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.
Pardon me while I talk about me for a moment.
I recently sat for an in-depth interview produced by St. Pete Catalyst, a news and civics media outlet in the ‘burg.
In the episode, I discuss Florida Politics, Sunburn (talk about meta) and my space in Florida’s political landscape. If you get the chance, tune in here. Meanwhile, here are some highlights:
How I work: Checklists. Whether you’re a rocket scientist, a brain surgeon, or a publisher who strives to make sense of fast-paced politics in the Sunshine State, you need a checklist. “When I get tired, I say to myself, go back to the list. I start back at the top, work my way through it, throw it away and start the day with a new list.”
Labels: “When people ask me what I do, I really don’t know. Am I a publisher, a writer, a journalist, a reporter, a graphic designer? I’m all of these things and none of these things.”
What’s next: When it comes to web traffic, “We’re drinking from a fire hose in our industry.” But there could be a podcast, a new project, or a daily briefing on Amazon Alexa in the future. Stay tuned.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!
—@LearyReports: “Larry Keefe is widely respected in the legal community in North Florida. He will do a great job for us,” says @MattGaetz, former law partner of Keefe.
—@AdamPutnam: It was great joining @SeminoleSheriff Lemma and @FLGovScott today at Metal Essence in Longwood to discuss 21st-century jobs and all of the talent we have here in the Sunshine State.
—@RadioRicko: Lawton Chiles (my favorite governor to cover) actually lifted that “He-Coon” line from Congressman Bob Sikes of Crestview, who passed away in 1994.
—@SchmitzMedia: Love when flacks call conservative talk show hosts “reporters.” They are not reporters. They are commentators/media personalities. Flacks know the difference. Lumping local reporters covering issues in districts to talk show hosts is ridiculous. I have never told Mast or his spox I don’t agree with his positions.
—@RosemaryOHara14: Trying to understand Judge Scherer’s belief that shooter cannot get a fair trial — or victims won’t get justice — because of school district’s sloppiness in releasing this report. This report makes the district look sloppy. And the shooter needed help
—@JimRosicaFL: .@TDOnline‘s sole news photog has posted today that he’s leaving for the Memphis paper. Interested visual journalists should apply forthwith.
—@MikeFischerFL: The next time one of you is having a good day but I am not, I am going to throw a baseball 95 mph at you because you know, unwritten rules.
— LATEST TURNOUT FIGURES —
— DAYS UNTIL —
Start of the U.S. Open — 10; Primary Election Day — 11; College Football opening weekend — 13; Labor Day — 17; Gubernatorial candidates must choose a running mate — 20; NFL regular season starts — 20; First general election mail ballots go out — 36; Future of Florida Forum — 40; FSU vs. UM football game — 50; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 67; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 68; General Election Day — 81; 2019 Legislature Organization Session meetings — 95; Black Friday — 98; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 102; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 179; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 200; 2020 General Election — 809.
— TOP STORY —
“Ken Detzner demands answers on hacking assertions” via the News Service of Florida — Florida Secretary of State Detzner on Thursday demanded that U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson … back up an “unsubstantiated” claim that Russians are hacking state voting systems. “We are aware of the threat and the need to stay vigilant, but if you have specific information on a confirmed intrusion of any of Florida’s voting system or databases at the state or county level, we urgently need you to disclose that information to us so we can take action,” Detzner wrote in a letter with Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux, the president of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections. The letter, which requested a reply “no later than Friday,” is the latest back and forth since Nelson, the ranking member of the U.S. Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, told reporters Aug. 7 in Tallahassee that, “The Russians are in Florida’s election records” and that they had “penetrated” some voter-registration systems. When pressed, Nelson, said details of the information remained “classified.”
— CASH CROPPER —
Adam Putnam paints himself as a Florida rancher on the campaign trail and in ads run statewide.
But he hasn’t always played the role of the farmer, notes Steve Contorno for the Tampa Bay Times. He distanced himself from the archetype in 2006, telling the Tampa Tribune, “The ability to look at a tree and know what it needs, to know when it’s going to bud — a gift my father and brother have — it’s just not a gift I had.”
Still, his connections to the industry have inflated his finances, influenced his ambitions and heightened his Sunshine State appeal — while also raising questions of ethics.
Land deal: Putnam contended he had nothing to do with a deal that “netted Putnam Groves $30 million on 2,000 acres appraised at $5 million,” while he was in Congress. Per Contorno: “After, his income from Putnam Groves jumped from less than $100,000 to between $1 million and $5 million.”
Looking out: His almost-decade-long tenure in Congress was marked by advocacy for Florida farmers. When he ran for Ag Comish in 2010, “Few, if any, politicians have received more financial support from Florida’s agriculture industry than Putnam.” Contorno also writes of incidents for which farms did not receive hefty penalties during Putnam’s Cabinet tenure.
