Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 5.1.19

Breaking overnight (and we genuinely mean overnight) — House and Senate budget chiefs agreed Tuesday to a roughly $90 billion budget deal, but lawmakers will not end the 2019 Legislative Session on time, reports the heroic staff of the News Service of Florida, which stayed up late while most of us were tucked into bed.

The budget needed to be distributed Tuesday to meet the scheduled Friday end of the Session. That is because of a mandatory 72-hour “cooling off” period before lawmakers can vote on the budget. But the budget was not distributed by Tuesday night.

“We’re probably going to spill into Saturday on the budget, hopefully about mid-day, maybe early afternoon,” House Speaker Jose Oliva said early Wednesday after a marathon House floor session. “The final details are always very difficult, and the staff works diligently, but there’s just so many details to cover.”

Of course, this is EXACTLY what #FlaPol told you would happen. If you read our pop-up email “Brunch,” which laid out the structural issues that stood in the way of on-time Sine Die or our A.G. Gancarski’s interview with House Appropriations Chairman Travis Cummings, you already knew that the possibility of an extended Session was a distinct possibility.

Of course, there was at least one reporter who pooh poohed such predictions:

BREAKING: Local reporter says session will end on time https://t.co/XeHoDRjJzP

— Matt Dixon (@Mdixon55) April 22, 2019

He’s with the same outlet that kept telling y’all that a gambling deal was imminent when #FlaPol was shorting such a possibility. That led one prominent anti-gambling lobbyist to message:

But, you know, go pro and all that. Or maybe I should get to the Capitol more, amIrite?

Where else would I learn enough to first report:

— that a deal had been struck to not dramatically cut spending for hospitals:

I’ll leave it to @ChristineSexton to better explain but word on Adams Street is that hospitals have averted a large, across-the-board cut to their base rate. House had a 3% cut.

And with that there will be a CON repeal. #FlaPol pic.twitter.com/z10JhkUXES

— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) April 26, 2019

— or that Speaker Oliva was ready to step in to save Visit Florida:

What if, at the last moment, @RepJoseOliva agrees to 50 mil and a year extension? He’d look quite a nice guy, right? https://t.co/9IGJKsYKNC

— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) April 25, 2019

I apologize if the long night – not the #GameofThrones’ long night – but Tuesday/Wednesday’s House floor Session has me punchy.

—

 

Tampa swears in Jane Castor this morning as the city’s new Mayor. Where does that leave outgoing Mayor Bob Buckhorn after eight successful years in office?

Sure, he had enemies. He could be abrasive when challenged, and he never would pass an ideological purity test. The man even worked with Republican Gov. Rick Scott on projects that benefitted Tampa, including a $2.7 million allocation for the city’s streetcar system.

Buckhorn’s fellow Democrats didn’t like that, but as he told the Tampa Bay Times, “I remind them my job isn’t to be the Democratic mayor of Tampa. It’s to be the mayor of Tampa.”

Buckhorn didn’t get far when he kicked the tires about running for Governor in 2016, but Democrats should look in the mirror. You have lost six consecutive elections for the state’s top job. You’ve won only two Cabinet positions during that time.

It might be time for new thinking.

While Democrats in the city and around the state sometimes mumbled about Buckhorn, the people of Tampa loved him. His approval rating as he leaves office is more than 70 percent.

Rather than grumble about what Dems believe he did wrong, they should ask why people like him so much.

He got things done. Tampa is a much more vibrant city now than when Buckhorn took over as Mayor in 2011.

Tampa has a great airport, but some people said it was foolish to compete for international flights because Orlando had all those. Well, not anymore. Buckhorn was a key player in expanding air service here.

They said no Fortune 500 company would move here. Wrong again. The giant Mosaic company is in the process of doing that.

Downtown would never be a destination for anything more than work. Buckhorn had other ideas.

Democrats could use that kind of thinking, and Bob Buckhorn suddenly has time on his hands.

“Tampa readies for its 59th Mayor” via Charlie Frago of the Tampa Bay Times — Castor, the 59-year-old former police chief, will become the city’s 59th Mayor in a ceremony highlighting women’s voices. Castor will be sworn into office by U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven. Tampa (and Cuban born) poet Silvia Curbelo will read “Notes on Courage” during a “Words of Wisdom” segment. And Barie Fry, the young daughter of Hillsborough County women’s advocate Yvonne Fry, will sing the national anthem. Scriven will also swear in the new Tampa City Council. Returning members Charlie Miranda, Luis Viera and Guido Maniscalco and new members Bill Carlson, Orlando Gudes, Joe Citro and John Dingfelder.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RealDonaldTrump: If Cuban Troops and Militia do not immediately CEASE military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela, a full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions, will be placed on the island of Cuba. Hopefully, all Cuban soldiers will promptly and peacefully return to their island!

Tweet, tweet:

Wild-Eyed Marco Rubio Embarks In Rowboat To Help Venezuela Coup Effort https://t.co/GJVhMrUrZu pic.twitter.com/RGifObtpGC

— The Onion (@TheOnion) April 30, 2019

—@RepJoseOliva: Today, the Florida House will stand with freedom-loving Venezuelans everywhere when we vote on HM205. This House Memorial will be sent to Congress asking them to intensify sanctions, hold the [Nicolás] Maduro regime accountable for civilian deaths, and honor election results

—@JoseJavierJJR: .@GovRonDeSantis SB 168 would facilitate the deportation of Venezuelans to the horrors of the Maduro dictatorship. If you stand with Venezuelans like you say you do, withdraw support for this anti-immigrant bill here in Florida.

