Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Mike Haridopolos is back in print.
The lobbyist and former Senate President — along with co-author Pete Dunbar, a Tallahassee lawyer and former state Representative — has a new book out called “The Modern Republican Party in Florida.”
The 400-page book, being published by the University Press of Florida, is not available until Monday (hardback edition: $33.20). But prerelease sales already have it as the No. 1 new listing in Amazon’s U.S. Local Government section.
“Despite Florida’s current reputation as a swing state, there was a time when its Republicans were the underdogs against a Democratic powerhouse,” the online description reads.
“This book tells the story of how the Republican Party of Florida became the influential force it is today.”
Dunbar and Haridopolos, a Merritt Island Republican, “show how, due largely to a population boom in the state and a schism in the Democratic Party, Republicans slowly started to see their ranks swell.”
The reviews are good: “I couldn’t put this book down,” says former Florida Secretary of State Sandra B. Mortham. “ … Anyone who loves politics, history, or Florida should read this book.”
Added Lester Abberger, chairman of FSU’s LeRoy Collins Institute: “An indispensable guide to the modern political history of Florida. Informative, insightful and incisive, and richly sourced by authors who were on the scene.”
Haridopolos is already a well-known nonfiction author, having written the much-talked-about “Florida Legislative History and Processes,” published in 2011 and now available in a Kindle edition.
Evening Reads
“Poll: Majority of Americans say they endorse opening of House impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump” via Dan Blaz and Scott Clement of the Washington Post
“Everytown continues gun control push on Marco Rubio, Rick Scott” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald
“Rubio on calls for Haitian president to resign: ‘We are not going to interfere’“ via Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald
“Rick Scott: ‘NBA’s refusal to denounce Communist China is shameful’” via Mark Bergin for Florida Politics
“Democrats call for Venezuelan TPS, see chance to woo Florida voters” via Abraham Mahshie of The Palm Beach Post
“Florida Democrats won’t see any presidential candidates in Orlando this weekend” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel
“Ron DeSantis says he expects the Florida Senate to back his decision removing the Broward sheriff” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the Florida Phoenix
“Guess what: DeSantis isn’t exactly a ‘Teddy Roosevelt conservationist’” via Diane Roberts of the Florida Phoenix
“National GOP focusing on Florida Senate races” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Lawmakers made Amendment 4 an ‘administrative nightmare,’ federal judge says” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“Despite LGBT+ court cases, supporters still up on Florida Competitive Workforce Act” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics
“Does Florida law allow the Legislature to set teacher pay?” via Jeffrey Solocheck of the Tampa Bay Times
“Joe Gruters bringing ‘stop impeachment’ effort to Stephanie Murphy” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
Quote of the Day
“An administrative nightmare.” — Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, describing the Florida law (requiring full payment of all monetary obligations) that implements a constitutional amendment restoring felon’s voting rights.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Supreme Court is closed for the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
The Florida Commission on Offender Review (FCOR) commences two days of meetings away from its home office in Tallahassee. That’s at 9 a.m., Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, 616 67th St. Circle East, Bradenton.
The Re-employment Assistance Appeals Commission meets at 9:30 a.m., 101 Rhyne Building, 2740 Centerview Dr., Tallahassee.
Lake County’s Legislative Delegation is scheduled to meet. That’s at 1:30 p.m., Lake-Sumter State College, 9501 US-441, Leesburg.
Nassau County’s Legislative Delegation is scheduled to meet. That’s at 4 p.m., James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee.
