Peter Schorsch
Scoop (via Ryan Nicol, with this story and reports about Sen. Gary Farmer, is having a helluva week) — Former Democratic state Rep. Robert Asencio is set to quash rumors of a return to the Legislature, and is instead lining up a run for the District 11 seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission.
Asensio had been rumored to run for the Senate District 39 seat to be vacated by GOP Sen. Anitere Flores. Asencio’s decision to pursue a Commission seat could have a pair of significant impacts down the line.
The first is that state Rep. Javier Fernandez, who is the only Democrat running for the SD 39 seat, now appears to have a reasonably clear path to the nomination.
A challenger could still emerge. But Senate Democrats have already signaled their support for Fernandez as their candidate of choice in the contest.
SD 39 may be the most fought-over race in the state legislature come 2020. Asencio’s decision will likely earn him points from Senate Democrats, as it will avoid muddying the SD 39 field in a race Democrats see as a must-win.
But the second big effect of Asencio’s decision could be on the makeup of the Miami-Dade County Commission.
The Commission is technically nonpartisan, but members certainly have their leanings. Asencio, a former Democratic state lawmaker, would be attempting to oust Republican Joe Martinez in the District 11 seat.
A Cindy Lerner win in District 7 would also swap, replacing Xavier Suarez, a registered Republican, with a Democrat-leaning candidate.
If the Democrats do indeed hold a majority on the Commission come next year, that could result in Kionne McGhee moving from Democratic Leader in the House to Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission. McGhee, who is term-limited in the House, is running for the District 9 seat and is up against a trio of opponents.
But Asencio could have appeal in a heavily Hispanic District 11 which has signaled a willingness to vote for Democrats at times in statewide races. An announcement from Asencio is slated for early next week.
—
A new “He Said, She Said” from a Galaxy’s Edge not so far, far away — On an exciting new “He Said, She Said” Michelle and I give our first impressions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the highly anticipated, billion-dollar land at Walt Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We give our step-by-step recap: the rides, entertainment, food and drinks.
Although Disney received some criticism for inviting elected officials to preview, we disagree; it’s no different from any other business preview or ribbon cutting. The economic output from increased tourism dollars and new jobs created alone justify the presence of elected officials at the preview, I say.
Also, interviews with Disney VP Adam Babington, the production crew and a few of the creative geniuses behind Disney’s latest big unveiling.
Then we get a bit nostalgic, looking back at the evolution of Disney World, the gutting of Hollywood Studios and remodel of the Polynesian Hotel.
The keyword for Galaxy’s Edge is “immersion” — from the Rise of the Resistance ride to the seamless experience of the park, dining and more.
___
Corrections: An item in Thursday’s Sunburn misidentified the current Chancellor of the Florida College System. The Chancellor is now Kathy Hebda. Elsewhere in that newsletter, we incorrectly identified Robert Beck as a lobbyist with Liberty Partners of Tallahassee: He is not affiliated with the firm. We regret the errors.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@JoJohnsonUK: It’s been an honour to represent Orpington for 9 years & to serve as a minister under three PMs. In recent weeks I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest — it’s an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP & Minister
—@RealDonaldTrump: Great job done by @GovRonDeSantis, @SenRickScott, Senator @marcorubio, and all of the those from Florida that were so brilliantly involved, including @fema, @USCG, Law Enforcement and First Responders. Thank you all!
—@PhilipKlotzbach: #HurricaneDorian has now been a named storm for 12 days — the 15th named storm forming in August to last 12 or more days in the satellite era (since 1966).
—@JordanUHL: Just think, some lucky soul out there is going to be the hurricane victim [Donald] Trump consoles on a site visit by telling them he was actually right and the media was wrong about Alabama
—@AGAshleyMoody: It’s been a long week, & I want to thank FL’s amazing law enforcement officers who worked around-the-clock to prepare their communities for a potential, life-threatening strike by #Dorian. We are blessed to have such fine men and women willing to risk their safety to ensure ours
—@NikkiFried: To anyone thinking about defrauding Floridians with fake charities after Hurricane #Dorian — don’t. We are watching, and we will take action. @FDACS is the state agency regulating charities. To check a charity’s status, use our Check-a-Charity tool below, or call 800-HELP-FLA.
—@MDixon55: [Rick] Kriseman v [Jimmy] Patronis ain’t going anywhere, it seems
—@Fineout: This a.m. in Florida Playbook we noted a recent report from state economists that showed some weak spots in Fla economy. A few hours later UF released its monthly consumer confidence index for the state — it showed the biggest dip in 4 years
—@CallTallahassee: After I set off alarms at security when I entered city hall for a Blueprint meeting & missed public comments by a friend, I realized all the 9/11 security protocols are not to protect us from foreign terrorists but from domestic ones
—@IAmJEricho: BREAKING NEWS! @AEWrestling champion #ChrisJericho recovers the #AEW title belt HIMSELF, in less than 24 hours!! Awaits much deserved THANK YOU from the entire AEW fan base & roster … #LeChampion #ALittleBitOfTheBubbly
—@KingJames: Everyone is California- call your politicians and tell them to support SB 206! This law is a GAME CHANGER. College athletes can responsibly get paid for what they do and the billions they create.
