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.
Siren — John Morgan told Florida Politics on Friday night that he is launching his own publication. What about, we asked? “Politics. Sort of.”
The legendary trial lawyer offered no further details. But a source familiar with Morgan’s thinking says he’s been threatening something like that for a while.
Needless to say, if Morgan’s jumping into the publishing business, it will be a must-read.
—
First in Sunburn — The Republican Party of Florida will name Jennifer Locetta as its new executive director today.
Locetta will leave a job at the White House to lead the Florida GOP during the buildup to another big presidential election year.
“She’s a longtime friend and trusted adviser,“ said Joe Gruters, the newly elected state chair of the party.
Like Gruters, Locetta holds roots in the Sarasota area, where she previously served as executive director of Republican Party of Sarasota while Gruters was county chair. But beyond the personal connection, Gruters said Locetta’s connections to both President Donald Trump’s political team and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign made her a natural choice.
“She’s the perfect person to take over at this time,” he said.
In 2012, Locetta worked on presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s ultimately unsuccessful Florida campaign.
But four years later, she also worked hand-in-hand with Gruters and Susie Wiles, co-chairs for the Florida arm of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, in winning the Sunshine State’s electoral votes for the now-president.
Locetta was hired soon after Trump won the Republican Party nomination to the role of deputy state director. She quickly moved into the position of state director for Florida for Trump.
She later worked on the president’s inaugural committee and immediately took a job at the White House as a special assistant to the president following his inauguration. She then accepted a post as associated director of presidential personnel.
After Wiles was tapped to run to now-Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign last year, she hired Locetta to oversee operations for the Republican leader’s gubernatorial race in 2018.
That means she’s got a history of winning against oddsmakers’ predictions. That could be important considering Trump’s approval ratings in Florida just slid underwater amid a prolonged federal government shutdown.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@StephanieKelton: No one makes a billion dollars. You TAKE a billion dollars. You take it from your workers (Hi, Jeff, Jim, and Alice!). You plunder it from the environment (What up, Charles & David?). You strip it using patents/protections (Lookin’ at you, Bill.)
—@AnnCoulter: Good news for George Herbert Walker Bush: As of today, he is no longer the biggest wimp ever to serve as President of the United States.
—@MaggieNYT: Not only did Trump alienate moderates with a shutdown, he upset his core 35 percent by caving — and, most significantly for 2020, did it all as Democrats held together on a major issue fight.
—@PollackHunter: I wish the FBI raided my sister’s killers home in Parkland the way they did Roger Stone. Maybe my sister would still be alive.
—@DWSTweets: You know what was missing from these disappointing comments by @tombrokaw? We all need to work on meeting each other halfway, learning to live together harmoniously, loving one another and weaving our beautiful American tapestry. Por eso estoy aprendiendo español! #epluribusunum
—@RebekahDorworth: I am not saying @AndrewGillum is unethical; I am just saying the Commission on ethics thinks he’s unethical.
Tweet of the weekend:
The moment you allow @SnoopDogg to take over your phone. My 2019 has be made, officially! pic.twitter.com/0r05QashLe
— Shevrin “Shev” Jones (@ShevrinJones) January 26, 2019
— DAYS UNTIL —
Super Bowl LIII — 6; Scott Maddox trial begins — 16; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 15; Pitchers and catchers begin reporting for MLB Spring Training — 15; Valentine’s Day — 17; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 36; Tampa mayoral election — 36; ‘Captain Marvel’ release — 39; St. Patrick’s Day — 48; 2019 Major League Baseball season begins — 50; Final season of ‘Game of Thrones’ begins — 76; Easter — 83; 2019 Legislative Session ends (maybe) — 95; 2020 Democratic presidential primary debates begin — 130; 2019 General Election — 281; Iowa Caucuses — 368; 2020 General Election — 645.
— TOP STORY —
“On Venezuela, Marco Rubio assumes U.S. role of ouster in chief” via Peter Baker and Edward Wong of The New York Times — Through sheer force of will and a concerted effort to engage and educate Trump, Rubio has made himself, in effect, a virtual secretary of state for Latin America, driving administration strategy and articulating it to the region from the Senate floor, as he did the other day, and every television camera he can find. Perhaps no other individual outside Venezuela has been more critical in challenging President Nicolás Maduro. … It was Rubio who has been whispering in Trump’s ear since the early days of his presidency about the depravity of Maduro’s government and the need for American leadership. And it was Mr. Rubio along with Vice President Mike Pence and others who urged the president to back an opposition leader seeking to unseat Maduro. … “He has been relentless since Trump’s election, working hard to earn the president’s trust in this policy area,” said former Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a fellow Florida Republican. “He owns it, and it has clearly paid dividends for him, and more importantly for the victims of Maduro’s tyranny.”
