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.
Look for lobbying behemoth Ballard Partners to announce today that it has hired Christina Daly, who oversaw the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice as it dramatically expanded its effort to divert nonviolent youth away from brick-and-mortar facilities and into treatment and community services. Hailed by Gov. Rick Scott as “a national leader in reform of a comprehensive juvenile justice system,” Daly stepped down from the agency in July.
Six months ago, Florida Democrats said they were looking to shake up the makeup of the state Senate. Seven weeks out from Election Day, the chances of that happening are dwindling.
A trio of new polls commissioned by Florida Politics shows Republican Sens. Dana Young and Kelli Stargel leading in their re-election bids, while former Republican Rep. Ed Hooper has pulled ahead of former Democratic Rep. Amanda Murphy in the race to succeed Jack Latvala.
The leads aren’t big, but if a “blue wave” is coming there’s little evidence of it in these polls.
Young, the most endangered of incumbent Senators, leads Janet Cruz, the most accomplished of the Democratic Party’s recruits, by three points in the race for Tampa’s Senate District 18. In Lakeland-based Senate District 22, Stargel holds a 7-point lead over retired circuit court judge Bob Doyel a month after his camp was pushing internal poll numbers showing him on top in the Republican-leaning district.
In Pasco- and Pinellas-based Senate District 16, Hooper now holds a slim lead over Murphy. Polls showed the inverse no less than a month ago, and the district has perhaps the best chance of flipping out of the bunch. After all, there’s no incumbent and Murphy does have a track record of overcoming the odds in red districts.
Fundraising only compounds the results. In each of the three districts measured, the Republican holds a massive fundraising lead — Young has more than $1.8 million banked to Cruz’ $150K; Stargel’s got Doyel beat $455K to $124K, and Hooper is walloping Murphy with $515K on hand to her $102K.
Barring a miracle, Florida Democrats are in the same position they find themselves in every off-year election: Outmatched and holding on to hope for a win at the top of the ticket.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@MissMayn: It would be nice if a Supreme Court nominee were scrutinized as hard a guy who was shot in his own apartment.
—@SBG1: Seems worth noting there is not a single Republican woman on the Senate Judiciary Committee as it figures out how to deal with this Kavanaugh situation. Not a single one. In 2018. Seems like not too much has changed since Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill hearings.
—@SenBillNelson: I’m still waiting for a meeting with Judge Kavanaugh I’ve requested four times. I have a number of questions for him. Meantime, I agree there should be an investigation of the new allegations against him. I believe the people involved should appear before the Judiciary committee.
—@DavidJollyFL: The allegations are serious. Ford first raised them 6 years ago to a counselor who took written notes. There are other conservative jurists whose confirmation would not be questioned for decades. For the good of the court, Kavanaugh should do the right thing and withdraw.
—@RepLoisFrankel: Slashing the number of #refugees we take in during the worst refugee crisis in modern history won’t make us safer, and shutting the door to thousands of displaced people — many of them women and children fleeing war, famine, & violence — is cruel and simply un-American.
—@Fineout: So does @RonDeSantisFL have access to a jet now? His campaign says he will be in Valparaiso and Tampa tomorrow — at events that are only about 4 hours apart.
—@Fineout: Gillum, FWIW, has said that @FLGovScott should not appoint the outgoing 3 Supreme Court justices who are scheduled to leave in January. When asked today, he said that is different because their positions are not vacant while the city manager job is
—@TravisPillow: At a minimum (assuming no incumbents lose), we’re looking at 17 new governors after November’s elections. That’s a lot of opportunities for education policy shake-ups
—@ArekSarkissian: Quote highlight from today’s @HealthyFla meeting on dosing: “CBD and THC are two totally different things. People aren’t going to take CBD and run kids over … but THC is different. It just is.” Said Dr. Mark Moore, a Tallahassee physician prescribing medical cannabis.
—@Rob_Bradley: Looks like @Jaguars are on their way to being America’s Team.
