Peter Schorsch
Floridians are in favor of a couple of the more controversial proposals moving through the Legislature in the final week of Session.
According to a new survey from St. Pete Polls — the most accurate pollster in last year’s primary elections — most Florida voters want to ban so-called “sanctuary cities” and give the Constitution Revision Commission the ax.
There’s no concrete definition of what a “sanctuary city” is, yet 52 percent of those polled would give them no quarter compared to 32 percent who say a ban goes too far.
A similar number said they want to get rid of the CRC, which authored the much-maligned bundled amendments on last year’s ballot. Just 23 percent say the once-every-20-year-commission should stick around. It’ll take another amendment to give it the boot, however, and those need 60 percent approval to pass.
That plays into another possible 2020 amendment — should the threshold for new amendments get a raise? Voters say no way, no how.
About 54 percent said they wanted to keep the three-fifths requirement in place compared to 26 percent who want it upped.
A lot can change in over the next 18 months, and all but one of the 12 amendments on the November ballot made the grade, including some shockers. If enough voters tick yes on either amendment next year, it will bring about a monumental shift in Sunshine State politics.
The St. Pete Polls survey had a sample size of 2,227 and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
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“Rock By The Sea kicks off next week at St. George Island and, is officially SOLD OUT! However, if you’re in need of a post-Session break, and want to do a little good for some amazing charities, there is still time to participate!
Wednesday’s pre-party is open to the public and will feature the album release party of the “Write By The Sea” album, written and recorded as Hurricane Michael made landfall. Contributing artists such as American Idol Season 14 winner, Nick Fradiani, Jett Beres, of Platinum-selling band Sister Hazel, and Brian Fechino, of the Pat McGee Band, and many others, will be on hand for the first live performances of the songs they wrote last October. Hurricane Michael also caused significant damage to Harry A’s, the yearly home of RBTS.
Thankfully, St. George Island is a tightknit community and thanks to the help of some other businesses on the island, Rock By The Sea will go on as scheduled this year at its new home, Doc Myers Sports Bar and Grill. As always, all proceeds from the weekend go to benefit brain cancer research at the University of Florida.
If you can’t make it down to the island, you can also participate in an online silent auction featuring a harmonica signed by Tom Petty, a drumhead signed by George Harrison, with more items being added until May 9th. That auction is live now, and you can bid here. For more information, visit rockbythesea.org.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@Yair_Rosenberg: Don’t quite get the [Joe] Biden–Jeb Bush comparison, which seems mostly superficial. Biden is known for serving 8 years under the most popular living Democratic president. Jeb didn’t even have a national brand beyond his last name, which was associated with an unpopular Republican one.
—@Fineout: Remember when @SenRickScott insisted on putting money into the budget for salary hikes for teachers? Now a Republican legislator says it’s unconstitutional
—@BrandonMiller: Today, health care reform has come to Florida. Telemedicine, CON repeal, and lower prescription drug costs have all passed the FL Legislature. This does not happen without the principled leadership of Speaker @RepJoseOliva and HHS Chairman @isayray. What a day!
Tweet, tweet:
Thank you, @ChrisLatvala, for allowing me to crash your meeting with HOF pitcher Rollie Fingers. I’ll start working on my mustache. pic.twitter.com/XYpDo18iwU
— Vance Aloupis (@valoupis) April 29, 2019
—@BillyTownsendED: If she were a #GoT sword, @AnnaForFlorida would be Griftersbane.
—@Fineout: OK, so the final 5 days of the Fla. legislative session. For reporters, it’s like you are watching a dozen jets circling the runway simultaneously with no clear idea which one will land first. The House and Senate calendars bc mere suggestions now, not actual reality
—@MDixon55: Session is almost over. Remember Day 1? You were all happy & optimistic. All your bills were the best bills. They were, of course, all going to pass. Now, your bills long dead, you just have to sit there for marathon sessions counting the days until you get to leave this place.
—@MaxJRosenthal: I don’t know why you can’t celebrate the Night King as a great general and a hero, the war wasn’t even really about zombification anyway
—@IceCube: I was discovered by a master filmmaker by the name of John Singleton. He not only made me a movie star but made me a filmmaker. There are no words to express how sad I am to lose my brother, friend & mentor. He loved bringing the black experience to the world. … Us at Cannes ‘90
— DAYS UNTIL —
2019 Legislative Session ends (maybe) — 3; National Orange Juice Day — 4; Kentucky Derby — 5; Star Wars Day — 5; Mother’s Day — 12; Florida Chamber Florida Business Leaders’ Summit on Prosperity and Economic Opportunity — 25; Memorial Day — 27; Florida Democratic Leadership Blue conference and fundraiser — 39; U.S. Open begins — 44; Father’s Day — 47; Florida Chamber Learners to Earners Workforce Summit begins — 52; First Democratic presidential debates in Miami — 57; Independence Day — 65; Second Democratic presidential debates in Detroit — 91; Florida Gators opens vs. Miami football — 116; St. Petersburg primary election — 120; UCF Golden Knights opens vs. Florida A&M football — 121; FSU Seminoles opens vs. Boise State football — 123; Labor Day — 125; “Joker” opens — 157; Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 181; Scott Maddox trial begins — 188; 2019 General Election — 189; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon begins — 191; Iowa Caucuses — 279; Florida’s presidential primary — 322; 2020 General Election — 553.
