Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Another staffing tidbit from the Ron DeSantis transition: Joe Jacquot will be Chief Legal Advisor in the Office of General Counsel.
“Joe is an exceptional attorney with vast experience at the federal and state levels in both legal and policy matters,” the Governor-elect said in a statement earlier Wednesday.
“I’m grateful that he has agreed to join my administration,” he added. “He will serve Florida with the utmost integrity and will dutifully serve the administration and the Cabinet.”
Added Georgia U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson: “I had the privilege of working with Joe when he served at the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary for former Sen. Saxby Chambliss.
“He is an outstanding lawyer who I am confident will serve the new Florida Governor and his administration well in the coming term.”
Jacquot most recently served as partner and business attorney with Foley & Lardner and has previously served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Florida.
He’s also been Chair of the Jacksonville Ethics Commission and was an adjunct professor at Florida State University’s College of Law teaching constitutional law.
Jacquot earned his law degree with honors from the University of Florida College of Law and his undergraduate degree in Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve 1999-2007.
Evening Reads
“What will happen to Florida’s supposed offshore drilling ban with Ryan Zinke gone?” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Accountability will underscore Ron DeSantis’s education agenda” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Climate change committee in Congress to be led by Tampa Rep. Kathy Castor?” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“With Richard Corcoran in charge, can Florida’s education leaders find compromise?” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
“Jay Trumbull plans to use Appropriations Subcommittee gavel to help Panhandle after hurricane” via Kevin Derby of Florida Daily
“Jamie Grant vows he won’t obstruct or delay felon voting rights amendment” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times
“Kristin Jacobs files bill to create compensation fund for Parkland victims” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
“Racial trouble looms as Brenda Snipes sues over suspension” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“High-stakes marijuana ruling placed on hold” via Jim Saunders of The News Service of Florida
“21.3 million people call Florida home, U.S. Census says” via The Associated Press
Quote of the Day
Shot: “Rats are everywhere in D.C. Even on the White House lawn.” — The Washington Post, tweeting a story on Washington’s rodent problem.
Chaser: “One even used to be the President’s lawyer.” — GOP U.S. Rep. and Donald Trump supporter Matt Gaetz of northwest Florida, in a retweet.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Walton County legislative delegation will meet to prepare for the 2019 legislative session. That’s at 9 a.m., Walton County Commission, 76 North Sixth St., DeFuniak Springs.
Lt. Governor-elect Jeanette Nuñez will join Amigos For Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, for its 27th annual holiday toy drive. That’s at 10 a.m., Shenandoah Elementary School, 1023 SW 21st Ave., Miami.
The Holmes County legislative delegation will meet to prepare for the 2019 legislative session. That’s at 10:30 a.m., 107 East Virginia Ave., Bonifay.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its regular weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
The Washington County legislative delegation will meet to prepare for the 2019 legislative session. That’s at 11:45 a.m., 1331 South Blvd., Chipley.
Gov.-elect DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee on Public Safety will meet. That’s at 1 p.m., location and conference call number will be provided at www.DeSantisTransition.com.
The Jackson County legislative delegation will meet to prepare for the 2019 legislative session. That’s at 2:15 p.m., Jackson County School Board, 2903 Jefferson St., Marianna.
The Bay County legislative delegation will meet at 5 p.m., Bay County Government Building, 840 West 11th St., Panama City.
The Calhoun County legislative delegation will meet in preparation for the 2019 legislative session. That’s at 5 p.m., Calhoun County Commission boardroom, 20859 Central Ave., Blountstown.