— DAYS UNTIL —
First general election mail ballots go out — 4; First day of fall — 4; Future of Florida Forum — 8; Government shutdown — 12; FSU vs. UM football game — 18; Voter registration deadline for General Election — 21; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 35; MLB World Series begins — 35; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 35; Early voting begins — 39; Halloween — 43; General Election Day — 49; 2019 Legislature Organization Session meetings — 63; Thanksgiving — 65; Black Friday — 66; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 70; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 147; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 168; 2020 General Election — 777.
— TOP STORY —
“Down it goes: Florida bar exam pass rate plummets again” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — The number of first-time Florida bar exam takers who pass has slipped 4 percent from last year to 67.2 percent from 71.3 percent, according to the state’s Board of Bar Examiners. Results for the July 24-25 examination were released Monday. Overall, 3,249 people sat for the bar exam, of which 2,228 were taking it for the first time. The latest pass rate has actually lost ground from two years ago, going a whole percent lower than the 68.2 percent from July 2016, records show. Florida International University College of Law again retained the No. 1 spot regarding highest pass rate, with 88.1 percent, bumping up from 87.8 percent last July. Nova Southeastern University College of Law saw the biggest decrease year-over-year, dropping a little more than 27 percentage points, to 42.9 percent from 70.2 percent.
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
Bill Nelson calls for investigation into allegations against Brett Kavanaugh; no response yet from Marco Rubio, Rick Scott” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — Nelson tweeted that Kavanaugh and alleged victim Christine Blasey Ford should testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Through her attorney, Ford has agreed to do just that, according to reports. Ford told The Washington Post over the weekend that Kavanaugh attempted to rape her when the two were high school students in suburban Maryland. She described a sexual assault encounter in detail, alleging that an intoxicated Kavanaugh groped her over her clothes and attempted to pull off her swimsuit.
“Rick Scott campaign stop proceed by red tide protesters” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Protesters jammed the sidewalk and spilled into the street around Mojo’s Real Cuban, forcing Scott to enter the restaurant through the back door and leave the same way after just 10 minutes as members of the crowd shouted “coward.” Scott didn’t take any media questions during the brief, tumultuous event and did not give a speech to the group of a few dozen supporters gathered inside the restaurant.
To watch video of the encounter, click on the image below:
Tweet, tweet:
John’s Pass fish kill. You can just imagine the smell. John’s Pass Village is a ghost town at noon. @TB_Times #redtide #floridatourism #pinellasbeaches pic.twitter.com/AHe6yqXJ4Z
— Scott Keeler (@SKeelerTimes) September 17, 2018
Meanwhile … what Nancy Watkins is reading — E-Filing for Senate campaign finance reports is close to becoming a reality” via Zach Montellaro of POLITICO — The final conference agreement for the first minibus appropriations package, HR 5895, includes a provision that would require Senate candidates to file their campaign finance reports electronically, according to Sen. Steve Daines, chairman of the Legislative Branch appropriations panel, who pushed it over the finish line. “I fought to include language to increase transparency and access for U.S. Senate campaign finances, and after today’s announcement, we’re one step closer,” Daines, a Montana Republican, said in a statement. “I look forward to getting this through the House, the Senate, and on to the president’s desk for signature.”
— GILLUM VS. DESANTIS —
“The politics of debates: Ron DeSantis agrees to face off with Andrew Gillum” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — DeSantis … said Monday he will debate Democrat Gillum “whenever possible.” The Tallahassee mayor had pushed DeSantis over the weekend to appear on the same stage with him and talk policy. Gillum had accepted invitations from Univision, Leadership Florida and CNN. Sunday, he chastised DeSantis on Twitter for having yet to accept any of the invitations. DeSantis responded Monday. And when he did, he upped the ante and agreed to five debates.
