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.
Breaking overnight — “Donald Trump associate Roger Stone arrested, faces obstruction charge” via the Associated Press — Stone is charged in a seven-count indictment with witness tampering, obstruction and false statements about his interactions related to the release by WikiLeaks of hacked emails during the 2016 presidential election. Some of those false statements were made to the House intelligence committee, according to the indictment. The indictment brought by special counsel Robert Mueller does not accuse Stone of coordinating with the Russian government’s election interference in 2016, the key matter under investigation in the probe. But the indictment lays out in detail Stone’s conversations about stolen Democratic emails posted by WikiLeaks in the weeks before Trump beat his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. Mueller’s office has said those emails, belonging to Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, were hacked by Russian intelligence officers. Stone is scheduled to appear in court in Florida later Friday. The indictment had been expected. Stone has said for months he was prepared to be charged, though he has denied any wrongdoing. A grand jury for months had heard from witnesses connected to Stone. And the intelligence committee last year voted to release a transcript of Stone’s testimony to Mueller as a precursor to an indictment.
Read the indictment of Stone here.
—
First in Sunburn — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is hoping to shut down the re-election bids of two potentially vulnerable Florida Republicans, releasing a new ad campaign tying those congressmen to the most extended government shutdown in U.S. history.
The campaign targets U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Ross Spano. The ad highlights the fact that the members of the Coast Guard, Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continue to have their pay withheld as the shutdown continues.
“The Coast Guard, Border Patrol & TSA just missed another paycheck thanks to Rep. Spano,” reads one of the ads.
The shutdown showdown has already hurt Republicans in the polls, with surveys showing the GOP bearing the brunt of the public’s blame.
“When you work hard to keep our country safe, you should receive your paycheck, period,” said DCCC spokesperson Cole Leiter.
“But now, workers who risk their lives every day are about to miss another paycheck as Republicans in Washington continue to play games with the lives of hardworking Americans, and their families’ livelihoods and financial security.
“Republicans’ recklessness threatens our national security, and it’s critical that voters know exactly who is putting Americans’ lives at risk in pursuit of a wasteful and deeply unpopular partisan agenda.”
Mast, for his part, has pushed separate legislation to ensure the Coast Guard gets paid during the shutdown. But Democrats have rebutted similar stand-alone bills, and instead attempted to force Republicans to reopen the government in full or not at all.
Mast held on to his seat in 2018, defeating Democrat Lauren Baer by eight percentage points. Spano won his race by six percentage points but has faced accusations of violating campaign finance law by using personal loans during the campaign.
Both could face competitive contests in 2020.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
Tweet of the Day:
Not sure what happened to the last paragraph of @zacjanderson's piece in @GainesvilleSun on public opinion poll in FL re @RonDeSantisFL, but looks like someone had some fun with #UrbanDictionary pic.twitter.com/pwd7C7EblU
— daniel a. smith (@electionsmith) January 25, 2019
—@TheRickWilson: Florida universities will soon shut down research programs because of the Trump shutdown. For my Republican elected friends: not one poll shows the Democrats taking the blame for this. You’re hurting our state and the voters know it.
—@ShevrinJones: A fed worker just called my office crying, because her and her daughters are about to be evicted. The avg American doesn’t care if this #Shutdown is the Dem or Rep fault, they just want to care for their family. To both parties, for the sake of the ppl, open the govt!
—@MarcoRubio: Ridiculous tweet by major U.S. newspaper: So far 13 other nations, including 11 Latin American ones plus Canada & France took the same “unusual & provocative step.” But since Trump did it they conclude it must be bad. Truly extraordinary bias.
—@AnnaforFlorida: Mike (Ertel)’s quick resignation is a reflection of the man he is today. It was the right decision to make, and I wish him well.
—@DenWalt: This is incredible. The guy has an entire career seeing up close what racial disparity and hatred can lead to. Postings to Macedonia/Bosnia. Military spox during the L.A. riot. Florida election official after Katrina. Yet he decided to dress in blackface.