In the interview, Rubio outlined four possible outcomes to the upheaval: Maduro could hold onto power; he could be forced out in a palace coup but replaced by a civilian leader just as bad, or he could be unseated by a military installing itself as the new government. Or a popular revolt like the one [Juan] Guaidó is currently leading could force change. “The U.S. interest is reflected in only one of those outcomes,” Rubio acknowledged.
(The real worry in Washington is if the situation in Caracas takes a violent turn. Rubio has talked with administration officials about options if it does — and speaks with authority as if he were the decider. “If Maduro turns violent, whether it’s against Guaidó or the assembly or the people or, God forbid, our embassy, the consequences will be swift and severe,” he said. “I can tell you for a fact that it won’t be a letter of condemnation.”
Tweet, tweet:
Honored to work on a cause that is in our national interest.
But as I told the writer of this article:
– I & others give advice, but only @POTUS can decide; &
– @realDonaldTrump needed no convincing on #Venezuela https://t.co/kZq88LoxPG— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 26, 2019
“Rubio welcomes Elliot Abrams as choice for Venezuela envoy” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The State Department named Abrams, a vocal neoconservative, to oversee U.S. policy toward the South American nation. Florida’s senior Senator said he strongly supports the choice. “While the road to Venezuela’s full reconstruction will contain challenges for all of us,” Rubio said, “Abrams is a tough and experienced foreign policy expert with knowledge of the region and a long history supporting democracy, human rights and the national interest of the United States.” When Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the choice of Abrams, it surprised many because of history between Abrams and Trump. When former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson considered Abrams for Deputy Secretary of State, Trump nixed the choice based on the criticism that the career foreign policy official had levied during the presidential campaign, according to POLITICO.
“’Enough already!’ Venezuela’s highest-ranking military diplomat breaks with Nicholás Maduro” via Antonio Maria Delgado of the Miami Herald — The military attaché at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, Col. José Luis Silva, broke with the Maduro regime and urged other armed forces members to recognize Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of the South American nation. “As the Venezuelan defense attaché in the United States, I do not recognize Mr. Nicolás Maduro as president of Venezuela,” Silva told El Nuevo Herald in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C. “My message to all armed forces members, to everyone who carries a gun, is to please let’s not attack the people. We are also part of the people, and we’ve had enough of supporting a government that has betrayed the most basic principles and sold itself to other countries,” he added.
Meanwhile … check out who is participating in the #GuaidoChallenge.
#GuaidoChallenge pic.twitter.com/OUWOQN1Qux
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) January 26, 2019
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Trump White House stonewalls as Puerto Rico aid runs dry” via David Rogers of POLITICO — Call it Trump’s second wall, only this time the president’s target is not migrants coming north but dollars going south to help storm-tossed Puerto Rico. Additional food aid for the island’s poor will soon be exhausted without supplemental funds opposed by the White House. At the same time, billions in community development appropriations have yet to leave Washington — a year after being approved by Congress to assist in the recovery from Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Next to the government shutdown and bitter fight over immigration policy, Puerto Rico’s plight remains an afterthought to many in Washington. But the big common denominator is Trump’s high-profile and the fact that low-income, often Hispanic or Latino families are feeling the crunch — even as U.S. citizens.
Happening today — Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie, who helped lead Trump’s 2016 campaign, will speak during an event hosted by the Palm Beach Republican Club, 6:15 p.m., The Colony Hotel Pavilion, 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach.
“Robert Mueller’s real target in the Roger Stone indictment” via Julian Sanchez of The New York Times — The indictment itself — which charges Stone with witness tampering, obstruction of justice and false statements to Congress — takes little imagination to translate into a search warrant application, and also hints at what Mueller might be looking for. In describing the lies it alleges Stone told a House committee, the document places great emphasis on Stone’s denial that he had any written communications with two associates — associates with whom he had, in fact, regularly exchanged emails and text messages. That’s precisely the sort of behavior one might focus on in seeking to convince a recalcitrant judge that an investigative target could not be trusted to turn over documents in response to a subpoena, requiring the more intrusive step of seizing Stone’s devices directly. If Mueller is indeed less interested in Stone than the potential evidence on his phones and computers, the conventional wisdom that the special counsel probe is wrapping up — and could issue a final report as soon as next month — seems implausible. Digital forensics takes time, and a single device could easily hold many thousands of messages to sift through.
