Peter Schorsch
Tallahassee City Commissioners have their work cut out for them during the holidays. They’ll soon be sorting through candidates to replace suspended Commissioner Scott Maddox, who was recently indicted by a federal jury on public corruption charges.
Time is of the essence, and everyone’s watching.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Saturday. Mayor John Dailey and City Commissioners Jeremy Matlow, Dianne Williams–Cox and Curtis Richardson will submit their top three picks by Dec. 26. The Commission will vote on the replacement on New Year’s Eve.
We caught up with Matlow to talk about the unique challenge facing City Hall:
FP: As of writing, nearly 50 candidates have applied to replace Maddox. Did you anticipate this level of response? And what do you make of the current crop of applicants?
JM: I did. The last time there was a vacancy there were over 70 applicants. I wouldn’t be surprised if we surpass that number, with the increased attention on local government this election cycle. There is a wide range of candidates applying from every segment of our community. I take it as an encouraging sign that so many people have taken an interest in city government — as I’ve said many times in the last year, bringing more people and more perspectives into the process always leads to better public policy decisions.
FP: We know the office isn’t officially partisan, but are you looking for a candidate with a specific ideological makeup?
JM: Elections can be partisan; governing is not. We are looking for someone with integrity that will represent all sides of our city and work for the betterment of our community as a whole.
FP: Commissioners, including yourself, probably know at least an applicant or two. What steps are City Commissioners taking to make sure they pick the best applicant for the job — rather than someone with the most connections to City Hall?
JM: The reality is we have been given 20 days to appoint a replacement, or else the decision goes to the Governor. It is time to take another look at how we handle vacancies and consider a special election in the future. Personally, I have met with every candidate that has requested a meeting. With three new commissioners and all four with different backgrounds, it is clear “the fix” isn’t in. This appointment will not go to the connected … It will go to a person that is best fit to represent everyday people across our city … We know what the community is looking for — I appreciate the trust this city has put in me to lead, and I do not intend to let them down with this decision.
Coming up, the usual assortment of tidbits, leftovers and not-ready-for-prime-time moments by Danny McAuliffe, Drew Wilson, Jim Rosica and Peter Schorsch.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
Take 5
DeSantis takes advice — Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis is collecting input from many advisers recruited to help out his transition into office. Four different panels met this week to prepare recommendations and reports on concerns facing the state. The Transition Advisory Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture, for example, met via phone to talk about issues like offshore drilling and land conservation. Similar advisory committees on education and the economy, public safety, and health care met this week. These committees are expected to wrap their work before DeSantis takes office on Jan. 8.
Richard Corcoran named Education Commissioner — The State Board of Education this week unanimously backed former House Speaker Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican, to replace current Commissioner Pam Stewart. Stewart will resign office on Jan. 8, the same day DeSantis takes office. Corcoran’s appointment was widely anticipated after DeSantis recommended him. Both men are steadfast supporters of school choice and critical of the failings of the traditional public-school system.
Counties announce Amendment 4 plans — Some county elections offices plan on registering to vote former felons who’ve completed their sentences. Counties will begin the process, outlined with the passage of Amendment 4, on Jan. 8. DeSantis, however, has publicly said he’d like the Legislature to write “implementing language” for the voter rights restoration measure. For now, it appears disenfranchised felons may have their rights back as early as January.
Florida population increases — About 21.3 million people call Florida home, according to data released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau. That means Florida is the third-most populated state in the country. The Sunshine State is among some of the fastest-growing states when it comes to population, falling only behind Nevado, Idaho, Utah and Arizona in marginal growth during 2018.
State announces decade-high increase in projected revenue — State economists are predicting a big uptick in revenue. The General Revenue Estimating Conference this week revised the prior revenue estimation, anticipating an additional $461.5 million will be collected by the state during the current fiscal year than previously thought. Economists think that trend will continue during fiscal year 2019-20. They increased the collection estimate for this period by $380.5 million. That means $842 million more could be coming into state coffers through the next two years than originally thought.
Scott highlights graduation rate
Florida’s high school graduation rate is at a 15-year high, according to the state Department of Education.
And that’s making happy Gov. Rick Scott, who has less than a month left in office until he joins the U.S. Senate.
