Peter Schorsch
An above-the-fold birthday shoutout to Mr. Tampa, Mike Griffin, whose day job is market leader of Savills’ Tampa office.
Mike is an INFLUENCE 100 alum after being appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott to the Port Tampa Bay Board in 2017 following reports of “wasteful spending” by port executives. Also in 2017, he was the youngest chairman of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce in its 130-year history. He has also served as chairman of the University of South Florida Alumni Association Board of Directors, but don’t hold that against — that’s Chris Latvala‘s job.
Most important, Mike is a dutiful husband to Melanie, an accomplished attorney. They are the proud parents of Maverick, the kid with the coolest name in Florida politics.
Best wishes, Mike.
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The Empire is growing.
Earlier this week, Ballard Partners announced it had hired one of the nation’s best-known media consultants to work in its strategic communications practice.
Adam Goodman has been in the media consulting game for 40 years, 28 of them as President of The Victory Group. There, he crafted successful campaigns for clients such as The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Bacardi, the National Football League and the University of South Florida, among others.
Some added prestige: he was the first Edward R. Murrow Fellow at Tufts University’s Fletcher School.
“Adam Goodman is one of the very best media consultants in America and has amassed a stunning record of victories for his many clients for almost three decades,” firm founder Brian Ballard said. “His creative brilliance will help Ballard Media Group’s clients deliver impactful messages that move public opinion.”
Goodman added, “I am delighted to join Ballard Media Group and its great team, and am looking forward to helping our clients with their strategic communications initiatives. In this cacophonous media environment, crafting and delivering effective messaging is more important than ever for our clients, and that is exactly what we will deliver for them.”
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Americans for Prosperity-Florida is bringing on some new staff.
The conservative advocacy group announced Friday that it’s hired on three new team members: Chris Stranburg, Lee Dury and Elizabeth Chatham.
Stranburg joins AFP-FL from the Governor’s office. Dury brings a “passion for learning to bring Floridians together.” And Chatham has more than a decade of experience advocating for veterans.
All three will work as Deputy Directors of Grassroots Operations.
The three hires were coupled with three promotions.
Diego Echeverri has been moved up to Legislative Liaison, where he will spearhead AFP-FL’s under-the-dome efforts in Tallahassee.
Starla Brown, a 32-year resident of Southeast Florida and experienced AFP-FL team-member, will move from the role of Director of Grassroots Operations and into the position of Deputy State Director.
Taking over her former role is Brian Thiele, a longtime staffer of AFP-Florida.
“We’re excited to see our Americans for Prosperity team grow and expand across Florida with the hiring of experienced veterans in grassroots organizing and policy advocacy,” AFP-FL State Director Skylar Zander said.
”Alongside AFP’s current dedicated staff, our new team members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and momentum to continue our great work. AFP-FL is better positioned than ever to push for reforms that will make Florida the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
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She said “Yes!” — Congratulations to Leon Co. GOP chairman Evan Power on his engagement to Melissa Peters, a Ph.D. student in accounting at Florida State University.
— TODAY’S SUNRISE —
Now the Florida Senate has decided to uphold Ron DeSantis’ suspension of the Broward County Sheriff, local officials statewide — especially sheriffs — are beginning to realize there is a major shift in the political landscape. You don’t have to commit a crime for the Governor to suspend you.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— A new law in California allowing college athletes to make money off their own name and likeness has inspired a similar proposal in Florida, getting the support of the Governor.
— State attorneys are teaming up with Larry Keefe, the federal prosecutor for the Northern District of Florida, to concentrate on two areas: drugs and guns. But Keefe says he won’t be prosecuting anyone for using medical marijuana.
— A new University of North Florida poll puts DeSantis’ popularity at 72 percent, the highest in 10 years.
— More Florida Man shenanigans: A man in Pinellas Park had sex with two toys in a Target, including a unicorn and one of Olaf from “Frozen.”
