Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Joe Henderson, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
The latest on Hurricane Michael as of 5 a.m. Tuesday – Michael gained new strength over warm tropical waters amid fears it would swiftly intensify into a major hurricane before striking Florida’s northeast Gulf Coast, where frantic coastal dwellers are boarding up homes and seeking evacuation routes away from the dangerous storm heading their way, reports the Associated Press.
A hurricane hunter plane that bounced into the swirling eye of Michael off the west tip of Cuba late Monday found wind speeds were rising even as forecasters warned the storm could reach major hurricane status with winds topping 111 mph (179 kph) by Tuesday night. Anticipated landfall is expected Wednesday on the northeast Gulf Coast, where authorities warned of a potentially devastating strike.
By early Tuesday, Michael’s top sustained winds had risen some to 90 mph (144 kph) as it headed north at 12 mph (19 kph). The storm was centered about 390 miles (627 kilometers) south of Apalachicola and 420 miles (675 kilometers) south of Panama City, Florida. Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the core and tropical-storm-force winds out 175 miles (280 kilometers). Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the core and tropical-storm-force winds out 195 miles (313.81 kilometers). Michael was lashing western Cuba on Monday with heavy rains and strong winds.
—
When you see Governor Rick Scott put on the Navy ball cap, stuff’s about to get real. It has become his trademark look when taking the lead role as warner-in-chief during past Florida hurricanes, and we can expect more of the same in the coming days as Hurricane Michael takes aim on the Panhandle.
With this potential Category 3 monster approaching, Scott already sounds the familiar warnings of the impending emergency and for residents to find safe shelter or get out of Dodge before it’s too late.
Well, that’s what he should do — and most people believe some of Scott’s best moments have come during these tense situations with the potential for disaster. The stakes are even higher now, both for Scott and Democrat and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum.
This time, the October surprise came from the National Hurricane Center. What’s about to happen here should be about people and saving lives, but there is no escape from the fact it also comes with significant political implications.
How the Governor and the Mayor perform in the days leading up to the storm and its aftermath could tilt close elections in their favor — Scott, for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Bill Nelson, and Gillum in what has become an increasingly snippy race for Governor against Republican Ron DeSantis.
There really isn’t much Nelson or DeSantis can do to keep the spotlight off their opponents, either — although Nelson, to be fair, was visible along with Republican senatorial counterpart Marco Rubio during last year’s bouts with Mother Nature.
But as the storm gets closer, all the cameras will be focused on Scott for updates. And with Florida’s strategic importance in the national political picture, he won’t have any trouble getting whatever aid people need to be delivered from FEMA in a timely matter when the storm is gone — probably with lots of free media coverage on TV, too.
Republicans, meanwhile, had already opened attacks against Gillum for his performance in the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine in 2016, when much of Tallahassee’s power infrastructure was damaged.
In an ad that has been appearing around the state in recent days, Republicans claim Gillum refused help from outside workers waiting to help restore power to the city. DeSantis said Gillum was waiting for unionized workers to arrive on the scene, a claim vigorously disputed by Barry Moline, the former head of the Florida Municipal Electric Association.
In the Sun-Sentinel, Moline said the decision about accepting extra was made by him and Tallahassee’s general manager of electric utilities. Under Tallahassee’s form of government, Gillum was not empowered to make that call.
“Any claim that suggests the mayor had anything to do with rejecting crews is a flat-out lie,” Moline said. “It’s wrong. It’s false. It didn’t happen. The mayor wasn’t involved with selecting or choosing crews to bring into Tallahassee.”
But, the ads keep airing and the image DeSantis is painting of Gillum might stick with enough voters to turn a close election.
The image of Gillum, shovel in hand to help fill emergency sandbags, that was being circulated Monday afternoon on Twitter may help to blunt some of that.
Performing exceptionally in the coming days would blunt all of it though.
Hurricane Michael a real-life situation far too familiar to this state, and how the men who want to lead it to show what they can do under real pressure will go a long way toward determining if Floridians believe they’re up to the job.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@Fineout: So with Hurricane Michael expected to be a Category 3 when it slams into the Panhandle — it will be the first major hurricane in 58 years to strike the state during the same year as a gubernatorial election
—@AndrewGillum: Hey @realDonaldTrump — don’t come to my state and talk trash about my city while we are preparing for a Category 3 hurricane. We need a partner right now, not a partisan.
—@DarcyRichardson: Hey @AndrewGillum — will you again refuse help from utility companies that happen to be nonunion like you did during Hurricane Hermine, leaving city residents without power longer than necessary? Just curious.
—@KevinCate: While Mayor @AndrewGillum is at the emergency operation center preparing Tallahassee for a Cat 3 hurricane, @RonDeSantisFL is running hurricane misinformation on TV in the cone of the hurricane. This isn’t just bad politics; it’s egregious and dangerous to public safety.
—@ArekSarkissian: Woah. I’ve never seen @SenBillNelson at the EOC in six years. Also never got the memo that he’d be paying a visit.