— TOP STORY —
First on #FlaPol — “Goodbye gambling bill for 2019: ‘It’s 99% dead’ ” via Florida Politics — A proposed gambling bill for the 2019 Legislative Session is dead, multiple sources told Florida Politics. “I would say it’s 99% dead,” said one lawmaker who was familiar with the behind-the-scenes talks … When asked after Monday’s floor session if the gambling bill was dead, House Speaker José Oliva said, “As usual.” He added: “ … I think by the time some agreement was reached, it was a bit late in Session and so we’ll have to take it up again next year,” the Miami Lakes Republican said
— THE ADMINISTRATION —
“Ron DeSantis announces newly-formed Blue-Green Algae Task Force” via Sara Marino of TCPalm — “The focus of this task force is to support key funding and restoration initiatives and make recommendations to expedite nutrient reductions in Lake Okeechobee and downstream estuaries,” DeSantis said. DeSantis said the new task force would be led by Department of Environmental Protection secretary Noah Valenstein and Dr.
“DeSantis poised to act on firefighter benefits” via the News Service of Florida — DeSantis faces a Friday deadline for deciding whether to sign a high-profile bill that would expand benefits for firefighters who are diagnosed with 21 types of cancer. The House and Senate unanimously passed the bill (SB 426), which was sent to DeSantis, triggering one week for him to act. The measure requires providing a series of benefits to firefighters diagnosed with the types of cancer. It also would help firefighters pay their bills while undergoing cancer treatment by providing lump-sum payments of $25,000 upon diagnosis.
“Governor’s airplane money takes off. But will it come in for a landing?” via Dan Sweeney of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Florida’s Governor has not had a state plane since 2011, when then-Gov. Rick Scott sold the governor’s plane in a money-saving stunt. Upkeep on the aircraft came to $2.4 million a year. Scott, being worth nine figures, had his own plane and it would do just fine to shuttle him around the state. Now, while budget negotiations are still coming together, with meetings between the House and Senate continuing throughout the weekend, one part both sides agree on is the $3.8 million for a new state plane. That may not get you all the plane you want or need as the Governor of Florida, but it’s enough to get you a lease with an option to buy.
“Public may be able to ‘attend’ May Cabinet meeting in Israel via video, Attorney General Ashley Moody says” via Michael Moline of Florida Phoenix — Aides are still working out the details, Moody said in a brief interview at the Capitol. The Cabinet meeting — which an initial news release said will be at the new U.S. embassy in the disputed capital of Jerusalem — will be more than merely ceremonial, she said. “All of the Cabinet officers will be meeting. There’ll be a published agenda. We’re ensuring that all of the proceedings are in accordance with the Sunshine Law so that the public can attend and can view and can participate,” Moody said. According to Moody, officials genuinely don’t know yet. “The final agenda has not been ironed out yet, but as soon as it is, I’m sure you’ll have it,” she said.
— BUDGET NOTES —
After some big changes Monday, budget chiefs Sen. Rob Bradley and Rep. Travis Cummings are poised to wrap their work Tuesday and send any remaining issues to House Speaker Oliva and Senate President Bill Galvano.
— Good sign: Cummings told reporters he doesn’t see any major sticking points. “We gotta tie up some loose ends in health care, [agriculture] … so there’s some work to do [but] we don’t see any gridlock that’s going to keep us from hopefully getting out of here on time.”
— Rekindled: VISIT FLORIDA is shaping up for a $50 million appropriation and sunset-date extension through June 2020. Those who’ve followed this process know that’s a markedly different outcome than subcommittee conferences indicated.
— Higher-ed: One of the unique parts of the university budget is a plan to create a special pool of funding for the University of Florida and Florida State University. The Senate on Monday put forth a plan to fund the pool at $6.8 million, down from a previously planned $13 million appropriation.
“Despite budget agreement, Bill Galvano toll road-plan faces House uncertainty” via John Haughey of FloridaWatchdog.org — Despite agreement among chamber budget negotiators, there is no guarantee the House will approve Galvano’s Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Program to extend three toll turnpikes when it comes before them as Senate Bill 7068. The Senate approved SB 7068 last week in a 37-1 vote and transmitted to the House, where a companion bill, House Bill 7113, has basically served as a placeholder for the Senate bill. Opposition to the plan — which would launch the state’s most significant highway road-building project since the 1950s — is widespread and vocal with pressure mounting on the House to reject SB 7068 and DeSantis to veto it if lawmakers adopt it.
“Legislature finishes K-12 education budget with $248 increase per student” via Emily Mahoney and Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Highlights of the preK-12 education budget include a $248 per-student increase in state funding that’s distributed based on enrollment, also called the “FEFP.” However, it’s important to note that lawmakers have also boosted the number of programs that are funded through the per-student pot, so comparing that to last year’s $101 per-pupil increase is not completely representative. The best measure, perhaps, is the portion of that increase dedicated to flexible district spending, in a category called the “base student allocation.” This year, lawmakers have agreed to a $75 per-student boost to that portion.
Environmental funding still being hashed out — Sen. Debbie Mayfield says the Legislature is close to delivering DeSantis the $625 million in Everglades restoration and water quality funding he requested, but there are still details to work out. Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida reports the final number may match or exceed DeSantis’ request, but lawmakers may earmark some of the money for their preferred environmental projects and spending priorities. “There is a compromise and a workout as to where that money’s going,” said Mayfield, chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. “He may not like where it is all going.” House Speaker Oliva said that DeSantis had made “large recommendations and large asks” but “both the House and Senate have proposed them in our budgets.”
