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.
Happy New Year.
My message for the new year: I am pretty much the poster child for why you give people a second (or third or fourth) chance. Start the new year off right by proactively giving someone in your life, who you love but (for whatever reason) have grown apart, a second chance. You’ll feel better the moment you take the first step to make this renewal.
My resolution: To play tennis again. To play tennis again, I must be able to run again. To run again, I have to be in better shape. To be in better shape, I need to start making a host of better decisions. I’m working on that now. However, if I am not hitting balls by this Summer, I give Kevin Sweeny full authority to haze me every moment until I am.
Other good news to start the new year:
— Congrats to Mike and Lyndsey Brzozowski of Bascom Communications and Consulting, who announced on New Year’s Day that Baby Brzozowski is due this June.
— Welcome to the world Isiah Fitzgerald Ray, the son of Elizabeth (Cate) and Whitney Ray (communications director in Pam Bondi‘s office)
Welcome to the world, Isaiah Fitzgerald Ray. 👶🏻🧸💙 pic.twitter.com/DIZPBCJU8A
— Elizabeth Cate Ray (@Elizabeth_C_Ray) December 29, 2018
— Happy 50th birthday to our dear friend, Charlie Dudley of Floridian Partners. No one knows Charlie the way his brother does, so we asked Chris (of Southern Strategy Group) to share a few thoughts: “Charlie taught me early on in politics to listen first, then speak only if necessary. He taught me the power of being a present father with his children — make the time for what is important to your children. He taught me to respect your spouse and to always call your mom and dad to check on them. Today, Charlie and I not only live close to each other — we work in the same industry, have offices on the same block in downtown Tallahassee, and share a passion for Florida State University athletics. All of my memories of life, work, play and family involve my big brother. I love him dearly and look forward to celebrating another 50 years together with him.”
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: Remember this. Throughout the ages, some things NEVER get better and NEVER change. You have Walls and you have Wheels. It was ALWAYS that way and it will ALWAYS be that way! Please explain to the Democrats that there can NEVER be a replacement for a good old-fashioned WALL!
—@BarackObama: In 2018 people stepped up and showed up like never before. Keep it up in 2019. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’ll be right there with you. Happy New Year, everybody!
—@TimKaine: My New Year’s resolution is this phrase from the Senate oath of office I will take on January 3: “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” My gut tells me that those words will have unique significance in 2019.
—@US_Stratcom: #TimesSquare tradition rings in the #NewYear by dropping the big ball … if ever needed, we are #ready to drop something much, much bigger.
—@US_Stratcom: Our previous NYE tweet was in poor taste & does not reflect our values. We apologize. We are dedicated to the security of America & allies.
—@FLGovScott: Today, I’m reflecting on all that we’ve been able to accomplish for FL families over the past year. In 2018, FL businesses created over 250,000 jobs, our tourism industry set new records & our unemployment rate fell to just 3.3 percent — the lowest in 12 years.
—@JChristianMinor: 3 things you can’t recover in life: The moment after it’s missed. The word after it’s said. The time after it’s wasted. 2018 was a good year. I have my health, family & friends, a roof over my head, and I job I love. My wish for 2019 is that all have at least one of these.
—@HBO: It’s now officially the year that Game of Thrones comes back.
—@BallMatthew: Netflix says #BirdBox was “viewed” by 45MM people over its first seven days (view = 70% complete). This is out of roughly 147MM subscriptions (with each holding 3+ users). This is a huge achievement. Full stop. And notably, Netflix barely promoted/marketed it. Barely a dollar.
— DAYS UNTIL —
116th Congress convenes — 1; College Football National Championship — 5; Florida’s gubernatorial inauguration — 6; Scott Maddox trial begins — 12; MLK Day — 19; Office of Insurance Regulation’s OIR Summit begins — 13; Super Bowl LIII — 32; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 41; Pitchers and catchers begin reporting for MLB Spring Training — 41; Valentine’s Day — 43; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 62; Tampa mayoral election — 62; ‘Captain Marvel’ release — 65; 2020 Democratic presidential primary debates begin — 156; Iowa Caucuses — 397; 2020 General Election — 671.
— TOP STORY —
“Subvert the will of the voter? It’s a Florida thing.” via Jeffrey Solochek, Craig Pittman and Justine Griffin of the Tampa Bay Times — Check out these examples of ballot referendums with high hopes that passed by wide margins, only to run aground in their execution. Class size: On Nov. 5, 2002, Floridians voted to amend the state constitution to require that every school allow only a certain number of students in each class. The amendment faced pushback from Day One. Then-Governor Jeb Bush and other Republican leaders feared the cost would “blot out the sun” and launched the first efforts to undercut it. Environmental land-buying: On Nov. 4, 2014, Floridians voted by an overwhelming margin for Amendment 1, which amended the state constitution to require $10 billion in tax money over the next 20 years for environmentally sensitive land and protecting wildlife and water resources. The weakness in Amendment 1 was that its implementation relied on the very people it was intended to rebuke, state lawmakers. Medical marijuana: On Nov. 8, 2016, Florida voters approved Amendment 2, which legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. Delays that followed prompted critics to accuse the state of dragging its feet. Legislators approved implementation measures during the last day of a special session.
