Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 5.13.19

Image via AP.

Ed. Note — This is a warning to our readers: We got swindled.

In an earlier version of this edition of Sunburn, we published a request to donate money to a Tallahassee woman who, we thought, had fallen on hard times.

Turns out the woman, sadly, is a scam artist. Please disregard the information about a webpage to make donations.

In the future, we will only publicize verified charitable campaigns. We appreciate your past support of fund drives for the legitimately needy that we have promoted, and we extend apologies to our readers.

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— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RealDonaldTrump: Looks to me like it’s going to be SleepyCreepy Joe over Crazy Bernie. Everyone else is fading fast!

—@MADmagazine: Who’s Pete Buttigieg? Must be a generational thing.

—@MarcoRubio: I know it’s hard for some people to not be automatically against anything @POTUS does. But he is doing right thing on #China Doing what both R & D Presidents before him didn’t have the guts to do We need to support him on China not undermine him just to score political points

—@NikkiFriedFL: Our new gas pump inspection stickers are getting a lot of attention — that’s bad news for criminals & good news for consumers. Have you seen a new sticker yet? Share your pics! Been skimmed? Use the info on the stickers to let us know

—@JohnMorganEsq: If you ever wonder why the hopeless and helpless, also known as the working poor, feel desperate … this shows why. Minimum wages are sinful. Please join me on my last crusade!

—@TweetUrHourn: I’ll say again one last time as someone with two brothers who were #Florida #firefighters afflicted with cancer, thank you for finally getting this done! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!

Tweet, tweet:

Thank you Secretary Lee for inviting us to a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch at Mission San Luis.

Justin asked Connor to put on something “nice,” and he chose jeans and an FSU shirt for the occasion. 🤦🏻‍♀️ #HappyMothersDay pic.twitter.com/10PKZXSs8t

— Ashley Moody (@AshleyMoodyFL) May 12, 2019

—@GNewsburn: On #MothersDay, please take a few minutes to think of Cynthia Powell, who should be home with her family today, but is instead in prison, her continued incarceration serving no purpose.

—@MearKat00: First Mother’s Day without Mom. Not looking for pity, just a reminder that they aren’t here forever.

—@TessaDuval: Hi, hello, I am watching Game of Thrones for the first time. I have a lot of questions, but mainly, how can anyone get past the fact that Mayor Carcetti now lives in King’s Landing?

— DAYS UNTIL —

Florida Chamber Florida Business Leaders’ Summit on Prosperity and Economic Opportunity — 9; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting & Education Summit begins — 9; Memorial Day — 14; Florida Democratic Leadership Blue conference and fundraiser — 26; U.S. Open begins — 31; Father’s Day — 34; Florida Chamber Learners to Earners Workforce Summit begins — 36; First Democratic presidential debates in Miami — 44; Independence Day — 52; Second Democratic presidential debates in Detroit — 78; Florida Gators opens vs. Miami football — 103; St. Petersburg primary election — 106; USF open vs. Wisconsin Badgers football — 109; UCF Golden Knights open vs. Florida A&M football — 110; FSU Seminoles open vs. Boise State football — 110; Labor Day — 112; “Joker” opens — 144; Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 168; Scott Maddox trial begins — 175; 2019 General Election — 176; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon starts — 178; Iowa Caucuses — 266; Florida’s presidential primary — 309; 2020 General Election — 540.

— TOP STORY —

“A ‘messy situation’: State’s top financial regulator on leave after sexual harassment complaint” via Florida Politics — The state’s top financial regulator is on administrative leave after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis disclosed the complaint against Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) Commissioner Ronald Rubin Friday night after “directing an immediate investigation,” the CFO said in a statement. “Every person deserves to feel safe and respected in their work environment,” Patronis said. “That standard is nonnegotiable.”

— THE ADMINISTRATION —

“Plastic straws are out: Ron DeSantis vetoes prohibition of local straw bans” via Samantha Gross of the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis flexed his veto power for the first time, declining to sign an environmental bill that would have prohibited local governments from banning plastic straws for the next five years. In his veto letter to Secretary of State Laurel Lee, he said municipalities who prohibit plastic straws have not “frustrated any state policy” or “harmed the state’s interest.” Under the bill, a study of “each ordinance or regulation adopted” by local governments related to single-use plastic straws would have to be conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection and then submitted to Senate President Bill Galvano and House Speaker José Oliva.

“DeSantis signs an assortment of local bills into law” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A hospital bill (HB 523) authorizes the Halifax Hospital Medical Center to construct and operate a hospital outside its current boundaries. HB 745 allows for alcoholic beverages sold at Celebration Pointe to be consumed anywhere within the business district. HB 1063 contracts Palm Bay, de-annexing part of the municipality back into unincorporated Brevard County. HB 193 repeals state provisions regarding the compensation for the Charlotte County Commission. HB 1175 authorizes the Village of Indiantown to include an ad valorem tax levied by Martin County municipal service taxing units to count toward 3 mills of required total contributions to be eligible for state-shared revenues. HB 1099 requires the DBPR to issue special licenses to restaurants in Kissimmee’s Downtown Community Redevelopment District.