Ads v reality: The Tampa Bay newspaper asked to spend a day on Putnam’s farm, prominently featured in a recent campaign ad, but the campaign denied the request.
“After 2016 investigation found sexual misconduct, top Putnam staffers quickly found new state jobs” via Ana Ceballos of the Naples Daily News — A top lieutenant of Agriculture Commissioner Putnam quietly resigned his post in late 2016 — with $50,000 for sick and vacation paydays before a sexual misconduct investigation concluded he had an “inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee.” A month later, former Deputy Commissioner Jay Levenstein took a $30,000 pay cut and landed in another taxpayer-funded management position with the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Levenstein, a Putnam ally who worked in his agency for 23 years, left the agriculture agency after admitting to a yearlong sexual relationship with an employee he supervised. During that time, he and the employee, Elizabeth Khan, at one point joked about another department employee’s promiscuity and about having a threesome in private conversations. The act never occurred.
Assignment editors — Putnam kicks off his ‘Florida First’ bus tour with an “Up & Adam” breakfast. That’s at 8:30 a.m., 4Rivers Smokehouse, 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park.
Happening today — Health care experts will join Democratic candidates in Polk County for a discussion on improving on rural health care systems, 9 a.m., Bartow Public Library, 2150 S. Broadway Ave., Bartow.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Ron DeSantis heads to Puerto Rico to stump for Boricua votes … in Florida” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — DeSantis‘ visit underscores the importance of Puerto Rico to Florida politics this midterm, as nearly all candidates for governor and U.S. Senate — and even some for Congress — have flown to the island so often that it has become like Florida’s 68th county. “We think there is a real opportunity to pick up Puerto Rican votes for Republicans in Florida, despite what Democrats say,” DeSantis spokesman Brad Herold said, noting that Gov. Rick Scott has relatively good poll numbers with Puerto Rican voters. DeSantis plans to meet with the island’s nonvoting member of Congress, Jenniffer González, local Rep. Eddie Charbonier and “key members of the Puerto Rican legislature” … He’ll also be briefed on FEMA recovery efforts and tour local neighborhoods damaged a year ago by Hurricane Maria.
“Lenny Curry endorses DeSantis” via Lindsey Kilbride of WJCT — Curry said the two align on important issues — being tough on crime and investing in youth — and he said they come from similar working-class backgrounds and want others to have the same opportunities. “Ron’s a good conservative,” Curry said. “I’ve been about disrupting the status quo locally, and I think that that’s what’s got to happen everywhere, and Ron’s going to disrupt the status quo as the governor of the state of Florida and I’m supporting him, voting for him and encouraging folks to get out and vote in the primary.” DeSantis, in turn, called the mayor “innovative.”
Assignment editors — U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders will campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum: Tampa rally load time begins 9 a.m., doors open 10 a.m., the event begins 11 a.m., Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. Media contact — Michael Starr Hopkins, [email protected], (202) 365-2728. Orlando rally load time begins 11 a.m., doors open, 1 p.m., the event begins 2 p.m., CFE Arena Lobby, 12777 Gemini Blvd. N., Orlando. Media contact — Geoff Burgan, [email protected], (443) 801-1915.
“Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn endorses Gwen Graham for Governor” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — “I believe in her because I believe she is the right candidate at the right time for this point in Florida’s history,” Buckhorn said. “Twenty years of one-party control is too much. We need a voice of reason.” Asked after why he chose Graham over her competitors, Buckhorn said simply: “Gwen can win.” Buckhorn, a twice-elected mayor, is one of the region’s most popular Democrats for leading a post-recession Tampa toward an economic renaissance. The ongoing revitalization of Tampa’s downtown, the construction of the Riverwalk and the opening of the new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park have all occurred under Buckhorn’s watch. Graham said Tampa’s story — which Buckhorn so often likes to tell — is a “success story we can take all across Florida.”
“As his praise continues to haunt, Jeff Greene insists, ‘Donald Trump can’t stand me’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — With rival Philip Levine still trying to hang Trump around his neck, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Greene lashed back again, insisting that he detests his Palm Beach neighbor, and vice versa. “Donald Trump can’t stand me,” Greene said. “I know him. I don’t have much of a relationship with him. I haven’t had lunch or dinner with him. But I’ve met him many, many times. He knows if I’m Governor of Florida I’m not going to be his friend.” Greene’s former support of the President continues to haunt, coming up as a hot topic from a professed undecided voter who challenged Greene over it during a stop in Central Florida.
