Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
They say politics and hurricanes don’t mix, but hey, this is Tallahassee, less than a month from Election Day.
Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, who gave a storm preparation briefing Tuesday, was asked by a reporter whether guiding the city through a natural disaster was “a test of (his) leadership.”
“First, I think the criticism out there is unwarranted,” he said, referring to attack ads from Republican candidate for Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis is pushing a narrative that Gillum turned down outside offers of help from other utilities after Hurricane Hermine two years ago.
City utilities officials have said they declined assistance at first because of coordination and safety concerns.
“We want to reduce the level of politics,” Gillum said Tuesday. “I have provided updates to the governor (Rick Scott). I will call him again this afternoon to provide an update.
“ … I know we got our own things going on right now, but the truth is our only responsibility and obligation is to ensure the safety and security of the people under our jurisdiction.”
(That said, we note that Gillum tweeted this the day before: “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.”)
Evening Reads
“Nikki Haley to resign as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations” via Rebecca Ballhaus and Farnaz Fassihi of The Wall Street Journal
“Hurricane set to collide with top Florida races” via Marc Caputo and Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“What’s too tacky amid a hurricane threat? Fundraising? Donald Trump attacking Andrew Gillum?” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“As Hurricane Michael bears down on Tallahassee, eyes are on Gillum” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“Democrats sue to further extend voter registration in counties affected by Hurricane Michael” via Mark Skoneki and Steve Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“In email, Florida emergency management chief slams local storm prep” via Matt Dixon and Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida
“Florida’s congressional delegation seeks state of emergency” via Scott Powers of Orlando Rising
“Third debate set between Ron DeSantis and Gillum” via Steve Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“DeSantis campaign brings in operative Tim Baker for final stretch” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Family tradition drives Ashley Moody in Attorney General’s race” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times
“Michael Bloomberg group to spend $2 million on these Florida Democrats” via David Smiley of the Miami Herald
“Seminole commission candidate barred from substitute teaching for ‘nefarious’ classroom conduct” via Martin Comas of the Orlando Sentinel
Quote of the Day
“Floridians take care of each other … there are so many people ready to help you.” — Gov. Rick Scott, at a Hurricane Michael briefing Tuesday morning.
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Wake Up Early?
These were among events not yet noticed for cancellation or postponement, but check with organizers before you go:
The Florida Department of Children and Families will hold a meeting to discuss the delivery of refugee services in Orange County. That’s at 10 a.m., Goodwill Industries, 3911 East Colonial Dr., Orlando.
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a meeting on several projects within the Golden Glades Interchange in Miami-Dade County. That’s at 6 p.m., North Miami Beach City Hall, Marjorie & William McDonald Center, 17051 N.E. 19th Ave., North Miami Beach.