“Anti-Semitism bill to be signed in Israel, DeSantis says” via the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis referred to the issue during an appearance in Miami Gardens, saying “we have an anti-Semitism bill, which is one of the strongest in the nation, that I’ll sign into law, actually I think I will sign it into law when we’re in Jerusalem doing a Cabinet meeting.” Lawmakers last month approved a measure (HB 741) that would require public schools, colleges and universities to treat anti-Semitism the same way they treat racism. The bill has an extensive definition of anti-Semitism that includes “accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interest of their own nations.”

“Human trafficking bill passed by lawmakers under review by DeSantis” via George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post — No charges related to human trafficking were filed against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft or the operators of a Jupiter massage spa where Kraft and 24 other men were accused of soliciting prostitution earlier this year. But the publicity surrounding Kraft’s case may have helped push Florida lawmakers to approve a human trafficking bill that requires police officers and workers in hotels, massage parlors, and other businesses to complete training to recognize potential trafficking victims. The legislation also creates a statewide database listing anyone convicted of soliciting prostitution. “I think it brought more attention to the subject, the whole subject of human trafficking,” state Sen. Gayle Harrell said of the Kraft case.

“Environmentalists to stage protests against toll road expansion” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Sierra Club will stage three major protests this week to convince DeSantis to nix a toll road expansion. A news conference in Hollywood, rally in St. Petersburg and a flash mob in Gainesville aim to increase skepticism. But a veto also runs the risk of making an enemy of Senate President Galvano. The Bradenton Republican made the roadways his top priority of this Legislative Session. It’s no shock the Sierra Club holds a distaste for the roadway. The group delivered sharp rebukes over several months against the plan. Earlier this month, state leaders for the environmental lobby called approval of the project a “declaration of war.”

“Attorney defends Mary Beth Jackson” via Tom McLaughlin of the NWF Daily News — Under Jackson, student achievement in Okaloosa County “has skyrocketed,” according to the lawyer seeking her reinstatement as school superintendent, “and the District has risen to be consistently one of the top performing districts in the state.” “Things are not that bleak in the District, nor have they ever been under Superintendent Jackson’s tenure. The District is a beacon of excellence for the state, and Superintendent Jackson should be commended for her work in the District, not suspended from office,” attorney George Levesque argued in a bench memorandum. Jackson, who was suspended from office Jan. 11 by DeSantis, will have her appeal of that suspension heard May 28-29 before Special Master Dudley Goodlette.

“Capitol staying in place — but Lieutenant Governor and justices get to work elsewhere” via John Kennedy of the GateHouse Capital Bureau — Another push to move Florida’s Capitol from faraway Tallahassee went nowhere in the Legislature, but steps taken this spring will allow Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and state Supreme Court justices to work elsewhere. Bowing to family interests and the ability to work remotely, DeSantis is expected to sign legislation that subtly departs from the Florida Constitution’s requirement that state government be housed in Tallahassee. Nuñez, a Florida House member from Miami, is expected to have an “official headquarters” at Florida International University, sharing space in one of four regional offices DeSantis has around the state. Similarly, lawmakers approved a measure (HB 5011) that allows Florida justices to have private chambers in a courthouse in the appellate district they call home.

“So those Nikki Fried stickers … how much did they cost, anyway?” via Samantha Gross of the Tampa Bay Times — Turns out, just a touch over $5,000. The new stickers — 120,000 of them, to be exact — signify that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have inspected gas pumps. They have a colorful blue and green design with, most notably, an image of Fried’s face. The sticker includes a phone number to report fraud and the web address for a consumer portal. It replaces the traditional seal from administrations past — none of which had the face of the commissioner. Most people in Florida didn’t even know there was a sticker on the gas station pumps until this change happened, she said.

“Super Bowls, WrestleMania to test state’s human trafficking response” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — Attorney General Ashley Moody‘s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking convened in Jacksonville. The approach is multidisciplinary, with stakeholders on many fronts, from the executive branch and the Legislature to private sector partners. The meeting saw a considerable focus on events likely to be a hotbed of human trafficking arrests — upcoming Super Bowls in Miami and Tampa, as well as a WrestleMania in Tampa. A 2019 sting in Atlanta at its Super Bowl swept up 169 traffickers. After the meeting, Moody said her office would have a role in “multi-jurisdictional cases.” Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, heading up the group’s subcommittee on criminal justice, noted that law enforcement officers would work together to help Miami-Dade get ready for the Super Bowl.

— POST-SESSION —

“Did Big Tobacco influence lawmakers on smoking legislation?” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the Florida Phoenix — Major tobacco companies entered the 2019 session flexing their influence. It was reflected in about $3 million in campaign contributions to lawmakers, political parties and other state officials since 2017, state election records show. A review of those records … shows: –RAI Services, a subsidiary of the Reynolds American tobacco company, made $1.95 million in contributions. –Altria, the parent company for Philip Morris USA, had $752,000 in contributions. –Swisher, a Jacksonville cigar manufacturer, had more than $230,000 in contributions. An example of pro-tobacco legislation that emerged included a House bill (HB 1299) that would have eliminated the ability of cities and counties to impose tougher tobacco regulations than the state.

