Peter Schorsch
Hurricane Dorian is now a Category 2 hurricane and is expected to continue strengthening over the weekend as it advances toward Florida.
The National Hurricane Center says in an 11 p.m. Thursday forecast that the storm has maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (169 kph), meaning it is just short of being a Category 3 major storm.
Forecasters expect Dorian to become a major hurricane Friday and make landfall on Florida’s east coast on Monday night.
As of Friday morning, Dorian was about 295 miles (475 kilometers) east-northeast of the southeastern Bahamas.
Read the full public advisory here.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@PlumLineGS: Weird that [Donald] Trump isn’t instructing Floridians to be grateful for whatever efforts his administration takes to protect them, the way he did with Puerto Rico
—@MarcoRubio: The forecast cone covers virtually the entire state of #Florida. We have been through this many times before. We know what we need to do, lets start doing it now. #Dorian has been an unpredictable storm. Expect that to continue & plan & act accordingly.
—@MarcoRubio: Yesterday I spoke to @POTUS @GovRonDeSantis & #Florida Director of Emergency Management @JaredEMoskowitz. The state & federal government is prepared to assist before & after #Dorian. Today is a key day for all #Floridians to prepare.
— @Philklotzbach: Assuming #HurricaneDorian makes landfall in Florida, this will be the 4th consecutive year with a Florida #hurricane landfall — the most consecutive years with a Florida landfall since they were hit by hurricanes in a whopping 7 consecutive years from 1944-1950.
—@JimWeberFox: You cannot say enough for those men and women flying into these hurricanes to get the vital information needed for making the forecast. They left Lakeland a little before 5am today, spent the morning in a hurricane, and still on their way home 9 hours later. Outstanding!
—@CHeathyWFTV: I’m not sure what Atlantic high pressure does, but if it could punch #HurricaneDorian in the mouth, that’d be great.
—@JPoe24601: A personal update: I stocked up for Hurricane Dorian today. Reflecting back, I definitely entered Publix with a solid game plan, but panicked and ultimately ended up overestimating how much applesauce I can physically eat in a week.
—@JoeFlech: To prepare for #HurricaneDorian, city of Miami has notified dockless electric scooter companies that they must pick up their scooters by noon tomorrow. This will be a test of vendor compliance to a rule that’s supposed to prevent these things from becoming projectiles in a storm.
—@MichaelHerald: The Alligator Alley traffic jam ahead of the 2000 New Year’s Phish concert in the Everglades was shorter than the damn 6 am Costco gas line
—@GrayRohrer: Like, how many EOC or DEM workers are gonna sneak off to watch the Boise State game?
—@MadisonSocial: News is Noles are playing at Doak at Noon on Saturday. While we have always said Noon Games Suck, we got football in Tallahassee this weekend. We will be open at 8 a.m. For those of you who purchased a ticket to our tailgate in Jacksonville, you will be receiving an email ASAP.
—@MDixon55: If you’ve got a banger of a story, there is always a pre-storm window to get it out. If you miss it, no one will pay attention and you’re better waiting until it passes.
—@JeffVanderMeer: Here in Florida, we don’t fear hurricanes or alligators, because we know what to do when it comes to hurricanes (be prepared; we’re always prepared) and alligators (jump over them in a pinch, rub a buttercup under their cute litul chins). All we truly fear are Florida Man jokes.
— DAYS UNTIL —
FSU Seminoles football opens vs. Boise State — 1; Labor Day — 3; CNN hosts candidate forum on the climate crisis — 5; TaxWatch Productivity Awards — 12; First Interim Committee Week for 2020 Session — 17; “Morning” Joe Scarborough releases “This Ends Badly: How Donald Trump Conned America” — 18; MSNBC hosts candidates event on climate in D.C. — 20; 850 Hemp Summit begins — 33; “Joker” opens — 35; Triple Force Friday: the next generation of Star Wars products arrives — 35; Debut of Breaking Bad movie on Netflix — 41; Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 58; Brexit scheduled — 62; 2019 General Election — 67; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon starts — 69; Frozen 2 debuts — 84; TaxWatch 40th Annual Meeting — 94; The Rise of Skywalker premiers — 112; 2020 Session begins — 137; Florida TaxWatch State of the TaxPayer Dinner in Tallahassee — 138; Iowa Caucuses — 157; New Hampshire Primaries — 165; Florida’s presidential primary — 200; Black Panther 2 debuts — 250; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo begin — 329; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 361; 2020 General Election — 431.
— TOP STORY —
“Unsure where Hurricane Dorian will strike, all of Florida gets ready” via Patricia Mazzei, Mitch Smith and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs of The New York Times — As Hurricane Dorian plowed toward the Florida coast on Thursday, the predictions became increasingly dire, the preparations more urgent, the disruptions more immediate. By the time the storm makes landfall on Monday, forecasters warned, it could be an extremely powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130 miles per hour, driving a deadly storm surge and causing catastrophic damage. Exactly where that would happen was still unclear, so Florida’s entire Atlantic coast was on alert Thursday, with residents from Miami to Jacksonville crowding sandbag-filling stations and rushing to grocery stores. “It looks like Thanksgiving,” said Elizabeth Eradiri, who works at a Publix supermarket in Fort Pierce.
