Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.27.19

Congratulations to the, um, architects of an extraordinary 20-year marriage, Kelly and Marc — the Marchitect — Reichelderfer.

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You wanted it; we deliver: Announcing the return of TallyMadness — an online voting competition to determine who is the “best” lobbyist in Florida.

And yes, “best” is of course subjective.

How it works: Like college basketball fans who fill out their brackets as part of “March Madness,” participants in The Process vote on a series of bracketed match-ups pitting Florida’s top lobbyists against each other.

How did we decide who made the Big Dance? A select, anonymous committee ‘seeded’ the lobbyists, 1 through 64.

You the voters will pick the winner of each match-up, with first-round voting beginning today and lasting through 11:59 p.m. March 31.

Those who visit the website TallyMadness.com are asked to email any suggestions they have to improve the site — and later-round voting — to [email protected].

… Let the TallyMadness begin.

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Call El Al: Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet may soon need a flight to the Holy Land.

It’s in the “very early” stages and details are sparse, but Cabinet aides confirm there’s been an “active discussion” to hold a Florida Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem in late May.

It’s no secret that the state’s relationship with Israel is important to the new Governor.

For instance, he championed the move by the State Board of Administration (SBA) to blacklist Airbnb, the vacation rental website, as a “Scrutinized Company that Boycotts Israel” for purposes of the state’s investments.

Its transgression was removing listings of rentals in the contentious West Bank region east of Israel, fought over by Palestinians and Israelis.

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Please listen to the next episode of ‘He Said, She Said’ — Michelle and I mark #NoCollusionDay with one of the most influential guests to date, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who talks apologies owed to Donald Trump, and vindication over those accusing the President of Russian collusion. Then, we tackle the somber and tough questions following the Parkland massacre, discussing both sides of Florida’s controversial Guardian program with Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, chair of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Statewide Commission, and state Rep. Shevrin Jones, a former teacher in a Title 1 school. This week’s hot takes also include the story of Theranos — the health tech firm founded by Elizabeth Holmes — as well as Michelle’s 20-year high school reunion, and the madness of ‘March Madness.’

‘He Said, She Said’ is now available on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RealDonaldTrump: The Mainstream Media is under fire and being scorned all over the World as being corrupt and FAKE. For two years they pushed the Russian Collusion Delusion when they always knew there was No Collusion. They truly are the Enemy of the People and the Real Opposition Party!

—@GBennettPost: FAA notice suggests a @realDonaldTrump visit to Canal Point on Lake Okeechobee on Friday.

—@SenRickScott: The Senate is preparing to vote on the Green New Deal. Supporting this plan means being an enemy of the American economy and the American worker. We love our environment but we can’t take care of it if we destroy our economy like socialism would.

—@RepRutherfordFL: Let me see if I understand this. Democrats say passing the Green New Deal is the only way to avoid the impending downfall of society as we know it. Yet today when given the chance, not one Senate Democrat voted in favor of it.

—@BillGalvano: Seconds matter when stopping an active shooter. Pleased to see an expansion of the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian program, recommended by the MSD Commission, pass as one component of our comprehensive school safety and security legislation.

—@SenJanetCruz: Who are we listening to? I have hundreds and hundreds of emails and phone calls from Floridians across the state who are opposed to SB 7030. They do not want teachers carrying weapons in school and I agree.

—@CarlosGSmith: I’m not gonna debate HB 839 in committee again, so I’m just gonna say this here. Students in FL’s state universities are not being indoctrinated by liberal professors and we don’t need a costly “intellectual diversity” study to prove that. That’s all.

—@AnaCeballos_: Sen. [Bill] Montford, a former school principal, says his job included spanking unruly students. “I can spank you or call your mom or dad,” Montford would ask students. More times than not, Montford said students would tell him: “I’d rather take the spanking.”

—@Daniel_Sweeney: Plastic straw bans? Preemption. Plastic bag bans? Preemption. Minimum wage ordinances? Preemption. Smacking kids around in school? Well, now, let’s not get crazy.

—@GrayRohrer: Idea: short term rentals of chairs in packed committee rooms

—@MDixon55: You win, children of the Capitol. Just give them what they want

— DAYS UNTIL —

Scott Maddox corruption trial begins (maybe) — 1; Major League Baseball opening day — 2; Final season of ‘Veep’ begins — 4; Masters Tournament begins — 15; Final season of ‘Game of Thrones’ begins — 18; Easter — 25; Tampa mayoral runoff election — 27; 2019 Legislative Session ends (maybe) — 37; Mother’s Day — 46; Memorial Day — 61; 2020 Democratic presidential primary debates start — 72; 2019 General Election — 226; Iowa Caucuses — 313; Florida’s presidential primary — 356; 2020 General Election — 587.

