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.
Scott Ross as chief of staff.
Rep. Halsey Beshears in charge of DPBR.
Matt Gaetz appointed to Marco Rubio‘s Senate seat if the Miami Republican ever decides to leave Congress early.
These are some of the rumors swirling around Tallahassee in the event Ron DeSantis wins next Tuesday’s primary election and November’s general election.
Is Team DeSantis measuring the drapes too soon?
We don’t think so, at least as far as the primary goes.
However, Adam Putnam‘s campaign is pointing to two recent third-party polls showing the Polk Republican leading or narrowly trailing DeSantis.
A survey released Monday from the St. Leo University Polling Institute shows Putnam taking 38 percent of the vote while DeSantis gets 30 percent. This poll comes on the heels of last week’s Survey USA / Spectrum News Network poll showing that the gubernatorial primary is neck-and-neck with 16 percent of likely GOP voters undecided.
With no other recent public polling to contradict these numbers, there is some wind in the sails for Putnam.
Yet it’s hard to take seriously the St. Leo University poll, which only surveyed 172 Republican voters.
We do put more stock in the Survey USA poll, as Nate Silver‘s FiveThirtyEight ranks it as one of the best polling outfits in the country.
DeSantis camp offers a wildly different set of numbers about the race. Its internal poll from the weekend (sample size 750 Republicans) has the race with DeSantis at 50 percent, Putnam 31 percent.
In other words, one pollster is very right, and another is very wrong. We’ll know which one next Tuesday night.
In the meantime, we do like the idea of Secretary Beshears. No comment on U.S. Sen. Gaetz 🙂
Oh, and one other note from a source inside the DeSantis camp: contrary to what was suggested in a previously published report, there are no plans to name a running mate before the general election.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@MarcoRubio: If Ortega-Murillo regime in #Nicaragua gets a big loan from #Russia to bail them out of the crisis they created, it will confirm what I have been arguing for some time, Ortega is #Putin closest supporter in Latin America & therefore a national security risk to U.S. we must address.
—@SchmitzMedia: Scott Administration officially asks the SBA to issue an Economic Injury Disaster Declaration for Martin, Lee counties. Would allow businesses to request SBA loans.
—@AnaCeballos: Not just on TV. When you Google @RepDeSantis, Putnam’s political committee has also paid for this website, hitting DeSantis on the Fair Tax
—@Fineout: As @adamputnam traverses headwinds in his effort to be the next governor from “Imperial Polk” he can remember the tale of the namesake of his home county …”From Nashville came a dark horse riding up He was James K. Polk, Napoleon of the Stump.”
—@TheRickWilson: She is (re: Gwen Graham being a good candidate), but I’m hearing a lot of stompy-foot FL Bernie Bros threatening to stay home if she’s the D nominee.
—@Fahrenthold: Hello @FloridaCrystals! I’m still hoping to speak to someone in your press office, to see if they could respond to the questions I sent July 17 (and on July 27, August 1 & August 6). In case it’s easier, I’ve also taken the liberty of writing a letter. Hope to hear from you!
—@DWSTweets: .@aglorios From one young survivor of breast cancer to a future survivor: Kick cancer’s ass and thank you for taking your experience public. Young women need to know they must pay attention to their breast health.
—@Daniel_Sweeney: Sure, @AP only does a Top 25 college football ranking, but if you look at the number of points teams got, if there were a no. 30, it would be @FloridaAtlantic. How ’bout dem Owls?
— LATEST TURNOUT FIGURES —
“Primary ballots cast top 1 million” via the News Service of Florida — In numbers updated by the Florida Division of Elections on Monday, Republicans had cast 475,973 ballots — 402,881 through vote-by-mail ballots and 73,092 at early-voting locations. Democrats had cast 423,409 ballots, of which 344,753 were sent in by mail, and another 78,656 were cast at early-voting sites. Voters registered without a political party had cast 121,279 ballots, 110,831 through the mail and 10,448 by early voting. Another 3,422 ballots had been cast by people registered with third parties, of which 2,987 were vote-by-mail ballots. Early voting runs through Saturday statewide and will continue Sunday in some counties.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Start of the U.S. Open — 6; Primary Election Day — 7; College Football opening weekend — 9; Labor Day — 13; Gubernatorial candidates must choose a running mate — 16; NFL regular season starts — 16; First general election mail ballots go out — 32; First day of fall — 32; Future of Florida Forum — 36; FSU vs. UM football game — 46; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 63; MLB World Series begins — 63; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 64; Halloween — 71; General Election Day — 77; 2019 Legislature Organization Session meetings — 91; Thanksgiving — 93; Black Friday — 94; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 98; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 175; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 196; 2020 General Election — 805.
