Peter Schorsch
Let’s begin the morning with a special birthday shout-out birthday to Speaker-in-waiting Paul Renner.
In a way, Chairman Renner is a testament to the legend of poker champion Jack “Treetop” Strauss, who won the 1982 World Series of Poker.
Famously, Straus’s win was a comeback after being down to a single $500 chip, supposedly the origin of the aphorism: “a chip and a chair.” Although accounts vary, the most common story is that he pushed his chips into the pot, was called and lost the hand. Straus had thought he was eliminated from the tournament, but when he got up, he discovered he had one chip left under a napkin on the table.
Because he did not declare himself all-in, the tournament directors allowed him to continue playing.
As anyone who follows Florida politics knows, Renner lost his first run for the Florida House by just two votes. When you lose that kind of race, you’d be forgiven if you walked away from the table.
But, like Strauss, Renner would eventually find a way to winning the big game. After Travis Hutson resigned his seat to run in a State Senate special election, Renner ran to succeed Hutson. In contrast to the close election less than a year earlier, Renner cruised to victory in a landslide, receiving 70% of the vote in the GOP primary.
By persevering, Renner not only won a seat in the Legislature, but he has also positioned himself to be the second most powerful person in state government.
That’s the kind of run that every poker player would admire.
Happy birthday, Chairman Renner.
—
The 13th Spring Rock by the Sea (RBTS) event will be held for the very first time at the Doc Myers’ Pub and Sports Bar on St. George Island.
Harry A’s Bar and Restaurant, the home of Rock by the Sea since 2007, will not be ready to host the 300-plus attendees coming to Franklin County this May. It sustained significant damage during Hurricane Michael.
Patrick Kelly, the manager of Harry A’s, helped RBTS secure the temporary home for this year’s annual music festival.
“It is my pleasure to be the boots on the ground for RBTS’s team with Doc Myers Pub to prepare for May,” Kelly said. “My team will be ready, willing and able to serve as we have for so many years.”
Doc Myers himself added: “Rock By The Sea has a positive impact on everyone on St. George Island. When we found out about the challenges with the venue this year, we jumped at the opportunity to host.
“Hurricane Michael has affected everyone here, and if we can help return some normalcy to our community, we are happy to help.”
Rock By The Sea will take place Wednesday, May 8 through Sunday, May 12 with performances by The Alternate, Routes, Amy Gerhartz, Brian Fechino, and The Currys and new talent including The New Respects, Dan Terri B., and “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani, among many more.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@SenMajLeader: Today and every day I miss my good friend John McCain. It was a blessing to serve alongside a rare patriot and genuine American hero in the Senate. His memory continues to remind me every day that our nation is sustained by the sacrifices of heroes.
— @AriFleischer: The Iraq War began sixteen years ago tomorrow. There is a myth about the war that I have been meaning to set straight for years. After no WMDs were found, the left claimed “Bush lied. People died.” This accusation itself is a lie. It’s time to put it to rest.
—@HillaryClinton: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election … shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.” Amendment 24, Section 1.
—@GovRonDeSantis: Thank you Senate President @BillGalvano, House Speaker @RepJoseOliva, Senator @Rob_Bradley, Rep. @Travis_Cummings, Senator @Debbie_Mayfield, and Rep. @HollyRaschein for presenting strong initial budget numbers on Everglades restoration and protection of our water resources.
—@Fineout: @KathyCastorFL slips for a second, says President DeSantis, then corrects herself and says governor. Groans from House Democrats
—@JamesGrantFL: Madame Secretary, you’re a lawyer with tremendous public policy experience. Please read the bill and the proponent’s explicit testimony before the Court as well as their FAQ for voters re “terms of sentence.” Let me know if anything in the bill conflicts with either?
—@SamanthaJGross: Extreme Florida moment in Civil Justice Subcommittee this morning, where the House version of a sanctuary city ban bill is being heard. “God instructs to love our fellow man. But God also has a process.” – Rep. Mike Beltran
—@RachelKGoode: Mistaken for a state representative today. The look of disappointment when they realized I was just a secretary to a state representative
—@ArekSarkissian: Ah I love realtor days at the Capitol. I can’t wait for Home Inspector Days, which conveniently coincides with Secretly Smear Grease on the Floor Outside the Plaza Elevators Day.
—@GrayRohrer: Note to self: Set up an LLC before buying next car
—@JimRosicaFL: Congratulations to former @newsservicefla writer and Capitol Press Corps member Brandon Larrabee who made law review at the University of Richmond School of Law.