— TRANSITION —
“Court filing suggests Ron DeSantis may not challenge ruling on smoking medical pot” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida — In a questionnaire, known as a “docketing statement,” filed with the court, House general counsel Adam Tanenbaum held out the “possibility” that the Department of Health “will not defend” a provision in the state medical cannabis law that banned patients from smoking the drug. Leon County Circuit Court Judge Karen Gievers ruled on June 5 that the provision violated the state Constitution. If the House document is correct about the Governor-elect’s intentions, it would be DeSantis’ first significant move on marijuana policy, using the most high-profile courtroom challenge of the policy, which has been paralyzed by lawsuits since it was approved by the Legislature more than a year ago.
Well, duh — “School choice a priority for DeSantis, Richard Corcoran” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis‘ Education and Workforce Development Committee continued deliberations … A previous meeting of the group emphasized school choice and accountability, concepts that jibe with the reform agenda of incoming Education Commissioner Corcoran. Corcoran addressed call participants on a variety of topics, including what task force chair Mori Hosseini called “parental empowerment.” Corcoran, when asked if Florida was “doing enough” to promote school choice, said the state was a “leader nationwide.” “There’s not anybody with as many choice options as Florida has,” Corcoran said, noting magnet and dual-enrollment schools. DeSantis would like to “fully empower parents,” he said, noting the importance of “parental involvement.”
“DeSantis named ‘Biggest Suck-up to Trump’ of 2018 for ad ‘building the wall’ with kid’s toys” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis received an unwelcome end-of-year award from MSNBC’s Chris Matthews’ panel, who named him the “Biggest Suck-up to Trump” of 2018 — though he’s noticeably toned down the overt Donald Trump mentions since winning in November. DeSantis, who beat out Sean Hannity and the 18 House Republicans who nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, won Matthews’ award for his GOP primary ad from July in which he repeats Trump slogans and quotes while playing and reading with his children. “Build the wall,” DeSantis says as his daughter stacks play blocks.
Meanwhile … “Probable cause hearing scheduled Jan. 25 for Andrew Gillum ethics case” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Florida Commission on Ethics will hold a probable cause hearing Jan. 25 to decide on a recommendation from the state prosecutor assigned to the case, said Tallahassee businessman Erwin Jackson, who filed the complaint against Gillum. Barry Richard, Gillum’s attorney, confirmed there is a hearing Jan. 25, “not because they found probable cause but to determine if there is probable cause.” Gillum and his attorney will be at the hearing and will be given an opportunity to comment. Richard said he has received the recommendation but refused to comment on it. “I’m not going to do anything until they make a probable cause determination,” Richard said.
“Nikki Fried announces key personnel hires” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Fried, a Democrat, notably opted to hire the agency’s Deputy Commissioner Alan Edwards, who serves in his current capacity under Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, a Republican. Edwards has served at the agency since 1993. Edwards will work with Fried as the agency’s deputy chief of staff of operations. Fried’s chief of staff is Matthew Van Name, who most recently worked for the progressive For Our Future Fund as one of its deputy state directors. Shelby Scarpa will take the lead under Van Name as Fried’s deputy chief of staff. Fried’s federal affairs director will be Scheril Murray Powell. Heading up legislative affairs for Fried is Emily Duda Buckley, who previously managed government relations at Jones Walker.
Assignment editors — The DeSantis transition holds several advisory committee meetings this week. Lt. Governor-elect Jeanette Nuñez will lead the transition Advisory Committee on Health & Wellness conference call, 1 p.m. Eastern time, (888) 585-9008, conference code 380-994-128.
— ROAD TO SESSION —
“Lauren Book proposes ‘swearing in’ legislative speakers” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Sen. Book wants people to tell her and other lawmakers “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” The Plantation Democrat filed a bill (SB 58), called the “Truth in Government Act,” for the 2019 Legislative Session that would require people at legislative panels to be sworn in before speaking. The bill is on next Monday’s agenda for the Senate Judiciary Committee. Those making a “false statement that he or she does not believe to be true, … in regard to any material matter, commits a felony of the third degree,” the bill says. But the legislation exempts lawmakers themselves, staff members and children.
“Senators look at Hurricane Michael impacts” via the News Service of Florida — The Senate Agriculture Committee Jan. 7 will discuss the hurricane’s effects on agriculture. Later that day, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will receive a presentation on the recovery from the storm. The Senate Community Affairs Committee Jan. 8 is slated to receive a presentation from the Florida Housing Finance Corp. on Michael-related housing issues. Also, the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee will discuss the storm’s environmental impacts. Environment and Natural Resources Chairman Bill Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat, represents areas that were hard-hit by the hurricane, including Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf and Liberty counties.
