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.
Breaking overnight – “School board asks judge to hold Sun Sentinel in contempt over school-shooter report” via Tonya Alanez – The School Board alleges the newspaper intentionally published information it knew a judge had ordered to be redacted. After a judge’s order, the school district publicly released the report Friday with nearly two-thirds of its content blacked out to protect 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz’s privacy rights. But the district used a method that failed: Anyone could copy and paste the blacked-out report into a Word document to make all the text visible. Sun Sentinel reporters Brittany Wallman and Paula McMahon, acting on a Facebook tip from a reader at 7:30 p.m., discovered on deadline the concealed text could be viewed. The reporters quickly rewrote the story reflecting the entire report, providing the first detailed account about the school shooter’s years in the school system, what the district knew about him and what mistakes were made.
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Another day, another poll, albeit this one reveals a different result than some of the most recent surveys.
The latest numbers from Public Policy Polling puts Gwen Graham at the top with 26 percent support and Philip Levine closely behind at 22 percent.
Jeff Greene, Andrew Gillum and Chris King follow suit at 16, 13 and 4 percent, respectively.
This poll is good news for Levine, who had been knocked from the top spot after Greene entered the race. Most recent polling showed Levine falling into third place after that happened.
In a memo highlighting the results to Levine supporters, campaign senior adviser Christian Ulvert made a case for claiming Levine and Graham are in a “statistical dead heat.”
Ulvert commissioned the survey and notes that while Levine at face value trails Graham by 4 percent in the golden question, another polled metric shows Levine as the most ‘favorable’ candidate, with 51 percent of those surveyed indicating such. Graham grabbed just 44 percent, Greene came in at 39 percent, Gillum at 31 percent and King with 17 percent. Levine also had the highest name recognition among those surveyed.
The kicker? Nineteen-percent were undecided. So, with the strongest favorable rating and name ID, Team Levine sees the race as a tie.
Per the memo: “The bottom line: the Levine campaign is best positioned to continue growing its support with direct voter communication efforts, a huge field effort, and a commitment by Philip Levine to continue traveling across Florida to meet with voters.”
Levine ad “Badass Governor” features Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell — A new radio ad from the Levine campaign features hip-hop legend and community activist Campbell. In the spot, Uncle Luke explains why he’s all in for Philip Levine for governor in 2018: “You want to stop guns and gun violence in our community? It’s Philip Levine … you want to stick it to Donald Trump? It’s Philip Levine, who’s been putting it to Donald Trump time and time again. Look — the system has never been our friend and those who run it make damn sure of that. … take it from yours truly, Uncle Luke — Philip Levine is one badass dude and is gonna make one badass governor.”
To hear the ad, click on the image below:
Tweet, tweet:
I wrote a story when I was a @PatriotLedger reporter about how @unclelukereal1 was banned from a local club because his lyrics were too vulgar. Now I live in a state where @MayorLevine touts Luke's endorsement for governor in a radio ad.
— Brendan Farrington (@bsfarrington) August 6, 2018
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@TheRickWilson: Everything Trump Touches Dies is just behind “Judge” Pirro’s “book” about Trump. Y’all know what to do.
—@MarcACaputo: So Alex Jones is gone from YouTube but all the videos mocking him are still up
—@ScottForFlorida: 47 Senators have already scheduled meetings with Judge Kavanaugh, but Bill Nelson isn’t one of them. The Supreme Court is too important to be playing this kind of partisan politics.
—@NewsbySmiley: US Rep @RonDeSantisFL just finished talking to the Republican Women of Miami, Federated at Mojitos. They asked him policy questions!
—@Fineout: Wondering: With @RonDeSantisFL battles with sugar & his continued backing of E-Verify (which Fla. Chamber & others have been opposed to) … is there a chance that some big money interests that have been backing @adamputnam stay out of general if Putnam loses on Aug. 28?
—@PatriciaMazzei: It’s amazing how relatively little TV advertising there is in Miami-Dade County — Florida’s most expensive media market — for the Aug. 28 primary in the governor’s race. Spent some time in Palm Beach and Martin counties last week, and the uptick in ads was so noticeable.
—@SchmitzMedia: To be fair — I don’t think algae blooms are the biggest issue in many of the traditionally Dem. neighborhoods in some parts of the district. If you think voters in NW Fort Pierce care about them more than health care, you’re absolutely wrong.
—@AGGancarski: Something sadistic about making @Alvin4Congress and @AlLawsonJr sit through interminable, cliche-filled forums for tax collector and school board candidates before they get on the mike.
—@DavidJollyFL: Too funny. I’ve probably been on 2000 flights. Thought I’d seen it all. But I’m currently being told that the part of the armrest that flips up to pull the tray table out is to remain upright & is now the dividing line over which all wars are to be fought. Bless her heart.