—@TMarreroTimes: Something to watch: Will the law enforcement agencies investigating the Sebring bank shooting release the victims’ names? Under the strictest interpretation of Florida’s new Amendment 6, agencies are prohibited from doing so. As far as I know, this is the first mass shooting in Florida since the victims’ rights amendment known as Marsy’s Law took effect Jan. 8. Many argue the news media’s focus in these cases should be on victims, not the shooter, but it will be hard to do that without their names.
—@UCFKnightNews: Unless we missed it, so far no one has asked the question whether BOT Chair [Marcos] Marchena has a conflict of interest in defining the scope of the investigation — even though he was the chair of the facilities committee at the time the building passed committee.
—@CarlosGSmith: I can’t support SB 438. I believe Senator @JoeGruters means well, but offering just 33% of protections under the FL Civil Rights Act to LGBTQ people to placate the LIES about transgender bathroom predators that do not exist isn’t good strategy or policy
—@MearKat00: I feel like Florida Recycling Day just happens over and over again each year.
—@BrettDoster: Just remember @AdamSmithTimes. The best press you will ever get is the day you start a new venture. It’s all downhill from here. Florida politicos will miss you. Your quotes were fair, your cuts were fair, and you were never for sale. Appreciate the service.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Super Bowl LIII — 9; Scott Maddox trial begins — 17; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 18; Pitchers and catchers begin reporting for MLB Spring Training — 18; Valentine’s Day — 20; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 39; Tampa mayoral election — 39; ‘Captain Marvel’ release — 42; St. Patrick’s Day — 51; 2019 Major League Baseball season begins — 53; Final season of ‘Game of Thrones’ begins — 79; Easter — 86; 2019 Legislative Session ends (maybe) — 98; 2020 Democratic presidential primary debates begin — 133; 2019 General Election — 284; Iowa Caucuses — 371; 2020 General Election — 648.
— TOP STORY —
“Secretary of State Mike Ertel resigns after Halloween blackface photos emerge” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — Ertel, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Gov. Ron DeSantis, has resigned after photos emerged of him posing as a Hurricane Katrina victim in blackface at a private Halloween party 14 years ago.
The photo was from 2005, eight months after Ertel was appointed Seminole County supervisor of elections and two months after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.
After the Democrat texted the photos to him last week, Ertel, 49, identified himself as the white man in blackface and red lipstick, wearing earrings and a New Orleans Saints bandanna, and falsies under a purple T-shirt that had “Katrina Victim” written on it.
The photos obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat were shown to the Governor’s Office on Thursday morning. Hours later it issued a statement.
“The governor accepted Secretary Ertel’s resignation,” the Governor’s Office said. At a news conference on hurricane relief in Marianna, DeSantis addressed the resignation.
“It’s unfortunate. He’s done a lot of good work,” he said, adding that he accepted the resignation because “I don’t want to get mired in side controversies.”
Tweet, tweet:
In a state where suppression of minority voting is at issue, this is the man Florida thought best to oversee elections. Reminder: 1,833 Americans died in Katrina, many in black middle- and working-class neighborhoods like Gentilly and the Lower 9th Ward. https://t.co/jYbSVMgSrX
— David Simon (@AoDespair) January 24, 2019
>>>Jennifer Kennedy will serve as interim Secretary of State, per Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida.
— THE NEW ADMINISTRATION —
“DeSantis: 100-percent FEMA reimbursement for storm debris removal upped to 45 days” via Patrick McCreless of the Panama City News-Herald — Bay County and other areas ravaged by Hurricane Michael will get 100 percent federal reimbursement for 45 days of debris removal and protective measures instead of just five, DeSantis announced. The expansion is expected to save the county $85 million in expenses. In a press conference in Marianna, DeSantis said President Donald Trump has agreed to extend the days of 100-percent reimbursement for debris removal, the most expensive part of the hurricane recovery to date in Bay County. Federal reimbursement will also be extended to 100-percent for 45 days for protective measures the county took to eliminate or reduce immediate threats to life, public health and safety before, during and after the hurricane. “That’s real money … it takes the burden off these communities,” DeSantis said.