“Atmospheric battle will determine where Dorian hits Florida” via Seth Borenstein of The Associated Press — Four days before the system is expected to come ashore, Dorian could hit practically anywhere in Florida because the weather forces that will determine its path have not yet had their showdown, meteorologists said. As of Thursday, the National Hurricane Center had practically all of eastern Florida in a cone of uncertainty, meaning the entire region was at risk. Stacy Stewart, a senior hurricane specialist at the center, said there’s a chance for a “fairly dramatic” change in storm direction on Saturday based on what’s happening in the atmosphere and the storm altering its own environment, helping to steer its own path. The forces that will determine Dorian’s fate — and that of Florida — are already at work.
“It’s on: Jim Cantore will be ‘on the ground’ in Florida, Weather Channel confirms” via Madeline Marr of the Miami Herald — The Weather Channel confirmed that its star meteorologist, Cantore, is on his way to Florida to cover Hurricane Dorian. The storm is set to make landfall as a Category 4 over the Labor Day weekend. A WTC spokesperson said he would be “on the ground” Friday, but did not give an exact location. Should his presence make us nervous? Yeah, maybe a little. Because when others evacuate, that’s the Weather Channel’s meteorologist’s cue to swoop in. The last time the weather celebrity covered a major hurricane was Irma, in September 2017. And we all know how that worked out.
— DATELINE: TALLY —
“Ron DeSantis expands emergency to all 67 counties” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Faced with a major hurricane that still could land anywhere on Florida’s east coast, Gov. DeSantis announced he had expanded his emergency declaration to all 67 counties. Speaking in the Brevard County Emergency Management Operations Center in Rockledge, DeSantis said he also would be asking Trump to issue a federal emergency declaration. DeSantis’ initial declaration Wednesday covered only 26 counties. The governor announced the expanded emergency as Hurricane Dorian makes its slow slog through the western Atlantic from the Caribbean toward Florida, where it is expected to arrive between late Sunday and late Monday, almost anywhere along Florida’s east coast.
Breaking overnight — “DeSantis requests President declare disaster before Dorian strikes” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Gov. DeSantis sent a letter to President Trump formally requesting that he declare a pre-landfall disaster as Florida prepares for Hurricane Dorian. Current forecasts project Hurricane Dorian will hit the East Coast of Florida as a major hurricane, possibly as strong as a Category 4. The Pre-Landfall Declaration request is for all 67 counties in Florida. “With Hurricane Dorian strengthening, I have sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting that he declare a pre-landfall disaster for all of Florida’s 67 counties,” said DeSantis. “The trajectory of this storm remains uncertain, and this declaration will provide us with the necessary resources to ensure the state is fully prepared. I am confident the President will grant my request and show his full support for Florida.”
Assignment editors — DeSantis will hold a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center regarding Hurricane Dorian, 9 a.m., Florida Division of Emergency Management, 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee.
“‘Built for speed’: New state disaster chief in eye of first major storm” via Steve Bousquet of the Sun Sentinel — Improbably, Moskowitz is now the director of the state Division of Emergency Management. He faces his first major test as Hurricane Dorian bears down on a storm-weary peninsula over Labor Day weekend. “I didn’t grow up wanting to be emergency management director,” Moskowitz said. … Moskowitz, 38, is a former state legislator from Coral Springs and the most prominent Democrat in the young administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. In case anyone misses the point, in Moskowitz’s office at the Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee are several framed photos of him with Bill and Hillary Clinton. “I look at this as a way to help people, and serve with a direct connection to Parkland,” Moskowitz said. “If Parkland hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have taken this job.” … Moskowitz runs one of the leanest and most obscure state agencies, except in an emergency when his work takes on life-and-death importance. “Built for speed,” he said. There’s no place to hide if shelters don’t open, power isn’t quickly restored or the unthinkable happens and frail seniors die in a nursing home without a backup generator. But Moskowitz isn’t alone. President Trump’s re-election prospects could hinge on how well the feds help Florida recover. A botched response could be politically disastrous for Trump. That may explain why the president scratched a trip to Poland to monitor the storm.
Statement from Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association: “While the forecast is still uncertain, it appears increasingly likely that Hurricane Dorian will continue to strengthen and have a significant impact on Florida. We have been in communication with all of Florida’s public power communities to discuss their needs following the storm and have already activated our national mutual aid network to line up additional resources for affected communities. Our coordination efforts will continue right up until landfall, and we expect additional utilities to answer the call for support. As we get ready our communities for the impacts of Hurricane Dorian, we encourage Floridians to do the same. Get a plan and be prepared.”