— DAYS UNTIL —
TaxWatch Productivity Awards — 5; First Interim Committee Week for 2020 Session — 10; “Morning” Joe Scarborough releases “This Ends Badly: How Donald Trump Conned America” — 11; MSNBC hosts candidates event on climate in D.C. — 13; Emmy Awards live on Fox — 22; 850 Hemp Summit begins — 26; “Joker” opens — 28; Triple Force Friday: the next generation of Star Wars products arrives — 28; SNL season premiere with Woody Harrelson — 29; Debut of Breaking Bad movie on Netflix — 35; New season of “The Crown” streaming on Netflix — 42; Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 52; Brexit scheduled — 55; 2019 General Election — 60; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon starts — 62; TaxWatch 40th Annual Meeting — 87; “Frozen 2” debuts — 105; “The Rise of Skywalker” premiers — 105; 2020 Session begins — 130; Florida TaxWatch State of the TaxPayer Dinner in Tallahassee — 131; Iowa Caucuses — 150; New Hampshire Primaries — 158; Florida’s presidential primary — 193; “Black Panther 2” debuts — 243; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo begin — 322; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 354; 2020 General Election — 424.
— TOP STORY —
“Ron DeSantis presses Donald Trump to cover shelter costs for near-miss Dorian” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida — DeSantis called on Trump to include federal cash assistance for the communities that opened shelters as Hurricane Dorian threatened the state, saying leaving local governments to cover those expenses sends the wrong message. “That will lead them to say, ‘next time, maybe we can skimp on that,’” DeSantis said after meeting with state Division of Emergency management employees in Tallahassee to thank them for their work over the past week. The White House has historically been reluctant to agree on covering shelter costs before a hurricane makes landfall but the governor, a staunch Trump ally, said he asked them to amend Florida’s disaster declaration.
— AFTER DORIAN —
“Florida shifts into Dorian assistance mode” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — DeSantis said the state awaits aid requests from South Carolina and North Carolina and is offering help, where it can, to the Bahamas, as some islands were leveled in what was a Category 5 storm. “We have a lot of supplies, I think mainly we’re looking at some of the water,” DeSantis said. “We have hundreds of thousands of bottles of water for this hurricane season that are going to expire when this hurricane season ends.” In advance of Dorian, Florida had deployed 860,000 bottles of water and 1.8 million meals to counties that were facing the storm, and another 819,000 gallons of water were ready for distribution. Also, 730,000 pounds of ice were ready for distribution.
“Dorian claimed three lives in Florida. Two were men who fell while prepping for storm.” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald — The state confirmed that David Bradley, a 68-year-old Indialantic man, died Sunday while putting plywood on the windows of a beachside condominium. Police said Bradley was standing on a ladder in the screened-in balcony facing the sea when he fell through the screen three stories to his death. A second confirmed death was that of 55-year-old Joseph Waldon of Ocoee, who fell to his death while trimming tree limbs on Monday ahead of the storm. Waldon was not using a ladder. DeSantis said that an elderly man who had been taken to an emergency shelter died while there, but he could offer no additional details.
“Bahamas death toll rises to 30 as aid finally flows in. Devastation is ‘unimaginable’” via Jim Wyss, Taylor Dolven, Jacqueline Charles and Alex Harris of the Miami Herald — In a once sprawling shantytown on Great Abaco Island, Roger Isma stared out over a wasteland of soggy mattresses, splintered buildings, overturned cars, torn clothing, shattered toilets, dead dogs, bent forks and mud, miles and miles of mud. The area — for reasons all too obvious after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian — is called The Mudd, and it was home to thousands of Haitians, Haitian Bahamians and other, largely undocumented migrants. Now it’s gone.
“First, 40 hours of terror. Then people ventured out — and saw their Bahamas in ruins.” via Joel Achenbach, Domb Sadof, Ann Gerhart and Joanne Lee of The Washington Post — To the astonishment of meteorologists, the southern eyewall of the storm remained over Grand Bahama for 40 hours. People sent frantic messages for help from the rooms of their submerged homes, and shelters quickly ran out of food. But rescuers were helpless until Dorian moved on. Catastrophic damage is widespread but is most extreme in Marsh Harbor, a city on the east side of Great Abaco exposed to the full brunt of the storm surge, which may have reached 23 feet. The Atlantic Ocean became a bulldozer.