“Randy Fine proposes legislation — with penalties and funding — to assist Indian River Lagoon” via Wayne Price of FLORIDA TODAY — Fine filed a bill for the upcoming state legislative session that provides $50 million in annual state matching funds for Indian River Lagoon rehabilitation projects. Fine’s measure also calls for “dramatic increases” in the fines for illegal raw sewage spills, which, if passed, could impact municipalities and force them to upgrade sewer and drainage infrastructure or suffer a big financial hit. This legislation is also being introduced in the Senate by Sen. Joe Gruters.
“Two pre-filed 2019 bills seek to lift ban on law enforcement’s use of drones” via John Haughey of FloridaWatchdog.org — State Rep. Clay Yarborough is sponsoring House Bill 75, which would allow law enforcement to use unmanned aircraft to assess traffic accidents, collect crime scene evidence, and assist in crowd control at large gatherings, including concerts and sporting events. The proposed bill’s language makes a point of noting it does not violate Florida Statute 934.50, the ‘Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act,’ and will restrict law enforcement from using drones for “pre-crime” mass surveillance or “spying” on suspects without a warrant. Shortly after Yarborough submitted HB 75, state Sen. Darryl Rouson posted Senate Bill 132, which would also allow law enforcement to use drones to monitor “large-scale events,” but prohibits them from being armed or “equipped to fire on crowds” with “tear gas canisters, stun gun technology, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon.” Rouson’s bill calls for law enforcement being able to use unmanned vehicles for “evaluating crowd size, assessing public-safety vulnerabilities, determining staffing levels for public-safety personnel or identifying possible criminal activity.”
“New candidate sets up showdown for Danny Burgess’ House seat” via Florida Politics — A second candidate has filed for the Pasco County seat state Rep. Burgess is expected to leave vacant shortly after New Year’s. Wesley Chapel Democrat Kathy Lynn Lewis filed for the seat Dec. 21, joining Dade City Republican Randy Maggard, who filed a day earlier. The pair have filed for the 2020 cycle; however, DeSantis recently recommended Burgess to head up the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. If Burgess is confirmed, which is likely, DeSantis would have to call a special election for House District 38. … Both Lewis and Maggard should be familiar to Pasco voters. Lewis ran against incumbent Republican Sen. Tom Lee in Senate District 20 this year and lost by 7 points on Election Day. … Maggard hasn’t been on a ballot, but he is a former chair of the Pasco Republican Party and has served on the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board since 2011.
Cannabis activist ‘leaning’ toward running for Burgess’ House seat — Gary Stein has gauged support and floating trial balloons through social media. When asked if he were running for House District 38, Stein said in a message, “It’s looking that way. Nailing down support as folks are getting back from holiday trips.” Stein, a registered Democrat, has long advocated for medical marijuana and has a pro-cannabis political committee, ClarityPAC.
— STATEWIDE —
“Rick Scott taps into ‘job growth’ money for projects” via the News Service of Florida — Scott continued to reach into the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, allocating nearly $8.7 million for five projects intended to bolster regional development. Scott designated the money for infrastructure projects in Lake County and Fort Pierce and training programs in Tampa, Palm Beach County and Charlotte County. Scott approved $2.06 million for Palm Beach State College to help create the Center of Excellence in Engineering Technology at the Belle Glade and Palm Beach Gardens campuses; $1.7 million for an aviation and power-plant mechanics certification course at Charlotte Technical College; and $496,193 for the Tampa-based Brewster Technical College to provide introductory coding and programming training. Also, Lake County is getting $2.5 million to widen and extend Round Lake Road in the Wolf Branch Innovation District in Mount Dora. Fort Pierce was approved for $1.92 million to connect sewers to 37 industrial parcels.
“Ban voting on college campuses? Court tells Scott: no way” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — A federal judge ruled that the governor’s elections division was way out of line when it tried to ban early voting on every college campus in Florida. You probably didn’t need a judge to tell you this. The state’s position was absurd. Basically, Scott’s elections division had tried to tell counties that they could set up early voting sites in the 10 days before an election at just about every public venue imaginable — senior centers, convention centers, libraries, sports stadiums, fairgrounds, county commission buildings … everywhere except college campuses. Take that, young people. U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker said the state’s scheme revealed “a stark pattern of discrimination” meant to create “a secondary class of voters.” “Throwing up roadblocks in front of younger voters does not remotely serve the public interest,” Walker continued. “Abridging voter rights never does.”
“Pete Antonacci misled ethics commission about Scott’s sham blind trust” via Dan Christensen of the Florida Bulldog — Peter Antonacci was Scott’s general counsel in August 2013 when he wrote to the commission seeking an opinion that would allow the governor to take advantage of a new state law authorizing so-called “qualified blind trusts.” The law, passed by a GOP-controlled Legislature and signed into law by Republican Scott, essentially provided immunity from prohibited or voting conflicts of interest regarding tens of millions of dollars in stocks, partnerships and other assets Scott held in his blind trust. At the time, Scott already had a blind trust into which he had placed “substantially all of his financial assets,” Antonacci wrote in a letter co-signed by James T. Fuller, a tax attorney at the influential Washington, D.C. firm Williams & Connolly. In April 2014, Florida Bulldog reported that Scott’s blind trust deviated substantially from the federal model. In fact, Florida’s qualified blind trust law omits more than a dozen federal requirements intended “to assure true blindness.”
