Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Editor’s Note: This is the final “Last Call” for 2018. The state’s best evening political newsletter will return Jan. 2.
Moreover, Sunburn — the state’s best morning political newsletter — is going on hiatus for the holidays and also will return Jan. 2.
Till then, happy holidays to all our readers and advertisers.
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In the latest attempt at age-related tax breaks, a state senator is proposing a sales tax exemption for “items that enable persons to age in place and live independently.”
Democratic Sen. Lori Berman of Lantana filed the measure (SB 176) Thursday for the 2019 Legislative Session.
Specifically, it would exempt “bed transfer handles, handrails, bed rails, grab bars (and) shower seats.” If passed, it goes into effect July 1, 2019.
It follows Sen. Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat, who again filed her own proposed exemption (SB 60) for diapers and incontinence products from the state’s 6 percent sales tax.
That measure failed to go anywhere in previous attempts.
But former state Rep. Katie Edwards-Walpole, also a Plantation Democrat, did get an exemption passed in 2017 for tampons and other feminine hygiene products.
The 2019 Session begins March 5.
Evening Reads
“Florida’s top 10 political stories in 2018” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“As Congress reforms its criminal justice system, could the clock be ticking on Florida’s reform efforts” via John Lucas of The Capitolist
“Ron DeSantis public safety panel: Tough on crime, big on lockdown” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Florida lawmakers mandated armed guards in schools after Parkland. One just killed three people.” via Marlene Sokol and Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Richard Corcoran taps chief of staff with extensive school choice background” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO Florida
“Florida election supervisors will register ex-felons Jan. 8, despite confusion over amendment” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“Vern Buchanan furious at Veterans Affairs inattention to stopping suicides” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Fake Democrats’ letter to Seminole Republicans draws ire” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Florida’s marijuana forecast: Hazy, with chances for growth high” via Samantha Gross of the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
“Supreme Court overturns ruling in patient death” via the News Service of Florida
Quote of the Day
“I honestly believe that this is a catastrophic decision for America’s national security and interest. We in this Congress and we as a nation will be dealing with the consequences for years to come.” — U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, on President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would withdraw its forces from Syria.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and The Liberty City Optimist Club host a “Holiday Send-off” for the Optimists’ youth football team, who will compete against Snoop Dogg’s “Snoop Youth League” in Los Angeles. That’s at 5:45 a.m., Miami International Airport, 2100 NW 42nd Ave., Miami.
The Revenue Estimating Conference will discuss the Tax Collection Enforcement Diversion Program, monthly revenue estimates and a long-term revenue analysis at 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will release a November unemployment report at 10 a.m.
Staff members for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will hold “mobile” office hours in Sarasota County. That’s at 10 a.m., North Port Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Also, 2 p.m., Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice.
Attorney Ben Crump will hold a news conference with Britany Jacobs, Markeis McGlockton’s life partner and mother of his children. McGlockton was the unarmed black man shot and killed outside a Clearwater convenience store by Michael Drejka, who is awaiting trial next year. That’s at 2 p.m., St. John Primitive Baptist Church, 1002 Palmetto St., Clearwater.