— TOP STORY —

“Arming teachers bill clears Senate committee” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — SB 7030 contains a long list of school safety proposals, particularly to allow full-time teachers to volunteer as guardians and keep guns in their classrooms if the county school board approves. That issue brought the bill a party-line vote 5-3 vote at the committee, just as it had in the Senate Education Committee. Democrats declared there was a lot of good within the bill, but they could never vote to arm teachers. The House version, PCB EDC 19-02, is seeing similar splits. “I have hundreds and hundreds of emails and phone calls from parents and teachers and instructional resource folks that don’t want teachers to be armed. Who are we listening to?” demanded state Sen. Janet Cruz, a Tampa Democrat.

— THE ADMINISTRATION —

“Could Florida save flying Ron DeSantis by Aero charter than buying a plane?” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — One Pensacola company said it could provide DeSantis a better ride at a lower price with contracted service. “If they want to base their decision on financial, then Aero is the clear choice,” said Michael Carro, a partner at Aero Capital Flight Services. The charter service said the state should hire a company to provide flights for DeSantis, as well as whoever else the state authorizes to use the plane. Carro said that type of public service work fits in well with the company’s long-standing commitment to the community. Whether it’s transporting public officials or ensuring speedy organ transplants, Aero pilots fly for more than a beautiful view.

“DeSantis, Cabinet weigh large land buy” via the News Service of Florida — DeSantis and the Cabinet are slated to consider buying 5,534 acres in Hendry County through the Florida Forever conservation program. Under the proposal, which is on the agenda for a Cabinet meeting, the state would pay $14.775 million to Alico, Inc. for the land, which is part of what is known as the broader Devil’s Garden Florida Forever project. The Cabinet agenda said the targeted land includes 3,233 acres of uplands and 2,301 acres of wetlands.

“FL civil rights leader statue will replace Confederate general statue” via Florida Phoenix — Gov. DeSantis will soon sign a letter to federal authorities requesting that they approve Florida’s plan to replace a statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith in the nation’s Statuary Hall collection with a new statue of civil rights leader and educator Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune … Even though now-former Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill authorizing the Bethune statue into law, he failed to submit the letter to the office in charge of the statues — the Architect of the Capitol. “It was a strange thing,” (Democratic Congresswoman Kathy) Castor said. “It’s just a ministerial step … to send a simple short letter that says the law has passed. And that was left undone.”

“Halsey Beshears confirmation — again — falls short of unanimous vote” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — When it comes to Beshears, voting against him once just isn’t enough for state Sen. José Javier Rodríguez. The Miami-Dade Democrat again voted against confirming Beshears, DeSantis’ nominee for Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Rodríguez voted ‘no’ on Beshears at an Ethics and Elections Committee meeting, just as he had previously at an Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. Rodríguez’s issue stems from DBPR’s inaction on condominium complaints, a problem that the Senator says has hit his South Florida constituents particularly hard.

— 2019 SESSION —

“Lawmakers consider allowing guns at churches on school property” via the News Service of Florida — Voting 4-2 along party lines, the Senate Judiciary Committee backed a measure (Senate Bill 1238) that would allow individuals with concealed-weapons permits to carry guns at churches and other religious institutions that share a property with schools. Florida law allows religious facilities to be open to people who have concealed-weapons licenses and are armed. However, state law does not automatically allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to possess firearms on private or public-school campuses. Opponents of the measure argue that the proposal seeks to make any religious institution exempt from state firearms laws. The proposal, backed by the National Rifle Association, comes as lawmakers consider allowing teachers to serve as armed “guardians” at schools.

“House panel unanimously approves human trafficking bill” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Training hotel workers to spot and help potential victims of human trafficking is part of a bill (HB 851) unanimously approved by the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. The legislation, put forth by Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, is a companion bill to a similar measure filed by Sen. Lauren Book (SB 540). “We are very serious about this important component of training, raising awareness and letting people know where they can go for more information,” Fitzenhagen said. Book’s version already has been approved by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

“Toby Overdorf talks bill to beef up mandatory minimum for soliciting sex” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — “Today the Legislature took another step to limit the demand for sex trafficking victims.” Those were the words of Rep. Overdorf at a news conference in the Capitol Tuesday morning. Overdorf, a Stuart Republican, was speaking on his bill (HB 219) to ramp up punishment against those charged with soliciting prostitution involving victims of human trafficking. The legislation was also approved Tuesday morning by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Under the proposal, solicitation would carry mandatory 10-day incarceration. Overdorf’s bill would tack on an additional 30 days if “the person solicited, induced, enticed, or procured is a victim of human trafficking.”