“Rick Scott learns commerce subcommittee assignments” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida Republican will sit on four subcommittees: Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet; Science, Oceans, Fisheries and Weather; Security; and Transportation and Safety. “Sen. Rick Scott is proud to serve on the following subcommittees of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,” reads a release, “where he will fight for priorities most important to Florida families, including transportation and infrastructure, safety and security and preserving Florida’s natural resources.”
“Tension in Democratic Party has home on Kathy Castor’s climate change committee” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — The first challenge to Castor’s committee leadership did not come from Republicans. Rather, a new generation of environmental activists caught Castor off guard by demanding a committee untainted by campaign contributions and by calling for a “Green New Deal” that would move the country to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. These newcomers have forced the Tampa Democrat to defend a previously unquestioned environmental record. The tension reflects the fight in Washington between Democratic leadership and a wave of young progressives. It also demonstrates the stakes of this new panel. Many on the left view it as Congress’ last best chance to pull the world from the brink of environmental collapse. “We’ve got a new group of Young Turks who are making their mark and challenging the establishment,” said Frank Jackalone, director of the Sierra Club Florida, “and I just think (Castor) is the wrong target. She’s as progressive as they are.”
Assignment editors — U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will hold a news conference to discuss what the extended government shutdown, which recently ended with the passage of a short-term funding solution, has done to families and what will happen next, 10 a.m., City of Sunrise Utilities Administration Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 777 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Sunrise.
“For Tom Rooney, no regrets leaving Congress” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Not that Rooney didn’t enjoy his 10 years in Congress. He calls his time in office a “great honor” and says he would not trade the friends and experiences for anything. But Rooney also found Congress to be incredibly frustrating at times, and he is ready to do something different. The shutdown just reaffirmed that desire to move on. During a drive last week from Jupiter to Okeechobee, where Rooney was headed to feed his cows and pick up the mail from a house he owns, the five-term former congressman reflected on his time in office and his hopes for a less adversarial future when it comes to federal policymaking. … Rooney has long criticized the hyperpartisan political atmosphere, and the media echo chambers that help drive lawmakers to extremes. The shutdown (was) just another example of that, he said. Pressure from the right appeared to drive President Trump to dig in on border wall funding. … Rooney was particularly frustrated about not being able to earmark money for repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike along Lake Okeechobee. Strengthening the dike will allow for higher water levels in the lake and less of a need to discharge polluted lake water into estuaries on both coasts.
Happening today — Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner will speak to the Caxambas Republican Club of Southwest Florida, 5:30 p.m., Marco Island Yacht Club, 1400 North Collier Blvd., Marco Island.
Spotted — Brian Ballard and company in “Washington lobbying business surges to eight-year high” via CNN Politics — Lobbying activity in Washington surged to $3.4 billion last year — its highest level since 2010 — as companies, trade groups and other interests raced to shape policies on international trade, drug prices and other issues during President Trump‘s second year in office, a new tally shows … Ballard Partners, which he established in Washington two years ago, reported $18.3 million in domestic lobbying income, catapulting it into the top 10 lobbying firms in the nation’s capital. Ballard counts Trump as a former lobbying client and served as a top fundraiser for both Trump’s campaign and inaugural festivities. Wiles, a managing partner at the firm, ran Trump’s successful Florida campaign in 2016. Ballard’s ties to Trump allies have only deepened … Earlier this week, Ballard Partners announced that another Trump ally, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, would head its corporate regulatory compliance practice.
— THE NEW ADMINISTRATION —
“Resignation over blackface photos puts pressure on Ron DeSantis” via Gary Fineout of The Associated Press — Secretary of State Mike Ertel abruptly resigned after a newspaper obtained photos of him dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim at a 2005 party. In the first few days of his administration, DeSantis had drawn praise from Democrats and Republicans for a series of quick actions on everything from environmental policies to pledging to change medical marijuana laws. But the incident raised questions about the vetting process used by DeSantis and his transition team for top hires, many of whom still need to go through state Senate confirmation. “It’s heartbreaking that someone selected for a top government position would mock the tragic happenings to the people who suffered through Katrina,” said Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson, who is from Jacksonville. “It’s pretty sickening, and I’m heartbroken by what I saw.” Voting rights groups, meanwhile, say they plan to keep a close eye on who DeSantis ultimately picks to fill Ertel’s post since his agency helps decide whether someone is eligible to register to vote.