—@AnthonyPedicini: Amazing to think with razor-thin margins in FL statewide elections an October hurricane could swing it all …
—@MahoneysTheName: It’s incredible how the impending storm has stopped political time. No barrage of news releases this morning. I’m leaving mid-workday to buy canned food.
—@AnaCeballos_: Surreal to hear hurricane conditions on my local radio weather forecast on my way to gas station, where there is no more gas.
—@Ders850: I got three handles of bourbon, a carton of smokes, eight gallons of water, & enough beef jerky to traverse the Oregon Trail. Let’s do this thing.
—@SaraSClements: Reminder to all in the path of #HurricaneMichael: If you have pets, you are responsible for the safety of YOUR PETS. Make sure they have adequate food/water/meds & bring them with you if you evacuate. Most importantly, DO NOT leave them trapped & unable to fend for themselves.
—@Ryban1001: I’ve lived in Tallahassee for 30 years. One crime is too many, but in spite of what some want you to believe, our community is not Tallaganistan.
— DAYS UNTIL —
MLB World Series begins — 14; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 15; Early voting begins — 18; Halloween — 22; General Election Day — 28; Florida Blue Florida Classic: FAMU vs. BCU — 39; 2019 Legislature Organization Session meetings — 42; Thanksgiving — 44; Black Friday — 45; Florida Chamber Insurance Summit — 49; 2019 Session Interim Committee Meetings begin — 63; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 126; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 147; ‘Captain Marvel’ release — 150; 2020 General Election — 756.
— STORM NOTES —
Rick Scott expands emergency declaration, asks for federal aid — Gov. Scott expanded a state of emergency to include 35 counties and asked President Trump for a declaration that would help provide federal assistance. Scott already issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 26 counties in Northwest Florida, the Big Bend region and North Central Florida. That declaration stretched from Escambia County in the western end of the Panhandle to Columbia County in North Central Florida and Levy County along the Gulf Coast. The expansion Monday added Bradford, Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Alachua, Union and Baker counties. Also, Scott asked Trump to declare what is known as a “pre-landfall emergency” for the state.
Ahead of Michael, Jimmy Patronis activates state search and rescue teams — Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Patronis is activating seven out of eight Emergency Support Functions 4 & 9 (ESF 4&9) State of Florida, Search and Rescue task forces in preparation for Hurricane Michael’s landfall. Patronis’ Division of State Fire Marshal is the lead agency for this activation. “These teams are highly trained to assist Floridians in the aftermath of a storm, but it’s critical that we prepare now since there is no time to waste,” Patronis said. These teams are the primary response units that are immediately deployed to aid communities impacted by a natural or man-made disaster. The teams are comprised of Florida firefighters and first responders. Collectively, these task forces can provide resources such as swift water rescue, search and rescue, HAZMAT support, medical support, and satellite communications capabilities.
AAA: Hurricane should not cause gas price spike — AAA doesn’t expect Hurricane Michael to have a direct impact on gasoline supplies or prices at the pump in Florida. The hurricane’s projected path (as of Monday afternoon) directs the storm east of most oil drilling rigs and refineries along the Gulf Coast. This eases concerns of significant refinery and rig shutdowns, which would otherwise cause prices to rise.
“Most nursing homes still don’t have backup power, even though it is now required by law.” via Elizabeth Koh of the Tampa Bay Times — Those generator rules — which were conceived in the wake of the Hollywood nursing home disaster last year that killed a dozen people — are still not done being implemented by many facilities across the state, particularly hundreds in the region where Michael’s impact is likely to be felt hardest. A review of data maintained by the Agency for Health Care Administration shows that, in 33 counties encompassing the western half of the state south to Hernando County and east to Putnam County, more than half of the 412 assisted-living facilities and nursing homes have yet to implement their emergency power plans. Nearly all of those facilities have been granted extensions, many through the end of the year, citing regulatory delays and equipment and contractor shortages.
Emergency means early prescription refills — Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier reminded insurance companies and HMOs of the policy following Gov. Scott’s declaration of a state of emergency. The mandate covers the 26 counties affected until the emergency lifts, and ensures that patients will have at least a 30-day supply of meds if their doctors have authorized refills. State law authorized the Office of Insurance Regulation to extend the mandate in increments of 15 or 30 days.
State offices closed through Thursday — Gov. Scott announced on Twitter late Monday that state offices will be closed Tuesday through Thursday in the 35 counties where a state of emergency has been declared.
At my direction, state offices will be closed tomorrow, October 9th- Thursday, October 11th in the 35 affected counties where I have declared a State of Emergency.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 8, 2018
FSU shutting down — The university said Monday it is closing its Tallahassee and Panama City campuses Tuesday through Friday. “On-campus housing and dining service operations will continue throughout the closure,” the school said. “Students who choose to stay will be advised to follow a ‘shelter in place’ protocol … Meals will be delivered to the residence halls during the storm.” Visit alerts.fsu.edu for further updates.