“House felony-theft bill advances — despite key differences with Senate version” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday unanimously backed a proposal (HB 589) to raise the dollar amount of a stolen good that triggers a third-degree felony. That threshold is currently at $300. The bill, sponsored by Naples Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, would make it $1,000. The general concept is gaining traction in the Republican-led Legislature. Earlier this month in the Senate, the Appropriations Committee — a key panel — backed a threshold change. The problem: The Senate’s version (SPB 7072) would increase the new felony floor to $750 — $250 short of the House plan. But a lower threshold could mean more influential support.

“Raising Florida’s smoking age from 18 to 21 gains support in Senate” via the News Service of Florida — The proposal (Senate Bill 1618), filed by Sen. David Simmons, would increase the minimum age to possess tobacco products legally and would include electronic smoking devices in the definition of tobacco. The inclusion of electronic smoking devices caused some members of the public to trek to Tallahassee to publicly oppose the bill. While smoking rates have declined in the United States, e-cigarette use has dramatically increased since 2014. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has called youth use of e-cigarettes an epidemic and indicated that youth e-cigarette use is up 77 percent from last year.

“Scooter bills roll through committee” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — House and Senate bills that would change scooter regulations cleared committees Tuesday. HB 453 and SB 542 each change the definition of “motorized scooter” and create a definition for “micro-mobility device” in state law, allowing them to be used on the road rather than sidewalks. The bills are different tracks, however, on how much of a role local government can play in regulating scooter rentals. The House bill still requires local government to license any vendor that meets basic insurance requirements. The Senate version was amended to let cities and counties to control of scooter rentals in their jurisdictions or to opt out of allowing them altogether.

“Texting while driving bill passes first House committee” via Florida Politics — The bill that would make texting while driving a primary offense in Florida passed its first committee stop in the House Tuesday. The bill (HB 107) passed 13-0 after passionate testimony from parents who lost children to distracted driving. The legislation, filed by Tampa Republican Jackie Toledo and Boca Raton Democrat Emily Slosberg, would apply only to texting and would strengthen existing laws that make texting a secondary offense.

“Legislature advances two measures to stop local governments from banning plastic straws” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Two different proposals introduced in the House Business & Professions Subcommittee would block cities and county governments from ever banning straws. One bill would fine any local government that banned straws $25,000, and the city or county would have to pay the attorney fees and costs for any entity that successfully sued over a local ordinance. The bill also calls for the Department of Environmental Protection to study the environmental impact of single-use plastic straws. Another bill, sponsored by state Rep. Spencer Roach would prohibit local governments from creating ordinances on many issues, including regulating plastic straws. Environmental groups oppose it. The two bills received bipartisan support.

“House targets Airbnb as it moves to pre-empt local rules on home rentals” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel — A House committee also voted to keep Airbnb, the most popular of the services, from getting the benefit of having statewide rules because of its West Bank policies. The panel passed a bill (HB 987) that pre-empts all local regulations of vacation rentals. Ordinances adopted by local governments to restrict their use or impose standards would not apply. The measure passed on a 10-5 vote, but only after it was changed to prevent Airbnb from benefiting from it because of its policy of not offering its services to Jewish settlers in the West Bank. The policy led DeSantis to place Airbnb on Florida’s Scrutinized Companies List because he saw the policy as a boycott of Israel.

“Hands off our genes” via Florida Politics — Legislation aimed at stopping genetic testing from being used by life insurance companies against customers cleared the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee Tuesday. Rep. Jayer Williamson’s bill would stop life insurers from yanking, lifting or denying coverage based on test results … Health insurers are already prohibited … this bill would add life insurance and long-term care insurers to the mix. Major objections from the industry were aired, then dismissed, as Republican votes carried the measure against Democratic opposition.

“House bill bans 2 of 3 forms of oil, gas fracking in Florida” via Curt Anderson of The Associated Press — The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources voted 10-2 for the bill, which would permit a rock-dissolving technique called matrix acidizing but ban two other common forms of fracking. Environmental groups call that a loophole, putting underground aquifers at risk of contamination from potentially dangerous chemicals. The petroleum industry also opposes the bill because it would halt the use of other fracking techniques. But legislators called the measure a major step forward in curbing the practice in Florida. “Is it completely perfect? Is it everything we want? No, it’s not,” said Democratic Rep. Kristin Jacobs. “We have to do something. The idea that we’re not going to act because it isn’t perfect, I reject.”