—@AGGancarski: 2023 candidates: spend less time talking shit about the media, and more time getting your shit together than this crop did.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Scott Maddox corruption trial begins (maybe) — 7; Major League Baseball opening day — 8; Final season of ‘Veep’ begins — 10; Masters Tournament begins — 21; Final season of ‘Game of Thrones’ begins — 24; Easter — 31; Tampa mayoral runoff election — 33; 2019 Legislative Session ends (maybe) — 43; Mother’s Day — 52; Memorial Day — 67; 2020 Democratic presidential primary debates start — 78; 2019 General Election — 232; Iowa Caucuses — 319; Florida’s presidential primary — 362; 2020 General Election — 593.
— TOP STORY —
“Andrew Gillum’s ‘red flag’ plan to stop Donald Trump: 1M new Florida voters” via Marc Caputo and Gary Fineout of POLITICO Florida — “Voter registration is red flag No. 1,” the former Tallahassee Mayor told POLITICO, calling increased voter registration crucial to the Democratic Party’s ability to survive and thrive in Florida. “We’re looking at a target of 1 million,” he said. “We’ve got over 3 million people eligible to vote, and that’s to say nothing of the 1.4 million returning citizens” — former felons in line to have their voting rights restored under a constitutional amendment approved by voters last year. There are currently 4.96 million registered Democrats in the state, compared to 4.7 million Republicans and nearly 3.6 million voters with no party affiliation.
— “‘Florida is tired of being a cheap date’: Andrew Gillum wants to help Democrats win in 2020” via Astead Herndon of the New York Times
Meanwhile … “Florida Dems to invest $2 million in voter registration” via The Associated Press — Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Terrie Rizzo said the party plans to spend $2 million with a goal of signing up 200,000 Floridians to vote. In 2017, the party says it registered only about 80,000 new voters. Rizzo said voter registration is a “top priority” and that the party wants to “set our nominee up for success on day one of the general election.” Democrats say Florida has more than 4 million people who are eligible but unregistered.
— THE ADMINISTRATION —
Tweet, tweet:
The First DCA just agreed with our joint motion to dismiss and vacate the trial court decision on medical marijuana. The will of the people has been upheld. https://t.co/DJ8aDe3Ks1
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 20, 2019
— 2019 SESSION —
“House, Senate education budgets differ by $600 million” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — The Florida House unveiled a PreK-12 spending plan that’s more than a half-billion dollars leaner than the version released by the Senate. After introducing his $21.6 billion proposal, House PreK-12 Appropriations chairman Rep. Chris Latvala made clear he anticipated changes as the Session progresses. Among the differences, the House proposed increasing the base-student allocation — general revenue funds that are not earmarked for specific expenses — by $38.34, to $4,242.76. The Senate, by contrast, proposed raising that amount by $149. (Last year, the BSA went up 47 cents, as much of the money was funneled into security and safety requirements.) The House called for an overall increase in per-student funding of $167.79, less than half of Senate’s $350 per student proposal.
“Legislature split on VISIT FLORIDA, affordable housing money” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Sen. Hutson, who chairs the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations Committee, published a budget Wednesday that funds VISIT FLORIDA at $50 million. On Tuesday, Hutson’s House counterpart Jay Trumbull had recommended closing the agency with a $19 million appropriation lasting it until Oct. 1, a shutter date in current statutes. “When I ran for office I said I’d run government like a business,” Hutson, a St. Augustine Republican, told reporters after reading highlights from the budget. “In my business back home, we advertise, we market.” “To come up here and say you’re not going to market and advertise for your business to get your tourism in here is a bad idea.”
House will consider Senate gaming plan — If the Senate comes up with a plan to fix the designated player gaming rule, House Speaker Jose Oliva said his chamber would consider it. “We’ve tried it the other way, with two bills, and you’ve seen the result,” Oliva told Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida. “I still say it’s not going to be easy, but this is an option.” The designated player rule was tossed by a federal judge and the Seminole Tribe of Florida has set a May 31 deadline for the Legislature to fix it, else it will halt payment of hundreds of millions of dollars it makes to the state each year. Sen. Wilton Simpson said he was encouraged by Oliva’s support. “I actually think that’s a ringing endorsement. It’s very encouraging to hear that,” he said.
“Senate justice budget constrained to ‘core functions’” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Legally required health care costs, and what’s been described as an overpopulated prison system are making money tight for the state’s justice system. Sen. Jeff Brandes, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice, told lawmakers on the panel that the justice spending plan is void of any member projects because costs for the essentials restrict it. “This current path is unsustainable,” said Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican. “This budget reflects zero member projects for a reason: Because we have to fund the core functions of government before we can fund the individual priorities of any one of us.”
“Senate eyes hospital Medicaid payments” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida —A Senate health-care panel unveiled an early budget proposal that would revamp how Florida pays hospitals, direct $85.6 million to address the opioid crisis and change rules regarding medical marijuana. Unlike the House, which has floated about $111 million in Medicaid cuts to hospitals, the Senate is not proposing such reductions. But Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Chairman Aaron Bean said his chamber wants Medicaid payments to “follow the patient” and not just be directed to so-called “safety net” facilities, which include teaching hospitals in urban areas and other hospitals that provide large amounts of Medicaid care.
