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.
Politics is all about winning, and nowhere is that truer than the all-out war to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.
That is why I am trying to find a winner after one of the most exhausting and extraordinary days anyone has experienced.
I. Just. Can’t.
Christine Blasey Ford was brave, believable, sympathetic and forceful when she asked how certain she was that Kavanaugh sexually attacked her more than 30 years ago when both were high school students.
Her answer, without hesitation: “100 percent.”
I believe her – and not because she came forward even after admitting in her opening statement that she was “terrified” to testify to the U.S. Senate committee that will recommend whether Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court should go forward. I admire the stand she took and the way she handled herself, but only she can say if it was worth the cost. Her life has been a living hell since she came forward – and will continue to be. That’s what this process does to people, and it’s disgusting.
What about the man she says committed that vile deed as a boy?
Kavanaugh’s anguish was clear during his combative and emotional opening statement. You would have to be a helluva actor to fake that kind of pain. It was hard not to feel sympathy for him when he said he and his family have been “totally and permanently destroyed” by the resulting furor after Ford came forward. I have no doubt that it’s true.
A reputation, once lost, is hard to recover.
And as far as the Senate? Big losers.
That is really what it comes down to – the attitude that many in the party of Donald Trump, who nominated Kavanaugh, seem to have toward women and what they endure. They attack the victim. They dismiss. They smear.
What about what the nation has endured, and how divided it will be after this?
Winners?
Find one. I sure can’t.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@AndrewGillum: This testimony from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is difficult to hear. I can only imagine the fortitude & courage she has to muster to tell her story! Thank you for your example. We stand with you.
—@RepTedDeutch: This hearing is about finding the truth. If @LindseyGrahamSC doesn’t think it’s worth time to hear a victim tell her story or have Kavanaugh answer her allegations then he shouldn’t be determining who is on the Supreme Court.
—@RepValDemings: Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh is not just about men and women. It’s about wealth and status, & certain people thinking they can get away with anything. Well, no one is above the law and with the strength of the #MeToo movement, women’s voices are more powerful than ever.
—@JaredMoskowitz: .@CoryBooker was the only Democrat prepared and great today in cross-examination of @BrettKavanaugh. The amount of time spent on the yearbook was malpractice. He will get confirmed.
—@TheRickWilson: Trump hates crying. Just saying.
—@BCApplebaum: What is the possible justification for carefully cross-examining every detail of Ford’s recollections while refusing to examine [Mark] Judge or any other witnesses?
—@PamelaColloff: Rachel Mitchell questioning Christine Blasey Ford about her mental health is one of the ugliest and most shameful things I’ve ever seen. Women deserve better, crime victims deserve better, and a prosecutor should know better.
—@AGlorios: The fact that harassment is not a crime is one of the main reasons Jack Latvala was not prosecuted by the state attorney for his actions against Laura McLeod.
—@Fineout: Ed reporters noted it, but a significant K12 development happened yesterday that is angering some Hispanic groups. After months and months, US Ed Commissioner DeVos approved Florida’s education accountability plan even though Fla. continues to refuse to offer its tests in Spanish
—@NewsBySmiley: Judge Marcia Cooke today granted former Congressman David Rivera’s motion to dismiss an FEC case alleging campaign violations in the Justin Lamar Sternad “ringer” campaign. Plaintiffs will usually file motion to amend, etc. But unknown RN how FEC will proceed
—@FLGovScott: Today, @FLAnnScott & I were proud to dedicate the Jeri Bustamante Memorial Scholarship for a student at @MBSeniorHigh. This 4-year scholarship will help a student to live their American Dream. We’ll always remember Jeri & can think of no better way to honor her.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Government shutdown — 3; FSU vs. UM football game — 8; Voter registration deadline for General Election — 12; MLB World Series begins — 27; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 27; Early voting begins — 29; Halloween — 33; General Election Day — 39; Florida Blue Florida Classic: FAMU vs. BCU — 50; 2019 Legislature Organization Session meetings — 53; Thanksgiving — 55; Black Friday — 56; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 60; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 137; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 158; Captain Marvel release — 161; 2020 General Election — 767.