Tweet, tweet:

Congratulations to the parents and students who will benefit from passage of #SB7070 this day. Thanks to @voteforjennifer and @SenMannyDiazJr, to @RepJoseOliva @BillGalvano @richardcorcoran and @GovRonDeSantis and to @JebBush, always, for the vision and the drive. #FlaPol

— Best Fit Florida (@BestFitFlorida) April 30, 2019

—@MahoneysTheName: After @voteforjennifer said today’s news was a SRO whose gun went off, not an armed teacher, @NEWTFL stood up and emotionally rebuked her. “I don’t care who had the gun go off. We had kids there. You start putting guns in schools, and you start explaining it away, that’s insane.

—@SenJanetCruz: For those who say we should not force families to send their students to “failing” schools — perhaps investing in our public schools rather than sending the money to voucher schools could help.

—@Fineout: Yep. State legislators — many of whom spend a lot of time after hours at members’ only The Governor’s Club — are in a place that is a gun-free zone. “No firearms or other weapons of any kind are permitted on the Club property at any time” unless carried by law-enforcement

—@FloridaStorms: Activity is already bubbling up in the Atlantic, but it’s only a “rainmaker” for Florida later this week.

Tweet, tweet:

My advisor recommended I stop risking 100% of my money on Daily Doubles. I fired his ass https://t.co/rFx75HHzJl

— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) April 26, 2019

— DAYS UNTIL —

2019 Legislative Session ends (maybe) — 2; National Orange Juice Day — 3; Star Wars Day — 3; Kentucky Derby — 3; Mother’s Day — 11; Florida Chamber Florida Business Leaders’ Summit on Prosperity and Economic Opportunity — 24; Memorial Day — 26; Florida Democratic Leadership Blue conference and fundraiser — 38; U.S. Open begins — 43; Father’s Day — 46; Florida Chamber Learners to Earners Workforce Summit begins — 51; First Democratic presidential debates in Miami — 56; Independence Day — 64; Second Democratic presidential debates in Detroit — 90; Florida Gators opens vs. Miami football — 115; St. Petersburg primary election — 119; UCF Golden Knights open vs. Florida A&M football — 120; FSU Seminoles open vs. Boise State football — 122; Labor Day — 124; “Joker” opens — 156; Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 180; Scott Maddox trial begins — 187; 2019 General Election — 188; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon begins — 190; Iowa Caucuses — 278; Florida’s presidential primary — 321; 2020 General Election — 552.

— TOP STORY —

“Major education bill to create new school voucher and redo teacher bonuses passes House” via Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — The bill, Senate Bill 7070, achieves a goal that has been sought by Republicans since Jeb Bush was governor: funding a voucher for low-income families than can be used by parents to send their children to private schools using the state pot of per-student funding for public schools. Bush was on the floor of the House afternoon when the bill came to a final vote, along with commissioner of education and former speaker Richard Corcoran, plus Senate leaders, all of whom stood up and applauded when the bill passed 76-39. “Almost 20 years ago one visionary leader started Florida and Florida’s children on a path to choice,” House Speaker José Oliva said when introducing Bush to the members.

— THE ADMINISTRATION —

“Ron DeSantis talked to Donald Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton as Venezuela crisis intensifies” via Michael Moline of Florida Phoenix — The Governor’s daily schedule indicated that DeSantis had spoken with Bolton by telephone at 8 a.m. It would have been at least their third communication during April, including a joint appearance during a commemoration of the Bay of Pigs invasion in Miami. DeSantis and members of the Legislature have called for the ouster of President Maduro following a disputed election and a crackdown on his political opposition. DeSantis’ schedule also indicated meetings with his chief of staff, Shane Strum; legislative affairs director Stephanie Kopelousos; and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez.

“Gov’s counsel: Jackson knew about abuse, covered it up” via Tom McLaughlin of the Northwest Florida Daily News — In a bench memorandum presented to Special Master Dudley Goodlette outlining his case against suspended Okaloosa County School Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson, an attorney for the governor argues that Jackson knew about child abuse going on in the district she ran for six years.

“Florida League of Cities to DeSantis: Veto cancer benefits for firefighters” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Florida League of Cities sent a letter to DeSantis asking him to veto a bill mandating cancer coverage for firefighters across the state. That brought immediate outrage from Republican Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, who supports the legislation, calling the league’s position “shameful.” The League has consistently opposed the legislation, arguing it unfairly shifts costs to local governments. “In theory, it sounds like a worthwhile initiative, which is why it was met with great fanfare during Legislative Session. However, when you dig into the details, this is a significant unfunded mandate with widespread negative impact on property taxpayers,” the letter reads.

— BUDGET NOTES —

Expect (or pray for) House Speaker Oliva and Senate President Bill Galvano to unveil a spending plan this morning.

Late Tuesday night, budget chiefs Sen. Rob Bradley and Rep. Travis Cummings held their last conference and unveiled supplemental spending — or sprinkle — lists.

We don’t know a final figure for the 2019-20 budget, but we do know that lawmakers are shaping up to wrap their work closer to or on Saturday, instead of the planned Friday Sine Die. That’s due to a 72-hour ‘cooling off’ lawmakers are required to undergo before voting on the spending plan.

— ‘Super-preeminence’: The Senate’s largest sprinkle expenditure is a $15 million appropriation for “National Ranking Operational Enhancement” at Florida State University and the University of Florida.

— Jax sprinkle: With both budget chairs hailing from Northeast Florida, the sprinkle list for the area is worth mention. The Senate list funded $250,000 for American Beach’s Well and Septic Tank Phase Out in Nassau County, of what was over $1 million sought. The House sprinkle list included $10 million for a University of North Florida “operational increase,” and $2 million for Lassiter Hall renovations.

— Thanks, Oliva: South Florida scored millions from sprinkle appropriations. The money mainly went to universities, infrastructure and elderly care. For example, FIU saw a $15 million operational increase in the House list, while FAU was given a $12 million operational increase.

— Thanks, Galvano: With Senate President Galvano enjoying a presiding officer’s role this session, Bradenton came out on top in budget battles.

— Central Florida: The big winner for the area is Osceola County’s BRIDG high-tech center. It’s in line to receive $4.5 million in the proposed 2019-20 state budget.