What Kathy Mears is reading — “No, this isn’t a photo of Jim Cantore at the Tallahassee airport” via the Tallahassee Democrat — A photo of the Weather Channel’s Cantore has been making the rounds on social media, as the Tallahassee area waits nervously for Hurricane Michael. “Yikes!” said several Facebook users. “Jim Cantore just landed in Tallahassee … Yep we’re screwed,” said another. We can’t comment on the emotional reactions, but we can say definitively that this isn’t a photo of Cantore in Tallahassee. It was a photo of him at Logan Airport in Boston in January 2015.
Leon County public schools closing — Superintendent Rocky Hanna decided to close all county schools Tuesday through Friday. “This includes all after-school activities starting (Tuesday) and lasting until further notice,” its Facebook account said. “Many of our schools will transition into shelters … and will need to be closed.”
Leon County services canceled in advance of Hurricane Michael — Leon County offices, libraries and parks will be closed starting at noon Tuesday and will remain closed through Thursday. Also, this Tuesday’s Leon County Board of County Commissioners Meeting has been canceled. All items will be moved to the agenda for the Oct. 23 meeting. Solid waste collection in the County will be suspended on Wednesday. Residents are urged to secure their collection bins during the storm. Further details on waste collection service will be announced later this week.
Hurricane-related court closures begin — Court closures in North Florida now are being announced on a county-by-county basis due to Hurricane Michael’s approach. You can find a list of confirmed court closures and other emergency information on the Florida Supreme Court website here. Due to the potential for extended power outages in the state capital, the Florida Supreme Court and its offices also will use Facebook and Twitter to release updated emergency information about the state courts. You can follow those accounts here and here.
“Hurricane causes Public Service Commission to delay FPL purchase hearing” via TCPalm — Hurricane Michael has caused the Public Service Commission to delay this week’s hearing regarding the Florida Power & Light Co. purchase of the Vero Beach city electric system. The hearing was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Tallahassee and continue Wednesday if needed. Now it’s rescheduled to Oct. 18-19.
Florida Municipal Electric Association gearing up — Executive Director Amy Zubaly said her group “was in contact with public power communities across Florida and the Southeast lining up mutual aid crews prepared to assist affected areas of the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend … We are bringing hundreds of mutual aid personnel into the City of Tallahassee.”
Gulf Power economic symposium postponed — The 22nd Gulf Power Economic Symposium, focusing on Northwest Florida’s growth, had been set for later this week in Miramar Beach. “This is a major safety concern for our attendees since many would be traveling to the event” in the wake of the hurricane, a notice said. “Please click here for more details about hotel and conference registration refunds.”
Public safety panel meeting canceled — The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission meeting, scheduled for this Tuesday through Thursday in South Florida, was canceled on Monday because of Hurricane Michael. “We will advise when the meeting is rescheduled,” the FDLE said in a news release.
Hurricane puts wealthy Panhandle beach towns on notice” via Melissa Nelson Gabriel of the Pensacola News-Journal — “It’s kind of got us all on edge right now,” said Rachel Burke, general manager of Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar on Panama City Beach. Burke, whose business is part of a large beachfront mall, said the mall owners had emailed instructions to businesses on boarding up their storefronts. “Traffic is really heavy out here right now. People are filling up their gas tanks, getting water and doing those sorts of things,” she said. Michael caught many in the Panhandle by surprise as it grew from a tropical storm to a hurricane on Monday. It was forecast to become a major hurricane, Category 3 or higher, with winds of 110 miles per hour or more, by the time it was expected to make landfall Wednesday. Wherever Michael hits, it would likely cause problems for Destin’s charter fishing industry, said Mary Anne Windes, managing partner of the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina. Windes spent the day supervising the removal of dozens of boats from her marina.
“Hurricane could help move red tide off Treasure Coast” via Tyler Treadway of TCPalm — Michael could cause winds along Florida’s East Coast to shift from easterly, which has been bringing red tide onto shore, to southerly beginning late Tuesday morning. “More southerly winds, plus the south-to-north movement of the Gulf Stream, could help move red tide out of our area,” said Malcolm McFarland, a research associate at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Fort Pierce. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that October typically brings particularly high tides, known as “king tides,” to Florida’s East Coast, said Jessie Smith, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Melbourne. McFarland said he’s concerned the “king tides” could help push “large populations” of red tide onto Treasure Coast beaches and possibly into the Indian River Lagoon via the St. Lucie Inlet.
“Exxon Mobil pulls staff from Gulf platform” via CNBC — Exxon Mobil said it was evacuating personnel from a Gulf of Mexico platform … Michael is tracking through the energy-producing area of the Gulf of Mexico and expected to make landfall near the Florida Panhandle. The world’s largest publicly traded oil producer does not currently expect the staff reduction at its Lena production platform to affect output, spokeswoman Julie King said. (Reuters added that BP “has shut down production at four rigs … The platforms evacuating personnel and shutting down production include its Atlantis, Mad Dog, Ka Kika, and Thunder Horse facilities, the company said.”)
Long-term facilities prepping for storm — Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmett Reed provided the following statement: “Our team is in constant communication with long-term care facilities in the areas that could potentially be affected by the storm, and we are coordinating efforts with federal, state, and local authorities as well as our transportation and utility partners. As always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of every resident and staff member at our centers. Each facility is required to have a detailed emergency management plan that outlines the steps it will take in the event of an emergency, and centers are making preparations in accordance with these plans.”