“Lace up your thinking shoes: DeSantis wants a ‘Deregathon’ ” via Florida Politics — DeSantis on Friday revealed that he had written the members of Florida’s 23 Professional Licensing Boards, summoning them to his “Florida Deregathon” to find “solutions to harmful regulations facing Floridians.” … “Aggressive and appropriate deregulation is a top priority of my administration,” he added. “I look forward to working with the boards to see what can be done to keep Florida on a trajectory toward continued prosperity.” DeSantis said the one-day event, where he will be joined by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Halsey Beshears, will be Thursday, Jan. 31, at Valencia College in Orlando.
“Danny Burgess approved as head of Veterans’ Affairs” via Florida Politics — DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet unanimously approved state Rep. Burgess to be Executive Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Burgess, a Captain and Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve, was first elected to represent eastern Pasco County in the Florida House in 2014, according to a press release. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2018. Before joining the House, the Zephyrhills Republican was on the City Council and was Mayor of Zephyrhills.
“AHCA secretary moves quickly in new job” via the News Service of Florida — Mary Mayhew’s first day on the job was Tuesday. By Thursday, she had meetings scheduled with House Speaker Jose Oliva and Senate President Bill Galvano. Mayhew served as commissioner of health and human services under former Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage. In that capacity, she took positions such as battling against Medicaid expansion. Trump appointed Mayhew in October as director of Medicaid and CHIP Services at the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Three months later, DeSantis tapped her to become Florida AHCA secretary. Mayhew has worked closely during her career with Tarren Bragdon, founder of the Naples-based Foundation for Government Accountability and a member of a DeSantis transition advisory committee on health and wellness. Bragdon said: “Mary Mayhew will lead AHCA with a focus on taking care of the vulnerable, maintaining the integrity of Medicaid, and focusing on how to meet the expanding need of a growing, dynamic, diverse state like Florida.”
— ROAD TO SESSION —
“Pair of Senate bills aim to tackle state opioid crisis” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — As Attorney General Ashley Moody continues her push to address Florida’s opioid epidemic, a pair of bills have been introduced in the Senate to help officials do just that. Sen. Kevin Rader, a South Florida Democrat, has put forward legislation (SB 478) to create an Office of Drug Control within the Executive Office of the Governor. Reports have pegged the increase in overdoses to the over-prescription of painkillers starting in the 1990s. A bill introduced by Sen. Jason Pizzo of Senate District 38 (SB 488) would address that portion of the problem by requiring warning labels for prescription opioids.
“Lawmakers could revisit school funding formula” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — A House panel began delving into how to divvy up money among the state’s school districts. The issue focuses primarily on determining how much it costs to hire teachers and other school employees in various parts of the state. A price-level index, which is calculated to try to represent those costs, is part of a broader formula that lawmakers approve each year for distributing money to districts. But the index has long faced scrutiny, with questions about whether it benefits some districts at the expense of others. Lawmakers included $100,000 in this year’s budget for hiring a consulting firm to conduct a study. House PreK-12 Appropriations Chairman Chris Latvala said his chamber would examine the issue. “I think it’s something the House is certainly looking at and will be studying,” Latvala said after his panel heard a presentation on a report by the consulting firm, The Balmoral Group.
“More state dollars may be needed soon for algae fight” via John Kennedy of the GateHouse Capital Bureau — Florida set aside close to $20 million for battling red tide and blue-green algae off its coasts but more cash may be needed when warmer waters heighten the risk of another outbreak, a state House committee learned. Only $1.7 million remains available for the fight. More dollars will be needed by summer, when algae are likely to return, said House Agriculture and Natural Resources budget chair Holly Raschein of Key Largo. “I don’t have any information on interim funding,” Raschein said. “But I imagine if the agency needs more funding, we’d take that up pretty quickly.”
“Facing ‘uncertainty’ with gaming revenue, Senate president eyes gambling ahead of session” via Ana Ceballos of the Naples Daily News —The uncertain future of state gambling revenue requires legislative action, although it’s not clear what lawmakers will consider, Senate President Bill Galvano said Thursday. ‘It is important to him that the Senate work to restore stability to this revenue stream,’ spokesman Katie Betta said in a statement.