— TOP STORY —
“Judge orders Amendment 8 be removed from Florida ballot” via Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — A Leon County judge ordered Amendment 8, the measure that seeks to create a pathway for the state to oversee charter schools and bypass local school boards, be removed from the ballot. Circuit Judge John Cooper wrote in a summary judgment that the amendment’s ballot title and summary “fails to inform voters of the chief purpose and effect of this proposal.” The judge agreed with the plaintiff, the League of Women Voters, that the ballot language was “misleading” and that the Constitution Revision Commission intentionally bundled three separate education proposals into one “to increase, in its view, their chances of passage.”
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
New Rick Scott ad calls for ‘Fair Hearing’ for Brett Kavanagh — The statewide ad, “Fair Hearing,” highlights Bill Nelson’s failure to meet with Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh. While senators on both sides of the aisle have met or are scheduling meetings, the ad claims Nelson has so far refused even to give Kavanaugh a fair hearing.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 1 —
“Gwen Graham, Ron DeSantis get biggest public financing checks” via the News Service of Florida — Eight statewide candidates, including four gubernatorial candidates, combined to draw $182,348 in state matching funds … The program has now been used by statewide candidates to draw $4.7 million in public funding … Graham received the largest check, worth $56,028. She has now received $1.185 million from the program, which provides matches for each contribution from an individual donor that totals $250 or less. The checks covered the period of Aug. 4 to Aug. 10. DeSantis had the second largest check, totaling $34,305, and has now received $920,726 from the state. Andrew Gillum got a check Friday for $29,412 to bring his campaign matching-fund assistance to $465,688. State Sen. Denise Grimsley, the only candidate for Agriculture Commissioner involved in the program, picked up $2,565 and has now received $258,320 from the state. Ashley Moody, running for Attorney General, picked up $16,105 and has received $335.313 from the program. Rep. Sean Shaw of Tampa received $23,696 to bring his matching fund money to $196,459.
“Mayor Andrew Gillum launches statewide bus tour in final push for Democratic nomination” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — With early voting underway and eight days remaining before Florida Democrats decide their nominee for governor, Gillum launched an ambitious statewide bus tour that he hopes will propel him to victory. Gillum urged about 200 people at a noon rally Monday to vote as they had never voted before. “I just want you to commit that you are going to take five voters to the polls who are going to vote Gillum for governor,” he told the group of students, office workers and retirees. “While my name may be on the ballot I want to be very clear that I am simply a proxy for all the things that matter,” said Gillum. “We can’t get there if we don’t vote. I need y’all. I need you like I never needed you before.” The Gillum bus pulled into downtown traffic shortly after 1 p.m. and headed west to Pensacola. Tuesday, it will cross the Panhandle with a stop in Marianna and then on to Jacksonville and the Space Coast. Gillum has scheduled three stops a day for the next week, and his final swing in the primary campaign will conclude in Gainesville on Monday, Aug. 27.
Progressive groups to collectively invest millions in Gillum campaign — A coalition of eight local and national progressive organizations announced a collective commitment of resources in the final week of Gillum’s gubernatorial campaign, investing about $3.5 million to reach over three million voters. The coalition includes Dream Defenders Action, FLIC Votes, New Florida Majority, The New Florida Vision PAC, and Organize Florida and national progressive organizations Center for Popular Democracy Action, The Collective PAC, Indivisible Action, NextGen America, Our Revolution, and People for the American Way. The organizations seek to engage voters through door-to-door canvasses, phone-banks, texting, mail, digital, radio and TV ads, with a focus on young voters, Black voters, Latino voters and the growing community of Puerto Rican voters. The emphasis will be on Orange, Miami-Dade, Broward, West Palm, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval, and Leon counties.