If you click on one thing — “In Bahamas, a blind father wades to safety, his disabled son on his shoulders” via Rachel Knowles of the New York Times
“Feared missing in the Bahamas: 23 relatives of Sidney Poitier” via Sarah Mervosh of The New York Times — More than 500 Bahamians belong to the extended family of Poitier, the acclaimed actor who was born in Miami of Bahamian parents and was raised in the islands, according to Jeffrey Poitier, a nephew. Jeffrey Poitier said that at least 23 relatives were still unaccounted for on Thursday, including his sister Barbara and her grown children in Freeport. “We haven’t been able to find any of them, nor have we heard from any of them,” Poitier, 66, said in a phone interview from the Bahamas. “We are still looking and hoping that they surface as soon as possible. It’s got us all worried.”
“A cruise ship will bring Dorian evacuees from the Bahamas back to the U.S.” via Chabeli Herrera of the Orlando Sentinel — Deerfield Beach-based Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is embarking on a humanitarian journey from the Port of Palm Beach. The ship departed carrying food, water, supplies, first responders, volunteers and Bahamians stranded in Florida on a voyage back to the Bahamas. The ship, called Grand Celebration, is expected to sail to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island and return to Palm Beach on Friday. On the return trip, Bahamians who wish to evacuate the islands for the U.S. may board. They must have proper documentation, but the trip will be free of charge for Bahamians, volunteers and relief workers. Personnel are required to travel with a valid passport or original birth certificate.
“South Florida’s Tropic Ocean Airways and Silver are flying to the post-storm rescue” via Maya Lora of the Miami Herald — Even before Hurricane Dorian made landfall on the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas, Tropic Ocean Airways was preparing to deploy. Rob Ceravolo, the former U.S. Navy fighter pilot who founded the seaplane airline, had already participated in rescue and aid missions during hurricanes Joaquin, Matthew and Irma. Late last year, he reached out to Blue Tide Marine, a company founded by retired Navy SEALS specializing in disaster response, aerial cargo delivery and maritime services. “The minute we saw this hurricane coming, we put our plan in motion,” said Ceravolo. “Our company is 30 to 40 percent ex-military personnel, so we can create a risk assessment, put controls into place along with the government and communicate directly with FEMA.”
“With Dorian comes gouging and fraud. Here’s how to protect yourself and others” via David Neal of the Miami Herald — The best way to avoid price-gouging is to have your hurricane survival kit prepared throughout hurricane season. A price increase isn’t automatically gouging. Gather evidence of the gouging price. Take pictures of signs, tags, receipts with the stated price. Find a more standard price on the product in the area for comparison. If you have receipts from buying the item at a normal price during the previous month, keep those. For lodging, be sure to note the type of room and how you reserved it. For lumber, be sure to indicate size, grade, thickness and quality. As far as fraud, remember the basic rule: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Outrage spread in the Keys when Dorian relief supplies were stolen. Except they weren’t.” via David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — Volunteers with the Upper Keys Rotary Club were in a Winn-Dixie parking lot Thursday morning collecting items when they saw someone in a pickup pull up and raid the trailer. This was around 11 a.m. at the Winn-Dixie in Tavernier. But the trailer was not burglarized, Adam Linhardt, sheriff’s office spokesman, said. As deputies began their investigation, including reviewing security camera footage from Winn-Dixie showing a man load the water into his pickup, cops who are also Rotary members started making calls. Turns out, the man in the truck was also a Rotarian and picked up the water to take it to a collection point in the Keys without letting the volunteers at Winn-Dixie know.
“Jacksonville donor anonymously buys about 100 generators for Bahamas, goes viral” via Beth Reese Cravey of the Florida Times-Union — A Jacksonville man who spent almost $50,000 at a local Costco buying about 100 generators and other supplies for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts in the devastated Bahamas wants to remain anonymous. But his good deed was witnessed by another shopper who posted about it on Facebook. And the post has gone viral. Good deeds are not unusual for the man, who is a member of the United Way of Northeast Florida’s most influential giving group, the Tocqueville Society. Donors give at least $10,000 a year.
Meanwhile … “Hurricane center keeps eye on storms that could become Tropical Storm Humberto” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando sentinel — The next tropical system that could become Tropical Storm Humberto could form from one of two new storms tracked in the Atlantic that could target the Caribbean. In its five-day tropical outlook, the National Hurricane Center is investigating two storm systems in the Atlantic that have the highest chance of targeting the Caribbean and possibly Florida while a third system in the mid-Atlantic poses no threat to land. The NHC is also continuing to track Hurricane Dorian up the U.S. East Coast and Tropical Storm Gabrielle in the far east Atlantic while Tropical Storm Fernand disintegrated over Mexico this morning.