“Dudley Goodlette to hear Okaloosa Superintendent appeal” via the News Service of Florida — President Galvano has tapped former state Rep. Goodlette of Collier County to serve as special master in a probe into the suspension of Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools Mary Beth Jackson, who was stripped of her post by DeSantis this month. In a letter requesting that the Senate take up the issue, Jackson’s attorney, George Levesque, said she wanted a special master to be appointed to preside and that she is “disputing all of the allegations contained” in DeSantis’ executive order suspending her. In a memo to Senators, Galvano said Goodlette, who also served as chief of staff to former House Speaker Larry Cretul, “will conduct a hearing on the merits of the suspension and submit an advisory report,” which will be sent to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration. “I served with Rep. Goodlette in the Florida House of Representatives and know him to be a person of tremendous integrity who will carefully evaluate the facts of the case and provide a fair and impartial evaluation for our consideration,” Galvano wrote.
— STATEWIDE —
“Police say bank attack that killed five was random act” via Terry Spencer and Jennifer Kay of The Associated Press — Zephen Xaver’s attack did not appear to be part of a robbery, and he had no apparent connection to the SunTrust branch or the four employees and one customer who were killed, police said. There was also no evidence the attack was planned, although a former girlfriend said Xaver often talked of killing people. “We believe it was a random act,” Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund said at a news conference. “Aside from perhaps driving by and seeing it was a bank, we have no known evidence that he targeted this bank for any particular reason.”
“Bank shooting victims’ IDs withheld under new amendment” via Curt Anderson of The Associated Press — The “Marsy’s Law” amendment allows withholding from the public information that can be used to locate or harass victims or their relatives. Sebring Police Chief Hoglund cited the amendment at a news conference to explain why authorities would not release the names of three of the shooting victims. Hoglund and the family of one of those women later released the information, but two other names have still not been disclosed. Police have charged Xaver, 21, with five counts of premeditated murder in the shooting deaths of four employees and a customer at a branch of the SunTrust bank in Sebring, a tourist and retirement city of 10,000 south of Orlando. Hoglund identified two victims: customer Cynthia Watson, 65; and one employee: 55-year-old Marisol Lopez. Later he and the family identified a third victim as 38-year-old Ana Pinon Williams, a mother of seven.
“Jimmy Patronis: Balfour Beatty has ‘catastrophically failed this community’ in leaving Tyndall housing untouched since Hurricane Michael” via the News Herald — Commenting on the deadlock that has left more than 600 damaged single family dwellings on Tyndall Air Force Base untouched since Hurricane Michael, state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis condemned developer Balfour Beatty Communities for their actions and for providing no clear answers to his staff.”
It’s Andrew Gillum’s day of reckoning — As the Democrat previously reported, the former Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate will learn on Friday whether he’s in legal trouble over his travels with lobbyist friends to Costa Rica and New York City, where he took in a performance of “Hamilton” with undercover FBI agents. The Commission on Ethics will decide whether there’s probable cause Gillum violated state ethics laws when he went on the trips in 2016. If no probable cause is found, the complaint will be dropped. If probable cause is found, Gillum could contest the allegations later in court or enter into a settlement with the commission.
“Shop for electricity? Florida voters could decide in 2020.” via Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald — A petition for a ballot measure that could potentially reinvent Florida’s electric utility industry is headed to the Florida Supreme Court. The petition reached the threshold of 76,632 signatures required to be reviewed by Attorney General Moody and soon after, Florida’s highest court, according to Alex Patton, the chairman of Citizens for Energy Choices political committee. The proposal calls for the customer’s “right to choose” and would loosen the grip of private utility monopolies like Florida Power & Light, Gulf Power, Duke Energy and Tampa Electric Company. It would allow customers to pick their electricity providers from a competitive market or give them more options to produce solar energy themselves. The language aims to protect customers against deceptive or unfair practices and establish an independent market to make energy sales competitive, the Alachua-based committee says.