“Trail of lawsuits and liens surface on campaign trail for Greene” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – Beyond his flood of mailers and $25 million TV ad campaign that have rocketed Jeff Greene to third place in the polls, another picture emerges of the businessman as told in lawsuits, liens and press accounts from former employees, contractors and others who did business with the developer. Liked by some and loathed by others, the 63-year-old Greene is invariably described as a headstrong micromanager, a self-assured self-made man who doesn’t hesitate to use the courts and his $3.3 billion net worth to get his way. The list of people involved in lawsuits or liens against Greene over the years runs the gamut — from Hollywood director Ron Howard to the Coca-Cola Company to a former campaign consultant to a slew of local contractors in his home county of Palm Beach. There, court records show, Greene has had at least $1.2 million in lawsuits and liens filed by 14 different contractors and companies against him since his unsuccessful 2010 Senate campaign, after which he sued the Tampa Bay Times for its tough coverage of his business dealings and another story about wild parties on his yacht.
“Greene pledges to stand against bigotry, racism, hatred” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Greene said his Jewish identity triggers revulsion for the levels of tolerance Trump exhibited toward rising hate groups, and he vowed to not tolerate any bigotry, racism, or hatred in Florida if elected governor. Greene was speaking before a gathering at the Roth Jewish Family Center in Maitland, in an event organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. He sharply criticized the president’s response to the Charlottesville rallies by neo-Nazis and white supremacists last year, and since, as affronts to all, and something he felt personally. “With the president saying, ‘There’s good people on both sides,’ it made me sick to my stomach,” Greene said. “I have a very, very deep and strong Jewish identity, and I can tell you if I’m governor of Florida I would never tolerate any kind of bigotry, racism or hatred in this state.”
New Levine ad outlines ‘The Fight for Florida’ — The 30-second spot portrays Levine as someone willing to fight for Florida and is unafraid to stand up to Trump. Levine’s campaign says the spot will run across the state as part of a seven-figure buy.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
“Florida Realtors pump another $500K into Amendment 2 push” via Florida Politics — Florida Realtors pumped more cash into the committee supporting a proposed constitutional amendment that would make permanent a cap on increasing property taxes for non-homesteaded properties. Amendment 2 is for Everybody received $500,000 from Florida Realtors last week, bringing their total financial support for the initiative to $1.56 million. Florida Realtors, the state’s largest professional trade association, has pitched in all but $100 of the funds raised by the committee thus far. The week of Aug. 4 through Aug. 10 also saw the committee spend nearly $50,000, with the largest expenditure being a $16,017 payment to Denver-based Access Marketing for advertising.
“Environmental group gives the green light to Sean Shaw’s AG bid” via Florida Politics — Shaw added an endorsement from Florida Conservation Voters, a nonpartisan environmental group that works to elect public officials who will protect Florida’s conservation lands. “Sean Shaw has dedicated his professional career to standing up to powerful special interests on behalf of the people of Florida,” said FCV executive director Aliki Moncrief. “He understands the devastating impact climate change and sea level rise are already having on our economy and communities, and he won’t be shy about holding polluters accountable for undermining environmental protections. “Florida Conservation Voters is proud to support Sean Shaw to be Florida’s next Attorney General,” she concluded.
Denise Grimsley endorsed by ‘Woman of the Year in Agriculture’ winners — “I am grateful that many of these strong women who have been the recipient of the coveted ‘Woman of the Year in Agriculture’ award have decided that I am the best candidate to lead the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and have graciously lent me their support,” Grimsley said. Past award winners endorsing Grimsley: Norma Stokes, 1996; Carey Trudy, 1997; Vina Jean Banks, 1999; Marcia Lightsey, 2000; Ann Holt, 2010; Sarah Childs, 2011; Belinda Chason, 2014; Lisa Hinton, 2015; and Judi Whitson, 2016.
Happening today — Grimsley will campaign at a meet-and-greet event, 9:30 a.m., The Merchant Strategy, 1804 N. Dixie Hwy., Suite B, West Palm Beach.
Assignment editors — Republican Agriculture Commissioner candidate Matt Caldwell will speak at Café con Tampa, 8 a.m., upstairs at Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
“Scott Sturgill campaign backs away from controversial blogger” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — … following a Mother Jones report that the campaign paid thousands of dollars to his affiliated companies. Jacob Engels runs an Orlando political website and is a contributor to InfoWars, the site founded by Alex Jones that was banned last week by Facebook and other social media companies for violating hate speech guidelines. Sturgill, running for the GOP nomination for U.S. Congress against state Rep. Mike Miller and Vennia Francois in the district represented by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy paid $2,500 to the Engel’s website, called Central Florida Post, in January for “media production” and $2,000 to the affiliated company CFP Media Strategies for “cost of production,” according to Federal Election Commission reports. Sturgill spokeswoman Abigail Hirn said. “Jacob Engels has never been employed by the Scott Sturgill campaign.”