— TOP STORY —
“Donald Trump is driving women voters in Florida to Democrats. What will Brett Kavanaugh do?” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times — Already Republicans in Florida face an ominous shift toward the Democrats from women, who make up a majority of the electorate. That’s largely because of disenchantment with Trump, but the Kavanaugh nomination threatens to antagonize or drive even more women from the GOP. “I’m absolutely concerned about the Republicans at the top of the ballot in Florida,” said April Schiff, a Republican political consultant in Tampa. “The hard-core Republicans will vote for any candidate with an R next to their name. The problem is that Democratic women will turn out stronger than Republican women do. That’s just a reality. They’re more energized.”
— GOP ALL-STAR WEEKEND —
Happy Friday — if you’re a Ron DeSantis fundraising All-Star, you need no reminder.
The Republican nominee’s finance team will be welcoming guests this afternoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for the “7th Inning Stretch” All-Stars Finance Retreat this weekend.
From 6-7 p.m. tonight, the financiers will enjoy cocktails at the resort’s Napa Room. Afterward, during dinner at the California Grill, they’ll hear about DeSantis’ campaign strategies, including polling and messaging.
Tee times begin at 6:54 a.m. on Saturday morning. DeSantis backers can put their golf skills to test at Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, which has hosted the PGA Tour before. All golfers will have the opportunity to play against DeSantis (no word on whether he fudges his score.)
Alternatively, All-Stars have can attend Disney World with a VIP pass, allowing them to skip lines.
The crescendo of the weekend: The Republican Victory Dinner at the Grand Floridian Resort, when VIPs can grab a photo with DeSantis before wining and dining into the home stretch of the election.
— GILLUM VS. DESANTIS —
“Hillary Clinton to campaign for Andrew Gillum Oct. 23 in South Florida” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida —The exact location of Clinton‘s stop, or stops, is not clear; Gillum‘s campaign said it’s still working out logistics. “So honored to announce that we’ll campaign with @HillaryClinton on October 23 here in the Sunshine State. Let’s #BringItHome!” Gillum announced on Twitter. Clinton will arrive before the Oct. 27 start of in-person early voting, which has been particularly popular with African-Americans and Democrats. It could also leave room on Gillum’s calendar for another marquee name, potentially either former President Barack Obama or former first lady Michelle Obama, who remain wildly popular in the Democratic Party.
Gillum releases Spanish ads on health care — The Gillum campaign released two television ads in Spanish — “Better Future” and “Medical Care.” “Better Future” highlights that families should not live in fear of not having access to health care. And as Governor, Andrew Gillum vows he would fight Trump and DeSantis’ policies and work to expand Medicaid for 800,000 Floridians so that everyone has access to health care. “Medical Care” sheds light on the relationship between DeSantis and Trump as well as DeSantis’ unyielding loyalty to advancing Trump’s disastrous policies on health care.
“Ron DeSantis gets gambling money in Florida gov race, but won’t discuss gaming views” via Ana Ceballos and Melanie Payne of the Naples Daily News — DeSantis so far has received more than $800,000 from dog track operators and casino owners, including GOP mega-donor Sheldon Adelson, owner of the Las Vegas Sands Casino, who also has pursued a Florida destination casino. Adelson, an early DeSantis supporter, serves on his campaign finance committee. DeSantis’ political inner circle also includes two Tallahassee lobbyists, Scott Ross and Nick Iarossi, whose clients include gambling operators. Some have contributed to DeSantis. The lobbyists also represent the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, a national group bankrolled by Adelson that seeks to outlaw online betting. DeSantis, who resigned his congressional seat on Sept. 10 to focus on his campaign for governor, used some of the coalition’s arguments when raising concerns about Internet gambling in Congress last year.