— DATELINE: TALLY —
“DeSantis feared Dorian was going to ‘buzzsaw’ across Florida” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — DeSantis said he was convinced Hurricane Dorian, which reached a maximum of Category 5, was going to “make a beeline” across the state. At first, he feared the storm would “buzzsaw across Florida,” he told reporters at the state’s Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee … “My theme song was the Byrds’ ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ … just like, can it please turn as quickly as possible?” he said. “And it did turn in a way that obviously was very, very beneficial … These things are games of inches in terms of a wobble here or there.”
“DeSantis draws praise for storm response” via John Kennedy of the GateHouse Capital Bureau — DeSantis’ shift in style away from the storm response of his predecessor, now-U.S. Sen. Scott, is drawing praise from disaster experts as the state enters the heart of a still-unfolding hurricane season. Many say Scott was a top-down manager, while DeSantis is taking advice from county emergency managers and their crews. “It’s sort of back to the future; this is the way it’s supposed to be,” said Craig Fugate, who was Florida Emergency Management Division director under former Govs. Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist, and was Federal Emergency Management Administrator under President Barack Obama. “This feels more familiar to me than the last eight years,” he added, pointing to the Scott era.
“DeSantis, Jeanette Nùñez praise South Florida for Dorian preparedness” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — “I think people in South Florida took a lot of precautions, which is a good thing in terms of what we were facing,” DeSantis said Thursday during a media briefing at the state’s Emergency Operations Center. … “We initially were looking at an impact and I think, as the Governor mentioned, South Florida took this very seriously and so they indeed incurred some costs in preparing,” Nùñez noted. “Eventually we were taken out of the cone. But I think that (readiness) speaks to the volume and the level of preparedness that we need to maintain.”
Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Hurricane Dorian online donation scams — In the wake of Dorian’s effect on the Atlantic coast of Florida and the Bahamas, Patronis is warning consumers to be on guard for charitable donation scams typically using reputable crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe, RocketHub, Indiegogo, or YouCaring. Some scam artists may also ask for donations via money transfer apps like Venmo, Cash App and PayPal. “Storms bring out the best in people but can also bring out the worst in some,” he said in a statement. “Do your research before donating and remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
“Lobbyist sued by Ron Rubin wants lawsuit moved to Tallahassee court” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — The lawsuit was filed by former Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Rubin, who outlined what he said was an effort by CFO Patronis, MCNA Dental founder Jeffrey Feingold, and lobbyist Paul Mitchell to get him the job of Florida’s top financial regulator in exchange for $1 million in campaign contributions from Rubin’s wealthy father. When that fell apart, Rubin alleges, the three set up a scheme to oust him from office. He was fired in August, just months after he was hired at Patronis’ urging in February. The lawsuit lists Mitchell as the only defendant. It was filed in Miami-Dade County Court, Rubin’s attorneys said, because Mitchell’s lobbying firm Southern Strategy Group has an office in the city.
— STATEWIDE —
“Bay County extends emergency housing deadline for Hurricane Michael victims” via Patrick McCreless of the News Herald — Bay County leaders have given residents in the unincorporated areas six more months to live in temporary housing on their properties while their hurricane-damaged homes are repaired. The extension of the previously approved emergency declaration order stretches the temporary housing program to April 11.”
“Janet Cruz calls for state task force to identify remains at forgotten Zion Cemetery” via Janelle Irwin Taylor Florida Politics — Following a Tampa Bay Times investigation this summer, the Tampa Democrat filed a bill to create a task force to study unmarked and long-forgotten graves at the former Zion Cemetery that now serves as a backyard to Robles Park Village public housing in Tampa Heights. Her bill (SB 220) would allocate $500,000 to study the remains at the 2.5-acre segregation-era burial ground. Of that money, $50,000 would pay for a historical monument to honor the deceased buried there — and then lost for a century. The rest would cover funeral and reinterment costs for next of kin of those buried at the site.
“Annette Taddeo pushes for amendment to expand Medicaid” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Taddeo has filed a joint resolution (SJR 224) that would amend the Florida constitution to adopt the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid expansion. “The state Medicaid plan shall be amended to provide Medicaid coverage to persons under age 65 with an income equal to or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level,” the proposed amendment language reads. Florida was among the states to reject Medicaid expansion after the ACA was originally approved. Before the ACA passage, Medicaid had covered people up to the federal poverty level. But the ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility to those within 138 percent of the federal poverty level.
“Lawmakers to consider financial ‘outlook’” via News Service of Florida — A joint House and Senate panel next consider a detailed report about the state’s finances and budget picture next week, according to documents posted online Thursday. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission will meet Sept. 12 and receive a presentation about an annual report known as the Long-Range Financial Outlook. The report details issues such as projected tax dollars and amounts that lawmakers are likely to spend on various categories of programs, including education and health care. The report presents estimated costs for “critical” and “high priority” state needs. Taking those needs into consideration, a draft version of the report projects the state would have a relatively small general-revenue surplus of $289.3 million next fiscal year.