Pet and livestock movement requirements suspended — Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Monday the temporary suspension of intrastate requirements for the transportation of animals from the areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Michael. Additionally, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets and livestock. “By suspending the movement requirements for the transportation of animals, we can ensure that Floridians and visitors can quickly and safely move their pets and livestock out of harm’s way,” Putnam said.
A relevant interview — Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate offers hurricane-related insights in a podcast episode on SalterMitchell PR’s “Fluent in Floridian.” He discusses the Waffle House Index, thunderbolt exercises, and why “time is your most precious commodity, and you need to be moving toward action.” Fugate served as the head of FEMA under former President Barack Obama. From 2001-2009, Fugate served as the director of Florida’s Emergency Management Division, leading the state through some of its most notable storms.
Wi-Fi in a pinch — Florida Internet & Television announced that Comcast’s Xfinity Wi-Fi would be available free of charge to Northwest Floridians in Hurricane Michael’s path. Visit here to see a map of hotspot locations.
— TWEET, TWEET —
Hurricane #Michael continues to strengthen over the southern Gulf of Mexico. Here are the updated 10 PM CDT Key Messages for Hurricane #Michael. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/6x3a1wjqfi
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2018
— DESANTIS VS. GILLUM —
“Florida Southern College poll: ‘Narrow lead’ for Andrew Gillum” via Florida Politics — A new poll shows “a narrow lead” for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gillum over his Republican counterpart, DeSantis. But the poll, by the Florida Southern College Center for Polling and Policy Research, has a roughly 4½-point margin of error, and Gillum’s lead is just over 3 points. Gillum received just over 47 percent support, compared to DeSantis’ nearly 44 percent. “While our results show a small degree of separation between the candidates, this race is still up for grabs,” said Zachary Baumann, a professor of political science at the school and the center’s director.
“Matching money keeps adding up for DeSantis, Gillum” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — Statewide candidates got five more checks for matching funds totaling $448,517, with the bulk going to the gubernatorial campaigns of Republican DeSantis and Democrat Gillum … DeSantis received a check for $153,470 on Friday to bring his overall state matching-funds total to just over $1.52 million. Gillum got a check for $266,838 — his third straight weekly check of more than $230,000 — and had received nearly $1.37 million from the controversial program, which provides matches for individual contributions of $250 or less to candidates’ campaign accounts.
“Unions pump money into Gillum election bid” via the News Service of Florida — State and national unions in late September spent at least $1.6 million to back Gillum … The $1.6 million came in three contributions to Forward Florida, a political committee closely linked to Gillum’s campaign. The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees and the American Federation of Teachers each contributed $750,000, according to the report posted on the state Division of Elections website. Meanwhile, a Florida Education Association political committee contributed $100,000. In all, Forward Florida raised nearly $4.86 million during the period and had about $4.1 million in cash on hand as of Sept. 28, the report shows.
“As rivals target Gillum for Tallahassee’s high crime rate, residents wonder: Are we really the worst?” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — The area has indeed ranked first the past few years, a local problem that has become a statewide one for Tallahassee Mayor Gillum … Locals have a variety of theories about why the crime rate is so high. It’s from growing pains, faulty statistics or stark economic inequality. But if there’s one thing most seem to agree on, it’s that their fair city doesn’t feel like the poster child for crime. “When I talk about crime to people who are from bigger cities like Miami and Atlanta, they literally laugh at me,” says Christic Henry, a realtor and former president of Tallahassee’s Council of Neighborhood Associations. Technically, it’s Leon County, not Tallahassee, that has had the highest crime rate in Florida for the past four years, according to state data. The data shows that Tallahassee, the only city in the county, with two-thirds of the overall population, was the driver. Tallahassee police reported nearly 80 percent of the county crimes last year. On its own, Tallahassee’s crime rate ranks 28th in the state among more than 500 police departments.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
“Protesters wave signs hours before Trump visit to Orlando” via Mike Schneider of The Associated Press — Hours before Trump addressed an international convention of police chiefs, a handful of protesters outside the Orange County Convention Center waved signs that said “Sexual Predators Belong in Jail Not as President or Supreme Court” and “We Wish You Were Fake News.” Cheyenne Drews wore a long red dress and a white wimple resembling the character “Offred” in the TV series and novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Drews said she wanted to show that the United States was getting closer to the female oppression depicted in the dystopian story written by author Margaret Atwood. Outside the convention center, three Democratic Florida lawmakers and a Florida House candidate called Trump and Gov. Scott “BFFs,” slang for “best friends forever.” They said Scott didn’t oppose Trump proposals to gut key provisions of Obamacare and tried to block women’s access to health care.