Meanwhile … “How a tough move by the governor turned into a drain on taxpayers and a cash bonanza for a once-suspended school superintendent” via Diane Rado of the Florida Phoenix — As it stands now, Jackson still has her educator license to teach, work as an administrator, or do guidance and counseling, state certification records show. She’s able to draw on a lucrative educator pension, worth thousands of dollars in retirement after decades of service. Meanwhile, taxpayers in Okaloosa County are stuck with tens of thousands of dollars in bills related to Jackson’s back pay, and potentially hundreds of thousands in legal fees, raising questions about who should be blamed for the hefty price tag.
— FLORIDA PREPARES —
“Labor Day hurricanes have an ugly history in Florida dating back to 1935” via Johnny Diaz and Aric Chokey of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — At least 25 hurricanes have barreled onto shore over past Labor Day weekends since 1851, data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows. Seven of those slammed into Florida. The last hurricane to make landfall during Labor Day weekend was Hurricane Hermine. The storm smacked into Florida’s Big Bend in 2016 as a Category 1. Other recent storms that touched land include 2010′s Hurricane Earl, which skimmed the East Coast before landing in Nova Scotia. Before that, Hurricane Gustav came ashore in Louisiana as a Category 2. The holiday arrives during peak hurricane season in the Atlantic when some of the most intense systems have developed.
“Nursing homes learned their lesson after Irma in 2017. Or did they?” Via Elizabeth Koh of the Tampa Bay Times — Out of 687 nursing homes in the state, 400 — 58.2 percent — have been given more than an additional year by state officials to meet the requirements, though the original deadline was the start of last year’s hurricane season. About 90 percent of the state’s 3,000-plus assisted living facilities, which are often smaller and have fewer beds, have said they have installed equipment that meets the new standards. The pattern trends statewide. In Tampa Bay, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties, only 48 of 117 nursing homes have implemented their emergency power plans, according to agency records. In South Florida, from Palm Beach County to Monroe County, only 59 of 146 nursing homes have implemented their generator plans.
“Universities, colleges closing because of Dorian” via the News Service of Florida — They include Florida Atlantic University, which will close in 12:30 p.m. Friday; the University of Central Florida, which will close at 5 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Tuesday; and Florida Polytechnic University, which will be closed Tuesday. Eastern Florida State College will remain closed through Tuesday; Palm Beach State College will be closed noon Friday through Tuesday; Daytona State College, will close at noon Friday and remain closed through Tuesday; Indian River State College will close at 5 p.m. Friday and remain closed until further notice; Valencia College will close at 5 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Tuesday; Florida State College at Jacksonville will be closed Saturday through Tuesday; and Seminole State College of Florida will close at noon Saturday and remain closed until further notice.
“Dorian sends Florida shoppers scrambling for water, generators, bread and Pop-Tarts” via Sara DiNatale of the Tampa Bay Times — Alberto Jauregui arrived at the Publix near Allendale Park with strict orders from his fiance: They needed hurricane supplies. Jauregui steered his cart straight to the aisle usually packed with pallets of water bottles. It wasn’t even 8:30 a.m. Thursday and the shelves were already about empty — except for pricey bottles of alkaline water. Jauregui spotted one remaining 24-pack case with its plastic wrapping torn open, but at least it was regular water. Success. That kind of scramble played out at stores across the state Thursday, as Floridians searched for supplies ahead of Hurricane Dorian. Most say they don’t want to be left unprepared if the storm strengthens above a Category 3 hurricane as the National Hurricane Center predicts.
“How to survive Hurricane Dorian like a true Florida native: Buy booze” via Doreen Christiansen of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — I’ve already shared my helpful grocery store checklist of storm essentials (don’t forget the can opener!) and other safety supplies. But true Floridians know there is a second, more important list of items to buy that will help make life easier if we have to batten down the hatches. Buy booze. Water likely will be sold out of most places, so stock up on the next best thing: liquor, beer and wine. They need no refrigeration.
“Puerto Ricans who fled to Florida from storm face new storm” via Mike Schneider of The Associated Press — Jose Santiago was worried about his two adult daughters as Hurricane Dorian threatened Puerto Rico midweek. But when the island dodged a direct hit from the storm, his daughters became increasingly concerned about the direction of the hurricane — straight for Florida where Santiago had moved after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island in September 2017. Like Santiago, tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans moved to Florida after Hurricane Maria to escape the devastation of the Category 4 storm. Now, they’re facing a potentially destructive storm in the very place where they sought refuge. Living through Maria taught Santiago the importance of preparing for storms, and he has purchased a generator, canned food and water. He’s betting Dorian won’t be as bad.
—“Airbnb activates Open Homes program in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“Will my cellphone work during a hurricane? Carriers have drones and trucks at the ready” for Bob Wile of the Miami Herald — To respond to outages, AT&T has begun staging cell-on-wheels trucks, or COWs, that can be moved into place to cover affected areas. An AT&T spokesman said as many as 30 such vehicles could be deployed according to Dorian’s path and the aftermath. COWs also refers to cell-on-wings — in other words, drones. AT&T has two in its fleet that it can fly into place to provide coverage to emergency crews. The company cited other improvements. “Since Hurricane Irma, we have improved the resiliency of our network throughout Florida by moving fiber underground, and increasing the number of fixed generators and installing additional backup infrastructure at cell sites,” the company said in a statement.