Number of sex offenders living in Florida is growing” via Gary Fineout of The Associated Press — The report issued late last week stated that nearly 29,000 registered sex offenders and predators now reside in the state. That’s an increase of 53 percent since 2005 when state legislators first ordered their auditors to review the state’s efforts to keep an up-to-date registry of sex offenders. The report by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability does not include any explanations for the rise. The report includes a county-by-county breakdown showing that urban counties had the highest overall number of sex offenders. Orange County, which is in central Florida and home to Orlando, had the highest total with 2,299 followed by Duval County in northeast Florida with 2,018 registered offenders. Two smaller rural counties, Dixie and Gadsden, had the highest percentage of offenders on a per capita basis.
“Supreme Court to take up ‘AOB’ insurance fight” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case could lead to resolving a conflict in lower courts about a restriction that insurers have tried to place on assignment of benefits. Assignment of benefits has been one of the most-controversial insurance issues in the state Capitol in recent years and is expected to spur a fight during the 2019 legislative session. In assignment of benefits, homeowners in need of repairs sign over benefits to contractors, who ultimately pursue payments from insurance companies. Insurers argue that the process has become riddled with fraud and litigation, driving up insurance rates. On the other side, contractors and trial attorneys contend that assigning benefits helps homeowners hire contractors quickly to repair damage and forces insurers to pay claims properly.
“Court launches smartphone-friendly website” via Florida Politics — Grab your iPhones Xs, Pixels and Galaxy Notes: The Florida Supreme Court debuted its first ever “smartphone-friendly” website. “We were one of the first courts in the world to use the web starting in 1994,” Chief Justice Charles Canady said in a statement. “It is our first website created with smartphones and wireless tablets in mind.” Among other improvements, the new site has major categories organized into a navigation bar appearing near the top of the webpage on computers, and a ‘Menu’ tab on smartphones.
“State appealing ‘liquor wall’ decision” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — State regulators are appealing an administrative law judge’s ruling that could allow retailers to sell hard liquor in their main stores, instead of in separate stores as they do now. The Department of Business Professional Regulation (DBPR), which oversees booze sales through its Division of Alcoholic Beverages And Tobacco (ABT), filed a notice of appeal to the 1st District Court of Appeal. “At the request of the next administration, DBPR filed a notice of appeal as a courtesy to give them additional time to review this case and policy impacts,” Ashley Cook, press secretary for Gov. Scott, told Florida Politics.
“Brightline passenger counts grow, losses mount” via Jeff Ostrowski of the Palm Beach Post — Brightline said passenger counts totaled 159,586 in July, August and September, well above the 106,090 passengers the rail line reported for the second quarter. Meanwhile, the company said ridership topped 60,000 in October and 80,000 in November, putting Brightline on pace to exceed 500,000 passengers for its first full year in service. Still, its shiny new trains remain mostly empty, and ridership will fall well below the 1.1 million riders that Brightline predicted for 2018. Brightline also posted its widest loss yet, reporting red ink of $30.9 million in the third quarter. The company lost $28.1 million in the first quarter and $28.3 million in the second quarter, bringing its loss for the first nine months of the year to $87 million.
“FPL officially acquires Gulf Power” via the News Service of Florida — NextEra Energy Inc., the parent company of Florida Power & Light, announced that it had finished an earlier-announced deal to purchase Gulf Power from the Atlanta-based Southern Company. The deal expands NextEra’s already-large footprint in Florida and is a major change in the Panhandle, where Gulf serves about 450,000 customers in eight counties. In a statement announcing the completion of the sale, NextEra Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Robo praised Gulf Power’s work to restore electricity after Hurricane Michael caused massive damage in October in Northwest Florida. “The last few months have been among the most challenging periods in Gulf Power’s rich history as the team worked tirelessly to restore power to those impacted by Hurricane Michael,” Robo said. “We couldn’t be more pleased by Gulf Power’s performance and commitment to getting the lights back on during what were extremely dangerous and difficult conditions.”
“New year brings minimum wage hike” via Florida Politics — It’s “Auld Lang Syne” for $8.25. When the clock struck midnight Tuesday, Florida’s minimum wage went up 21 cents to $8.46 an hour. Employees who earn tips at their jobs will see their wages tick up by the same amount, from $5.23 an hour to $5.44 an hour. In the Sunshine State, minimum wage increases are as much a part of New Year’s as champagne and black-eyed peas. The annual hike first took place on New Year’s Day 2005, a couple of months after Florida voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment establishing a separate state minimum wage and tying it to inflation. … This year’s 21-cent increase was the largest since 2012 when wages increased by 36 cents an hour. Also, the state minimum wage is now $1.16 higher than the federal minimum wage, which has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for a decade. The current disparity is the largest since the minimum wage amendment went into effect.