“Hurricane politics: When Andrew Gillum and Rick Scott clashed” via Elizabeth Koh of the Tampa Bay Times — Despite its relatively weak wind strength, Hurricane Hermine packed enough punch to knock out power for several days to most of the capital city Tallahassee, then governed by a little-known Mayor named Gillum. But the slow process of picking up after the storm was quickly mired in criticism of how long it took to turn the power back on. Gillum struggled to weather allegations that the city rejected help from power companies and the state to score political points, and the delays led to a publicized spat between Gillum and Gov. Scott … Now two years later, Gillum’s experience stands out. The storm’s aftermath pitted the young, rising Mayor against the state’s top politician in a clash that, though it simmered down, left bruises. “There’s been a false narrative created about that incident that’s extremely unfortunate,” said Barry Moline, then the executive director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association, who helped manage the city’s power recovery after the storm. “I’ve been involved in a lot of hurricane restorations … I had never seen politics enter any hurricane restoration until that moment.”
“Gillum campaign says attacks casting him as anti-Israel are ‘irresponsible’” via David Smiley of the Tampa Bay Times — Painted by conservative outlets and his Republican foe as anti-Israel, Gillum … is stressing his opposition to a movement to financially punish the state of Israel and explaining his position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while on the stump. Gillum … says that he’s been against the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement during the entirety of his gubernatorial run, despite what he calls inaccurate reports of a shifting stance. A campaign spokesman … also explained that Gillum’s association with organizations that back the BDS movement or oppose anti-boycott legislation shouldn’t be construed as support for those positions.
“Gillum beefs up campaign staff” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Gillum unveiled a 19-person leadership team on Monday night. Familiar names — like staffers from failed primary campaigns and from other Democratic politicians and groups — fill out the squad. There are also carry-overs from Gillum’s primary team. At the helm of operations is Brandon Davis, the newly named campaign manager. Davis fills the vacancy created by the firing of Brendan McPhillips, who was let go shortly after Gillum’s upset primary victory. Davis is a decorated Democratic strategist.
“DeSantis spoke to group whose founder says devout Muslims can’t be loyal Americans” via Trevor Aaronson of the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting — DeSantis spoke in October 2017 at a conference of an anti-Muslim group that critics call extremist and whose founder argues devout Muslims cannot be loyal Americans. DeSantis’ address to ACT for America is evidence of another meeting with groups known for controversial views, including a conference last year featuring speakers who have defended a candidate accused of child molestation, suggested killing Muslims and argued that women are less likely to be in leadership roles because of “biological causes.” Founded in 2007, ACT for America promotes itself as the “largest national security grassroots organization.” ACT refers to the organization’s former name, American Congress for Truth. The group has built a reputation for lobbying state legislators to ban Sharia law and has referred to Islam as “Islamofascism.” Brigitte Gabriel, the Lebanese-American Christian who founded ACT for America, has used the organization to lobby for intolerance of Muslims in the United States, criticizing cities with large Muslim populations for serving halal meals at schools and advocating for strict policies that limit the number of Muslim immigrants. During a 2007 lecture, Gabriel said a devout Muslim “cannot be a loyal citizen to the United States of America.”
“DeSantis touts $12M he says campaign, Florida GOP raised since primary night” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Leading the way is $7.6 million raised by the RPOF, according to the DeSantis campaign. RPOF has not had to post a campaign finance report since election night. A political committee run by DeSantis has raised $3.4 million, and his campaign has raised $1 million, his campaign said … For RPOF, the $7.6 million in nearly three weeks would be one of its most prolific fundraising periods in years … RPOF has struggled to raise money and has been a marginal part of the overall Republican playbook in Florida. DeSantis’ campaign is engaged with the party, underscoring the fundraising boost that comes when a gubernatorial candidate or governor engages in fundraising. Gillum’s campaign got credit immediately after the primary, including $1 million from the Democratic Governors Association and a huge chunk from state trial lawyers. Last week, DGA announced it was giving a second $1 million check to Gillum’s campaign.
