Last Call for 8.28.18 — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics

Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

Secretary of State Ken Detzner said Tuesday that all polls were open across the state, with voters casting ballots in 5,881 precincts.

He also confirmed that “voters (still) in line at 7 p.m. will be able to cast a ballot.”

“I encourage all Florida voters who did not take advantage of early voting or vote-by-mail to find your precinct and exercise your right to vote,” he said in a statement.

In other updates from his office:

— The Division of Elections was in touch with the U.S. Postal Service “to ensure all vote-by-mail ballots that can be delivered are received by Supervisors of Elections offices by the close of the polls at 7 p.m. local time.”

— There were no reported cybersecurity issues in terms of hacks of voting systems or similar incidents.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern time, unofficial election results for Florida’s Primary Election will be available on the “Florida Election Watch” website at https://floridaelectionwatch.gov.

Although polls close at 7 p.m. local time, Florida has two time zones (Central and Eastern) and results will not be posted to the Florida Election Watch website until 8 p.m. Eastern.

Evening Reads

“Record early primary vote offers positive for Democrats that may not carry to November” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida

“After a hammering from Rick Scott, Bill Nelson going on TV with his first ad” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times

“Politicians have courted the support of Puerto Ricans. Here’s why many won’t vote Tuesday.” via Caitlin Ostroff of the Miami Herald

“Ron DeSantis on his QAnon conspiracy supporters: ‘I’m not sure what that is’” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times

“Adam Putnam has ‘no regrets’ and is convinced he’ll win” via Tony Marrero of the Tampa Bay Times

“Andrew Gillum: ‘I voted for me’” via Elizabeth Koh of the Tampa Bay Times

“Puerto Rico’s governor gives Gwen Graham Election Day endorsement in Florida” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida

“Request denied: Florida Supreme Court won’t hear challenge of six proposed amendments” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times

“Alan Grayson’s last stand” via Mark Pinsky of POLITICO Magazine

“Carlos Curbelo’s election dilemma: Walking the line between love and hate for Donald Trump” via Andrew Desiderio of The Daily Beast

“Voter turnout rises in Broward, Miami-Dade, despite rain” via the Sun-Sentinel

“She woke from a coma. Voting today is her final step in regaining a normal life” via Paul Guzzo of the Tampa Bay Times

“Land O’ Lakes voter bids farewell to Florida elections” via C.T. Bowen of the Tampa Bay Times

“Top Republican while trying to vote: ‘That’s my signature!’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics

“Hurricane Irma cost Florida fishing industries almost $200 million” via Nancy Klingener of WUSF

“Morgan & Morgan to file first lawsuit after Jacksonville mass shooting” via Joe Pedersen of the Orlando Sentinel

“EA cancels remaining Madden qualifiers following mass shooting in Jacksonville” via Luke Strangel of the Tampa Bay Business Journal

Quote of the Day

“They literally said, ‘I don’t know about this one.’ They actually had another lady come over to look. And they were like, ‘Well, can you do it again?’ I said, ‘No! That’s my signature!’” — Orange County Republican Party Chair Charles Hart on his trouble trying to authenticate his identity at his polling place.

Bill Day’s Latest

Breakthrough Insights  

Wake Up Early?

The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases, including whether a proposed ban on live greyhound racing should go on the November ballot. That’s at 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.

A “Governor’s Veterans Service Award” ceremony is scheduled in Marion County. That’s at 9 a.m., National Guard Armory, 900 S.W. 20th St., Ocala.

The Florida Development Finance Corp. Board of Directors will take up issues related to the Brightline passenger-rail system, which is planned to eventually link Miami and Orlando. That’s 9 a.m., Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, 9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd., Orlando. Call-in number: 1-646-741-5292. Code: 112 736 4193.

The Florida Department of Children and Families will hold a meeting in Palm Beach County about infant and early childhood mental health. That’s at 9 a.m., DCF West Palm Beach office, 111 South Sapodilla Ave., West Palm Beach.

The Florida Public Service Commission will take an initial step in considering a proposal that would allow electric utilities to recover more money from customers for economic-development efforts. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.

Space Florida’s Audit and Accountability Committee will hold a conference call at 11 a.m. Call-in number: 1-866-528-2256. Code; 4053892#.

Gov. Rick Scott will host a “Let’s Get to Work” rally. That’s at 2:45 p.m., Sorensen Moving & Storage, 950 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne.

Republican state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is slated to raise money during an event in Palm Beach County. That’s at 4 p.m., Bahama Paradise Cruise Line, 1 East 11th St., Riviera Beach.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner will hold one in a series of meetings to gather input on shore-based shark fishing. That’s at 6 p.m., Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan-American Dr., Miami.

The Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee hosts a VIP dinner as part of U.S. Open-related fundraising events this week in New York. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Quality Italian, 57 W. 57th St., New York, New York.