— REVOLVING DOORS —
While the Florida foster care system is intended to be a temporary safety net for children at risk of neglect and abuse, child psychologists say children in foster care, many already traumatized, need love and stability to recover and thrive, report Christopher O’Donnell and Nathaniel Lash of the Tampa Bay Times.
After analyzing more than 1 million Florida child welfare records and the movement and placements of about 280,000 foster children between 2000 and 2017, the Times found that thousands of kids led transient lives, only staying a few nights in one place before moving onto the next foster family or group home.
— About 1,500 children stayed in 12 different homes in a single year.
— More than 7,500 children moved an average of once a month over six months.
— Almost 2,000 children had six placements in just one month.
In some of the worst cases, children were moved so often it became impossible for them to form any meaningful connection with foster parents. This lack of permanency could lead to difficulty in school, dragging down grades. Also, there was a strong risk of emotional damage, creating trust issues And a lack of ability to form healthy relationships.
— LOCAL —
“What’s being done to stop another school shooting?” via Brittany Wallman, Scott Travis and Megan O’Matz of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Though 10 months have passed since the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Broward County students are still exposed to potential danger. At least a quarter of campuses don’t have single-entry points to control intruders. Safe spaces to protect children in classrooms still haven’t been identified. There’s no policy outlining how to respond to an active shooter. Even seemingly simple things — like making sure each classroom has a place where students can hide from bullets — have not been done. The district points to some major security enhancements, including $6.2 million in new security cameras, $4.5 million for portable radios and $17 million for upgrades to intercom systems. But some projects that are underway — like making sure an intruder can’t walk into an unlocked school and shoot people — are already behind schedule.
“Louis C.K. mocks Parkland school shooting students for their activism in new comedy routine” via Johnny Diaz of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — In audio laced with vulgarities that was leaked from a stand-up comedy routine that reportedly took place Dec. 16, the comedian mocked Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students for their gun control activism instead of being “normal” troublemaking teens. “They testify in front of Congress, these kids … (expletives) …,’’ he said. “You’re not interesting because you went to a high school where kids got shot. Why does that mean I have to listen to you? How does that make you interesting? You didn’t get shot, you pushed some fat kid in the way — now I gotta listen to you talking?” according to tweets with the audio. The recording, which first surfaced on YouTube, was said to be from a 48-minute set he performed Dec. 16 at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown, New York, according to Variety.com.
“With suburban schools to guard, police cut patrols in a dangerous Miami neighborhood” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade’s shift of policing resources from a high-crime area in the county’s Northside district to dozens of suburban elementary schools illustrates the rapid shift in priorities required by Florida’s post-Parkland legislation. With armed security now required at every school, the county school board helped convince voters to increase property taxes to fund a major expansion of the school system’s own police force. Local governments throughout Miami-Dade, led by the county itself, also rearranged police budgets to deploy officers to schools that previously had been considered safe enough to do without a school-system officer. Mayor Carlos Gimenez in September won approval of a $10 million budget for a new squad of roving tactical teams whose primary mission is to be on the road for a quick response to a mass shooting.
“Cash deal with a mystery man in a parking lot led to a political crime, lawsuit says” via Sarah Blaskey of the Miami Herald — On Sept. 27, a bearded, heavyset man in business attire and glasses who introduced himself only as “John” met Hector Roos, a local political consultant, in a Flanigan’s parking lot in downtown Fort Lauderdale. When they met that afternoon, John instructed Roos to create and distribute a political attack ad that accused then-mayoral candidate Anthony DeFillipo of being a Tony Soprano-like mob boss presiding over a slate of criminals running for North Miami Beach City Council, according to court documents. He paid Roos $4,750 in cash on the spot and promised more when the project was complete. Roos was to carry out the job without further instructions or contact. On Oct. 13, a two-sided mailer, riddled with spelling mistakes, was sent to North Miami Beach residents. “Tony ‘Soprano’ Defilippo’s Crime Family is asking for your support,” it said, spelling the mayoral candidate’s name wrong and accusing him and others mentioned of criminal behavior. DeFillipo is also suing Roos and others allegedly involved in the production of the mailer for defamation.
“Orlando launch of UberTaxi, which lets Uber riders hail a Mears cab, delayed until 2019” via Chabeli Herrera of the Orlando Sentinel — Limited personnel and a busy holiday season have pushed the launch into January 2019, said Roger Chapin, a spokesman for Orlando-based Mears. “We didn’t want to launch a new product over the holidays. Drivers are very busy,” Chapin said in a statement. “It would have been tough for Mears to perform the necessary training for drivers, and we decided with limited time and some limited internal resources due to [the] holidays to delay.” Chapin said the companies expect to launch the new feature within the first two weeks of January 2019. In other cities, taxi drivers have been able to individually sign up to be on the UberTaxi app. But Orlando will have the distinction that its UberTaxi option will exclusively feature Mears taxi drivers.