“DeSantis, Gillum pile up matching funds” via the News Service of Florida — DeSantis and Gillum continue to be the biggest beneficiaries of Florida’s matching-funds program, which has doled out $5.36 million to statewide candidates this year. DeSantis received $96,938 from the program Friday, while Gillum got $62,390, according to figures posted online by the state Division of Elections. DeSantis has received an overall total of more than $1.152 million from the program, which matches individual contributions of $250 or less. Since winning the Aug. 28 Republican primary, DeSantis has received $176,426 from the state. Among the nearly 2,000 separate contributions that came into DeSantis’ campaign from across the country during the first week in September, about 1,800 were of $250 or less. Gillum has now received $620,631 through the matching-funds program, including $125,567 since the Aug. 28 primary. In September’s first seven days, Gillum received 13,661 contributions of $250 or less.
Assignment editors — DeSantis will visit the Okaloosa STEMM Academy in Valparaiso and the Franklin Middle Magnet School in Tampa: 8 a.m. Central time, Okaloosa STEMM Academy, 379 Edge Avenue, Valparaiso; 2 p.m. Eastern time, Franklin Middle Magnet School, 3915 21st Avenue, Tampa.
— ‘REACH’ RACE —
The Florida Democratic Party says it’s knocked on 2 million doors in the 2018 election cycle.
That’s a bit more than the Republican Party of Florida and Republican National Committee, which claim to have together knocked on 1.7 million doors. The GOP ground troops touted a weekend of action yesterday that resulted in more than 80,000 voters contacted.
But the Democrats, who hold the intangible doors-knocked lead, say they’ve held similar action-focused weekends consecutively.
More numbers: In total, the state Democratic Party claims to have reached more than 8 million voters this cycle. That includes doors knocked, calls (3.8 million) and text conversations (2.2 million).
Dem perspective: “Our candidates are offering a bold vision for Florida’s future, and we are taking that message to voters in every corner of Florida,” said FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo.
GOP perspective: “The Republican National Committee and the Republican Party of Florida are organized, energized and ready to send Bill Nelson and Andrew Gillum packing this November,” said RNC spox Joe Jackson.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Republican ‘Victory Dinner’ to take place in Orlando” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — On Saturday, Sept. 29, Republicans from across the state will come together at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for the 2018 Victory Dinner, the Republican Party of Florida announced …“Donors and influential grassroots operatives” are expected to attend, according to the party. It’s considered the Florida GOP’s largest fundraising event. RPOF Chairman Blaise Ingoglia said in a statement he is excited and ready to ride a “red wave” to victory.
“‘Bundled’ amendments prevent ballot fatigue, state says” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Florida’s solicitor general Monday asked the Florida Supreme Court to allow three proposed constitutional amendments on the November ballot. Solicitor General Amit Agarwal, who filed an initial brief, appealed a lower court’s decision blocking the ballot measures. Agarwal reports to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Circuit Judge Karen Gievers had found that the three proposals — including a measure that would ban offshore oil drilling and ban vaping in workplaces — improperly “bundled” unrelated issues. Why not, Agarwal suggested, since the Framers did the same thing. “Our constitutional history is replete with examples of situations in which voters have been asked to vote up or down on bundled provisions addressing distinct rights and issues — including the ratification of the Constitution and the First Amendment,” he said.
Happening today:
“Matt Caldwell pulls in $165K in early September” via the News Service of Florida — The one-week haul included contributions of $25,000 from Atlanta-based fuel and convenience-store company RaceTrac, $25,000 from the Florida Phosphate Political Committee and $10,000 from Tampa-based TECO Energy … Caldwell, who spent nearly all of the $2.6 million he raised before winning a four-way primary on Aug. 28, had a combined $198,981 on hand as of Sept. 7 in his campaign account and the committee Friends of Matt Caldwell. Caldwell’s fundraising helped bring him more in line with Democratic candidate Nikki Fried, who ended the first week of September with about $227,000 on hand in her campaign account and the political committee Florida Consumers First.