“HB 7301 could ‘chill’ citizen opposition, but fuel affordable housing development” via Stuart Korfhage the St. Augustine Record — A far-reaching development bill that’s sitting on the desk of DeSantis has interested parties all over the state wondering what its impact will be. Locally, there is both support and skepticism for HB 7301 — sometimes by the same people. The bill, which some say was rushed through the approval process, affects many facets of the development process. Those in the conservation community are furious at its passage by the state Legislature. But some affordable housing advocates are excited about the potential it brings. St. Johns County is an excellent example of why those mixed feelings exist. The St. Johns County Commission, at least overall, likes the provision that would allow local government to waive impact fees for affordable/workforce housing.

“What did lawmakers do about red tide? Not enough, critics say” via Ryan Callihan of the Bradenton Herald — Numerous bills that would’ve made at least incremental progress in regulating water quality were stalled and died in Legislature subcommittees. Critics call it an about-face from those, including DeSantis, who promised to keep the environment healthy. “I’m just dumbfounded that the Legislature managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and pass not one single bill — good or bad — that will have one meaningful impact on red tide,” said Andy Mele, an activist with Suncoast Waterkeeper. “How lawmakers could have told voters they were going take care of the water problem and then gone to Tallahassee for 61 days and blow hot air around is almost criminal,” Mele said.

“Arts groups got more state money this year. Here are 5 takeaways.” via Jay Cridlin of the Tampa Bay Times — 1. ‘A step in the right direction.’ 2. Months of advocacy paid off. Last year’s devastating slashes had one positive impact: They unified and rallied arts advocates around the state. 3. Lobbying also worked — to an extent. Among the few winners in last year’s budgets were individual organizations that lobbied for line-item appropriations outside the grant process, such as the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts ($750,000), American Craftsman Museum ($500,000) and Great Explorations Children’s Museum ($200,000). 4. Smaller organizations weren’t forgotten. Dozens of groups in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco received at least a portion of their requests. 5. We don’t yet know the full impact of recent cuts. But we will.

Happening today — North Fort Myers Republican Rep. Spencer Roach will speak to the Lee Republican Women Federated, 11:15 a.m., Pinchers, The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 West First St., Fort Myers.

Happening today — Delray Beach Republican Rep. Mike Caruso is one of the scheduled speakers at the Palm Beach County Trump Club, 7 p.m., Palm Beach Kennel Club, 1111 North Congress Ave., West Palm Beach.

— TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS —

In the final days of the 2019 Legislative Session, state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith was able to slip in $500,000 for a memorial of the Pulse nightclub massacre in 2016.

As a Democrat in a Republican-led Legislature, it wasn’t an easy task, reports Diane Rado for Florida Phoenix.

— Understanding he couldn’t do it alone; Smith enlisted the help of Republican Holly Raschein of Key Largo. When she agreed, Smith also worked behind-the-scenes to make his case to budget leaders in the House.

— Another hurdle: Smith pushing too hard could doom the proposal. “It was always in play, but always at risk,” Smith told Rado.

Smith’s Pulse project was one of about 625 local proposals — totaling $450 million — Florida Phoenix identified in the final state budget on its way to DeSantis’ desk for either approval or veto. Many of the project from minority party members must rely on support from Republicans, often with a price.

“The member project in the budget is a way to muzzle Democrats from speaking out, for fear that their appropriation will be removed from the budget,” Smith told the Phoenix. “That has worked.”

Nevertheless, lawmakers — of both sides of the aisle — still focus on pet projects that they believe are worthwhile and hope the Governor signs them into law.

— STATEWIDE —

“Federal judge orders bilingual ballots for Florida counties” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — The order by U.S. District Judge Mark Walker comes in response to a lawsuit by LatinoJustice and other organizations that claimed as many as 30,000 Puerto Ricans were having their rights violated by counties not providing bilingual ballot access. The order grants a preliminary injunction that requires Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee and the 32 county elections supervisors to not only provide bilingual ballots by the March 17 primary but to provide Spanish-language election assistance and bilingual voting materials by August.

“Florida officials grateful for Donald Trump promise on Michael but say Congress must ‘act immediately’” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — “I’m glad the President came here and did that,” Rep. Loranne Ausley, said the day before the House vote. “I am grateful, but you’ll still have to hold his feet to the fire and make sure Congress acts immediately.” At a rally in Panama City Beach, the president said he would allocate $448 million in HUD disaster recovery funds “to help you get back on your feet.” The real issue is getting Congress to pass a disaster relief supplement, Ausley said. Congress just voted 257-150 on a $19.1 billion spending plan that includes $3 billion for crop and livestock losses due to hurricanes, typhoons, storms, wildfires and other natural disasters of the last two years.

“Seven months after Hurricane Michael, ‘Forgotten Coast’ becomes ‘Unforgettable Coast’” via Annie Blanks of the Pensacola News-Journal — Residents in the hardest-hit areas are only now starting to find a sense of normalcy. That new normal looks different every few miles. In Mexico Beach, for instance, construction workers and contractors outnumber the remaining residents 10 to one. Houses have insurance claim numbers spray painted on their exterior walls. In Panama City, neighborhood streets look more like nuclear war zones than habitable housing developments. “We are still living in a disaster,” said Diane Pugh, who’s living in a FEMA trailer in what used to be her front yard in Mexico Beach. “We need gas stations, furniture stores, groceries. We just need help, period.”