“Florida guardianship laws weakened by elder law attorneys’ lobbying. For some courts, exceptions have become the rule” via Jason Garcia and Monivette Cordeiro of the Orlando Sentinel — Five years ago, when Florida lawmakers set out to reform the state’s guardianship laws, they were so concerned about trolling scams that they proposed two major restrictions meant to put a stop to them. One would have forced judges to follow a rotation when appointing a professional guardian for an elderly or disabled person. The other would have forbidden a professional guardian appointed to oversee a ward on a temporary or emergency basis from later being appointed that person’s permanent ward, too. But by the time Republican-controlled Florida Legislature passed the 2015 law, both restrictions had been substantially eased. The reason: Opposition from the elder-law industry.
“Lawsuit challenges DJJ over solitary confinement” via News Service of Florida — Two 13-year-olds and a 16-year-old sued the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice on Thursday, alleging their health and well-being were put in danger when the state placed them in solitary confinement. Lawyers representing the minors are seeking to overturn an agency policy that they contend allows juveniles to be placed in isolation with “no meaningful social interaction, environmental stimulation, outdoor recreation, schooling or property.” The case, filed in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee as a class action, names the department and DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller as defendants. It argues that putting minors in isolation violates the U.S. Constitution and discriminates against children with disabilities, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.
“Florida inmate says beating by guards left her paralyzed” via Mike Schneider of The Associated Press — Cheryl Weimar and her husband, Karl, said in their lawsuit that her civil rights were violated when she was nearly beaten to death by guards last month at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala. Weimar was left with a broken neck and is now a paraplegic because of the guards’ use of force, according to the lawsuit. The guards have been reassigned to jobs that don’t have contact with inmates as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the case. Weimar was in the middle of a six-year prison sentence for battery with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence. She was set to be released in 2021.
“Florida lawmakers refused to pay to investigate more guardians” via Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel — The Florida Legislature refused to spend $97,488 investigating guardians accused of exploiting their wards. But it did spend $250,000 to subsidize a professional golf tournament at an Ocala country club owned by a major Republican donor.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Woman who claimed Trump forcibly kissed her drops lawsuit” via Josh Gerstein of POLITICO Florida — Alva Johnson is also dropping another part of her suit that alleged the Trump campaign underpaid women and minority employees. Johnson’s suit grabbed headlines over her assertion that Trump abruptly kissed her as he was getting ready to make a public appearance at a campaign rally in Tampa in August 2016. However, the outlook for the legal challenge dimmed in July when lawyers for Trump filed with the court and released publicly a video of the encounter. Trump’s attorneys said the 15-second video, captured on cellphone, showed an unremarkable, brief and friendly greeting that hardly resembled the “battery” Johnson alleged in her suit.
“Stephanie Murphy, Blue Dogs, demand Russia anti-meddling legislation” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Murphy and the Blue Dog Coalition Democrats have sent a letter to Congressional leaders demanding action on Russia anti-meddling legislation. The letter was signed by Murphy and other leaders of the Blue Dog Coalition and the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security, the moderate Democratic groups focusing on national security. “As the leaders of a Coalition of national security-focused Democrats, we are calling on Congress to take further action to secure our elections, punish Russia for its attempts to meddle in the 2016 and 2018 elections, and deter our adversaries from meddling in future U.S. elections.”
This helps who? — “Immigration officials deport 120 Cubans to Havana — and that’s just the beginning” via Monique Madan of the Miami Herald — The targeted deportation of Cuban nationals is just a small piece of the Trump administration’s plan to empty out the country of undocumented immigrants, though the successful removals are the fruit of an agreement signed by both the U.S. and Cuban governments under former President Barack Obama in his last days in office. “The government is trying to deport as many people as they can regardless of their legal claims,” said Randy McGrorty, a Miami immigration lawyer. McGrorty represents a Cuban national who was recently detained at the southern border. He was supposed to be on the ICE flight to Havana but was taken off last minute after a paperwork glitch. “South Florida should be up in arms.”
— 2020 —
“Trump heads into 2020 with no clear policy agenda. But it may not matter.” via Michael Crowley of The New York Times — As official Washington returns to work, it is unclear whether Trump intends to focus his time and attention on his policy goals, or whether he will step into a full-bore campaign mode, escalating attacks on his political rivals and spurning traditional governance. “Does he want a few more wins? Of course. Everything is a competition with him, he’s extraordinarily impatient, and he would spend every week signing bills — any bills — if he could,” said Brendan Buck, who served as a spokesman for the former Republican speaker, Paul Ryan. “At the same time, he’s far removed from the normal convention of how we look at presidents. His supporters care far more about the persona than the policy.”