“House panel approves professional deregulation bill” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — A bill eliminating licensing of such professions as talent agents and interior designers and scaling back licensing requirements for fields ranging from barbering to geology won approval from a House committee. The Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee approved the measure (HB 27) by a split vote. The sponsor, Republican state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, said it strips away regulations and licenses that do not protect the public. And he declared that in too many fields, Florida’s licensing requirements long ago went beyond just protecting health, safety and consumer interests, and began protecting job security for those already in the field, and income at training schools that provide the education needed to meet the state’s increasing requirements.

Needle exchange bill clears first committee hurdle — Bipartisan legislation that would allow for the expansion of Miami-Dade County’s needle exchange program throughout the rest of the state was approved in its first review committee. State Reps. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat, and Rene “Coach P” Plasencia, an Orlando Republican, back the bill (HB 171). The goal is to give the state’s other 66 counties the option to create a program similar to 2016’s Infectious Disease Elimination Act (IDEA) needle exchange program at the University of Miami. In a statement, Jones said his fellow lawmakers “took a much-needed step … now we’re closer to putting facts and science ahead of the stigma.”

Bill on ‘autonomous practice’ for state’s APRNs advances — The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee approved a bill (HB 821) by Sebring Republican Cary Pigman to let Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) provide more care without direct physician supervision. The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) said the measure “would modernize Florida’s laws to allow highly-qualified APRNs, including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, to practice to the full extent of their education and training … (they) provide patients, particularly those in rural and other underserved communities who may not otherwise have access to vital services, with high-quality care at a much lower cost.”

FDOT changes cruise through committee — Legislation filed by Rep. Alex Andrade, a Pensacola Republican, blasted through The House Transportation and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee. The bill (HB 905) requires the state Transportation Secretary to be a professional engineer, hold an advanced degree and have five years of transportation experience, or to hold a full decade of relevant experience. It also allows for specific innovative transportation projects and techniques. Andrade’s committee passed through two subcommittees with few obstacles, earning unanimous support so far. It now heads to Staff Affairs before it’s ready for a floor vote.

— MORE SESSION —

“She owes $59 million. Should she be allowed to vote under Amendment 4?” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Karen Leicht cannot vote — and likely never will — if a bill in Tallahassee gets signed into law. That’s because Leicht owes $59 million in restitution after pleading guilty to various federal insurance fraud charges in 2010. Under Republican lawmakers’ interpretation of Amendment 4, ostensibly restoring the right to vote to more than a million Floridians, Leicht would have to pay every penny back before getting back on the voter roll. She and other former felons told a Senate committee that this interpretation would mean a lifetime ban from voting, although they’ve finished prison and probation and have worked hard to live an honest life since. “I’m like a citizen again,” Leicht said, “except for I still can’t vote.”

“Travis Cummings sees education funding as budget skirmish” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Expect money for education to be heavily contested during budget conferencing and negotiations of the later days of Session. That’s according to House Appropriations Chair Cummings, who spoke to Florida Politics about the spending plan he believes his committee will forward on Wednesday to the House floor next week. The House and Senate late last week released initial budgets that differ by about $400 million, with each chamber spending more and less in different areas. Believe it or not, that’s “not a tremendous variance coming out of the gate,” the Orange Park Republican said.

House memorial on ‘Space Force’ OK’d by first panel unanimously — The measure (HM 1281) by Rep. Tyler Sirois, a Cocoa Republican, cleared the first of its two review committees this week. It asks Congress to approve the creation of the U.S. Space Force and the establishment of a U.S. Space Command in Florida. The memorial follows a recent White House proposal by President Donald Trump, and DeSantis’ call for the Space Force and Command to be based in Florida. “With Florida’s spaceport infrastructure, deep-water seaports, and partnerships with NASA, the 45th Space Wing and the other three combatant commands located in Florida, we are the best choice for the headquarters of U.S. Space Command,” Sirois said.

“Hundreds rally at Capitol to advocate for immigrants” via Tori Schneider of the Tallahassee Democrat — Chalco Lopez has lived most of her life afraid her parents would be deported. She came to the Capitol with the group “United We Dream” in support of a so-called “driver’s license bill” and several other immigration-related proposals being considered by lawmakers. HB 969/SB 1538 would allow immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses and state IDs regardless of their immigration status. It was among the issues advocates came to discuss with legislators after their news conference. Because Chalco Lopez’s parents aren’t citizens, her college experience also has been difficult. Filing for financial aid requires a parents’ Social Security number, something her parents don’t have.

