Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, state Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis, whose office is in charge of returning unclaimed property to rightful owners or heirs, is highlighting a novel initiative.
The sad fact is, military medals are among the unclaimed items that Patronis is charged with keeping safe.
And he’d like to give them back.
“We can honor these brave military service members by returning these medals which represent incredible sacrifice,” the CFO said in a Thursday statement.
“This is the least we can do to honor their courage and bravery. We must keep Florida one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation — the 1.5 million veterans residing here deserve that.”
His ‘Operation Return the Valor’ aims to “reunite veterans or their heirs with any medals that may have been lost or forgotten in Florida safety deposit boxes,” according to a news release.
There are nearly 40 unclaimed medals currently in the Unclaimed Property program, it added. His office also released names of medal owners it has been able to identify but can’t locate: Earl R. Johnson, Dina R. Howard, John Woska, Richard Anderson, Charles Conklin, Jean Glaser, John J. Koss, Leah Eddington, Martha G. Perfetti, Richard Stephens, Virgil Rice.
Patronis urges anyone who knows family or friends of veterans who are missing medals to go to www.fltreasurehunt.gov.
“On D-Day some of our bravest stormed the beaches of Normandy to defeat evil. We must never forget their selfless service,” he said.
Evening Reads
“President Donald Trump signs long-stalled $19.1B disaster relief bill” via Caitlin Emma of POLITICO
“How the Parkland school shooting transformed Florida politics” via Audra D.S. Burch and Adeel Hassan of the New York Times
“Shake-up in Ron DeSantis administration as Capitol staffers exit” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
“Nikki Fried ‘horrified and disgusted’ at Mike Hill laughing about killing gays” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the Florida Phoenix
“Ray Rodrigues poised for fight in Senate race, whether one comes or not” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Judge weighs fight over local gun restrictions” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida
“On D-Day, Naples man remembers bloody battle of Omaha Beach” via Harriet Heithaus of Naples Daily News
“Sarasota D-Day veteran to be honored by the French Government” via Jonah Hineaugh of the Herald-Tribune
“Arson destroys chairs, bishop’s crest at Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat
“Meet Florida’s 50 highest-paid CEOs” via Graham Brink of the Tampa Bay Times
Quote of the Day
“Our Church is more than a building. Our Church is the people. The building will be repaired and our Church is Alive.” — Michael Williams, a parishioner of the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Tallahassee, damaged this week in what looks like an intentionally set fire.
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Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Board of Medicine will meet at 8 a.m., Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon, 5101 Blue Lagoon Dr., Miami.
The Florida Commission on Ethics will take up a case involving 2018 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum after a settlement was reached. The settlement, known as a stipulation, remains subject to approval by the ethics commission. That’s at 8:30 a.m., 1st District Court of Appeal, 2000 Drayton Dr., Tallahassee.
The Florida State University Board of Trustees will meet at 8:30 a.m., Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.
The Council of Presidents of the Florida College System will continue a two-day annual meeting, including holding a session with system Chancellor Kathy Hebda, at 8:30 a.m., Villas of Grand Cypress, 1 North Jacaranda, Orlando.
The Florida Democratic Party will start its “Leadership Blue” weekend event. Friday will include committee meetings and welcome receptions. Meetings start at 3 p.m., Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando.
Looking Ahead
The Florida Democratic Party will continue its “Leadership Blue” weekend event. Saturday will include training and caucus meetings and an evening gala event. speakers will include U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, U.S. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez. That’s Saturday, meetings start at 9 a.m., with the gala at 7 p.m., Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando.