— LATEST TURNOUT FIGURES —
Meanwhile … “Tampa Bay sees surge of mail ballot returns in primary” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times — As of Monday morning, more than 259,000 voters had returned their mail ballots for the primary. Nearly one-fifth are from Hillsborough or Pinellas counties. Both counties have seen a surge in the popularity of mail ballots in recent years and Pinellas has promoted that way of voting for the past decade or more — at one point, over strong opposition from the state. According to county-by-county figures on the Florida Division of Elections, Hillsborough led in mail ballot returns with 24,756, with Lee second at 24,109 and Pinellas third at 24,019. Statewide, more Republicans (121,000) than Democrats (98,000) have cast mail ballots so far, according to the state.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Republican gubernatorial debate in Jacksonville —1; School begins in the first 19 Florida districts — 3; Start of the U.S. Open — 20; Primary Election Day — 21; College Football opening weekend — 23; Labor Day — 27; NFL regular season starts — 30; First general election mail ballots go out — 46; Future of Florida Forum — 50; FSU vs. UM football game — 60; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 77; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 78; General Election Day — 91; 2019 Legislature Organization Session meetings — 105; Black Friday — 108; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 112; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 189; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 210; 2020 General Election — 819.
— TOP STORY —
In yet another feature story focusing on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham, readers are given a snapshot of the five-way primary and the former Congresswoman’s strategy to come out on top.
Only this time, unlike other Graham spotlights, the lone woman in the race appears to pulling ahead, writes S.V. Date for Huffington Post — although it’s by no means a comfortable lead.
“As it turns out, the Year of the Woman also happens to be the Year of the Angry and Fired-Up Democratic Base ― and Graham does neither angry nor fired-up particularly well,” Date writes. “In a time when the most energized Democratic activists want a champion who’s itching to fight, Graham is more comfortable talking about how she can find common ground.”
The bench: One of Date’s sources describes three of Graham’s rivals — presumably Chris King, Philip Levine and Jeff Greene — as “self-funded.” Date notes that Gillum appears to have the progressive backing in the race, and at one point Graham concedes “she does not have the performance-art skills that Gillum does.”
Bob Graham: Date, a longtime Florida reporter, notes the power of Graham’s connection to her esteemed father. “He and Adele Graham, his wife of 59 years, are spending their days on the road, too, stumping for and raising money for their daughter.”
Criticism: Perhaps the biggest fear of Graham’s in-party critics is that she’ll falter against the Republican nominee. “The election will be about motivating the ‘base’ Democratic voter and nothing more, and Graham’s earnest-but-quiet style will fall short against a Trump acolyte like DeSantis, they predict.”
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Rick Scott’s wife gave loan to accountant at firm housing Scott’s blind trust” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – Ann Scott gave a loan worth between $100,000 and $250,000 to Cathy Gellatley, who worked for more than a decade at Richard L. Scott Investments, LLC, the governor’s Naples-based investment firm, and is now an accountant at Hollow Brook Wealth Management, a New York-based investment management firm that employs the trustee who oversees Scott’s blind trust. … The direct financial tie between Ann Scott and an employee at the firm that houses Scott’s blind trust raises further questions about its independence. Numerous media reports during Scott’s time in office noted that in 2013 he picked former business partner Alan Bazaar to serve as trustee for the blind trust. … That close relationship between Scott and the trustee that oversees his blind trust toes an ethical tight rope, according to Larry Noble, senior director and general counsel for the Washington-based Campaign Legal Center, a campaign watchdog group.
Assignment editors – U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie will be in the Florida Capitol to participate in a ceremony to officially rename the Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in honor of Marine Corps Sgt. Ernest “Boots” Thomas, 3:30 p.m., 2181 Orange Ave., Tallahassee.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Everglades champion and Big Sugar foe endorse Ron DeSantis and Gwen Graham in Governor primaries” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Everglades Trust labeled DeSantis and Graham “the Everglades candidate” in their respective primaries. Kimberly Mitchell, executive director of the Everglades Trust, said Florida’s next governor “must be dedicated to Everglades restoration — and have the backbone to stand up to special corporate interests that have hampered progress for decades.” DeSantis has been a foe of the sugar industry, which is seen by many in the environmental community as the prime culprit in the slow pace of Everglades restoration. Graham, a former congresswoman, has faced scrutiny over her family’s involvement in the American Dream Miami project. Mitchell said: “Throughout her life, Gwen Graham has fought to protect Florida’s natural treasures: as a young law student, she volunteered pro-bono for the Sierra Club; in Congress, she co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to stop oil drilling off our coasts and was a powerful voice for Everglades restoration.”
—“In the year of the woman, Florida’s Gwen Graham still finds it a slog” via S.V. Date of HuffPost
“’Tough cookie’: DeSantis reminds Florida voters who Donald Trump backs for Governor” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — The 30-second spot begins with stentorian music, and Trump enumerating DeSantis’ virtues: “A true leader, a proud veteran, a tough, brilliant cookie … Ron DeSantis.” Using what appears to be artificially-sweetened audience noises, the crowd’s rapture continues without interruption as DeSantis vows to “make our state without fear” by vowing to continue “conservative policies,” which include “get[ting] the Constitution back in our classrooms.” fighting illegal immigration, enacting E-Verify, and stopping “sanctuary cities.” One of those has already been accomplished: there are no sanctuary cities in the state. “Everybody needs to support Ron DeSantis,” Trump says, closing the ad.
To view “Tough Cookie,” click on the image below:
“Koch-backed group backing DeSantis isn’t reporting source of $300K in contributions” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — When DeSantis snagged the endorsement of Freedom Partners Action Fund, a group tied to the Koch network, it was seen as a signal that would open the floodgates from the national GOP donors who have long supported Koch-endorsed candidates. The Florida political committee set up by the group on July 11 has spent nearly $320,000 through Aug. 3 to support the “targeted, statewide mail campaign” it promised DeSantis when endorsing his campaign. During that time period, however, the group lists just one $10,000 contribution from Tampa-area attorney Martin Garcia, leaving about $210,000 in donor cash unaccounted for. State election law requires all contributions that support spending be reported.