— SESSION —
Shot — “House sends criminal-justice revamp to Senate” via News Service of Florida — Reversing course from the past three years, the Florida House passed a criminal-justice package that would reduce punishment for some nonviolent offenders and raise the legal threshold for felony theft charges. Under the House measure (HB 7125), the state would increase the felony-theft threshold from $300 to $1,000, a proposal that has received pushback from powerful retailers over the years. The move would make it the first time since 1986 that Florida has changed its felony theft amount. The bill now will go to the Senate, where a similar proposal (SB 642) has been on hold during the past week. Among other things, the Senate proposal would increase the felony-theft threshold to $750.
Chaser — First on #FlaPol — “Senate to amend House criminal justice overhaul” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — Sen. Jeff Brandes, the bill’s sponsor, told Florida Politics the Senate would consider the House plan and amend it during the waning days of the Legislative Session, expected to wrap Friday. “We are working on a comprehensive amendment and wanted to make sure the House bill was here,” Brandes said in a text message. The amendment could resemble some if not all of the language in the Florida First Step Act. There are marked differences between the two pieces of legislation, though it’s unclear how many will remain after the Senate makes selective changes to the House proposal.
“Felons’ rights cause divides in closing days” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida — With days left before the legislative session ends, the Senate sponsor of a proposal aimed at carrying out a constitutional amendment on felons’ voting rights said he worked all weekend to reach what he called a compromise with his House counterpart. But Senate Democrats are still opposed to the measure, which they believe creates onerous financial barriers to restoring voting rights for people who’ve already got the odds stacked against them. For some Democrats, the Republican-dominated Legislature’s effort to implement the constitutional amendment hearkens back to racially motivated, Reconstruction-era policies aimed at keeping blacks from casting ballots. “Florida does not want certain people to vote,” Sen. Perry Thurston, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat who is black, said.
“Legislature bans texting while driving; bill headed to the Governor” via Skyler Swisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The House voted 108-7 to make texting while driving a primary offense. DeSantis has indicated he will sign the bill (HB 107), which would bring Florida in line with most other states. A first violation carries a $30 fine plus court costs, which could result in a total fine up to $108. A subsequent violation committed within five years carries a $60 penalty plus court costs. If signed by the governor, the law will include a grace period in which police will issue warnings through the end of the year while the state conducts an education campaign. The bill overcame objections from black lawmakers who feared it could lead to more racial profiling.
“After synagogue shooting, lawmakers take aim at anti-Semitism, but not guns” via Samantha Gross of the Tampa Bay Times — Although AR-15 style guns were used in both California and Pittsburgh synagogue shootings, the subject of guns and what to do about them was never brought up Monday, even by Democrats. Both the House and Senate Sessions opened with prayers led by local rabbis. The Senate bill was taken up out of the chamber’s Rules Committee, where it was tabled. The bill was brought up per the permission of Rules Chair Lizbeth Benaquisto. The bill would require that schools address anti-Semitic behavior the same way they address racial discrimination. The proposal defines anti-Semitic behavior as “accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interest of their own nations.”
“House unanimously approves bill to combat human trafficking” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — A bill designed to combat human trafficking in massage parlors and strip clubs was approved 112-0 during a House session Monday morning. The bill (HB 851) has evolved since Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen originally filed it. It was initially aligned with a Senate bill (SB 540) aimed at training hotel and motel workers to spot and report human trafficking. But those sections have since been removed from the bill. A similar bill from Sen. Lauren Book died the last Session due to pushback from the hotel industry. However, that legislation allowed for victims to sue establishments where trafficking occurred. That provision was not present in this year’s version. Fitzenhagen’s legislation now focuses on massage parlors.
“Major health bills headed to DeSantis” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — The Florida Legislature approved eliminating the “certificate of need” regulatory program for hospitals and passed a high-profile measure aimed at importing prescription drugs from Canada. A priority for House Speaker Oliva, the House voted 81-34 to pass a bill (HB 21) to eliminate the certificate-of-need program. The vote came hours after the Senate passed the bill in a 23-17 vote, as Oliva took major steps toward his priority of revamping the health care system. “I think today is a monumental step in the right direction,” Oliva told reporters. The House passed the bill to eliminate so-called CON regulations for new general hospitals — as well as “tertiary” health care services.
“Lawmakers approve measure to catch pediatric heart surgery problems” via Kathleen McGrory and Elizabeth Koh of the Tampa Bay Times — The House unanimously approved a bill to increase oversight of pediatric heart surgeries. The proposal, which would let teams of physician experts inspect struggling programs, won the support of the Florida Senate earlier in the day. It is now headed to DeSantis for final approval. The measure was proposed after a Tampa Bay Times investigation found the death rate for heart surgery patients at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital had tripled between 2015 and 2017. “You’ve probably read about the problem with the pediatric cardiac program at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg,” Rep. Mike Beltran told the House. “Long story short, there were some very preventable medical errors.”
House election reform bill once again delayed — The House once again temporarily postponed a vote on a measure to adjust several of Florida’s election deadlines. Rep. Blaise Ingoglia proposed the measure (HB 7101) in light of several problems which arose during the 2018 elections. They set the bill for a Friday hearing, where it was temporarily postponed the first time. It was rescheduled for a Monday vote, where it was delayed yet again. The measure has been criticized by Democrats, who argue it will restrict the window in which residents can vote. Ingoglia has disputed that characterization.