Hundreds of city officials visit Capitol to advocate for home rule — This week, more than 200 municipal officials traveled to Tallahassee for the Florida League of Cities’ annual Legislative Action Days. As they descended on The Capitol, the group’s mission was to protect the right to local self-government. From CRAs to short term rentals to e-scooters — League members feel local issues require local solutions. Municipal officials met face-to-face with legislators and testified in multiple committees to share examples of local impacts of proposed legislation. “There are a lot of new faces at The Capitol this year which gives us the opportunity to provide education on the importance of local self-government,” said FLC President Leo Longworth. “We live local, so we should decide local.”

Today’s legislative committee hearings:

The House Appropriations Committee is expected to consider an $89.9 billion budget proposal for the 2019-2020 fiscal year, 9 a.m., 212 Knott Building.

The Senate will hold a floor Session and could approve a measure that seeks to prevent the Florida Constitution Revision Commission from “bundling” multiple issues into single constitutional amendments, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will take up a proposed $90.3 billion budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. After the committee approves, the proposed budget will go to the full Senate, 1 p.m., 412 Knott Building.

The House will hold a floor Session and take up numerous bills, including a proposal that would seek to provide more information to patients about issues such as hospital infection rates and readmission rates, 3 p.m., House Chamber.

The Senate Special Order Calendar Group will set a special-order calendar, which lists bills that will be heard on the Senate floor, 15 minutes after the Appropriations Committee meeting, 401 Senate Office Building.

— GOV. CLUB MENU —

Tortilla soup; mix garden salad with dressing; egg salad; garbanzo bean salad; deli board, cheeses, lettuce, tomato and breads; chicken salsa Verde; Cuban style pork; seafood Vera Cruz style; black beans; steamed white rice; sweet plantains; tres leche cake for dessert.

— STATEWIDE —

“FDOT secrecy still clouds SunPass saga, 299 days into tolling nightmare” via Noah Pransky of Florida Politics — Ever since a SunPass system upgrade went horribly wrong in June 2018, the state has chosen to communicate about the crisis primarily through news releases and by ignoring reporter questions. The state has compounded its customer service nightmare with concerted efforts to downplay the problems and sweep others under the rug. In addition to surprise, backlogged bills, often more than hundreds of dollars, dozens of stories have recently surfaced about inaccurate statements that FDOT and its contractor, Conduent, are not correcting promptly. FDOT has also not indicated any discipline for the contractors, HNTB and Atkins, both paid to supervise the awarding of the Conduent contract and its execution.

“Court ponders abortion waiting period” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida — A three-judge 1st District Court of Appeal panel heard arguments in a long-running dispute over a 24-hour waiting period for abortions. Attorneys for the state, who are asking the appellate court to order a trial in the case, argued that the Florida law is aimed at preventing what they claim are dangerous side-effects caused by abortions, such as depression and suicide. But Judge James Wolf grilled Deputy Solicitor General James Percival about whether the state has the authority to “require somebody to delay the exercise of their constitutional right,” setting aside the issue of waiting periods for gun purchases.

“Signafide promises to funnel out suspect signatures” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Kory Langhofer, the co-founder of Signafide, says the best time to fight a ballot measure may be while petitions come in. The company uses cutting-edge technology to flag bad signatures and fraudulent gathering. It’s a way to make the process of verifying signatures faster and more accurate. It starts with basics, like checking gathered names against voter registration databases to ensure petitions are valid. The program also translates longhand. But Signafide’s software also looks for similarities in signatures and cross-references those to individual petition gatherers. It will raise flags if a person turns in many signatures that appear to be in the same handwriting.

Spotted — John Stemberger on TBN’s “Huckabee” — The Orlando-based conservative Christian activist discusses his founding of “Trail Life USA” as an alternative to Scouting. Stemberger describes the new group as “a critical Christian alternative for boys and young men today.” He opposes the Boy Scouts of America decision to allow openly gay and bisexual adult leaders and employees.