“Ron Turner for Secretary of State?” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — After Ertel’s resignation, a number of people reached out to Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Turner and encouraged him to apply for the job of Florida’s top election official. … Turner’s profile is rising. He recently was elected to a leadership position with the state association of election supervisors. But Turner said he is not interested in the secretary of state job. “It’s flattering, but I’m focused on doing my job as supervisor of elections,” he said.
“New state wildlife agency official has no wildlife background, but he did help get DeSantis elected” via Craig Pittman of the Tampa Bay Times — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a new deputy chief of staff with an unusual background. He has never worked for a wildlife agency before, or any other state agency. He’s Jordan Wiggins, 33. His two most recent jobs involved helping get Gov. Ron DeSantis elected and then helping run his inauguration. Wiggins has been a political operative for a decade. Before serving as DeSantis’ deputy campaign manager and then the director of operations for the inaugural celebration, he worked for Rubio’s doomed presidential campaign, as well as serving as national field director for the National Republican Congressional Committee. He has a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in international relations.
“SFWMD board member Rick Barber resigns at DeSantis’ request over sugar land lease” via Cheryl Smith of TCPalm — Barber, whose term would have ended in March, resigned effective Jan. 26, in a letter to the Governor dated Jan. 25. Barber represented Lee, Collier, Hendry and Charlotte counties, and was chair of the Big Cypress Basin board. Former Gov. Scott appointed Barber in March 2013. Barber is CEO of Agnoli, Barber & Brundage, an engineering, planning and surveying firm serving Lee and Collier counties. Barber joins Dan O’Keefe and Carlos Diaz, who had not yet been confirmed by the Senate, in resigning as DeSantis asked.
Assignment editors — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, state Sen. George Gainer, state Rep. Brad Drake and Florida Forest Service Director Jim Karels will hold a media availability to discuss hurricane damage and ongoing Department recovery efforts and needs resulting from Hurricane Michael, 10:40 a.m. Central time (media are requested to arrive at 10:30 a.m. Central time), Chipola College, Student Center Cafeteria (College Street), 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna.
— ROAD TO SESSION —
“Advocates: Troubled state prison system ready for reform” via John Kennedy of the GateHouse Capital Bureau — Attempts to end lengthy mandatory minimum sentences, prison terms for low-level drug offenders, and create early release programs have gone nowhere in Tallahassee for years. But a coalition of advocates, ranging across the political spectrum, say Florida should join a number of states — and since last month, the federal government — in taking a fresh look at crime and punishment. “This is the one area of government that needs the most reform,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes, budget chairman over criminal and civil justice. With the backing of Trump, Congress last month approved the First Step Act. It looks to reduce mass incarceration in federal prisons, letting thousands out early and enacting rehabilitation programs for federal inmates before their release. DeSantis voted in favor of an early version of the First Step Act, although that included none of the mandatory minimum changes later included.
“Lawmakers demand ‘dignity for incarcerated women’” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — A bill in the Legislature would impose new standards for feminine hygiene products in jails and prisons and stop what inmates say is inhumane, humiliating treatment dished out by male correctional officers. “This bill is simply about dignity,” explained Rep. Amy Mercado, the sponsor of the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act. “Women told us about their uniforms and bedding getting ruined and stained,” said Sen. Jason Pizzo the Senate sponsor. “These are people who are being transported in handcuffs to their court appearance; if somebody is going through their menstrual cycle …” said Pizzo, without finishing the explanation.