State gets 50 trailers from FEMA, donates them to Bay County — Gov. DeSantis announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is donating 50 FEMA travel trailers to Bay County, providing additional alternative housing to residents hurt by Hurricane Michael. “We were able to provide these trailers in a way that allows us to cut some red tape, step in and make sure people have a place to live after this devastating storm,” DeSantis said. Added FDEM Director Jared Moskowitz: “Since day one, (we have) been working to find real solutions to the problems people are facing in the Panhandle. I applaud FEMA and Bay County for working closely with us to provide much-needed relief for the people of Northwest Florida.”

“New loan program to help businesses hurt by Hurricane Irma” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Gov. DeSantis has announced a new $40 million loan program aimed at helping small businesses still recovering in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The Rebuild Florida Business Loan Program was formed through a partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will administer it. The storm struck the state back in 2017, first hitting the southern portions of Florida and causing up to $50 billion in damage. It was one of the costliest hurricanes ever to hit the United States. According to follow-up reports, more than three-quarters of South Floridians lost power due to the storm.

“Lake Okeechobee levels rise with the rainy season less than a month away” via Chad Gillis of the Fort Myers News-Press — “In the month of May we’ve already had a considerable amount of rain and that trend through the rest of the month is likely to continue,” said John Mitnik, with the South Florida Water Management District, the state agency in charge of moving water in the Everglades system. The surface of the lake fell to just above 11 feet above sea level earlier this month, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the federal agency that manages the lake. “It had been trending down throughout the past month or so, but with the recent rains this week lake levels have actually increased some,” Mitnik said.

“New DOT codes turn Florida trucking industry into transportation turf war” via Jason Garcia of Florida Trend — The FDOT updated the use of turnpike tandems — two trailers hitched together behind a truck. For years, FDOT has allowed turnpike tandems to roar up and down the central spine of the turnpike, from the Homestead extension exit at U.S. 1 south of Miami to the final exit before I-75 in Sumter County. But the rules allowed them nowhere else: Before exiting the turnpike, the trucks had to stop in one of seven staging lots, where the trailers could be decoupled and hauled away one at a time. Those staging lots — particularly the one at I-4 in Orlando — have grown more congested in recent years. FDOT’s rule changes mean the turnpike tandems can exit the turnpike and drive on state roads for up to 15 miles — as long as they are traveling to or from a seaport, inland port or other designated staging area.

“State citrus forecast takes a hit” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — Figures posted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate overall production of oranges, grapefruit and other specialty crops is off more than 10 percent from an initial forecast in October. The latest numbers reflected the plight of an industry still struggling from 2017’s Hurricane Irma, decade-long pressure from deadly citrus-greening disease, expansion of development into rural areas and changes in national drinking habits. “Again, we see that we are not out of the woods yet in terms of recovery,” Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shepp said in a statement.

>>>Speaking of rotten news in the Ag. Dep’t, is this op-ed Baxter Troutman’s first step toward political rehabilitation?

— LOCAL —

“Jail deputies serve immigration warrants for ICE under new program” via Bianca Padro Ocasio of the Orlando Sentinel — The new Warrant Service Officer program would authorize trained deputies to keep inmates in jails for up to 48 hours after they have served their time on local charges, a period during which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents decide whether to pick them up. The announcement of the program, the first of its kind in the country, quickly drew criticism from experts and activists who question whether the arrangement was constitutional and some sheriffs who fear it could erode trust in law enforcement among immigrant communities. Eight hours of training will be enough to grant participating sheriff’s deputies within local jails the authority to serve immigration warrants on behalf of federal authorities.

“Former Palm Bay deputy manager Dave Isnardi arrested, charged with racketeering, other felonies” via John McCarthy of Florida Today — Isnardi has been arrested on charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy to possess controlled substances, including oxycodone. Isnardi is the husband of Brevard County Commission Chair Kristine Isnardi. Dave Isnardi is being represented at his initial appearance by Bryan Lober, an attorney who also is the County Commission vice chair. Lober said he told the Isnardis not to comment on the case to the media, and he noted that being accused of something is not the same as being guilty.

“Arrest of ex-Palm Bay official could have political implications in city, county government” via Dave Berman of FLORIDA TODAY — While Isnardi was not an elected official, others mentioned in the arrest warrants for Isnardi and a second defendant in the case are current and former members of the Palm Bay City Council. They have not been charged in the case, but some of the allegations mentioned in the warrants are salacious, including ones involving drugs and prostitutes. “It certainly has the potential of being pretty disruptive of normal city business,” said Aubrey Jewett, a UCF political science professor. The political fallout potentially could spread to county government as well. Isnardi’s wife is Brevard County Commission Chair Kristine Isnardi, who would be up for re-election as District 5 commissioner in 2020 if she decides to seek a second term.