“Sugar money again? David Shapiro calls out Vern Buchanan” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Shapiro, a Democratic candidate in Florida’s 16th Congressional District, is calling out Republican U.S. Rep. Buchanan over his receipt of more than $100,000 from the sugar industry in light of recent red tide and algae blooms hitting the state. The report from the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research group that tracks money in politics, shows Buchanan has taken $106,948 from the “sugar cane and sugar beets” industry throughout his congressional campaign career. Now, Shapiro is raising that issue for voters. He argues sugar farms have played a role in the red tide, and Buchanan hasn’t done enough to protect the state’s environment. “Florida’s water, wildlife, and way of life are under attack and our community deserves leaders with the courage to fight back — not Washington insiders like Vern Buchanan, who are beholden to special interests,” Shapiro said.
“Greg Steube adds $126K, Julio Gonzalez $45K in CD 17 Republican primary” via Florida Politics — From the start of last month through Aug. 8, Steube’s campaign account received $126,636 in contributions, including $104,136 from individual donors and another $22,500 from political committees. Notable among those contributions were a pair of $2,000 checks from Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, one from his congressional campaign committee and another earmarked by him from the House Freedom Fund PAC. The spending tally for the five-week reporting period came in at $306,694. Nearly half of that total — $148,223 — was spent on direct mail campaigns and postage through Political Ink, a Washington-based firm that creates mailers for Republican campaigns and causes. Gonzalez, for his part, brought in just shy of $45,000 in outside money during the five-week stretch while shelling out $278,145, including a repayment for $30,000 of the loans Gonzalez used to juice his campaign in Q1.
“Brian Mast appears on anti-Muslim radio show” via Andrew Kaczynski of CNN Politics — Mast appeared on the Right Side Patriots radio program, an online show hosted by conservative commentators Diane Sori and Craig Andresen who proudly describe themselves as anti-Muslim. The appearance was Mast’s first as a sitting congressman after he previously appeared in 2015 and 2016 as a congressional candidate, according to recaps of the show. Audio of the previous shows is not online. Neither Mast, nor the hosts, made any anti-Muslim comments the interview, which touched on his background and run for Congress. Sori and Mast mentioned they sat at the same table at a dinner hosted by former Republican Rep. Allen West of Florida. The segment following Mast’s appearance accused Muslim-American political candidates of committing “ballot box jihad.”
“FiveThirtyEight gives Democrats 3-to-1 odds to flip the U.S. House” via FiveThirtyEight.com — The current forecast from Nate Silver and the team at FiveThirtyEight.com show Democrats with a 75.4 percent chance to flip the U.S. House this year. Their statistical model gives Democrats an 80 percent chance to gain between 13 and 53 seats on Election Day, with the average of the model showing a net gain of 32 seats for Democrats. Republicans currently hold a 236-193 majority with six vacant seats. As it stands, if Democrats manage to net another 25 seats this cycle, they would retake the 435-member chamber after eight years of Republican rule.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 3 —
“Money flows through Jose Oliva PAC” via the News Service of Florida — A political committee led by incoming House Speaker Oliva … brought in more than $400,000 during a recent two-week period, while also spending $300,000 to back DeSantis, finance reports show. Conservative Principles for Florida raised $404,000 from July 28 through last Friday and had about $833,000 in cash on hand. The Oliva-led committee also sent $300,000 on Aug. 3 to the committee Friends of Ron DeSantis. Oliva is slated to become House speaker after the November elections. The largest contribution received by his committee during the two-week period was $100,000 from Watchdog PAC, which is tied to outgoing Speaker Richard Corcoran.
“Equality Florida pledges $25k to elect Jason Pizzo, savages incumbent Daphne Campbell” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Pizzo has already earned the endorsement of Equality Florida in his race to boot state Sen. Campbell from her Senate District 38 seat. Now, the Equality Florida Action PAC is promising $25,000 in support of Pizzo’s election. The PAC plans to spend the money on a “program to turn out pro-equality voters in Miami-Dade County” to support Pizzo’s Democratic primary challenge … The group savaged Campbell over her past votes. The PAC highlighted her vote supporting a GOP-backed abortion bill in 2011, along with her opposition to a repeal of Florida’s ban on gay adoption in 2015. “We are going to use every resource we have to make sure voters in this district know that we have a clear choice between a pro-equality champion like Jason Pizzo and an anti-LGBTQ extremist,” Pollitzer added.
“HD 47 primary gets uglier as Stockton Reeves mailer notes Mikaela Nix youthful arrest” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Reeves’ new mailer declares, “Mikaela Nix A record of breaking the law” and “Tallahassee doesn’t need lawbreakers trying to be lawmakers. Mikaela Nix’s judgment is too dangerous for Florida.” “Between this, the primary elections, the switched parties, don’t play like something you’re not,” he said. Nix said she has acknowledged the arrest. The mailer cites an arrest of Nix when she 18, for petty theft in Miami-Dade County. The charge was dropped, and the original arrest record expunged.