“Business groups sound off on utility ballot proposal” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — The Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Florida put out statements Thursday condemning the proposed ballot amendment backed by the Citizens for Energy Choices political committee. … Chamber President Mark Wilson says that’s malarkey. “This proposal is a false promise wrapped in a too-good-to-be-true wrapper that has no place in our state’s constitution. Despite claiming to promote choice, it would prohibit Floridians from choosing the very Florida companies that currently serve them,” he said. … Wilson noted that Florida utility rates were 25 percent lower than those of the average deregulated state last year. … The Chamber’s stance was echoed by AIF President Tom Feeney, who said his group was “staunchly opposed to the deregulation of Florida’s electric utility industry,” citing the rate increases brought about in other states. … “Deregulating Florida’s electric utility industry would create inefficient and uneven services throughout the state, causing major chaos when a natural disaster strikes.”
— LEARNING LAG —
When it comes to textbooks in Florida schools, it may be time to write a new chapter.
One potential problem, reports Jacob Ogles for Florida Politics, is that school districts work with the Florida Department Of Education to set up five-year relationships on textbooks and many other educational supplements.
“In the age of digital technology tools, a five-year commitment no longer meets the needs of the students,” argues Rita Ferrandino, founding partner for Arc Capital Development. “Can you imagine your kids taking what they were using five years ago and then using it now?”
Promising pilot: Sylvia Diaz, assistant superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, said her district has been on a mission to employ more cutting-edge technology in the classroom. Schools there have space for mobile device usage in the classroom and use programs like Curriculum Associates’ i-Ready software, which empowers teachers and prepare kids for rigorous academic standards.
But: Smaller districts don’t have the same options. Ogles writes, “It begs the question, do Florida’s current procurement standards allow for creativity and innovation at all?”
Looking ahead: “If new providers come to the market, districts need flexibility,” said Michael B. Horn, the chief strategic officer for Entangled Solutions. “That’s what you need in any organization if you are going to succeed.”
— LOCAL —
“Prosecutors meet with Florida teens over possible hate crime” via Curt Anderson of The Associated Press — Prosecutors began taking sworn statements from a group of black Florida teenagers as they weigh possible hate crime charges against an armed white man who confronted the young people with apparent racial hostility during a housing inequality protest on Martin Luther King Day. Several of the teenagers met for more than two hours with prosecutors about the incident involving Mark Bartlett and his girlfriend on a downtown Miami street. The group riding bicycles was blocking traffic to draw attention to their potential loss of affordable housing due to redevelopment in the impoverished Liberty City neighborhood. Cellphone videos show Bartlett walking up to the group that was arguing loudly with his girlfriend. He had a handgun at his side and was yelling racial slurs, although he never pointed the weapon at anyone, according to an arrest report. “We know what we saw in the video, but it goes beyond that,” said Don Horn, chief assistant Miami-Dade County state attorney. “We’re going to do everything we can to see that justice is done in this case.”
“Alachua County raises tobacco-buying age to 21” via News4Jax — The first-in-the-state ordinance was passed unanimously and will raise the age of tobacco sales to 21. Vendors will have to apply for a one-year license to sell tobacco products and they won’t be able to sell within a thousand feet of a public school, WCJB reports. If a license is revoked for violations, it cannot be reissued. Each city within the county has time to opt out of the ordinance, which will take effect in nine months.
“Port Canaveral officials approve pursuing $46.5 million of work to refurb Disney Cruise line terminals” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved pursuing contracts for firms to work on both Terminal 8, where Disney currently sails out of, but also adjacent Terminal 10, which would be able to support more Disney ships when the line’s new Trident class debuts in 2021. The proposed work, which has been conceptually approved by Disney Cruise Line according to port officials, will be for both land and marine work on the two terminals. It has been under review in recent months with port staff offering recommended firms for the work.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Government shutdown poses increasing risk to wider economy” via Christopher Rugaber of The Associated Press — The shutdown’s most significant effect on the economy is likely to be the cutback in federal spending. But consumer spending, which is critical to growth, is another important factor. When government employees spend less, stores and restaurants that serve them suffer. So do landlords and lenders that do business with federal workers. Though spending and growth will rebound once the government reopens, most of the restaurant meals missed and hotel stays canceled will never be made up. If the shutdown drags on through March, annual economic growth could fall to zero in the first three months of the year. Even if the government reopens by the end of the month, the annual pace of growth could be a meager 1.6 percent — only half the pace of last quarter, said Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets.
