Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Now that the Supreme Court has ordered a constitutional amendment aimed at banning greyhound racing back on the ballot, the Florida Greyhound Association is again asking for special permission to offer kennel tours.
“That will allow voters … to get the truth and facts about live greyhound racing by visiting the kennels at the tracks,” FGA lobbyist and spokesman Jack Cory said in an email Monday to Jonathan Zachem, secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
“With this knowledge, the voters can decide whether or not the State needs this change to the constitution.” That refers to Amendment 13, which would end betting on live dog racing in Florida by the end of 2020.
Cory had first asked the state to allow kennel tours last week. The greyhound industry is trying to counter a narrative from ban supporters that the dogs are the department regulates pari-mutuel wagering, including dog racing.
DBPR spokeswoman Suellen Wilkins explained that “certain areas of pari-mutuel facilities are restricted access,” specifically “the backside where racing animals are kept.”
Cory told Zachem he could change state regulations to temporarily allow visitors with passes to see kennels “under direct supervision at all times.”
But Tony Glover, a lawyer-lobbyist for the Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 campaign, also tweeted Monday that Cory’s “request clearly does not meet the requirements for emergency rule-making” under state law.
That requires “an immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare.”
Derby Lane, located in St. Petersburg, and the Palm Beach Kennel Club, located in West Palm Beach, had been selected to be the first two tracks to open their doors.
The amendment, slotted for the ballot by the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission, would need at least 60 percent approval to be added to the state constitution, like other proposed changes to the state’s governing document.
Evening Reads
“Under Donald Trump, the jobs boom has finally reached blue-collar workers. Will it last?” via Heather Long and Andrew Van Dam of The Washington Post
“Rick Scott says Democrats want ‘big government socialism’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Bill Nelson: Scott ‘is a creature of Trump’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“John Oliver took Scott to task last night for disenfranchising felons.” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“Ron DeSantis steps down from Congress to focus on Governor’s race” via Ana Ceballos of the Naples Daily News
“Andrew Gillum could waive secrecy in ethics case but hasn’t yet” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat
“Whom do you believe: Gillum or his Michael Cohen?” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
“In wake of bank account closures, Charlie Crist joins Nikki Fried in call for marijuana policy reform” via Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald
“Democratic poll shows neck-and-neck race for DeSantis’ seat” via Simone Pathe of Roll Call
“Coalition aims to ban assault weapons by constitutional amendment” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
“A red tide on Florida’s Gulf Coast has been a huge hit to tourism” via Shannon Sims of The New York Times
“Mike Huckabee’s role in pushing for controversial beach access law” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Feces-filled sewage flooded the streets. The city did nothing for 10 days, records show” via Sarah Blaskey of the Miami Herald
“UF rises to 8th in U.S. News & World Report rankings” via Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun
Quote of the Day
“As the Republican nominee for Governor of Florida, it is clear to me that I will likely miss the vast majority of our remaining session days for this Congress. Under these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to accept a salary.” — Ron DeSantis, in his resignation letter from Congress.
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Wake Up Early?
The state Board of Executive Clemency, made up of Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet members, will meet at 8 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, The Capitol.
Committees of the Enterprise Florida business-development agency will hold meetings in advance of a full board meeting Wednesday. Committees start at 11 a.m., InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami.
The Space Florida Board of Directors will meet and discuss issues such as Launch Complex 20 and Space Florida Launch Landing Facility ramp upgrades. That’s at 1:30 p.m., InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis will attend the Tampa Hispanic Outreach Roundtable hosted by the Tampa Bay Hispanic Republican Leaders. That’s at 1 p.m., La Teresita Restaurant, Second Floor, 3248 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa.
The Visit Florida Finance Committee will meet in Central Florida at 2 p.m. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, 1500 Masters Blvd., ChampionsGate.
Gov. Scott will continue his statewide “Make Washington Work” bus tour. That’s at 2:15 p.m., Eisenhower Rec Center, 3560 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages.