“House Republicans push new voucher program; Dems unable to stop it.” via Diane Rado of Florida Phoenix — The House spent more than four hours going over the voucher legislation and a long list of amendments, all of which failed as Democrats tried to block or at least soften the new program called the Family Empowerment Scholarship. The plan would expand vouchers across Florida, even as critics believe it is unconstitutional. As of late Monday afternoon, the House did not vote on the final bill, though it set the stage throughout the afternoon to approve the measure this week and send it to DeSantis. The state Senate earlier passed the legislation. The sweeping education legislation also includes what appears to be a major expansion of nontraditional charter schools across Florida.
House moves toward Senate position on higher ed — The Florida House is poised to pass the Senate’s higher education package this week with some revisions, according to Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO Florida. Changes include adding the state college and university spending rules House leaders have been seeking since news of financial impropriety at UCF made headlines late last year. The compromise: the House is jettisoning a controversial intellectual diversity survey and a university performance funding metric tied to the graduation rates of Pell Grant recipients. One of the major provisions in the bill would require the Department of Education and State University System Board of Governors to rank PECO projects. To get a project on the list, universities would have to set aside partial funding in an escrow account.
“House moves to limit school impact fees” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — With almost no discussion, the Florida House adopted a bill that would scale back school districts’ ability to increase the fees they charge to offset the impact of new construction. The action came in legislation (HB 1299) that also limited local governments from banning the use of plastic straws or setting age restrictions for nicotine product purchases. If ultimately placed in law, school impact fees would not be permitted to rise by more than 5 percent over two years. The Pasco County School Board in 2017 won approval to nearly double its impact fee, to help cope with booming enrollment growth and housing development. It had not seen a fee increase in almost a decade before that.
“Bill blocking local bans on plastic straws and sunscreen passes House” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — A measure which would block local governments from banning sunscreen and single-use plastic straws was approved Monday morning with a 71-40 vote in the Florida House. The bill (HB 1299) was put forward by Rep. Spencer Roach and faced opposition from several members over concerns about pre-emption. “I think we’re trying to take too much power from local government,” said Rep. Joe Geller, who voted against the bill. “I think this bill interferes with Home Rule too much.” Still, the bill’s supporters argue that local governments aren’t assessing the problems with these bans correctly.
— MORE SESSION —
“Teacher union president: Do state lawmakers want Florida’s kids to fail?” via Fedrick Ingram for the Florida Phoenix — State leaders have gone to war against our neighborhood public schools, and the great majority of Florida’s 2.8 million school kids stand to lose. Let’s look at some of what the state Senate and House are doing for — or to — our students during this Legislative Session: Taking money from public schools and students to fund a huge tax-dollar giveaway to private schools; Stealing control from local school districts; Increasing the odds that a child won’t have a certified teacher; Raiding locally collected tax dollars intended for neighborhood schools and students; Allowing guns in classrooms.
“Secret meeting helps reveal House Democrats’ frustration with leader Kionne McGhee” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel — Five House Democrats, who asked for anonymity to speak candidly about McGhee, contend he acquiesces to GOP demands too easily, doesn’t frequently communicate with members and doesn’t do enough to organize Democratic opposition to Republican bills. “There’s a vacuum of leadership,” said one Democratic House member. That frustration threatened to boil over during the closed-door meeting late Wednesday night. Reporters listening through a wall could only hear snippets of McGhee defending his moves to his members and talk about strategies during ongoing budget negotiations. Later reporters were allowed into the meeting to watch Democrats vote for leaders in 2020 and 2022.
“’Privacy’ fears? Lawmakers use old argument against Attorney General’s opioid bill” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Throughout the 2000s, Florida lawmakers repeatedly tried to create a database of drug prescriptions to fight the pill mill crisis as it bloomed into a full-blown epidemic. Now, Florida senators are using the same excuse they used then — patient privacy — to reject a request by Florida’s top law enforcement official. Attorney General Moody wants access to the database to bolster the state’s lawsuit against the nation’s largest drugmakers, distributors and pharmacies, which could be worth billions in damages for Florida and its opioid victims. The Florida House passed their bill 111-0 granting her access to the Florida Department of Health’s data.
Conservative hopes for new Florida Supreme Court fading in Senate” via John Kennedy of the GateHouse Capital Bureau — DeSantis’s appointment of three new, conservative justices to the Florida Supreme Court raised expectations that an array of red-meat policies would swiftly emerge from the Republican-controlled Legislature. But as lawmakers enter the final scheduled week of the 2019 Session, only a dramatic expansion of private school vouchers, using taxpayer dollars, appears poised to win approval and then face a likely legal test before the new-look court. Controversial abortion legislation and other bills that would revisit earlier high-court rulings on workers’ compensation and medical malpractice lawsuit limits have hit a roadblock in the more moderate Senate.
“Build the Suncoast Parkway all the way to Georgia? Nobody told Georgia” via Craig Pittman of the Tampa Bay Times — The massive toll road expansion that Galvano pushed through the Senate originally caught Florida Department of Transportation officials off guard. Galvano had not warned them about it, and they had no plans ready to go. Turns out, they weren’t the only ones in the dark. One major part of Senate Bill 7068 calls for extending the Suncoast Parkway from Citrus County all the way to Jefferson County at the Florida-Georgia state line. One problem: Nobody told Georgia transportation officials.
“Tobacco 21 legislation still in play as session winds down” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — Any hope of raising the buying age for tobacco to 21 this session is dwindling, but Republican Sen. David Simmons presented amendments to try to keep it alive by removing issues that raised flags for competing interest groups. The amendments streamline the bill considerably by only giving the state power to set the purchasing age at 21 and making exceptions for people in the military. Gone is an exemption for cigar smokers. Gone is pre-emption on local government control of marketing. Gone are vape devices from the definition of tobacco. The Senate approved his amendments but still have to bring the measure back for a vote before sending it back to the House.