“House panel moves version of ‘sanctuary cities’ bill” via Samantha Gross of the Tampa Bay Times — The House version of the bill — House Bill 527 — was approved by the Civil Justice Subcommittee 10-3 along party lines. The bill requires state and local governments and law enforcement agencies to support and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. In doing so, it prohibits law enforcement agencies from having policies that impede communication or information sharing with federal immigration officials and gives them a procedure to follow when someone who was arrested cannot provide proof of citizenship or legal residency or is subject to an immigration detainer. This year’s Senate version has passed through all of its committees and has drawn emotional testimony and protest from the immigrant community throughout the process.
“Committee approves bill raising the bar for ballot amendments” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — A bill that would raise the vote threshold for constitutional amendments to pass won approval Wednesday from the Senate Ethics & Elections Committee. SJR 232, sponsored by committee Chair Dennis Baxley, seeks to raise the requirement for constitutional amendments to pass from 60 percent to two-thirds. The current 60 percent requirement is set in the state Constitution. The Legislature can’t change the provision directly, so the bill would put the issue before voters on the 2020 ballot.
“March on Capitol calls for legislative fix to AOB abuses” via Florida Politics — Sen. Doug Broxson led more than 125 supporters of assignment of benefits (AOB) reform in a march on the Capitol to call for an “end to abusive AOB practices.” Such practices are harming Florida consumers by increasing the cost of home and auto insurance. Broxson and supporters also joined the Consumer Protection Coalition (CPC) in announcing a major milestone about consumer support for stopping AOB abuse. Carrying “Stop AOB Abuse’’ signs, supporters from the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA), and others walked from downtown Tallahassee to the front steps of the old Capitol to raise awareness about AOB abuse and its impact on Florida’s consumers.
“Panel approves bill toughening flood insurance policy disclosures in Florida” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — A Senate committee approved legislation Wednesday changing the flood coverage disclosures required for homeowner insurance policies — in part to sharpen the warning, and in part to account for the growth of that market. The Legislature began requiring the disclosures last year. Sen. Jeff Brandes’ new bill (SB 380) removes the requirement for policies that do cover flood damage — in recognition of the quick growth in private market alternatives to the National Flood Insurance Program in the state.
“Red tide institute sails through first Senate committee” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Plans to fund red tide research sailed through the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. But now the $18 million plan heads into the appropriations storm. Sen. Joe Gruters, whose Sarasota-area district felt economic devastation from red tide blooms last year, said Florida needs a long-term solution. “When red tide comes and hits us, there is a rush to fund research,” the Republican said. “But when red tide is gone, those research dollars disappear.”
— MORE SESSION —
“Legislature’s planned road project could benefit Florida’s richest man” via Julie Hauserman of the Florida Phoenix — Thomas Peterffy, reportedly a member of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club and a resident of Billionaire’s Row in Palm Beach, bought about 561,000 acres in 2015 – a tract the size of Rhode Island – in the rural Panhandle, including land in Lafayette, Dixie and Taylor counties. A large swath of the land includes an already-approved massive development corridor in rural Taylor County which envisions intense residential and commercial building. It’s very rural now, but a new toll road would bring traffic and infrastructure – including connections for water, sewer and telecommunications – to the region. Peterffy, as well as the two wealthy men who sold him the land five years ago, have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Florida Republican political committees and candidates, state records show. Peterffy gave $310,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis and to a Republican political action committee called the Fund for Florida’s Future in 2017-2018. Peterffy is listed by Forbes as the 25th richest person in America.
“’CON’ repeal ready for vote in House” via the News Service of Florida — Many Democratic lawmakers peppered bill sponsor Heather Fitzenhagen with questions before the House positioned the proposal (HB 21) for a vote. A priority for House Speaker José Oliva, the bill would eliminate the so-called CON program for hospitals, nursing homes and hospices. The bill also would eliminate requirements that hospitals provide certain amounts of Medicaid and charity care. Rep. Loranne Ausley asked Fitzenhagen whether she could guarantee that the state’s large safety-net hospitals wouldn’t be adversely impacted by the elimination of the requirement that all hospitals treat Medicaid patients. “I don’t believe so, but there are no guarantees,” Fitzenhagen told Ausley.
“Bills would allow certain nurses to practice without physician oversight” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — A pair of companion bills introduced in the Florida Legislature would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice without the supervision of a physician. Sen. Brandes introduced the legislation in the Senate (SB 972). Rep. Cary Pigman, a Sebring Republican, sponsored the House version (HD 821). The pair gave a news conference Wednesday explaining their move to revamp Florida law in this area. “Twenty-two states have already removed barriers for APRNs,” Brandes said. “It is time for Florida to modernize its health care delivery system by ensuring that Floridians have full access to health care, particularly in rural areas that are often underserved.”