“Scott Maddox and Paige Carter-Smith expected back in court after J.T. Burnette indictment” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Their upcoming appearance in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee is expected because of a superseding indictment in their case handed down Thursday by a federal grand jury. The now 47-count indictment included new charges against a third defendant, prominent local businessman Burnette. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Kunz asked the court to issue a summons in place of a warrant for Maddox and Carter-Smith for what would be a repeat initial appearance and arraignment.

“Ex-United Way director pleads guilty to 20 counts of wire fraud, 3 counts of tax evasion” via Kevin Boyer of the NWF Daily News — “Yes, I did do it,” former Mayor Guyland Thompson, 65, told the judge at the federal courthouse in Pensacola. The charges were in connection to Thompson’s role as the executive director of the former United Way of Santa Rosa County. In the wake of the scandal, that branch lost its right to operate under the United Way brand. Its assets are in the process of being sold. Between at least 2011 and 2018, Thompson embezzled money belonging to the branch while he served as director. Officials said Thompson maintained his scheme by making fraudulent misrepresentations to United Way of Santa Rosa County’s board members and employees, its parent nonprofit United Way Worldwide, and bank personnel.

“Disbarred lawyer Constantine Kalogianis sentenced to prison for nine years” via Susan Taylor Martin of the Tampa Bay Times — A Pasco County lawyer and former congressional candidate has been sentenced to nine years in state prison for altering mortgage foreclosure documents to benefit homeowners he represented. Kalogianis will also have to pay restitution to lenders he defrauded although the amount is in dispute. “We have agreed on $156,101; some of the victims are seeking up to another $120,000,” said Bryan Sarabia, the assistant state attorney who prosecuted the case. Kalogianis was arrested in 2016 on nine felony counts after being caught on courthouse surveillance cameras stamping something on papers in clients’ foreclosure cases. Due to the changes he made, he was able to persuade judges that the lenders didn’t have standing for summary judgment.

“The Super Bowl is coming to Miami in 2020, but taxpayers are being billed already” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — An estimate from the Parks Department has taxpayers contributing more than $2 million toward the $3 million price tag for the two fields, with the NFL donating about $850,000. Miami-Dade fought to bring a record-breaking 11th Super Bowl to the Miami area, and now the bills are starting to come due. The NFL asks host communities to cover millions of dollars of gameday expense and to help subsidize the festivities. The latest tally has the county spending about $10 million on the game. But thanks to a stadium deal struck with the Miami Dolphins in 2014, the county must also pay $4 million to the Miami Dolphins as a bonus for snagging a Super Bowl at Hard Rock.

“Jacksonville Council candidates want ‘way to work together’ on Duval school tax vote” via David Bauerlein and Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union — Seven of the 10 candidates on ballots for Tuesday’s city runoff vote say they have qualms about the cost or turnout for a Nov. 5 special election the board requested this week for voters to decide whether to raise the county’s sales tax a half-penny to finance school repairs and construction. But they say they’re open to having a vote sometime, and most say they have questions for board members. “There should be a way for the School Board and City Council to work together,” said Brenda Priestly Jackson, running for the council’s District 10 seat. The answers matter because the council, including the winners of Tuesday’s runoffs, will act on the board’s request.

“Will Volusia’s developer deals hurt sales tax vote?” via Dustin Wyatt of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Ballots went to all registered Volusia County voters on the question of a half-cent sales tax that will raise an estimated $42 million a year to be divided among the county and its 16 cities for road and water projects. Government officials have spearheaded an education campaign on the potential benefits of that windfall. If they fall short, it may be because of the millions paid out to projects like International Speedway Corp.’s One Daytona, the Brown & Brown headquarters on Beach Street, Tanger Outlets mall and a Trader Joe’s distribution center, for which Daytona Beach and the county paid a combined $58 million to fix road and water infrastructure to secure the new development.

What Kevin Sweeny is reading — “Officials reach deal on Fish Island in St. Augustine” via Sheldon Gardner of the St. Augustine Record — Property owners of Fish Island in St. Augustine have agreed to sell the property, according to the North Florida Land Trust, a nonprofit organization, which began negotiating to preserve part of the property in 2018 after the city’s Planning and Zoning Board rejected a proposal to build a residential development. The land trust’s deal is for 57 acres of the property, which is on the Intracoastal Waterway next to the State Road 312 bridge on Anastasia Island. North Florida Land Trust President Jim McCarthy said people made a difference by speaking at public meetings in support of preserving the land. “We truly appreciate the people came out to express their opinions,” he said. “Now they get to reap the benefits.”

“Residents battle over historic label in flooding area” via Kyra Gurney of The Associated Press — Residents of the leafy Palm View neighborhood are divided over a push to repeal the area’s historic designation, which protects the neighborhood’s Mediterranean Revival homes and low-rise apartment buildings from demolition. It also limits property owners’ ability to build more resilient structures, however, and residents say flooding in the area is getting worse. It’s an issue that has sparked conflict in other historic areas as Miami Beach grapples with the challenges of protecting itself from rising seas while preserving historic neighborhoods. South Florida is expected to see one to two feet of sea level rise by 2060, according to projections from the Southeast Florida Climate Compact.