—“’Florida will become another Venezuela’: Trump talks exclusively to WFTV during Orlando stop” via Kevin Williams and Christopher Heath of WFTV
“Amid amped up scrutiny, North Carolina investor targeted by feds became top Florida GOP donor” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida -A North Carolina investor targeted in a federal investigation of “drug offenses, crimes against financial institutions, or money laundering crimes” has emerged as one of Florida’s largest individual Republican political donors this election cycle, giving to a range of officials and sending $350,000 to committees supporting Senate candidate Gov. Scott. Businessman Greg Lindberg, whose companies are at the center of the federal probe, gave campaign cash to dozens of Florida politicians and political committees over an eight-month span. Recipients include powerful legislative leaders in line to control the Florida House and Senate for years to come. Lindberg’s sudden interest in Florida politics coincides with increased scrutiny from Florida insurance regulators after years of wrangling with Lindberg companies, some of which are tied to the federal probe. Federal investigators are separately seeking reams of documents from at least seven companies tied to Lindberg and Eli Global, the North Carolina-based investment firm he founded. Those companies are listed on a federal subpoena, which was first reported by WRAL in North Carolina. The federal subpoena seeks records from companies “associated with Eli Global.”
“Florida TaxWatch on Amendments: No on 1, Yes on 2” via Florida Politics — A simple message emerged from Florida TaxWatch on a media call regarding two amendments on the November ballot. No on Amendment 1, which would increase the homestead exemption by $25,000 to $125,000, asserting that the proposal penalizes everyone and benefits a few people. Yes on Amendment 2, which would permanently extend a cap of 10 percent on yearly increases of property taxes on parcels and structures without a homestead exemption, extending a ten-year-old cap approved by voters by referendum in 2008. Per polling from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, both measures look likely to pass.
“Billionaires, Ben & Jerry’s back felons’ rights amendment” via Florida Politics — Floridians for a Fair Democracy, which led the drive to get Amendment 4 on the ballot, received 138 contributions for the week of Sept. 22 through Sept. 28. More than 100 of those receipts came in from individuals who gave $250 or less, but the top end of the donor roll featured some heavy hitters. Florida — based philanthropist Marsha Laufer, the wife of Henry Laufer, chipped in $250,000, the same amount she gave Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gillum earlier in the month. Boston billionaire Seth Klarman also showed up with a check for a quarter million, with a quartet of individuals and entities combining for another $85,000 in contributions. Floridians for a Fair Democracy, chaired by Desmond Meade, also received nearly $95,000 worth of “in-kind” support for the weeklong reporting period. Vermont-based ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s was the source of about $56,000 of that support via digital advertising, while the American Civil Liberties Union provided more than $11,000 in staff time.
“Farmers, ranchers, sportsmen now oppose dog-racing ban” via Florida Politics — Amendment 13, which would need at least 60 percent approval on the November ballot, would ban betting on greyhound racing by the beginning of 2021. The coalition — made up of Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the NRA, Unified Sportsmen of Florida, Future of Hunting in Florida and Florida Sportsmen United Political Committee — asks Floridians to “consider the impacts on our businesses, our food providers and our rights to hunt and fish, and vote no on Amendment 13.” “Amendment 13 could have wide-ranging impacts on Florida’s farmers and our ability to provide food for Americans,” said Dr. Liz Steele, a veterinarian in Zolfo Springs, a member of the Florida Farm Bureau and a member of the executive committee for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. “I am seriously concerned about adding language like this to our state’s Constitution,” Steele added. “For our farms, for our families, for our dinner tables, vote ‘no’ on Amendment 13.”
Happening today (tentative based on the hurricane)— The Bob Graham Center at the University of Florida is hosting a discussion about 12 proposed constitutional amendments slated for the Nov. ballot. Among the speakers will be Jon Mills, a former dean of the university’s law school and a former speaker of the Florida House, 6 p.m., University of Florida, Pugh Hall Ocora, Gainesville.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, PART 2 —
“Donna Shalala ‘sleeping on the job?’ NRCC thinks so” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — A new web video from the National Republican Congressional Committee accuses Democratic candidate Shalala of sleepwalking through her campaign in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. The NRCC, which aims to help elect Republicans to the House of Representatives, is backing Shalala’s opponent in the race, former broadcaster Maria Elvira Salazar. The group has named Salazar to its “Young Guns” campaign. The video from the NRCC, titled “Tired Out,” argues Shalala is falling behind in the contest. “Donna Shalala has been sleeping on the job,” reads the text on the screen. “Even Democrats think so.”
To watch the video, click on the image below.
Wes Clark endorses Nancy Soderberg in CD 6 — Former Clinton Administration alum Nancy Soderberg picked up an endorsement from former 4-star general and 2004 Presidential candidate Wes Clark. “I worked closely with Nancy when she was on the National Security Council and UN, and I’ve watched her defend American interests around the globe. She has fiercely fought for our values; building peace in the Balkans, forging a cease-fire in Northern Ireland, standing up to terrorists, and so much more,” Clark said. The Clark endorsement was part of a raft of military endorsements for the Democrat running to replace DeSantis in Congress. The nods from two 4-Star Generals, three Lieutenant Generals, one Brigadier General, one Colonel, one Captain, and three Rear Admirals “highlight the respect Nancy Soderberg has earned from leaders in our military over her decades of work safeguarding our national security,” asserted a media release.