“House urges Congress to take steps on Venezuela” via The Associated Press — The House is sending a message to Congress to intensify sanctions against Venezuela and to hold President Nicolás Maduro accountable for human rights violations. House Democrats and Republicans supported the resolution. It was sponsored by Democratic Rep. Richard Stark, who told his colleagues Maduro was re-elected last year in a “sham election.” The resolution also asks Congress to pressure Venezuela to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the country. The resolution doesn’t have to be approved by the governor. A similar resolution has one more committee stop in the Senate before being considered by the full chamber.
Assignment editors — State lawmakers and immigration advocates will hold a news conference to stand against with a referred to as the “hostile, anti-immigration” HB 527 and SB 168, 11 a.m. Eastern time, 4th-floor Rotunda.
Today’s legislative committee meetings:
The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor Session and could vote on a bill (SB 7012) filed by Sen. Wilton Simpson. It would carry out a constitutional amendment that bans vaping and the use of electronic cigarettes in indoor workplaces, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber.
The Senate Special Order Calendar Group will approve a special-order calendar, which lists bills that will be heard on the Senate floor. It begins 15 minutes after floor Session, 401 Senate Office Building.
The House is scheduled to hold a floor Session at 3:30 p.m., House Chamber.
House Education Committee is at 8 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building. One bill on the agenda, by Palm Bay Republican Randy Fine, would combat anti-Semitism.
House Judiciary Committee is at 8 a.m., 404 House Office Building. A bill by Eucheeanna Republican Brad Drake would dissolve the once-every-20-years Constitution Revision Commission.
House Health & Human Services Committee meets, 9 a.m., 17 House Office Building. A bill to be considered, filed by Avon Park Republican Cary Pigman, would remove a requirement that doctors prescribing painkillers for terminal patients first check the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
House Commerce Committee meets, noon, 212 Knott Building. There, a bill from Polk City Republican Josie Tomkow would allow beer companies to advertise in large theme parks.
House Public Integrity & Ethics Committee meets, noon, 404 House Office Building. The chamber’s ethics overhaul bill for this year is up for discussion.
House State Affairs Committee meets, noon, Morris Hall, House Office Building. A proposed committee bill would make multiple changes to state election law, such as “extending the deadline for curing defective vote-by-mail ballot signatures from 5 p.m. on the day before the election to 5 p.m. on the second day after an election.”
Senate Rules Committee meets, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building. Bills include one creating a “Firefighters’ Bill of Rights,” and another would increase the penalty for hurting or killing police dogs or horses, among other service animals.
House Rules Committee meets 15 minutes after the House floor Session to set the Special Order Calendar for March 27.
— GOVS CLUB MENU —
Pasta Fagioli; mixed garden salad and dressings; tuna salad; antipasto salad; deli meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato and breads; baked ziti and bolognaise sauce; Parmesan crusted boneless pork chop; grilled chicken Napa (goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and basil butter); cauliflower mashed potatoes; Brussels sprouts; carrots Vichy; carrot cake for dessert.
— THE TRAIL —
“Gillum’s brother removed from Florida voter rolls after investigation” via Tallahassee Reports — Mark Earley, the Leon County Supervisor of Elections, has removed Marcus Gillum, Andrew Gillum’s brother, from the Leon County voter rolls. The action by Earley comes after an investigative report which verified that Marcus Gillum voted as a resident of Leon County — registered at a home once owned by Andrew Gillum — even though an affidavit indicated he was a legal resident of Chicago. Florida law authorizes supervisor of elections to investigate fraudulent registrations and illegal voting and to report the findings to the local state attorney and the Florida Elections Commission.
“League of Cities worries Energy Choice measure will cripple cities” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Count the Florida League of Cities among skeptics regarding a proposed energy choice referendum. The League took a position against “deregulating Florida’s energy marketplace.” Organization leaders say the Florida Energy Choice amendment, in fact, will cripple cities and hurt consumers. “The Florida League of Cities strongly opposes this special interest snow job,” reads a League news release.
— STATEWIDE —
“State probed abuse claims a child migrant shelter” via Ana Ceballos of the News Service of Florida — Florida’s child-welfare agency has investigated six cases of alleged child sexual abuse at a federal migrant shelter in South Florida in less than a year, including allegations involving caregivers. The data outlines allegations at the Homestead temporary migrant children’s shelter just south of Miami. The facility was reopened by the federal government last March as part of the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” border enforcement policy, which swelled the number of migrant children being housed in facilities like the one in Homestead. Since then, the Florida Department of Children and Families has investigated sexual-abuse claims at the facility, including two allegations that state records say involved staff and legal guardians caring for migrant children.