“Access to quality public education played a critical role in my life, and as a father and grandfather, it has always been important to me that every Florida student has the opportunity to pursue their goals and achieve the American dream,” Scott said in a statement. “This accomplishment would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of Florida’s teachers and school administrators.”
The graduation rate at high schools across the Sunshine State rose to 86.1 percent, an increase of 3.8 percentage points over last year and 17.1 points since the school year before Scott first took office in 2011.
Outgoing Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, who will be replaced by former House Speaker Richard Corcoran, called the news “particularly important.”
“It not only shows across-the-board progress, [but it also] highlights success in closing the achievement gap and leveling the playing field for all students,” said Stewart.
State doles out millions for Alzheimer’s research
Clinical researchers across the state received $4.8 million this week to support efforts aimed at preventing and finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Department of Health recently announced the grant funding, provided through the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s disease Research Program.
“Alzheimer’s is a heartbreaking disease and this funding will support research programs across the state in their efforts to find new treatments and preventions that give hope to finding a cure,” said Scott.
State Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican whose wife died from Alzheimer’s earlier this year, said the money is going to “Florida’s incredible researchers who are fighting this disease through innovative research so that one day we can prevent the heartbreaking impact this disease has on our families.”
More than $650,000 from the grant is headed to the Mayo Clinic and the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Florida Atlantic University received about $1.13 million; the University of Florida, $1.36 million; the University of Miami, nearly $830,000; the University of South Florida, about $522,000; and the University of West Florida, almost $95,000. Both the University of Central Florida and Florida International University took home about $95,000.
Fried staffs up
The lone Florida Democrat elected to statewide office in 2018 this week announced her first series of hires.
Agriculture Commissioner-elect Nikki 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. Van Name also managed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine’s campaign.
Van Name will serve as one of Fried’s top aides, helping her oversee the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Notably, Fried 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.
Shelby Scarpa, who managed Fried’s campaign, will take the lead under Van Name as Fried’s deputy chief of staff. Scheril Murray Powell, a lawyer with ties to medical marijuana advocacy, will serve as Fried’s federal affairs director. Heading up legislative affairs for Fried is Emily Duda Buckley, who previously managed government relations at Jones Walker. Her advocacy experience includes work on the environment, agriculture, education and technology.
“I’m looking forward to having them on board as we work to bring something new to the Department and make a difference in our state,” Fried said.
Bondi backs First Step
Attorney General Pam Bondi, joined by 37 counterparts from other states, weighed in positively on a high-profile criminal justice reform bill moving through the federal government.
Hours after leaders in Congress received the letter from Bondi and other attorneys generals, the U.S. House approved the First Step Act, forwarding the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk.
The legislation will “create programs that incentivize federal inmates to participate in recidivism-reducing programs including vocational training and academic courses,” reads a news release from Bondi’s office. It’s also expected to give prosecutors “more tools.”
“This legislation provides additional tools and flexibility to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, better equipping our correctional system to ensure that people coming back into our communities are prepared to do so as responsible citizens who do not pose a risk to our communities,” the attorneys general wrote in the letter to Congress.
Added Bondi: “The First Step Act will keep so many individuals from returning to prison and help them lead productive lives.”
Instagram of the Week
Wakulla Springs gets new DEP designation
The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park just miles outside of Tallahassee is the state’s latest Geological Site.
The Department of Environmental Protection announced the news this week.
So, what’s that mean? “Designated State Geological Sites are areas that DEP’s Florida Geological Survey has determined to be significant to the preservation, scientific study and public understanding of geological history and resources in Florida,” according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
DEP noted that the park belongs to Woodville Karst Plain, “an area containing numerous springs, sinkholes and submerged cave systems formed by the dissolving of limestone over thousands to millions of years.”
“Florida’s natural environment provides excellent opportunities to experience important geological features including springs, caves, and exposures of rocks and fossils that tell the fascinating story of Florida’s geological history, which is intertwined with human history,” said Florida State Geologist and Florida Geological Survey Director Dr. Jon Arthur. “Designation of State Geological Sites highlights a select few of these as valuable resources and the best examples of their kind in the state.”