“Mini yellow submarines help scientists better predict hurricanes” via Jess Nelson of the Miami New Times — Using autonomous underwater vehicles called gliders, NOAA is now able to more accurately predict whether a tropical disturbance will intensify into a named storm. They’re preprogrammed remotely by computer. The gliders are deployed in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to collect data on the water’s temperature and salinity — two factors that are pivotal to the formation of hurricanes. “Glider data are used daily and in real-time for weather and hurricane forecasts,” says Dr. Gustavo Goni, director of the Physical Oceanography Division at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). “The data is being used and will continue to be used by the computer models during the whole hurricane season.”
“Cruise lines reroute ships away from Dorian’s path, while airlines waive change fees” via Taylor Dolven of the Miami Herald — As Hurricane Dorian barrels toward Florida, South Florida-based cruise companies are making changes to Caribbean itineraries. Hurricane Dorian is projected to make landfall on Labor Day in Florida as a Category 4 storm. Carnival is diverting six of its ships to avoid the storm. Royal Caribbean announced Wednesday that it is closing its private island in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line canceled stops to its private island in the Bahamas. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line canceled sailings out of the Port of Palm Beach for Sept. 1 and Sept. 3. Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises do not have any itinerary changes announced yet.
— MORE FROM ACROSS THE STATE —
“New law affecting citizen petitions brought chaos. Will questions be answered now?” via Samantha Gross and Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald — Now, two months after the law took effect, Secretary of State Laurel Lee has agreed to host a workshop to work out the problems that have become a budget drain on both petition backers and taxpayers. “The damage is already done,” said Gail Schwartz, chair of the initiative to ban assault weapons in Florida. She said her organization was faced with “tens of thousands of dollars” in additional cost when the new rule changed the format of the petitions and she was forced to reprint thousands of copies. The workshop by the Secretary of State is the first attempt at answering questions as the agency is only now starting to write rules to implement the law entirely.
“Richard Corcoran’s school choice agenda riles local school leaders, unions” via Lynn Hatter of WFSU — Florida Education Commissioner Corcoran isn’t shy about his support for charter schools and the state’s private school voucher program. He championed school choice policies during his stint in the Legislature. But his placement as chief of the state’s education system, is beginning to worry public school leaders. Recent comments about the future of public education have raised alarm bells for supporters of traditional public schools. Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna worries those fears are being validated: “I met several months ago with the commissioner of education, and he made no bones about it. He sees nothing wrong with cutting our traditional public-school system by two-thirds.”
“School districts lose another round in court over law that bolsters charter schools” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — The dozen Florida school districts that sued the Legislature over a controversial 2017 law establishing and funding a new charter school system have suffered another setback in court. While acknowledging the districts had a limited right to challenge the law, a three-judge panel of the First District Court of Appeal found the districts’ legal arguments lacking and upheld a Leon County judge’s ruling against them. Their decision paved the way for a further blurring of the funding streams for charter and district schools — something “choice” advocates long have supported but the critics have panned as part of the “privatization” of public schooling.
“Medical marijuana case that dramatically changes the industry will go to Florida Supreme Court” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida — A split appeals court refused to grant the state’s request to revisit a decision that could revolutionize the way medical marijuana operators do business in Florida. Instead, the 1st District Court of Appeal asked the Florida Supreme Court to decide whether the state’s “vertical integration” system of requiring licensed operators to grow, process and distribute cannabis and derivative products runs afoul of a constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana in Florida. In an unusual twist in the high-profile lawsuit, five judges on the appeals court recused themselves from deciding whether the case should get a hearing by the full court, known as an “en banc” hearing. The judges did not explain their recusals.
“Supreme Court to hear felons’ rights dispute” via News Service of Florida — The Florida Supreme Court agreed to take up a request by DeSantis to consider whether a state law properly carries out a constitutional amendment granting voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences. The law requires people convicted of felonies to pay financial obligations before they can regain the right to vote. Voting-rights groups and civil-rights advocates have challenged the law in federal court, but DeSantis sought guidance from the state’s high court on whether the statute’s provision requiring payment of “financial obligations” — such as restitution, fines and fees — runs afoul of the amendment. On Thursday, the court said it “will exercise its discretion to provide an opinion in response to the governor’s request.”
OFR reviewing workers’ comp rate cut — The state Office of Financial Regulation is considering a request by The National Council on Compensation Insurance to cut workers’ compensation rates. As reported by Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida, NCCI requested a 5.4 percent decrease based on claims made by injured workers during 2016 and 2017. NCCI said workers’ comp insurers continued to profit despite Supreme Court decisions that increased payouts. If approved, the cut would take effect Jan. 1, 2020. Workers’ comp rates were cut by 9.5 percent in January 2018 and by 13.8 percent at the beginning of this year.
