Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Rebecca Matthews is moving on from her post as Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.
She announced the move in a letter to board members, including Stephanie Haridopolos, a Brevard County physician and board chair.
Matthews’ last day will be June 10. Healthy Kids is a nonprofit, public-private partnership created by the Legislature to expand access to affordable, child-centered health insurance.
“During the past four years, my tenure at Florida Healthy Kids has been nothing short of elevated excitement and continued momentum,” she wrote.
“I am proud of the accomplishments we have made at the federal and state levels … Marketing for Florida KidCare has seen unprecedented focus and results — from year-round marketing to a more data-driven focus to specialty campaigns, direct marketing, special Hispanic campaigns to TV, radio and a constant social media presence.
“The Corporation was roughly a $350 million organization when I joined. It will be nearing $430 million over the next year due to enrollment growth.
“However, with this success and promise for insuring more kids into the future, I have decided now is the time for me to move on.
“ … It is important to note that all of what has been accomplished has been done with a group of outstanding colleagues with professional and personal dedication to the Corporation. I thank each of them for their loyalty, drive and spending most of their waking hours with me and the team.”
Evening Reads
“Donald Trump would tie Joe Biden in Florida in 2020, poll shows. But Trump would beat other Democrats.” via Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel
“Here’s who is going with Ron DeSantis and Cabinet to Israel Saturday” via Michael Moline of the Florida Phoenix
“Security adds more complexity to DeSantis, Cabinet trip” via Christine Stapleton of the Palm Beach Post
“DeSantis orders statewide elections security review” via Steve Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“Ag Commissioner warns new NAFTA may hurt Florida farmers” via Jake Stofan of WCTV
“Jimmy Patronis was top advocate for bank regulator accused of harassment” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“After more than a month of waiting, Florida’s next health secretary ’likely’ to start in June” via WTXL
“Heather Fitzenhagen won’t run for state Senate in 2020” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“‘I paid my dues:’ Tampa voters blast Amendment 4 bill requiring fees and restitution” via Langston Taylor of the Tampa Bay Times
“Evolution of Florida citrus growers: What it takes to stay in the embattled industry” via Jessica Meszaros of WJCT
Quote of the Day
“In 20 ZIP codes, we have 10 percent of the poverty. In 179 of the ZIP codes … we have half of the poverty of Florida. We just have to point our armies in the right direction.” — Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation.
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Wake Up Early?
Florida TaxWatch will hold a spring meeting and education “summit” focusing on issues such as school choice and workforce development. Speakers are expected to include state university system Chancellor Marshall Criser, Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Ken Lawson and Broward College President Greg Haile. That’s at 8 a.m., Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista.
Rep. Paul Renner, former House Speaker Will Weatherford and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Ken Lawson will be among the speakers at the Florida Business Leaders’ Summit on Prosperity and Economic Opportunity hosted by the Florida Chamber Foundation. That’s at 9 a.m., Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
The Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care will meet in Orange County to consider applications for designation as “gold seal” nursing homes. That’s at 9 a.m., Florida Department of Health, Orange County, 6101 Lake Ellenor Dr., Orlando.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
Condemned killer Bobby Joe Long is scheduled to be executed in the May 1984 murder of Michelle Simms in Hillsborough County. In 1985. Long, now 65, also pleaded guilty to seven additional first-degree murder charges and numerous charges for sexual batteries and kidnappings in the Tampa Bay region. That’s at 6 p.m., Florida State Prison, 7819 N.W. 228th St., Raiford.
Rep. Mike Caruso of Delray Beach, and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Link are slated to speak to the Republican Federated Women of South Florida. That’s at 6:30 p.m., Boca Country Club, 17751 Boca Club Blvd., Boca Raton.