“Who is Adam Corey, the man at the heart of Tallahassee’s FBI probe?” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — In his campaign to become Florida’s next governor, Gillum almost never mentions Corey, and he’s cut off contact with him. But for more than a decade, the two were good friends. Corey was his campaign treasurer. The two vacationed together, and their personal relationship sometimes overlapped with city business. What’s left of the friendship is a lingering suspicion on Gillum’s part about whether Corey betrayed him by intentionally exposing him to undercover FBI agents. Gillum and Corey go back to their college years, when Gillum was active in student government. Gillum’s ties to Corey didn’t stop him from traveling together. Various media reports show that Gillum and Corey traveled with or met up with each other a handful of times in 2015 and 2016 … Since those trips, Corey has found himself at the center of the FBI investigation. Federal officials have served multiple subpoenas on Tallahassee city hall requesting records relating to a variety of people and businesses, including Corey and two of his businesses. One of those businesses is the Edison, the restaurant that received the CRA funding. The FBI has yet to charge anyone, and Gillum says that agents have assured him he’s neither a target nor a focus of the probe.
Happening today — Republican Party of Florida begins a two-day quarterly meeting through Saturday night, capped by a “Victory Dinner.” The event begins 9 a.m., Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 4600 North World Dr., Lake Buena Vista.
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“New Rick Scott ad touts ‘Leadership’ during Hurricane Irma” via Florida Politics — Scott‘s latest ad reflects on his response to Hurricane Irma as it struck Florida last year. The 30-second spot, “Leadership,” is replete with clips of new anchors highlighting the danger of the storm, along with Scott’s warnings issued to residents as the storm closed in. Indeed, Scott was consistent in ringing the alarm bell pre-Irma, calling the Hurricane “the most catastrophic storm the state has ever seen.” The Scott campaign also highlighted comments from sheriffs across the state praising Scott for his response to the storm.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Happening today — Statewide candidates and political committees face a filing deadline for campaign finance reports showing activity through Sept. 21.
“Jimmy Patronis: Florida is nimble, ready to respond to future challenges” via Florida Politics — Florida CFO Patronis, the only Cabinet member able to run for re-election in the fall, recapped his first year on the job in a talk at the 2018 Future of Florida Forum. “Just over a year ago Gov. Scott called me in June and asked me if I would consider being the CFO for the state of Florida,” he said. “I never asked for it, I never lobbied for it.” He was only on the job for a couple months when Hurricane Irma hit Florida shores, which he called his “trial by fire.” In the aftermath of the Category 5 storm, Patronis’ office was tasked with making sure fraudsters and scammers didn’t get between storm victims and the relief they needed. “Under Rick Scott’s leadership we’ve paid down $10 billion in state debt and cut taxes by $10 billion,” he said. “If that’s not worth some applause I don’t know what is.” … reduced debt led to Florida earning a AAA bond rating, which Patronis said makes the state more “nimble” and able to respond to future crises.
Endorsement roundup: The Miami Herald is throwing its weight behind Nikki Fried in the race for Agriculture Commissioner. The Herald’s editorial team writes that Fried “brings a wealth of ideas to propel the department forward and to better fulfill its role.” Fried, a Democrat, will face Republican Agriculture Commissioner hopeful Matt Caldwell on Nov. 6.
“Stephanie Murphy endorsed by U.S. Chamber of Commerce” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — The pro-business group cited her “bipartisan voting record and numerous legislative accomplishments on behalf of small business owners and entrepreneurs,” the Murphy campaign said in a statement. “Congresswoman Murphy understands what it takes to start, grow, and turn around a business in America, which is why she has shown such strong leadership on issues like infrastructure, immigration, and investing in small businesses,” Ken Johnson, executive director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber, said in a statement.