“Five months after Hurricane Michael, demolition and doubt hang over Mexico Beach” via Zachary Sampson of the Tampa Bay Times — Mexico Beach was beginning to feel like a place caught in between, where it was easy to imagine the potential in open spaces but impossible to forget what was missing. As residents begin another month living in campers, swatting at mosquitoes as big as thumbnails that grow in the lingering muck, apprehension has seeped in. The air carries a whiff of mildew, like towels left too long in the washer. Officials now expect to spend $60 million just for debris removal, money that should be reimbursed by the federal government. On the vast beach, where sometimes a stray couple walks or a fisherman casts a line, excavators carve a slow path along the water, scooping sand to sift out rubble.
“Florida reviewing options to fight Everglades oil drilling plan” via David Fleshler of Sun Sentinel — The fight over oil drilling in the Everglades remains far from over, despite a court ruling this week in favor of the plan. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a statement Wednesday saying it’s reviewing its options and would help Broward County and the region’s cities as they fight a plan by Kanter Real Estate LLC for an exploratory well in the Everglades of western Broward County.
“Florida’s effort to put guns in schools: Here’s what’s happened so far” via Devoun Cetoute, Angel Kennedy and Amanda Rosa of the Tampa Bay Times — The Legislature gave guardians a limited role. Guardians are trained to stop an active assailant on campus. School districts weren’t required to participate. Those that declined had to take the far more costly step of putting a sworn law enforcement officer in every school. Some charter schools are taking part. Guardians must complete training, but far less than law enforcement officers. Several school districts weren’t able to get their programs going quickly enough to comply with the law. Some school districts had problems with the guardians they hired. The state doled out $9.4 million for the program. But there were few rules on how to spend it. Three Central Florida counties — Polk, Pinellas and Pasco — requested the most money.
“Smokable medical marijuana is legal in Florida, but the wheels of government move slowly” via Frank Gluck of the Fort Myers News-Press — Though Florida lawmakers have now effectively reversed that ban, the state Department of Health oversees the sales of any such products and must approve the procedures for doing so. That had been expected to happen Tuesday morning but had not as of early Tuesday night. Kim Rivers, the CEO of Trulieve, did not elaborate on the delay, saying only that the company is “anxiously awaiting” approval. Rivers said that, once it happens, smokable cannabis will likely become a significant part of her business. She said data from other states shows that smokable products make up 40 percent to 60 percent of sales.
“Appellate court weighs in on kids’ dental services case” via Florida Politics — An appellate court on Wednesday delivered a mixed bag of a ruling in a nearly four-year-old case involving a business rival trying to pry “alleged trade secrets” out of another. In 2016, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers of Tallahassee ruled against Managed Care of North America, or MCNA Dental, ordering the company to divulge certain records to Delta Dental … A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal (DCA) upheld Gievers’ order compelling disclosure of some documents with identifying information, but reversed her as to disclosing information on “prospective providers.”
“Mystery parties seek secrecy in Jeffrey Epstein-related suit” via Josh Gerstein of POLITICO Florida —Two mystery litigants citing privacy concerns are making a last-ditch bid to keep secret some details in a lawsuit stemming from Epstein‘s history of paying underage girls for sex. Just before a court-imposed deadline, two anonymous individuals surfaced to object to the unsealing of a key lower court ruling in the case. Both people filed their complaints in the New York-based 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. The two people said they could face unwarranted speculation and embarrassment if the court makes public records from the suit, in which Virginia Giuffre, an alleged Epstein victim, accused longtime Epstein friend Ghislaine Maxwell of engaging in sex trafficking by facilitating his sexual encounters with teenage girls. Maxwell has denied the charges.
— LOCAL —
“Robert Kraft and others asked to have evidence suppressed in Florida case” via Ken Belson of The New York Times — Lawyers for Kraft and 14 other men charged with soliciting prostitution in Jupiter have filed a motion in Palm Beach Count to suppress all evidence in the case, which includes hidden camera video of the men inside a massage parlor over several days in late January. The lawyers said the evidence had not been produced in discovery, and therefore should remain confidential. The lawyers added that their clients “dispute the position of the prosecutors that there may be a ‘victim’ of any offense at issue in these cases,” a suggestion that they do not believe sex trafficking was taking place at the massage parlor, as prosecutors have alleged.
“Holmes County clerk of courts arrested on fraud charges” via The Associated Press — Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said in a release that 38-year-old Kyle Hudson was arrested following an audit in January that prompted an investigation. The agency found that there was a significant increase in travel expenses submitted by Hudson, starting in late 2017. Auditors were concerned that some of the charges might be fraudulent. The investigation showed Hudson submitted travel vouchers for several conferences and meetings that he either didn’t attend or that didn’t exist. The agency said he defrauded the taxpayers of Holmes County of more than $6,000. Hudson was booked into jail. Jail records don’t list a lawyer for him.
