the president who expanded world commerce and economic freedom by ending trade barriers rather than erecting them.
— MOVEMENTS —
Appointed — Bill Conrad and Betty “Jean” Calderwood to Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority.
New and renewed lobbying registrations
Patrick Bell, The Legis Group: Limonar Development, Wonderly Holdings
Gregory Black, Gunster Yoakley & Stewart: Utilities Inc. of Florida
Larry Overton, Joel Overton, James Card, Larry J. Overton & Associates: Stepping Stone Kids Therapy
— ALOE —
“11 years later, pieces of Epcot’s Body Wars and Cranium Command remain” via John Gregory of Orlando Rising — When one of Orlando’s theme parks closes an attraction, pieces of it are typically removed and then sold, repurposed or tossed in the trash. Yet more than a decade after they last entertained guests, parts of attractions at the former Wonders of Life pavilion at Walt Disney World’s Epcot remain undisturbed. Its two main draws, Body Wars and Cranium Command, both closed to guests in 2007 after several years of seasonal operation. The former pavilion remains standing, often acting as the “festival center” for Epcot’s various seasonal events. Orlando Rising learned of their condition from a man who went into areas off-limits to park guests and many Disney employees and agreed to share what he found. To protect his identity, he asked to be named only as Allen. Several “urban explorers” have eluded Disney security in recent years to venture in these same spaces. The former queue areas have been left largely unchanged, being used for storage of carts and other equipment for Epcot’s Food & Wine and Flower & Garden festivals. In the case of Cranium Command, the attraction itself remains largely intact behind a thick, brown curtain, with the sign once telling guests when the next show will take place still lit up. “It’s like it’s untouched,” Allen said.
Happy birthday to the gifted Kevin Cate, who was recently named by INFLUENCE Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in Florida politics. Also celebrating today are Conor Darken and Lindsey Perkins Zander.