“Don’t ‘worry,’ be healthy: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell drops new ad” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The 30-second spot, titled “Worry,” features Mucarsel-Powell spelling out her goals for America’s health care system while jabbing at past Republican proposals. “No one should have to worry whether they can afford to see a doctor, buy a prescription or recover from an illness,” Mucarsel-Powell says. “We Democrats are fighting to stop insurance companies from charging people with pre-existing conditions more, stop them from charging people over 50 an age tax, and take on the drug companies to bring costs down.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
Barbara Cady releases new ad in HD 42 race — The video takes incumbent Mike LaRosa to task for his failure to improve education, fix health care, or stand up to Trump‘s racism in his easily forgettable six years in office. “When I’m talking with constituents, they want bold action to address the issues we face,” Cady said. “Mike LaRosa has been a yes-man for Tallahassee special interests these last six years. Voters are ready for something new — someone who will work for them and who shares their values.” … “Voters are fired up and ready for something new,” Cady added.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
Happening today — Republican Former state Rep. Ray Pilon holds a campaign event in his bid for Sarasota County’s House District 72, 5:30 p.m., Extra Innings, 717 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota. Pilon faces incumbent Democratic state Rep. Margaret Good.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
Voters in Charge staffs up in Tampa Bay — The political committee sponsoring the statewide Yes on 3 campaign, a constitutional amendment proposed to give voters the right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling in Florida, unveiled its Tampa Bay-area leadership committees — Tampa Bay Regional Chairs: Will Weatherford, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives; Judy Wise, former Chair of the Plant City Women’s Federated Republican Club; Cesar Hernandez, Managing Partner Publicus Group. Tampa Bay Regional Committee Members: State Rep. Danny Burgess; Mark Sharpe, former Hillsborough County Commissioner; Christian Leon, Managing Partner at Publicus Group; Andrew Machota, Founder of NewTown Connections; Erin Aebel, Partner at Shumaker, Loop, & Kendrick, LLP; James Chan, Chapter Director of New Leaders Council; Roberto Torres, President of Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters Black & Denim Apparel Company; Dee Williams, former President of the Sun City Center Republican Club; Barclay Harless, market leader for Tampa, St. Petersburg Bank of OZK; Andy Brouillard, general manager at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre; Kelly Mothershead, Communications Assistant at Pepin Academies Pasco Campus.
National military veterans’ organization announce support for Amendment 4 — Amendment 4, the voting restoration amendment on Floridians’ ballot this November, has received the endorsement of the nationwide veterans’ group VoteVets, backed by more than 500,000 veterans, military family members and their supporters, VoteVets works to support issues that impact veterans and active military members. Jerry Green, Florida Coordinator for VoteVets, said: “We believe that when a person has paid their debt in full, they deserve a second chance. That includes the many military veterans who have faced difficulties and had substance abuse or other legal issues after their military service and are now permanently banned from participating in our democracy. VoteVets is proud to support Amendment 4.”
“Marsy’s Law group launches new TV ad supporting Amendment 6” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The new 30-second commercial, “You Don’t Have the Right,” enacts a scene of a late-night arrest of an angry- and strong-looking man being led to a police car in handcuffs, while a bleeding, bruised, and terrified-looking woman sits watching on the back of an emergency medical services vehicle. “Our newest ad focuses on the rights the accused and convicted have versus the rights provided to the victim,” Greg Ungru, Marsy’s Law for Florida state director, states in a news release issued by that organization. “We are all familiar with the Miranda Rights read to someone when they are arrested. Most Floridians are shocked to find out crime victims in our state aren’t automatically provided similar rights and protections.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
— STATEWIDE —
“Universities projects under scrutiny” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the News Service of Florida — In a letter to the 12 universities and their boards of trustees, Board of Governors Chairman Ned Lautenbach asked the schools to “undertake a review of the funding sources for all university capital projects approved by a board of trustees since July 1, 2008.” The board oversees the state university system. “Similar to the process the University of Central Florida is implementing, we ask that the president, the chief financial officer and the general counsel certify to the board of trustees and to the Board of Governors that the funding sources used were legally available for the projects as authorized in (state law) or as otherwise authorized in the general appropriations act,” Lautenbach’s letter said. In addition, the Board of Governors is making arrangements with an outside firm to conduct an “independent review of university financial controls and processes.” The board’s actions come after a state audit determined in August that UCF had improperly used $38 million in state funding to construct a campus building.