Today’s legislative delegation meetings — The Orange County delegation will hold a morning meeting for government officials and representatives of government agencies and reconvene in the afternoon to take testimony from citizens and community organizations. Making up the delegation are state Sens. Randolph Bracy, Linda Stewart and Victor Torres and state Reps. Bruce Antone, Kamia Brown, Anna Eskamani, Joy Goff-Marcil, Mercado, Rene Plasencia, Carlos Guillermo Smith, Jennifer Sullivan and Geraldine Thompson. Morning portion begins at 9:30 a.m., afternoon portion at 2:30 p.m., Orange County Administration Center, commission chamber, 201 South Rosalind Ave., Orlando. Palm Beach — Sens. Gayle Harrell, Kevin Rader, Bobby Powell and Lori Berman as well as Reps. Tina Polsky, MaryLynn Magar, Rick Roth, Matt Willhite, David Silvers, Al Jacquet, Mike Caruso, Joe Casello and Emily Slosberg, 2 p.m., Lakeside Medical Center, 39200 Hooker Highway, Belle Glade.
“House, Senate stack meetings in February” via the News Service of Florida — Senate committees are scheduled to meet over four days in early February, while House panels will meet over three days. The meetings will come during the week starting Feb. 4. Senate committees will begin meeting that day and continue until Feb. 7. Among the scheduled meetings is a Feb. 6 meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Meanwhile, House committees and subcommittees will meet from Feb. 5 through Feb. 7, with the House Appropriations Committee scheduled to meet Feb. 5. In all, the Legislature is expected to hold three weeks of committee meetings in February to prepare for the Session.
— STATEWIDE —
“U.S. subpoenas state records in probe of North Carolina businessman” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — Federal investigators have subpoenaed the state Office of Insurance Regulation as part of a grand jury investigation into a North Carolina businessman who unexpectedly became one of the biggest donors to Florida Republicans last year. The office is under the regulatory umbrella of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who was a major beneficiary of those political donations. The subpoena, served Dec. 12 seeks records related to businessman Greg Lindberg and companies he owns. It was filed in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, N.C., where federal investigators have been pursuing an inquiry related to what court documents have described as “drug offenses, crimes against financial institutions, or money laundering crimes.” The Florida subpoena delivered in December is a request for documents and implies no wrongdoing by the state office.
“Hurricane Michael recovery has a big problem: People aren’t donating” via Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Major donors simply aren’t coming through for Florida’s Forgotten Coast. According to an analysis of contributions to three prominent national charities, donations to Hurricane Michael recovery fall far below donations for recent landmark hurricanes to hit the South such as Florence, Irma and Harvey. The Salvation Army has received $2.8 million for its Hurricane Michael response. It received a combined $125 million after Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017. United Way Worldwide received just under $750,000 for Hurricane Michael recovery. That’s more than $10 million less than it received for its combined fund for Hurricanes Irma and Maria. That’s about $100,000 less than it received for the 2017 Mexican earthquake.
“Decision to withhold bank victim names tests new law” via Sean Murphy of The Associated Press — The police chief in Sebring declined to release the names of some of the slain women, citing a provision in the “Marsy’s Law” amendment to the state constitution that voters approved in November. “Is it really necessary for the public to have the names of all five victims to understand what’s happening down there and what’s going on?” said Paul Cassell, a victim’s rights expert. “I don’t think there’s a public interest in the specific names of the victims in the immediate aftermath, so I think the law is working as it’s intended and having a beneficial effect for families that are grieving right now.” But allowing crime victims to determine what information gets released to the public sets a dangerous precedent, said Barbara Petersen of the Tallahassee-based First Amendment Foundation. “How do we hold law enforcement accountable? Are we going to start having secret trials, crime victims testifying behind curtains?”
“Eight deputies heard gunfire at Stoneman Douglas but didn’t rush in. Here are the consequences so far.” via Megan O’Matz, Stephen Hobbs and Lisa J. Huriash of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — On Jan. 8, Deputies Arthur Perry and Michael Kratz were ordered transferred, effective Jan. 19, from Parkland to new posts in the county. The two were among eight who arrived at the school early enough to hear gunshots but did not sprint into the freshman building to take on the shooter, a review by state investigators found. Two of the eight deputies retired. Then-Sheriff Scott Israel took away the badges of three more and put them on restricted duty — with pay — while under internal investigation. The three others, including Kratz and Perry, were moved out of Parkland but are not under investigation, an agency spokeswoman said. It remains to be seen if Tony Gregory — the sheriff who was installed by the Governor Jan. 11 — will take further action.
