Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 campaign announced endorsements Thursday from 25 Florida veterinarians and five Florida veterinary clinics.
“Common injuries for greyhounds to experience while racing includes spinal, neck and limb fractures,” said Dr. Sy Woon of Royal Palm Beach. “Further, state records show that a gentle greyhound dies every three days at a Florida racetrack.
“To end this unnecessary suffering, I am asking my friends, family and my clients to vote ‘yes’ on 13.”
Joining them were nine musicians, artists and authors, including singer-songwriter Henry Gross, the campaign said.
According to his bio, Gross is a “founding member of the doo-wop revival group Sha Na Na who left to go solo, releasing what became his solid gold single “Shannon” in 1976.
The campaign is promoting passage of Amendment 13, placed on the ballot by the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission.
The measure would outlaw wagering on live dog racing in Florida. Amendments need at least 60 percent approval to be added to the state constitution.
A Tallahassee judge ordered the measure struck from the November ballot after a legal challenge from greyhound owners and breeders, but that ruling is on a fast-track appeal at the state Supreme Court.
Evening Reads
“Nothing bodes well’: Lackluster election results spark debate over Donald Trump’s midterm role” via Bob Costa and Josh Dawsey of The Washington Post
“Blue wave? As Florida primary ballots are mailed in, Republicans more engaged” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post
“Facing Bill Nelson’s warning, Homeland Security says it hasn’t seen ‘any new compromises’ by Russians” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Jeff Greene says he sold his oil, energy investments as feud with Gwen Graham escalates” via David Smiley and Lawrence Mower of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times
“Sean Shaw promises task force on gun violence ‘on day one’” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“For Nikki Fried, cannabis a key to the AG race — and public policy” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Donald Trump endorses Ted Yoho ahead of Florida primaries” via Max Greenwood of The Hill
“Three candidates pursue Republican dream of ousting Debbie Wasserman Schultz from Congress” via Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel
“‘They should be fired:’ Parkland parents call for gutting Broward school board” via Martin Vassolo of the Miami Herald
“Florida county tries unconventional approach to deal with massive teacher shortage” via CBS News
Quote of the Day
“There is no accountability. There’s no leadership. We don’t want this to happen to other schools. We don’t want this to happen to any other children.” — Parkland parent Max Schachter, whose son Alex was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, calling for the entire Broward County School Board to be replaced in this year’s election.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, which is helping spearhead a proposed constitutional amendment to restore felons’ voting rights, will start a two-day conference. The proposed amendment, which will appear on the November ballot as Amendment 4, would automatically restore the rights of most felons after they have served their sentences. That’s at 9 a.m., Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Dr., Orlando.
The Florida Department of Children and Families will help host a meeting that is part of an effort to better coordinate behavioral-health services. The meeting is an outgrowth of an executive order signed by Gov. Rick Scott that called for better collaboration with law-enforcement agencies. That’s at 10 a.m., Redlands Christian Migration Association Building, 551 West Cowboy Way, LaBelle.
Republican candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Denise Grimsley will speak at the Florida Realtors convention. That’s at 12:30 p.m., Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando.
Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. will join Democratic candidate for Governor Philip Levine in a Central Florida canvass. That starts at 2 p.m., 646 West Colonial Dr., Orlando.
State candidates and political committees face a Friday deadline for filing reports showing finance activity through Aug. 3.
Looking Ahead
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, which is helping spearhead a proposed constitutional amendment to restore felons’ voting rights, will continue a two-day conference. The proposed amendment, which will appear on the November ballot as Amendment 4, would automatically restore the rights of most felons after they have served their sentences. That’s Saturday, 9 a.m., Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Dr., Orlando.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham is expected to raise money during an event at a private residence in Leon County. That’s Saturday, 2 p.m., 1333 Peacefield Place, Tallahassee.
Florida Republican Chairman Blaise Ingoglia is expected to be among the speakers during the Lake County Republican Party’s Lincoln Reagan Dinner. That’s Saturday, 6 p.m., Lake Receptions, 4425 North Highway 19-A, Mount Dora.