Happening today — The Associated Industries of Florida’s annual Florida Water Forum will conclude with discussions of issues such as a preview of the 2020 Legislative Session. Participants in panel discussions are expected to include Sens. Kathleen Passidomo and David Simmons as well as state Reps. Chuck Clemons, Toby Overdorf, Holly Raschein and Rick Roth, 8:30 a.m., Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, 6601 Adventure Way, Orlando.
— NOTES FROM ELSEWHERE —
What Ron DeSantis is reading — “Ohio governor pushes to strengthen background checks after Dayton shooting” via ABC News — Ohio officials are pushing to strengthen the state and federal background check systems to stop people from getting guns when they have outstanding violent warrants. Gov. Mike DeWine announced he would be putting a proposal forward to the state’s general assembly to mandate that arrest warrants and protective orders must be placed in the background check system moving forward.
What Surgeon General Scott Rivkees is reading — “Three of four vaping-related illnesses in Iowa tied to THC” via Des Moines Register — Three of four young Iowans who experienced respiratory illnesses after using e-cigarettes said they used products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, a chemical in marijuana, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. And health officials reported more than 190 cases of severe respiratory illness among American teenagers and young adults who had vaped, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What VISIT FLORIDA head Dana Young is reading — “Nebraska pulled in record $5.9 million in lodging taxes” via Omaha World-Herald — The state reaped a record harvest of taxes on motel and hotel stays in the past fiscal year … The state collected $5.9 million in state lodging taxes from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, which was 4 percent more than in the previous fiscal year. In June alone, more than $88 million was spent in the state on lodging.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Donald Trump cancels Poland trip as hurricane heads to Florida” via Jill Colvin of The Associated Press — Trump canceled his planned weekend trip to Poland as Hurricane Dorian barrels toward Florida. Trump, announcing the last-minute change of plans at a Rose Garden signing ceremony, said it was “very important” for him to be in Washington to deal with the storm. … “Our highest priority is the safety and security of the American people in the path of the hurricane,” he said. It’s the second time Trump has canceled a trip in recent weeks.
“Trump compares Dorian to Hurricane Andrew: an ‘absolute monster’” via Frank Pastor of the Tampa Bay Times — Trump compared Dorian to Hurricane Andrew, calling it an “absolute monster,” and urged those in the path of the hurricane projected to reach Category 4 status by the time it makes landfall in Florida early next week to stay safe in a video posted on his Twitter account Thursday evening. “All indications are it’s going to hit very hard, and it’s going to be very big,” Trump said from the Rose Garden, outside the White House.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2019
“Stephanie Murphy: Take Dorian preparations seriously” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Democratic U.S. Rep. Murphy stopped at a couple of sandbag loading locations in Central Florida Thursday to lend a hand and urge people to take Hurricane Dorian seriously. “Central Floridians absolutely need to take this seriously,” Murphy said. “This could be the strongest storm that hits Central Florida in 30 years. And as we all know, hurricanes can lead to significant damage from falling trees to flooding.” She also blasted reported plans by the Trump administration to transfer FEMA money to border security.
“Charlie Crist condemns Trump’s plan to divert disaster relief funds” via the Tampa Bay Reporter — Crist issued a statement condemning Trump’s decision to take $155 million from money allocated for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief Fund and divert it to immigrant detention and deportation. The FEMA money is part of the $271 million Trump wants to use for immigration detention and deportation. The other $116 million will come from elsewhere in the Department of Homeland Security budget. “President Trump’s decision to divert disaster relief funds is wrong and dangerous. It’s the height of hurricane season, with a storm bearing down on Florida and Puerto Rico. American lives are at risk.”
“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell slams decision denying citizenship to troops’ children” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Mucarsel-Powell slammed a decision to deny automatic citizenship to children of troops born overseas. The Miami Democrat lashed out at the policy unrolled by Trump‘s administration. “So long as Trump is in office, his policies will attack everyone — hardworking Americans, immigrants, and now, service members,” Mucarsel-Powell said. She responded to a memo issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Wednesday alerting a change to policy. “USCIS no longer considers children of U.S. government employees and U.S. armed forces members residing outside the United States as ‘residing in the United States’ for purposes of acquiring citizenship,” the memo reads.
What Matt Gaetz is reading — “Watchdog: James Comey violated FBI policies in handling of memos” via Eric Tucker of The Associated Press — Former FBI Director Comey violated FBI policies in his handling of memos documenting private conversations with President Donald Trump, the Justice Department’s inspector general said. The watchdog office said Comey broke bureau rules by giving one memo containing unclassified information to a friend with instructions to share the contents with a reporter. Comey also failed to return his memos to the FBI after he was dismissed in May 2017, retaining copies of some of them in a safe at home, and shared them with his personal lawyers, the report said. The report is the second in as many years to criticize Comey’s actions as FBI director.