Assignment editors — Gillum will kick off Day Two of the “Bring It Home” Bus Tour campaigning across the Panhandle and North Florida: 8:05 a.m. Central time, Pensacola Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Pl., Pensacola; 8:45 a.m. Central time, West Florida Regional Library, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola; a conversation with seniors, 11:30 a.m. Central time, Glenwood Center, 722 E. 9th Court, Panama City; meet-and-greet at Josiah’s Restaurant, 11:45 a.m. Central time, 1003 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Panama City; meet-and-greet with Democratic Women’s Club of Bay County, 12:15 p.m. Central time, 132 Harrison St., Panama City; early vote event, 2 p.m. Central time, 3026 Auction Dr., Marianna; Jacksonville Young Professionals rally, 8 p.m. Eastern time, 1904 Music Hall, 19 N. Ocean St., Jacksonville.
“’Terribly misleading’ Jeff Greene handouts imply support from black candidates” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — A political committee tied to Greene is angering some in his own party after circulating campaign handouts they say imply certain black candidates are endorsing his campaign, even when they are not. “We don’t need stuff like this,” Democrat Pam Keith, a black Democrat running for the 18th Congressional District, said. “It’s terribly misleading.” She is among the black candidates or elected officials listed on the campaign cards, which include a handful of black candidates and Greene, who is the only white candidate pictured. They were circulated last weekend in at least Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, largely at predominantly black churches and early voting sites. The Palm Beach version notes the listed people are the “Palm Beach Democratic ticket,” while the Miami-Dade mailer indicates it is the “Miami-Dade Democratic slate.” The Miami version also includes the words “Our Vote, Our Choice.” The cards indicate they were paid for by Florida Defense Fund, a political committee started July 31 by Greene attorney Stuart Grossman. Despite the cards including pictures of black candidates and Greene, campaign spokeswoman Claire VanSusteren said that they do not imply an endorsement.
Happening today — Greene is scheduled to speak at a Broward County Democratic Party meeting, 7 p.m., Deicke Auditorium, 5701 Cypress Road, Plantation.
Happening today — Adam Putnam is slated to make a campaign stop in Sarasota County, 1:30 p.m., Family Table, 14132 Tamiami Trail, North Port.
“Philip Levine plows another $5.21 million into gubernatorial campaign” via the News Service of Florida — Levine loaned the money to his campaign between Aug. 4 and Aug. 10, bringing to $18.8 million the total amount he has funneled to the campaign. Levine last year also contributed $2.8 million to his political committee, known as All About Florida, according to finance records.
Assignment editors — The Levine campaign will hold a statewide get-out-the-vote effort, knocking doors in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties: 10 a.m., outside of 6355 Lagorce Dr., Miami Beach; 11:30 a.m., outside of 2772 SW. 1st St., Ft. Lauderdale; 1:30 p.m., outside of 1417 Edna Way, Delray Beach; 4:30 p.m., outside of 2462 13th Ave. N., Apt. 207, St. Petersburg.
“Patrick Murphy endorses Sean Shaw for Attorney General” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — With just over a week left until the Aug. 28 primary, Shaw has picked up the endorsement of former U.S. Rep. Murphy to be Florida’s next Attorney General. Shaw, now state representative for House District 61, is competing with Tampa attorney Ryan Torrens in what has been a heated Democratic primary race. Now, Murphy says he’s backing Shaw in that contest and all the way through the general election. “Floridians need a battle-tested candidate who is ready to take the fight to special interests groups on day-one,” Murphy said.
Denise Grimsley rolls out new wave of endorsements — Republican Agriculture Commissioner candidate Grimsley announced more elected officials and community leaders endorsing her campaign. New supporters include Jefferson County School Superintendent Marianne Arbulu; Lafayette County School Superintendent Robby Edwards; Bay County School Superintendent Bill Husfelt; Holmes County School Superintendent Terry Mears; Jackson County School Superintendent Larry Moore; Franklin County School Superintendent Traci Moses; Madison County School Superintendent Karen Pickles; Washington County School Superintendent Joe Taylor; Dixie County School Superintendent Mike Thomas; Highlands County Tax Collector Eric Zwayer; Osceola County School Board Member Ricky Booth; Taylor County School Board Member Jeannie Mathis; Polk County Clerk of Court Stacy Butterfield; Union County Clerk of Court Kellie Connell; Charlotte County Clerk of Court Roger Eaton; Marion County Clerk of Court David Ellspermann; Highlands County Clerk of Court Bob Germaine; Okeechobee County Clerk of Court Sharon Robertson; Hardee County Clerk of Court Victoria Rogers; Sarasota County Clerk of Court Karen Rushing; Glades County Commissioner John Ahern; Okeechobee County Commissioner Terry Burroughs; Highlands County Commissioner Ron Handley; Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins; Wakulla County Commissioner Ralph Thomas; Lawtey Chief of Police Shane Bennett; state Rep. Ben Albritton; former state Sen. J.D. Alexander; former state Rep. Sharon Merchant.