“The long, odd history of Pasco County politicians behaving badly” via Gabrielle Calise, Jamal Thalji and CT Bowen of the Tampa Bay Times — Pasco Commission chair Barry Doyle: Accepted tens of thousands in bribes. Pasco Sheriff John Short: Corrupted department and used power to target enemies. Pasco Sheriff Jim Gillum: Violated ethics. Pasco County GOP Party chair Merland Conine: Trafficked drugs, resisted arrest. Pasco sheriff candidate Ken Tallier: Took bribes, stole money off a dead body. New Port Richey Council member Scott Bryant: Claimed a kid that wasn’t his to boost military pension. Ex-Acting Port Richey Mayor Bob Leggiere: DUI; Violated state ethics law. New Port Richey Mayor Scott McPherson: Drunkenly threatened deputies, accused them of assaulting his wife. Port Richey Mayor Richard Rober: Committed tax fraud. Zephyrhills High Principal (and Mayor) Steven Van Gorden: Sexually harassed female teachers. Constantine “Chuck” Kalogianis: Committed forgery and fraud.
“Armored police riot squads will now patrol Miami Beach Spring Break crowds” via Jerry Iannelli of the Miami New Times — Miami Beach officials announced that for the rest of spring break, 25-member teams of police in riot gear would patrol Ocean Drive and the beaches. And the city will park police vans, ATVs, and barricades on the beach to chuck noncompliant visitors into paddy wagons and cart them off to jail. After an emergency commission meeting yesterday, police spokesperson Ernesto Rodriguez confirmed roving bands of cops will be “wearing protective gear, helmets, and will be equipped with shields.” He added police vans would be parked “on the sand” to detain misbehaving revelers rapidly.
“St. Pete mayor named one of 100 influential climate policy leaders” via Kelsey Sunderland of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — In a recently released report from Apolitical, Rick Kriseman joins the ranks of executive director of Greenpeace International, Jennifer Morgan, Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna and even Pope Francis. Others on the list include leaders like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Mayor Mohammed Adjei Sowah of the City of Accra, Ghana; David Attenborough, broadcaster and natural historian; Gavin Schmidt, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and Caroline Lucas, co-leader, Green Party, U.K.
“Peer-to-peer car sharing, Tampa airport in court battle” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Tampa International Airport has sued Turo Inc. in a legal battle opening the debate over whether the peer-to-peer car sharing operation should be paying the same fees and follow the same rules and regulations as traditional car rental companies. The suit is the first such battle in Florida over an emerging new business model challenging traditional car rentals, in similar ways to how Airbnb and VRBO challenge traditional hotel businesses, and Uber and Lyft challenge traditional taxicab companies. The crux of the issue at the Tampa airport, likely being watched by other airports, is whether Turo’s internet clients, by coming onto airport property to meet customers, are each operating as small, de facto car rental companies.
“After public outcry, Rob Lorei reinstated at WMNF radio” via Joe Henderson of Florida Politics —WMNF Community Radio co-founder and News and Public Affairs Director Lorei has been reinstated, the station announced. Station Manager Craig Kopp will keep his job despite some pleas from listeners to fire him. The news comes after a marathon board meeting in which hundreds of Lorei fans spoke in favor of reinstating the iconic Tampa Bay radio personality. Board of Directors President David Harbeitner made the announcement. Lorei will return to the air on Monday, “The Board has reached the decision to reinstate Rob to his role as News and Public Affairs director at WMNF. We believe that both Rob and Craig Kopp, the station general manager, can and should play a critical role in the present and future of WMNF,” Harbeitner said.
“UCF board considers keeping Thad Seymour, giving Dale Whittaker a bonus, nixing John Hitt’s” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Now largely out from under state scrutiny, the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees will consider naming interim President Thad Seymour Jr. as “long-term interim president.” The board will meet Thursday morning with that proposal on its agenda, as well as plans to approve a limited bonus for former President Dale Whittaker and to revoke additional pay for former President John Hitt. In the past few weeks, the Florida House wrapped up its investigation of how UCF had moved around money enabling it to program $85 million of operating money for various construction projects. Those moves had come under Hitt’s administration, though much of it as Whittaker served as provost.
“Forman vs. Forman: First they divorced, now they’re running against each other for top county position” via Larry Barszewski and Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Brenda Forman, the camera-shy reigning clerk of courts, is being challenged by her predecessor and 16-year veteran of the office, ex-hubby Howard Forman. He filed papers to run with the Supervisor of Elections Office. He says he has no animosity toward his wife of four years, who tried to gain control of his money by claiming he had signs of early onset dementia. A judge didn’t see Forman suffering any mental incapacity and ruled his ex-wife had filed the claim in bad faith, a finding that is currently under review. “I don’t have any hard feelings about that at all,” said Forman, whose divorce was finalized the same week as the judge’s ruling a year ago. “I’m over it.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Cindy Yang, media disinvited to GOP Mar-a-Lago fundraiser with Trump in town” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post — “There will be no selfies with President Donald Trump for former massage spa owner Cindy Yang when the Palm Beach County Republican Party holds its annual Lincoln Day dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. ‘We did disinivite her,’ Palm Beach County GOP Chairman Michael Barnett said Tuesday. He said Yang, who contributed $4,350 to the local party last year, had been scheduled to attend as a guest of someone who bought a table for the event.”