To listen, click on the image below:
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@TheEconomist: According to the UN the chance of a 15-year-old boy dying by the age of 50 is now higher in America than in Bangladesh
—@HunterSchwarz: [Donald] Trump says he plans to go to the World Series at Nats Park if there’s a Game 5 Sunday, but when asked if he’d throw out the first pitch he said, “I don’t know, they got to dress me up in a lot of heavy armor — I’ll look too heavy,” per pool report
—@MarcACaputo: Not only will [Elijah] Cummings be the 1st black man to lie in state in a Capitol built by slaves that houses a bust of Jeff Davis, it was Davis who stopped the Statute of Freedom atop it from wearing a pileus, a Roman symbol of freed slaves The past is never dead. It’s not even past
—@NewsBySmiley: .@MayorGimenez getting closer to a Congressional run in national bellwether FL-26? The mayor was calling supporters yesterday, asking whether they’d back him if he runs.
—@WolfColin: I don’t know how things are done in Flagler County, but regardless of your political affiliation, it’s a colossal conflict of interest to have a reporter cover politics for the @dbnewsjournal and also be the head of the local GOP chapter.
—@AGGancarski: .@SenAudrey2eet speaking at Jax The Links event: “even in my caucus yesterday, I had a little consternation.” Israel vote? Did not flesh out reference and has already wrapped brief remarks.
—@Fineout: Just now saw this: The State paper — which is owned by McClatchy, the owner of the Miami Herald — announced this week it is dropping Saturday edition of paper in Jan. Other papers in the chain have done this as well … Just another reason the folks w @OneHeraldGuild want a union
— DAYS UNTIL —
Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum begins — 3; Brexit scheduled — 6; The Florida Chamber’s Insurance Summit — 10; 2019 General Election — 11; 3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon starts — 13; “The Mandalorian” premieres — 18; New season of “The Crown” streaming on Netflix — 23; Fifth Democratic debate — 26; “Frozen 2” debuts — 28; TaxWatch 40th Annual Meeting — 38; “The Rise of Skywalker” premiers — 56; College Football National Championship — 80; 2020 Session begins — 81; Florida TaxWatch State of the TaxPayer Dinner in Tallahassee — 82; Super Bowl LIV in Miami — 100; Great American Realtors Day — 101; Iowa Caucuses — 101; New Hampshire Primaries — 109; Last day of 2020 Session (maybe) — 139; Florida’s presidential primary — 144; “Black Panther 2” debuts — 194; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo begin — 273; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 305; First Vice Presidential debate at the University of Utah — 348; First Presidential Debate scheduled at the University of Michigan — 356; Second presidential debate at Belmont — 363; 2020 General Election — 375.
— TOP STORY —
“Florida GOP official accused of ‘misdeeds’ and retaliation while at VA” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — The conclusions were part of a report by the VA Office of Inspector General that accuses Peter O’Rourke, the Florida Party’s executive director, of misusing his leadership position at the VA’s Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection between June 2017 and February 2018. His tenure at the agency was marked by quashing whistleblower complaints and retaliation against those who filed complaints against officials allied with O’Rourke. “The former leaders of OAWP engaged in misdeeds and missteps that appeared unsupportive of whistleblowers while also failing to meet many of the other important objectives of the Act,” wrote Jamie Mitchell, acting director of the Inspector General’s Office of Special Review.
— DATELINE: TALLY —
“Ron DeSantis endorses bill allowing college athletes to get paid” via Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports — DeSantis’ endorsement means the push to override the NCAA’s current rules regarding amateurism is a bipartisan effort among Governors of some of the most populous states in the country. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that would allow college players to take endorsement and sponsorship money. DeSantis and Newsom are on opposite ends of the political spectrum but clearly have found some common ground against the NCAA’s current rules. Since the NCAA is not a government body, it would still be able to have its own rules independent of state laws. But the moves by California and Florida should be an incentive for the NCAA to move as fast as possible to reform its current image rights rules.
“Legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden not in favor of ‘play for pay’ legislation” via Jim Henry of the Tallahassee Democrat — The legendary Florida State coach loves how the game has evolved. However, he’s not a fan of the latest push that would allow college athletes to be paid for their names and likeness. “Football on the field to me is better than it has ever been, but off the field, it has a lot of questions,” Bowden said. “I am really not for any of that (compensation) because I think it opens it up for people who want to take advantage of it. All of those good things you do, there’s always some factions that will find a way to abuse it.”