“Last-minute projects funded in House, Senate ‘sprinkle lists’” via Florida Politics — Each year, legislative leaders withhold some money from the budgeting process until the end. As explained by Jason Garcia for Florida Trend: The money can be “used to sprinkle one last helping of hometown projects into the budget in order to get a budget deal done.” Each side of the rotunda, at least in recent years, has its own equal pot of money to spend. The House’s supplemental funding — or sprinkle — list totals more than $133 million. The largest line item is a $15 million appropriation to Florida International University for “operational support.” The Senate’s largest sprinkle expenditure is a $15 million appropriation for “National Ranking Operational Enhancement” at Florida State University and the University of Florida.

“Central Florida scores millions in ‘sprinkle’ wins” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Osceola County’s BRIDG high-tech center was the big Central Florida winner in supplemental appropriations coming out of the Florida Legislature’s 2020 budget deals. It’s in line to receive $4.5 million in the proposed 2019-20 state budget. That makes it the top-funded item for Central Florida to be found in either the House or Senate supplemental funding — or “sprinkle” lists — that was released. The Bridging the Innovation Development Gap center, known as BRIDG, opened two years ago, as a publicly backed, commercially operated high-tech research, development and manufacturing center. It focuses on microelectronics specialty sensors.

“South Florida sees simoleons in ‘sprinkle lists’” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Most of the major funding projects can be grouped into three main categories: University appropriations, money for infrastructure upgrades, and funding for care of the elderly and disabled. On the university funding front, both Florida International University(FIU) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) scored big in Tuesday’s release. FIU saw a $15 million operational increase in the House list, while FAU was given a $12 million operational increase.  But that wasn’t all for the two schools. The House also set aside $11.5 million for FAU High Schoolto go toward its Developmental Research School and $1 million for a Life Sciences building for FAU-Jupiter. The Senate added $750,000 for the FAU Max Planck Scientific Fellowship Program and $2.5 million for targeted STEM initiatives at FIU.

“Lawmakers pump money into clemency process” via Ana Ceballos of News Service of Florida — Florida lawmakers are setting aside money to help alleviate the state’s heavy clemency caseload and speed up the process in which felons’ rights can be restored. Top House and Senate budget writers have agreed to provide $750,000 to the Florida Commission on Offender Review during the upcoming fiscal year to help with the investigative portion of the process that leads to decisions by the Board of Executive Clemency. That money will help DeSantis and Cabinet members, who act as the board, to chip away at nearly 24,000 clemency cases that had not been resolved as of April 1.

Another $5M for Super Bowl costs — As reported by Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida, lobbyist Ron Book, who sits on the Super Bowl host committee, is behind the fourth-quarter push. The proposal isn’t likely to go anywhere according to both Book and House budget chief Cummings, who said: “any last-minute attempts by various groups to dictate where they spend their appropriated funds is unreasonable.” Senate budget chief Bradley didn’t comment on the proviso language, but Fred Piccolo, a spokesman for House Speaker Oliva, marked it down as a “hell no.”

— SESSION — 

“House, Senate grapple with ‘sanctuary cities’ differences” via Ana Ceballos of the News Service of Florida — The House early Wednesday substituted its proposed sanctuary-city ban for a Senate version of the bill. Before the House decision, Sen. Travis Hutson, said such a move could potentially send the “whole thing up in flames.” …The House proposal, in part, includes tougher sanctions for policymakers who don’t fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The House plan would allow local-government employees and elected officials to be suspended or removed from office, and local governments could be fined up to $5,000 for each day they have sanctuary-city policies in place. The House also wants to allow people to bring wrongful-death lawsuits against local governments if their loved ones are killed or injured by undocumented immigrants as a result of local sanctuary-city policies

“Florida Democrats say shot at killing sanctuary cities bill fell 10 minutes short” via Samantha Gross of the Times/Herald — Because the bill was taken up before midnight, Democrats said they fell 10 minutes short of killing the contentious bill, as House rules maintain that a bill cannot be heard twice in one day. If the bill were to be taken up twice, session would have to “gavel out” and then “gavel back in” for a new floor session, according to House spokesman Fred Piccolo.

Tweet, tweet:

Just before 2AM, I made good on my commitment to do everything possible to kill hard-line immigration legislation SB 168 in the FL House. We’ll use every tool at our disposal (incl. filibustering) to stop this bill that rips immigrant families apart. We are better than this! pic.twitter.com/T1HSHSan4P

— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) May 1, 2019

“Senate scraps criminal sentencing changes” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida politics — The Senate is expected to move forward with a watered-down criminal justice reform package that will not include earlier ideas to get inmates out of prison earlier and provide more judicial discretion. Sen. Jeff Brandes said the Senate could vote on the House’s reform bill (HB 7125) after amending it. In an amendment to the House bill, the St. Petersburg Republican excluded major reforms he ushered through Senate panels earlier this year. Brandes said he dropped some provisions as part of an agreement with the House. Now, the legislation will no longer offer judge’s discretion in sentencing some criminals charged with drug crimes that carry mandatory minimums — something Brandes had wanted initially.

“Repeal of Constitution Revision Commission dead in House” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Rep. Brad Drake, the bill’s sponsor there, confirmed the joint resolution (HJR 249) would not be heard. He expressed dismay the commission will likely meet again in another couple of decades: “18 years from now, the headlines will say: ‘Clandestine Committee to Meet.’” That’s despite the Florida Senate voting last week in favor of the measure. The Constitution Revision Commission to in place in 2017-18 proposed several amendments that were heavily criticized for bundling unrelated issues together. Drake predicts that’ll be a problem again.