— THE TRAIL —

“John Morgan funnels money to minimum wage drive” via the News Service of Florida — The Morgan Firm PA contributed $474,371 in April to the political committee Florida For A Fair Wage, which Morgan chairs. In all, The Morgan Firm PA and Morgan and Morgan P.A. had contributed $1.454 million to the ballot drive, with almost all of the money going toward expenses related to collecting and processing petition signatures. Under the proposed amendment, the state’s minimum wage would go to $10 an hour on Sept. 30, 2021, and increase by $1 each year until it hits $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026. The state’s minimum wage this year is $8.46 an hour.

“Republicans line up for tough battles against Central Florida Democrats for Congress” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Nonpartisan rating organizations including the Cook Political Report, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball and Inside Elections have all forecast District 7, represented by second-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, as a safe Democratic seat. Districts 10, held by U.S. Rep. Val Demings, and 9, represented by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, have been considered strong Democratic seats for years. But being considered an uncompetitive seat is a huge change for District 7, held by Republican U.S. Rep. John Mica until 2016 and one of the national GOP’s most prominent targets in 2018. Murphy’s relative popularity and fundraising prowess led Cook to shift it from leaning to likely Democratic in 2018.

“Republican Sergio Garcia enters CD 9 contest” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Mortgage banker Garcia is seeking to take on two-term Democratic Congressman Soto. Garcia said he’s running to try to improve America for his nine grandchildren. Garcia is a native of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, who moved with his family to Chicago as a child, and then to Philadelphia, before settling in Central Florida in 1991. He spent much of his working career as a mortgage banker and opened his own business, but lost it, and his house, to bankruptcy during the Great Recession of the late 2000s. He took a job with FedEx, and then went back to work as a loan officer.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Nobody but Rick Scott uses this word to describe Venezuela. Is he right?” via the Tampa Bay Times — Amid calls for U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and a naval blockade of Cuba, Scott is using a word to describe the crisis in Venezuela that Donald Trump, National Security Adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Sen. Marco Rubio won’t use. Genocide. “We’re seeing genocide happen right in front of our eyes and we’re not aggressive enough,” Scott said. Even supporters of a hard-line approach to Venezuela who argue that the situation there has grave national security implications for the United States hesitate to use the word.

“Donald Trump takes over Fourth of July celebration, changing its location and inserting himself into the program” via Josh Dawsey, Juliet Eilperin and Peter Jamison of The Washington Post — Trump moved the gargantuan fireworks display from its usual spot on the Mall to be closer to the Potomac River and making tentative plans to address the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, according to top administration officials. The President’s starring role has the potential to turn what has long been a nonpartisan celebration of the nation’s founding into another version of a Trump campaign rally. Officials said it is unclear how much the changes may cost. Fireworks on the Mall, which the National Park Service has orchestrated for more than half a century, draw hundreds of thousands of Americans annually and mark one of the highlights of the city’s tourist season.

“House panel yanks Carlos Curbelo invite amid furor from top Democrats” via Heather Caygle and Anthony Adragna of POLITICO — The Ways and Means Committee yanked an invitation for former GOP Rep. Curbelo to testify at a hearing after other Democrats became enraged that the panel was offering a prized platform to a longtime foe. Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal officially rescinded the invite for Curbelo — who was invited by Democrats and slated to testify about climate change — after facing widespread pressure throughout the caucus, including from leadership. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer approached Neal on the floor and told him to cancel the hearing entirely. So far, Neal has only rescinded Curbelo’s invitation, but multiple sources said Neal is still being pressured to cancel the hearing entirely and could end up doing so.

“Trump’s Mar-a-Lago transitions from society galas to political hub” via Christine Stapleton of the Palm Beach Daily News — The millions of dollars and decades of hard work President Donald Trump spent restoring Mar-a-Lago, climbing Palm Beach’s social ladder and luring the profitable and prestigious fundraisers from other venues seemed in vain in the fall of 2017. That’s when more than 20 of Palm Beach’s highest society charities canceled events at his private club after Trump stated his belief there were “very fine people on both sides” at a deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville. Filling the void quickly were newly formed groups representing Trump’s base, coveted conservative voting blocks and Republican fundraisers — most that had never before held a charity gala, much less one at Mar-a-Lago — one of Palm Beach’s costliest and most prestigious venues.

— 2020 —

“Trump’s top man in Florida: 2020 campaign will be ‘bigger, badder, better’ than last time” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — Brad Parscale, who Trump has entrusted to win in the White House again, was the main attraction at the Seminole County Republican Party’s annual dinner in Lake Mary, where he promised a campaign that’s “bigger, badder, better” than the brash, combative rhetoric that has become Trump’s calling card. He has previously said the re-election effort could spend up to $1 billion and he promises a campaign of 6 million volunteers. “This is a war for the future of our country,” Parscale said as if already responding to critics of the scorched earth campaign that’s forthcoming. “If we don’t fight for everything we have, we’re going to lose.”

“Florida takes shape as Joe Biden’s firewall” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO — Biden is crushing the Democratic field here, including Bernie Sanders, in the latest polling. More than one-third of Democratic state legislators endorsed him almost as soon as he announced his candidacy, a testament to state political ties that stretch back decades and span generations. “Biden is in a class all on his own in Florida,” said pollster Ryan Tyson, who just completed a survey of Florida Democrats. If Biden can generate momentum in the early-voting states and remain popular in Florida — which, with 10 major media markets, can be wildly expensive to advertise in — rival campaigns will have to make some hard decisions about the value of competing hard here.

