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.
Just as gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum was releasing (and un-releasing) receipts tied to travel that are part of a state ethics investigation, Florida Politics scooped Tuesday night about some transitions taking place within the Tallahassee mayor’s nascent general election campaign.
Campaign manager Brendan McPhillips, a Pennsylvania Democrat brought in last year to stabilize the Gillum campaign after an earlier staff shake-up, is out. Sources say his exit has been in the works for some time although the campaign had hoped that a new CM would be in place before word of his departure got out.
Other consultants have also quietly parted ways with the campaign, including Mark Putnam, considered by many to be the top Democratic TV ad maker in the country. The story goes that Putnam, in demand by so many other campaigns, did not give the Gillum campaign much attention when looked like he would not make it past the primary.
Highly regarded pollster John Anzalone, who had worked for Gwen Graham in the primary, is now crunching numbers for the Gillum campaign, a sure sign of how Gillum now gets the pick of the litter when it comes to Democratic staffers.
On the running-mate front, it remains remarkably quiet. Graham would appear to be the top choice for Gillum, but a variety of sources say she’s not going to do it. Yet, every time I tweet that Graham is out, advisers close to her message me to say that she’s not out out. On Twitter Tuesday, I made the case for Gillum picking his former rival, Chris King, although that choice does seem far-fetched because Gillum has said publicly he would like a LG who has some legislative experience. FP also hears that Philip Levine spent the weekend quietly encouraging his advocates to make the case to Gillum’s advisers that he would be an asset to the ticket.
As for Ron DeSantis’ pick, the two names POLITICO Florida’s Marc Caputo reports are at the top of the list are state Rep. Bob Cortes and Judge Laurel Lee. Either Caputo is very right or very wrong, because of the nine names previously reported to be on DeSantis’ shortlist, those two are at the bottom of the list according to our sources. We still think Rep. Jeanette Nunez is the top choice, followed by Sen. Debbie Mayfield or Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen.
At least we know the speculation has to come to a head soon because the LG picks must be announced by 5 p.m. Thursday. Until then, keep your eye on Twitter.
—
The 14th annual conference of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists is today through Friday, and this year’s get-together is notable for the planned attendance of two luminaries: lobby corps legends Paul Bradshaw and Mac Stipanovich.
Bradshaw, founder of Southern Strategy Group, will speak Thursday on “The Evolution of Florida Lobbying,” according to an online agenda. By most accounts, Bradshaw is the ‘intelligent designer’ of what is now lobbying in Tallahassee.
Later Thursday, Stipanovich — veteran Republican activist and chair of state government relations at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney — will speak on “Governing After a Transition — Insights into the Post-Election, Pre-Inauguration Process.”
Stipanovich gave a hint at his likely comments in a Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney email newsletter last month.
“The table is now set for what should be a barn burner of a Governor’s race in Florida,” he wrote. “Both parties nominated the most extreme candidate in their primary, a (Donald) Trump clone on the one hand and a Bernie Sanders progressive on the other hand, the former a man apparently bereft of original ideas about governing Florida and the latter a man whose originality may be his ruin.
“If DeSantis is elected Governor, there will, of course, be a new sheriff in town … But this change will be essentially cosmetic, a matter of personalities rather than policy, a continuation of twenty years of Republican hegemony in Tallahassee.
“In this context, one would expect … a DeSantis administration to be much the same as today in the Rick Scott administration, with some variations … although one result of the change might be to increase the power of the legislature as a consequence of DeSantis’ inexperience with the nuts and bolts of state issues and his focus on sexier issues with national implications.
“For example, during a recent meeting with business executives in Tampa, DeSantis said something to the effect that while he would work diligently as Governor to persuade CEOs of major companies to relocate their operations to Florida, he would look to the legislature for guidance on economic development incentives.
“Needless to say, those present, the direct and indirect beneficiaries of this particular form of government largesse, were unsettled by these comments, given the legislature’s antipathy to economic development incentives, particularly in the House.”
For his full column, including insights on Gillum, click here.
The festivities begin Wednesday afternoon with registration, election of new association officers, and a “Chairman’s Welcome Reception with House and Senate members and candidates,” hosted by Ron Book.
Also Thursday, Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch will sit on a panel titled, “Is Non-Traditional Media a Game Changer in Advocacy?”
The conference takes place at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Orlando. A schedule of events is here.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: The [Bob] Woodward book has already been refuted and discredited by General (Secretary of Defense) James Mattis and General (Chief of Staff) John Kelly. Their quotes were made up frauds, a con on the public. Likewise other stories and quotes. Woodward is a Dem operative? Notice timing?