“Lawmakers send anti-hazing law expansion to Governor” via The Associated Press — The House voted 114-0 for the measure making people who organize hazing culpable if someone is seriously injured or dies, even if the organizer didn’t participate in the event. It also prohibits hazing of former members of fraternities or other organizations. Current law addresses pledges and active members. The vote came after the parents of Andrew Coffey made a tearful plea in support of the bill. The 20-year-old Florida State University student died of alcohol poisoning in November 2017 at an off-campus fraternity party. The bill provides immunity for the first person who calls 911 to get help for a hazing victim or provides immediate aid.

“Opioid alternative education bill ready for Governor” via the News Service of Florida — The Florida Department of Health will be required to develop and distribute an educational pamphlet regarding the use of non-opioid alternatives to treat pain, under a bill that received final approval from the Florida Legislature. The measure (HB 451) would also require health providers to discuss non-opioid alternatives with a patient before prescribing an opioid. The proposal is intended to help reduce the number of drug overdoses, which have been steadily increasing and are now the leading cause of death in the U.S. The bill is now headed to DeSantis.

“Mixed bag: ‘T21’ bill includes tobacco industry priorities” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Lawmakers are considering upping the age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21, but the legislation also contains some major priorities for tobacco companies. SB 1618 and HB 7199 would pre-empt local government efforts to combat youth tobacco use by blocking them from setting their restrictions on tobacco marketing. The pre-emption language is also included in HB 1299, though that bill would not increase the minimum purchasing age. The provision is enough of a poison pill that groups that otherwise support raising the purchasing age, such as the American Heart Association, no longer support the bill. “It’s a sad state of affairs — a bill with such good intentions has been maimed with toxic amendments,” said Mark Landreth, the association’s senior government relations director.

“Dental student loan program heads to Governor” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — HB 843 would provide up to $50,000 in loan repayments per dentist per year if they opt to work in a public health program that serves Medicaid recipients and other low-income patients. It also directs the state Department of Health to set up a “Donated Dental Services Program,” which will create a network of volunteer dentists to treat needy patients who cannot afford dental work but are ineligible for public assistance. The Florida Dental Association, which backed the measure, lauded the Legislature for passing the bill: “This vote is a significant step forward in providing immediate solutions to improve oral health, and resulting overall health, for all Floridians, particularly in our state’s underserved and rural areas.”

“Bill would put a halt on plastic straw bans” via The Associated Press — The bill passed the Senate on a 24-15 vote. It also requires a study of local straw bans that have already been enacted in Florida, including the information governments relied on to make their decisions. A legislative analysis of the bill lists 10 Florida cities that have enacted straw bans, including Miami Beach, St. Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale. The bill also has language requiring local governments to address the collection and processing of recyclable materials contaminated with non-recyclable trash. Governments couldn’t require private recycling companies to pick up and process contaminated recyclables unless it is specified in a contract.

“Red tide research bill wins final approval in Legislature” via The Associated Press — The House voted 112-1 for the measure providing $3 million a year for the next six years to research red tide. The bill now goes to DeSantis. The research would be a partnership between the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Laboratory. Florida recently experienced one of its largest red tide blooms in recorded history. The 15-month bloom caused respiratory irritations in people and killed sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and fish. The main sponsor, Republican Sen. Joe Gruters, said the state has traditionally spent money on red tide research during a bloom, but the money dries up when the bloom ends.

— MORE SESSION —

“Noah Pransky: House tries to throw shade on sunshine” via Florida Politics — Adding more exemptions — voters’ names and addresses — to Florida’s century-old Public Records Law sounds like a well-intended legislative effort to protect privacy. HB 281, approved 110-0 by the House, would prohibit the public from examining voter registration rolls, while preserving a giant exemption to the exemption for lawmakers’ friends and donors who run political campaigns and committees. In other words, the House wants to prohibit average citizens from getting records which have been public in Florida for decades but continue to allow the very political groups who often abuse the data to continue to have full access. I want lawmakers to know: They need to let this one die.

“Tucked in proviso: Medicaid managed-care rollout” via Christine Sexton of the News Service of Florida — In a weekend meeting, the House floated proviso language that would require the state to develop a new equitable formula for assigning Medicaid recipients to managed-care plans when they don’t voluntarily make a choice. The proviso requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to submit to the Legislature no later than August 31 details on how it will change the current assignment process. The proviso also requires the new process to be implemented no later than November 1. The late-night proviso also would eliminate $3 million from the state agency for Health Care Administration’s administrative budget until it delivers the new formula. The Senate did not agree to the move, and the issue remains in flux.

“Health care bill breathes new life into proposal to cap strong smokable medical pot” via the Miami Herald — While House Health & Human Services Chairman Ray Rodrigues‘ bill to cap medical THC — the naturally occurring element in marijuana that produces a high — was never heard on the floor and failed to get a Senate companion, the Estero Republican’s proposal is not dead yet. The motion was tacked on as an amendment to a larger health-related agency bill. The amendment was filed to a Senate bill dealing with the Department of Health and could be taken up on the House floor. The proposal would limit the amount of THC, in dried leaves and marijuana flowers to 10 percent, citing research indicating that high-potency marijuana is associated with earlier onset of psychosis and the development of schizophrenia in marijuana users.

“Florida would be first state limiting THC in smokable medical marijuana” via Florida Politics — Limits of THC levels have long been a norm with oils and edibles in the medicinal cannabis world. But a legislative proposal could make Florida the first state to regulate levels in smokable products. Rodrigues, an Estero Republican, earlier this year sponsored legislation (HB 7117) to limit tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, levels. The bill was sent to the House floor but awaits a vote. The Senate has never acted on the issue. Now, Rodrigues has filed an amendment with the 10% THC cap to a health care licensing bill (SB 188) already passed by the Senate. He wants the measure added before the House approves the legislation.