“Florida farmers push for more protection as Trump looks to get NAFTA rewrite approved” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Manatee County tomato farmer Gary Reeder says he has seen the county’s tomato industry “basically cut in half” during his lifetime. Reeder joined with Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick and farmers from throughout the region to call for more protection for Florida farmers as Congress considers approving the NAFTA rewrite. During a news conference in Palmetto that also included U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Hoblick said a “tremendous amount” of Florida farms have gone out of business because of low-cost competition from Mexico. “More farm closures are likely to follow” unless farmers get help, Hoblick said.
Spotted — Sen. Rick Scott on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” — The Naples Republican joined the show on Wednesday to discuss “how businesses and residents are fleeing high-tax New York for better opportunities in low-tax Florida.”
To view the spot, click on the image below:
“Michael Waltz co-founds ‘For Country’ congressional caucus” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Waltz and three other military veterans in Congress announced the formation of a new, bipartisan, veterans’ “For Country” caucus they say they intend to be a model to restore civility and trust. Waltz, Democratic U.S. Reps. Jimmy Panetta and Chrissy Houlahan, and Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, announced the new caucus in an op-ed published by The Washington Post. Waltz is a lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard. Their column decried the fact that military veterans once made up 70 percent of the membership of Congress, but now represents only 18 percent and Congress is “often paralyzed by debilitating bickering and gridlock … rated as one of the least trusted institutions in the United States.”
“DCCC marks strongest February ever with $11.6M raised” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) says it had the strongest February fundraising in its history as the group readies itself for the 2020 election. The DCCC said it raised $11.6 million in total, with $4.6 million coming from donations through grassroots networks. That’s even more impressive considering 2019 is an “off-year” for federal elections. The average grassroots donation was $18, according to the DCCC. Some of that money will likely go toward defending the seat in Florida’s 26th Congressional held by Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. The freshman congresswoman was named to the DCCC’s Frontline Program, which aims to identify Democrats in vulnerable seats nationwide.
— OPINIONS & ANALYSIS —
“Republicans want to turbocharge privatization of Florida public schools” via Randy Schultz for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Nothing matters more to business owners and business recruiters than a skilled workforce, which depends on good schools. Yet Republican leaders in Tallahassee want to undermine traditional public education and boost an unaccountable system of private schools. Their vehicle is the program under which corporations get tax breaks for donations that finance private school vouchers. When the program began in 2001, supporters claimed it would target only low-income students who were struggling at traditional public schools. The Supreme Court’s new right-wing majority likely would support the publicly-financed voucher expansion and reject the idea that it illegally subsidizes religious schools, even though about 85 percent of schools that accept vouchers are faith-based. Most would fold without the vouchers.
“Carol Dover: VISIT FLORIDA must be fully funded” via Florida Politics — There is another critical function of VISIT FLORIDA that perhaps many don’t know. VISIT FLORIDA works hand-in-hand with local businesses and tourism councils to help communities market themselves with a variety of grant programs that range from advertising matches to disaster recovery marketing. Because of VISIT FLORIDA efforts and grants, bed taxes in rural counties have grown nearly 50 percent faster than those in urban counties since 2012. DeSantis recognizes the value of VISIT FLORIDA and has recommended it be funded at its current level of $76 million, and our Senators agree. But the Florida House has a different philosophy about the best use of our tax dollars, and HB 6031 is not moving.
“Florida Family Law Reform compares alimony to slavery” via Florida Politics — Here’s a question no PR rep wants to here: is it worse to mock disabled people or make light of slavery? The Florida Family Law Reform PAC is apparently looking for an answer. After kicking off March by hijacking a story about the first openly-autistic lawyer admitted to the Florida Bar, the men’s rights group has made another embarrassingly awful Facebook post. This time, the group is comparing permanent alimony to slavery. Really. “Slavery was once legal until the civil war was won. It was also legal for women not to have the right to vote. Just because something is legal doesn’t make it right,” the group wrote. “Permanent alimony is still legal in a few states, but alimony until death is immoral.”
“Big Brother lawmakers are trying to thwart county sales tax votes” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Residents in a dozen counties last year voted to increase sales taxes to pay for schools, roads, and other projects. These taxes, imposed by residents on themselves, so offended anti-tax sensibilities that Sen. Jeff Brandes filed a bill (SB 336) mandating when counties may hold such elections, saying counties shall seek the will of voters on sales taxes only during general elections. The House has countered with a bill (CS/HB 5) that not only dictates when local sales tax referendums are held but what constitutes approval — two-thirds of the vote rather than a simple majority. That means just three of the 12 countywide sales tax votes held last year would have passed.