“Nicklaus Children’s Health System head warns of proposed funding cuts” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — As the final budget vote closes in, Nicklaus Children’s Health System CEO Narendra Kini is calling attention to millions of dollars in proposed cuts to Medicaid that he says would hurt Florida’s vulnerable citizens. “Historically, the Florida Legislature has protected specialty-licensed children’s hospitals from cuts because they’ve understood the importance of the unique care we provide to Florida’s most critically ill and injured children on Medicaid,” Kini wrote in The Miami Herald. “This year, the Legislature is proposing Medicaid cuts that will disproportionately impact Nicklaus Children’s, as a result of the high volume of Medicaid patients we serve. These cuts erode care for South Florida’s most vulnerable children.”
— LEGISLATIVE SCHEDULE —
The Senate will take up numerous issues, including a closely watched proposal that would carry out a constitutional amendment on restoring felons’ voting rights. That’s at 10 a.m., Senate Chamber.
The House is scheduled to hold a floor Session at 10:30 a.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. That’s 15 minutes after floor Session, 401 Senate Office Building.
— GOV. CLUB BUFFET MENU —
Italian minestrone; mixed garden salad with dressings; sweet and sour coleslaw; quinoa salad; deli board; Ronnie’s fried chicken; shepherd’s pie; grilled candied salmon; rice pilaf; steamed broccoli with butter; yellow squash casserole; s’mores for dessert.
— FINAL PERFORMANCE? —
Florida’s film industry is showing signs of being an economic engine, but the lack of a statewide grants program is keeping it from firing on all cylinders, reports Drew Wilson of Florida Politics.
Currently, the only funded and functioning film and television programs in the Sunshine State are at the county level, and the seven counties that have them — Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Duval, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota — are punching above their weight in luring production companies.
Take “Bad Boys 3,” a forthcoming entry into a series that exudes “Florida” more than any other piece of media this side of “Miami Vice.” It brought $10 million to Miami-Dade in eight days. But that’s just a tenth of the film’s projected $100 million budget.
Where’s the rest of that cash going? Georgia, mostly.
The 2019 plan, modeled off North Carolina’s successful program, would have been one of the most fiscally conservative in the nation. It was predicted not just to break even, but turn a profit for the state and get film crews working on more and bigger productions.
Chris Cooney, the chief operating officer of EUE/Screen Gems, told Florida Politics the North Carolina system had done wonders in that state and a similar program in Florida could provide the spark to get film crews working on more and bigger projects.
“We see Florida as having all of the elements to follow the NC path of stepping back into the robust TV content pipeline and getting skilled crew working again on series that stay for extended periods of time,” he said.
— STATEWIDE —
“New Yorkers fleeing for Florida more than any other state” via Joseph Spector of the Democrat & Chronicle — Florida last year had the most people in the U.S. move in from other states. It has New York to thank. New York contributed the most to Florida’s inflow of people, with 63,722 people moving from the Empire State to the Sunshine State between July 2017 and July 2018, the U.S. Census Bureau said Monday.
Assignment editors — CFO Jimmy Patronis will make a major announcement on fraud, 2 p.m. Eastern time, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, 1350 North West 12 Avenue, Miami.
“FEMA sending millions to Panhandle cities, school system” via MyPanhandle.com — Bay District schools will get $22.5 million for the cost of emergency protective measures and debris removal following Hurricane Michael. The money also covers money the district spent providing temporary emergency repairs and temporary day care centers, as well as mold and water remediation and security. The city of Callaway will get $1.2 million. West Florida Electric Cooperative Association will get $24 million for actions it performed to remove immediate threats to public health and safety. Jackson County will get $1.2 million for actions it took to remove immediate threats to public health and safety, such as search and rescue.
“June arguments set in medical marijuana battle” via the News Service of Florida — A Tallahassee-based appeals court will hear arguments June 11 in a battle about whether lawmakers and the Florida Department of Health violated a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana. The 1st District Court of Appeal issued an order scheduling the oral arguments. The Department of Health went to the appeals court in October after Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson sided with the Tampa-based firm Florigrown in a dispute about how the state is carrying out the constitutional amendment. Dodson found that a 2017 law was unconstitutional and issued a temporary injunction requiring state health officials to begin registering Florigrown and other medical-marijuana firms to do business.
“Hepatitis A cases top 950 this year” via the News Service of Florida — As of Saturday, 954 cases of the contagious liver disease had been reported in the state this year, compared to 549 cases in all of 2018 and 276 cases in 2017. Health officials say the outbreak began last year, and 97 percent of the cases since Jan. 1, 2018, have likely been acquired in Florida. During that period, Pinellas County has had the most cases, with 319. Pinellas has been followed by Pasco County with 267 cases; Orange County with 179 cases; and Hillsborough County with 165 cases.
“Want to know about a crime in your neighborhood? New law is making it tough to get details” via Lucy Morgan of the Florida Phoenix — All over the state, law enforcement officials and reporters are struggling with a little-noticed state Constitutional Amendment that has seriously undermined Florida’s long standard of disclosing public information. Similar situations exist in the handful of other states where a similar amendment has passed. In Tallahassee, city police release nothing. The county sheriff releases routine information but conceals the victim upon request. Most troubling to some is the situation that’s created when no details of a crime are released. Sometimes it means that a community may not know its citizens are at risk. And residents will not get the kind of information they need to protect themselves.
