Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The Florida Commission on Ethics will hold public hearings to fill in an important blank in a new constitutional amendment on lobbying restrictions.
Amendment 12 was approved by a whopping 79 percent of voters in November; it needed at least 60 percent to pass.
Among other things, it bans state and local elected officials from lobbying for six years after they leave office.
The amendment also prohibits those in public positions from “obtaining a ‘disproportionate benefit’ for themselves, their spouses, children, or employers or any businesses” with which they’re affiliated.
It’s now up to the Commission to define what a “disproportionate benefit” is, and what will constitute “a violation of the prohibition.”
To that end, the Commission is holding three rule development workshops:
— Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.
— Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.
— March 15 at 10 a.m.
All will be held at the Commission’s offices at 325 John Knox Road, Building E, Suite 200, Tallahassee.
Spokeswoman Kerrie Stillman said all the meetings will be in Tallahassee because “most of the interested parties are here,” though additional meetings could be scheduled.
The lobbying ban takes effect January 2023, and the “disproportionate benefit” standard becomes effective even sooner, in January 2021.
Evening Reads
“An imperfect man, he left us a more perfect union’: George H.W. Bush honored at state funeral” via Nolan McKaskill of POLITICO
“In waning days as governor, ‘red tide Rick’ sets stage for a 2020 Trump win in Florida” via Fabiola Santiago of the Miami Herald
“As Rick Scott joins U.S. Senate, could a 2024 run for president be in store?” via Gray Rohrer of the Sun Sentinel
“Will Alex Acosta and other enablers face justice for Jeffrey Epstein?” via Randy Schultz of the Palm Beach Post
“Joe Gruters likely next Florida GOP chairman” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“Evan Power lines up behind Joe Gruters for Florida GOP chair, says he’ll run for vice” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Florida Democrat Andrew Gillum meets with Obama amid 2020 speculation” via Rebecca Buck of CNN
“Beyond crime and punishment: A movement to stop Florida’s endless prison cycle and heal communities” via C.D. Davidson-Hiers of the Florida Phoenix
“Danny Kushmer questions Ross Spano’s credibility” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“After rough year, Orange Co. Republicans prepare to elect chairman” via Steve Lemongello and Adelaide Chen of the Orlando Sentinel
Quote of the Day
“We, of course, expected our grandfather to pass away soon. I mean, he’s 94. And yet it came as such a shock … And yet, I think, I also get a lot of joy knowing that he’s with our grandmother now.” — Barbara Bush, daughter of President George W. Bush and granddaughter of President George H.W. Bush, whose funeral was Wednesday.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse will give an opening address during the annual National Summit on Education Reform. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
The Palm Beach County legislative delegation will hold a public hearing as it gets ready for the 2019 Session, which will start in March. That’s at 9 a.m., Green Cay Nature Center, 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach.
The Charlotte County legislative delegation will meet. That’s at 9 a.m., Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda.
Associated Industries of Florida will hold an event, “Building Florida’s Future — A Vision on Transportation, Infrastructure & Economic Development.” That’s at 9 a.m., Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral.
The Consumer Services Committee of the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors will hold a conference call that will include a discussion of the state-backed insurer’s response to Hurricane Michael. That’s at 10 a.m. Call-in number: 1-866-361-7525. Code: 6487811621.
Pete Antonacci will formally take the oath of office as Broward County Supervisor of Elections in a ceremony conducted by Broward Chief Judge Jack Tuter, with former Attorney General Bob Butterworth holding the Bible for the swearing in. That’s at 11 a.m., Broward County Judicial Complex-West Building, Courtroom 15150, 201 SE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its regular weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
The Marion County legislative delegation is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m., Southeastern Livestock Pavilion and Extension Auditorium, 2232 N.E. Jacksonville Road, Ocala.
The Revenue Estimating Conference will analyze transportation revenues at 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a hearing on the future of the 54-year-old NASA Causeway Bridge, which connects Titusville to Merritt Island, at 4 p.m., Isaac Campbell Sr. Park, Campbell Community Center, 701 South St., Titusville.