— 2020 —
“Democratic debate stage narrowed to 10 candidates, one night” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Democratic debate field will be cut in half for the next debate, with just 10 candidates qualifying under a new set of stricter rules. So who made the cut this time? Former Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former tech executive Andrew Yang will all take the stage in Houston.
“Joe Biden defends faulty telling of military heroism story” via Bill Barrow and Thomas Beaumont of the Associated Press — The “essence” of his recollection is correct, the former vice president told a South Carolina newspaper Thursday after a Washington Post story detailed how an emotional anecdote Biden told recently while campaigning in New Hampshire contained inaccuracies. Biden’s telling appeared to conflate multiple events, yielding a single story of Vice President Biden pinning a Silver Star on a U.S. Navy captain in the Konar province of Afghanistan for his efforts trying to save another service member. In his latest telling of a story he’s varied over several years, according to the Post, Biden got most of the details wrong: There’s no military record of that specific ceremony, and Biden’s records as a senator show he traveled to Konar when he was Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman and before he was vice president.
— THE TRAIL —
“Anitere Flores endorses Omar Blanco over Irina Vilariño in CD 26” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Outgoing GOP state Sen. Flores is throwing her support behind Blanco, a Republican candidate in Florida’s 26th Congressional District. Blanco is competing with Vilariño, a restaurant owner for the Republican nomination to take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Blanco, the head of Miami-Dade Firefighters Local 1403, entered the race on Aug. 19 and is picking up Flores’ support just over a week later. “I have known Omar and his family for several years, and I have seen firsthand the tenacity and leadership that will serve him well in Washington, D.C.,” Flores said. “I applaud his commitment to our community and can assure you he will lead with a determination like no other candidate.”
— LOCAL —
“Urgency rises along the Treasure Coast as Hurricane Dorian is predicted to land as a Category 4 storm” via Max Chesnes, Sara Marino and Will Greenlee of TCPalm — In light of recent forecasts, the pace of storm preparations along the Treasure Coast appeared to pick up pace, with stores such as the Sam’s Club and Home Depot having no shortage of customers. At Sam’s Club, it seemed like almost every customer had packs of water in their shopping carts. Lines stretched to reach fuel pumps. Lines stretched for water “You got to take it seriously,” said Clem Foley, who was loading up a pickup with supplies at Sam’s Club. “Anything over a Category 1 (storm), you need to take seriously.” Foley said he got nonperishable food, along with water, milk and eggs.
“As Hurricane Dorian threatens space Coast, NASA, SpaceX and Ula work to secure their launchpads” via Chabeli Herrera of the Orlando Sentinel — At Kennedy Space Center, teams are preparing to move the $650 million mobile launcher, which is the steel ground structure that attaches to a rocket for preparations and launch. The structure is currently at launchpad 39B and will be used to launch NASA’s upcoming rocket, the Space Launch System, and astronaut capsule Orion for upcoming missions to the moon. KSC is expecting to move the launcher to the Vehicle Assembly Building, the windowless fortress where NASA assembles rockets, beginning early Friday morning. The VAB can withstand winds of about 125 mph — or a Category 3 hurricane.
“Dorian has UCF, Valencia, Rollins, Volusia schools canceling classes, others on alert” via Leslie Postal of the Orlando Sentinel — UCF, Valencia College and Rollins College announced Thursday they have canceled classes as Hurricane Dorian approaches. The Volusia County school district said schools will be closed on Tuesday and all activities scheduled on campuses during the Labor Day weekend are canceled. Other Central Florida school districts are watching the hurricane forecasts and said they would make any decisions about closing schools once the storm’s path is more clear. The University of Central Florida said it would close on Friday at 5 p.m. and remain closed through Tuesday. Valencia said it would close all its campuses at 5 p.m. Friday and remain shuttered through Tuesday. Rollins said it canceled classes for Friday through Wednesday.
“Dorian: How crews will stop 400-foot-tall The Wheel from rolling away” via Marco Santana of the Orlando Sentinel — How do you stop a 400-foot-tall tower from breaking off of its foundations, rolling down International Drive and terrorizing tourists from across the world during a strong hurricane? Steel cables, of course. One of International Drive’s most-recognizable structures will get tied down in advance of this weekend’s strong approaching storm. Hurricane protocol for The Wheel at ICON Park Orlando calls for four large cables to anchor the structure to the ground. That will kick in if wind forecasts predict sustained winds of more than 28 mph. The attraction is already tethered to a strong foundation with eight thick cables that are part of The Wheel, which was built to withstand strong winds.
“’Chaos’: Politics mires Miami Dade College search for new leader” via Andrew Atterbury and Gary Fineout of POLITICO Florida — The college board of trustees — which last month scrapped the hunt for a new president after interviewing four finalists for the job — is expected to relaunch the hiring process when it convenes in a special session. The meeting comes a day before Eduardo Padrón is set to retire after 25 years. “They’ve caused this chaos,” said Javier Soto, president and CEO of the Miami Foundation and a member of the college’s presidential search committee. “They’re going to have to figure out a way out. At stake is control of Florida’s largest college, an esteemed institution with a budget eclipsing $470 million and a student body that is nearly 90 percent Hispanic or black.