“Parents of two Parkland shooting victims endorse Philip Levine for Governor” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Levine previewed television ads featuring the endorsements from Patricia and Manuel Oliver, the parents of Joaquin Oliver, and Fred Guttenberg, the father of Jaime Guttenberg. The two 30-second spots will begin running on broadcast TV and cable channels in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach television markets. Levine’s spokesman said it would be a “major” advertising buy in the six figures. “I cannot protect Joaquin anymore,” Manuel Oliver said in one of the ads. “We are together and were going to keep this fight for the rest of our lives. I really believe that Philip is a doer and he can show it — he’s part of that team that we are looking for. That’s why we’re voting for Philip.”
To view one of the ads, click on the image below:
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“Carlos Lopez-Cantera endorses Adam Putnam for Governor” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — “Adam is a family man, a strong defender of the 2nd Amendment and the only candidate in this race supported by Florida law enforcement,” Lopez-Cantera said in a statement. “While other candidates in this race are too busy with their own agenda, Adam is busy with Florida’s Agenda. Our next Governor needs to know the details of Florida better than they know the details of TV studios in the nation’s swamp.” The endorsement is interesting in its context for Lopez-Cantera. Florida’s Republican lieutenant governor — a former Miami-Dade property appraiser and state Rep. in Coconut Grove — is widely expected to run for Miami-Dade mayor in 2020.
“Chris King calls his religious faith a ‘curiosity’ in Democratic Party” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times — Emphasizing that he believes in the separation of church and state, King said Democrats should adopt politics that reflects what he said are true Christian values — concern for the poor and underprivileged, acceptance of racial and gender diversity, and ensuring availability of health coverage, affordable housing and quality public education. “Faith in its purest and most noble form is about caring,” King, a wealthy Winter Park businessman, told a small crowd at the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club. “My party has ceded way too much ground on faith and family values. We have allowed a highly weaponized strand of evangelical Republicanism to form that is tearing our nation apart. That was on full display in Tampa last week with Trump’s visit.”
— ‘FLOPS AND FAILURES’ —
CFO Jimmy Patronis’ campaign is attacking Democratic challenger Jeremy Ring over a trio of businesses that have failed with him at the helm.
The first of the so-called flops is one Ring, a former state Senator and Yahoo exec, admits to. Shortly after leaving Yahoo in 2001, Ring launched digital tech company Convizion and it failed when the internet bubble burst, losing millions of dollars in investor money.
The other two, Strategic Baseball Ventures and Ring Entertainment Group, were startups run by Ring in the early 2000s that both shut down a few years after they launched.
The Patronis campaign said that bumpy background provided an “alarming window” into how he would handle the official duties of the Cabinet job, which include heading up the state’s accounting, auditing, and payroll services, among other responsibilities.
“Jeremy Ring’s flops and failures with Florida businesses make him the wrong choice for Florida’s finances,” said campaign spox Katie Strickland. “Ring talks up his experience at Yahoo, but his business record in Florida tells a different story, with multiple business ventures flopping or failing just years after Ring started them or took control.
“Ring even admitted in ‘no uncertain terms’ to his multimillion-dollar digital venture ‘being a failure’ when speaking to a group in 2008. Risky Ring is wrong for Florida’s finances,” she concluded.
— MORE NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Florida Police Chiefs endorse Denise Grimsley — Republican Agriculture Commissioner candidate Grimsley announced the backing of the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA). Grimsley, who has already received the endorsement of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, Florida Professional Firefighters and more than 35 Florida sheriffs, continues to gain support from Florida law enforcement and first responders. “We are confident Denise Grimsley is the best candidate to promote and implement policy that gives law enforcement the ability to enhance public safety and security through the right resources and cooperation,” said Amy Mercer, executive director of the FPCA. “Her focus on consumer protection is second to none, and, if elected, we look forward to working with her to stop criminals who seek to defraud Floridians, and harm and disrupt their everyday lives through the use of skimmers at the gas station pump and other deceptive practices.”
Florida physicians endorse Ashley Moody for AG — The Florida Medical Association PAC (FMA PAC), is endorsing Republican Moody in her bid to succeed Pam Bondi as Attorney General. FMA PAC President, Dr. Mike Patete said in a statement: “Moody has been meeting with our physicians for more than a year, sharing her vision for Florida’s future, and we know she will be a true friend of medicine as Attorney General.” … “As Attorney General, I will work with the FMA to combat the opioid crisis, prosecute those who prey upon vulnerable Floridians, and eliminate Medicaid fraud,” Moody responded.
First in Sunburn: New Moody ad shoots back at White — Moody hits back at allegations that she is a “liberal” with a new ad blasting state Rep. Frank White, her primary opponent, for “lying” about her record: “Defend the constitution. Lock up criminals. That’s the job of our Attorney General. Prosecutor Ashley Moody’s done it. Politician Frank White hasn’t. White’s lying about Moody’s record to hide his. White’s never prosecuted a case. Not one.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
Happening today – Moody and White are slated to appear at an Americans for Trump Broward Chapter forum, 6:30 p.m., Galuppi’s Restaurant, 1103 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach.
