Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Gov. Ron DeSantis is saturating headlines Tuesday with news that Russians successfully breached two county election systems.
But the Republican Governor also mixed into his Capitol briefing acknowledgment of some good news: President Donald Trump’s Monday tweet announcing support for sending $200 million to Everglades projects, something DeSantis said: “Represents an important milestone.”
The support is a flip-flop for Trump, who had offered just more than $63 million for Florida water projects in his proposed budget earlier this year. But it’s a win for DeSantis, whose scrutinized relationship with Trump is proving to consistently deliver for Floridians.
DeSantis said Trump had committed to him that he would provide the money the Everglades. Trump had also been pressured by the Florida congressional delegation to support the funding.
Congress still would have to find the money, but Trump’s full-throated backing won’t go unnoticed.
At the state level, DeSantis has successfully corralled lawmakers around his ambitious environmental agenda.
Now, Trump’s continued support for federal emergency aid headed to the storm-battered Panhandle combined with the recent Everglades update is showing us once again that DeSantis’ cozy relationship with the Oval Office could continue to produce dividends for the state.
“We’re putting our money where our mouth is, we’re not expecting the federal government to do everything for us — but it would be nice if they would step up to the plate,” DeSantis told reporters.
Evening Reads
“Playing to the party base for a 2020 Donald Trump Florida win? Ron DeSantis and the Legislature set the stage” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix
“DeSantis: Russia hacked 2 Florida counties in 2016” via Chris Heath of WFTV
“Former Sheriff Scott Israel has questions for the governor who suspended him. But he won’t get to ask them.” via Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel
“Seminole Tribe suspends gambling payments to state of Florida” via Jeff Schweers of Tallahassee Democrat
“Florida may create prostitution registry for pimps and johns” via The News Service of Florida
“NRA pays lobbyist Marion Hammer big bucks, but you won’t find that disclosed in Tallahassee” via Dan Christensen of the Florida Bulldog
“FPL handled tax-cut windfall and hurricane cost recovery correctly, regulators say” via Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald
“A group of scientists just presented updated sea level rise projections to Tampa Bay politicians. Here’s what they say.” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times
“Payday lenders drum up customer support to ease regulations” via Yuka Hayashi of The Wall Street
“Former congressional candidate from Florida calls for sex boycott of conservative men” via Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post
“Woman’s arrest at Magic Kingdom raises questions about CBD oil legality” via WESH 2
Quote of the Day
“Florida has long been known as the Sunshine State, and it’s now time that the nation recognize Florida also as the clearly established ‘Education State.’” — Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, after the release of the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking showing Florida No. 1 in higher education.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Lobbyists face a Wednesday deadline for filing reports showing their compensation from Jan. 1 through March 31.
The Florida Defense Alliance will hold a semiannual meeting. That’s at 8 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown, 316 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee.
The Florida Citrus Commission will meet at 9 a.m., Florida Department of Citrus, 605 East Main St., Bartow.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office will start a series of roundtable discussions about mental-health and criminal-justice issues. That’s at 11 a.m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, 520 North Falkenburg Road, Tampa.
Public Service Commission Chairman Art Graham is slated to speak to the Flagler Tiger Bay Club. That’s at 11:30 a.m., Hammock Dunes Club, Palm Coast.
The Space Florida Board of Directors is scheduled to hold a conference call and discuss Florida-Israel Innovation Partnership Grant awards. That’s at 12:30 p.m. Call-in number: 1-866-528-2256. Code: 4875556.
Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani will host a town hall on the affordable housing crisis. That’s at 6:30 p.m., One Blue Real Estate, 5671 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. There is a waitlist to attend, however, as the event has over 100 people registered. To get on the public waitlist, go to the event’s Google Form page. The press should RSVP by emailing [email protected].