“Pete Buttigieg describes his coming out, need to bridge divides” via Michelle Price of The Associated Press — The 37-year-old described “a crisis of belonging in this country” experienced by LGBTQ people, women, immigrants, people of color, people with disabilities, workers and more and the need for “hopeful and audacious voices” to unite people. “What every gay person has in common with every excluded person of any kind is knowing what it’s like to see a wall between you and the rest of the world and wonder what it’s like on the other side,” Buttigieg said as he gave the keynote address in Las Vegas at a gala for the Human Rights Campaign. “Democrats can’t take us back to 2008 or 1998 any more than conservatives can take us back to the ’50s,” he said.

“Buttigieg sets Miami Beach fundraiser” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A location wasn’t disclosed for the $1,000-a-plate dinner. The invitation titles $1,000 donors as “Advocates,” $2,000 donors as “Champions” and those who give $2,500 as “Co-Hosts.” The host committee right now includes Freddy Balsera, Bradley Carlson, Ellen and Jonathan Freidin, Ira Statfeld and Christian Ulvert. Balsera, the founder of Balsera Communications, served as a Hispanic media adviser for Barack Obama’s successful presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.

“Kirsten Gillibrand headed to Coral Gables for fundraiser” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The event supporting the New York Senator will take place Tuesday at the Hotel St. Michael, where guests will pay a minimum $500 a plate. “Champion” supporters will pay $1,000, while “Sponsors” will drop $2,800. Marketing executive David Duckenfield and Miami attorney Debra Weiss Goodstone will host the event. Duckenfield, president of Balsera Communications, served in Obama’s administration as assistant secretary of in the State Department’s Public Affairs Bureau. Gillibrand tapped Duckenfield as a campaign adviser last month. He serves on both her political and finance teams.

— OPINIONS —

“Mark Wilson: Toll roads bill deserves DeSantis’s signature” via the Ocala Star-Banner — Florida is growing fast. According to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s research, Florida can expect another 4.5 million new residents by 2030, in addition to the hundreds of millions of visitors over the same time frame. In many respects, this is welcome news. Our economy is stronger, our public budgets are healthier, and Florida is now home to fresh perspectives that will continue to make Florida more competitive in the decades to come. But there are challenges that come with 900 new Floridians moving here each day. One of those challenges is maintaining the safety and efficiency of our transportation system. The Florida Chamber believes Senate Bill 7068 is a step in the right direction, and hopefully the first of many.

“DeSantis should veto lawmakers’ ‘sneak attack’ on sane development, growth management” via the Palm Beach Post editorial board — Thanks to the amendment from Sen. Jeff Brandes, House Bill 7103 would make it much harder for any citizen who wants to challenge a local government’s development decision in court — if they lose the case, they’d now have to pay the government’s legal fees. Basically, that avenue of protest will be closed to all but the wealthiest of citizens. As of this writing, DeSantis has not yet signed the bill, which was passed by both the House and Senate by wide margins on May 3, the Session’s last day. If he truly means to be the “Teddy Roosevelt conservationist” he says he wants to be, he must veto this sneak attack on rational development.

“Everglades, Lake O, were big winners in the Legislature. That means Floridians won big, too” via Holly Raschein for the Miami Herald — As chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, I am proud of the historic $682 million in funding provided to protect Florida’s water resources, restore the Everglades and offer immediate relief for harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges that feed algae blooms. This funding supports multiple ongoing water quality and restoration efforts, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the Central Everglades Plan (CEP), Restoration Strategies, and the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Plans. The state of Florida is doing its part to restore the Everglades and stop Lake Okeechobee discharges. We ask our federal partners to continue to do theirs. Only together can we complete the crucial restoration projects needed to stop the water crisis.

“6 a.m. bus rides. 7:20 bells. Florida high schools operate in the dark ages” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — The first buses start running around 5:30 in Seminole County, 5:40 in Lake and Osceola and 5:45 in Orange. Mind you, those are just the pickup times. If kids want to shower or eat breakfast, they have to rise earlier. Often, they just don’t. This is normal life in Central Florida — where high school’s in session by 7:20. But it’s not normal in America. Fewer than 5% of schools start this early. And for good reason — because research clearly shows it’s bad for teen learning. Fortunately, some local districts seem ready to make change. Orange County leaders laid out possible schedule changes at a meeting last week. In Seminole, a task force is studying the issue.

— MOVEMENTS —

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

Carlos Cruz, Cesar Fernandez, Jonathan Kilman, Paul Lowell, Jon Yapo, Converge Government Affairs of Florida: Curio Wellness

Stevan Grigas, Akerman: Lakeside Pediatrics, Pediatric Health Care Alliance

Kendall Moore, Moore Law Group: Waste Management of Florida

Robert Pritt, Roetzel & Andress: Upper Captiva Fire Protection and Rescue Service District

— SUNSHINE SPORTS —

Off the field in New England, a promise has been kept.

