Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Jeff Kottkamp, president of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists (FAPL), says he’s “excited” about the group’s 2019 Annual Conference this week.
“We have some new programs this year that are really designed to help our people with differing types of lobbying practices, as well as some for the small firms, some for in-house folks,” said Kottkamp, now a lawyer-lobbyist who served as Lieutenant Governor from 2007-2011, and a GOP state Representative 2000-2006.
“And, really, at the core of why we have an association of professional lobbyists and why we have a conference, is the ‘professional lobbyist designation,’ stressing ethics and professionalism and government advocacy. So absolutely, yes, we’re real excited right out of the gate.”
“Just from beginning to end, there are programs designed to help lobbyists get better at what they do,” he said. He also mentioned special guests, like Sen. Bill Galvano, the Senate President and Bradenton Republican.
And he noted a new workshop this year on lobbying and public records.
“There are a lot of nuances in the (Sunshine) Law, and a good number of lobbyists are not lawyers,” Kottkamp said. “They’re not necessarily familiar with these nuances in the law …
“There are times, as you know, as a member of the press, that getting access to public records can go a long way in making your case … We think it will help them be better at advocating, but also to be mindful of their own communications with elected officials, and realize that those communications — by and large — are going to be public records.”
For the full agenda, click here. The three-day conference (this Wednesday–Friday) is at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.
Evening Reads
“Donald Trump says he has fired John Bolton as national security adviser because he ‘disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions’” via Anne Gearan, Josh Dawsey John Wagner of The Washington Post
“Florida Republicans had no idea Venezuela hawk Bolton was being fired” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald
“Six in 10 Americans expect a recession and higher prices as Trump’s approval rating slips, Washington Post-ABC News poll finds” via Toluse Olorunnipa of the Washington Post
“Former FEMA official accused of taking bribes in Hurricane Maria recovery” via Patricia Mazzei and
“Rick Scott brags about his nightmarish climate change record in letter to environmentalist” via Jerry Iannelli of the Miami New Times
“Florida’s seniors left vulnerable to hurricanes because generator requirements were not enforced” via Cindy Goodman of the Orlando Sentinel
“Fourth tropical system begins taking shape in the Atlantic” via Michelle Marchane of the Miami Herald
“Florida GOP could try to gerrymander seats again, Democrats warn” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“The movement for ‘Energy Choice’ is losing power” via the Sunshine State News
“Florida’s jobs picture appears strong. How does it compare to other big states?” via Graham Brink of the Tampa Bay Times
“Florida decided to let teachers carry guns, but few are” via Arian Campo-Flores of the Wall Street Journal
“Florida’s pot business is a mess” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix
“Town of Palm Beach find plastic ban not in the bag” via Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post
Quote of the Day
“This could have been us. And let’s be clear, it almost was us.” — State Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz, on Florida dodging Hurricane Dorian.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
State Rep. Tina Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat, and Rep. Mike Caruso, a Delray Beach Republican, are slated to speak to the Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club at 11:30 a.m., City Fish Market, 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton.
The Palm Beach County legislative delegation is scheduled to meet to elect a chair and vice-chair and to hold a public hearing as it prepares for the 2020 session. That’s at 1 p.m., Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, 5444 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach.
The Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists starts a three-day annual conference. That’s at 1 p.m., Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Dr., Orlando.
Attorney General Ashley Moody will present a ‘Back the Blue’ Award, highlighting law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations “taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.” That’s at 1 p.m., Seminole County Sheriff’s Office — South Region Office, 120 W. Pineview St., Altamonte Springs.
U.S. Reps. Joe Cunningham, Kathy Castor, and Francis Rooney will hold a news conference before the House votes on H.R. 1941 and H.R. 205, bipartisan legislation that bans offshore drilling off the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts. That’s at 3 p.m., House Triangle outside the U.S. Capitol. (This event will be livestreamed for reporters not able to attend in person.)
The Finance and Budget Committee of the Gulf Consortium, which works on issues related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, will hold a conference call at 4 p.m. Call-in number: 1-646-749-3129. Code: 773744389.