—@AriFleischer: I’ve been on the receiving end of a Bob Woodward book. There were quotes in it I didn’t like. But never once — never — did I think Woodward made it up. Anonymous sources have looser lips and may take liberties. But Woodward always plays it straight. Someone told it to him.
—@ScottForFlorida: I am glad to see Judge [Brett] Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings start today. He has an exemplary record and will uphold our constitution on the Supreme Court. It’s too bad @SenBillNelson couldn’t do his job and meet with him before the hearing started.
—@Fred_Guttenberg: Just walked up to Judge Kavanaugh as morning session ended. Put out my hand to introduce myself as Jaime Guttenberg’s dad. He pulled his hand back, turned his back to me and walked away. I guess he did not want to deal with the reality of gun violence.
—@NatashaBertrand: Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter died in the Parkland shooting, tells @cnn that Kavanaugh not only wouldn’t shake his hand — he asked security to remove Guttenberg from the hearing, and identified him by the bracelets he wears to commemorate his daughter.
—@RonDeSantisFL: Water is our state’s most precious resource, and I am committed to keeping it clean. The days of talking about the problem are over — I’m ready to lead on day one to stop the discharges out of Lake Okeechobee and send clean water south.
—@Fineout: Generic news release template to be used for both the Dem and GOP candidates running for governor and U.S. Senate until November: Governor or U.S. Sen. or Democratic nominee or GOP nominee avoids answering questions on (Fill in the blank here)
—@PeterSchorschFL: There was an attempt to blue out some of the figures from these receipts, but it wasn’t a very good one: Look closely enough, and you can see all of the transactions @AndrewGillum made during the months in question.
—@PatriciaMazzei: We don’t know how much the shared Costa Rica villa cost and if the $400 Gillum withdrew in cash for the trip covered his share in full. (It was apparently a $1,400-a-night villa shared by several couples, though that was the listed price and we don’t know if they got a discount.)
—@AnaCeballos: @RonDeSantisFL with his own receipt story tonight. Through his PAC, DeSantis has raised a total of $165,000 since Election Night last week, according to numbers updated. By comparison, @AndrewGillum’s PAC has raised $2.3 million in same time frame.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Gubernatorial candidates must choose a running mate — 1; NFL regular season starts — 1; First general election mail ballots go out — 17; First day of fall — 17; Future of Florida Forum — 21; FSU vs. UM football game — 31; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 48; MLB World Series begins — 48; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 49; Halloween — 56; General Election Day — 62; 2019 Legislature Organization Session meetings — 76; Thanksgiving — 78; Black Friday — 79; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 83; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 160; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 182; 2020 General Election — 790.
— TOP STORY —
“Poll: Democrats regain clear advantage in midterms shaping up as referendum on Donald Trump” via Scott Clement and Dan Balz of The Washington Post — A new Washington Post-ABC News poll … points to broad unrest and frustration with the political system generally. More than 6 in 10 Americans say Trump and the Republican Party are out of touch with most people in the country. While Democrats fare better, a narrower 51 percent majority also judged them out of touch. Registered voters say they favor the Democratic candidate over the Republican candidate in their district by 52 percent to 38 percent. That is a marked increase from the four-point edge in an April Post-ABC poll but similar to the 12-point advantage Democrats enjoyed in January.
—“Election update: Democrats are in their best position yet to retake the House” via Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
Rick Scott rolls out Veterans for Scott coalition — Scott joined Florida veterans at events in Green Cove Springs and Cape Coral to announce the roll out of his Veterans Coalition, made up of more than 500 military members and veterans from across the state who recognize the Governor’s work over the past seven and a half years to make Florida the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation — and who want to see Governor Scott as the next U.S. Senator. Brigadier General Chip Diehl, United States Air Force, said: “As a Navy veteran himself, Governor Scott knows firsthand what is important to our military members and their families. Governor Scott takes the time to meet with every military installation Commander four times a year to hear their priorities and concerns. Every day over the past seven and a half years, Governor Scott has embraced our military, making Florida truly the most military-friendly state in the nation … I proudly join Governor Scott’s Veterans Coalition because we need him in the U.S. Senate to continue to fight for those who have selflessly fought for our country and our freedoms.”
“Brian Mast won’t endorse Scott for U.S. Senate unless he supports clean-water efforts” via Ali Schmitz of TCPalm — Mast declined to endorse Scott at his news conference in downtown Stuart when TCPalm specifically asked him about the governor. “I’m not going to support anybody who doesn’t support our water,” Mast said. Mast added he supports any candidate who “comes out and supports our water,” including Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio, who is not running for re-election this cycle. Some Republicans in Mast’s district have been less supportive of Scott’s Senate bid than Republicans in other parts of the state. Scott faced pushback from Martin County Republicans in last week’s primary, when 20 percent voted for his little-known opponent, perennial candidate and California businessman Rocky De La Fuente.