Assignment editors — Sean Shaw, the Tampa state Representative and Democratic candidate for Attorney General, announced a 10 a.m. Thursday news conference in the Capitol to “make a major policy announcement regarding gun violence in the state of Florida.” Members of the media interested in covering the news conference are asked to RSVP to [email protected] by the close of business on Wednesday.
“School amendment sparking local concern, debate” via Emily Sullivan of the Florida Times-Union — Duval County School Board members are expected to take a stance on a proposed constitutional amendment that could strip Florida school boards of exclusive oversight over local charter and magnet schools. Amendment 8 is slated to appear on general election ballots … Three Florida school board officials, including the Constitution Review Commission’s Erika Donalds and Duval County’s Scott Shine, filed in May to form the Tallahassee nonprofit “8isGreat.org” and rally supporters behind the proposed amendment. Patricia Brigham, League of Women Voters of Florida president, said her organization sued to cut Amendment 8 from Florida ballots because its language is “blatantly and unconstitutionally misleading … written with the intent to hide the fact that it would take away local control.”
“Justices asked to quickly take up dog racing ban” via the News Service of Florida — Noting that time is of the essence, a three-judge appellate panel asked the Florida Supreme Court to decide whether a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban commercial greyhound racing should be stripped from the November ballot. Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers last week knocked the dog-racing ban off the ballot, saying it would be misleading to voters. She ruled for the Florida Greyhound Association, which represents breeders, owners and trainers and filed the lawsuit challenging what is known as Amendment 13. The state immediately appealed the judge’s ruling to the 1st District Court of Appeal. A three-judge panel asked the state’s highest court to decide the issue, something both sides had sought to speed up resolution of the case.
“Alan Grayson’s new ad: ‘impeach Trump … Grayson will; Soto won’t’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The spot has just the most fleeting of references, a negative one, to Grayson’s Democratic primary rival, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. The 30-second video, “When They Break the Law,” plays out like an action movie trailer, with two video sequences of dozens of rapid-fire images, backed by dramatic crescendos of music, seeking the implications that Trump and his team have broken the law, and that Grayson will go after them. The video opens with the first sequence, quick flashes of stark images of trump, members of his family, and inner circle blasting onto the screen as the music crescendo climbs toward a bang. That bang leads to a calmer, bridge moment in the video, starting with text screens that read “when they break the law,” “stand with Grayson,” and “impeach!!”
To watch the video, click on the image below:
Assignment editors — U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist and Joe Kennedy III rally to #ProtectOurCare, joined by local residents and health care advocates to call on elected officials to protect the Affordable Care Act and Floridians’ access to affordable health care, noon, Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg.
“Lauren Baer hits Brian Mast on health care in new ad” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The spot’s title, “Ronnie,” refers to Veronica “Ronnie” Ciaramella, a breast cancer survivor from Jupiter who speaks in the ad about her experience with the health care system. In a conversation with Baer, Ciaramella recounts her hearing the news of her diagnosis. “Routine mammogram, that was it,” Ciaramella says. “Life changed. I went from not having a pre-existing condition to ‘This is gonna be my life now.’” “You called Brian Mast and you pleaded with him to protect your health care,” says Baer in response. “And then he voted to take it away. How did that make you feel?” “Like I was sucker-punched,” replies Ciaramella. “I’m not important or not valuable enough.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
Happening today – U.S. Rep. Brian Mast is expected to be among the speakers at a “Trump Team 2020 Florida” meeting, 6 p.m., Abacoa Golf Club, 105 Barbados Dr., Jupiter.
“David Richardson continues impeachment talk in new ad” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The ad, titled “Impeachment,” features Richardson in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. “There’s one word official Washington does not want you to hear,” begins Richardson. He then attempts to say the word “impeachment” repeatedly, though it is censored each time. Finally, he gets the word out, adding, “I’m the only candidate in this race to offer an impeachment bill in the legislature. You don’t hear Donna Shalala talking about impeachment.” Richardson closes the ad by saying, “If separating families at the border, raising health care costs, siding with Vladimir Putin, and the constant lying is not enough to impeach Donald Trump, what is?”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
“New Matt Haggman poll shows Donna Shalala losing ground” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — The poll, conducted from Aug. 2 to 5 by RABA Research on behalf of the Haggman campaign, shows Shalala with a 10 percentage point lead over Haggman among likely primary voters and state Rep. David Richardson virtually tied with Haggman. A fourth candidate, Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, also captures double-digit support in Haggman’s poll while 27 percent of voters are not sure who they will vote for. The 10-percentage-point lead for Shalala over Haggman is less than half of a 27-percentage-point lead Shalala had when her campaign conducted a poll in June. Though Haggman’s polling shows a tightening race, Shalala remains the favorite to win the nomination for a seat that Democrats expect to flip in November.
“Shalala releases commercial promoting health care record” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — Former Health And Human Services Secretary Shalala released two new commercials, one promoting her record on health care and another in Spanish touting her credentials. The first commercial drops following weeks of attacks by her opponents in the Democratic primary for Florida’s 27th Congressional District that cast her as reticent to support universal health care and financially compromised due to her investment in a for-profit health insurer. Shalala, the front-runner in the race, touts her record as HHS Secretary and the health care system she put in place at the University of Miami during her long tenure as president.
To view “Time to Expand Medicare,” click on the image below:
Spotted – Incoming Florida Senate President Bill Galvano and Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto at the Republican legislative campaign committee national meeting, Carlsbad, California.