“Trumpworld anxiety grows over a rising Elizabeth Warren” via Hanna Trudo and Asawin Suebsaeng of The Daily Beast — Warren has recovered from the initial stumble and steadily gained ground in the Democratic primary. And now Republicans are wondering why there is so little critical coverage of the Senator and why the stories out there are making next to no dent. “We all push out the bad Warren stories but they don’t go very far,” one Republican strategist said. The frustration Republicans are beginning to feel about Warren’s nonstick nature was picked up repeatedly in interviews with 10 Republicans, including Trump campaign and White House officials, associates of the president, and other GOP operatives with knowledge of the situation. These sources stressed that the anti-Warren effort within GOP circles hadn’t fallen off since the DNA snafu.
— THE TRAIL —
“Costs of assault weapons ban weighed” via News Service of Florida — If Floridians approve a constitutional amendment next year to block possession of assault weapons, a panel of economists estimated the state budget could take a $26.9 million hit in lost revenue. But the head of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research said the amount would likely be smaller because revenue lost in taxes from gun sales would be balanced out with other purchases that can be taxed. “More than half of the direct sales-tax loss would be offset by redirected spending,” Amy Baker, the office’s coordinator, told panel members as they tried to figure out the financial impact of the proposed amendment, which backers hope to put on the November 2020 ballot.
Happening today — The Financial Impact Estimating Conference will discuss a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban possession of assault-style weapons in Florida, 8:30 a.m., 117 Knott Building.
“Legalized marijuana: John Morgan isn’t taking lead role in campaign after all” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Morgan says he’ll support both major proposals to get marijuana legalization on the ballot in 2020 — but as a cheerleader, not with cash. The Orlando attorney said he’s not launching his own campaign to legalize pot in Florida, despite his Tweet last month saying, “I think we have time … Let’s do this maybe, forget Tallahassee!” Morgan, who spent millions of dollars on the successful campaign to legalize medical marijuana in 2016, remains focused on his proposed 2020 amendment that would gradually increase the minimum wage in Florida to $15. “I only have one [initiative],” Morgan wrote in an email. “Wages.”
“Loranne Ausley heading south for Senate campaign fundraisers” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — The first is Sept. 9 at YOLO in Fort Lauderdale; the second will be Sept. 10 at The Biltmore’s Marbella Room in Coral Gables. The Fort Lauderdale funder will be attended by Sens. Oscar Braynon, Farmer, Kevin Rader and Perry Thurston as well as Reps. Bobby DuBose, Kristin Jacobs and Evan Jenne. Round two features Braynon and fellow Sens. Jason Pizzo and Taddeo as well as Reps. Nick Duran, Joe Geller and Javier Fernandez, who recently launched his own Senate bid. Ausley has been running for Senate District 3 since August 2018. The district is currently held by Sen. Bill Montford, who cannot run for reelection because of term limits.
“Michael Hepburn wants rematch against Donna Shalala in CD 27” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The two faced off for the nomination in 2018, along with a trio of other candidates. Shalala topped the five-person field with 32 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary. Hepburn, meanwhile, finished in last, earning 6 percent. With a likely smaller field in 2020, Hepburn is hoping for a different outcome. “This district and these times deserve more than just a centrist approach, they demand a fighter and champion who exudes the fierce urgency of now,” Hepburn said in an announcement. Hepburn appears to be once again positioning himself as the progressive choice in the race. In 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Hepburn the week before the primary election.
“Scott Hottenstein to run against Mike Beltran in HD 57” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Republican Rep. Beltran has a challenger in his 2020 reelection bid. Hottenstein opened a campaign account for House District 57 Wednesday. The Riverview Democrat is the first so far the only candidate who has signed up to run for the seat. Hottenstein is a former Republican who changed his party registration last year when he ran for a seat on the Hillsborough County School Board. The U.S. Navy veteran ultimately placed third in a six-way primary election for the School Board seat, nabbing just over 15 percent of the vote. HD 57 covers part of southeastern Hillsborough County and leans Republican.
“Bruno Portigliatti raises $65K in August” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Republican Portigliatti reeled in nearly $65,000 for his bid to unseat Democratic Rep. Geraldine Thompson in House District 44. In a news release, Portigliatti announced raising $51,860 in hard money and another $13,000 for his affiliated political committee, Liberty and Prosperity Fund. “I am truly grateful for the strong support our campaign has received in such a short amount of time,” he said. “It’s a testament to the level of excitement behind our conservative message of keeping the American Dream alive and making a lasting impact on our community. “We’re off to a great start and will continue putting together the resources needed to turn House District 44 red again in 2020.”