Of note, “fossil remains of mammoths, mastodons, giant sloths, camels, bison and saber-tooth tigers have all been found in Wakulla Springs and along the bed of the Wakulla River,” according to DEP.
Minimum wage boost
Minimum wage workers in Florida have something to look forward to next year.
The 2019 Florida minimum wage of $8.46 per hour will take effect on Jan. 1. That’s up from the 2018 wage of $8.25 per hour.
“Employers must pay their employees the hourly state minimum wage for all hours worked in Florida,” reads a notice from the state Department of Economic Opportunity. Of course, employers of tipped workers are subject to other requirements outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act.
“Employees who are not paid the minimum wage may bring a civil action against the employer or any person violating Florida’s minimum wage law,” continues the DEO notice. “The state attorney general may also bring an enforcement action to enforce the minimum wage.”
State law requires employers “to post a minimum wage notice in a conspicuous and accessible place in each establishment where these employees work.”
Dads bring home bread for elementary school
Osceola Magnet Elementary School got a $1,000 surprise check this week from K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons.
According to Lyons, the school has only the dads, male mentors and guardians of students at the school to thank; the Indian River County school had the highest participation in the fourth-annual Dads Take Your Child to School Day.
“This program highlights the importance a father or father figure plays in a child’s educational experience, and my hope is for all fathers and male role models to become familiar with their child’s school and staff,” said Lyons, who presented the check via a “virtual ceremony” this week. “I know from personal experience that having a positive male role model makes a world of difference to a child.”
More than 70 percent of the student population at Osceola Magnet was represented by dads, male mentors and male role models on Sept. 26, this past year’s Dads Take Your Child to School Day.
According to the Department of Education, Lyons outlined the effort during his time as an assistant superintendent of Alachua County schools and brought it to statewide fruition when he joined the Department in 2015.
Florida Bar names new president
Dori Foster–Morales will preside over the Florida Bar in 2020-2021.
A family law attorney who has served on Bar’s Board of Governors since 2008, Foster Morales was the only candidate to file for the leadership role by the Monday deadline set by the Bar.
“I didn’t come to the Board of Governors to be president” Foster-Morales said of her decision to seek the Bar’s top post. “I evolved, I think I have something to add.”
Foster-Morales chairs the high-profile Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers. When she takes her new role in 2020, she will parlay that experience into caring for the overall health of Florida’s legal minds.
“I feel passionately about the health of our members, mental, physical and financial,” she said. “They’re interrelated.”
Foster-Morales graduated from the University of Florida in 1987, and receive her law degree from UF Levin College of Law in 1989.
According to a bio provided by the Bar, Foster-Morales “worked as an enforcement attorney for the federal Environmental Protection Agency, first in Washington, D.C., and then in New York City, from 1990 through the middle of 1993, when she joined the 11th Circuit State Attorney’s Office. In 1998, she opened Foster-Morales Sockel-Stone LLC, where she is the managing partner of the six-attorney practice.”
Graham cheers up Panhandle
Children affected by Hurricane Michael recently got a visit from a former congresswoman and former Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
Gwen Graham traveled to Panama City this week to distribute toys to children whose holiday plans might have been interrupted by the nearly-Category 5 cyclone that swept through North Florida in October.
Graham represented the REBUILD 850 effort at Bay County’s Operation Santa toy drive. She handed children gifts from a recent Tallahassee REBUILD toy collection.
”The Panama City community is still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Michael, so finding a sense of normalcy during the holiday season will be a real challenge for countless families,” Graham said. “I am so thankful for those generous Floridians who have donated to the REBUILD 850 effort and made it possible for us to help those who have experienced such tremendous hardship over the last two months.”
Graham is working alongside the United Way of Northwest Florida and Bay County’s Operation Santa, which has scheduled three delivery dates along routes with several homes.
Graham is a co-chair of the REBUILD 850 Initiative. Former Republican Florida House Speakers Will Weatherford and Allan Bense launched the effort in November, calling on private businesses, citizens and philanthropists to aid the 12 Florida counties that suffered extensive setbacks from Michael.
Don’t DUI during the holidays
Impaired driving is a particularly deadly phenomenon between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
That’s why auto group AAA and Anheuser Busch are back again this year with the Tow to Go program, a partnership that began in 1998 to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.