— Julian Edelman gets his degree: The New England Patriots receiver promised his parents he would finish his college degree. Over the weekend, he kept that vow by walking across the stage at Kent State University to get the diploma he started working toward in 2006.

The Dolphins are taking a chance with one of their latest pickups.

— Miami signs RB arrested three times: Former University of Miami running back Mark Walton has been arrested three times this year. The Miami Dolphins signed him after the Cincinnati Bengals waived him.

They should call him the wanderer.

— Edwin Jackson could set record: The Toronto Blue Jays traded for the veteran (and we do mean veteran) pitcher. Once he suits up, it will be the 14^th team he has played for. That’s a major league record. He spent two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and one with the Marlins.

The no-go shortlist is out.

— Giants pitcher will be hot trade topic: San Francisco pitcher Madison Baumgardner listed eight teams, all contenders, that he could refuse to be traded to later this year. It’s likely a salary ploy if a team wants his services badly enough.

The NBA Playoffs are down to their final four with the Golden State Warriors still alive to win a third straight title.

— Down but not out: The Warriors closed out the Houston Rockets in 6 games without both Kevin Durrant and DeMarcus Cousins.

Off the court, NBA teams are making moves.

— In L.A.: The Lakers named former Magic head man, Frank Vogel as their next head coach. Does LeBron approve?

— Closer to home: Magic co-founder and Senior Vice-President Pat Williams has announced his retirement from the NBA after 51 years in the game.

The Tampa Bay Rays got some good news and bad news heading into last weekend’s series against the Yankees.

— Welcome back: Outfielder Austin Meadows returned from the injured list, but the Rays lost Cy Young candidate Tyler Glasnow for four to six weeks with a strained forearm.

Golf’s PGA Championship begins Thursday in suburban New York.

— Go ‘Nole: Former Florida State star Brooks Koepka seeks to defend his PGA title, while next month he tries to become the second man ever to win three consecutive U.S. Open championships.

— ALOE —

“Parkland victim Alex Schachter’s musical spirit lives on as 50 kids get trombones in his name” via Wayne Roustan of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Fifty South Florida schools received $50,000 worth of specially designed Alex Tribute Trombones on Saturday. “I’m blown away,” said father Max Schachter at the ceremony. “To see Alex affecting all of these kids [with] his love of music expanding all across the state … it’s unbelievable.” Hundreds of students and their families packed the All-County Music store in Tamarac to receive their new trombones engraved with a motif combining Alex’s name and a trombone. “The most important thing in Alex’s life and the thing that made him grow and mature is music,” said Max Schachter. “Every parent wants to find something their kid loves and enjoys and music can be that.”

Tweet, tweet:

Today 50 music students received a new “Alex Trombone” courtesy of All County Music/ConnSelmer. It was made to honor Alex Schacter. The students were thrilled to receive such a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful young musician. @browardschools @alexschachtersf #msdstrong pic.twitter.com/ohEm8kcHbm

— BCPS Fine Arts (@BCPSFineArts) May 11, 2019

“After Jacob deGrom and Corey Kluber, Stetson University dreams even bigger” via Kevin Armstrong of The New York Times — Little old Stetson is no longer being overlooked. Last season, it was Logan Gilbert, a 6-foot-6 righty with a fastball touching 97 miles per hour, who drew scouts to the private college of about 3,100 undergraduates. Gilbert led the nation with 163 strikeouts and became the first Hatter selected in the first round of Major League Baseball’s amateur draft when Seattle picked him at No. 14. In the wake of deGrom, Kluber and now Gilbert, Stetson coaches have honed their recruiting pitch, branding the midmajor program as a hotbed for hurlers looking to develop into Cy Young winners. When recruits enter Coach Steve Trimper’s office, Stetson jerseys with Kluber and deGrom’s names and college numbers stitched into them occupy prime space on a bookcase filled with the 2018 team’s accomplishments.

“Facebook wants to make your birthday super awesome fun spectacular” via Heather Kelly of CNN Business — Called Birthday Stories, it will let people post images, videos or digital cards to friends’ Facebook Stories — the vertical posts that sit on top of the News Feed and disappear after 24-hours — congratulating them on successfully aging a year. The festive content will then be shown to all the celebrant’s friends via their Stories feed, though they can opt out. Birthday Stories is the latest in a long line of attempts by Facebook to freshen up a dependable source of engagement for the service, and the most recent to promote its relatively new Stories option. Despite any security issues, Facebook has always been birthday central — more so than other networks, except maybe LinkedIn.

“’SNL’ rips Florida Panhandle, GOP Senators” via Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel — “Weekend Update” repeated clips of a Trump rally in the Florida Panhandle. “Let law enforcement know when you see a kook,” the president told the crowd. “SNL” cut to Colin Jost on the phone. “I know that speech didn’t sound very eloquent, but for the Florida Panhandle, it was basically the Gettysburg Address,” Jost said. The Panhandle deserved the ridicule, Jost added, for joking about shooting migrants at the border.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Belated happy birthday wishes to lobbyist Jim Eaton. Celebrating today is our friend, Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson and writer Adam Weinstein. 

—

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