Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The King Air is fixed and will still be used as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ official ride.
Earlier this month, a mechanical problem with what was once a drug runner’s plane forced it to make an emergency landing in St. Petersburg.
That was while DeSantis was heading from the capital to Fort Lauderdale to announce Robert Luck as a new state Supreme Court justice. Attorney General Ashley Moody also was on that trip.
At some point, oxygen masks even popped out and those on board put them on as a precaution.
“The FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) says they have fixed (it),” DeSantis told reporters Tuesday. “But we ended up landing safely … It is what it is.”
Former Gov. Rick Scott — a multimillionaire who used his own aircraft in office — got rid of the state’s air fleet after the 2010 election, when its alleged misuse had become a campaign issue.
But the King Air incident did start people talking about whether the Governor and even Cabinet members needed air transportation more reliable than a seized drug plane.
That debate seems over — at least for now.
—
Program note — Before you turn in tonight, tune in to CNN at 9 p.m.
Andrew Gillum, the 2018 Democratic candidate for Governor and former mayor of Tallahassee, has signed on as a political commentator with the network and is scheduled to debut on Cuomo Prime Time with Chris Cuomo.
Evening Reads
“With government reopened, Donald Trump heading to Mar-a-Lago for Super Bowl weekend” via Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel
“Democrats’ 2020 presidential contest is wide open as danger mounts for Trump, new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows” via Michael Scherer and Scott Clement of the Washington Post
“Lara Trump is no ‘let them eat cake’ figure” via Pam Bondi for the USA Today
“High-living Roger Stone, search warrants and more than $1 million in unpaid income taxes” via Dan Christensen of the Florida Bulldog
“Andrew Gillum to join CNN” via The Associated Press
“Governor, Cabinet hire Revenue chief; approve Jerusalem resolution” via Florida Politics
“Ron DeSantis still looking for health secretary” via The News Service of Florida
“SFWMD: DeSantis appoints Chauncey Goss, son of Porter Goss and water advocate” via Ali Schmitz of Treasure Coast Newspapers
“Triumph to consider spawning Hurricane Michael fund” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics
“Orange Co. lawmakers seek money for schools, school officers, housing, water quality” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
Quote of the Day
“If Airbnb wants to blow up their business, that’s their prerogative. But we have laws and they have to be followed.” — Republican state Rep. Randy Fine, who is Jewish, commenting on the Governor’s and Cabinet’s decision to sanction the vacation rental website for delisting properties in the West Bank.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Associated Press will hold an annual briefing for reporters and editors in advance of the 2019 Legislative Session, which starts March 5. Scheduled speakers, in order of expected appearance, are:
— Senate President Bill Galvano.
— Gov. DeSantis.
— House Speaker Jose Oliva.
— Attorney General Moody.
— House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee.
— Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson.
— First Amendment Foundation President Barbara Petersen.
— Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.
It begins at 9 a.m., 22nd floor, the Capitol.
Committees of the state university system’s Board of Governors will meet in advance of a full board meeting Thursday. Among the topics will be a discussion at the Academic and Student Affairs Committee about hazing prevention throughout the system. Meetings start at 12:30 p.m., Florida International University, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Graham Center, 11200 S.W. Eighth St., Miami.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s office and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold an “appeals clinic” for people who might appeal denials of FEMA claims from Hurricane Michael. That’s 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Gulf County Senior Citizens Center, 314 North Third St., Wewahitchka.
The Association of Florida Colleges Board of Directors will meet in Seminole County. That’s at 4 p.m., Seminole State College of Florida, Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford.
Rep. Spencer Roach, a North Fort Myers Republican, will hold an open house at his new district office. That’s 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., 3436 Marinatown Lane, Suite 6, North Fort Myers.