— GILLUM VS. DESANTIS —
“Poll: Ron DeSantis supported by men, Hispanics; Andrew Gillum by women, blacks” via Ana Ceballos of the Naples Daily News — The poll conducted days after last week’s primary election showed the race is a tossup between Gillum and DeSantis,
“Gillum releases records related to trips under ethics investigation, but questions remain” via Marc Caputo and Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – Gillum released receipts tied to trips that are part of a state ethics investigation, including a visit to New York City during which he was photographed with a person believed to be an undercover FBI agent. The campaign wanted the document dump to end questions about the trips, including who funded them. But the new spending records offer little in the way of concrete evidence regarding who paid for key elements of the travel.
DeSantis’ campaign pushes back, via spox Stephen Lawson: “It becomes clearer by the day why the FBI is interested in Andrew Gillum and his associates. These receipts do nothing to shed light on his luxury trips to Costa Rica and New York City with lobbyists and undercover FBI agents. In fact, they simply raise more questions about Gillum’s ongoing involvement. The people of Florida deserve answers, and Andrew Gillum keeps refusing to provide them.”
Tweet, tweet: @Fineout – Christopher Kise, an attorney representing Adam Corey, former friend of @AndrewGillum, is disputing the Gillum campaign assertions about the Costa Rica and NY trips. Says Corey to date has not received any cash for the Costa Rica accommodations that Gillum stayed at in 2016
“Gillum’s campaign releases its first general election TV ad” via Elizabeth Koh of the Tampa Bay Times — The 30-second spot, titled “American Way,” shows footage of Gillum voting for himself on primary day, waiting with his children for election results, then addressing supporters at his victory party in downtown Tallahassee after his win. “Today our campaign launched our first general election television and digital ad,” said campaign communications director Geoff Burgan in a statement. “‘American Way’ will introduce Floridians to Mayor Gillum and his family, and remind voters that the American Dream is still possible and it begins right here in Florida.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
“RGA’s Florida committee books $7M in general election airtime” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — The Republican Governors Association is setting up shop in Florida and will be booking general election TV time ahead of what will be one of the country’s most closely watched gubernatorial races. Starting next Wednesday, RGA-funded ads will start popping up in three media markets across the state, according to ad buy numbers. Florida Facts itself reserved the airtime, a committee established in mid-July, but has so far not been active. The first round of airtime reservations totals $7.4 million, including $3 million in the Orlando market. The committee will be on TV through Election Day. Florida Fact is chaired by RGA executive director Paul Bennecke and lists its only contribution so far as $2.4 million from the Washington-based group. That contribution was given on August 2, the same day the committee spent $2.3 million with California-based media firm Target Enterprises.
“’Disgusting:’ DeSantis wants GOP official to resign for Facebook post saying Gillum wants slavery paybacks” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — DeSantis called on an Orlando-area GOP official to resign her position after she posted what he called a “disgusting” racially charged Facebook meme falsely claiming that Gillum, the Democratic Party’s first African-American nominee for governor, wants blacks to be “paid back” because of slavery. Orange County Republican Committee Member Kathy Gibson wouldn’t comment on the post, which was removed from her Facebook page after an Orlando city councilwoman complained about it and said GOP officials should denounce Gibson and strip her of her post — a sentiment shared by DeSantis. “Gibson should resign, and so should anyone else that subscribes to this sort of disgusting thinking,” DeSantis said in a written statement. “This campaign is about issues and creating a better Florida for everyone. That’s what Floridians care about, and that’s what we’ll continue to focus on.”
“Gainesville Democrats hit DeSantis’ health care record” via Florida Politics — Alachua County Democratic Party Executive Committee Chair Cynthia Chestnut, Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, City Commissioner David Arreola, Florida’s 3rd Congressional District nominee Yvonne Hayes Hinson and Senate District 8 nominee Kayser Enneking all gave their own takes on what Florida Democrats say is DeSantis’ recording of “voting against Florida” in the U.S. House. “Ron DeSantis has spent the last six years in Congress attacking health care,” Chestnut said, citing DeSantis’ votes to “gut protections” for individuals with pre-existing conditions and his support for the House bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have stripped health insurance coverage from 67,200 people living in CD 3 according to the Congressional Budget Office. “When you need health care in America, you get it by law,” said Enneking, a physician. “But this health care is often too late. ‘Trump Care,’ which is what they support, would deny coverage for pre-existing conditions.”