“Needle exchange in Florida gains new support to go statewide” via Elizabeth Koh of the Tampa Bay Times — It’s been a hectic few months for IDEA, which has used the exchanges as a conduit to providing other care. In October, they worked with local health officials to persuade several people to go into treatment as Miami city hall politicians sought to move out a group of homeless people living under one of the highway overpasses in the neighborhood. “This was the shooting gallery, right here,” University of Miami Dr. Eddy Suarez says, as he drives the van by an abandoned lot under the overpass. The bright orange caps of needles speckle the ground even in dim light. “All this was just people shooting up.” The program, in that month, “got 20 people into treatment in 30 days,” he recalled. They drove out daily — stocked with needles, cookers and sterile equipment — to exchange syringes and offer HIV and hepatitis C testing and to help those looking for treatment get care. “The floodgates were open.”
What Marc Dunbar is reading — “Florida banned greyhound racing in 2018. His horse racing next?” via Ayurella Horn-Muller of the Broward/Palm Beach New Times — Should we only be dismantling greyhound racing and not looking at its equine counterpart? And why has one been outlawed but not the other? Both the sheer enormity of the industry and its economic impact are considerable factors that set horse racing apart. In the U.S., where 38 states have legalized the sport, the annual economic impact of the equine industry is measured at $122 billion, according to a 2017 study published by the American Horse Council (AHC). And in the state of Florida, the yearly economic contribution hits roughly $6.8 billion. Twenty-four horses on average die every week on racing tracks across America, according to a 2012 New York Times investigation published with PETA. That means approximately 1,248 horses lose their lives each year. Industry experts — like Cindy Gendrin at the Humane Society — admit it’s difficult to identify explicitly the reasons for the high figure, but points to one likely culprit: doping.
“Bad news for Florida drivers: big backlogged SunPass bills on the way” via Noah Pransky for Florida Politics — The Florida Department of Transportation says it doesn’t know how many Florida drivers are opening their mailboxes to some big, backlogged SunPass bills this month — but they confirm it’s a lot. During one seven-day period in January, FDOT spokesperson Ann Howard said the state sent out more than 417,000 toll-by-plate bills to drivers, their first bills in at least seven months following the failed SunPass system upgrade in June that was supposed to last just six days. But those 417,000 invoices don’t even represent all of the drivers who are due to get backlogged bills. Even though FDOT says it is now finally capable of sending accurate invoices, Howard says the department is choosing not to send them all immediately, so as not to overwhelm its customer service staff.
“Fleets of automated cars may be coming to Florida roads with no human oversight” via Ron Hurtibise of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The proposed law by state Rep. Jason Fischer would establish that “a licensed human operator is not required to operate a fully autonomous vehicle.” Eliminating the human safety net would be a significant show of confidence for a technology that some experts caution still isn’t ready for everyday use. But Fischer says he’s confident the technology is close to being ready for widespread deployment. Driverless vehicles will make roads safer, he said, citing a 2017 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that concluded human choices are linked to 94 percent of serious crashes. In addition, Fischer said companies that want to conduct business in Florida could not because current law prohibits driverless vehicles on public property other than for testing.
— LOCAL —
“Special elections set for House members who joined DeSantis administration” via Florida Politics — DeSantis ordered the special primary election for April 9 and the special general election for the seats on June 18. That means the three districts could have no representation for the entirety of the 2019 Legislative Session, which runs March 5-May 3. The qualifying period is short, and soon: From 8 a.m. Feb. 13 to noon Feb. 14, a State Department spokeswoman said. Rep. Halsey Beshears (HD 7) became Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Rep. Danny Burgess (HD 38) was made Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs this week. And Rep. Jared Moskowitz (HD 97) is Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
“Eyes on 2020: Chip LaMarca readies defense of HD 93 seat” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — LaMarca took over for term-limited state Rep. George Moraitis after winning the seat back in November. Thus far, however, LaMarca has shown a desire to broaden his base outside just Republicans. LaMarca has struck a cordial tone with his Democratic colleagues at delegation meetings, often using humor to disarm his purported political rivals. LaMarca has avoided leading the charge on politically-divisive issues. That’s apparent in the two bills sponsored by LaMarca so far. One (HB 325) focuses on the state’s beach management program. It aims to work in concert with another (SB 174), filed by the late Dorothy Hukill, to re-prioritize where to use beach renourishment funding. The second bill (HB 341) deals with the collection of passenger information by law enforcement in the event of a crash.