— LOCAL —
“Hurricane disrupts Jacksonville, but not the bloodshed” via Scott Butler of the Florida Times-Union — Dorian spared Jacksonville any casualties, but that couldn’t be said for the city’s five shooting victims Thursday. It was actually only two shootings within two hours and only one person died, but one of the shootings wounded four people, the Sheriff’s Office said. The first happened about 6:15 p.m. outside an Amoco gas station in the 800 block of North Arlington Road. A man, 35 to 40 years old, suffered multiple gunshots and died. The Sheriff’s Office didn’t indicate what may have led up to it or any description of the shooter or shooters. Similarly, little was released about a quadruple shooting less than two hours later in another part of town at West 62nd and Vermillion streets.
“Hurricane Dorian: Army Corps to dump Lake O water into St. Lucie estuary” via Christine Stapleton of the Palm Beach Post — The good news is that the Corps expects the lake will only rise about a foot in the next month — far less than the 3.5 feet initially predicted when it looked like a stronger, wetter Dorian. The Corps prefers to keep the lake between 12.5 feet and 15.5 feet. Stormwater runoff flows into the lake six times faster than it can be released. When lake levels reach 18.6 feet, the dike is at risk of breaching. The water level on Wednesday stood at 13.9 feet. For now, the Corps is not releasing water from the lake into the St. Lucie or Caloosahatchee estuaries. However, runoff from local roads, yards and fields is currently being released in the St. Lucie estuary.
“Dorian spared most South Florida beaches from erosion” via Brooke Baitinger of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — U.S. Geological Survey experts predicted 49 percent of Florida’s beaches would experience erosion from Dorian’s strong waves and surge. Few cities reported erosion from the storm. In Broward and Miami-Dade, both of which felt the least of Dorian’s effects, low-lying areas flooded but when the waters receded, beaches were fine. In Palm Beach County, Oceanfront Park in Boynton Beach lost about 20 feet of sand from the northern portion of the beach. That’s no different from the level of erosion the area usually experiences during a strong storm. Oceanfront Park is open to the public but closed to swimmers, as are all Palm Beach County beaches.
“Miami-Dade seeking transit projects for Beach link. Chinese firms need not apply.” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade Commissioners moved the county closer to building a transit link between Miami and Miami Beach, authorizing a bidding process for the project and approving a ban on participation by Chinese train companies. “We haven’t done anything substantial for transit in a long, long time,” said Commissioner Esteban “Steve” Bovo. “We need to see a bulldozer rip up dirt and actually do something.” The vote was a partial victory for Genting, the Malaysian casino company with property on the Miami waterfront. In April, Genting submitted a proposal to build and operate a monorail between Miami and Miami Beach, using a mix of government and private dollars to fund the roughly $400 million project.
“American Airlines mechanic in Miami charged with sabotaging plane. It aborted takeoff.” via Jay Weaver of the Miami Herald — The reason, according to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in Miami federal court: Abdul-Majeed Marouf Ahmed Alani, a veteran employee, was upset over stalled union contract negotiations. None of the passengers and crew on the flight to Nassau were injured because the tampering with the so-called air data module caused an error alert as the pilots powered up the plane’s engines on the runway July 17, according to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in Miami federal court. As a result, flight No. 2834 was aborted and taken out of service for routine maintenance at America’s hangar at MIA, which is when the tampering with the ADM system was discovered during an inspection.
“At budget hearing, Miami-Dade residents demand action on housing costs” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — One resident after another took their two minutes before a county microphone Thursday night to plead with Miami-Dade commissioners to take action on affordable housing. “When I pay my rent, I have nothing left in my pocket,” Bruno Wissiey, a hotel worker from Little Haiti, said through a Creole translator during the first of two budget hearings on a proposed $8.9 billion spending plan. There’s about $645 million for housing in the budget proposed by Mayor Carlos Gimenez in July and given preliminary approval after 10 p.m. by the 13-seat board. Housing spending is up 15 percent from the current budget year, which ends Sept. 30.
“5G tech is coming, and it’s ‘an absolute mess,’ Miami-Dade commissioner says” via Linda Robertson of the Miami Herald — Comparing the 5G tech revolution to the California gold rush, Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins bemoaned the unsightly, sloppy and hazardous installation of telecommunications equipment on Miami streets.“ It’s a 5G fiasco,” Higgins said during a County Commission meeting. “Downtown is the epicenter of a land grab by the telecommunication companies. We have an absolute mess.” Companies such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile are erecting new utility poles, boxes, and cables to accommodate the next generation of wireless technology — 5G — touted as superfast and super clear. They are in a race to expand their networks and “get to the future faster,” as Verizon says on its website.