Happening today — Grimsley from Sebring will speak to the Old Cutler Republican Women’s Club. Also appearing our state Rep. Jeanette Nunez and former Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, who served on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, will talk about proposed constitutional amendments on the November ballot, 11:30 a.m., Brio Tuscan Grille, 8888 S.W. 136th St., Miami.
Happening today — Grimsley will also speak to the Women’s Republican Club of Miami, Federated, 6:30 p.m., Mojitos Calle 8, 8000 SW. 8th St., Miami.
“Lenny Curry backs Baxter Troutman for Ag Commissioner” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — This endorsement indicates the value of relationships. Curry’s chief of staff Brian Hughes had been running the Troutman campaign before Hughes took a city job. Now running the operation is another Jacksonville op, Carlo Fassi. Curry, a statement from the Troutman campaign said, is “happy to endorse Baxter Troutman … a farmer and rancher, a businessman who has created thousands of jobs, and … a genuine conservative.” “Of all those seeking this job,” Curry emphasized, “Baxter is clearly the most qualified and ready to help keep Florida growing.”
“Wells Fargo stops banking with Nikki Fried over medical marijuana” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel — Wells Fargo forced Fried, a Democratic candidate for agriculture commissioner, to move her campaign account funds to a different bank because of her advocacy and interaction with the medical marijuana industry. Fried slammed the move, saying she will continue to support increased access to medical marijuana for patients in need. “They told me my account was being flagged because of my political platform,” Fried said during a news conference at the Capitol. “It is Wells Fargo’s policy not to knowingly bank or provide services to marijuana businesses or for activities related to those businesses, based on federal laws under which the sale and use of marijuana is illegal even if state laws differ,” Wells Fargo spokesman Michael Gray wrote in an emailed statement. “We continually review our banking relationships to ensure we adhere to strict regulatory and risk guidelines.”
Tweet, tweet:
Barring anything else, Fried can thank Wells Fargo for significantly elevating her name-ID and campaign.
Usually, the only time we read about a Democrat running for Ag Commish is the day-after-election story that says who lost. https://t.co/3Ivj0TvM9h— Scott Maxwell (@Scott_Maxwell) August 20, 2018
Florida Police Chiefs endorse Jimmy Patronis — The Florida Police Chiefs Association is endorsing incumbent Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Patronis in his bid for another term. “Jimmy Patronis is the CFO we need to protect Floridians from fraudulent criminal acts,” said Amy Mercer, executive director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, in a YouTube video endorsement. “Throughout his years serving our state, Jimmy Patronis has shown he’s ready to assist Florida police chiefs and answer calls for help. He understands the importance of the CFO’s relationship with local law enforcement and will ensure we are doing everything possible to protect our citizens from scams, identity theft, and other fraudulent acts.”
To view the video endorsement, click on the image below:
— TEXT MESSAGE OF THE DAY —
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
“Pam Bondi says certain constitutional amendments can be ‘bundled’ ” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — There’s no such thing as improper ‘bundling’ of issues when it comes to amendments proposed by the state’s Constitution Revision Commission, Attorney General Bondi argued in a new filing on Monday. Bondi responded to a challenge filed last week at the Florida Supreme Court by one of its retired justices, Harry Lee Anstead. He said six CRC amendments were wrongly “logrolled;” that is, they could force people to vote for an amendment because they’re in favor of one policy in it, but not others … No, Bondi countered, saying that a “filtering” process protects the CRC’s work product from logrolling challenges.
Assignment editors — The group Save My Constitution will announce the launch of its efforts to oppose the constitutional amendments proposed by the Constitution Revision Committee. Members of the coalition include former Lt. Govs. Jennifer Carroll and Jeff Kottkamp, former Congressional members Sandy Adams and Connie Mack and former House Speaker Pro Tempore Lindsay Harrington. News conference begins 11:15 a.m., the Florida Capitol Rotunda, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee.