First in Sunburn: Amanda Murphy takes slight lead in SD 16 – A new poll from SEA Polling & Strategic Design gives former Democratic state Rep. Murphy a two-point lead, despite significant spending on behalf of her Republican opponent, former state Rep. Ed Hooper. Toplines of the August 2 poll gives Murphy 41 to 39 percent for Hooper, with 20 percent undecided. Throughout July and early August, a pair of public polls conducted by St. Pete Polls showed Murphy leading or in a debt-heat with Hooper, setting off alarms within the Senate Majority office, and likely leading to a wave of Hooper’s mid-summer spending.
Happening tonight – Democratic state Sen. Bobby Powell holds a community campaign event for his Senate District 30 re-election campaign, 5:30 p.m., E.R. Bradley’s Saloon, 104 N Clematis St. West Palm Beach.
“Shadowy groups target Gary Farmer in Broward state Senate race” via Dan Sweeney of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Moms Speak Out, a new political committee running attack ads against state Sen. Farmer, filed its first report of campaign contributions Friday, and it’s a big one — $850,000. But Moms Speak Out is using a 527 organization to hide its donors … a 527 group is a tax-exempt organization that can take unlimited donations from individuals or other groups. In this case, a 527 group also called Moms Speak Out filed its initial paperwork with the IRS on July 17. That group then sent $850,000 to the moms speak out political action committee, which can spend it on advertising against political candidates. And on July 26, the political action committee spent $112,000 on advertising, state records show.
“Rebekah Bydlak leads in new poll of HD 1 Republican primary” via Florida Politics — Inweekly/Political Matrix found Bydlak was the pick for 40 percent of likely Republican primary voters, putting her 6 points ahead of her chief rival, former Republican Rep. Mike Hill. The third Republican in the race, Lisa Doss, checked in with just over 6 percent support, putting her behind the 13 percent who said they didn’t know the candidates and the 7 percent who said they were unsure which of the three they would vote for. The results are a major shift from mid-June when Hill held a 27-22 percent lead over Bydlak, the remaining 51 percent of voters either unsure or unaware of the candidates.
“Amy Mercado’s 20-year-old GOP opponent drops out despite state party funding” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Scotland Calhoun, 20, was the lone Republican in the race against Mercado, whose District 48 includes parts of east and south Orange County. Calhoun, daughter of Gina Perez-Calhoun, a Republican running for Orange County Commission in District 4, would have been too young to be sworn in if elected in November. She turns 21 in April, weeks into the 2019 legislative session in Tallahassee. Calhoun also had deleted her Twitter account and campaign Facebook page … The Orange County Republican Executive Committee will need to name a replacement for Calhoun for the Nov. 6 general election.
“Fraternal Order of Police endorses Javier Enriquez in HD 114” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Florida State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is backing challenger Javier Enriquez in House District 114. Enriquez, a Miami Republican, is trying to unseat Democrat Javier Fernandez, who won the seat in a special election in May of this year. Now, Enriquez has earned the support of the FOP, a nationwide organization that advocates on behalf of law enforcement officers. FOP represents more than 325,000 members and is made up of more than 2,100 lodges. “The outstanding men and women in law enforcement who serve our communities day in and day out deserve our gratitude and support,” said Enriquez.
— EDITORIAL BOARD ENDORSEMENT ROUND-UP —
The Palm Beach Post is endorsing incumbent Congressman Ted Deutch in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 22, calling him “a forceful voice for causes important to Democrats,” especially following the mass shooting earlier this year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
In the Republican primary for CD 22, the Post is endorsing Eddison Walters, a Trinidad and Tobago native who “touts extensive experience working with small businesses.”
TCPalm recommends voters pick incumbent Congressman Brian Mast in the Republican primary for Congressional District 18, saying he has “distinguished himself as a detail-oriented advocate for District 18 who isn’t afraid to rock the boat in his own party.”
In the Democratic primary for CD 18, TCPalm recommends voters choose Lauren Baer, saying she has an edge and that she “is an understated, articulate policy expert.”
TCPalm.com also is recommending its readership pick state Rep. Gayle Harrell to fill Senate President Joe Negron’s state Senate District 25 seat, citing her “long history in Martin and St. Lucie counties” and familiarity with the district’s issues.
— STATEWIDE —
Rick Scott leaves for Colombia — The governor on Tuesday travels to Bogota, Colombia to attend President-elect Ivan Duque’s inauguration. While in Colombia, Scott “will meet with Venezuelan leaders exiled in Colombia to express his support for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and to discuss further ways for Florida to continue to oppose the brutal regime of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement. “In Colombia, Gov. Scott will also meet with Colombian-American leaders to discuss opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Colombia and the state of Florida.”
“Republicans dismissive of Stand Your Ground special session” via Jake Stofan for WFLA 8 — Florida Democrats are using an obscure state law to push for a special legislative session to change the state’s Stand Your Ground law. The move has failed in the past and is being labeled a political stunt by Republicans. The calls were sparked after the release of a video showing a Clearwater man being shot after pushing his assailant to the ground. The NRA says Democrats are jumping the gun by blaming the law before the courts have a chance to weigh in. “This case is not about the law, this case is about the facts,” said NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer.
