Peter Schorsch
Another month means another crowded Democratic presidential debate.
The top 10 polling candidates take the stage tonight in Houston. We spoke with top Democratic strategist (and proud Florida Man) Steve Schale on what to look for this evening in Texas.
— Stars at night — With stricter debate criteria, the biggest sight will be so many serious contenders on a single night. “All the front runners are on one stage,” Schale notes. That’s different from the first debates when groups of 10 debated back-to-back nights, with a couple of stars amid “half the field of more of candidates where the odds are pretty slim.”
— Will knives come out? — The first two debates included some big moments that generated boosts in polls for candidates — temporary ones. “We’ve seen attempts to create moments,” Schale said, “but it hasn’t paid off in the long run. Democrats are pretty weary of seeing in-family warfare.”
— Storytelling time — “For the candidates, it’s still about telling your story, making your case and delivering your own message,” Schale said. Nationally televised debates at this moment remain a chance to get on voters’ radar as much as to draw contrasts with competitors.
— Staying alive — Most important, candidates tonight need to prove they deserve a place on stage. But with seven or eight debates happening before Iowa, there’s reason to think most will last. “In the modern era of running for President, with cable, internet and debates, you can stay alive for a pretty long time.”
— Foreign policy — Schale’s watching moderators to fill this need. “There’s not much about that to date,” he said. But someone needs to start making the case they can represent America on the world stage and make decisions with international consequence.
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On a new ‘He Said, She Said’: Hurricane Dorian wrap up — While it was thankfully a near-miss for Florida, Hurricane Dorian preparation, aftereffects and recovery is the theme of the latest episode of “He Said, She Said.”
It features conversations with several key players involved in getting the state ready for the Category 5 storm: Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Jared Moscowitz, director of the Division of Emergency Management.
Although Florida was spared the brunt of Dorian, The Bahamas were not nearly as lucky.
Immediately after the monster storm passed over Grand Bahama (stalled for a grueling 40 hours), state Rep. Shevrin Jones — who has many friends and relatives on the islands — hit the ground running to mobilize relief efforts and deliver much-needed supplies.
Jones gives us an eyewitness account of the devastation, describing the heartbreaking Bahamians who lost everything. Most were hungry, thirsty, hot and homeless.
Also, we speak with Babycycle’s Torrie Jasuwan, who outlines the biggest donation needs for families in The Bahamas, particularly items such as pack n’ plays, where children can sleep.
Please listen and subscribe today to ‘He Said, She Said,’ available now at iTunes and Stitcher.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@BarackObama: As we remember those we lost on 9/11, we also remember the spirit of unity and togetherness that defined the weeks and months after. On this day of service, I’m reflecting on all those still working to embrace that spirit, today and every day.
—@johnrobertsFox: @realDonaldTrump announces in the Oval just now that the Admin wants to ban all non-tobacco flavored e-cigarette vapes from the market. The move is aimed at dissuading young people from taking up vaping.
—@samstein: Andrew Yang’s campaign manager just called to tell me that at tomorrow night’s debate, Yang will be doing “something no presidential candidate has ever done before in history.” He declined to go further than that.
—@RepTedDeutch: Floridians love @Publix. Now I love them a little more. “Publix respectfully request that only law enforcement officials openly carry firearms in our stores.”
—@michelletauber: No joke, as a mom of 4 I spend $1,200 PER MONTH @Publix and I know the associates better than my own neighbors. As a @MomsDemand volunteer, I appreciate this common-sense position. And as a Floridian, I can tell you that as Publix goes, so does all of #Florida. #flapol
—@GovRonDeSantis: On this #PatriotDay, we reflect on the horrific terror attack that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people and pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting their fellow Americans and defending our great freedoms. #NeverForget #911Anniversary
—@JeffreyBrandes: Florida must Implement a release option for long-term, geriatric inmates and expand the current conditional medical release option for inmates physically incapable of posing a danger.
—@CarlosGSmith: At today’s @LWVOC ‘Hot Topics’ luncheon, GOP Senator @DSimmonsFL promised to file an assault weapons ban for individuals under age 25 thru 2025!!!