Spotted — Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers in “Say hello to the marijuana industry’s secret weapon” via Fox Business — Since becoming CEO, Rivers has overseen the company’s approval to cultivate and distribute medical marijuana in the state of Florida and the opening of Trulieve’s first retail store … Rivers also helped to orchestrate the acquisition of dispensaries in California and Massachusetts toward the end of 2018, pushing Trulieve into two recreationally legal states. Perhaps most impressive is that Trulieve Cannabis is one of only a few operationally profitable pot stocks … That’s a job well done for a company that’s been built from the ground up in four years

“Group of Jewish Floridians hammer anti-Semitism bill, call for veto” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — More than 30 Jewish Floridians wrote to DeSantis saying the anti-Semitism bill heading to his desk goes beyond what is appropriate. Signatories, which include constitutional lawyer Alan Levine, prominent Miami lawyer Benjamin Waxman, and two rabbis among others, urges a veto. “While HB 741 is to be commended for adding ‘religion’ to the prohibited categories of discrimination in the existing law, as Jewish Floridians, we strongly object on two grounds to those provisions of the bill relating to anti-Semitism: First, the bill offers some examples of anti-Semitism that do not relate to anti-Semitism but, instead, to criticism of the State of Israel. Second, the proposal identifies anti-Semitism, and only anti-Semitism, as an example of religious discrimination.”

“Special master moves forward with Sheriff case” via the News Service of Florida — A special master will hold a case-management conference in the battle about DeSantis’ decision to suspend Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. Special Master Dudley Goodlette, a former state House member, was appointed by Senate President Galvano to preside over an appeal by Israel as the Senate has the constitutional authority to reinstate or remove elected officials. The Senate case was temporarily put on hold when Israel also challenged his suspension in court. But the Florida Supreme Court last week rejected that challenge.

“Promised legislative action on toxic algae fizzles” via Zac Anderson of Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A proliferation of toxic algae blooms dealt a major blow to Florida’s environment and economy last year, and there already are signs that the blooms are returning as the weather heats up.

“Last-second amendment could sink sprinkler bill” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — The Senate approved a bill that could finally bring an end to a decades-long battle over sprinkler retrofits in high-rise condominiums. HB 647 got a unanimous vote from the upper chamber, though it did get a rewrite on the Senate floor that brings it closer to SB 908, the sprinkler bill carried by Clearwater GOP Sen. Ed Hooper. Those changes give condo associations benchmarks to hit on the path toward installing fire safety systems but extend the runway for condo owners to get the job done from Jan. 1, 2020 to Jan. 1, 2024. Hooper’s bill was the preferred solution for firefighters. The Florida Fire Sprinkler Association is also backing the bill. But amendments are still coming.

“Promoting Pensacola to tourists — what happens if VISIT FLORIDA goes away?” via Melissa Nelson Gabriel of the Pensacola News-Journal — If VISIT FLORIDA is defunded or given just minimal funding by the Florida Legislature, it could have a big impact on tourism marketing in Pensacola, said Steve Hayes, director of Visit Pensacola. “More than 126 million visitors came to Florida last year; they could have chosen other places. VISIT FLORIDA raises a brand awareness of Florida as a travel destination and they are doing that year-round,” Hayes said. Visit Pensacola, which uses Escambia County tourism development taxes to promote the Pensacola and Perdido Key area, benefits from VISIT FLORIDA’s statewide advertising campaigns and local grants, he said.

This is not fundraising during Session:

— LEGISLATIVE SCHEDULE —

The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor Session 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 the Senate floor session, 401 Senate Office Building.

— GOV. CLUB BUFFET MENU —

Crawfish chowder; mixed garden salad with dressings; black-eyed pea salad; red bliss potato salad; deli board; shrimp, chicken and andouille jambalaya; reddened blackfish with Cajun rémoulade; Creole pork chops; not-your-mama’s red beans; braised collard greens; succotash; bread pudding for dessert.

— ONE PERSPECTIVE —

The state’s largest teachers’ union is chalking up this year’s Legislative Session as a loss.

In an op-ed for the Florida Phoenix, Florida Education Association (FEA) President Fedrick Ingram suggests lawmakers might want “Florida’s kids to fail.”

— School choice: FEA and related interests don’t see voucher expansions — like the publicly funded Family Empowerment Scholarship — as beneficial to students. Instead, the union sees it as a way to shortchange traditional public schools.

— Teachers: FEA wants educators to get a raise, but the Legislature is shaping up to produce a teacher-bonus revamp, “instead of making a substantial investment in funds that can be used for salaries.”

— Guns: With the successful implementation of the findings from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, school districts are poised to soon permit trained educators to carry firearms inside classrooms. “Lawmakers appear set on offering districts a cheap path to false sense of security.”

— STATEWIDE —

Jimmy Patronis announces arrests in Miami following fraud investigation — CFO Patronis joined Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Miami-Dade Police Department Director Juan J. Perez to announce the arrest of nine individuals following over a year-long joint insurance fraud investigation, dubbed “Operation Rubicon.” Arrests include individuals and business owners allegedly involved in a large-scale organized scheme to defraud insurance companies out of more than $600,000 in fraudulent insurance claims. Detectives believe that The Rubicon Group, a public adjusting company, committed organized fraud and grand theft.

“Consumer confidence in Florida hits 17-year high” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The monthly Florida Consumer Confidence Index, measured by UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, jumped to 102.0 in April. That’s a jump from 100.6 in March and February. “Overall, Floridians are more optimistic,” said Hector Sandoval, director of the BEBR Economic Analysis Program. “April’s confidence boost stems from the positive outlook regarding national economic conditions in the short- and long-run. It is worth noting expectations are split among the population by gender, with women reporting less-favorable views.” The last time the consumer index rose to its current level came in March 2002. In November, the index dropped down to 95.0.

“Hurricane insured losses near $6.4 billion” via the News Service of Florida — More than six months after Hurricane Michael devastated parts of Northwest Florida, about 83 percent of insurance claims have been closed, and estimated insured losses had neared $6.4 billion, according to newly released numbers by the state Office of Insurance Regulation. As of Friday, 146,191 claims had been filed, with the vast majority, 96,748, involving residential property. In all, 82.7 percent of claims had been closed. Estimated insured losses had climbed to $6,396,988,535.