“With Melissa Howard out, Tommy Gregory and Liv Coleman go head-to-head at Tiger Bay” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The matchup between Gregory, a Sarasota Republican, and Coleman, a Bradenton Democrat, presents a stark contrast: A staunchly conservative attorney and a proudly progressive college professor who are emphasizing very different visions, with Coleman bashing Trump and saying his behavior is the central issue at all level of politics, and Gregory touting Trumpian themes, such as cracking down on illegal immigration. Gregory became the GOP nominee in the District 73 race when Howard dropped out after it was revealed she lied about having a degree from Miami University and went to great lengths to deceive people, including displaying a fake diploma. Addressing the scandal in his opening remarks, Gregory said “in light of recent events it is important, maybe now more than ever, that we elect leaders that we can trust.” … “I can tell you that voters trust me,” Gregory added, touting his military background.
“Florida physicians endorse Sasha Dadan in HD 83” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Dadan has earned the endorsement of the Florida Medical Association‘s political arm, as she continues her run to replace term-limited state Rep. Gayle Harrell in House District 83. Dr. Mike Patete, president of the FMA PAC, released a statement explaining the group’s choice to back Dadan, a Port St. Lucie attorney, over her opponent in the GOP primary, businessman Toby Overdorf. “Ms. Dadan has worked tirelessly for the less fortunate in our state through her advocacy efforts and work as an attorney,” said Patete. “The FMA PAC is honored to endorse Sasha Dadan in House District 83 and will lean on her experience to pass meaningful health care policies that help the patients and physicians of Florida.”
“Black lawmaker says Miami Democrats have ‘lynched’ him in primary” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald — Suspecting that his own allies may push him out of office in a few days, an angry state Rep. Roy Hardemon is torching his political party, accusing Democratic leaders in Miami of racism and backstabbing. Hardemon said his party doesn’t like black people — “especially black men” — and claimed the chairman of the Miami-Dade Democrats recruited a Haitian-American candidate to boot him from office. This week, Hardemon went one step further, lobbing a racial accusation during a meeting of Democratic leaders in Doral. “It’s surprising to be lynched from the Democratic Party,” Hardemon said from a stage, standing next to Chairman Juan Cuba. The heated rhetoric highlights the bitterness of the primary race in House District 108, where Hardemon, the incumbent, faces two challengers for a seat in the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature, including a former vice chairwoman of the Miami-Dade Democrats.
— STATEWIDE —
Happening today — The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity releases July unemployment figures, 10 a.m.
What CFO Jimmy Patronis is reading — “Crypto Co. Hit With Default Judgment For Bilking Investors” via Law360 — A Florida federal judge entered a default judgment against Monkey Capital LLC, which a group of investors say pocketed $1.17 million worth of cryptocurrency investments meant for an initial coin offering and the launch of a private cryptocurrency exchange that never happened. U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks said the investors had sufficiently alleged violations of federal and state securities laws and Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) against Monkey Capital over the company’s solicitations of investments.
Happening Saturday — The Florida Department of Financial Services holds an auction for unclaimed property from bank-deposit boxes, 10 a.m., Tampa Marriott Westshore, 1001 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa.
“Bill Galvano wants to revisit school safety” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — “As incoming Senate President of the third-largest state in the nation — a bellwether for others — I am committed to making sure our re-examination of school safety policies does not end here,” Galvano tweeted. “Some issues simply must transcend politics. The safety of our children is one.” In the 2018 session, lawmakers approved a wide-ranging, $400 million measure (SB 7026) measure that includes requiring schools to have safety officers, bolstering mental-health services and upgrading protections through school “hardening” projects. “We cannot be complacent, or think our work is done — we must continually review existing policies and encourage new ideas to keep our students safe,” Galvano continued. “Florida’s experiences and reforms should be shared and exported to other states. 6 months later, as millions of students begin a new school year, we cannot help but reflect back on that heartbreaking day. As we do, we can mark this moment as a time when grief galvanized action, and we were not immobilized by our differences.”
Happening today — The Florida Department of Health will hold a hearing about a proposed rule dealing with the application process for new medical-marijuana licenses. The Legislature ordered the new licenses following the passage of a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana in Florida, 9 a.m., Florida Department of Health, 4025 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee.