Tweet, tweet:
We loaded onto pallets and then loaded onto two flatbed trucks. They were then put on a barge to meet about 20 volunteer small boats to be distributed to those in need on some boats to be distributed to those in need on some of the out islands around Abaco. #abacostrong pic.twitter.com/gS15ksGFk2
— Scott Plakon (@scottplakon) September 11, 2019
—@LobbyFlorida: It’s a packed house at the FAPL Annual Conference! Topic #2 is about Florida’s Sunshine Laws. A lot of folks in the room earning their DPL. Thanks to some of the @LobbyFlorida planning committee members @PPA_FLA @JCountyThames @TLPres2032 #FlaPol
— DAYS UNTIL —
First Interim Committee Week for 2020 Session — 4; “Morning” Joe Scarborough releases “This Ends Badly: How Donald Trump Conned America” — 5; MSNBC hosts candidates event on climate in D.C. — 7; Emmy Awards live on Fox — 10; 850 Hemp Summit begins — 20; “Joker” opens — 22; Triple Force Friday: the next generation of Star Wars products arrives — 22; SNL season premiere with Woody Harrelson — 23; Debut of Breaking Bad movie on Netflix — 29; New season of “The Crown” streaming on Netflix — 36; Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 46; Brexit scheduled — 49; 2019 General Election — 54; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon starts — 56; “Frozen 2” debuts — 71; TaxWatch 40th Annual Meeting — 81; “The Rise of Skywalker” premiers — 99; 2020 Session begins — 124; Florida TaxWatch State of the TaxPayer Dinner in Tallahassee — 125; Iowa Caucuses — 144; New Hampshire Primaries — 152; Florida’s presidential primary — 187; “Black Panther 2” debuts — 237; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo begin — 316; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 348; 2020 General Election — 418.
— TOP STORY —
“House passes bill to permanently ban offshore drilling off Florida’s Gulf Coast” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — The bill, Protecting and Securing Florida’s Coastline Act, passed with a vote of 248-180, with 22 Republicans joining 226 Democrats in favor. Four Democrats and one independent, along with 174 Republicans, voted against the bill. Only one of Florida’s 27 House members voted against the bill, Republican Rep. Ted Yoho. Rep. Francis Rooney, Florida’s most pro-environment Republican member of Congress, sponsored the legislation and 12 other Florida lawmakers from both parties signed on. Rooney’s bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where Sen. Marco Rubio has a bill that would also ban offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but only through 2027. Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott signed onto Rubio’s bill Tuesday.
“Francis Rooney celebrates offshore drilling ban, makes conservative case for conservation” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A permanent ban on offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico easily passed in the Democrat-controlled U.S. House. As it happens, a Republican representing a coastal Florida district led the charge. Now, Rooney hopes a message has been sent that Florida won’t tolerate new rigs showing up anywhere near the state. “It’s an opportunity to protect Florida from the menace of offshore drilling,” the Naples Republican said. Rooney co-sponsored the legislation (HR 205) with Tampa Democrat Kathy Castor. “It shows how unified in Florida we really are,” Rooney said. The threat from spills to the environment, economy, and quality of life transcends other arguments.
— DONKEY DEBATE —
“Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden will finally debate. Here’s what to expect.” via Katie Glueck and Thomas Kaplan of The New York Times — In style, substance and strategies for winning the White House, former Vice President Biden and Sen. Warren present two starkly different options for Democratic voters, and in many ways they embody competing theories about what the Democratic Party should stand for. It’s a highly anticipated matchup between the early front-runner, Biden, and a liberal standard-bearer, Warren, who has steadily climbed in the polls to challenge him. Biden is eager to stress his experience. And his advisers and allies suggested he is prepared to seize on one of Warren’s perceived strengths — her extensive and boldly progressive policy plans — and use that to accentuate his own record of liberal achievements despite the sometimes-challenging political realities in Washington.
“What Kamala Harris Needs to Do Tonight” via Astead Herndon of the New York Times — The good news for Senator Harris of California is that all the political ingredients are there. Her campaign launch in Oakland remains the largest rally of any Democratic candidate this year, her Senate committee videos go viral and she ignited the most talked-about debate moment to this point, when she confronted the front-runner, Biden, regarding his Senate record on school integration. The downside: Even with those head-turning moments, she is currently polling closer to the bottom rung of Democratic candidates than she is to the top tier in national surveys.
— MORE 2020 —
“Why it’s back to the future in the Democratic presidential race” via Ronald Brownstein of CNN Politics — One of the decisive questions for Democrats in the coming months is whether another candidate can dislodge enough African American voters from Biden’s camp to re-create something like the Barack Obama coalition of black voters and white-collar whites. Warren today looks best positioned to do that, but many believe that Sen. Kamala Harris could still find an audience among college-educated whites and African Americans, especially women in both groups. “The Democrats are split on the one hand racially and on the other hand in class terms,” says Northeastern University political scientist William Mayer, an expert on the presidential primary process. “And those have been persistent differences all the way through, you could even go back to 1972.”
“Warren lovefest ending as 2020 competitors fear her rise” via Natasha Korecki of POLITICO — Warren’s weak fundraising and Native American controversy out of the gate gave her the look of a second-rate candidate, and her rivals have treated her as such, even as she’s rebounded from those early troubles. But with the Massachusetts Senator now drawing massive crowds and surging in national polls, competing campaigns are starting to refocus on Warren, looking to blunt her momentum. Democrats are already opening up new lines of attack: calling her celebrated policy proposals a “fraud,” challenging her to say how she’d pay for a massive health care plan, highlighting a lack of diversity in her supporters and dropping reminders of Warren’s long span as a Republican.