“BP money goes to hurricane relief” via the News Service of Florida — Money from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster is going to help governments in Bay and Gulf counties cover costs caused by Hurricane Michael. A day after the Triumph Gulf Coast Board approved $15 million for ad valorem tax relief, the nonprofit organization handed out the money to local governments and agencies in the two storm-battered counties. “The purpose of the relief funds is to provide the local governments the ability to continue with normal operations in public safety, school operations and other regular uses of ad valorem revenues,” a release from Triumph announcing the distribution of the funds stated.

Environmental group backs out of campaign for ‘energy choice’ amendment — The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy offered to run a campaign for the energy choice ballot measure, for a fee. Now it’s speaking out against the amendment, reports Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida. The committee backing the energy deregulation bill, Citizens for Energy Choices, says SACE’s criticism stems from the committee’s rejection of the offer. “SACE proposed a business arrangement, SACE’s offer was rejected, then SACE rejects to support our issue,” said committee chair Alex Patton. SACE Executive Director Stephen A. Smith disputes that, contending his group chose not to support the ballot initiative because its research showed that the proposal could hurt clean energy in Florida. Backers claim the measure would lower electricity bills but opponents — including Attorney General Ashley Moody, utility companies, the Public Service Commission and the Legislature — say that’s malarkey.

“Former USF St. Pete leader sues Judy Genshaft over forced resignation” via Janelle Taylor Irwin of Florida Politics — Former University of South Florida St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska is suing USF and its system President, Genshaft, over her forced resignation in 2017. Wisniewska quit under duress that September after she was accused of misleading Genshaft about her whereabouts in the days following up to Hurricane Irma. Wisniewska evacuated to Atlanta, but implied in an email she was still on campus. But Wisniewska claims she was the one deceived.

— O-TOWN ONGOINGS —

While it’s main attraction is Mickey, Orlando could be expanding within the sports media industry.

Axios reporter Kim Hart reports, “The sizable presence of sports media and video game industry signals a hub growing outside of the New York/Connecticut and California regions.”

— Making a case: AOL founder Steve Case, accompanied by Axios, stopped in Orlando to showcase a city often overlooked by venture capitalists. There’s creative talent from Disney and engineering talent from nearby defense companies that make the place ripe for sports media development.

— Current status: The Golf Channel and EA already employ 1,000 workers in the city. Disney’s World Wide Sports Complex hosts “dozens of pro and amateur events.”

— Madden makers: EA chief operating officer Daryl Holt told Axios that the Orlando EA headquarters is “the house Madden built.” Hart notes that the company even helped spearhead a game-design school within the University of Central Florida.

— LOCAL —

“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 eight to 10 poll workers staffed each early voting site 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.

“After 4 months and 51 homicides, violence in Jacksonville most in 13 years” via Dan Scanlan of the Florida Times-Union — The first third of 2019 has become the most violent on record in 13 years with 51 homicides reported by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. This is the most since 2006 when there were 56 killings in a year that ended with 132. That trend appeared to continue in 2007, with 151 for the year and 45 reported as of April 30. The Sheriff’s Office did point out the tally for murders is less at 41, with murder described as “the unlawful killing of another person.” Mayor Lenny Curry’s spokeswoman, Nikki Kimbleton, said he has always stated “one violent crime is one too many,” so these latest numbers reflect more work to do in prevention, intervention and enforcement.

“Inspector in Robert Kraft case says she saw evidence of trafficking” via Terri Spencer of The Associated Press — Inspector Karen Herzog told a judge she saw clothing, beds and other items that led her to believe women were living in the Orchids of Asia Day Spa when she visited in November. Herzog testified that the manager was trying to hide evidence. Kraft’s attorneys say Herzog was acting as a police agent and should have obtained a warrant before conducting the search. The lawyers want January video of Kraft allegedly paying for sex twice at the spa thrown out, and they cite Herzog’s inspection as one reason. Herzog said all massage parlors receive unannounced inspections annually and Orchids of Asia was due. She said several times a year she inspects massage parlors at the request of police who suspect prostitution.

“Judge exonerates mental health workers in Stoneman Douglas tragedy” via Megan O’Matz of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Broward Circuit Judge Patti Englander Henning threw out lawsuits against Henderson Behavioral Health, which treated gunman Nikolas Cruz before he shot 34 people — 17 fatally — at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018. Florida law is clear, the judge said: Mental health workers have no duty to protect the public from possible harm by someone they have no control over. Unlike other medical doctors, who can rely on diagnostic tools to confirm diseases, mental health professionals cannot accurately predict whether a person will be violent, she explained. “But the law is clear, they do not have standing to argue Henderson’s possible failures,” Henning said.

“Ethics complaint argues Hillsborough Commissioner Stacy White violated state law” via Caitlin Johnson of the Tampa Bay Times — Civil engineer James Shirk is asking the Florida Ethics Commission to review what he says are multiple violations of state ethics law and the Sunshine Amendment. The violations stem from a lawsuit White filed in December arguing that the one-cent transportation sales tax voters approved in November usurps power from the commission and is invalid. A hearing on the case, which White refiled as a citizen, is scheduled before Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Rex Barbas on Friday. Shirk’s 14-page complaint alleges that White used his role as a commissioner to further his legal case to his personal benefit and to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in gifts.

“Stephen Loffredo defeats Christian Ulvert in Miami Shores runoff” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Attorney Loffredo is now returning to the Miami Shores Village Council after defeating Democratic political consultant Ulvert in a runoff. The runoff was scheduled after the pair received the same number of votes in the first election on April 9. Both candidates tie for fourth in a race for four open seats on the Council, receiving 893 votes. The prompted the runoff three weeks later in which Loffredo was easily able to hold off Ulvert. Loffredo received 56 percent of the vote to Ulvert’s 44 percent, defeating him 1,007 to 805 in the vote total. Ulvert faced a barrage of negative attacks from political consultant David Custin, where Ulvert was dubbed “controversial” and “a shady political hack.” But those negative attacks likely dragged down his vote total dipped in what was originally a dead-even race. Loffredo has 18 years prior experience on the Council.