“New CD 12 ad says Gus Bilirakis ‘is addressing the real issues’” via Florida Politics — The ad, titled “Fighting for Warriors,” features a veteran, Bryan A., speaking about the lawmaker’s efforts and features clips of Bilirakis walking alongside Bryan and shaking hands with a number of military veterans, young and old. “I served in the Army for 14 years. I was both a print photojournalist and then a Green Beret. Now I run a nonprofit called the Veterans Alternative,” Bryan A. says in the ad. “These alternative treatment options are saving warriors’ lives. I’m thankful that we have Gus. He is addressing the real issues that we’re facing.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
“Florida Chamber endorses 16 more legislative candidates” via Florida Politics — Among those getting the nod in round three was state Rep. Gayle Harrell … Lake Clarke Shores Democratic Rep. David Silvers and Wellington Democratic Rep. Matt Willhite. Among the non-electeds … House District 69 candidate Ray Blacklidge and House District 93 candidate Chip LaMarca. Other candidates getting the nod … HD 10 Republican Chuck Brannan … HD 51 Republican Tyler Sirois … HD 73 Republican Tommy Gregory. The remaining endorsements went to HD 32 Republican Anthony Sabatini, HD 103 Republican Frank Mingo, HD 28 Republican David Smith, HD 71 Republican Will Robinson, HD 105 Republican Ana Maria Rodriguez, HD 62 Democratic Dianne Hart and HD 119 Republican Juan Alfonso Fernandez-Barquin.
Jeff Brandes says he will hold politicians accountable in new SD 24 ad” via Florida Politics — The 30-second ad features shots of Brandes walking with and talking to employees of a lumber yard and touts the values instilled in him when he worked for his family’s business. “My grandfather started our family lumber business nearly 70 years ago. He taught me to work hard, to stand up for what’s right and to never give up,” Brandes says in the ad. “Today, I’m holding bureaucrats and politicians accountable, so we can create better jobs, provide safe, 21st-century schools and protect families and seniors. And if the politicians don’t wake up, I’m taking ‘em to the woodshed.” The ad disclosure indicates the spot was paid for by the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, a PAC chaired by incoming Senate President Bill Galvano which supports GOP state Senate campaigns.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
Happening today:
Happening today — Democrat Jennifer Webb kicks off her general election campaign for House District 69, 6 p.m., Iberian Rooster, 475 Central Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
— STATEWIDE —
“NRA blasts Bill Galvano over donation from gun-control group: ‘Our Second Amendment rights were sold’” via Langston Taylor of the Tampa Bay Times — Incoming Senate President Galvano is getting hit from the right over a donation to his political committee from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. The pro-gun control organization gave $200,000 to Galvano’s Innovate Florida committee, according to state filings dated Sept. 4. Galvano, a moderate, voted for SB 7026, the 2018 law that raised the minimum age a person is allowed to buy a gun, created a three-day waiting period to buy any firearm, banned bump-stock sales and allowed armed staff in public schools. The National Rifle Association blasted Galvano, writing that he “calls himself a Republican.” “B-7026 contained three major gun control provisions and was rammed down the throats of Senate and House Republican legislators,” the email from Marion Hammer read. “Looks like our Second Amendment Rights were sold for a large contribution from anti-gun former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.” Galvano told the Times he stands by the donation.
Tweet, tweet:
A heartfelt thank you to the NWF legislative delegation @JayerWilliamson @Mel_Ponder @braddrake5 @FrankWhiteFL @SenatorGainer @DougBroxson from our family for their efforts to make the Senator Greg Evers Memorial Highway a reality. A great tribute to a man we dearly miss #flapol pic.twitter.com/AN2ICTRsLs
— Chris Dawson (@ChrisTDawson) September 17, 2018
“Report details charter school closures” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the News Service of Florida — A new report from a Tallahassee-based research group raises questions about the growing role of charter schools in Florida, including citing the closure of 373 charter schools since 1998. Ben Wilcox, research director for the group Integrity Florida, said the closure of charter schools has averaged nearly 20 a year “and that comes with a cost to taxpayers.” “When a charter school closes, it is often difficult to get taxpayer funds back,” Wilcox said. “A closure can cause severe problems for a school district which must absorb the displaced students.” As of the 2016-2017 academic year, some 284,000 students, or about 10 percent of Florida’s 2.8 million students enrolled in the pre-kindergarten-through-high school-system, attended charter schools. The 654 charter schools receive public funding but can act more independently than traditional public schools. The report showed 160 charter schools failed between 2012 and 2017, with 35 closing in 2015-2016.