“Running-mate picks could have little effect in November” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the News Service of Florida — Based on recent political history, you can expect the candidates to bring some demographic and geographic diversity to the general-election tickets with their selections for lieutenant governor. But while rumors and speculation swirl about who might be tapped by DeSantis and Gillum, history has also shown the lieutenant governor candidates are not likely to have much impact on the outcome of what will be one of the highest-profile elections in the nation this fall. The primary duty of the Florida lieutenant governor, a post that was re-established in 1968, is to succeed the governor if he or she is incapacitated or dies. Another consideration in the process is the long-held mantra from political consultants that the selection of a lieutenant governor should “first do no harm.” That means the potential running mates must be well-vetted to avoid controversies that could damage the general-election ticket. Missteps by a lieutenant governor have not seriously damaged a gubernatorial candidate in recent elections. But governors and candidates have parted ways with their running mates.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 1 —
“Campaign matching funds expected to keep climbing” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — Florida’s controversial public matching-funds program for statewide candidates remains on a pace to surpass a high of $6.1 million that was handed out in the 2010 elections. Heading into the November general election, the remaining participants in the program include both major-party gubernatorial candidates, Republican DeSantis and Democrat Gillum, who have combined to pick up $1.47 million in matching funds. Also, the two major-party candidates for attorney general, Republican Ashley Moody and Democrat Sean Shaw, have received a combined total of $567,302 from the program. Also, Republican Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who didn’t have a primary challenger, has already drawn $304,755 from the program as he prepares for a Nov. 6 challenge from Democrat Jeremy Ring.
“Justices to decide counties’ ballot fight without hearing” via the News Service of Florida — The Florida Supreme Court declined to hold oral arguments in a challenge to a proposed constitutional amendment that has drawn attention from county governments. Justices agreed last month to decide the case but will do so without oral arguments. The court turned down a request from Broward and Miami-Dade counties for such arguments. The case stems from a proposed constitutional amendment that the state Constitution Revision Commission placed on the Nov. 6 ballot. The measure, known as Amendment 10, would make the five local constitutional offices — sheriff, tax collector, supervisor of elections, clerk of the court and property appraiser — mandatory and require elections for the offices in all 67 counties. It would also prohibit charter counties from abolishing or modifying those offices.
Save the date:
“‘Goodbye, Congressman’” Democrats’ ads hammer Carlos Curbelo on health care” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — A new series of ads from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee knock U.S. Rep. Curbelo on his vote last year to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The 30-second ads depict two fictional letters addressed to Curbelo. The first spot, titled “Open Letter,” imagines a health care executive thanking Curbelo for increasing his company’s profits at the expense of voters’ health care needs. “Dear Congressman Curbelo, I’m following up on behalf of the insurance industry and our almost $75,000 in contributions,” says the fictional health care executive portrayed in the ad.
To watch the ad, click on the image below:
“Ben Albritton sends backup to embattled GOP state Senators” via Florida Politics — Albritton’s committee, Advancing Florida Agriculture, has raised nearly $400,000 since he filed for Senate District 26, a Republican stronghold … With extra cash in the bank, Advancing Florida Agriculture sent $11,000 to SD 8 Sen. Keith Perry, who faces well-funded Democratic challenger Kayser Enneking in November; $11,000 to former Republican Rep. Ed Hooper, who is even with former Democratic Rep. Amanda Murphy in the polls despite his massive fundraising advantage in SD 16; $11,000 to Republican Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., who faces Democratic nominee David Perez in his bid to succeed term-limited Sen. Rene Garcia in South Florida’s SD 36; and $6,000 to SD 18 Sen. Dana Young, who is polling behind House Minority Leader Janet Cruz despite her threefold cash advantage.
“Bob Buckhorn endorses Janet Cruz for state Senate” via Florida Politics — Cruz added an endorsement from Tampa Mayor Buckhorn for her campaign to oust incumbent Republican Sen. Dana Young in northwestern Hillsborough’s Senate District 18. He “Janet is a proven leader, a fighter for working families, and a tireless advocate for public education,” Buckhorn said. “As a member of the Florida House, Rep. Cruz brought back $14 million to Hillsborough Community College, spearheaded Equal Pay for Equal Work legislation, and sponsored legislation that raised police and fire survivor benefits within the City of Tampa to 100 percent.”
Happening tomorrow:
Planned Parenthood endorses Lindsay Cross for SD 24 — The Planned Parenthood Florida PAC (FLPPPAC) recognized Cross’s candidacy for the Senate District 24 seat based on her continued support of affordable and accessible women’s health care, reproductive freedom and women’s rights. “We couldn’t agree more,” said Lillian Tamayo, an FLPPPAC board member. “Having Lindsay in Tallahassee advocating for access to health care, for quality schools and protecting our land and water is exactly what Florida needs.” Cross is the executive director of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and a recognized advocate for the environment.