“Alan Crotzer, exonerated after 24 years, back in jail” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Incarceration isn’t supposed to be a birthright, but it’s as if it’s become one for Crotzer. The St. Petersburg native became a cause célèbre when, in January 2006, DNA evidence led to his exoneration of robbery and rape charges after 24 years in prison. Now, records show Crotzer — who had moved to Tallahassee after leaving prison — has been in the Leon County Jail since March 21. That’s because he reportedly broke curfew, which violated his probation on a charge of possessing the drug sometimes known as “flakka.” And the 57-year-old has had successive brushes with the law since his exoneration, including an attempted murder charge in Tallahassee that was (later) dropped … At a 2015 news conference, Crotzer told reporters he wasn’t “that monster they keep trying to make me out to be … I’m not going to be that monster,” he said. “I’m trying to do the right thing.”
“Former Blessed Sacrament priest Edward Jones removed following sex abuse allegation” via Jennifer Portman of the Tallahassee Democrat — Father Edward Jones was pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crawfordville and Sacred Heart Parish in Lanark. A statement from the Diocese said the accusation against Jones stems from an incident that occurred 14 years ago when he served as Parochial Vicar at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tallahassee. He served in the parish for four years from 2003 to 2007. The Diocese said it received the accusation Monday. “In accord with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and our own Diocesan Policy and Protocol, an investigation was conducted to determine whether or not this accusation had the semblance of truth,” the statement said. “It has been determined that the allegation is credible, and as a result, Fr. Jones has been removed as Pastor” of the two churches he was currently serving.
“What are those weird ‘blue buttons’ washing up in Destin?” via Annie Blanks of the NWF Daily News — Blue buttons, as they’re called, are commonly thought to be jellyfish but actually are a tiny colony of hydroids, small predatory creatures distantly related to jellyfish. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, porpita porpita are most commonly found in saltwater environments. Graham Northup, a curator of fish and reptiles at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, said the blue “button” in the center actually is filled with gas and acts as the home base to the series of hydrozoans, the creatures resembling tentacles that are attached to the button. “The gaseous structure allows them to float, similar to a man-o-war jellyfish,” Northup said. “They float on the surface and they’re drifters, and they kind of go with the wind and the currents and wherever the Gulf takes them, which is why they sometimes end up on the beach together.”
“Harvesting rooftops: Rayonier is in the development business” via Jason Garcia of Florida Trend — The timber and real estate company envisions its 261-acre Wildlight project as the beginning of something bigger — it owns another 25,000 acres within five miles of the project. In early 2013, Chris Corr was looking for a job. Corr, 54, comes from a long line of developers. His grandfather moved his family to Florida almost 70 years ago from Michigan and began developing the community of Apollo Beach on nearly 6,000 acres on Tampa Bay. His father finished building it; one of the community’s schools, Thomas P. Corr Elementary, is named after him. In 1992, Walt Disney Co. hired Corr to help plan and develop Celebration, Disney’s master-planned community in Osceola County. Six years later, he went to St. Joe Co., where, as chief strategy officer, he oversaw the development of some of the company’s timber holdings in Northwest Florida, including the creation of Northwest Beaches International Airport. In between, he served a term as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives and landed a series of political appointments, including seats on the 1997-98 Constitution Revision Commission and the University of Florida’s board of trustees. Corr called Rayonier, and a few months later, the company hired him to run its real estate division, Raydient Places + Properties.
— MORE WATER WOES —
“Underreported toxins in St. Lucie River algae blooms a health hazard, researchers say” via Tyler Treadway of TCPalm — The research by the Institute for Ethnomedicine in Jackson, Wyoming, focuses on the 2016 algae blooms in the St. Lucie River, but chides toxicity testing procedures still used today by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection during this year’s algae outbreak. Noting the DEP’s practice of sampling for toxic algae around the edge of a bloom, the study states samples should be taken in “scums or thick bloom material” to provide the “worst-case scenario” for how much toxin people can encounter. Sampling in open water with low levels of toxins, the study states, may not trigger alerts to the danger of blue-green algae, known by scientists as cyanobacteria. The study stated researchers saw people “picnicking, fishing and swimming” in algae-contaminated waters who “may experience an increased lifetime risk of liver cancer and/or (liver failure) requiring hospitalization or transplantation.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Donald Trump threatens to sue opioid makers, says crisis is ‘warfare’” via John Fritze of USA TODAY — Trump threatened to sue drugmakers that manufacture opioids, mimicking an approach embraced by dozens of cities and states wrestling with huge increases in overdose deaths. During a Cabinet meeting, the president asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to bring a lawsuit against companies selling opioids and tasked him with looking into legal action to stop drug trafficking from China and Mexico, which he accused of “sending their garbage and killing our people.” … “I’d like us to look at some of the litigation that’s already been started with companies,” Trump told Sessions during the meeting. “Rather than just joining them I’d like to bring a federal lawsuit against those companies.” The Trump administration filed a “statement of interest” in March in a lawsuit brought by cities, states and others that have sued drug manufacturers. That filing noted the “substantial costs and significant interest” the federal government has in the epidemic.