“PSO shocker: Broward undersheriff abruptly resigns” via Bob Norman of the Miami New Times — In a blow to appointed Broward Sheriff Greg Tony‘s fledgling administration, Tony’s hand-chosen undersheriff, Sean Zukowsky, abruptly left the agency today after just seven months on the job. “It is after enormous thought and deliberation, with difficulty and disappointment, that I inform you I have resigned from the Broward Sheriff’s Office,” Zukowsky wrote. While rumors are swirling about disagreements with Tony, Zukowsky cited “family first” as his reason for leaving the agency. He wrote that he wanted to spend more time with his two young sons, ages three and one, and do more to help his wife, whom he wrote suffers from chronic medical illnesses, run the home.
— CONGRATS —
READ ALL ABOUT IT! @FloridaTrend names Sarah Bascom one of the most influential business leaders in #Florida500 #sayfie #flapol #politicofl pic.twitter.com/nyENJ78ocn
— Bascom Communications (@BascomLLC) September 5, 2019
— OPINIONS —
“Let’s be grateful for NOAA’s Hurricane Dorian forecasting, but let’s make it better” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Forecasting isn’t that simple. Hurricane Dorian was a tough puzzle to solve. The Bermuda high steering it toward Florida was slowly breaking down, but we haven’t figured out how to monitor and measure that high-pressure system’s changes very well because it’s over the sea, not land. Another complicating factor was that Dorian got really powerful really fast, and that can alter the way a hurricane behaves. But forecasters don’t completely understand what causes “rapid intensification” and how that affects a storm. Hurricane forecasting is a complex science that depends in large part on how much we choose to spend on people and technology. But we choose not to spend very much on weather and climate, considering what’s at stake.
“My family and others in the Bahamas face long road to recovery after Dorian. Our island neighbors need South Florida’s help.” via Shevrin Jones for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — My family in the Bahamas — including cousins, uncles, and aunts who call Pine Wood, Nassau, and Freeport home — is grappling with extensive flooding and property damage following Hurricane Dorian, but are thankfully all safe and accounted for after surviving the worst storm in the island nation’s history. Our family’s faith has always brought us through the darkest of times, and I pray daily for my nearly 400,000 people, brothers and sisters, in the Bahamas, because they face a long road to recovery. Thoughts and prayers won’t be enough in the aftermath of such a massive storm. Our state and nation must aid in this developing humanitarian crisis.
— MOVEMENTS —
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Slater Bayliss, The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners: Homee
Ronald Brise, Gunster Yoakley & Stewart: Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community
Mark Flynn, Pathfinder Communications: Character Speaks
Nick Iarossi, Justin Day, Andrew Ketchel, Chris Schoonover, Capital City Consulting: Florida Vacation Rental Management Association
Jeff Kottkamp, Sunshine State Consultants: Guardians of American History
Jessica Love, GrayRobinson: School Board of Levy County
Matt Spritz, The Spritz Group: SOX
Sam Wagoner, Sunrise Consulting Group: Bradford County School Board
— WEEKEND TV —
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.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei hosts a roundtable panel: USF-Tampa Emeritus Professor of Government and International Studies Susan McManus; State Innovation Exchange Florida State Director James Chan; Eye on Tampa Bay blogger Susan Calvert and Tampa Bay Times reporter Marlene Sokol.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion about suicide prevention in Florida. Joining Walker-Torres are Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long; Eric Stevens, CEO of Acute Care Services, AdventHealth; and Clara Reynolds, President and CEO, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: This week’s show will discuss tariffs and U.S. trade talks with China; host Al Ruechel will be joined by accountant Keith Jaworski about what the tariffs will mean for Floridians and an exclusive interview with Trump 2020 Campaign National Press Secretary Kaleigh McEnany.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore and Dr. Ed Moore.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests are former Jacksonville Mayor Jake Godbold and longtime Jacksonville reporter and anchor Tom Wills.
— ALOE —
“Florida town rallies behind team amid rebound from Michael” via Bobby Caina Calvan of The Associated Press — When the boys clad in red and white charged onto Bowles Field on Friday nights, the townsfolk packing the bleachers at Blountstown High could cheer on the home team Tigers. Now, the town’s refurbished football field, a key center of public life, provides a tangible symbol of recovery. New bleachers flank the sidelines, and new lights atop sturdier metal poles will shine this Friday for the team’s first home game, as Blountstown rallies for its team and for itself. “To some, this is just pic of a stadium and field. To us, it’s a sight that brings tears,” Tigers football coach Beau Johnson tweeted about a photo in early August. “Beautiful sight to these TIGERS!”
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
We missed U.S. Rep. Alcee Hasting‘s 83rd birthday yesterday. Celebrating today are former U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, former Rep. Bobby Olszewski, Abel Harding of Iberiabank, and Joe Mobley of The Fiorentino Group. Early birthday wishes to Rep. Thad Altman and Sens. Antiere Flores and Bobby Powell, former Sen. Jeff Clemens, the great Chris Cate, former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, former Rep. Ed Narain, Jenna Box Sarkissian, and Sean Phillippi.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