“How Warren raised big money before she denounced big money” via Shane Goldmacher of The New York Times — For Warren’s Senate reelection, there would be trips to Hollywood and Silicon Valley, Martha’s Vineyard and Philadelphia — all with fundraisers on the agenda. She collected campaign funds at the private home of at least one California megadonor and was hosted by another in Florida. She held finance events until two weeks before her all-but-assured reelection last November. Then, Warren made a bold bet that would delight the left: She announced she was quitting this big-money circuit in the 2020 presidential primary, vowing not to attend private fundraisers or dial up rich donors anymore. Admirers and activists praised her stand — but few noted the fact that she had built a financial cushion by pocketing big checks the years before.
— THE TRAIL —
“Make it Legal Florida recreational pot initiative gets a website” via Janelle Irwin of Florida Politics — The Make it Legal Florida amendment is one of three proposals seeking to legalize recreational marijuana. The website gives users the opportunity to sign a petition to put the initiative on the ballot. Make it Legal Florida must get more than 766,000 certified signatures to make the ballot, a threshold organizers are confident they can make. Make it Legal’s website offers information to voters about how the initiative would boost the economy, help curb the state’s opioid crisis and protect against abuse by children. The site also includes a link to read the exact amendment language. There’s also a page available to donate to the cause.
“Shevrin Jones tops SD 35 field in August fundraising” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — State Rep. Jones brought in more than $16,000 during August. Jones added over $11,000 to his campaign between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31. His political committee, Florida Strong Finish, tacked on another $5,000. Jones, who was recently elected to lead the Broward legislative delegation, is term-limited in the House in 2020. That’s prompted him to pursue the SD 35 seat, which is being vacated by Sen. Oscar Braynon II. And Jones will look to keep the money flowing in September. He recently announced a Sept. 25 fundraiser featuring former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum.
“David Smith adds $38K to his HD 28 reelection bid” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Republican state Rep. Smith added $38,055 to his campaign coffers in August, bolstering his reelection effort in HD 28. Smith’s haul was one of the biggest among House candidates in Central Florida, second only to Bruno Portigliatti, who opened his HD 44 bid by attracting $51,860 for his campaign. Otherwise, none of the other dozens of Central Florida House candidates had even a $10,000 month in August. Smith’s campaign now has raised $106,083, and he has kicked in another $25,000 of his own money. The campaign ended August with a little over $97,000 in the bank. His opponent Democrat Lee Mangold picked up just $860 in August and entered September with about $7,500 in the bank.
“James Grant draws Democratic foe for House seat” via the News Service of Florida — House Criminal Justice Chairman Grant has drawn a second Democratic challenger as he runs for reelection in 2020. Oldsmar Democrat Alexander William McDonald opened a campaign account to try to unseat Grant in House District 64, which is made up of parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. McDonald joined fellow Democrat Jessica Harrington, who opened an account in December to run for the seat. Grant had raised $35,350 for his campaign account as of Aug. 31, while Harrington had raised $13,964, finance reports show.
“Marie Woodson leads HD 101 fundraising for third straight month” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Former Miami-Dade County Public Administrator Woodson led her House District 101 opponents in August fundraising, marking the third straight month she’s come out on top. That’s according to the latest numbers filed with the Florida Division of Elections. Woodson is one of three candidates pursuing the Democratic nomination in HD 101. Woodson earned just over $4,600 from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31. That’s her second-lowest monthly fundraising total since entering the race in March, but it was enough to top the three-person field. In total, Woodson’s campaign has brought in nearly $40,000. She spent less than $300 in August, leaving Woodson with more than $32,000 still on hand.
“Gary Dolgin touts family law experience in second bid for Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge” via Janelle Irwin Taylor — Dolgin is running for Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge for the second time after losing four years ago. Dolgin is running this time for Group 30. This time around he’s telling voters he’s the best man for the job because he’s the only candidate in the race who is board certified in family and marital law. “That’s a big deal because the winner will most likely be assigned to the family division,” Dolgin said. New judges, as with any job, are put at the bottom of the totem pole when they first take the bench. Often, they are assigned to family courts, which are less desirable for veteran judges.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Donald Trump administration finalizing ban on flavored e-cigarettes” via Adrial Bettelheim of POLITICO — “We can’t allow people to get sick and we can’t have our youth be so affected,” Trump said during an Oval Office appearance with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless. “People are dying from vaping, so we’re looking at it very closely.” Democrats and increasing numbers of Republicans in Congress have pressed for flavor bans, age restrictions and other curbs on the sale of vaping products. They’ve pressed the FDA to move faster to investigate and regulate e-cigarettes, which have been touted by manufacturers as a way to wean people from traditional cigarettes but have also led to what the FDA calls an “epidemic” of youth vaping of nicotine.