“Unemployment claims by federal workers skyrocket during shutdown” via Ian Kullgren and Rebecca Rainey of POLITICO — More than 25,000 federal employees filed for unemployment as of Jan. 12, up from 10,500 the week prior, the Labor Department reported. By comparison, fewer than 1,700 federal workers filed for unemployment during the same period last year. The data are nearly two weeks old, meaning the number of federal workers seeking assistance could be higher in anticipation of another round of missed paychecks Friday. Many of the 800,000 workers affected by the partial shutdown have turned to loans, credit card debt and even pawnshops to get by. The unemployment numbers don’t include government contractors who, unlike federal employees, won’t receive back pay when the shutdown ends, nor do they include federal employees required to work without pay.
“Wilbur Ross on federal workers going to food banks: ‘I don’t really quite understand why’” via Matthew Choi of POLITICO — Federal employees have reported going to homeless shelters to find food for their families, but when asked about the desperate measures, Ross replied: “Well, I know they are, and I don’t really quite understand why.” Ross argued with loans backed by the guaranteed back pay ,federal workers should be able to find the money to carry them through the shutdown. But Ross said the shutdown won’t be too damaging for the country’s image or economy. “You’re talking about 800,000 workers and while I feel sorry for the individuals that have hardship cases, 800,000 workers, if they never got their pay — which is not the case, they will eventually get it, but if they never got it, you’re talking about a third of a percent on GDP, so it’s not like it’s a gigantic number overall.”
“Marco Rubio: Housing situation at Tyndall is ‘catastrophic’ – could threaten future operations” via Ed Offley of News Herald —Rubio said a top priority when he returns to his Capitol office this week will be to press the Air Force to take action to break the logjam. ‘I believe (Balfour Beatty) has to be in breach of this agreement,’ he said, ‘and the Air Force should be allowed to go out and find someone else to come in and take over the project.'”
“Rick Scott pushing for $600 million in disaster relief funds for Puerto Rico” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — “The most important thing to every American is action over words,” Scott said. “In Florida, we took aggressive action to support Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican community since before Hurricane Maria even made landfall, but our work isn’t done.” A funding bill already passed by the U.S. House includes the funding for the island nation, but the Senate version does not. The funding differences loom as Washington leaders work toward ending a government shutdown. The Florida Republican, though, said it’s imperative the U.S. territory get deserved support from leaders in Washington. “Puerto Rico’s success is America’s success and Puerto Rico’s recovery is America’s recovery,” he said.
“Ted Deutch rebukes schools chief Robert Runcie over canceled Parkland parents meeting” via Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel — “Deutch rebuked Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie on Thursday over the school chief’s cancellation of a meeting with parents of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. “I was disappointed by your decision to cancel the public forum,” the congressman wrote in a letter to the superintendent … In recent months, I have spoken with many constituents, including families of victims of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who have greatly anticipated an opportunity to have their questions answered and their voices heard in a public setting regarding efforts to secure Broward County’s schools. They deserve an opportunity for meaningful engagement with elected representatives, school officials, parents, and other community members.
“Trio of Florida congressmen push bipartisan carbon fee bill” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The U.S. House is once again attempting to combat climate change by regulating carbon emissions. This time, they’re aiming to beef up the bank accounts of American families as well. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act would institute a fee on carbon emissions. But instead of the U.S. Treasury keeping the cash, any fee money left over after administrative expenses are covered would go directly to taxpayers in the form of a monthly rebate. “Climate change is an urgent threat that demands urgent bipartisan action,” said U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, who represents Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. “With this legislation, we are making clear to our colleagues that bipartisanship is possible — even necessary — to address climate change in this Congress.”
Assignment editors — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor will join representatives from local private, nonprofit and public organizations to talk about the effects of the federal shutdown, 9:30 a.m., Vistra Communications, 18315 N. US Highway 41, Lutz. Following the news conference are visits to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Mary McLeod Bethune Homes.