To view the clip, click on the image below:

“Here’s where the next Brightline stations may one day open in South Florida” via David Lyons of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Brightline may add a pair of stations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and PortMiami. The new stations at the airport and seaport would cost between $20 and $30 million and take 18 months to build, according to a proposed $1.5 billion bond offering now being circulated by the company among would-be investors. Already considered in the airport’s improvement plans is an elevated people-mover circling the airport’s terminals and connecting to a transportation center above U.S. 1. The Florida East Coast Railway line, which is used by Brightline, passes the airport on its east side. Currently, a station serving the Tri-Rail commuter system is located a short distance from the airport west of I-95.

“Duke plans three more solar projects” via the News Service of Florida — Duke Energy Florida filed a proposal with the state Public Service Commission seeking to pass along costs to customers for three solar-power projects in Gilchrist, Highlands and Volusia counties. The filing is an outgrowth of a 2017 base-rate settlement that allows Duke to recover solar-project costs. Duke plans to build a 74.9-megawatt facility in Gilchrist County, a 45-megawatt facility in Highlands County and a 74.5-megawatt facility in Volusia County, with an overall cost of $252 million. The Gilchrist and Highland facilities would start operating in December, while the Volusia facility would begin running during the first quarter of 2020. The effect on customers’ bills would be relatively small.

Florida entries honored as finalists for News Leaders Association 2019 Awards — The Awards honors the best in print, digital, photo and video content in 11 categories. The contest drew 526 entries, from which 49 finalists from news outlets of various sizes and platforms were named. Winners will be announced April 2 … Florida entries include Staff of The Palm Beach Post, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, The Miami Herald and WLRN Public Radio for “The Invading Sea: Can South Florida be saved?” Also, Staff of the Miami Herald for “The Fall of the Florida International University Bridge.” And, Staff of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel for “Public officials after Parkland: Hide, deny, spin.” The News Leaders Association comprises the American Society of News Editors and The Associated Press Media Editors.

— LOCAL —

“County appeals constitutional amendment ruling” via the News Service of Florida — Volusia County has appealed a circuit judge’s ruling in a challenge to a voter-approved constitutional amendment that involves sheriffs and other types of county officials across Florida. A notice of appeal was filed in the 1st District Court of Appeal after Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper ruled against the county. The case involves Amendment 10, which requires the election of county sheriffs, tax collectors, property appraisers, elections supervisors and clerks of court. Volusia County has contended that the constitutional amendment does not apply to it because of a decades-old local charter that revamped the structure of the county’s government.

“Robert Kraft now wants jury trial on prostitution charge” via The Associated Press — Kraft’s attorneys filed a court notice also waiving his arraignment scheduled for Thursday. His lawyers also reiterated his not guilty plea, which he made last month. Kraft and 24 other men were charged in Palm Beach County as part of a multicounty crackdown on massage parlor prostitution. About 300 men are charged overall. Prosecutors say Kraft was videotaped by police twice in January paying for sex with a woman at a Jupiter massage parlor. If convicted, Kraft would face 100 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine. He could also get a year in jail, although that is unlikely.

“Palm Beach County sheriff tells senators ‘red flag’ law and trained teams could have prevented Parkland shooting” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Sheriff Ric Bradshaw testified about red flag laws before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which may advance legislation encouraging states to implement their own versions of the laws that allow courts to order removal of guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. The sheriff cautioned, however, that red flag laws authorizing what is formally known as “risk protection orders” aren’t a panacea. He touted the Behavioral Services Unit teams in place at his agency, in which deputies work with mental health professionals to interact with people who might have difficulties. Bradshaw emphasized that it’s not an easy area to assess. Not every person who has mental health issues becomes violent.

“Trulieve dispensary is selling smokable medical marijuana in Orlando” via Kyle Arnold of the Orlando Sentinel — Trulieve has a medical marijuana treatment center in Orlando at 4544 North Orange Blossom Trail. The two Curaleaf dispensaries also started smokable medical marijuana sales in Orlando on Monday. Smokable medical marijuana became legal in Florida last week when DeSantis signed a new bill into law, two years after voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana.

“The secrets (and lies) of Miami Beach” via Tara Isabella Burton of the Wall Street Journal — James Cubby has seen a lot. Moments into the historical walking excursion he leads for Art Deco Tours, Cubby disclosed — with a raised eyebrow underneath his brown fedora — his own history in the city. After decades as a nightlife writer in Miami Beach, he knows everything worth knowing, he implied, about the city’s strange, seedy past. What we have to understand about Miami Beach, he told us, is that everything is fake. “Even the grass,” he noted. Each of the Art Deco hotel bars I visited — and a few more contemporary ones — felt like an elaborate stage set. Even better, the cocktail venues seemed designed for Miami Beach’s greatest pleasure: people-watching.