“Trump agrees to 2-week delay in China tariff increase” via The Associated Press — Trump said on Twitter that the delay is “a gesture of good will.” He says Chinese Vice Premier Liu He requested the delay “due to the fact that the People’s Republic of China will be celebrating their 70th Anniversary … on October 1st.” Trump has imposed or announced penalties on about $550 billion of Chinese products, or almost everything the United States buys from China. Tariffs of 25 percent that were imposed previously on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods were due to rise to 30 percent on Oct. 1. Instead, Trump says, that will be delayed until Oct. 15.
“Dems stumble on impeachment messaging” via Kyle Cheney, Andrew Desiderio, Sarah Ferris and Heather Caygle of POLITICO — Conflicting signals from the House’s most powerful Democrats have left rank-and-file lawmakers exasperated, unable to say confidently whether the House is, in fact, considering one of the weightiest actions any Congress can take: recommending a president’s impeachment. Some see the muddled messaging as a strategic boon — it allows moderate Democrats to sidestep politically explosive questions about impeachment while permitting progressives to insist they’re aggressively hammering Trump. But others doubt the tactics are intentional and note that it has strained the Democratic Caucus, that it has aroused suspicion among the party’s base and that it could weaken the House’s hand in court.
— AFTER DORIAN —
Assignment editors — Gov. Ron DeSantis will join Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris for an announcement regarding the angling community and Hurricane Dorian, Bass Pro Shops, 200 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach.
“Hurricane Dorian missed us, but it will cost you on electric bills anyway” via Marcia Heroux Pounds of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Just getting prepared for Dorian will wipe out Florida Power & Light Co.’s estimated $105 million hurricane reserve, Eric Silagy, the utility’s president and CEO, said. For FPL customers, that could mean a storm surcharge on monthly bills. Silagy makes no apologies for bringing in more than 10,000 crews from out of state to help with Florida’s potential restoration from what was a Category 5 hurricane when it devastated the Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian ended up knocking out power to 155,000 of FPL’s 5 million customers, and power was restored within a day. How much bills could rise — and when — has not been determined.
“United Nations admits to sharing flawed number of homeless Bahamians” via Daniel Rivero of WLRN — In a press briefing, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, said: “We believe that about 70,000 people are currently homeless in the Bahamas.” The thing is, the estimated population of the island of Grand Bahama is between 50,000 and 55,000. And in the neighboring island of Abaco, the estimated population is only about 18,000. That puts the total population of the two most impacted islands at roughly 70,000, making the claim that all 70,000 were left homeless by the storm suspect. Asked about this, Russell Geekie, a spokesperson for the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, conceded that the number was flawed. “Good catch,” he wrote in an email.
“‘They’re asking me for the impossible’: Bahamians say feds keep them from flying to U.S.” via Monique O. Madan of the Miami Herald — Hundreds of Bahamian evacuees trying to fly to the United States have been turned away at the international airport in Nassau. In addition to a passport, airline officials confirmed to the Herald that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now requiring some Bahamians to have U.S. visas instead of clean police records as the agency has required previously. Several passengers — some with visas, some without — who made it to Miami International Airport on Wednesday evening said they are only allowed to stay in the country for two weeks. Travelers from Abaco and Grand Bahama are being subjected to extra screenings by U.S. immigration agents in Nassau, passengers and airline officials say.
— DATELINE: TALLY —
“Ron DeSantis set to shape a crucial appeals court in Florida with conservative judges” via Michael Moline of Florida Phoenix — The nine candidates for two seats on Florida’s second-most important court include seven white males, two white females, six members of the Federalist Society, five graduates of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and precisely no members of minority groups. DeSantis has until the end of October to decide. What’s clear is nominees like these, for this and other courts, will help the Republican Governor deliver on his promise to build a more conservative judiciary. The 1st DCA’s jurisdiction includes Tallahassee, the state capital, giving the court jurisdiction over appeals involving state government, including constitutional and statutory attacks on state laws and administrative actions — and therefore clout second only to the Florida Supreme Court.
“DeSantis seeks to put felons’ voting lawsuit on hold” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida Florida — DeSantis and his administration want a federal judge to put on hold a challenge to a state law carrying out a constitutional amendment that restored voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences. The Governor and Secretary of State Laurel Lee asked U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle to put the federal lawsuit on hold until the Florida Supreme Court rules in a related case. Proponents of the law have argued that it adheres to the wording of the amendment, which granted voting-rights restoration to felons “who have completed all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation,” excluding people “convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense.” The terms of sentence include financial obligations ordered by courts, the defendants maintain.