“Parkland suspect: Voice told him to burn, kill, destroy” via Terry Spencer of The Associated Press — Nikolas Cruz told a detective that a demon in his head — “the evil side” — told him to burn, kill and destroy; he also thought about going to a park to kill people about a week before 17 people were gunned down at the school, according to a transcript of his interrogation … during the more than 11 hours of questioning by Broward Sheriff’s detective John Curcio, Cruz usually answered in short sentences or nodded yes or no, speaking so softly that the detective repeatedly told him to speak up. Twice when Curcio left the room, Cruz, 19, cursed at himself and said that he wanted to die, he deserved to die. “you’re nothin’,” Cruz told himself, followed by cursing.
“Judge declares parts of medical marijuana law unconstitutional” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — A Tallahassee judge eviscerated the state law on medical marijuana, declaring major provisions to be unconstitutional. The ruling came in a challenge brought by Florigrown, which had been denied a chance to become a “medical marijuana treatment center” (MMTC), or provider. The company is partly owned by Tampa strip club mogul and free speech advocate Joe Redner … “This court understands the importance of both the Legislature and the Department (of Health) in developing a thorough, effective, and efficient framework within which to regulate medical marijuana, as directed by the amendment,” Dodson wrote. “Florigrown has established that the Legislature and the department have such a framework … They have simply chosen to restrict access in a manner that violates” the state constitutional amendment allowing medicinal cannabis. The department regulates the drug through its Office of Medical Marijuana Use.
“Judge strikes down proposed ‘citrus preference’ rule for marijuana licenses” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — An administrative law judge on Monday struck down a proposed state regulation carving out a ‘citrus preference’ for medical marijuana provider licenses, calling it “invalid.” The decision may be moot, however, because a circuit judge last week declared the section of state law creating the preference to be unconstitutional. (That story is here.) Louis Del Favero Orchids of Tampa challenged the proposed Department of Health rule … The orchid grower argued the proposal fails to properly carry out the law, which includes giving preference for up to two medical marijuana licenses to applicants who own facilities that had been used to process citrus. It had bought a site in Pinellas County for “approximately $775,000” to qualify. At issue was the difference between a “facility” and a “property.”
“Justices asked to quickly take up dog racing ban” via the News Service of Florida — Noting that time is of the essence, a three-judge appellate panel asked the Florida Supreme Court to decide whether a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban commercial greyhound racing should be stripped from the November ballot. Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers last week knocked the dog-racing ban off the ballot, saying it would be misleading to voters. She ruled for the Florida Greyhound Association, which represents breeders, owners and trainers and filed the lawsuit challenging what is known as Amendment 13. The state immediately appealed the judge’s ruling to the 1st District Court of Appeal. A three-judge panel asked the state’s highest court to decide the issue, something both sides had sought to speed up resolution of the case.
“Health Dep’t launches controlled substances awareness campaign” via Florida Politics — With a new controlled substances bill having gone into effect last month, the Department of Health Monday announced a new “Take Control” campaign, including a website. The measure (HB 21) “was passed to address the opioid crisis by limiting the risk of overprescribing for acute pain, and it will not impact patients who have established a treatment plan with their doctor that successfully manages their chronic debilitating pain,” Surgeon General and Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip said in a statement. “The department is committed to working with patients and the health care community to clear up any possible confusion about the new law to ensure that patients are able to obtain and fill necessary prescriptions for pain medication.”
The worst story you’ll read today — “Some watched sex videos involving babies, others engaged in sex with minors, cops say.” via David Neal and Charles Rabin of the Miami Herald — Police released the names of 10 people, all male, between the ages of 15 and 37, who were arrested on child pornography charges between January and June. The six-month investigation included investigators from Miami and Miami-Dade police, Homeland Security and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. The charges ranged from possession of sexual performance by a child to transmission of material harmful to a child to lewd and lascivious battery on a child. Other charges included lascivious battery on a child, attempted sexual activity with a minor and the use of prohibited computer services. Some of the seized videos included oral sex, bestiality and bondage, police said. In one incident, police say, a man convinced a 15-year-old girl to send him a video of her masturbating with a brush. In another, a 16-year-old girl’s sexual conversations on Facebook Messenger led to a meetup and sexual intercourse at a park. And police, say, in yet another instance, a man was caught committing a sex act involving a baby.
Happening today — Purple Heart recipients and their family members can participate in an Operation Outdoor Freedom event at Camp Prairie, 8 a.m., Camp Prairie, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, 21279 Kissimmee Shores Rd., Lake Wales. Sponsored by Ag. Commissioner Putnam, Operation Outdoor Freedom provides wounded veterans with such things as guided hunts, fishing trips and canoe tours.
— ALGAE CRISIS —
“Mayors ask to expand Gov. Scott’s state of emergency; Francis Rooney calls for federal action” via Sarah Jarvis of the News-Press — Six Lee County mayors are asking the county to expand the state of emergency Gov. Scott declared last month. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney … has called on the White House to issue a state of emergency to “make a host of funding and resources available that would otherwise not be possible.” Rooney’s request would have to be approved by President Donald Trump and would allow for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies to send financial assistance to Florida. The mayors of Sanibel, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach and Estero met Wednesday. They instructed Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane to communicate with Gov. Scott directly about the expansion, according to the request. Scott directed Wes Maul, director of emergency management services, to discuss the expansion with Ruane. Ruane said Maul told him he needed to expand the request locally, and then Lee County Emergency Management Director Lee Mayfield would treat it like any other disaster in administering aid.