“Man threatened to shoot pet store workers because new puppies got sick, cops say” via Wayne Roustan of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A customer who claimed his newly bought puppies got sick threatened to “shoot all the employees” at a Pembroke Pines pet store, according to police. The dispute stems from the two Golden Labrador-Poodle mix dogs that Jamie A. Militana of Margate purchased from Puppies and Rescues on April 5, a police arrest report said. Militana, 66, claimed the puppies later got sick and he telephoned the pet store to complain. “I will come to the store and shoot all of the employees,” the arrest report quoted him as saying. “I have a shotgun, and I’ll do it.” A short time later, Militana’s wife called the store to say, “Please don’t listen to my husband, he was just kidding.”

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Robert Mueller complained that William Barr’s letter did not capture ‘context’ of Trump probe” via Devlin Barrett and Matt Zapotosky of The Washington Post — Special counsel Mueller wrote a letter in late March complaining to Attorney General Barr that a four-page memo to Congress describing the principal conclusions of the investigation into Trump “did not fully capture the context, nature, and substance” of Mueller’s work. The letter and a subsequent phone call between the two men reveal the degree to which the two longtime colleagues and friends disagreed as they handled the legally and politically fraught task of investigating the president. At the time Mueller’s letter was sent to Barr on March 27, Barr had days prior announced that Mueller did not find a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russian officials seeking to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.

“Venezuelan expats in South Florida support opposition leader’s call for military uprising” via Aurelio Moreno of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — In Miami, Helene Villalonga, founder and president of the AMAVEX group (Association of Venezuelan Mothers and Women Abroad) convened a meeting at the El Arepazo Orginal restaurant in Doral to support the rebellion in Caracas. “We need to all mobilize. It’s time to win our freedom,” Villalonga said. “Juan G. Guaidó from La Carlota in Venezuela has begun the final phase to end the takeover.” Amid demonstrations of support for Guaidó and rejection of Nicholás Maduro in Venezuela, a video showed at least one tank of the Venezuelan National Guard running over several demonstrators on a street in Caracas.

“As Venezuelan uprising emerges, Rick Scott calls for U.S. military to prepare” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Much of Florida’s congressional delegation on Tuesday declared their support for Juan Guaidó‘s call for Venezuelans to take to the streets in an effort to oust dictator Nicolás Maduro. Republican Scott went a step further, calling for the U.S. military to prepare for intervention if needed. “Inaction is not an option,” Scott declared. Meanwhile, Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio made social media calls to support Guaidó; Republican Matt Gaetz and others did so by press statement; Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy did so on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives; and Democratic U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Darren Soto, Donna Shalala, and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell called a news conference.

“Conservative groups blast Scott’s prescription drug plan” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — When Scott rolled out his drug prescription plan a few weeks ago it looked like the former governor whom Trump had tapped to lead plans for an Obamacare replacement had started with a bipartisan issue. But Tuesday a large coalition of conservative groups said ‘no thanks.’ Scott’s Transparent Drug Pricing Act would require that drug companies charge no more for drugs in the United States than they charge in a set of other countries. But in an open letter, FreedomWorks, the James Madison Institute, attacked it as “price fixing.”

“Francis Rooney wants Congress implementing sunscreen ban” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Naples Republican co-sponsored a bill prohibiting the use of certain sunblock in national marine sanctuaries with a coral present. He co-sponsored the legislation (HR 1834) with U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Miami Democrat. Rooney sent a letter to Rep. Raul Grijalva, chair for the House Natural Resources Committee, calling for a hearing. He also sent the letter to Rep. Rob Bishop, the committee’s ranking Republican member. “This straightforward bill would safeguard our federally protected coral reefs by prohibiting the human use of oxybenzone and octinoxate within National Marine Sanctuaries where coral is present,” he said.

“How a new space launch rule will benefit Florida” via Sean Kelly for the Orlando Sentinel — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule for the licensing of commercial space launch and re-entry. For Florida, the new rule is just the kind of regulatory tweak needed to grow its local launch industry. The rule would eliminate unnecessary regulations and enhance flexibility through revision and rollback of the regulatory and licensing process. The FAA believes these adjustments will have several cost-cutting, efficiency-increasing benefits for industry. Specifically, these changes will increase the number of launches that sites can facilitate, allow operators the ability to launch from multiple sites without filing for a new license for each site, and would combine procedures required for reusable and expendable vehicles.

“Ballard Partners fronts controversial pebble mine” via Kevin McCauley of O’Dwyer’s — Ballard Partners, which has close ties with the Trump White House, is handling environmental lobbying duties for the Pebble Mine Partnership. Vancouver-based Northern Dynasty Minerals is behind the PMP, which wants to build a “world-class” 5.3-square-mile open pit copper/gold/silver mine at the headwaters of Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed. Environmental and local groups have attacked the project, which the Natural Resources Defense Council says would devastate “the greatest wild salmon fishery in the world and the region’s economic engine.” The $1.5B fishery supports 14K jobs. The Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the environmental impact of the mine. The review will be completed next year.

— 2020 —

“Q poll: Joe Biden way ahead for Democratic nomination” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — According to a new national poll by Quinnipiac University, Biden is way ahead of the crowded field overall. It finds him to be the candidate whom Democrats are most confident could beat Trump. And Biden is far ahead as other Democrats’ pick as the best leader. The poll gives Biden 38 percent of Democrats’ nomination support. That’s followed by 12 percent for U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren; 11 percent for Sen. Bernie Sanders; 10 percent for Pete Buttigieg; 8 percent for Sen. Kamala Harris; and 5 percent for former Rep. Beto O’Rourke. None of the other 14 candidates listed in Quinnipiac’s poll did better than 2 percent. Fifty-six percent of Democrats said Biden has the best chance to beat Trump.