“Stephanie Murphy ad touts assistance for veterans in CD 7 race” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The 30-second spot, “Sarah,” is launching on Orlando television seeking to position Murphy as someone who fights for veterans. In the ad, Sarah Barton talks about the service of her father, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gerald Birman, how the family struggled to obtain survivors’ benefits after he died, and how Murphy got it cleared up through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “We were a proud military family. We needed to care for my mother and these benefits were tied up in red tape and bureaucracy. My father earned these benefits for his family,” Barton states in the ad. “We were in dire straits. Stephanie Murphy took on the bureaucracy and did what was right for me and my family. “She really cares for veterans and her families. This is her passion,” Barton concludes.
To view the video, click on the image below:
Everglades Trust endorses Brian Mast For re-election — Clean water advocacy group The Everglades Trust is endorsing U.S. Rep. Mast to represent Florida’s 18th Congressional District. “Most politicians pay lip service. Very few back their words with action and action is exactly what Floridians and these waterways desperately need. Mast is the first Member of Congress representing this district to step up in such a powerful and immediate fashion to address the devastating conditions that have been plaguing the northern estuaries and Everglades for decades,” said Kimberly Mitchell, executive director of the Everglades Trust.
Happening today — Democrat Lauren Baer, who is seeking to unseat Mast in Florida’s 18th Congressional District, will speak at a meeting of the Western Communities of West Palm Beach Democratic Club, 7 p.m., Vista Center, 2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach.
“Carlos Curbelo and Debbie Mucarsel Powell’s race tops nationwide TV spending” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — A list of the top 10 House races by TV spending from Kantar Media shows Florida’s 26th Congressional District at the top of the list, with $16.9 million spent so far, according to consultancy group Kantar Media. The race between Curbelo and Mucarsel-
— DOWN BALLOT —
“Direct mail roundup: Kayser Enneking, Keith Perry release dueling mailers in SD 8” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Perry and Enneking have been sending out mailer after mailer pitching themselves as the best candidate for the job in Alachua County-based SD 8. As he’s done throughout the election cycle, Perry put out another mailer this week tying his campaign to a referendum that would transfer the governance of Gainesville Regional Utilities from the City Commission to a five-member panel. “What does the Gainesville City Commission want to do instead of lowering GRU rates?” one side of the mailer says. “Spending $190,000 on a sessional ice rink while residents can’t pay their bills … Seriously?!” … Enneking’s mailer dogged Perry for his vote of the “toilet-to-tap” bill that would have allowed chemically treated, recycled water to be pumped into the state’s underground aquifer. “You won’t believe what Keith Perry voted to pump into our drinking water,” the ad reads. … “Our environment is sick and Tallahassee politicians are only making the water worse,” Enneking says on the flipside.
“Perry, Enneking top $1.1 million in Senate battle” via the News Service of Florida — Perry raised $75,450 for his campaign account from Sept. 15 through Sept. 28, bringing the overall total to $611,242. Perry’s campaign had about $352,000 in cash on hand as of Sept. 28. Enneking, meanwhile, raised $43,670 during the two-week period, bringing her overall total to $496,895, the reports show. She had about $55,000 in cash on hand.
“Jeff Brandes still up double digits in re-election battle” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Brandes is sitting pretty a month out from Election Day according to a new poll of the SD 24 contest between him and Democratic nominee Lindsay Cross. The St. Pete Polls survey found the longtime lawmaker up 52-41 percent with the remaining 7 percent of voters in the Pinellas County district unsure how they’d vote come November. … The fresh poll, conducted Oct. 6 and 7, shows a marked decrease in undecided voters from the same pollster’s previous measure, where Brandes led 39-19 percent with 42 percent of voters undecided … that lead is partially attributable to his strong support among Republicans and independent voters, whom he carries by an 81-15 percent and 47-42 percent margin, respectively. … he also holds a clear lead among nearly every slice of the electorate, including a 16-point edge among non-Hispanic white voters, who make up 90 percent of SD 24’s voting age population.
Florida Medical Association endorses Brandes for another term — The Florida Medical Association PAC (FMA PAC), is endorsing Brandes in his re-election bid to Senate District 24. FMA PAC President, Dr. Mike Patete stated, “The FMA PAC is proud to endorse Brandes for re-election. We’ve worked closely with him during his time in the House and Senate and we look forward to continuing our work to ensure Florida patients have the very best health care.” SD 24 includes much of Pinellas County.
“David Perez edges Manny Diaz in latest fundraising haul” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The candidates for Senate District 36 were in a virtual dead heat in the latest fundraising period, each approaching $100,000 raised between their respective campaigns and political committees. Perez, the Democratic nominee, earned just $12,645 in donations to his campaign from Sept. 15 to 28. But his political committee, Floridians for Change, brought in $84,600 during the same period for a total of $97,245. His Republican opponent, Diaz, hauled in $70,000 to his campaign. That was bolstered by $27,000 in donations to his political committee, Better Florida Education. That left him just $245 short of Perez, with $97,000 raised in total.