“DeSantis’ appointees on verge of taking control at Orlando International Airport” via Jason Garcia and Beth Kassab of the Orlando Sentinel — Even before DeSantis took office in January, people were seeking an appointment to the board that runs Orlando International Airport. Applications had begun trickling in when, two weeks after DeSantis was sworn in, four people applied in five days: A hand doctor, a gym owner, a real estate investor and a medical malpractice defense lawyer. Those were the four DeSantis picked when he announced his GOAA appointments on Feb. 27. Six months later, after a power struggle that has been waged from the aviation authority’s chambers inside the Orlando airport terminal to the floor of the Florida Senate in Tallahassee, the four DeSantis appointees are on the verge of taking command.
“DeSantis rolls out environmental proposals” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — Doubling fines for sewage spills would eliminate what DeSantis described as a “slap me on the wrist” approach. Civil penalties are now up to $10,000 a day, DeSantis said during an appearance in Naples. “What we end up seeing happening is … it’s cheaper for them to pay a fine and spew all this sewage into the waterways, because it’s the cost of doing business,” DeSantis said. “They’d rather do that than invest in the infrastructure they need to make sure the waterways surrounding them are safe and clean.” DeSantis noted, for example, spills that have occurred into Tampa Bay. DeSantis also would like the Legislature to plug $625 million a year into the next three state budgets for environmental projects.
“Ashley Moody tries to scuttle marijuana amendment” via the News Service of Florida — Attorney General Moody wants the Florida Supreme Court to block a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana, saying the measure would be misleading to voters. The political committee Sensible Florida, Inc., has submitted 89,229 valid petition signatures to the state — enough to trigger a review of the proposed ballot wording by the Supreme Court. But Moody announced she will challenge the proposal, at least in part because it is 10 pages long. “There is no way 10 pages of the law can be summarized clearly in 75 words or less and would adequately convey to the voters what exactly they will be voting on,” Moody said.
“Moody points to ‘historic’ opioid settlement” via the News Service of Florida — Moody backed a multistate settlement with Purdue Pharma, maker of the painkiller OxyContin, and said Florida would continue other legal efforts stemming from the opioid epidemic. The Washington Post reported that Purdue Pharma had reached a tentative settlement with 23 states and more than 2,000 cities about the company’s role in selling opioids linked to addiction and deaths across the country. The Post reported that the settlement was thought to be worth $10 billion to $12 billion. Moody released a statement backing the settlement. “After months of pursuing justice for Florida, we have negotiated a historic, multibillion-dollar agreement in principle to hold Purdue Pharma responsible for its role in the national opioid epidemic,” Moody said.
“Senate eyes guardian training tweak” via the News Service of Florida — Senate President Bill Galvano threw his support behind revising a state law that governs training for school guardians, after a dispute between Palm Beach County schools and a private security firm ended up in court. Galvano said he wants the Senate to work on “clarifying” a school safety law, which outlines the training requirements for armed school personnel, including classroom teachers, under the guardian program. The legislative tweak, which would be considered during the 2020 Legislative Session that begins in January, comes amid legal wrangling between the Palm Beach County School Board and a private company hired by the district to train armed guardians for charter schools.
“Bill Galvano calls 2017 Seminole deal ‘not a good deal’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — President Galvano charged former Gov. Scott with signing “not a good deal” with the Seminole Tribe to end a legal dispute over blackjack rights in 2017. “I’m suggesting that the deal Rick Scott made with the Seminoles is not a good deal,” Galvano said. “I’m not suggesting it. I’m saying it.” Galvano responded to questions about the 2020 Legislative Session. “The issue is that the way they’re operating blackjack is based on a court ruling that we were authorizing was tantamount to a banked card game, which blackjack is. And then, unfortunately, the prior administration entered into a settlement agreement and rubber-stamped that court decision, which I disagreed with,” he said. “But then, we’re stuck with it.”
“Debbie Mayfield will try again to regulate safety standards of Virgin Trains USA” via Joshua Solomon of TCPalm — State Sen. Mayfield plans again to push the Legislature to increase safety regulations for higher-speed passenger railroads, like Virgin Trains USA. The Melbourne Republican is confident these safety measures can work their way through Tallahassee without much pushback, as a broader base of support may be forming in the wake of Virgin Trains ramping up the construction of its service through the Treasure and Space coasts. “There’s a sense of urgency to make sure we’re getting this out before they get too far down the road on what they’re doing in our community,” Mayfield said following a news conference held by the Vero Beach-based advocacy group Alliance for Safe Trains.