“State looks to bolster redfish amid red tide fight” via the News Service of Florida — Gov. Scott said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is directing $1.2 million for research and production of redfish at a facility at Port Manatee … the money will help the commission address the effects of red tide on redfish in coastal areas. Red tide recently has led to widespread fish kills in Southwest Florida. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission facility at Port Manatee spawns and raises hatchery fish.
“St. Petersburg ranks best in Florida for immigrant inclusivity” via Caitlin Johnston of the Tampa Bay Times — A new study singles out St. Petersburg as the top-ranked city in Florida for promoting the economic well-being of immigrants, but Mayor Rick Kriseman thinks more can be done. Kriseman on Monday celebrated the city’s No. 13 ranking nationwide but called for additional policies to help immigrants launch businesses and encourage international students to stay and work locally after graduation. The Mayor’s comments came as he released the results of a first-year study from the New American Economy that found immigrants have a “substantial impact” on St. Petersburg’s economy, owning more than 2,100 businesses and paying about $550 million annually in taxes.
“Jim DeFede, CBS4 management accused of bullying and harassing veteran reporter” via Brittany Shammas and Jerry Iannelli of Miami New Times — After working as a TV reporter in Los Angeles, Michele Gillen joined WFOR, Miami’s CBS affiliate in 1997. Since then, she’s been nominated for 46 regional Emmys and won 25. But she says her career as an investigative reporter suffered due to a culture of sexism, bullying, and harassment at the network. … In the lawsuit, Gillen singles out local CBS anchor and investigative reporter DeFede for allegedly routinely bullying her. DeFede, who joined CBS Miami after working at Miami New Times and the Miami Herald, began as Gillen’s junior colleague in the station’s investigative unit.
— OPINIONS —
“American democracy is in crisis” via Hillary Clinton for the Atlantic — Our democratic institutions and traditions are under siege. We need to do everything we can to fight back … Trump doesn’t even try to pretend he’s a president for all Americans. It’s hard to ignore the racial subtext of virtually everything Trump says. Often, it’s not even subtext. When he says that Haitian and African immigrants are from ‘s***hole countries,’ that’s impossible to misunderstand. Same when he says that an American judge can’t be trusted because of his Mexican heritage. None of this is a mark of authenticity or a refreshing break from political correctness. Hate speech isn’t “telling it like it is.” It’s just hate.
“Will Donald Trump regret endorsing DeSantis?” via Carl Jackson of TownHall.com — DeSantis relied far too heavily on Trump’s endorsement, as well as his national television appearances on Fox News with conservative giants Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham. At times, it has felt like he’s been running for a safe seat in Congress, rather than for Florida’s top job. Many Republican voters here in Orlando I’ve spoken to have asked me “Where is DeSantis? Is he holding any events? Is he even on the campaign trail?” DeSantis has a lot of ground to cover, and he’s behind the eight ball. DeSantis has been a great conservative congressman, but outside of garnering Trump’s endorsement, he hasn’t run a very good campaign. Regardless, he has my vote for Florida’s next governor because I know what’s at stake. However, given the razor-thin margins by which Scott’s races for Florida’s top job were decided, DeSantis can’t afford to leave any vote on the table. So far, there doesn’t seem to be a sense of urgency within his campaign, and that needs to change today.