“Sugar farmers assail ‘misinformed’ Tampa Bay Times article” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Florida Sugarcane Farmers (FSF), a group representing the state’s sugar farmers, is out with a statement defending those farmers’ support of Adam Putnam after a critical article appeared in the Tampa Bay Times. The article hits Putnam on his defense of sugar farmers in light of the new round of algae blooms hitting the state. The story notes farmers are “getting blamed for toxic algae blooms,” making it curious Putnam would still accept their support in light of the attention paid to the algae bloom problem. But the farmers argue that blame is misplaced.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Republicans eye another ACA repeal vote if midterms go their way” via Caitlin Owens of Axios — Many Republicans assume their party will take another stab at repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act if the midterm elections go their way, even though GOP candidates aren’t making a big deal about it on the campaign trail. What they’re saying: “Repeal is like fight club,” one GOP operative told me. “First rule is not to talk about it.” There’s a decent chance Republicans won’t be in a position to try again, in part because their last effort was so unpopular. Health care is front and center in Democrats’ bid for the House majority, and recent polling shows that Democrats have an edge on the issue. That’s also part of the reason. But if Republicans hang onto the House and expand their majority in the Senate, lawmakers and aides generally assume another repeal vote would happen.
“Delay in federal approval trims Medicaid savings” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — nearly $100 million the state assumed would be saved by changing a policy about patient eligibility for Medicaid won’t come to fruition this year. Tom Wallace, assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid finance and analytics at the Agency for Health Care Administration, told members of the social services estimating conference that Florida hasn’t gotten the necessary approval from the federal government to move ahead with the change. Instead of a July 1 start date, the change in policy will likely go into effect Jan. 1. A projected $98 million reduction was included in the new state budget, which took effect last month. Now, the Scott administration says the savings should be about half that amount.
“DeSantis expresses skepticism about Nicolas Maduro assassination claim during Miami visit” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — DeSantis expressed skepticism during a visit to South Florida about Venezuelan President Maduro’s claims that he survived an assassination attempt hatched as part of a conspiracy between “far-right” terrorists and his enemies in Miami. “I don’t know whether that’s a legitimate thing or he’s just doing that,” DeSantis, a member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, told the Miami Herald. “I’m trying to get the details on that.” Following an appearance at a Westchester luncheon by the Women’s Republican Club of Miami Federated, DeSantis said he didn’t know yet what to make of Maduro’s assertion that someone intended to kill him with drones packed with C-4 as he addressed the country’s National Guard on live television. Investigators in the country have raided hotels and seized vehicles while interrogating suspects.
“Darren Soto leads opposition letter to census question on citizenship” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Soto, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s Taskforce on Voting and Civil Rights, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Census Bureau with the other members, charging that the proposed question has not been adequately tested, appears to have been developed for political, discriminatory purposes, and would instill fear among immigrant communities, potentially causing bad counts. It’s the third time Soto and the caucus raised objections to the Census Bureau about the question. The caucus members warned that the repercussions could include intimidating people into not participating or giving false information, leading to miscounts, which in turn could lead to improper allocations of federal funding, congressional seats and Electoral College delegates.
Rick Wilson’s Trump book comes out Tuesday — “Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever” ships today. From Simon & Schuster: “Political campaign strategist and commentator Wilson brings his darkly funny humor and biting analysis to the absurdity of American politics in the age of Trump. Wilson mercilessly exposes the damage Trump has done to the country, to the Republican Party he served for decades, and to the conservative movement that has abandoned its principles for the worst President in American history … Wilson provides not only an insightful analysis of the Trump administration, but also an optimistic path forward for the GOP, the conservative movement, and the country.” To listen to an excerpt, click here. Also, Midtown Reader — “Tallahassee’s independent general subject bookstore” — will host Wilson for a reading, discussion and book signing on Thursday, Aug. 16, 6-7:30 p.m.
— OPINIONS —
“Rick Wilson: Trump’s tweets may actually be his undoing” via Rolling Stone — Two big, dumb ideas emerged from Trumpworld in the last few days — one of which placed the president’s own son (and the president himself) in deep legal jeopardy and decisively blew up his “no collusion” talking point. When Trump tweeted “fake news reporting, a complete fabrication, that I am concerned about the meeting my wonderful son, Donald, had in Trump Tower. This was a meeting to get information on an opponent, totally legal and done all the time in politics — and it went nowhere. I did not know about it!” It wasn’t just a mess; it was a confession. As if the Tweet Heard Round the World wasn’t enough, reporting showed that Trump wants to take on Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team of pipe-hitting prosecutors. By himself. In a room. Alone. Yes, please. Think about the glorious hubris it takes to trust that the famed Trump bullshit volcano will conquer that interview.
“Joe Henderson: a warning to the GOP: Parkland isn’t going away” via Florida Politics — At this point, it should be clear to Republicans and their NRA supporters that just shouting “Second Amendment rights” might not cut it this time. The memory of 17 funerals at Parkland, including 14 students, remains fresh and raw. The backlash put Adam Putnam into full retreat in the Republican gubernatorial race as he sought to distance himself from the dreadful “proud NRA sellout” line. And Ron DeSantis, the current GOP front-runner, has embraced the expansive gun rights agenda championed by the NRA. While the Second Amendment isn’t on the ballot in November, the emphasis it will be given by state government really is front and center. Some Republicans, regrettably, have trashed Parkland survivors who spoke out for stronger gun laws in the wake of the slaughter. None were worse than state Rep. Elizabeth Porter of Lake City, who dismissed them as ill-prepared children who should trust the, ahem, “wisdom” of the adults in Tallahassee: “Are there any children on this floor? Are there any children making laws?” But it was exactly that kind of “oh child” back-of-the-hand dismissal of the Parkland kids that has led to this showdown. It has been nearly six months since Parkland, and, sadly, in many other events of mass killing that has been more than enough time for the memory to fade from the public consciousness. Don’t think it’s gonna happen this time, though.