Happening tomorrow:
Save the date:
First in Sunburn — Tampa mayoral candidate Jane Castor is releasing her first TV ad (“Street”) with a focus on positive message for city’s future. The spot highlights Castor‘s credentials, lowering crime 70 percent as Tampa’s police chief and her over 30 years of service, as well as focusing on a positive message of Tampa’s future that is cleaner, safer, and even more prosperous. “Jane has always been guided by a dedication to doing the right thing and putting in the work to improve life for her fellow neighbors. This new TV ad underscores Jane’s commitment to doing exactly that as the next Mayor of Tampa,” said Tim Wagner, Castor’s campaign manager.
To view the ad, click on the image below:
“Suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel creates legal defense fund to fight his removal” via Monique Madan and Martin Vassolo of the Miami Herald — Two days before DeSantis announced Israel’s suspension, the Scott Israel Defense Fund was formally incorporated through the state’s Division of Corporations by Israel’s former campaign manager, Amy Rose, who is listed as the fund’s president. Ben Kuehne, a Miami attorney hired by Israel, would not say how much the defense fund has raised so far, or who contributed. “Yes, funds are currently in the legal defense fund. We have attained money and will expect the funding to continue to be raised,” Kuehne told the Herald. “The names and contribution amounts are not public at this time, but fighting the state of Florida and defending the sheriff’s suspension is likely to be an expensive proposition.”
“Ethics Commission says Andrew Gillum accepted gifts; lawyer says he’ll fight” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Ethics Commission voted to find probable cause on five separate allegations involving trips Gillum took to New York City and Costa Rica in 2016, months before he launched his bid for Florida governor. Allegations of ethical improprieties over the trips dogged him in the closing days of the 2018 general election. Depending on how the ethics case shakes out, the charges could further tarnish Gillum, whose political aspirations didn’t end with his defeat in the governor’s race to former GOP Congressman DeSantis. Gillum did not attend the Ethics Commission’s probable cause hearing, which was held behind closed doors at the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee. However, his attorney, Barry Richard, said Gillum would contest the allegations in court.
“New elections chief Wendy Link: ‘We’re going to be ready’” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post — Facing 16 municipal elections and final negotiations on a massive voting equipment overhaul during her first weeks on the job, newly installed Palm Beach County Elections Supervisor Link says she’s been studying Florida elections laws and is impressed by the “very professional” staff she inherited. DeSantis suspended three-term county elections chief Susan Bucher on Jan. 18, citing the county’s failure to complete recounts on time from the November general election. The new Governor replaced Bucher with Link, 54, an attorney who specializes in commercial real estate and corporate transactions and has served on a variety of local boards but doesn’t have an elections background. “I have a lot to learn,” Link said at the news conference announcing her appointment.
What Dave Lawrence is reading — “Children’s Service Council didn’t expect County Commission support, so lawsuit is next” via Dave Berman of FLORIDA TODAY — As she settled into her seat in the County Commission chambers for last week’s meeting, Children’s Services Council of Brevard supporter Kathryn Rudloff was pretty certain the die already had been cast — that commissioners that morning would take action to disband the council where she volunteers. County commissioners feared the Children’s Services Council in the future would push for a referendum to create a new countywide property tax to help pay for their proposed projects to help children — as the council had unsuccessfully tried to do last summer. After 1¾ hours of contentious discussion, the County Commission unanimously approved repealing the 1990 ordinance that created the Children’s Services Council. For some conservatives, it was a triumph against big government and taxation without representation. Meanwhile, for some liberals, it was a symbolic act of callousness against vulnerable members of the community.
Worst story you’ll read this … month? Year? — “Doctor’s suspicion tears apart a Venice family” via Daphne Chen and Nicole Rodriguez of GateHouse Florida — Maya Kowalski’s only problem when she entered Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital was a severe stomachache. By the time the preteen left three months later, her condition had deteriorated, her family was shattered, and her mother was dead. Under the lead of Dr. Sally Smith, the hospital accused Maya’s mother of a bizarre form of child abuse. The allegation triggered a court-ordered separation that isolated Maya from her family and sent the mother into frenzied despair. The ordeal illustrates the power that doctors and hospitals have to strip children from their families based on allegations of child abuse and how the state defers to their judgment. Desperate to end her daughter’s confinement and devastated by their separation, Beata Kowalski, a registered nurse and immigrant from Communist-era Poland, took her own life in January 2017. “They’ve shown absolutely no remorse. It’s as evil as you get,” said Greg Anderson, an attorney representing the Kowalski family.