— OPINIONS —
“Government shutdown is hurting Florida’s farmers — and the people who eat their food” via Nikki Fried for the Miami Herald — As Americans, we have some basic, reasonable expectations. Among them: Our food should be safe to eat, our businesses should be able to operate, our workers should be paid for their labor and our government should function effectively. That shouldn’t be asking too much. Yet as the federal government shutdown extends past the four-week mark, even those basic expectations aren’t being met — and that’s beginning to have real impacts on our state. The safety of food grown and produced in Florida is critical — yet right now, up to 1,074 food manufacturing facilities in Florida deemed high-risk may be missing scheduled FDA inspections. Florida’s school lunch and breakfast programs, available to 2.9 million students, are funded through March — but without federal funding beyond then, our department might be forced to ask local school districts to foot the bill. Those concerned with defending “the wall” should be equally concerned with defending our state, our people, and our interests — because Floridians expect better than this.
“DeSantis is showing the GOP a different path forward” via Reihan Salam of the Atlantic — Since his inauguration, DeSantis has played against type, calling for a sharp increase in funding to protect the Everglades and to mitigate the effects of climate change, even as he remains studiously neutral on its causes; touting the diversity of his senior appointments, and claiming in particular that “if you look at my total appointments, I don’t think there’s any peer recently, at least in Florida, of the number of African-Americans we’ve put in;” and adopting a more permissive posture with respect to the regulation of medical marijuana than his predecessor. One could chalk up DeSantis’s rhetorical shift to the simple fact that governing a sprawling, diverse state poses a different set of challenges than representing a conservative congressional district. But there’s more to it than that. Rather than simply react to new political currents, as he did when he embraced the Tea Party moment and, later, when he climbed aboard the #TrumpTrain, DeSantis is now trying to anticipate what will come next.
— MOVEMENTS —
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Miguel Abad, New Century Partnership: Beacon Health Options, United Home Care
Slater Bayliss, Christopher Chaney, Steve Schale, Sarah Busk Suskey, The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners: Common Threads
Joanna Bonfanti, Ronald Brise, Lila Jaber, Larry Williams, Gunster Yoakley & Stewart: Florida Public Utilities, Q Link Wireless
Matt Bryan, Daniel David, Thomas Griffin, Lisa Hurley, Jim Naff, Teye Reeves, Smith Bryan & Myers: AVE Airside
Dean Cannon, Rheb Harbison, Mary Kim McDougal, Joseph Salzverg, GrayRobinson: Common Threads
Julie Fess, Fess Consulting: Harrison Bail Bonds
Jack Graham: Greenwich Biosciences
Kenneth Granger, Dean Izzo, Capital City Consulting: IMAGE API
Jennifer Lange: Department of Children and Families
Will McKinley, Angela Dempsey, Fred Dickinson, Sophie Smith, PooleMcKinley: The Personal Care Products Council
Gil McRae: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
David Rancourt, Champion Companies: SePro Corporation
Gary Rutledge, Jon Costello, Diana Ferguson, Rutledge Ecenia: 3M Company and Its Affiliates, Florida Off Road Foundation, Responsible Vendors, The Big Easy Casino, The Humane Society of the United States, Wade Shows
Chris Schoonover, Capital City Consulting: Florida Atlantic University Foundation
Timothy Stanfield, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: Witt O’Brien’s
“Tampa Bay Times political editor Adam Smith to join Mercury PR firm” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Smith, a 20-year veteran of Florida media, is joining Mercury Public Affairs, a bipartisan strategy firm, the company announced this morning. Mercury partner Ashley Walker said in a statement: “Adam’s vast experience in Florida politics will be a major asset to our work locally and nationally, as we broaden our communications abilities in the nation’s largest swing state.” Overall, the company has 21 offices across the globe, including a Tampa location where Smith will be based. Smith officially joins Mercury Feb. 11. “After covering many of the major political events of the last two decades in Florida in journalism, I’m excited to use those experiences and skills to craft strategy and messaging, and solve problems for clients at the highest levels,” Smith said in a statement announcing the move. Smith’s departure leaves the Tampa Bay Times, Florida’s largest daily newspaper, without a top political editor.
