Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
A ‘sharp’ subject
Regulators with the state’s Department of Health are considering adding “training for injection therapy as part of the minimum education requirements” for Florida acupuncturists.
The department’s Board of Acupuncture published a notice Wednesday in the Florida Administrative Register, proposing a change to its rules.
“If requested in writing and not deemed unnecessary by the agency head, a rule development workshop will be noticed in the next available Register,” it said.
To be “eligible for licensure” in the state, the new rule would require “all applicants (to) have 60 hours study in injection therapy,” including “herbal, homeopathic and nutritional injectables” and “10 hours of clinical practice on a patient or patients.”
The proposed rule comes as parties await a decision from an administrative law judge in a challenge by the Florida State Oriental Medical Association over “dry needling.” A hearing was held July 12.
The association, which represents acupuncturists, seeks to block yet another proposed rule that would allow physical therapists to put needles in the skin at certain “trigger points” to reduce pain or increase range of motion.
Dry needling, however, doesn’t involve injection or medication.
Evening Reads
“Poll: Joe Biden leads Donald Trump in early 2020 matchup” via Stephanie Murray of POLITICO
“Barack Obama just endorsed 81 Democrats. None are from Florida.” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Rick Scott paid $200,000 in tax incentives to company in which he had financial interest” via Dan Christensen of the Florida Bulldog
“Judge strikes down dog-racing ban, calling it ‘outright trickeration’” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“Bernie Sanders endorses Andrew Gillum for Florida governor. Is it enough?” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“Gwen Graham rockets to No. 1 in fresh Dem. primary poll” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
“Adam Putnam hammers Ron DeSantis for Koch support” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Carlos Curbelo, Mario Diaz-Balart campaigns to receive campaign contributions from Donald Trump” via Anita Kumar of McClatchy
“State goes along with early voting ruling” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida
“Juvenile justice chief stepping down after tenure marked by tragedy, questions” via Carol Marbin Miller of the Miami Herald
“Broward School District suspends retired Secret Service agent’s Stoneman Douglas review” via Scott Travis of the Sun Sentinel
Quote of the Day
“Will this man do anything to beat this woman? … Sexist. Obnoxious. Gary Farmer, your time’s up.” — A new mailer opposing the re-election of state Sen. Farmer. He had told Sen. Lauren Book, who challenged him for Senate Democratic Leader, that she couldn’t handle leadership because she has two small children.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Self-Insurance Estimating Conference will analyze issues related to the state employees’ health-insurance program at 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.
Gov. Rick Scott will highlight the back-to-school sales tax holiday running Aug. 3-5. That’s at 10 a.m., Educational Outfitters, 3904-D W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa.
The group Integrity Florida will hold a news conference to release a report about federal judicial nominees during the Trump administration. That’s at 11 a.m., Florida Press Center, 336 East College St., Tallahassee.
The Able Trust will present the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center with a $35,000 grant. That’s at 11 a.m. (Central time), 401 McEwen Drive, Niceville.
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. That’s at noon, Varsity Club, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando.
Republican candidate for Governor Adam Putnam will join Brigade members at the Bay of Pigs Veterans Association Museum. That’s at 1 p.m., 1821 SW 9th St., Miami.
U.S. Sen. Marco 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. That’s at 2:30 p.m., Senate Radio-TV Gallery, S-325, The U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission’s Customer Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet. That’s at 5 p.m. LYNX Central Station, 455 North Garland Ave., Orlando.
Donald Trump Jr. is slated to appear at a campaign event for Northwest Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz. Also expected to take part is gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis. That’s at 5:30 p.m. (Central time), Northwest Florida State College Arena, 100 East College Blvd., Niceville.
Republican candidates for governor, agriculture commissioner, attorney general, legislative seats and congressional seats are expected to take part in an event hosted by the Federated Republican Women of North Dade. That’s at 6 p.m., Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment, 4800 Palm Ave., Hialeah.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District will hold one in a series of public meetings related to a Lake Okeechobee watershed restoration project. That’s at 6 p.m., Indian River State College, Williamson Conference and Education Center, 2229 N.W. Ninth Ave., Okeechobee.
Congressional District 19 candidates are expected to appear at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lee County. That’s at 6 p.m., Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers.
Democratic candidates in Congressional District 6 will take part in a debate sponsored by The Daytona Beach News-Journal. That’s at 6:30 p.m., the News-Journal Center at Daytona State College, 221 North Beach St., Daytona Beach.
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. That’s at 7 p.m., WPBF 25 in West Palm Beach, to be broadcast throughout the state.