Alvin Brown for Congress launches new ad — Brown’s campaign released “Helping Hand,” a digital ad that highlights the former Jacksonville Mayor’s personal story, his understanding of the challenges facing Florida families and a strong commitment to quality public education. The ad, which will be seen throughout Florida’s 5th Congressional District, will focus on Brown’s passion, which stems from his own experience being raised by a single mom, attending public schools and having mentors who made a difference.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
Happening today — U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, running for re-election in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, will speak to the Winter Haven Democratic Club, 7 p.m., Rotary Park, 350 Sixth St. N.E., Winter Haven.
Vern Buchanan blasts ‘sneaky David Shapiro’ million-dollar dark money group — Buchanan is calling out Democrat Shapiro’s dark money group, which spent nearly $1 million and negative advertising in the last three months, an “unprecedented amount never before experienced in Southwest Florida.” Negative ads range from television commercials to airplane banners and billboards. News outlets have described them as “dubious” and “stunning in its deception.” The Buchanan campaign released a digital video exposing the group’s “gross expenditures.” “Sneaky Shapiro will be held accountable for his dark money group’s dishonest attacks,” said Max Goodman, Buchanan’s campaign manager. “It’s just the latest example of why we can’t trust Shapiro, who says one thing publicly yet does another privately. Just like his investments in Halliburton Corp. and nine of the world’s worst polluters of greenhouse gas emissions.”
To view the digital ad, click on the image below:
“Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez makes an endorsement in South Florida” via the Sunshine State News — Educator Michael Hepburn is running in next week’s Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. On Monday, he showcased his endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez. “I’m not an aspiring career politician or a person with a million-dollar net worth but as we continue to visit thousands of voters doors every day — I’m making it very clear that we matter too,” said Hepburn. Hepburn and Ocasio-Cortez are part of Brand New Congress, a group backing leftist candidates for federal office. “Now it’s South Florida turn to make some history this upcoming August, but we have to keep sight of the bigger picture. My Brand New Congress running mates and I — made a promise to our communities to fight for affordable housing, education, and economic justice. To stand for Medicare for All, a federal jobs guarantee, and abolishing ICE,” Hepburn insisted in June after Ocasio-Cortez won.
“Olysha Magruder A-OK with ‘dark money’ support in SD 8 Democratic primary” via Florida Politics — An Ocala nonprofit organization has made up to $100,000 in illegal expenditures advocating for Magruder in the Democratic primary, but the candidate has brushed off concerns about the spending by saying it’s “traditional campaign activity” and accusing supporters of her opponent of “slandering” her character. The Liberation Ocala African American Council has spent $25,000 on TV ad buys advocating for Magruder in the closing days of the primary contest between her and fellow Democrat Kayser Enneking and has sent out at least five rounds of direct mail ads to district voters. The head of that corporation, Whitfield Jenkins said that its past mail campaigns have cost “around $13,000 each.” In total, that spending would amount to three or four times the amount of money spent by Magruder since she entered the SD 8 race more than a year ago. The problem? Liberation Ocala African American Council is not registered as a political committee or an electioneering communications organization, and the Florida Division of Elections has said the spending violates elections law.
FMA endorses Mark Vann in HD 10 — The Florida Medical Association PAC (FMA PAC) is endorsing Republican Vann in the House District 10 race. “Marc Vann is a proven community leader, and hardworking businessman and the FMA PAC is honored to endorse him in House District 10,” said FMA PAC President Dr. Mike Patete. “We look forward to working with him on health care issues important to our state and his constituents.” HD 10 includes parts of Alachua, Baker, Columbia, Hamilton, and Suwannee counties. Republican state Rep. Elizabeth Porter of Lake City is vacating the seat.
“George Soros weighs in on HD 30 Democratic primary” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — A political action committee fully funded by New York billionaire and progressive financier Soros is pushing Brendan Ramirez in the House District 30 Democratic primary. United for Progress Political Action Committee dropped at least two mailers late last week touting Ramirez as “Progressive Leader. Health Care Champion.” Ramirez, who runs an Orlando-based mental health care facility, was a filing-deadline week entry into the HD 30 race in late June. He faces Clark Anderson of Casselberry and Maitland City Councilwoman Joy Goff-Marcil in the primary. The winner will take on Republican state Rep. Bob Cortes in November.