“DeSantis approved these toll roads. So where’s the reason to build them” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — When Florida lawmakers signed off this year on a bill creating more than 300 miles of toll roads, they did so with scant evidence the project was needed. More than five months later, after Gov. DeSantis signed it into law and the project has been vetted in two rounds of public hearings, local officials are growing frustrated by the persistent lack of details about what would be the largest expansion of Florida’s toll system in decades.
Assignment editors — Gov. DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis will break ground on the final component of a major Everglades restoration project, 9 a.m., C-43 Reservoir Project Site, 3383 Congen Road, LaBelle.
“Florida’s lone statewide elected Democrat takes on Donald Trump” via Brendan Farrington of The Associated Press — Nikki Fried was a little-known lobbyist and former public defender in South Florida who just barely won her race for Agriculture Commissioner in 2018. But as the only Democrat in statewide office, Fried is all they’ve got. She has energetically promoted critical issues for Democrats — all as part of an effort to revitalize the state’s battered Democratic Party with a more combative style. She’s been a clear contrast to the man she replaced as the state’s de facto Democratic leader, and she’s even earned respect from political opposites. Now, Democratic candidates are seeking her advice on how to win in Florida — an interesting position for a former political unknown who isn’t shy about handing compliments to Republican DeSantis.
“Was Broward Senator asleep in his chair during Florida Senate debate on ex-sheriff Scott Israel?” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Sleeping or listening? State Sen. Perry Thurston’s posture during part of the debate over removing Israel as Broward sheriff has produced a Twitter kerfuffle. Pictures taken from the Senate public gallery by Hunter Pollack during the debate show Thurston leaning back in his chair — with his eyes closed. “This is a picture of @SenatorThurston I took during the critical debate in the senate on the fate of former Sheriff Israel. It shows that the Senator doesn’t care about and the future of public safety in Broward County or the interests of his constituents,” Pollack wrote on Twitter. Thurston said later he was not sleeping. “I was not. I was thinking about my speech,” he told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
https://twitter.com/PollackHunter/status/1187171025722716160
“Bob Gualtieri, Parkland commission head, questions process in sheriff’s removal” via Kathryn Varn of the Tampa Bay Times — Pinellas County Sheriff Gualtieri did raise questions during an interview about the process that removed Israel, set in motion because of his deputies’ response to the shooting deaths of 17 people in February 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. “There’s room, and there’s opportunity to have a more clearly defined process,” Gualtieri said, calling the current rules “nominal at best.” Assumptions were made on both sides about what information was and wasn’t allowed, he said. For example, it was unclear whether a special report recommending Israel’s reinstatement was binding or whether Senators could entertain additional information.
“E-Verify bill filed in Senate” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Sen. Tom Lee filed a bill that would require businesses to use the “E-Verify” system to check the immigration status of new employees. Under SB 664, co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Gruters, employers would have to be able to turn over records proving their employees are citizens or are otherwise authorized to work in the United States. If they fail to do so, there are some harsh penalties, including the suspension of business licenses. The bill would require all employers to start using the E-Verify system by Jan. 1, 2021. Businesses that don’t meet the rollout date would also risk losing their licenses.
“This bill would stop lawsuits targeting taxpayers seeking public records” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald — A bill, HB 195, would make it illegal for any state or local government agency to sue the public for asking for records. Rep. Ray Rodrigues received unanimous approval for the measure from the House Oversight, Transparency & Public Management Subcommittee. Under current law, if an individual wants a public record from a government agency, they are supposed to either receive the documents or a notice citing the specific exemptions that keep the document shielded from public view. But Rodrigues said some agencies have diverted from the intended approach, and “instead of providing a record, record or citing the exemption they respond with a civil lawsuit, and that then brings the taxpayer to court.”
“Lawmakers consider pros and cons of alimony” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — The House Civil Justice Subcommittee is taking up the nearly annual matter marked by the notion that Florida is one of only a few states in the country where judges may award permanent alimony. Boca Raton marital and family law attorney Alan Elkins, speaking for Florida Family Fairness, which spearheads alimony reform pushes, denounced permanent alimony as unfair, charging it creates a “culture of dependence” for those receiving it and a “life sentence” for payers. “It’s unreasonable. There’s no consistency to it. It’s not fair,” Elkins said. He was countered mainly by Andrea Reid, also a Boca Raton marital and family law attorney, who spoke for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Association, who called some of Elkins’ points “just patently not accurate.”