“UCF administrator facing termination over misspending saga will be allowed to stay” via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — Former President Dale Whittaker told trustees he had started the termination process for the four employees after the release of a report by a law firm hired by the University of Central Florida to investigate the budgeting of $38 million in operating cash to build Trevor Colbourn Hall, a violation of state rules. One of those employees, Christy Tant, will be able to keep her former salary of $198,855 in her new position and department, which have yet to be determined. Tant, who has worked for UCF since 2010, was formerly assistant vice president and university controller.

“Rick Kriseman to replace two agency board members as city seeks greater oversight of Housing Authority” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — Board members Basha Jordan Jr., and Jo Ann Nesbitt will not be reappointed to second terms. In their place, Kriseman has named Stephanie Owens, who worked on federal housing and health care policy in the White House during the administrations of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and Jerri Evans, a legal assistant. The move comes as the Housing Authority has been hit by a spate of controversies over the renovation of the Jordan Park public housing complex and the leadership of CEO Tony Love.

“Not dead yet: Inside David Straz’s $1.1 million Tampa mausoleum” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Straz owns a $1.1 million mausoleum in Tampa’s Myrtle Cemetery. That mausoleum is a spectacular display of ostentatious living that marks the Straz way of life. If Straz’s choice of imagery in his final resting place is meant as an homage to the things he holds dear. Then there’s a Rolls-Royce grille. Straz owns one of those. It’s red and shiny and very fancy. Straz recently claimed that while he does indeed own a Rolls, he prefers driving his American-made Cadillac or Dodge Charger. There’s not a grille for either one of those in his mausoleum. The fourth image in the panel is a private jet. Straz has one of those, too.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Trump opposes further disaster aid for battered Puerto Rico” via Andrew Taylor of the Associated Press — Trump’s opposition to further disaster aid for hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico hardened as he told GOP allies at a Capitol Hill meeting that the U.S. island territory has gotten too much rebuilding money compared with mainland states like Florida and Texas. Trump’s ardent opposition to additional Puerto Rico funding sets up a showdown with House Democrats, who insist that a $13 billion to $14 billion disaster aid package that’s a top priority for southern Republicans won’t advance without further aid for the island. Sen. Marco Rubio said Trump told Republicans at a closed-door luncheon that aid for Puerto Rico “is way out of proportion to what Texas and Florida and others have gotten.”

“Marco Rubio and Rick Scott rejected the Green New Deal but now acknowledge climate change. What’s their plan?” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — Despite their newfound recognition for this threat, the Green New Deal was a bridge too far for Rubio and Scott. The resolution calls for the United States to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the next 10 years — a goal that even environmental advocates acknowledge would require drastic action. The plan is based on federal and international studies that say the world has about 12 years to significantly reduce carbon emissions to prevent the earth from warming to a level that could destabilize the planet. But the Green New Deal would also establish universal higher-education, health care, and housing, which Rubio described as “a grab bag of their radical agenda to transform America into the kind of socialist utopia that only exists in fiction.”

Assignment editors — U.S. Sens. Rubio and Mitt Romney join U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner and Dan Crenshaw for a news conference to unveil their paid family leave legislation, 11:15 a.m. Eastern time, Senate Small Business Committee, 428A Russell Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.

— 2020 — 

“Pete Buttigieg gains with crowds, TV spots and campaign cash” via Sara Burnett of The Associated Press — South Bend, Indiana Mayor Buttigieg, a veteran and Rhodes scholar, was the longest of long shots in January. No mayor has ever been elected president, much less one from a community of roughly 100,000 people in the middle of America. But his underdog bid is gaining momentum, and the clean-cut guy known to most people as “Mayor Pete” can feel it. Now he has to figure out how to turn one of the first surprises of the nascent race for the Democratic nomination into a full-fledged presidential campaign — and one that isn’t remembered as a mere quirk. “The buzz helps,” Buttigieg says.

— OPINIONS & ANALYSIS —

“Joe Henderson: Lawmakers need to deal with distracted drivers” via Florida Politics — Police can’t stop a driver and issue a ticket when they catch that person is texting or otherwise distracted. Our lukewarm anti-texting/driving law won’t let cops make that a primary offense. Too many drivers don’t pay attention, and only one thing will stop that. Pull them over, write a ticket, take their money. Get three tickets, and you lose your license for six months. I’m for personal freedom as much as the next person. I draw the line if someone winds up in a body cast over a text though. If hamburger is a distraction for drivers, pull them over. Florida lawmakers need to stop pretending that distracted driving is a complicated issue. It isn’t.