Bob Buckhorn endorses Mike Alvarez for HD 62 — “There is only one candidate in this race that speaks to the heart and soul of this district, and that is Mike Alvarez,” said Tampa Mayor Buckhorn in a statement. “He knows the community, has served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and is prepared to be our Representative in Tallahassee.” Alvarez faces Hillsborough County School Board member Susan Valdes in the heavily Democratic and Hispanic district that includes West Tampa in Town ‘N Country. Activist Chris Cano is also in the race. Says there’s no Republican in the race, the winner of the Aug. 28 primary will go to Tallahassee.
“Janet Cruz rescinds endorsement of Susan Valdes in HD 62 primary” via Florida Politics — Hillsborough School Board member Valdes is running in the primary to decide who will succeed Cruz, the outgoing House Democratic Leader, in House District 62. “At a time when we’re learning Hillsborough schools have (broken) ACs, leaky roofs and lead in their pipes, I must put the needs of our students, parents and teachers first. I stand with candidates who, like me, put our public schools first over for-profit education corps,” Cruz wrote on Twitter. “While Susan Valdes has been a friend for 20 years, I can’t stand by her decision to accept support from the voucher industry,” she concluded. The statement comes shortly after a pro-Valdes mailer paid for by a charter-backed electioneering communications organization (ECO), called the Florida Federation for Children, started hitting HD 62 mailboxes.
—“Joe Henderson: Susan Valdes forced to play defense again” via Florida Politics
“After divorce, House candidate Terry Power is deadbeat to ex-wife, lawyer suggests” via Florida Politics — The lawyer for the ex-wife of House District 64 candidate Power disputes Power’s previous claim that he doesn’t owe his ex-wife any alimony, according to a letter obtained by Florida Politics. Rather, lawyer Andrew D. Reder told Power — an Oldsmar retirement plan consultant — that ex-wife Murielle Fournier is, in fact, legally entitled to “$87,904 plus statutory interest,” noting she “is simply seeking to collect the past due amount you are court-ordered to pay.” What’s more, Reder said in the letter that “in light of the approximate $74,000 you have recently donated and loaned to your political campaign for the Florida House of Representatives, your braggadocios claims of being a ‘successful business owner,’ and your pledge to donate 100 percent of your salary if elected, your ability to pay Ms. Fournier is clear and evident.” Power has tweeted about “Florida’s outdated alimony laws,” saying he “can’t ever marry my fiancee of eight years … My alimony obligation would increase by $3,000 a month if I did!”
Happening today — A reception for Republican James Buchanan, who is running in Sarasota County’s House District 74, 5:30 p.m., Fins at Sharky’s, 1600 Harbor Dr. South, Venice. HD 74 opened when state Rep. Julio Gonzalez vacated the seat for a run for Congress.
“Zombie campaigns still spending as FEC says no crackdown until 2019” via Christopher O’Donnell and Connie Humburg of the Tampa Bay Times — Four months ago, the federal agency that oversees elections announced that it would finally begin cracking down on former lawmakers who hoard and spend leftover campaign donations long after they leave office. That didn’t seem to make a difference to some former congressmen. Former Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns, a Republican who lost his seat in 2012, dipped into campaign donations to pay for internet service and continued paying a $1,000 monthly salary to his wife in the weeks following the announcement. The Federal Election Commission acknowledged last week that it actually wouldn’t begin scrutinizing the spending of former office holders until 2019. FEC spokeswoman Judith Ingram said that was always the timetable agreed by commissioners in a closed-room session in April, but that the agency had accidentally announced the wrong start date.
Jack Latvala’s ‘zombie’ political committee keeps on spending — Even though he quit the Legislature last year and ended his run for governor after allegations of sexual misconduct, the Clearwater Republican’s fundraising panel keeps doling out the dough. Take August, for instance. Records show the Florida Leadership Committee gave $6,000 to Solaris Consulting, owned by lobbyist David Bishop, also former comm’s director for then-Senate President Mike Haridopolos. It cut a $1,000 check to candidate Todd Marks in a Hillsborough race, and spent $12,000 on “polling.” But it also logged a refund of $715 from Tallahassee-area Circuit Judge Bobby Long, appointed by Gov. Scott in 2016 and now running for his first election.
“Feds probing charges of sex abuse at Florida prison” via The Associated Press — Federal investigators are looking into allegations of rape, assault, and the smuggling of drugs into a central Florida prison for women … about 100 former inmates and relatives of inmates at the Lowell Correctional Institution near Ocala, Florida, attended a town hall meeting on Sunday to talk with the investigators from the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. Department of Justice opened a federal civil rights investigation into sexual abuse of inmates in July. The federal investigators are examining whether the Florida Department of Corrections ignored complaints of misconduct.