Never Forgotten Coast announces microgrants for Mexico Beach businesses — “We know that the best way to get this community back on its feet (after Hurricane Michael) is to get businesses up and running,” said Alex Workman, Never Forgotten Coast founder. Alex and Chelsea Workman, a husband and wife creative team in Tallahassee, partnered with Tallahassee designer Jesse Taylor to start the Never Forgotten Coast campaign. The team designed a logo and is actively printing and selling merchandise online and through local pop-up shops to raise funds for the recovery efforts. Funds raised by the Never Forgotten Coast campaign will provide micro-grants for small businesses and individuals to help cover what insurance will not. Companies interested in applying for the micro-grant program can fill out the application here.
“Russell Johnson fills school board vacancy” via Julia Roberts of the Nassau County Record — Gov. Scott appointed Johnson to the Nassau County School Board. Johnson fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. Kimberly Fahlgren, who represented District 4. Fahlgren resigned Aug. 1, and her position remained vacant since then. Johnson ran against Fahlgren for the school board position in 2012. Johnson, 64, of Hilliard, was active in vocational agriculture and National FFA Organization. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from the University of North Florida in 1976. The new school board member retired in 2012 from the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, after 34 years of service as a state conservation specialist. The Florida Department of Transportation currently employs him as a weight inspector and is a self-employed livestock rancher of cattle operations.
“Elaine Bryant selected as new Tallahassee city commissioner to replace Scott Maddox” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — After more than two hours of public comment from the capacity crowd and discussion from the City Commission, the list was winnowed down to Saralyn Grass, co-owner of Grasslands Brewing and executive director of the Florida Association of Early Learning Coalitions, management consultant Bryant, Gallop Franklin, a pharmacist and adjunct professor at FAMU, and Bruce Strouble, a sustainability coordinator at FAMU. After Grass and Strouble each received two votes, the commission voted for Bryant. After Commissioners Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams-Cox and Mayor John Dailey voted for Bryant, Commissioner Jeremy Matlow made a motion to make the vote unanimous. Shut out from the final four was Tabitha Frazier, who was picked by three commissioners as one of the nine finalists. After a five-minute break, Bryant was sworn in as Seat 1 Commissioner. “We’re at the place now where we can do nothing but move forward,” Bryant said.
Judge Terry Lewis to retire next week — The Tallahassee-based circuit judge presided over the state’s political redistricting legal drama a few years ago and was involved in legal challenges during the 2000 presidential recount. His retirement party at the Leon County Courthouse was in late December. The 67-year-old officially steps down Jan. 7 after 20 years on the county and circuit benches. Newly elected David Frank will replace the Gov. Lawton Chiles appointee. Lewis, already a published author, says he has finished writing another legal thriller and is seeking a publisher. The FSU law school grad next plans to complete what he called a “historical novel” on the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
“State workers to get new digs at the Centre of Tallahassee in 2019” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — The departments of State, Health, and Children and Families have signed leases to move workers into the redesigned and refurbished former Tallahassee Mall along North Monroe Street near Interstate 10. “The state is getting brand-new turnkey space,” said John McNeill of NAI Talcor, which handles leases for the Northwest Tallahassee complex. “New roofs, new electrical systems, it is effectively a 100-percent brand-new space.” The Department of Children and Families is the big fish that McNeill landed for the Centre. DCF’s lease at Winewood on Blairstone Road expires next December. About 1,300 workers will occupy most of what is remaining of the former mall’s interior space. “The department is working with the Centre of Tallahassee to finalize the terms of the lease for 258,000 square feet,” said DaMonica Smith, DCF’s spokeswoman.
— D.C. MATTERS —
What Cory Tilley is reading — “Garbage, feces take toll on national parks amid shutdown” via Ellen Knickmeyer and Jocelyn Gecker via The Associated Press — “It’s a free-for-all,” Dakota Snider, who lives and works in Yosemite Valley, said, as Yosemite National Park officials announced closings of some minimally supervised campgrounds and public areas within the park that are overwhelmed. Unlike shutdowns in some previous administrations, the Trump administration was leaving parks open to visitors despite the staff furloughs, said John Garder, senior budget director of the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association. “We’re afraid that we’re going to start seeing significant damage to the natural resources in parks and potentially to historic and other cultural artifacts,” Garder said. “We’re concerned there’ll be impacts to visitors’ safety.” “It’s really a nightmare scenario,” Garder said.
“Coast Guard families decry shutdown’s ‘slap in the face’ as they borrow to pay bills” via Howard Altman of the Tampa Bay Times — To make the Jan. 1 payroll for its 41,000 active-duty members, the Coast Guard used previously appropriated operational and support funding, said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Chad Saylor, a spokesman for the service. “However, the service will require a fiscal year 2019 appropriation, a continuing resolution, or additional legislative funding actions to meet military payroll obligations” for the next checks, Saylor said. The next paycheck for Coast Guard personnel was to come Jan. 15. Whether it does is a question that leaves many Coast Guard families worried. Not knowing if it will, the Joneses had to apply for a loan to pay their bills. “We are a one-income family,” said Emmalee Jones, 23, who lives with her husband, a petty officer third class, and their 1-year-old child in Oldsmar. “I am a stay-at-home mom and a college student. This is financially stressful and very hard for so many families like us who live paycheck-to-paycheck.”