“E-prescription laws key in opioid fight” via Florida Politics — When it comes to the opioid crisis — the one thing all policymakers and citizens agree has become a national epidemic — we still prefer old fashioned pen and paper. As part of a multipronged approach to attacking this crisis, New York state adopted mandatory use of e-prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) and access to a comprehensive medication history provided through a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in 2016. Passing the mandatory use of e-prescribing for a controlled substance has a chance to make a real and immediate impact on the access to opioids. I encourage the Legislature to use every tool in the toolbox to reverse this trend and make e-prescribing of controlled substances the law in our state.

“Florida’s latest assault on transparency: sealing names of foster parents” via Carol Marbin Miller of the Miami Herald — A bill before the Florida Legislature that is supported by the chronically troubled — and notoriously silent — DCF is designed to intensify secrecy. The bill would exempt from public disclosure the names of all foster parents. Even the ones like Jorge and Carmen Barahona, the Miami couple accused of unspeakable abuse to their twin foster children, Nubia and Victor, before the couple adopted them. DCF says the bill is necessary to protect foster parents from violent and vindictive parents he. As evidence, the agency points to Candi Johnson, who, according to police, shot a Northwest Miami-Dade foster mother last year while snatching her children. Such a story is fiction. Johnson never asked for public records relating to where her children were living.

“UCF’s search for a president should avoid USF’s transparency games” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — As UCF gears up to start looking for a new president later this year, it has another chance to school USF. This time by showing it’s possible to choose an excellent university president without playing games designed to keep the public in the dark. University leaders worry Florida’s public records law makes it hard to find people who want to apply knowing their names will be made public. They want to find people who would rather keep their bosses in the dark about applying for a job instead of being open and honest about pursuing what may be the opportunity of a lifetime. We’re not convinced that’s a desirable quality in a job candidate.

— MOVEMENTS —

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

Charles Cliburn, New Capitol IT: Controltec

Chris Hart: Florida Association of Court Clerks & Comptrollers

Thomas Hobbs, Ramba Consulting Group: Florida Water Quality Association

Nick Iarossi, Andrew Ketchel, Christopher Schoonover, Capital City Consulting: Florida Pet Retailers

Danny Jordan, Nicola Powell, Jeanette Yaeger, One Eighty Consulting: SecureWorks

Jeff Kottkamp, Sunshine State Consultants: Antonel Second Corp, Triangle Capital

William Prater, Cooperative Strategies: DISH Network, DraftKings, FanDuel

Teye Reeves, Smith Bryan & Myers: College of Central Florida Foundation, CoreCivic

Daniel Russell, Jones Walker: Scientific Games International

Drew Smith, Smith & Smith Consulting: Home Care Association of America — Florida Chapter

John Ward: Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast

Deadline to apply to Board of Bar Examiners extended — Application will now be accepted till 5 p.m. Thursday for two lawyer vacancies on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. A joint screening committee of The Florida Bar Board of Governors and Board of Bar Examiners will recommend six nominees for the two spots at a May 24 meeting. The nominations will then be forwarded to the Supreme Court to fill two five-year terms starting Nov. 1 and ending Oct. 31, 2024. Those interested in applying should call (850) 561-5757 to get the application form.

— ALOE —

“Lego Movie World to debut as latest salvo in attractions war” via Marco Santana of the Orlando Sentinel — Step past the carousel at Legoland and you will soon find yourself face-to-face with dastardly pirates using your boat for water-cannon target practice. The rides are key features of the new 80,000-square-foot Lego Movie World, the newest attraction that Legoland leaders hope will boost efforts to compete in the high-stakes world of Central Florida theme parks. “This is very important for our park,” Legoland Florida General Manager Rex Jackson said. “When you look at the addition of Lego Movie World, along with our accommodations, we believe we have finally solidified ourselves as a multi-day destination.”

“Sesame Street comes alive at SeaWorld Orlando’s expansion set to open” via Dewayne Bevil and Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — The 18-month design and construction project will be complete when the 6-acre land debuts to the public. There are buttons to press, interactive screens to touch and Oscar the Grouch’s garbage can to pound on — all part of a set designed to feel like the Muppets really live here. SeaWorld Orlando’s grand opening comes during what is expected to be a blockbuster year in the theme park industry.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Today would have been Bob Levy‘s birthday. We miss you, my friend.

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Today’s Sunburn was written by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.