Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Veteran state government spokeswoman Meredith Beatrice is joining the Ron DeSantis–Jeanette Nuñez administration as Deputy Communications Director, reporting to Communications Director Helen Aguirre Ferré.
The transition announced the hire Thursday, along with that of Dave Vasquez, the transition’s Press Secretary who will continue in that role in the Governor’s Office. Their first day of work will be Jan. 9 after the Governor-elect and Lt. Governor-elect are sworn in.
“Having worked with Meredith and Dave during the campaign, as well as the transition and inaugural, I know firsthand the talent these seasoned communications professionals will bring to the EOG (Executive Office of the Governor),” DeSantis said in a statement.
(What a press release left out, however, was Beatrice’s service as a spokeswoman for the gubernatorial campaign of DeSantis’ GOP primary rival, Adam Putnam.)
“I’m proud of their commitment and dedication to our state and look forward to their service to this administration and to the people of Florida,” DeSantis added.
More from the release:
Beatrice, 30, is a veteran of political and government communications. She most recently served as Communications Director for the Republican Party of Florida, where she focused on Florida’s 2018 gubernatorial race and supported the Ron DeSantis for Governor campaign.
Her previous roles include serving as the Director of External Affairs for the 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission and Communications Director for the Florida Department of State. Before moving to Florida, Meredith served as a Director at JDA Frontline, a public affairs firm located in Washington, D.C.
Vasquez is a political and communications professional who most recently served as Press Secretary throughout Governor-elect DeSantis’ gubernatorial campaign and Transition. Before joining the DeSantis campaign, Vasquez served as an Associate Director and External Affairs Manager for the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
A former campaign manager for Rep. Bob Cortes, Vasquez successfully led communications and operational efforts during the 2016 election cycle. He is a graduate of Florida State University where he earned a B.S. in International Affairs.
Evening Reads
“President Rick Scott? Marco Rubio? Ron DeSantis?” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“Let’s get to work? Not yet: Gov. Rick Scott delays US Senate oath” via Brendan Farrington of The Associated Press
“DeSantis panel delves into substance abuse funding” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida
“DeSantis’ school safety panel urges culture changes” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Emergency management chief of staff warns of low pay, costly storms facing department” via Lawrence Mower of the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
“Mark Inch named Florida prisons chief” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
“DeSantis appoints Chad Poppell as DCF Secretary” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics
“Joe Gruters seeks to close dark money channels” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Florida health officials delayed notifying residents about tainted water, emails show” via Samantha Gross and Elizabeth Koh of the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
“The trouble with legal marijuana money” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix
Quote of the Day
“Our nation is at a historic moment. This Congress will be bipartisan, transparent and unified … I now call the House to order on behalf of all of America’s children.” — Democratic U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the first member of Congress in 60 years to regain the position of House Speaker.
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Wake Up Early?
The 2nd District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission will interview applicants to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Marva Crenshaw. That’s at 8 a.m., Holland & Knight, 100 North Tampa St.-Suite 4100, Tampa.
State Sen. Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg Democrat, speaks on “Planning Tampa Bay’s Legislative Agenda” at the next Café con Tampa. That’s at 8 a.m., Upstairs at Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Admission is $12 per person, breakfast buffet included.
The Florida Transportation Commission is expected to discuss a search process for a new secretary of the Department of Transportation. Former Secretary Mike Dew stepped down to serve as an adviser to Governor-elect DeSantis’ transition team. That’s at 10 a.m. Call-in number: 850-414-4973. PIN: 223188.
The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering will hold a hearing about a rule dealing with the collection of samples from racing greyhounds for drug testing. The division has faced legal challenges because of the procedures it has used. That’s at 1 p.m., Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2601 Blairstone Road, Building C, Tallahassee.