“Government shutdown affects Kennedy Space Center tours, 1,200 workers and a historic mission” via Chabeli Herrera of the Orlando Sentinel — For NASA, it meant that more than 15,000 federal personnel — about 95 percent of all NASA employees — were sent home. At Kennedy Space Center, the figure was about 60 percent, or about 1,200 people. According to a letter from NASA’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWit to the federal Office of Management and Budget, about 820 KSC employees have remained working through the shutdown because their jobs are tied to space launch hardware activities, supporting the International Space Station or related to hardware that would be seriously damaged if work abruptly ceased. But that meant NASA TV would be offline for one of the most significant scientific milestones of 2019. Just after midnight on New Year’s Day, spacecraft New Horizons will fly within about 2,200 miles of Ultima Thule, a tiny, frozen object a billion miles beyond Pluto — the culmination of a 13-year journey that began with a launch from the Cape in 2006.
“Florida’s growing population to impact post-Census redistricting” via John Haughey of Florida Watchdog — From July 2017 to July 2018, Florida grew by more than 322,000 residents. That’s a slower 1.5 percent growth rate than other recent years but is still surpassed only by Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Arizona. According to the Census estimates, Florida’s population now stands at 21.3 million residents. The Florida Demographic Estimating Conference (DEC) provides its own estimates, and it has the state’s population at closer to 21.1 million. The Census and DEC estimates are critical because these will be the numbers that are used not only in allocating federal and state resources by population, but will determine how — or if — congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn following the 2020 Census. “Redistricting” will certainly be a 2020 campaign issue with both parties vying for as much influence as possible in directing how the process unfolds with Democrats desperately hoping to eat into Republican majorities in both houses.
“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell rounds out senior staff” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep.-elect Mucarsel-Powell has finished filling out her senior leadership team after previously announcing Laura Rodriguez as her chief of staff. Joining Rodriguez will be Courtney Fogwell, who will operate as deputy chief of staff and legislative director. Daniel Horton-Diaz will serve as the district chief of staff. Finally, Mucarsel-Powell has brought on Sebastian Silva as communications director. “In the previous Congress, three-quarters of Representatives did not have any racial minority in their senior staff,” Mucarsel-Powell noted. “I am proud to bring together people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and ideas to tackle some of our country’s biggest challenges like lowering the cost of health care, combating climate change, and fighting for common-sense gun reforms, starting on day one.”
“Donna Shalala taps Jessica Killin as chief of staff” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Congresswoman-elect Shalala of Florida’s 27th Congressional District announced her leadership team Friday morning, choosing Killin, a former Bill Nelson staffer, as her chief of staff. Most recently, Killin worked for USAA to provide financial services to veterans and their families. An Army veteran herself, Killing spent a decade at USAA. She attended the University of Tampa before earning her law degree at Georgetown. “I’m excited to announce my team to the 27th Congressional District,” Shalala said. “The staffers I hired have dedicated their lives to public service, have strong Florida ties, diverse backgrounds and experiences, and are ready to work for the people of Florida’s 27th Congressional District.”
— OPINIONS —
“History will show how Scott took a pass on justice for the Groveland Four” via Sue Carlton of the Tampa Bay Times — Setting this right — or at least making a meaningful gesture for the record that will also be part of Florida’s history — should be a no-brainer. When the Florida Legislature took up the matter of the Groveland Four last year, the bipartisanship was remarkable. And they asked Gov. Scott and his Clemency Board to posthumously pardon the four. Specifically, they requested an expedited review rather than the usual laborious, yearslong process, something board members can easily do. Since then? From Scott, nothing but the sound of crickets in the night. And don’t you find this puzzling? It would take so little effort to mark this dark time in history and say for the record it was wrong, to make a strong statement for the families of those men and for the citizens of Florida, too. Scott did not.
“Mike Ertel heads to Tallahassee. Good. Florida needs a new elections chief” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Gov. Scott’s last secretary of state, Ken Detzner, made all sorts of unnecessary and controversial headlines. Among them, Detzner tried to ban early voting on college campuses. Ertel, on the other hand, actively promoted the registration of young voters and pooh-poohed conspiracy theories about voter fraud … even when the president promoted them. Ertel’s first test as a statewide official may be implementing Amendment 4 — the constitutional initiative that voters overwhelmingly approved in November restoring voting rights to former felons. Here’s hoping Ertel helps make the voters’ will a reality — and the office respected again. I think he can do both.