“Loan for Amendment 1 passage sparks suit” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Two environmental groups may soon duel in court over an alleged unpaid debt from an effort to get a state constitutional amendment on the environment before voters in 2014. The Florida Wildlife Federation last week sued Florida Conservation Voters (FCV) over what it says is an outstanding amount of $72,500 from a loan the federation made to FCV, then called Florida’s Water and Land Legacy. The suit was filed in Leon County Circuit Civil court … What became known as the Water and Land Legacy Amendment, or Amendment 1, mandated state spending for land and water conservation. It got ballot placement in 2014, receiving a landslide of nearly 75 percent, or more than 4.2 million “yes” votes.
“State adds three Zika cases” via the News Service of Florida — Florida has 62 reported cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus this year, though it does not have any areas of active transmission, according to numbers posted online by the Florida Department of Health. The 62 total is as of Aug. 13 and represents an increase of three cases since the department posted July numbers. The 62 cases are all classified as “travel-related” — generally meaning people were infected elsewhere and brought the virus into the state. Collier County has had 22 reported cases this year, the most in Florida, followed by Miami-Dade County with 16 and Orange County with nine, according to the department website.
Speakers announced for upcoming recycling workshop — The Florida Recycling Partnership announced the speakers for the Recycling Workshop at Bealls corporate headquarters in Bradenton on Aug. 24. They include retail recycling experts Kim Brunson, Recycling and Solid Waste Program Manager for Publix Super Markets; Karl Berven, Director of Corporate Services for Bealls and Kevin Smith, Recycling Manager for Rooms-To-Go. Moderating the panel is Steve Lezman, Senior Director of Government Affairs for PepsiCo. Also, Scott Shalley, President & CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, and Michael Hewett, Director of Environmental and Sustainable Programs for Publix Super Markets, will talk about local government pre-emption and how it affects businesses. The registration fee is $75 and includes workshop sessions, buffet lunch and refreshments. To register, click here. For more information, email Keyna Cory at [email protected].
“In first eight months of year, manatee death toll surpasses 2017” via Tamara Lush of The Associated Press — A total of 540 manatees have died through Aug. 12, compared to 538 in 2017. Experts blame a cold snap at the beginning of the year and the toxic red tide algae in the Gulf of Mexico for the fatalities. “We expect the red tide-related manatee death toll to rise,” said Jeff Ruch, executive director for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a D.C.-based nonprofit. “We suspect there are a number of carcasses that have not been reported yet.” Statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say that red tide is to blame for at least 97 manatee deaths.
“Disney may not be magical for autistic guests” via Law360 — The 11th Circuit revived 30 consolidated lawsuits alleging Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Inc. fails to properly accommodate guests with autism by making them wait for rides, ruling that a bench trial should decide whether those visitors have access to the same experience as non-autistic patrons. A three-judge panel found that, although Disney’s Disability Access Service program offers significant benefits — such as not having to wait in line physically — the plaintiffs provided evidence that indicates autistic guests still suffer from “virtual” waiting.
“Regulators sign off on Tampa Electric savings” via the News Service of Florida — The Florida Public Service Commission approved Tampa Electric’s proposal to reduce rates the equivalent of $6.50 a month for residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, once “true-up” costs for past storm work are settled. The settlement of the costs may not occur until after the start of 2019. For a residential customer who uses the industry benchmark 1,000 kilowatts per month, the change would put monthly bills at $101.35.
“Seminoles urge 11th Circuit to revive suit over utility tax” via Law360 — The Seminole Tribe of Florida pressed the Eleventh Circuit to revive its suit over a state tax on electricity the tribe uses for federally regulated activities, saying it deserves a ruling on precisely what tribal activities are and aren’t covered by the tax. The Seminole government is seeking to overturn a Florida district judge’s ruling that the tribe is barred from asking for a determination of whether federal law pre-empts the application of the utility tax to electricity that is used to conduct specific activities.