“Randy Fine: Stop double taxation of Sebastian Inlet residents” via Florida Politics — Rep. Fine says he’ll file legislation to provide residents of Sebastian Inlet District with free access to Sebastian Inlet State Park. The park’s infrastructure is already paid for by people who live in the District, Fine explained. “The small number of South Brevard and North Indian River residents who pay to keep Sebastian Inlet open and functioning for everyone should not be forced to pay a second time in order to see the results of their taxes,” the Palm Bay Republican said in a Wednesday statement.
“Mike Caruso, Tina Polsky preview 2020 session goals, including gun regulation” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — State Reps. Caruso and Polsky spoke about their plans for the 2020 Legislative Session, as the duo addressed a meeting of the Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club in Boca Raton. The two are coming off their first Session after being elected to the House in November 2018. Caruso, a Delray Beach Republican, and Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat, promoted bipartisanship throughout the event. The two shared sponsorship on four different bills during the 2019 Session and pledged to work together in 2020 as well. Polsky kicked off the discussion by laying out her agenda, which will include bringing back her 2019 bill increasing the regulation of weapon storage for gun owners at home.
“AFP-FL releases 2019 Legislative Scorecard” via Florida Politics — As lawmakers gear up to return to Tallahassee, Americans for Prosperity-Florida is handing out grades for their performance in the 2019 Legislative Session. The advocacy group is announcing the release of its 2019 Legislative Scorecard. The measure tallies up lawmakers’ votes on more than 150 bills considered last Session. The more votes in accordance with AFP-FL’s priorities, the higher the grade. In all, 50 members earned top marks from the group. Those 50 representatives and senators will be the beneficiaries of a direct mail campaign touting them within their districts. A sample mailer featuring Republican Rep. Chris Sprowls heralds his votes for school choice, criminal justice reform and expanding access to health care.
Happening today — The Pinellas County legislative delegation will meet: Rep. Chris Sprowls; Sens. Jeff Brandes, Ed Hooper and Darryl Rouson; Reps. Grant, Nick DiCeglie, Chris Latvala, Ben Diamond, Jennifer Webb and Wengay Newton, 9 a.m., St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater. The Martin County legislative delegation will meet: Sen. Gayle Harrell; Reps. MaryLynn Magar and Toby Overdorf, 10 a.m., Indian River State College, Chastain Campus, Wolf Technology Center, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart.
Happening today — The Joint Legislative Budget Commission will 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, 1 p.m., 212 Knott Building.
— HAPPENING TODAY —
The Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists’ 2019 Annual Conference continues today, with some (ahem) very special guests.
The morning kicks off with a “He Said, He Said” between Florida Politics founder and publisher Peter Schorsch and POLITICO Florida’s Tallahassee bureau chief Matt Dixon. They’ll host an “irreverent preview of the 2020 Legislative Session and election cycle.”
Later in the morning, POLITICO Florida’s Gary Fineout will “look into the Crystal Ball” for the 2020 election, with Andrew Wiggins, Senior Director of Campaigns and Elections for the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Another treat: JoAnne Leznoff, retired Staff Director for the House Appropriations Committee, gives an “introductory overview (on) the basics about the appropriations process.”
It includes “key terminology; timelines and deadlines; substantive bills in appropriations committees; as well as a brief review of the appropriations project rule.”
For the full agenda, click here. The three-day conference continues at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Dr., Orlando.
— STATEWIDE —
“Odds increase as next tropical storm could form from wave targeting Bahamas, then Florida” via Joe Mario Pedersen of the Orlando Sentinel — A tropical wave in the Southwestern Atlantic has highly increased chances of developing into an organized storm and possibly Tropical Storm Humberto over the next two days as it heads toward the Bahamas and Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. The wave, over the Turks and Caicos, has a 50 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression as early as Friday over the Bahamas or South Florida. The NHC also forecast a 70 percent chance of the wave developing in the next five days. Should the system organize into a tropical depression it will be the ninth recorded depression of the year, it would become Tropical Storm Humberto.
“Impact Florida, school superintendents launch ‘districts for Impact’” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Education nonprofit Impact Florida and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents are launching an initiative to help educators share instructional practice ideas with each other. “When we launched Impact Florida earlier this year, one of our primary goals was to design opportunities for districts to learn from each other,” Impact Florida Executive Director Mandy Clark said. “School districts across the state are doing amazing work to improve the quality of instruction for all students, and Districts for Impact will create a structured approach for them to share practices and successes with each other in a meaningful way.” Five county school districts are in the Districts for Impact starting lineup: Collier, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Palm Beach, and Pasco.