“Hypocritical Legislature set to spank UCF leaders over ‘misspent’ money” via Lauren Ritchie of the Orlando Sentinel — This hoo-hah is about using leftover education money from Pot No. 1 to fill a need when Pot No.2 was empty. Nobody paid for a Caribbean cruise with hookers or sent cash to ISIS. Oh, no! It was much worse than that: These crooks built a place for students to go to class. Quick, dial 911! Sigh. What a load of fake panic from the biggest bunch of hypocrites in the state — the Florida Legislature. Dear Reader, the only real reason this is a BIG HAIRY DEAL is that the Legislature can use it to divert attention from its own dramatic failure to provide money to build schools. Talk about an “investigation” that is a big fat waste of time and money. The Legislature for some years now has failed to provide money or to establish a way for districts and universities to collect enough to build classrooms. Legislators must own it.
“Preserve more of Florida’s wilderness. It’s good for business.” via Graham Brink of the Tampa Bay Times — Luring and nourishing businesses is not all about finances. Quality of life matters. That can mean good schools, easy weather, robust transit or a vibrant arts and entertainment community. It also means outdoor places to play. Places to canoe or spot an alligator. Places that keep our water clean. Places to bag a deer or catch a trout. Places that you may never visit but are glad won’t be covered in concrete. That’s why 75 percent — 75 percent! — of voters wanted the state to use $300 million a year to buy up land. Unlike so many of our legislators, they understood that we need government to lead on this. The private sector is better at a lot of things, but the voters don’t trust it to protect the land that needs protecting.
— MOVEMENTS —
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Brian Ballard, Brady Benford, Chris Dorworth, Ballard Partners: City of Pensacola, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley P.A.
Rosanna Manuela Catalano, Capitol Energy Florida: Vapor Technology Association
Marty Fiorentino, Davis Bean, John Delaney, Joseph Mobley, Mark Pinto, The Fiorentino Group: City of Atlantic Beach
Mike Haridopolos, Dean Mead: Larkin Health Systems
Timothy Meenan, Karl Rasmussen, Meenan: Florida PACE Centers, Miami Jewish Health Systems
Darrick McGhee, Johnson & Blanton: Florida Realtors
— ALOE —
“The books, songs, films, and other works becoming public domain on Jan. 1, 2019” via Anne Quito of Quartz — Now anyone can freely read, cite, or republish Kahil Gibran’s “The Prophet,” Virginia Woolf’s “Jacob’s Room,” Agatha Christie’s “The Murder on the Links,” or any poem from Robert Frost’s Pulitzer Prize-winning compendium “New Hampshire.” Movie theaters can screen Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments,” Charlie Chaplin’s “The Pilgrim” or Rin Tin Tin’s third film, “Where the North Begins.” Theater companies can perform songs from Noël Coward’s “London Calling!” or George Gershwin’s “Stop Flirting” without cost. Duke Law has a full list of works released in the public domain this year.
“Books about Florida or by Floridians ruled in 2018” via Colette Bancroft of the Tampa Bay Times — Here are some highlights. “The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea” — University of Florida historian Jack E. Davis’ splendid, sweeping history of the Gulf of Mexico was published in 2017, but in April 2018 it scored a well-deserved Pulitzer Prize for history. “Beneath a Ruthless Sun: A True Story of Violence, Race, and Justice Lost and Found” — This chilling history is Gilbert King’s second nonfiction book about crime and systemic racism in Florida’s Lake County. “Florida” — If you live with an eye to the dark side of the Sunshine State, acclaimed author Lauren Groff’s eerily real short stories might make you feel that, like one of her characters, she has been peeking in your window. “The Disappearing” — Longtime Pinellas County resident (and two-time Edgar winner) Lori Roy made the state’s Panhandle a setting for the first time with her fourth novel. It’s a chilling family mystery based on the real-life abuses at the Florida School for Boys. “Son of Real Florida: Stories From My Life” — This collection of engaging essays by Jeff Klinkenberg was just one of his accomplishments in 2018. He also was named a winner of the Florida Folk Heritage Award and received the Florida Humanities Council’s 2018 Florida Lifetime Achievement Award for Writing.
“My lunch with Mark Hinson: Columnist takes a bow, bids farewell to Democrat, readers” via Jeffrey Schweers of Tallahassee Democrat — Few people have the gift of natural storytelling as Hinson does. For decades, he’s entertained friends, co-workers and Tallahassee Democrat readers … Now that he’s delivered his last column for the paper, it is time for us to bid him farewell … His official last day is Wednesday, Jan. 2, but expect to see his name and writings pop up in the pages of the Democrat in the future. As part of a corporate restructuring, Gannett offered employees over 55 with 15 or more years of service an early retirement buyout, and Hinson said he saw the handwriting on the wall.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today is our friend Erin Mitchell. Happy belated birthday to Sarasota elections supervisor Mike Bennett, Holly Brooks of RB Oppenheim Associates, Brian Crowley, Jennifer Fennell of CoreMessage, the AARP’s Jeff Johnson, Natalie Kato of Lewis Longman & Walker, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantara, state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, Reps. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Nicholas Duran and Chris Latvala, and Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren.