Happening today — State and congressional candidates will participate in a meet-and-greet event held by the LGBTQ advocacy group SAVE. Democrat Jason Pizzo, running in Miami-Dade’s House District 38, will offer opening remarks. Others expected to take part include state Sen. Annette Taddeo of Miami; state Reps. Robert Asencio of Miami, Javier Fernandez of South Miami, Nicholas Duran of Miami; as well as Democratic congressional candidates Donna Shalala, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Mary Barzee Flores; and state House candidates James Harden, Jeffrey Solomon, Michael Grieco, Javier Estevez and Cindy Polo. Event begins 6 p.m., SAVE headquarters, 1951 N.W. Seventh Ave., Miami.
Happening today (tentatively) — State Rep. Margaret Good of Sarasota joins other Democratic candidates at an Indivisible Northeast Sarasota event. Others expected to take part include David Shapiro, who is running in Florida’s 16th Congressional District; Oliva Babis, who is running in state Senate District 23; and Liv Coleman, who is running in state House District 73. Event begins 5:30 p.m., Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota.
— NPA DATA —
Colleen Branam, a former nonparty affiliate, joined the Democratic Party after realizing she otherwise couldn’t vote in the state’s closed primaries.
Notes Steve Bousquet for the Tampa Bay Times, “Tens of thousands of Florida voters have made the same change in recent months. What effect these party-switchers will have on the outcome will depend largely on turnout on Nov. 6, four weeks from Tuesday.”
Branam “was one of nearly 4,800 no-party voters to make the switch in Pinellas County, compared to 860 in the same time period in the last midterm election four years ago,” writes Bousquet.
Other shifts: “Florida voters also switch between the two major parties, but those changes offset each other. For example, so far in Hillsborough this year, about 2,900 Democrats became Republicans and about 2,100 did the reverse.”
In Hillsborough: “6,297 no-party voters switched to the Democratic Party this year, compared to 1,404 in 2014.”
In Osceola: … “The shadow of Disney World, home to an expanding Puerto Rican community, 3,181 former independents became Democrats compared to 349 four years ago.”
— STATEWIDE —
“A half-billion dollar payday: Motorola wins final OK for state radio contract” via Florida Politics — The Department of Management Services (DMS) will enter into final negotiations with Motorola Solutions to take over the state’s law enforcement communications network, the company announced Monday. DMS Secretary Erin Rock issued a final order, accepting a recommendation by Administrative Law Judge J. Bruce Culpepper to dismiss a protest by Harris Corp., which previously had the contract … The new Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) buildout — valued at over half a billion dollars — is scheduled to begin in 2020.
“Policy adviser recommends its Florida school district clients not adopt medical marijuana rules” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Neola, the firm several districts have hired to maintain and revise their policy manuals, has advised its clients not to adopt any rules. Key to its rationale is Neola’s observation that the Florida statute, adopted after a 2016 statewide referendum, violates federal law. “It has been, and continues to be, our position that the policies and procedures mandated by F.S. §1006.26(8) would violate Federal law, including, but not limited to, The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and The Drug-Free Workplace Act. Neola is concerned that if a District adopts a policy in response to F.S. §1006.062 and the Federal government decides to strictly enforce existing Federal law, the District would be in a position to lose Federal grant funds,” Neola president Dick Clapp wrote to client districts, which include Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties. Clapp further noted the section of the Florida constitution allowing medical marijuana does not give immunity under federal law and does not require schools to permit the on-site use of medical marijuana.
“Supreme Court openings get dozens of applications” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Despite a looming legal challenge, nearly 60 people have applied for three upcoming vacancies on the Florida Supreme Court, including Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s former chief of staff. Carlos Muniz, now the general counsel to the U.S. Department of Education, was on a list of names provided to Florida Politics by Gov. Rick Scott‘s office on Monday evening after a public record request … Justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis, and Peggy A. Quince face mandatory retirement on the same day that the term-limited Scott, a Naples Republican, leaves office. He is now running against incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson for U.S. Senate. The next justices will likely determine the ideological balance of the state’s highest court.
— RENNER RUNDOWN —
State Rep. Paul Renner, a Palm Coast Republican slated to become House Speaker in 2023, lost his first election by two votes.
But that hasn’t stopped him from having a brief and already successful political career after having served in the Navy for 20 years.
In a new interview on the shores of Flagler Beach, Renner shares a bit of his personal history with FiTV President and CEO Brad Swanson.
Military experience: Renner married his wife shortly before being deployed to Afghanistan. On camaraderie in the service, he said, “Because you’re doing something … where your life is at risk, there’s a bond between men and women that serve in the military.”
Why the Legislature?: “It seemed like the next step in public service,” Renner said. “I just wasn’t happy with where the country was headed.”
His goals: Renner is seeking to encourage greater economic development in his district. “So that kids growing up here will want to stay here, or want to come back.” In 2023, he hopes to leave a legacy. “If you can do things while you’re there that are game-changers … do that, and do that with a sense of urgency.”