“Appeal rejected in infant murder” via the News Service of Florida — An appeals court rejected an appeal from a Panhandle man who was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his 2-month-old daughter in 2013. A panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal turned down arguments by William Thomason, who contended, in part, that statements he made to law-enforcement officers should have been suppressed. Part of the issue involved statements that Thomason made after he agreed to go to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for questioning but before he had been arrested. The appeals court said a circuit judge properly ruled that Thomason was not in custody at the time and that the statements were admissible in the case.
Former judge suspended from legal practice — The Florida Supreme Court on Monday suspended a former circuit judge from practicing law for two years in the wake of an investigation into his accepting baseball tickets from a law firm representing a woman whose personal injury case he was presiding over. John F. Lakin, elected in 2012, quit the bench in March 2016. He served on the 12th Judicial Circuit, which includes DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. He’s also a former Court TV legal analyst and past “Florida Super Lawyer.” Lakin’s resignation ended a judicial conduct inquiry, but The Florida Bar — which regulates the state’s attorneys — filed its own discipline case against him.
“Florida panther stuck on wrong side of highway fence” via The Associated Press — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say the female panther was stuck on the wrong side of the fence last month near Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Spokeswoman Carli Segelson
“Andrew Gillum, Common set to speak at FAMU spring commencement ceremonies” via WTXL — Hip-hop recording artist, actor and activist Common, Florida A&M University (FAMU) alum and former Tallahassee Mayor Gillum will be the speakers at Florida A&M University spring commencement ceremonies. FAMU said more than 1,200 students are expected to be awarded degrees during the three ceremonies. Common, who studied business administration at FAMU, is scheduled to address College of Science and Technology, College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and School of the Environment graduates on Saturday, May 4, at the 9 a.m., commencement ceremony in the Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. Gillum is scheduled to speak to graduates at the 6 p.m., ceremony on Friday, May 3.
— MAKING WAVES —
It could’ve been Dr. Frazer’s extracurricular activities that catalyzed his environmental career.
Craig Pittman for the Tampa Bay Times recently reported that Frazer — who was appointed by DeSantis to fill the new Chief Science Officer role — cut his green teeth during childhood as a surfer in California.
— What else?: We also know that Frazer plans to dial-in on water quality issues above all else, like the notorious blue-green algae that plague southeastern waterways during summer. “At this point, they do not include tackling rising sea levels, protecting the state’s aquifer-saving wetlands, or finding a new habitat for the Florida panther and other endangered species.”
— High praise: Environmentalists are optimistic toward and offered praise for Frazer, the 54-year-old director of the University of Florida’s School of Natural Resources and Environment. An organizer for the Sierra Club, for example, said Frazer “will be an asset to the state if he acts immediately and forcefully to promote the strict regulation of the pollution that is threatening life as we used to know it in Florida.”
— Familiar refrain: The Times story can’t tell us more about Frazer because, well, the paper can’t get an interview with him. “Despite repeated requests … officials declined to make Frazer available for an in-depth interview.”
— LOCAL —
“Violent video games may have primed the Parkland school shooter” via Megan O’Matz of the Sun-Sentinel — “Die, die, die,’ the Parkland school shooter wrote in a story for language arts class in middle school. His explanation: It was a line from his ‘Call of Duty’ warfare video game booklet.
“Sex videos from spa in Robert Kraft prostitution case to remain sealed by court” via Marc Freeman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Over the objection of lawyers for numerous news media outlets, Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Joseph Marx sided with the wishes of defense attorneys for Kraft and several other people charged in the case. The video recordings, from five days in January and secret cameras planted by Jupiter police, have been the focus of heated court battles, and even one alleged leak. “I’m not messing around with this,” Marx said, choosing to piggyback on a “protective order” last week from County Judge Leonard Hanser in Kraft’s misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution cases.
“Virtual auctions of surplus property paying off for Orange County, comptroller says” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Auction revenue in the past eight months soared to $1.21 million, up $400,000 from the last live and in-person auction in 2018, which pulled in $810,000, said Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond, who opted for virtual auctions last year. “Moving to online auctions has been a huge success for Orange County taxpayers,” said Diamond, who tries to stage one online auction a month. “The winning bidders in these online auctions are the taxpayers of Orange County.” Diamond’s office is now conducting its 10th online auction in the past 12 months. The website is occompt.com/auctions.
“Hernando School Board again shoots down charter school, citing proposal’s shoddy details” via Jack Evans of the Tampa Bay Times — School Board members found flaws and inconsistencies in the new proposal for Chehuntamo Advanced Performance High School. They denied the application with a unanimous vote. Earlier in the day, Michael Maynard, chairman of the board of the directors for the proposed school, presented his plan to the School Board. Board member Linda Prescott was the first to put the heat on Maynard in the questions that followed, as she pointed out a slew of typos and grammatical errors in the proposal — a concern she raised two years ago. She also noted that the Miccosukee word “chehuntamo” does not mean “a place for learning,” as Maynard has asserted, but is rather a friendly greeting like “hello.”
“Florida Chamber backs Jason Shoaf in HD 7 special” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — The Florida Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Port St. Joe Republican Jason Shoaf in the special election for House District 7. “Jason Shoaf’s experience in the private sector is an invaluable asset for representing Florida’s business community,” Florida Chamber president Mark Wilson said Monday. “Shoaf’s business leadership will give HD 7 a strong voice to grow small businesses, job creation, and the Panhandle’s regional economy.” Shoaf is running for the seat vacated by former Republican Rep. Halsey Beshears, who was tapped to lead the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. He faces Democratic nominee Ryan Terrell in the June 18 special general election.