“David Perez adds $65K days after winning SD 36 Democratic primary” via Florida Politics — Floridians for Change, chaired by attorney Mark Herron, reeled in $65,000 between Aug. 25 and Aug. 31, bringing its overall fundraising to $231,500 since it started accepting contributions in late June. The haul came in across a half-dozen checks, with the International Association of Firefighters throwing in $25,000 to support Perez, a former firefighter and paramedic. A political committee tied to Fort Lauderdale Democratic Sen. Gary Farmer showed up at the same level, while committees linked to the United Teachers of Dade and Miami-Dade’s SEIU Local 1991 showed up with $5,000 contributions. The Latino Victory Project and Miami Airport Center Self-Storage rounded out the set by giving $2,500 each.
“Anna Eskamani clears $350K in her fundraising for HD 47” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising — The amount, according to her campaign, is an extraordinary total for a first-time candidate to a Florida House seat. It speaks to both her campaign’s fundraising prowess and to the unusual phenomenon of her campaign, which has drawn national attention as a 28-year-old progressive, landing Eskamani on the covers of national magazines for her run for a relatively obscure political position. Yet, it does not necessarily reflect her chances of victory in a purple district in which she’s facing an experienced political hand in Republican nominee Stockton Reeves VI, who last week dispatched his Republican primary rival Mikaela Nix in tough and highly-contentious battle.
“Analysis: ‘Blue wave’ could sweep up HD 89, boost Jim Bonfiglio” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Now that the general election matchups are set in stone, Democrats have their eyes on several GOP U.S. House seats come November. But some state races are showing signs they could flip as well, including House District 89 in Palm Beach County. The contest is open as current state Rep. Bill Hager is term-limited. Last month, Bonfiglio earned the Democratic nomination, while Caruso won the GOP nod. Caruso embraced Trump “bigly” in his primary race against Matt Spritz. The two traded barbs throughout the contest over who was the bigger Trump supporter. With Caruso the last (Republican) man standing, will his support of Trump help him turn out voters on Nov. 6? Or will it be a classic example of pushing to win the primary at the expense of the general election?
“Koch network to campaign against proposed Hillsborough transportation tax” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — Americans for Prosperity, the anti-tax, small government group, which for years was bankrolled by oil billionaires Charles and David Koch, will campaign against the one percent sales tax plan put on the Nov. 6 general election ballot by citizen’s group All for Transportation. If approved by voters, the 30-year tax would start in January and raise about $280 million per year. “After repeated failures, tax and spend advocates are once again asking for a tax hike to pay for transportation projects,” Chris Hudson, AFP’s Florida director, said in a statement. “With very few details on how the money will be spent, taxpayers are essentially being asked to hand over a $280 million blank check.”
— TALKING SHOP —
No, it’s not a dream: Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times and I appeared next to each other for a Sunday morning TV hit with WFLA’s Evan Donovan.
Concerning the gubernatorial race, Smith and I provide takeaways from last week’s primary election, the ensuing snafu from DeSantis’ unscripted remarks on Fox News and what to expect from both candidates as they head toward November.
It’s worth a peek. In the meantime, here are some highlights.
FBI: “Whether it’s fair or not, the Republicans are going to bludgeon him with that,” Smith says of the ongoing investigation into the capital city, over which Gillum presides.
‘Monkey’ comment: Ron DeSantis’ use of the phrase ‘monkey this up’ didn’t happen by accident, Smith says. I explain that DeSantis’ campaign needs to “lock him in a room for 20-30 minutes and give him a list of words he’s never allowed to say.”
LG picks: Smith and I agree that the lieutenant governor pick doesn’t matter. Smith says a Hispanic candidate could help DeSantis message his hard-line immigration views. But, it’s ultimately a tossup for each candidate.
To view the appearance, click on the image below:
— STATEWIDE —“Florida consumer confidence dips, but remains strong overall” via Sara DiNatale of the Tampa Bay Times — According to an analysis by the University of Florida … Consumer confidence dropped 2.3 points in August to 98.3. But figures for July were revised higher, showing Florida consumer sentiment at 100.6, topping 100 points for the third time this year — which hasn’t happened since 2000. UF’s consumer study reflects the responses of 393 people over August. The index used by UF researchers is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The index can range from 2 to 150 points. The analysis shows Floridians’ perception of their personal finances between now and last year declined nearly six points, but at the same time, there was a four-point jump in consumers who said now was a good time to buy a major household appliance at 109.4 points. Florida’s economy has been expanding while the labor market is tightening. Figures for July show 210,600 jobs were added statewide year over year, an increase of 2.5 percent.