“George Diaz: Tim Tebow masked sins of Urban Meyer at Florida” via the Orlando Sentinel — In a world of saints (Tebow) and sinners (Aaron Hernandez, others), Tebow gave Meyer the perfect cover as an enabler of bad behavior during his run at Florida. Meyer’s latest ethical dust-up — reportedly looking the other way and then lying about Ohio State assistant coach Zack Smith and his domestic violence allegations — confirms that much like wins and losses, the body of evidence is conclusive about Meyer: Great coach. Lousy role model who didn’t give a flip about molding troubled young men into respectful adults, especially if that troubled young man helped you win a lot of games.
— MOVEMENTS —
Supreme Court JNC re-elects leaders — The Judicial Nominating Commission for the state’s highest court met Friday and re-elected Jason Unger as chair and Nilda Pedrosa as vice chair. Unger is a lawyer-lobbyist for the GrayRobinson law firm in Tallahassee. Pedrosa is chief of staff to Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi, and has been chief of staff for GOP Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and senior policy adviser to then-U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, also a Republican. The JNC interviews and recommends candidates for the Supreme Court to the governor for appointment.
Physician assistants choose Michael Nuccio as president — The Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA) installed Nuccio as its 2018-19 president. That was at their 2018 Summer Symposium and Annual Business Meeting at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Nuccio is a 2002 graduate of the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine Physician Assistant program and holds a master’s degree from UF in Exercise and Sports Sciences. He was a graduate intern with the University Athletic Association and worked with the Gator football and softball programs. He has served for the past ten years as the single local Physician Assistant (PA) who practices in the Marianna satellite clinic for Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic. Mike and wife Brigitta live in Marianna with their two daughters.
“Personnel note: Guilherme Cunha joins FRLA” via Orlando Rising — The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) on Monday said it had hired Cunha as Regional Director of its Central Florida chapter. “Cunha brings extensive experience in event management and fundraising as well as a proven track record in tourism development to the association promoting the Sunshine State’s largest industry,” a news release said. “Gui’s lifelong involvement with the hospitality and tourism industry make him a natural fit for FRLA,” said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the FRLA. “His commitment to success, creativity and incredible track record will bring exceptional value to both the Central Florida FRLA chapter and to the association as a whole.”
— ALOE —
Pam Bondi’s chief of staff celebrates birth of twins — Nilda Pedrosa, chief of staff to Attorney General Bondi, and husband Elliot welcomed a boy and girl last week, according to the latest edition of Bondi’s weekly newsletter. Elias Augustus weighed in at 5 pounds, 6 ounces, and Emma Rosa at 6 pounds, the newsletter said. “Attorney General Bondi is proud to welcome Elias and Emma and wishes the Pedrosa family the best.”
“New coach, old story: Willie Taggart FSU era starts with QB battle” via Bob Ferrante of The Associated Press — The Seminoles opened their first preseason under new coach Taggart with two quarterbacks with starting experience. Taggart, whose Florida State coaching debut will be Sept. 3 against Virginia Tech, said he has no timetable to make a decision. “when they decide to separate themselves and make it a no-brainer is when we’ll make that decision,” said Taggart, who arrived at Florida State after a year at Oregon. “it’s going to be pretty cool to watch them go do their thing.” Deondre Francois and James Blackman may have the edge in experience, but Taggart also said not to discount redshirt freshman Bailey Hockman. What the Seminoles are looking for is an important intangible — who is the best leader.
“SeaWorld stock soars nearly 17% on rising attendance, revenues” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — About 900,000 more visitors crossed the turnstiles at SeaWorld’s theme parks by the end of July compared with the same time frame in 2017, executives said Monday, as the Orlando-based company posted the second straight quarter of strong growth. SeaWorld stock soared nearly 17 percent, closing at $24.67 for an increase of $3.54. “It is clear to us that SeaWorld has started to find its operational footing under new executive leadership,” said Stifel, an analyst firm that follows the company.
What Kartik Krishnaiyer is reading — “Tampa to host U.S. men’s national soccer ‘Kickoff Series’” via Meagan Bens of the Tampa Bay Times — The third game of the U.S. men’ national soccer team’s “Kickoff Series” against Colombia will be Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. Colombia will be the fifth team in the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings to face the U.S. in the series, joining Brazil, England, Italy and Mexico. The six games will “provide the aspiring young U.S. side with top-level competition” during its journey toward the 2022 World Cup, the release reads. The remaining opponent in October will be announced at a future date. “As we continue to build into the next cycle, this will be another important experience for the development of this group,” U.S. head coach Dave Sarachan said. “When you talk about exciting, technical and experienced opponents, Colombia ticks all the boxes.”
Happy birthday to Southern Strategy Group’s David Browning, Kirsten Borman Dougherty, Jill Gran, Nanette Schimpf and Eric Seidel.