“Early voting opens for Jacksonville runoff election” via Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union — The May 14 runoff will decide five City Council races — for seats representing Districts 8, 10 and 14 and the At-Large, Group 1 and 3 seats, which are elected countywide. Turnout is expected to be low — maybe 9 to 12 percent for the entire election — but Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan said each early voting site was staffed by eight to 10 poll workers in case unexpected crowds materialized. “We don’t have do-overs,” Hogan said. About 20,000 people had requested mail-in ballots by Monday, Hogan said.
Happening tonight:
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Rod Rosenstein submits letter of resignation to Donald Trump” via Eric Tucker and Michael Balsamo of The Associated Press — Rosenstein‘s departure had been expected since the confirmation of William Barr as attorney general. The White House nominated a replacement for the department’s No. 2 slot weeks ago. Rosenstein intended to leave around mid-March but stayed on for the completion of special counsel Robert Mueller‘s Russia investigation. Mueller last month submitted his report to the Justice Department, and Rosenstein was part of a small group of department officials who reviewed the document and helped shape its public release. After Mueller didn’t conclude whether Trump had obstructed the investigation, Barr and Rosenstein stepped in and determined the evidence wasn’t enough to support such an allegation.
“Rick Scott to Congress: Pass disaster relief bill” via Collin Breaux of the News Herald — More than two hundred days after Hurricane Michael tore through Tyndall Air Force Base and surrounding areas, Sen. Rick Scott pleaded for a federal supplemental disaster relief bill to be passed by Congress. “We’re not where we need to be,” said Scott. “We are sitting at (over 200) days without solving these problems. It’s been frustrating. I’ve been in the Senate now for about 100 days and this is all politics. It’s not about, ‘What do I need to do?’ The Democrats are playing politics with this disaster relief.”
“This Trump appointee has a history of fighting the National Weather Service. Will Rick Scott and Marco Rubio support him anyway?” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — Trump’s pick to run the federal agency in charge of weather forecasting and water monitoring hit a snag this month. A federal report alleged widespread sexual harassment at AccuWeather, the former company of his nominee, Barry Myers. It’s the second time this year accusations of a hostile work environment at AccuWeather have surfaced in news reports. Few states have as intimate of a relationship with the agency Myers would lead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as weather-worried Florida. Yet amid the controversy with Myers, Florida’s two Republican senators, Rubio and Scott, wouldn’t say if they support his nomination.
“Val Demings pushes to keep feds from buying teachers’ guns” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Demings has introduced legislation that would forbid the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from directing counterterrorism money toward arming teachers. This year’s model may find more traction in the now Democratically-controlled House, though it’s not likely to see a companion piece go anywhere in the U.S. Senate. “Arming teachers is a recipe for disaster — a reckless plan which will complicate active-shooter situations, as well as forcing teachers to take on not only the responsibility but also the hurt, pain, guilt, and liability when they find themselves out-skilled and outgunned — with our children in the crossfire,” Demings said in a release.
“NRCC jabs Donna Shalala over record at University of Miami” via Kevin Derby of the Sunshine State News — Last week, after CBS 4 Miami did a story on conditions at Miami International Airport, Shalala held a roundtable with Eulen
— 2020 —
“Trump schedules rally in Panama City Beach” via The Associated Press — Panama City Beach officials have confirmed that the White House has booked Aaron Bessant Park for one of the President’s political rallies. The event is scheduled to take place on May 8. This is the second time Trump has held a rally at Aaron Bessant Park.
“Beto O’Rourke’s $5 trillion climate plan aims for net-zero emissions by 2050” via Ben Geman of Axios — This is O’Rourke‘s first major policy proposal, and it stakes out an aggressive position on tackling global warming through executive action and legislation. The plan is highly detailed and includes provisions related to making the country more resilient to extreme weather events. It suggests that O’Rourke sees moving left on emissions as a way to attract younger and more progressive voters. Several major elements would require new legislation on Capitol Hill, including its call for a “legally enforceable” standard for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The reliance on Capitol Hill for key elements heavily clouds its prospects due to widespread GOP resistance to aggressive emissions policies.
— OPINIONS —
“Colombia’s new president reflects that country’s desire for a new era of conservatism” via Rick Scott for the Miami Herald — As Governor of Florida, I had the honor of attending the inauguration of the new Colombian President, Iván Duque. And just last week, I traveled to Colombia to discuss the issue of narco-trafficking and our shared goal of freedom and democracy in Venezuela with President Duque and other leaders. Since his inauguration, President Duque has taken strong measures to support freedom and democracy in Latin America, improve Colombia’s economy, and continue the progress made in tackling the drug trafficking problem. He has been an invaluable ally during the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. Colombia has taken in millions of refugees, by some estimates, who are fleeing the oppression of the brutal Nicholás Maduro regime.
“I’m a proud Democrat. I’m also a proud capitalist.” via Stephanie Murphy for The Washington Post — I’m a Democrat in the House of Representatives who recently became a minor cause célèbre after I publicly pronounced myself a “proud capitalist” distressed by the increasing use of the term “socialism” in our national discourse. While this term has come to mean different things to different people, it signals disenchantment with — and a desire to discard — the capitalist model that the United States has embraced since its founding. Like other immigrants who found sanctuary in the United States, I possess a deep well of gratitude for this country. My patriotism is rooted in the fact that, were it not for the combination of U.S. power and generosity, my family’s story likely would have ended in tragedy.