— OPINIONS —
“Nowadays, the past doesn’t stay past. Michael Ertel found out the hard way” via the Tallahassee Democrat editorial board — Where, when, how, why could it have seemed OK to put on blackface, stuff a couple of balloons under a T-shirt emblazoned “Hurricane Katrina Victim” and clown around at a party? It’s not a case of the liberal media attacking conservative Republicans. Jeff Schweers got a legitimate news tip, which obviously would have gone to the Tampa Bay Times or Orlando Sentinel if he hadn’t pounced on it, about a public official — who was then given the standard chance to respond. The paper would have been ethically remiss if it hadn’t run the story. And this wasn’t some drunken college kids at a raucous frat party. Ertel was 35 and already serving in elected office. Ertel’s forced resignation is unfortunate, both for him and for Florida.
“Marsy’s Law is doing exactly what it was meant to” via Meg Garvin for the Tallahassee Democrat — It is important to remember that there is no automatic, compelling right or need for the public to know everything about a crime victim — from their name to place of residence to gender. For victims, however, there is an automatic and often irreversible loss of privacy when such information is released into the public arena. Further, once such information is public, it can — and has — led to harassment, intimidation and continued victimization. The Tallahassee Police Department is taking steps to balance everyone’s rights — to honor victims’ rights while continuing to inform the public about crimes occurring and actions taken by law enforcement. After decades of automatically sacrificing victims’ rights and witnessing the dysfunctions that result as survivors turned away from the system, we are evolving. Neither our justice system nor our communities need to demand of victims their routine and complete sacrifice of privacy.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Clay Ingram named CEO of Volunteer Florida” via Florida Politics — “Between his leadership in the Legislature and his advocacy for the Pensacola community, this was an easy choice,” DeSantis said in a statement. “I know Clay will make Floridians proud and lead the agency with the utmost integrity.” Ingram, a Pensacola Republican, served in the House 2010-18 when he was term-limited. He also has been President and CEO of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce since 2015. He graduated from Florida State University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in communication. Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s volunteerism and service agency, also administers the Florida Disaster Fund.
Clarification — Gunster’s Ronald Brisé is registered to represent QLink Wireless, not Florida Public Utilities. A lobbying registration note in Friday’s Sunburn suggested otherwise.
Personnel note: Ana Ceballos joins News Service of Florida — The former Florida Politics Tallahassee correspondent joins the News Service as a politics and government reporter after a stint as Tallahassee bureau chief for the Naples Daily News. She first came to the capital as The Associated Press’ legislative session relief reporter in 2017. Ceballos previously worked for the Monterey County Weekly and Monterey County Herald, covering public safety and breaking news. She’s interned at the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Trentonian in Trenton, N.J., the state’s capital. Ceballos, who speaks English and Spanish and is also a photographer, was born in California and raised in Mexico. She will continue to be based in Tallahassee.
— ALOE —
“Derelict cruiseliner to get second life as artificial reef” via Patrick McCreless of The Associated Press — Hurricane Michael took Lee Ingram’s boat, but he refused to let his vessel remain another victim of the storm’s wrath. For 10 years the Panama City native has owned the El Dorado, a 157 foot-long, 300-ton former luxury cruise liner. Ingram had been trying to restore the boat and eventually return it to service. Then came the hurricane, which flushed the boat from its dock in Crooked Creek, across West Bay and left the vessel on its side, just offshore behind Florida State University Panama City. But within a few months, thanks to Ingram’s donation, the vessel will become something else — an artificial reef for divers and fisherman and a symbol of Bay County’s defiance in the face of devastation. “I wanted to do something for Bay County,” Ingram said. “Life is what you make of it.”
Michelle Dennard receives 40 Under 40 Award in economic development — Dennard, CareerSource Florida President and CEO, has been selected to receive a prestigious 40 Under 40 Award in economic development, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent among economic development professionals. Dennard was one of 40 leaders chosen internationally from among more than 170 qualified nominees. She was appointed to her current state leadership role by the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors in 2017. She joined the state policy organization in November 2014 as Vice President of Policy. An attorney and member of The Florida Bar, she has more than 10 years of experience in workforce and economic development.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Belated wishes to one of our best friends, the incredibly smart Laura Boehmer of Southern Strategy Group. Happy belated birthday to her colleague at SSG, Deno Hicks as well as Cory Guzzo of Floridian Partners. Celebrating today is ace fundraiser Debbie Aleksander.