The program, free and available to AAA members and nonmembers in Florida and select states, offers a “confidential” ride to a location within 10 miles. To use the service, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO, or (855) 286-9246.
“No family should have to experience a needless tragedy during the holidays as a result of an impaired driver,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director for AAA. “Whether you call Tow to Go, use a designated driver or stay where you are celebrating, it’s critical to have a plan for getting home safely and never get behind the wheel impaired.”
“The Tow to Go program is a smart option to promote the use of designated drivers and help reduce impaired driving,” added Adam Warrington, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Anheuser-Busch. “We are proud to partner with AAA and their roadside assistance drivers to make our roadways safer during the holidays.”
Amazon spreads holiday joy
Amazon made waves in Tampa Bay this month through philanthropic efforts.
The online retailing giant recently hosted a holiday party for 250 children in the Bay area, donating $15,000 in in-kind gifts for families at the Vinik Family Boys & Girls Club at Winston Park.
The kids were joined by 80 local Amazon employees, sipping hot cocoa, decorating holiday cookies and ornaments, playing games and more.
The man of the hour: Santa Claus, who let each kid take home a gift of their choice.
Feeding Tampa Bay, which focuses on providing food to the hundreds of thousands of families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida, also received a $60,000 donation from Amazon to help follow through on holiday efforts.
Globe Life gives $25K to education nonprofit
Life-insurance group Globe Life this week cut a big check for Step Up For Students, just in time for the holidays.
Step Up For Students, an education nonprofit that helps administer the income-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program now has $25,000 more to provide scholarships during the 2018-19 school year.
Specifically, the money will provide “three K-12 scholarships, so lower-income children can attend the school that best meets their learning needs,” according to a news release announcing the check.
“We are honored to welcome Globe Life as a supporter of our mission to help lower-income Florida families access schools that best fit their children’s unique learning needs,” said Doug Tuthill, Step Up For Students president. “We are grateful for their generosity and their commitment to giving back to their community.”
“We strive to create opportunities to be a source of good to those around us, and we are proud to support Step Up For Students to provide education opportunities for children in our community,” added Corey Jones, senior vice president of Digital Marketing and Branding for Globe Life.
FSU research links cops to stress in African-American men
Florida State University researchers have discovered a nexus between unfair treatment by police and telomere length, a biological indicator of psychological stress.
Shorter telomere lengths were reportedly found in those who’ve reported unfair treatment from police officers. The phenomenon is more pronounced in the black men surveyed by researchers than in white men, according to the university.
“The length of telomeres reflects psychological stress, with shorter telomeres being an indication of higher levels of stress,” the university wrote in a news release.
“Our study shows there may be collateral consequences for men of color that should be considered when evaluating the impacts of proactive policing practices,” said researcher Michael McFarland, an associate sociology professor at FSU. “Perceived unfair treatment by police represents a structurally rooted stressor that disproportionately harms black men and may contribute to racial disparities in health and mortality more broadly.”
McFarland and his team studied 262 black men and 252 white men in Nashville, Tennessee. The study is published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.
Maddox looks to preserve home rule
Leon County Commissioner at-large Nick Maddox is requesting lawmakers do their best to help local governments retain power.
State lawmakers representing parts of Leon met earlier this week to take input from local officials and the public ahead of the 2019 Legislative Session.
Maddox, a former NFL player and critical voice in local politics, led his testimony to the four delegation members with a request to keep home rule in mind while legislating. Home rule is a phrase used to describe local power. Proponents of this belief typically reject legislative pushes to pre-empt certain powers to the state.
“When it comes to legislation that concerns counties, please be considerate of home rule,” Maddox said.
“I do understand there are situations when you have to look at things objectively and maybe the lines get blurred,” he added. “But I can tell you one thing for sure is that the 67 counties in the state of Florida work well together.”
The Leon delegation includes Tallahassee Democratic state Sen. Bill Montford, along with state Reps. Loranne Ausley and Ramon Alexander. They’re joined by Monticello Republican Rep. Halsey Beshears, who will soon vacate his seat to lead the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Capitol Directions