“Florida is still hurting from Hurricane Michael — will D.C. lend a helping hand?” via Greg Brudnicki for The Hill — Washington, D.C., has been agonizingly slow to react. That’s why I’m coming to D.C. this week to meet with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, National Security Council and the Education Department, as well as Florida Sens. Rubio and Scott and Rep. Neal Dunn, among others. We need to keep the issue on the radar of our nation’s leadership. By virtually every measure, the storm’s impact was unprecedented. Bay County, which was at the center of the winds and water, was littered with 10 times as much debris as 2017’s Hurricane Irma created in 50-plus counties across Florida. There is still more to do.
“Florida remains committed to protecting our children” via Chad Poppell for the Florida Times-Union — As the secretary of the Department of Children and Families, it is my mission to see every day as an opportunity to get one step closer to eliminating child abuse and providing meaningful support to strengthening Florida families. In coordination with our partners at Prevent Child Abuse Florida and the Florida Coalition for Children, the Department of Children and Families works hard every day to educate communities on preventing and recognizing child abuse. The critical resources and support provided by child welfare organizations can help rebuild and maintain a healthy and safe family environment — so that abuse never occurs.
“Hope for criminal justice reforms” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board — With four days left in the Florida Legislature’s annual session, one of the last big issues left to be resolved is criminal justice reform. There are enough good ideas left in play that lawmakers involved in the negotiations, including Sen. Brandes and Rep. Chris Sprowls, should not miss this opportunity to compromise and move forward. Florida cannot afford to keep paying the rising costs for nearly 96,000 prison inmates and keep clinging to outdated policies that lock up too many nonviolent offenders. The legislation passed by the House on Monday, HB 7125, does not go as far enough in several respects. For example, it lacks any substantive diversion programs for first-time drug offenders that could significantly reduce prison costs.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Bo Rivard named to Citizens Insurance Board of Governors” via Florida Politics — Chief Financial Officer Patronis announced the appointment of attorney Bo Rivard to the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors. The Panama City resident has more than 20 years of experience working for the families and businesses of our state, Patronis said. “I’m thrilled that he will be joining the Citizens board,” he added. “He has seen firsthand the financial impact of natural disasters, and I know he will work tirelessly for every policyholder.”
“Personnel note: Michael Waltz hires Allison Nielsen as new comms director” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — In a Monday email to Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz’s staffers, current communications director Joanna Rodriguez announced she was leaving the office and being replaced by Allison Nielsen. Rodriguez wrote, “Fortunately, I am leaving things in the exceptionally capable hands of Allison Nielsen” … Nielsen’s career in Florida politics stretches back a decade when she took a job on former CFO Jeff Atwater’s first campaign for the Cabinet position. The FAU alumna has since worked as the capital reporter for Sunshine State News and has served as communications director for three members of Congress.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Josh Aubuchon, Mark Delegal, Holland & Knight: Gastro Health, South Florida ENT Associates
Joseph Cohn, Tyler Coward: Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
Nick Iarossi, Capital City Consulting: Fire Safe Florida
Lauren Jackson, Ericks Consultants: Florida Association of Counties
James McFaddin, Erin Rock, Clark Smith, Southern Strategy Group: Florida Barber Academy, SleepMed Therapies
Douglas Russell, D. Russell & Associates: International Jai-Alai Players Association
— SUNSHINE SPORTS —
At 8-20, the Miami Marlins have the worst record in Major League Baseball.
— Mound promise: The Miami Herald says the team’s young pitchers offer a bit hope.
He’ll have to earn the job, but former Arizona quarterback Josh Rosen is now a Miami Dolphin.
— No given: Rosen, who became expendable when Arizona drafted Kyler Murray first overall last week, is not a guaranteed start in Miami.
On the subject of the draft, teams took a no ‘Bull’ approach.
— USF snubbed: The University of South Florida had no players taken in the NFL draft. Next year’s outlook is better, though.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s historic season and not-so-historic postseason could factor into player decisions.
— Get the Point?: A key to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s offseason will be signing center Brayden Point to a contract extension. It won’t be easy.
— ALOE —
“’Crash into’ the Dave Matthews Band’s first ever show in Pensacola at the Bay Center” via the Pensacola News Journal — 8 p.m. April 30. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Dave Matthews Band recently announced the dates for its 2019 North American summer tour and the headline run will kick off for the band’s first-ever show in Pensacola. The Grammy Award-winning band has sold more than 24 million tickets since its inception and a collective 38 million CDs and DVDs combined. With the release of 2018’s Come Tomorrow, Dave Matthews Band became the first group in history to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. $95, $75 and $39.50. More info: 850-432-0800 or pensacolabaycenter.com.
“Blue Angels to return to Disney, fly above Epcot” via Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are scheduled to fly over Epcot on Thursday, May 2. The pilots are expected to make two passes above Spaceship Earth, the big-ball centerpiece of the theme park, in the morning. The appearances, Disney says, are in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Their flight will continue to the south for the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, which is May 4-5. For best viewing from the ground in Central Florida, Disney suggests the areas between Spaceship Earth and the entrance to World Showcase.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to the great (and a Golden Rotunda winner) Jennifer Green, Ambassador Allan Katz, former U.S. ambassador to Portugathe brilliant Lori Killinger, Lauren Schenone, as well as Amanda Colon and our friend, political consultant April Schiff. And belated birthday wishes to state Sen. Gary Farmer and former Sen. John Legg.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, Dan McAuliffe, and Drew Wilson.