“Joe Henderson: Candidates should let it rip at Governor’s debate” via Florida Politics — You can’t have a major political campaign unless candidates debate, right? Usually, they are over-scripted, overhyped and underperforming, but a Florida Governor’s debate between Gillum and DeSantis
“Patricia Brigham: League of Women Voters makes no apologies for exposing deception” via Florida Politics — Erika Donalds, a sponsor of the now-defunct Amendment 8, was right when she recently wrote that the League of Women Voters of Florida “cheered the end” of the bundled education amendment. Amendment 8 was written to confuse. It was “log-rolled” with three separate issues — civics classes for middle school students, term limits for school board members, and the giveaway of local control to an unknown legislative-created entity for the purposes of creating new charter schools. Voters would not have known that sticking third point because the language was misleading and didn’t spell out just what the CRC was trying to do. The Florida Supreme Court saw right through it and struck it from the Nov. 6 ballot. Yet Donalds claimed the League was “disenfranchising” voters, a laughable accusation. The League of Women Voters has a long and proud tradition of sticking up for voting rights and transparency in government. Our primary mission is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government. We achieve that mission by holding those in authority accountable to the voters. The process of the CRC was a sham — skirting Sunshine laws and ignoring repeated warnings from a whole host of organizations who raised concerns about their process and product.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Meredith Beatrice lands at Florida GOP” via Florida Politics — Beatrice, 30, is now Communications Director for the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), Chairman Ingoglia announced Monday. Beatrice, who most recently handled media for GOP Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam‘s unsuccessful run for governor, “will be focused on Florida’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign,” Ingoglia said. “Understanding the importance of this election cycle, Meredith will be a great asset to our success, especially in retaining the Governor’s Mansion,” he added in a news release. “We welcome her to the RPOF and look forward to the integral role she will have in media strategy.”
“Mike Weinstein retiring after high-impact career at Jacksonville City Hall” via David Bauerlein of the Florida Times-Union — Weinstein, whose long career at City Hall put him in the thick of historic initiatives such as the Better Jacksonville Plan and pension reform, is retiring as chief financial officer. Most recently, Weinstein came up with the idea for using future revenue from a half-cent sales tax to help pay for the city’s pension obligation, a concept that Mayor Lenny Curry embraced and carried to a successful outcome by winning support from voters in a referendum. Curry said Monday that Weinstein has been “both trusted adviser and friend” since 2015, when the two bonded after Curry won election and was preparing to take office. “His expertise and depth of knowledge helped me prepare balanced budgets that met our city’s priorities, create a solution to the pension crisis, and set Jacksonville on a sound financial path,” Curry said in a statement.
— ALOE —
“Epcot’s IllumiNations is ending in 2019, Disney says” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — Epcot’s IllumiNations — the longtime fireworks show has entertained millions of visitors since 1999 — will end in the second half of 2019, Disney announced. The laser and fireworks show featuring a 350,000-pound Earth Globe and torches will be replaced by a new fireworks show, although Disney did not offer many details about what the replacement will be. Disney made the official announcement Monday on its park blog. But the news was not unexpected. There has been speculation that IllumiNations was going to be phased out among theme park followers.
“There’s one black Trans Am left from ‘Smokey and The Bandit.’ It’s retired in Miami” via David Neal of the Miami Herald — Many hard-core fans of Burt Reynolds’ most iconic movie, 1977’s “Smokey and The Bandit,” know that none of those cool black Pontiac Trans Ams with gold trim survived the stunts in the film. Luck, and a mother who is a big Reynolds fan, brought Fort Lauderdale resident Dave Martino together with the 1976 Trans Am that Pontiac retrofitted as a 1977 Trans Am for its annual brochure. That’s where Reynolds and director Hal Needham saw the car and decided that a Trans Am had to be the car running blocker for the semi-truck carrying bootleg Coors beer from Texarkana to Atlanta. Martino has paperwork from Pontiac proving the car’s lineage, as well as the best endorsement of all: Reynolds himself.
Happy birthday to state Rep. Bob Cortes, Reggie Garcia, Brock’s better half, Jennifer Mikosky, and Corinne Mixon of lobbying firm Ecenia Rutledge.