“Nelson, Marco Rubio ask Senate leaders to bring Lake Okeechobee reservoir up for a vote” via Ali Schmitz of TCPalm — Nelson and Marco Rubio urged Senate leaders to schedule a vote to approve the Water Resources Development Act. The wide-ranging bill of water projects includes a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee that aims to reduce discharges to the Treasure Coast and Southwest Florida. The Florida senators asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring WRDA up for a vote as soon as possible. “The EAA [Everglades Agricultural Area] Storage Reservoir is a critical piece of the puzzle for ending Lake Okeechobee discharges and the harmful algal blooms they help fuel,” the senators wrote in their letter. “We urge you to bring the WRDA bill to the Senate floor as soon as possible so that we can advance this key project.”
“Trump’s military parade in Washington now delayed until 2019” via Courtney Kube of NBC News — “The Department of Defense and White House have been planning a parade to honor America’s military veterans and commemorate the centennial of World War I,” said Col. Rob Manning. “We originally targeted November 10, 2018, for this event but have now agreed to explore opportunities in 2019.” A defense official told NBC News that the upper estimate of the cost of the parade was $92 million, a figure first reported by CNBC. The estimate had risen substantially since February when White House budget director Mick Mulvaney told Congress the price could be $10 million to $30 million.
— OPINIONS —
“Tom Cotton: Reform the prisons without going soft on crime” via The Wall Street Journal — Congress and the U.S. Sentencing Commission cut prison terms for drug traffickers, gang members and other violent felons in recent years — putting more criminals on the streets. As a result, the federal inmate population has declined 16 percent since 2013 and now sits at the lowest level since 2004. This naive policy ignores the reality of recidivism. Five out of six prisoners end up rearrested within nine years, according to a recent Justice Department study. In fact, on average re-offenders are rearrested five times — and not for minor crimes. Mandatory minimums and truth-in-sentencing laws work. Rather than eliminate them, Congress should improve access to faith-based and other anti-recidivism programs in federal prisons. American families deserve safe communities and protection from drugs and crime. Criminals, especially first-time offenders who grew up in rough environments, deserve second chances — once they have done their time.
“John Romano: Con artist or Florida politician? You decide” via the Tampa Bay Times — In seeking to have a constitutional amendment thrown off the ballot, a motion filed in Leon County used words such as “misleading’’ and “ambiguity’’ and “wordsmithing.’’ If, on the other hand, you explained this case to a roomful of everyday voters, I’m guessing they would have used words such as “dishonest’’ and “shady’’ and “bogus.’’ Welcome to the ballot initiative known as Amendment 8, or A Scam That Could Make A Street Hustler Blush … This was a plan to shift oversight of charter schools from local districts and hand it over to the charter-loving, and often charter-profiting, politicians in Tallahassee. And here’s what they called their proposed amendment: School Board Term Limits and Duties; Public Schools. Hmm, doesn’t that seem ridiculously sneaky?
— MOVEMENTS —
“Trump taps Lawrence Keefe for U.S. Attorney post” via the News Service of Florida — Fort Walton Beach attorney Keefe will be nominated by Trump to serve as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Florida … The nomination of Keefe, a partner in the firm Keefe, Anchors & Gordon, is subject to approval by the U.S. Senate. After Trump’s announcement of the selection, U.S. Sen. Rubio … issued a statement saying he “strongly” supports the Keefe nomination. U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz … worked for Keefe’s firm while serving in the Florida House, according to financial-disclosure reports filed with the state. The Northern District of Florida stretches from Pensacola to Gainesville and includes areas such as Tallahassee and Panama City.
Appointed — Eugene Lamb, Jr. (reappointed) to the Tallahassee Community College District Board of Trustees.