“After tense meeting, Miami Dade College Board unanimously picks interim president” via Colleen Wright of the Miami Herald — The Board of Trustees at Miami Dade College hasn’t been able to agree on much since it started looking for a new president. The “old” board voted 4-3 to keep the job requirement of holding a doctoral degree. After five new trustees were appointed mid-search, only their chair disagreed that the four vetted finalists weren’t up to par. Even on Thursday, trustees bickered over the timing and manner of how the meeting was run. Yet all seven trustees agreed on an interim president whose name was revealed publicly for the first time just 10 minutes before voting. Trustee Michael Bileca introduced former MDC provost and trustee Rolando Montoya as the sole option for interim president. He accepted on the spot.
“Jury acquits Miami-Dade police sergeant accused of battery for kicking handcuffed teen” via David Ovalle of the Miami Herald — Sgt. Gustavo de los Rios was charged with misdemeanor battery for the kick on a teen burglary suspect, David Brown, outside a Northwest Miami-Dade cash-advance store on Feb. 14, 2018. De los Rios is one in a string of South Florida police officers who have been charged in recent months for using force on suspects in the line of duty. De los Rios was charged after a bystander video recorded the arrest of Brown, a 17-year-old African American, outside a cash-advance store in Northwest Miami-Dade. At the time, Brown was wanted on a burglary charge, and began scuffling with Miami-Dade police officers who tried to take him into custody. Brown was shot with a Taser stun gun during the confrontation.
“Buddy Dyer, Jerry Demings decry Orlando airport board moves as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘dangerous’” via Beth Kassab of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando Mayor Dyer and Orange County Mayor Demings came out on the losing end of a heated debate over how the board that controls Orlando International Airport will hire its next general counsel and another firm to study the airport’s practices for awarding contracts. Domingo Sanchez, the airport board chairman, said he wanted to take a vote on naming Tara Tedrow of the Lowndes law firm and former Florida Supreme Court Justice James Perry as interim co-general counsels for up to six months. He said he also wanted them to lead a committee to study how the airport should proceed with hiring a permanent attorney. The two mayors called the plan “unprecedented” and “dangerous.”
Personnel note: Diego “Woody” Rodriguez joins Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) — Rodriguez will be general counsel, with responsibilities for the toll road agency’s legal affairs. He starts Oct. 1. He had the same position with the Orange County School Board (2010-2019) and served in a similar role with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office (2000-2005). He has extensive experience in land use, construction and finance cases, and is certified in City, County and Local Government Law, a news release said. “Woody has an impeccable reputation,” CFX Executive Director Laura Kelley said. “We are fortunate to have found someone with his experience and local knowledge to guide our legal department as we strive to meet Central Florida’s transportation needs.”
“Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey attends unusual news conference without charges” via Rick Neale and Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon of FLORIDA TODAY — Ivey waded into the murky waters of social media politics alongside two of the Space Coast’s top Republican officials, accusing a Democratic campaign manager of committing identity theft via Facebook, but pressing no charges. Ivey said there was insufficient evidence to charge Robert Burns, the campaign manager, with a crime. After the news conference, Burns labeled the event “a complete smear campaign against me” because he has publicly criticized the trio in the past. Other leading politicians, Republican and Democratic, criticized the conference, calling it “absurd,” “insane” and “political grandstanding.” The sheriff’s investigation centered on an altered Facebook screenshot that made it falsely appear that Bryan Lober was writing posts on a Facebook page titled Randy Fine Not So Fine.
“CSX selling 220 miles of rail to Canadian National railroad” via The Associated Press — CSX railroad is selling 220 miles of rail in New York and Canada to Canadian National railroad. The Jacksonville, Florida-based CSX said it decided to sell the line that runs from Beauharnois, Quebec, Canada, to Liverpool, New York, because it’s not a core part of the railroad’s network in the eastern United States. About 60 employees will lose their jobs as part of the sale. Canadian National says it is excited to expand its reach into New York with the purchase.
— OPINIONS —
“No, being a Floridian does not make you a hurricane expert” via Noah Pransky of Florida Politics — If you’ve survived decades worth of hurricane seasons and some overcautious storm warnings, it simply means you’ve been lucky enough to dodge the bullets that cost some of your fellow Floridians their lives. By now, you hopefully recognize preparation is key, and even if you have to take your hurricane shutters up and down eight times in a single season, it beats the alternative if your city happens to lose the hurricane lottery. I worked alongside some outstanding meteorologists the last two decades, and no, that didn’t make me a hurricane expert either. But I learned enough from them to recognize their warnings weren’t for fun, for ratings, or for some grand Home Depot-sponsored conspiracy. Their warnings were for you.