“DEP sues Canopy, seeks fines up to $10,000 a day” via Jeff Burlew and TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection filed a lawsuit Friday in Leon Circuit Court against Sandco, Inc., the Ghazvini family company doing site work for Canopy, the massive mixed-use development on the northeast side of town. DEP alleged in the lawsuit that Sandco failed to install and maintain appropriate erosion and sediment controls and didn’t include all of the required items in its stormwater pollution prevention plan. In all, DEP alleged 11 violations. The department is seeking fines of up to $10,000 a day per violation, according to its complaint. Just last week, the Northwest Florida Water Management District called for a halt to new development within Canopy until the project gets in compliance with state permits. The district found, among other things, that Canopy didn’t have an environmental resource permit required to prevent off-site impacts like flooding.
— FACE OF A MOVEMENT —
David Hogg, one of a handful of students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to rise to prominence after the Feb. 14 shooting, is the subject of New York Magazine’s latest cover story.
Penned by writer Lisa Miller, the profile tracks Hogg’s trajectory from the obscure to the limelight in just a few weeks, beginning with his media appearances the night of the shooting to his current countrywide tour alongside March For Our Lives, an anti-gun violence movement that coagulated shortly after the Parkland massacre.
A resident of Broward County, Hogg tells Miller he intends to run for Congress when he’s 25 — about seven years from now. It’s unknown whether he’s setting his sights on a Florida district.
Person of interest: Hogg tells Miller he’s been bullied before and views the barrage of threats he’s received from gun zealots as a continuation of remarks from bullies in school. “If somebody is stupid enough to try anything on us, that will make the movement even stronger.”
Broadening horizons: At the personal level, he’s expanded beyond single-issue advocacy. “Hogg has developed political opinions on just about everything.” He thinks Alexandria Ocasio–Cortez is “a future president of the United States.”
Powered by angst: Miller dedicates a bit of prose to analyzing how Hogg became one of, if not the most recognizable student from Parkland. He swears like a sailor, but it’s perceived as authentic. He’s got policy ideas — such as age limits on members of Congress — that appear to be fueled by a ‘youth-in-revolt mentality.’ Still, “A lot of what has catapulted Hogg to this elevated and precarious place is his wonkishness: his dexterity on social media and cable news, his appetite for the nitty-gritty of policy disputes(.)”
— OPINIONS —
“Gabriel Pogrund: It’s a good bet dog racing may end” via The Washington Post — The greyhound race has followed the same pattern for almost a century. With a metallic screech the lure sets off, and eight dogs burst onto the track in chase. A half-minute later, the explosion of speed leaves a trail of sand, cigarette butts and torn betting slips in its wake, to be repeated across a hot afternoon. But soon, it may be extinct. Florida, which hosts a dozen of the nation’s 17 surviving tracks, is set to vote in November whether to ban greyhound racing. Those in favor of a ban see racing as animal cruelty akin to cockfighting, contending that dogs are caged for most of the day and risk life-threatening injuries for the sake of gambling. To the men and women who line the grandstand daily — many of them white, and blue collar — it is one more plot by elites from the coasts to curb their way of life.
— AP PRESEASON COLLEGE RANKINGS —
Alabama, fresh off its fifth national championship since 2009 under Nick Saban and second title of the College Football Playoff era, is once again the preseason No. 1 team heading into the year. On Monday, the first AP Top 25 was released, and for the third-straight year, that poll will lead with the Tide at the top. Clemson checked in at No. 2 and received 18 of the remaining 19 first-place votes. Wisconsin, at No. 4, also received a first-place vote. Georgia splits those two at No. 3 after finishing as the national runner-up a season ago, and Ohio State rounds out the top five.
— ALOE —
“What’s new and what’s not at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” via Sharon Kennedy Wynne of the Tampa Bay Times — For the first time in years, Disney has added some new elements to its popular Halloween party. New this year are live pirates popping up in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, not just the animatronic ones. There are some swirly, even psychedelic-looking lights and smoke added to the teacup ride. And Space Mountain goes from pretty dark to totally pitch black. Here are the returning things that have made this such a popular night at the Magic Kingdom: There are treat stations all over the park so you can load up on free candy. A stage show hosted by the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus in front of Cinderella’s Castle features Disney villains like Oogie Boogie and Maleficent. The parade is one of Disney’s best. The Headless Horseman makes a grand entrance, the music is a great tuba-thumping soundtrack that sets an eerie tone, and the elaborate floats celebrate the best villains. The march of the gravediggers is my favorite part, with sparks flying from their scraping shovels.
Happy birthday belatedly to U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Celebrating today are Caitlin Fishman and Ryan Patmintra, the communications director for Rick Scott’s U.S. Senate trip.