— “Joe Henderson: Adam Smith left his mark on Florida political scene” via Florida Politics
“Familiar and new names in list of applicants to replace Judge Karen Gievers” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Nineteen people have applied to replace outgoing Circuit Judge Gievers of Tallahassee, who faces mandatory age-related retirement this year. Fred Dudley, a former lawmaker and Tallahassee attorney who chairs the 2nd Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, released a list of names on Thursday … The position takes added significance in the capital, home of state government and the Legislature: Circuit judges also can grant special court orders, called writs, that force state officials to perform an action or prevent them from doing so. The person replacing Gievers will ultimately be selected by Gov. DeSantis under his judicial appointment authority.
— WEEKEND TV —
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues affecting the region.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei hosts a roundtable attorney Danny Alvarez; Tampa Bay Times Senior Deputy Editor Amy Hollyfield; Democratic political strategist Maya Brown; and Emeritus Professor of Government USF-St. Petersburg Darryl Paulson.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion of vocational training and the shortage of skilled workers needed by Florida companies. Joining Walker-Torres are state Sen. Travis Hutson; Marion County School Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier; and Manatee Technical College Director Dr. Valerie Viands.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: This week’s show will discuss the government shutdown; former Sen. Bob Graham will give his perspective on Gov. DeSantis’ election and explain why he thinks Washington D.C. is dysfunctional; and PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter will rate a claim by Trump about the U.S. Troops in Syria.
Politics on Your Side with Evan Donovan on News Channel 8 WFLA (NBC): Tampa mayoral candidate Jane Castor.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Gary Yordon and Steve Vancore will speak with political consultant Screven Watson and News Service of Florida political reporter Dara Kam.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: guests include Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney; Marks Gray Business Immigration attorney Giselle Carson; Thomas Wisnieski, director of the VA North Florida/South Georgia region; and VA North Florida/South Georgia region Lead Suicide Prevention Coordinator Katherine Eicher.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg will discuss the continuing government shutdown. Also, the powerhouse roundtable will take on the week’s news.
— PEAK PERFORMANCE —
Congratulations to David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce for successfully summiting Mount Vinson in Antarctica this month.
With that performance, Hart has now climbed six of the world’s Seven Summits – Kilimanjaro in Africa (2013), Aconcagua in South America (2014/2015), Elbrus in Europe (2016), Denali in North America (2017), Kosciuszko in Australia (2018), and Vinson in January of this year.
As one of Florida’s premier lobbyists, Hart has advocated on behalf of private sector businesses for more than 30 years.
— ALOE —
“Here’s how to recycle your Gasparilla 2019 beads in Tampa” via Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Times — Beads can be dropped off at the Krispy Kreme at 3113 W Kennedy Blvd. on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. Bring in at least 12 pounds of beads and receive a coupon for a free dozen original glazed doughnuts. Meanwhile, the Florida Aquarium is offering discounts and free admission in exchange for beads dropped off through Jan. 27 to remind people attending the parade “to be careful and keep their beads out of the bay,” Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann said in a statement. Anyone who brings 10 pounds of beads to the aquarium will receive $10 off one general admission ticket. Those who bring 30 pounds or more will get free admission. The beads are donated to the MacDonald Training Center, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities. If you’d rather just donate the beads directly, the city will collect them at the Copeland Park, Kate Jackson, Loretta Ingraham and Port Tampa community centers during regular hours starting Feb. 4. Beads can also be dropped off directly to the MacDonald Training Center at 5420 W Cypress St. on any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“SeaWorld sets concert lineup for 2019 Seven Seas fest” via John Gregory of Orlando Rising — Seven Seas Food Festival runs from Feb. 9 through May 5. While this year’s festival will include some Friday evening activities beginning Feb. 15, the concerts will all be on Saturdays and Sundays at 6 p.m. The acts on the schedule — which will be expanded later — span from Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to 80s hair metal frontman Bret Michaels to 90s boy band 98 Degrees. All concerts will take place at the park’s Bayside Stadium and are included with regular admission. Select shows will offer reserved seating in advance for $10 to $50 per seat.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Wonderful birthday wishes to Sen. Aaron Bean, Sean Cooley, our great friend Gus Corbella of Greenberg Traurig, and Beth Kennedy. Celebrating tomorrow are Jason Roth, Dave Royse, and Mark Sharpe.