“Cybersecurity training could be a boon for Florida’s future workforce” via Florida Politics — “The average cost of a data breach is $3.62 million — that’s a worldwide average,” said Eman El-Sheik, the director of the Center for Cybersecurity at the University of West Florida. “A lot of businesses say ‘where do [we] start?’” El-Sheik said. “There’s a lot of good resources and best practices available.” El-Sheik’s talk was part of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Future of Florida Forum. On Wednesday the Chamber released its “Florida 2030” research report and among its findings was the need to create another 1.7 million jobs to support the state’s booming population. “Right now, we have 13,000 cybersecurity jobs that are unfilled in Florida — these are jobs that have an average starting wage of $85,000,” El-Sheik said, adding that by 2030 the nationwide cybersecurity deficit will be in the millions.
“Publix to grow corporate HQ headcount by 700 in Lakeland” via Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — The Lakeland headquarters is home to 1,400 associates, Publix CEO Todd Jones said. “To say we’re busting at the seams would be an understatement.” Publix is approved to receive a qualified target industry refund through the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity if it adds 700 jobs and invests $25 million in capital improvements, according to state records. The growth of the Lakeland headquarters comes as Publix has been rapidly expanding its retail footprint throughout the Southeast. Each new store opening creates roughly 100 jobs, the bulk of which are at support facilities like its headquarters.
“Health care transparency effort lags” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — Scott convinced legislators to set aside $3.5 million to create a new website and to create a claims database that would allow Floridians to shop around when it comes to health care. But with Scott ready to leave the governor’s office, the health care price information still isn’t available to Florida consumers. And it’s not clear when it will be. Members of a state panel were told that the Scott administration “doesn’t have an established timeline for the launch.” Also, the state’s largest health insurance company, Florida Blue, hasn’t started submitting data.
“Florida gets share of Uber data breach settlement” via the News Service of Florida — Florida is getting $8.2 million of a $148 million, multistate settlement with ride-sharing company Uber Technologies over a massive 2016 data breach. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the state’s share of a settlement with Florida and 49 other states and the District of Columbia, triggered by the app-based company’s yearlong delay in notifying 600,000 Uber drivers that hackers had gained access to their personal data, including driver’s license numbers. Uber later tracked down the hackers and “obtained assurances” that they had deleted and never distributed the information.
“Citizens CEO: Policy count ‘stable’” via the News Service of Florida — Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway told board members that efforts the past few years to shed less risky policies into the private market have slowed, which is a sign the “depopulation” efforts continue to work effectively. The policy count, which peaked at nearly 1.5 million in November 2012, has hovered around 443,000 the past 18 months, Gilway said. “We’ve really reached a very stable point,” despite increases in litigation in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, Gilway said. An electronic clearinghouse that compares new and renewing policies with what’s available on the private market has helped to offset an increase of 85,000 new Citizens personal lines policies in South Florida, Gilway said.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“More Problem-Solvers members pledge to tie Speaker vote to rule changes” via Lindsey McPherson of Roll Call — Trying to show their push to amend House rules to create more bipartisan legislative processes is serious, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced that 19 of its members are willing to oppose any Speaker candidate who won’t bring about change. The nine Republican members who have taken the pledge are, Carlos Curbelo of Florida, Tom Reed of New York, Mike Coffman of Colorado, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Leonard Lance of New Jersey, John Katko of New York, Fred Upton of Michigan and Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania. The bipartisan caucus unveiled a package of proposed House rules changes in July called “Break the Gridlock” and has been coalescing support for it on both sides of the aisle. Some of the caucus members have decided to add some oomph to their sales pitch by pledging not to support a candidate for speaker unless that person commits to enacting the rules package.