“Judge to weigh Spanish-language ballot dispute” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — A federal judge will hear arguments in a lawsuit seeking to require 32 Florida counties to provide Spanish-language ballots and other materials to Puerto Ricans who are eligible to vote in the state. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker will consider a request from plaintiffs for a preliminary injunction that would require Spanish-language ballots and assistance for what are believed to be more than 30,000 Puerto Ricans. “The counties at issue in this case are home to a class of thousands of Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans — including those who recently arrived after Hurricane Maria — who are eligible to vote but are unable to vote effectively in English,” the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction said. “But despite repeated requests to many of the counties to provide Spanish-language election materials and assistance to protect the rights of these Floridians, the counties continue to conduct English-only elections that effectively deprive those citizens of their right to vote.”
“State, Joe Redner battle over legal cost in pot case” via the News Service of Florida — The Florida Department of Health is appealing a ruling that would require it to pay more than $30,000 in legal costs in a fight about whether Tampa businessman Redner should be able to grow his own medical marijuana. Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers last week said the state should pay $30,299 requested by Redner’s attorneys for costs related to such things as expert witnesses … The Department of Health quickly filed a notice that it was appealing Gievers’ decision to the 1st District Court of Appeal. The state has argued, in part, that it should not be required to pay costs while an appeal remains pending in the underlying legal fight about growing medical marijuana. Gievers this spring sided in the underlying case with Redner, who contends he should be able to grow his own medical marijuana to try to prevent a recurrence of lung cancer.
“Whoa, dog: State says greyhound kennel tours aren’t allowed” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Gambling regulators warned racing greyhound owners and others that public tours of kennels at Florida greyhound tracks may violate state regulations. A representative of the industry soon shot back that the prohibition was “outrageous!” … Last month, the National Greyhound Association said it would offer tours of “three Florida greyhound tracks and their on-site kennels.” The Florida Supreme Court will soon issue a ruling on whether general election voters will get to see a constitutional amendment aimed at ending live greyhound racing … A spokeswoman for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which regulates dog racing and other gambling in the state, told Florida Politics it “has not taken a position related to tours of racetrack facilities.” But, added Suellen Wilkins, “certain areas of pari-mutuel facilities are restricted access,” specifically “the backside where racing animals are kept.”
“Hold your horses: Judge tosses slots complaint against Calder” via Florida Politics — A Tallahassee judge has thrown out a case against the pari-mutuel formerly known as Calder Race Course, allowing it to keep its lucrative slot-machine license. The 35-page final order by Administrative Law Judge Lawrence P. Stevenson dismissed the challenge by the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA). The thoroughbred breeders and trainers had accused gambling regulators of erring when they allowed what’s now known as Calder Casino to keep its slots even after demolishing the horse-racing grandstand beginning in 2015. The challenge highlighted the growing tension between the greyhound and horse industries and racetrack operators, who have sought to do away with live racing while keeping more-profitable gambling activities such as slots and poker.
Happening today: “Judge Martin Colin had a hand in his wife’s guardianship cases, state says” via The Palm Beach Post — The state is asking an administrative law judge to impose sanctions on (Elizabeth “Betsy”) Savitt. Those penalties could include suspending or revoking her guardianship registration and ordering her to pay restitution. The complaint notes Savitt has earned $190,000 in fees in at least 13 cases in Palm Beach County. Guardians cannot practice in Palm Beach County without being registered with the state, according to an order issued by the chief judge in the wake of a 2016 Palm Beach Post investigation involving Colin and Savitt, Guardianships: A Broken Trust. A three-day hearing is scheduled (to start) Wednesday in West Palm Beach. The action against Savitt is the first of its kind against any guardian by the guardianship office, which was bestowed new regulatory powers by the Florida Legislature in 2016 after an avalanche of complaints about predatory guardians statewide.
FSU Alpha Epsilon Pi frat member was hurt in ‘scumbag of the week’ game” via Karl Etters of the Tallahassee Democrat — It was a long-standing fraternity tradition that included a gameshow-style wheel to determine what punishment would be doled out. It ended with the victim being rushed to the hospital and Oliver Walker, 20, facing charges of culpable negligence inflicting injury and battery. A Leon County judge signed a warrant for Walker’s arrest on Thursday. Fraternity members told Tallahassee Police investigators they were “shocked” with the force Walker used to slap the victim, sending him to the floor where he hit his head and was knocked unconscious. Walker has not yet been arrested.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Brett Kavanaugh refused to shake of Parkland dad’s hand at hearing today” via Tim Elfrink of the Miami New Times — Fred Guttenberg made his way to D.C. for Senate confirmation hearings on Kavanaugh so he could ask where he stands on anti-gun-violence measures. But Guttenberg says that when he introduced himself as the father of a Parkland victim and tried to shake Kavanaugh’s hand during a break in the hearings, the nominee turned and ignored him. “Just walked up to Judge Kavanaugh as morning session ended. Put out my hand to introduce myself as Jaime Guttenberg’s dad. He pulled his hand back, turned his back to me and walked away,” Guttenberg tweeted around 1:30 p.m. “I guess he did not want to deal with the reality of gun violence.” An AP photographer was there to document the moment. The striking image, which some observers are already calling a defining moment in Kavanaugh’s hearings, backs up Guttenberg’s narrative.
