Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
From fine jewelry to premium stogies, the capital city has another cigar bar, and just in the nick of time for Session.
Tomorrow, Lila Jaber and husband Saed will open the doors to Cigars of Tally Lounge and Bar at 926 N. Monroe St., at the corner of 3rd Avenue. (For old-timers, that’s the location of the now-closed Lester & Company Fine Jewelry store.)
The bar’s “soft opening” is 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday. A grand opening is planned for April.
The newly-renovated building includes over 1,000 square feet of outdoor patio space, according to plans.
The bar is an offshoot of Cigars of Tally, the Market Street outpost that’s been around for several years and owned by the Jabers. Lila Jaber also is Regional Managing Shareholder for the Gunster law and lobbying firm and was a Public Service Commissioner.
She shared the news with Florida Politics that they’re open for business at the midtown Tallahassee location starting Friday.
Business hours, for now: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
We also note the new store brings choice and competition to the cigar bar market: Fuma Cigar Social, the cigar bar next to Lucky Goat Coffee also on North Monroe, is in walking distance.
Evening Reads
“Florida suspended his license for sexual misconduct. Now it pays him $196,000 to treat vulnerable patients.” via Steve Contorno and Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“Dems want Alex Acosta out over Jeffrey Epstein. GOP wants to know more … Then there’s Matt Gaetz” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald
“A pro-choice coalition sends a message to lawmakers traveling to Tallahassee next week” via John Lucas of The Capitolist
“Lauren Book files Marsy’s Law bill to implement victims’ rights” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Kristin Jacobs undergoing chemotherapy treatment; expected to miss first week of Session” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
“Ex-UCF President Dale Whittaker’s testimony interrupted by resignation, speaker’s office says” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“Pulse nightclub shooting: FBI lab tests of bullets from victims inconclusive, report shows” via Jeff Weiner, Beth Kassab and Lisa Cianci of the Orlando Sentinel
“Tallahassee Judge Mark Walker throws out federal defamation lawsuit against New York Times” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat
“Why Florida is still dominating the space launch game” via Jackie Wattles of CNN Business
“‘Momo challenge’ hoax prompts warning to parents of Florida county’s students” via Cassidy Alexander of the Daytona Beach News-Journal
Quote of the Day
“I’m really humbled and blessed.” — Rep. Kristin Jacobs, who disclosed that she is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for a recurrence of colorectal cancer.
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Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Revenue Estimating Conference will discuss what is known as “outlooks” for the Education Enhancement Trust Fund, the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund, the State School Trust Fund and general revenue at 8:30 a.m., 117 Knott Building.
The Florida Development Finance Corp. will hold a public hearing about the issuance of bonds for the Brightline rail system, which is planned to link Miami and Orlando. That’s at 9 a.m., Residence Inn, 600 West Gaines St., Tallahassee.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is expected to appear at the 2019 Commodity Classic to discuss international trade, farm bill implementation, rural development and the role of agriculture in America’s food security and economic health. That’s at 9 a.m., Orange County Convention Center. 9800 International Dr., Orlando.
The Revenue Estimating Conference will take up issues related to gross receipts and the communications services tax at 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building.
The Self-Insurance Estimating Conference will analyze issues in the state employees’ health-insurance program at 1:30 p.m., 117 Knott Building.