“Biden dominates digital ad spending after entering 2020 race” via David Wright of CNN — Biden’s Facebook spending last week, at $406,860, was more than the combined total of the five 2020 Democrats who spent the most after Biden: Sen. Warren ($100,677), Sen. Sanders ($96,397), businessman Andrew Yang ($87,737), Gov. Jay Inslee ($56,142), and Mayor Buttigieg ($55,992). Biden also spent ten times more on Facebook ads last week than the Trump 2020 re-election campaign ($39,481). Biden was also by far the top political advertiser on Google last week. His 2020 presidential campaign has spent $388,900 on the platform overall, per the company’s data, and at least $363,100 in the U.S. last week.

Presidential candidate Wayne Messam to appear at Capital Tiger Bay Club — The Miramar Mayor and Democratic candidate for President is set to speak before the club Friday, May 10. Messam announced his run for the presidency in late March. He joins South Bend Mayor Buttigieg in looking to leap from local government into the White House. Messam has made canceling school debt a focal point of his campaign since announcing. The event at the Tiger Bay Club will kick off with an 11:30 a.m. lunch buffet, followed by the official program shortly after noon.

— OPINIONS —

“The death sentence for Florida’s public schools” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board — They approved the death sentence for public education in Florida at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday. Then they cheered and hugged each other. The legislation passed by the Florida House and sent to the governor will steal $130 million in tax money that could be spent improving public schools next year and spend it on tuition vouchers at private schools. Never mind the Florida Constitution. Never mind the 2.8 million students left in underfunded, overwhelmed public schools. The outcome of this year’s voucher debate in the decades-long dismantlement of traditional public education was never in doubt. It was sealed when Republican DeSantis was narrowly elected Governor in November and quickly appointed three conservatives to the Florida Supreme Court.

“Joe Henderson: Florida addresses fatal distraction with texting while driving ban” via Florida Politics — The House passed the final version of HB 107 by a 108-7 vote, ending a years-long process to bring a little sanity to the state’s driving laws. All that must happen now is for DeSantis to sign the bill, and Florida will be on its way to safer highways. Everyone knows that distracted driving is a great danger on Florida’s crowded highways. The Sun Sentinel analyzed 3 million Florida car crashes from 2013-16 and reported, in the newspaper’s words, “collisions typical of texting and driving are increasing at a staggering rate.” The message doesn’t matter. The action does. This new law pumps the brakes on that, at least a little bit. It’s a good day.

“Florida’s eye of the lawsuit storm” via The Wall Street Journal editorial board — Thanks to 1950s-era state law, insurers can be held liable for all attorney’s fees if a judgment goes against them. If insurers win, there’s no reciprocal obligation on plaintiffs. As a result, insurers often pay dubious claims to avoid litigation risk. AOB suits increased from 79,000 cases in 2013 to 135,000 last year, and homeowners are paying indirectly through rising premiums. The Florida Legislature recently passed AOB property insurance reform. Insurers would still be liable for attorney fees if they lowball legitimate claims. But plaintiffs pay attorney’s fees if the assignee’s claim is significantly higher than the judgment amount. This should deter meritless claims. As hurricane season approaches, improving the Sunshine State insurance market can’t come soon enough.

— MOVEMENTS —

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

Brian Ballard, Brady Benford, Ballard Partners: Florida Association of Cosmetology & Technical Schools, Strategic Property Partners, Union Supply Company

Christopher Butler, Doug Kellogg: Americans for Tax Reform

David Custin, David R. Custin & Associates: Aura

Leslie Dughi, Timothy Stanfield, Greenberg Traurig: Green Peak Innovation

Andreina Figueroa, ADF Consulting: Krome Grove Holdings

— SUNSHINE SPORTS —

One month into the baseball season and the Tampa Bay Rays are on top.

— Pundit praise: The Rays have the best record in baseball. Even ESPN is giving them some love.

We're 1-0 in the Nate Lowe era. #RaysUp

RECAP // https://t.co/bEVu8NXtjd pic.twitter.com/66BOOrOMFg

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 30, 2019

However, it’s a tale of two cities in Florida.

— On the other hand: The Miami Marlins have the worst record in baseball. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be a factor in who wins their division.

Whistleblowers in politics make news but they cause headaches in sports.

— Controversy: Officiating has already become a huge story in the Houston-Golden State NBA playoff series. The Warriors’ Game 1 win was dissected because of bad calls by the refs.

The National Hockey League playoffs defy odds.

— In Florida: We know about the shocking four-game sweep the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning suffered against Columbus in the opening round. Calgary, the Western Conference top seed, also was eliminated in the first round.

— What gives?: The Washington Capitals, defending Stanley Cup champs, also bowed out early.

— ALOE —

“St. Petersburg’s Ephraim Sykes earns nod for Temptations musical” via Jay Cridlin of the Tampa Bay Times — The St. Petersburg native scored his first career Tony nomination on Tuesday for his role in “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.” Sykes was nominated for Best Featured Actor in Musical alongside his castmate Jeremy Pope, an Orlando native. In all, Ain’t Too Proud racked up 12 nominations, including Best Musical. Sykes got the news during a massage therapy session, a must for the physically demanding role of talented but troubled Temptations singer David Ruffin. “I was laying in my bed in the darkness and started to cry as they called my name out,” he said. “It’s been surreal, like an out-of-body experience. I could not have dreamed this. It’s an honor, to say the least.”

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Happy May Day birthday to Stephen Lawson, Julia Mazzone, and Sarah Rumpf, who you can read more about here.

—

Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, Dan McAuliffe, and Drew Wilson.