Spotted: Pam Bondi featured in Kavanaugh confirmation ad — Bondi is one of three attorneys general making a case for Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh’s confirmation in “Confirm,” a new 30-second-spot from 45 Committee. Joining Bondi are Jeff Landry of Louisiana and Tim Fox of Montana. All are Republicans. “The Senate needs to put gridlock aside and confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh,” Bondi says at the end of the ad. The term-limited Bondi is set to leave office this January.
Click on the image below to watch the ad:
“Marco Rubio moves the ball forward on paid family leave” via Abby McCloskey of The National Review — The Economic Security for New Parents Act would allow new parents to pull forward Social Security benefits to finance paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child in exchange for having their retirement delayed by three to six months per benefit taken. Many have been highly critical of the proposal, with the far-left National Partnership for Women and Families calling it “wrong for America.” But it’s generated more conservative support than any paid-leave plan thus far, and for good reason. There’s a lot to like about Rubio’s proposal. It’s the first Republican plan to create a paid-leave program run through the government, instead of providing incentives for employers to provide paid leave themselves. As a result, it would offer a safety net for people who do not have access to adequate paid leave from their employer.
“Gus Bilirakis secures funds to help homeless veterans in Florida and across the nation” via Kevin Derby of the Sunshine State News — Bilirakis noted last week that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would have $200 million to fund 13,000 transitional housing beds within as part of the department’s Grant and Per Diem program. “This program is designed to help end veteran homelessness by providing shelter and supportive services to improve income levels, increase skill levels and achieve residential stability,” the congressman’s office noted. Bilirakis was able to direct more than $2.1 million to help homeless veterans in his area with Catholic Charities in Pinellas County getting $924,960 for their efforts and Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-entry Coalition getting $1.25 million for their work.
“Health effects of toxic algae, Lake Okeechobee discharges targeted in Brian Mast bill” via Ali Schmitz of TCPalm — The Stop Harmful Discharges Act that Rep. Mast plans to file in Congress defines “public health and safety” as managing lake levels in a way that: Minimizes potential of toxic blue-green algae blooms; prevents discharges containing toxins into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers; ensures enough water moves south to the Everglades, Florida Bay and the Caloosahatchee watershed. “Our health and human safety here is not mentioned at all when it comes to Lake Okeechobee, and that has to stop,” the Palm City Republican said at a Tuesday news conference to unveil his bill. “What we’re demanding is that we be given priority as well.”
Connie Mack lobbying for Columbia leader accused of corruption — Former Rep. Mack is lobbying on behalf of Luis Andrade to raise “awareness in Congress of [his] unfair prosecution and imprisonment.” Andrade previously led Colombia’s infrastructure agency. In a recent op-ed for The Hill, Mack explained: “While serving in that role, he was illegitimately made the scapegoat in the Odebrecht scandal and is now under house arrest on trumped-up charges by Colombia’s Attorney General Nestor Humberto Martinez. The persecution of Luis exemplifies the general backsliding of the democratic institutions of Colombia in recent years.”
— OPINIONS —
“Mac Stipanovich: If Gillum is a socialist, so is DeSantis” via the Tampa Bay Times — Surely DeSantis is not a socialist. Yet, if he is not, then why is Gillum? It has to be because Gillum wants more, much more, of the things DeSantis also supports. Gillum wants more comprehensive health care coverage, a higher minimum wage and more money for schools. But that cannot be right either; disagreements about the appropriate scope of publicly subsidized health care coverage, what constitutes a living wage and how much is adequate education funding are the rule rather the exception, both between the two major political parties and within them. Clearly, the differences between DeSantis and Gillum on these issues and other “socialist” programs are differences of degree, however great, not differences in kind. They are the clash of the world views of an aggressive heir of Great Society liberalism who sees a much larger role for government in promoting the welfare of the commonwealth and a right-wing populist who feeds on the anger, envy and angst of those who want to make America 1956 again. It will be unfortunate if hyperbole and hysteria deprive Florida voters of the potential benefit of the DeSantis-Gillum race for governor — a candid dialogue between radically contrasting men with radically contrasting visions of the future.