“Florida shouldn’t conceal the names of foster parents” via the Miami Herald editorial board — The legislation, House Bill 1249, cleared its first House subcommittee and is co-sponsored by freshmen Reps. Spencer Roach and Toby Overdorf. It would exempt the name of a licensed foster parent or applicant, and their spouse and any other adults in their household, from public records. Supporters say the measure is needed to protect foster parents from reprisal by biological parents or family members. Roach cited as justification an incident in August in Miami in which a biological mother shot a 77-year-old foster parent as the mother allegedly burglarized the home and tried to leave with her two children. But there is no evidence that biological parents are combing public records to track down foster parents and do them harm.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Ray Treadwell now DBPR general counsel” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Ray Treadwell, formerly an Orlando-based Shutts & Bowen senior attorney, accepted an offer to become Secretary Halsey Beshears‘ general counsel at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. He started Monday. “Ray has litigated a wide range of complex commercial cases, including contract and insurance disputes, statutory and constitutional challenges, and employment disputes,” said Shutts partner Ben Gibson, who was a Deputy General Counsel to former Gov. Rick Scott … Treadwell graduated from Yale Law School in 2011 where he was a Senior Editor of the Yale Journal on Regulation.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Brian Ballard, Ballard Partners: Camillus House
Douglas Burnett, St. Johns Law Group: St. Augustine St. Johns County Airport Authority
Carlos Cruz, Jonathan Kilman, Paul Lowell, Converge Government Affairs of Florida: The Ferraro Law Firm, South Central Florida Express, Southern Gardens Citrus Groves Corporation, Southern Gardens Citrus Holding Corporation, Southern Gardens Citrus Nursery Corporation, Southern Gardens Citrus Processing Corporation, United States Sugar Corporation
Jim DeBeaugrine, RFJ Governmental Consultants: Florida Certification Board
Leslie Dughi, Greenberg Traurig: Government Services Group
Marnie George, Jim Magill, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: CGI Technologies & Solutions, Florida Chapter American College of Cardiology, Florida Government Utility Authority, Government Services Group
Eric Hall: Department of Education
Michelle McGann, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe: Getaround
Todd O’Boyle: Neutron Holdings dba Lime
William Peebles, John Wayne Smith, Ryan Matthews, Angela Drzewiecki, Peebles Smith & Matthews: Broward County Clerk of Courts
Robert Pierce: Association of Florida Community Developers
Teye Reeves, Smith Bryan & Myers: Attenti Electronic Monitoring, Florida Land Title Association, NTT Data, Phosphorus Free Water Solutions
Steve Roddenberry, Pennington: Florida Citrus Business & Industries Fund
Jonathan Steverson, Foley & Lardner: Florida Citrus Business & Industries Fund
Larry Williams, Gunster Yoakley & Stewart: City of Chattahoochee
“SeaWorld’s former interim CEO John Reilly is out” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — When he got passed over for the permanent job last month, the chairman of the SeaWorld board of directors said Reilly would work with the new chief Gus Antorcha to keep the company’s momentum growing. But it turns out, that won’t be the case. Reilly, now the chief operating officer, is departing effective March 31, the company said. Reilly decided to leave on his own, said SeaWorld spokeswoman Suzanne Pelisson-
— ALOE —
Great Madness read — “How one small-town Iowa factory is the engine behind March Madness” via Matthew Bain of the Des Moines Register — Mark Lane is vice president of operations at American Athletic Inc., whose factory is in Jefferson, Iowa. AAI is the official backstop supplier for the NBA, WNBA, NBA G-League and the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments. Every hoop you see during March Madness, every rim slammed on during an NBA game — it all comes from one factory in a town of 4,150 people in rural Iowa. “We think that’s very cool,” said Lane, who was born and raised in Jefferson.
“Super Bowl LIV seeks 10,000 volunteers in South Florida” via Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Miami Super Bowl Host Committee is seeking 10,000 volunteers to enhance the Super Bowl experience in South Florida next February. The committee opened its volunteer program application to attract volunteers for Super Bowl LIV, which will be a record 11th Super Bowl in South Florida and culminate the NFL’s 100th season on Feb. 2, 2020, at Hard Rock Stadium. Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who spent his entire career with the Miami Dolphins, is serving as an honorary captain for the volunteer program. “I’ve told all my friends for years, the only way to really experience Miami is to come live it,” Marino said in a news release.
To view Marino’s pitch, click on the image below:
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Happy birthday to Lance Clemons, the generous Richard Gonzmart, the incredible Francoise Haasch, Chuck Hinson, and the legendary Mary Repper.
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Today’s Sunburn was written by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Joe Henderson, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