Personnel note: Joe Rondone leaving Tallahassee Democrat — The capital newspaper’s lone photographer announced on Facebook he was exiting the paper, where he’d been for the last four years, for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee. “It has been my absolute pleasure to live and work here over that span,” he posted. “Luckily, you’ll be left in the exceedingly capable hands of the incredible staff here at the Democrat, people I’ve been honored to call my friends and co-workers. It has been the highlight of my career to work and live in this town and I’m sure there will be a new photojournalist here soon that will share my passion for this impressive part of the world.” Rondone leaves next month. The Commercial Appeal, formerly owned by The E.W. Scripps Co., is now owned by Gannett, which also owns the Democrat.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Matt Bryan, David Daniel, Thomas Griffin, Jeff Hartley, Lisa Hurley, Smith Bryan & Myers: Lighthouse Health Plan
Pete Buigas, Buigas and Associates: Physicians Central Business Office
Jon Costello, Rutledge Ecenia: 3M Company and Its Affiliates
Richard Fidei, Fred Karlinsky, Greenberg Traurig: Oscar Insurance Company of Florida, Swyfft
Sharon Merchant, The Merchant Strategy: City of Atlantis
Robert Schenck, The Legis Group: Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
Chris Spencer, GrayRobinson: TLM Investment Group I
— WEEKEND TV —
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues affecting the region.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei hosts a roundtable former state legislator and columnist Paula Dockery; founder/CEO of ARC Capital Rita Ferrandino; Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau Chief Steve Bousquet; and businessman Rob Barrow.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: a discussion of campaign finance, political action committees and whether reforms to the campaign finance process are possible or necessary. Joining Walker-Torres are Patricia Brigham, president, Florida League of Women Voters; Dan Newman, finance director, Florida Democratic Party; and Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, senior research chair and professor of law, Stetson University College of Law.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: On this week are Republican candidates for Agriculture Commissioner Matt Caldwell, Denise Grimsley and Mike McCalister. A secret tape scandal pits Trump against a former aide; PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter will rate a claim by Trump about the GDP numbers and growth.
‘Politics on Your Side’ with Evan Donovan on News Channel 8 WFLA (NBC): One-on-one conversations with Gov. Scott, Tallahassee Mayor Gillum and former Congresswoman Graham. Also, a political panel with Adam Smith, political editor of the Tampa Bay Times and Zac Anderson, political reporter for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon will speak with political consultant Beth Matuga and former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Guests include Superintendent Addison Davis of Clay County Schools on back to school, security, and tax increase to fund school safety officers. Also appearing are Reggie Garcia, Florida clemency lawyer and author; Carlton Robinson of the JAXChamber, discussing entrepreneurial growth and JAX Bridges program for youth; Makayla Buchanan of Wexford Strategies; and Tia Robinson, a student at Nease High School.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg will focus on the race for Florida Governor, including interviews with some Democratic candidates; the powerhouse roundtable will take on the week’s news.
— ALOE —
“Dan Mullen hopes to avoid ‘massive swings’ as Florida rebuilds” via Mark Long of The Associated Press — Florida coach Mullen spent his first few months on the job trying to sell the program. Mullen’s goal: Energize a fan base that had grown increasingly restless since he left Gainesville nearly a decade ago. Mullen felt the results were encouraging. But all that preseason groundwork could be for naught if the Gators aren’t considerably better on the field this fall. Of course, it shouldn’t be too difficult to show improvement considering Florida is coming off its second four-win season in five years. “The lack of consistency to me is something that really is glaring,” said Mullen, pointing to two four-win campaigns and two trips to the Southeastern Conference title game. “You shouldn’t have those massive swings. … The massive swings that went on is something I’m still trying to figure out.”
“New coach Willie Taggart confident Florida State can bounce back” via Joe Reedy of The Associated Press — Taggart’s first eight months as Florida State’s coach could not have gone much better. He has reinvigorated a team and fan base that has found itself out of contention for a College Football Playoff spot by early October the past two seasons and saw Jimbo Fisher leave for Texas A&M last December. As Florida State prepares for Taggart’s first season the biggest question is how long will Taggart’s honeymoon last. “Anybody can do really well when things are going good. It’s how you respond when you get hit in the mouth. How you respond when things get tough. To me, that’s life,” said Taggart, who previously led Western Kentucky, South Florida and Oregon. “We were one of the most talented football teams last season, but talent wasn’t the issue. We weren’t a football team that handled adversity well, and we had a lot of adversity last year. We didn’t respond well to it until the end of the season.”
“Universal Orlando’s sleek, high-tech Aventura hotel debuts” via Marco Santana of the Orlando Sentinel — With Aventura’s official opening of its 600-room location, Universal will have 6,200 hotel rooms in the region. But the company will also open a total of 2,800 more rooms at two properties that sit at the old Wet ‘n Wild water-park, Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites by the end of 2020. The overall number of 9,000 remains dwarfed by Disney, which has more than 30,000 hotel rooms spread through 36 properties in the region. The doorway of the hotel underneath a bright sign that reads “Aventura Hotel” opens into a sleek, modern-looking lobby. Devices and amenities in the rooms at the 17-story structure, which sits across Adventure Way from Universal’s 2,200-room Cabana Bay Beach Resort, are controlled primarily through in-room tablet computers. These control everything from air conditioning, reading lamps and room-service orders.
Happy birthday to state Reps. Ben Albritton and Sharon Pritchett, as well as Vance Aloupis, who we hope soon joins them in the Legislature. Also celebrating today is our Kim DeFalco. And an early birthday shout out to INFLUENCE 100’er Noah Pransky of 10 News.