“Time to discuss possibility of Brightline station on Treasure Coast” via the Treasure Coast Newspapers editorial board — Memo to Treasure Coast residents: The train IS coming. You should consider the possibility of a station in your community. At the very least, the cities of Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Sebastian should engage in a robust dialogue on the issue. No doubt it’s an extreme pivot from opposing Brightline — as most Treasure Coast cities and counties have done the past four years — to embracing the passenger rail project and pursuing a train station. But this is the time to pivot.
$15-an-hour minimum at Disney could change Orlando’s low-wage landscape” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — It’s obviously good news for Disney employees. But it’s also a coup for the region’s economy in general. See, Orlando’s dirty secret little secret has long been that we’re a community full of people who can’t make ends meet. As experts and observers told the Sentinel, Disney’s wage hike will likely pressure other local employers to raise wages as well, if only to compete. And Disney says it’s “thrilled” with the deal as well, quickly pivoting from a year’s worth of butting heads with the union to promoting the fact that the theme park giant will soon offer “one of the highest entry-level service wages in the country.” And why not? It’s a great selling point — one that will not only build goodwill but will help Disney attract and retain talent, even as the company expects to continue posting healthy profits.
“Seth Miller, Michelle Feldman: Preventing the next Biscayne Park scandal” via Florida Politics — Florida has a history of problems with false confessions, which contributed to six wrongful convictions in the state since 1989. The innocent Floridians in these cases collectively spent 66 years behind bars and taxpayers were forced to cover $38 million in civil awards and settlements stemming from the wrongful convictions. There is a common-sense way to help prevent what happened to innocent people in Biscayne Park and around the state from happening again. The Florida Legislature should pass a law requiring police to record suspect interrogations in their entirety. Had a law been in place, it would have been a lot more difficult for Guillermo Ravelo to make up confessions that never occurred. A law might have also protected Anthony Caravella, who spent 26 years in prison for a rape and murder in Broward County, until DNA testing exonerated him in 2010. Caravella, an intellectually disabled teenager, admitted to the crimes after five days of physical and mental coercion by his interrogators. Detectives taped only his confession, so the judge and jury did not hear critical context about the abuse that preceded it.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Nelson Mongiovi leaving VISIT FLORIDA” via Florida Politics — VISIT FLORIDA has begun a search for a replacement for chief marketing officer Mongiovi, who has resigned effective Sept 11. Vice President for Branding Staci Mellman will serve as interim CMO. Members of the executive committee heard details of the search during a conference call Tuesday. Officials offered no details of Mongiovi’s plans. He did not reply to an emailed request for comment.
Personnel note: Samantha J. Gross joins Herald/Times Tallahassee bureau — Gross, a recent journalism graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication, joins the combined bureau while Mary Ellen Klas is away on a Nieman fellowship. Gross, an Indiana native, most recently was a breaking news intern at The Dallas Morning News. She also covered the Massachusetts State House for the Lowell Sun, and did a summer reporting internship at The Miami Herald, according to her personal website. Also, Gross has interned at the London Evening Standard, and was a “news co-op” at The Boston Globe, where she worked as a full-time general assignment reporter.
— ALOE —
“UCF moves up, FSU drops out of latest top 25 polls” via Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel — After opening up the season ranked No. 21 in the preseason AP rankings, UCF climbed to No. 19 following a 56-17 blowout over UConn last Thursday. It’s the 12th straight week in which the program has been featured in the poll. UCF (1-0) also moved up in the USA Today coaches’ top 25 poll. The Knights rose three spots to No. 20. Miami (0-1) plummeted 14 spots to No. 22 in the AP poll after the Hurricanes dropped their season opener 33-17 to No. 11 LSU (1-0) Sunday. It was the biggest drop by a single team in this week’s rankings. Florida State (0-1) tumbled out of both rankings following a loss to No. 12 Virginia Tech in Tallahassee. The Seminoles were previously ranked No. 19 last week.
What Carol Dover is reading: “Some N.J. restaurants are banning cellphones (and laptops, too)” via NJ.com — Even before cellphones became our constant companions, Manager Nel Lally felt she had to ban them from her restaurant. Lally’s 15-year-old no-phone policy at the Harvey Cedar’s Clam Bar in Beach Haven was a trendsetter. Some New Jersey eateries are now restricting patrons’ use of technology. Some managers cite cash-flow problems from customers lingering too long at a table as they cruise the internet, while others, like Lally, say yakking on the phone or posting to Instagram is just plain annoying.
Happy birthday to state Rep. Patrick McHenry and one of the great communicators, Valerie Wickboldt.