“Carlos Curbelo to vote no on Speaker of the House without lawmaking changes” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald —The rule changes that the centrist lawmakers are demanding from either party’s leadership include opening up amendments to change bills, making it easier for bills with bipartisan support to get a full vote and limiting the ability of a rogue group lawmakers to oust a sitting speaker, like conservative Freedom Caucus members did to John Boehner in 2015. The lawmakers are banking on either party winning a small majority in the November elections, meaning 9 or 10 votes could make the difference for minority leader Nancy Pelosi, majority leader Kevin McCarthy, or whoever else emerges as the front-runner for the Speaker’s job. “We’re at a critical point in our country’s politics, and I’m proud to stand with colleagues from both parties to make Congress and its leaders work more effectively for the American people,” Curbelo said.
— MOVEMENTS —
Appointed — Rick Wilson to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners; William Kastroll to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors; Caridad Lee, Robert Woody, and Jeffery Oody (all reappointed) to the Santa Fe College District Board of Trustees; Philip Ward to Palm Beach State College District Board of Trustees.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Kaitlyn Bailey, Edward Briggs, Natalie King, Ron Pierce, RSA Consulting Group: Family Health Source
Michael Cantens, Flagler Strategies: The Pew Charitable Trusts
Seth McKeel, Sydney Ridley, Monte Stevens, Southern Strategy Group: Equian
— WEEKEND TV —
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: This week’s guest is Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei hosts a panel of Tampa Bay-area college students: Malique Ferrette from St. Petersburg College; Aida Vazquez-Soto from the University of South Florida; Eva Ernst from the New College-Sarasota; Travis Politakis from the University of Tampa.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion of Amendment 1 and how the homestead property tax exemption changes may affect Floridians. Joining Walker-Torres are Florida state Rep. Wengay “Newt” Newton; Dana Blickley, Brevard County Property Appraiser; and Bob Henriquez, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: State Sen. Dana Young will discuss her campaign as the challenge from state Rep. Janet Cruz for Senate District 18; PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter will rate a claim made by Trump about libel law; plus, the latest on new allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Politics on Your Side with Evan Donovan on News Channel 8 WFLA (NBC): This week’s show is pre-empted by NBC Sports coverage of the Ryder Cup.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon and Steve Vancore will speak with Bob McClure of the James Madison Institute and Bill Cotterell of the Tallahassee Democrat.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: A special one-hour edition focusing on the 50th anniversary of Jacksonville’s consolidation — becoming the Bold New City of the South. Guests include former Jacksonville Mayors Jake Godbold (1978-1987), Tommy Hazouri (1987-1991), John Delaney (1995-2003), John Peyton (2003-2011), Alvin Brown (2011-2015) and current Mayor Lenny Curry (2015-present). Also appearing is Rick Mullaney, director of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg will focus on the upcoming November elections; the roundtable will take on the week’s news.
— ALOE —
“Disney Cruise line unveils cruises, destinations in 2020: Hawaii, New Orleans, Caribbean” via Dave Berman and Jennifer Sangalang of FLORIDA TODAY — In early 2020, Disney Cruise Line will establish a new home port in New Orleans. The cruise line also announced a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands; cruises out of Puerto Rico; and popular itineraries to tropical destinations from Florida and California. Disney Cruise Line said its first-ever sailings out of New Orleans, starting in February 2020, will be on the Disney Wonder. The cruise line also said it would continue to base its two largest ships — the Dream and the Fantasy — at Port Canaveral. The sailing schedule extends from January through May 2020.
“Lyft, HART and Zipcar offer ditch-the-car challenge” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The partnership is offering nearly $500 in transportation credits for drivers to use the three services in lieu of a private passenger vehicle for 30 days, Oct. 8 to Nov. 6. Drivers can register for the promotion at a special website designed for the partnership by Lyft. “The way that people move around cities is changing faster than ever, and we are excited to challenge Tampa residents to change their everyday habits and give up their car for a month,” said Sam Cohen, General Manager for Lyft Florida. “Lyft alone is not the overall solution to overcome transportation hurdles, but by partnering with Zipcar and HART we are able to create mobility options for Tampa residents.”
Happy birthday to former state Rep. Hazelle Rogers.