To watch the video, click on the image below:
— OPINIONS —
“Michael Sittig: If Amendment 1 passes, most of us lose” via Florida Politics — When you go to the polls in November, there is more at stake than the general election. You’ll also be voting on Amendment 1 to the state constitution, and a no vote will help ensure that we won’t be hit right in the wallet. Florida’s property tax system is a complicated mess. Amendment 1 won’t fix it. Instead, it would make it worse and more complicated. Don’t be misled by the description of the amendment as a “homestead exemption increase.” Amendment 1 is not fair. Some pay less, but millions pay more. The state politicians call it a tax break, but it’s actually a tax SHIFT. Most of the tax breaks go to a handful of homeowners. Less than one-fourth of Florida’s properties fall into that narrow category. This means that more than three-fourths of the properties owned by small-business owners, manufacturers and working families will carry a heavier load. Shouldn’t Florida’s tax system work across the board for all of us who own property, not just a select few?
“Charles Steele Jr.: Marsy’s Law Amendment 6 takes on inequality in justice system” via Florida Politics — Right now, victims of crimes are among those whose voices are falling on deaf ears. Too many crime victims feel ignored and left out of the justice process. Many victims feel the person who committed the crime against them has more rights than they do. Crime victims, many of whom are at the most vulnerable points of their lives, should be treated with equality and fairness. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference stands for equity. Protecting and strengthening crime victims’ rights falls in line with our pursuit of equality and justice. That is why I am proud to support Florida’s Amendment 6, also known as Marsy’s Law for Florida. Floridians have the opportunity to give a greater voice to a group of people who deserve it — crime victims. I have been honored to lend my voice to victims and I encourage all Floridians to stand in support of crime victims by voting yes on Amendment 6/Marsy’s Law for Florida on Nov. 6.
— INTERESTING READS —
“Interest groups compete for Trump’s TV attention” via Julie Bycowicz and Alex Leary of The Wall Street Journal — An ethanol group in a high-stakes battle with the oil industry devised its television advertising strategy with a single viewer in mind: Trump. Its 30-second commercial with an Iowa corn farmer arguing for a higher percentage of ethanol in gasoline has been in rotation on Fox News since July. Competing ads represent an effort to grab the attention of the world’s most powerful TV viewer, and a belief by Washington’s influence industry that Trump can be swayed by what he sees on TV. Ad revenue for the programs Trump watches most closely is on the rise, with Sean Hannity ticking up to $18.8 million between April and June of this year, compared with $17.5 million in the second quarter of 2016, according to Kantar Media. Fox & Friends made $22 million in ad revenue in the second quarter of this year, compared with $15.7 million in the same period of 2016, Kantar Media says.
“MSNBC’s Ali Velshi in Tallahassee on Trump, lies and news” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — The newsman defended his profession against complaints of bias against Trump but conceded that continually having to call out the president’s “lies” can give rise to the appearance of anti-Trump sentiment. Velshi, a veteran business and foreign correspondent and anchorman for MSNBC, told members of the Economic Club of Florida that Trump routinely misrepresents the facts in intentional defiance of the truth … “That rally in Mississippi the other day? There were 63 straight lies. This guy lies with a velocity we’ve never seen before. Is that a bias against President Trump to point out times when the president of the United States lies?”
— ALOE —
“Facebook wants people to invite its cameras into their homes” via Michael Liedtke and Barbara Ortutay of The Associated Press — Facebook is launching the first electronic device to bear its brand, a screen and camera-equipped gadget intended to make video calls easier and more intuitive. Facebook is marketing the device, called Portal, as a way for its more than 2 billion users to chat with one another without having to fuss with positioning and other controls. The device features a camera that uses artificial intelligence to automatically zoom as people move around during calls. But pointing an artificially intelligent camera into peoples’ homes could well raise other privacy questions. “The first thing consumers are going to wonder is ‘how much sensitive data is this collecting about me?’” said John Breyault, vice president of public policy of telecommunications and fraud at the National Consumers League, a Washington-based consumer advocacy group that has received donations from Facebook and other tech companies.
“Pizza is better made with New York water. Here’s how we know.” via Laura Reiley of the Tampa Bay Times — Top Slice, a mostly takeout pizzeria that opened at 21 3rd St. North downtown in June, would prove it, once and for all and unequivocally: New York water is elemental when it comes to good pizza. New York City is the nation’s largest municipal water supplier, 90 percent of which comes from the Catskill/Delaware watershed about 125 miles north of New York. The water passes through the world’s largest ultraviolet disinfection facility … treated with chlorine, phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide to disinfect it and raise the pH level to around 7.2 (a pH of 7.0 is considered pure water) … what makes New York water New York water is the unique composition of total dissolved solids, calcium and magnesium in very specific proportions, plus that neutral pH. These chemicals help activate the glutens in flours without making them too tough or too weak. Top Slice in St. Petersburg is the first restaurant in Florida to install the New York Watermaker system, a big gray box above the soda fountain that works silently to give this colorless, transparent, odorless, tasteless liquid a New York accent.
Happy birthday to Senate President Joe Negron, state Rep. Ben Diamond and former Rep. Janet Atkins, as well as our dear friend Keyna Cory, and Tia Mitchell.