“Purdue Pharma settles with Florida and other states, but is the deal too lax?” via The Associated Press — OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma reached a tentative deal with about half the states and thousands of local governments over its role in the nation’s deadly opioid epidemic, but criticism by several state attorneys general clouded prospects for an end to litigation against the company and the family that owns it. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said the agreement included more money from the Sackler family, which had become a sticking point during the recent talks. Florida, which had sued Purdue as part of a suit against several drugmakers and distributors, is also part of the settlement. It was unclear how much of the settlement money was heading to Florida, however.
“You donated to kids with Cancer. This Vegas telemarketer cashed in.” via The Center for Public Integrity — The telemarketer asked Eric Thomas a question: Would he consider donating money to the Children’s Leukemia Support Network? Thomas himself was battling a rare and incurable form of leukemia. So he sent $100 on Oct. 1. But virtually none of his money helped children with leukemia or their parents, who often face crippling medical expenses and crushing anxiety. About $84 of Thomas’ contribution landed with a network of companies run by a Las Vegas-based businessman, Richard Zeitlin. The remainder? Almost all of it funded Children’s Leukemia Support Network salaries, bank fees, payroll taxes and other overhead expenses.
— LOCAL —
“Gables heads to state Supreme Court on Styrofoam ban” via Catherine Lackner of Miami Today — Coral Gables will request certification from the Florida Supreme Court in the next step in its battle to defend a ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics, City Attorney Miriam Ramos said. “They don’t have to take the case,” she said. But the city is hopeful that the higher court will grant certification and agree to hear it. The Coral Gables City Commission voted unanimously last month to appeal a recent decision by the 3rd District Court of Appeal slapping down the city’s ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics in retail establishments. “This is a big issue, but the bigger issue is the assault on our home rule charter,” Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli said at the time.
“State sues to get back cash from anti-violence program championed by Rep. Kimberly Daniels” via Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union — A nonprofit that a Jacksonville lawmaker helped land a $1 million state contract to run a youth program against gun violence is being sued for not delivering on its commitment. And completely separately, that lawmaker, state Rep. Daniels, is being sued by a former aide who says the nonprofit’s leader was Daniels’ boyfriend and wielded undue influence in her office. The overlap between the cases could pose political headaches for Daniels as the lawsuits unfold, when taxpayer-funded attorneys could be arguing opposite sides of the cases. SCLC World Wide Inc., an organization run by a one-time Miami-Dade mayoral candidate, Gary Johnson, was paid about $250,000 upfront to launch programs in Duval County and three other communities statewide.
“5 people stabbed in Tallahassee, suspect in custody” via Bobby Caina Calvan of The Associated Press — A man ordered to leave a construction-supply business after quarreling with co-workers returned minutes later and stabbed five employees, seriously wounding one of them, authorities said. Police in Tallahassee were still trying to determine what set off the suspect and prompted him to pull out a pocketknife and stab co-workers before fleeing the workplace on foot. They identified the suspect as Antwann Brown, 41. “It appeared that he actually sought out certain victims,” interim Police Chief Steven Outlaw said during a news conference just yards from the business. One victim was in serious condition at a hospital, two were in fair condition and another two were in good condition, said Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare spokeswoman Danielle Buchanan.
“Tampa Bay transportation named worst in Florida, new ‘Envision 2030’ plan hopes to change that” via Kelsey Sunderland of WFLA — Tampa and St. Petersburg were ranked as cities with the third and second-worst transportation in the country by WalletHub. However, the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) is moving forward with a plan aimed at improvement. The plan is called “Envision 2030.” TBARTA is Tampa Bay’s regional transit facilitator for the five Tampa Bay counties — Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas. To provide a lasting solution to Tampa Bay’s transit woes, TBARTA is now developing a 10-year transit strategy. TBARTA Executive Director David Green says “Envision 2030” will culminate with a Regional Transit Development Plan starting in 2021. The plan will be delivered to the Florida Department of Transportation by Sept. 1, 2020.
“Jerry Falwell Jr. asks Miami judge to drop suit over alleged South Beach hostel deal” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — The alleged partnership offer by Falwell that’s at the heart of the evangelical leader’s “pool boy” saga is based on flimsy evidence and a timeline of events that don’t merit consideration by a Miami judge, Falwell said in court papers this week. New filings in the breach-of-contract suit against the Liberty University president amplify past arguments by Falwell that his accuser, Miami-Dade commission aide Gordon Bello, is trying to wring money from the Liberty University president over brief discussions about a real estate venture with a future Falwell partner, Giancarlo Granda.
“Former Orlando firefighter accused of recording Commissioner Regina Hill gets pretrial diversion” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — The former Orlando firefighter who was accused of recording City Commissioner Hill during an August 2017 medical call has entered into a pretrial diversion agreement, court records show. The ex-firefighter, Joshua Granada, was fired from the department and later charged with two third-degree felonies: interception of wire or oral communications and willful disclosure of an unlawful interception of communications.