— MOVEMENTS —
“DeSantis appoints four new judges in 11th Circuit” via Florida Politics — DeSantis announced his appointment of four new judges in the 11th Judicial Circuit for Miami-Dade County. “With today’s announcement, (half) of Gov. DeSantis’ appointments to the bench since taking office have been women,” his office touted in a news release. Moreover, “all four have distinguished legal careers, and I have no doubt they will continue to uphold the rule of law in their new positions,” the Republican Governor said in a statement.
“Valencia, Seminole State board appointments include Bob Cortes” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — DeSantis announced the appointments of three board of trustees members for Valencia College and two for Seminole State College, including Republican former state Rep. Cortes. To the Valencia board, DeSantis announced the reappointment of Daisy Lopez Cid and the appointments of Michael Sasso and Mai Swanson. To the Seminole State board, DeSantis announced the appointments of Cortes and Susan Fernandez.
“Ballard provides DC coverage for Ballad Health” via O’Dwyers — Ballard Partners is handling rural healthcare issues for Johnson City, Tenn-based Ballad Health, which was formed in 2018 by the merger of two rival hospital companies serving the Appalachian region. The Federal Trade Commission publicly opposed the marriage of Wellmont Health System and Mountain States Health Alliance, which serve 1.2M people in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. … Ballad released a statement Aug. 2 on the FTC workshop. It pitched the merger as a way to combine resources, reduce duplications, achieve efficiencies and improve services in a rural area beset by a declining population and filled with sicker/poorer people than those who live in densely populated areas. It also noted that 108 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, including a dozen in Tennessee. Baker Donelson law firm hired Ballard for the healthcare push effort.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Jorge Chamizo, Charles Dudley, Floridian Partners: Lee Memorial Health System
Michael Corcoran, Jeffrey Johnston, Anita Berry, Matt Blair, Amanda Stewart, Corcoran & Johnston: Central Florida Expressway Authority
Danny Jordan, Nicola Powell, Don Yaeger, Jeanette Yaeger, One Eighty Consulting: Proofpoint
George Levesque, GrayRobinson: Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects, Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Teye Reeves, Smith Bryan & Myers: Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
A farewell from retiring ICUF staff — Theresa Antworth, Vice President of Special Programs and External Relations at Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) writes that she and Ed Moore, ICUF President, are retiring Aug. 31. (Bob Boyd will be succeeding Moore; stories here and here.) “I thank you for all the many years of professional interactions, both educational and personal. Ed and I am celebrating Friday, Aug. 30 at Finnegans Wake (in the Manor at Midtown, 1122 Thomasville Road, Unit 2, in Tallahassee) at 5:30 p.m. for a couple of hours. Please come one, come all, just come by and tap a glass with me if you can.”
— WEEKEND TV —
Ed. Note — There is a good chance Hurricane Dorian coverage will preempt any of the following weekend shows.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues affecting the region.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: Preempted by Hurricane Dorian coverage.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: Preempted by Hurricane Dorian coverage.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore, Sean Pittman and Screven Watson.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests include Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci, Duval County schools board chair Lori Hershey, and Kevin Rasch, Wounded Warrior Project Career Counseling Manager.
— ALOE —
“Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge draws huge crowds, spawns 5-hour line” via Gabrielle Russon, Dewayne Bevil and Patrick Connolly of the Orlando Sentinel — In Orlando, some Star Wars fans were on hand as early as 3:30 a.m. to be among the first to see Disney’s $1 billion investment. Thousands were let into the land around 4:45 a.m., more than an hour earlier than the original 6 a.m. scheduled opening of Hollywood Studios. About 6 a.m., the line to ride the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run stretched outside Galaxy’s Edge, all the way to the Chinese Theater, by the stairs leading to Toy Story Land, said Len Testa. About 6 a.m., the line to ride the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run stretched outside Galaxy’s Edge, all the way to the Chinese Theater, by the stairs leading to Toy Story Land.
— “Disney’s opening of Star Wars land drew crowds to Florida. Now they face Hurricane Dorian.” via Hannah Sampson of the Washington Post
“Publix blows into social media with its Hurricane Dorian cookie cake” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The supermarket chain is, at some of its locations, making Hurricane Dorian-themed cakes. One in particular on a giant cookie depicts a leafy green Florida surrounded by fluffy blue waves of icing and Hurricane Dorian approaching with its cone of uncertainty. It’s a yummy way of saying, “Hey guys, a storm’s a-brewin’!” But some people have their panties in a bunch over it. “Ever go through a hurricane,” one Twitter user asked. “Yeah, it’s not funny. Publix should know better.” Another user accused Publix of profiting from a natural disaster. Still, others are taking Publix’s hurricane confection with a grain of, well, sugar. “This is prepping for Dorian like a native,” one user tweeted with a toothy grinning emoji.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to former Tampa City Councilmember Yvonne Yolie Capin. Celebrating this weekend are our man, Joe Henderson, as well as Reps. Spencer Roach and Emily Slosberg, Donna Bryan, Mike Hernandez, Gene McGee, Dr. Judithanne McLauchlan, Dr. Ed Moore, and Judi Spann.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