— OPINIONS —
“USF consolidation plan needs more work” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board — The still-evolving plan for a unified USF with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota is awfully tilted toward the main campus in Tampa. It neuters the regional chancellors who have been in charge of the St. Petersburg and Sarasota campuses, leaving them with no power over academics and focused on fundraising, community outreach and nonacademic staff. The real authority over academics, from faculty hiring to budgeting to courses, would flow through the deans of the colleges of arts and sciences, education and other colleges based in Tampa and reporting to USF provost Ralph Wilcox in Tampa. USF president Steve Currall suggests the chancellors at the branch campuses will have “a voice,’’ but it’s uncertain that voice would be heard.
“Joe Henderson: All eyes on Biden and Warren at Democratic debate” via Florida Politics — Ten candidates will share the stage at the Democratic debate, but most of the watchful eyes will focus on only two. The spotlight will be on Biden and Warren, and good luck breaking through that if you’re one of the other eight. Yes, Bernie Sanders — even you. Candidates polling in the low single digits may look back on this night as their last hurrah. Now is the time. And here’s some advice for those playing follow the leaders. If you have points to make in this scrum, do it quickly. For reasons passing understanding, this will be a three-hour debate because, you know, America can’t get enough of Andrew Yang.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: Allyce Heflin heads to Office of Early Learning” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Allyce Heflin is taking her talents back to the public sector. Heflin, who most recently served as a partner at Southern Strategy Group, is joining the Office of Early Learning as its budget director. Her first day is Sept. 16. The job at the Office of Early Learning is a homecoming of sorts for Heflin, who started her career in the Budget Office of the Florida Department of Education. “Ultimately, my heart is in public service,” she said. “I think it’s about having an impact. I want my work to be meaningful … The way to do that is to be on the inside and make sure that the principle of fiscal conservatism is applied.”
First in Sunburn — Personnel note: Jenna Sarkissian joins Florida House media team — Sarkissian, formerly the deputy director of public relations at Sachs Media Group, has been hired to serve as communications director for the House Majority Office. “Jenna will work in conjunction with the Speaker’s Office to advance the House Republican agenda, both internally and externally,” said Fred Piccolo, spokesman for GOP House Speaker José Oliva. Sarkissian, the wife of POLITICO Florida reporter Arek Sarkissian, also was a copy editor and page designer for the Gainesville Sun and Ocala Star-Banner, according to her online bio. She was a member of the Florida Public Relations Association Capital Chapter and has served on the Board of Directors of the American Advertising Federation Tallahassee.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Keith Arnold, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: Abacus Health Products
Sara Clements, McGuireWoods Consulting: Inspire Charter Schools, Rosetta Stone/Lexia Learning
Shawn Foster, Sunrise Consulting Group: Bradford County School Board
Tracey Hester: Target Corp.
Natalie Kato, Lori Killinger, Martin Lyon, Lewis Longman & Walker: Airbnb
David Ramba, Thomas Hobbs, Evan Power, Ramba Consulting Group: Holiday Park Park and Recreation District, Tri-Par Estates
— ALOE —
“Marco Rubio on Colin Kaepernick, it’s not talent keeping him out of NFL” via TMZ — Rubio strongly believes Kaepernick has the talent to be on an NFL roster. With the Jacksonville Jaguars losing their starting QB, Nick Foles, to a shoulder injury, some people think the Jags should kick the tires on Kaepernick. Rubio is one of those people … “Certainly there aren’t 64 better QBs playing in the NFL right now.” Rubio makes it clear he thinks Kaepernick’s current unemployment status is about more than what he can do on the field. “I’m not an NFL owner but I can tell you I don’t think there are 64 better quarterbacks … that’s obviously not football that’s keeping him away.”
To watch the interview, click on the image below:
“Singer, TV host and now Kelly Clarkson is a Miami ‘godmother’” via Johnny Diaz of the Orlando Sentinel — Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line named the “American Idol” winner as the godmother to its 17th ship, the Norwegian Encore. NCL’s president and chief executive officer Andy Stuart formally announced on Clarkson’s new daytime talk show “The Kelly Clarkson Show’’ which launched this week. Clarkson will be aboard the ship for its christening ceremony Nov. 21 at PortMiami when the ship makes its debut. At 1,100-foot-long and weighing 169,000-gross-tons, the Encore is largest of the cruise line’s fleet. The ship, which will have a capacity of 4,000 passengers, will feature more than 20 dining options. The ship will also house the world’s longest go-kart racetrack at sea, extending 13 feet over the side of the ship.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to Mark Bubriski‘s better half, Allison, top lobbyist Jeff Hartley of Smith Bryan & Myers, potential House candidate Jonathan Tallman, and Elizabeth Wester.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