“Margaret Good tries one last time for background checks for guns” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Good on Thursday once again filed legislation (HB 451) to institute universal background checks. It faces an uphill climb in a GOP-majority, Second Amendment-friendly chamber, but the Sarasota Democrat hopes colleagues come to see the bill as a common sense measure. “Requiring background checks for firearm purchases is gun safety policy that Floridians overwhelmingly support that has been proven effective to reduce gun violence,” Good said. “This legislation will make Florida safer by helping to prevent firearms getting into the wrong hands.”
“Bobby Powell wants to ‘ban the box’ on employment applications” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Sen. Powell, a West Palm Beach Democrat, has filed legislation to stop employers from asking about a job applicant’s criminal history early in the application process. Employers would still be able to consider an applicant’s criminal history before making a hire. The measure (SB 616) is motivated by the so-called “Ban the Box” movement, where employers are discouraged from asking about a person’s previous felony history upfront since the question can be used to screen out those applicants even if a conviction was decades ago. Advocates for removing the question argue it adds additional barriers to finding a job and increases the likelihood of an individual reoffending and returning to prison.
“Key lawmaker wants student-athletes safer in school sports” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — The death of a Hillsborough County teen who collapsed during summer football conditioning drills has drawn heightened attention to the health needs of Florida’s high school student-athletes. And after a September discussion with FHSAA officials revealed that many interventions — such as coach CPR training — are not required, a key state lawmaker is focusing on possible legislation to better protect teens on the field. “During our first meeting, we found a lot of these things are suggestions and not requirements,” said Rep. Ralph Massullo, who chairs the House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee. “A lot of times that doesn’t work.”
“Lauren Book bill would mandate response plan for missing special needs students” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Sen. Book joined Rep. Evan Jenne in again introducing legislation to require schools to set up a response plan in the event a student with autism or other intellectual disability goes missing. Book put forward her version of the bill (SB 650). It requires each public school to create a Staff Assistance for Emergencies (SAFE) Team and a plan to respond if a student with a disability “leaves the supervision of school staff or leaves school grounds unsupervised or unnoticed.” The team will be made up of the school’s principal, assistant principal, and at least five other members appointed by the principal.
“Bill would allow smoking bans in parks” via the News Service of Florida — Sen. Debbie Mayfield of Rockledge, filed the bill (SB 630). Under current law, the state controls regulation of smoking, limiting the role of local governments. But Mayfield’s bill would create an exemption that would allow cities and counties to restricting smoking in parks.
“Senators on opposite ends of the spectrum on sunscreen ban” via Lauren Verno of News 4 Jax — Linda Stewart‘s proposed bill would require a prescription to use sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals found in most sunscreens that effectively protect against UV radiation but, researchers suggest, can also cause coral bleaching and eventually kill reefs. “Reef-safe” sunscreens that leave out those ingredients in place of others, like FDA-approved zinc oxide, would take their place on store shelves. Jacksonville pharmacist Dr. Gary Roberts said about 80 percent of sunscreens found on shelves contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. The American Academy of Dermatology assured sunscreen remains a safe, effective form of sun protection despite the bill, and any claims that they were toxic to human health were “unproven” in a statement released months before Hawaii’s bill passed in 2018.
— CALENDAR —
“Senate sets November schedules” via the News Service of Florida — The first set of meetings is scheduled to start Nov. 4 and continue through Nov. 7. That will include budget subcommittees meeting Nov. 6 and the full Appropriations Committee slated to meet Nov. 7. The Senate also will hold a set of committee meetings from Nov. 12 through Nov. 14. That will include 10 policy committees — such as the Health Policy Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Education Committee — meeting on Nov. 12. Policy committees and budget subcommittees will meet on Nov. 13, with the Appropriations Committee scheduled for Nov. 14.
— STATEWIDE —
“Tropical system’s odds grow stronger to 60 percent” via Joe Mario Pederson of the Orlando Sentinel — The area of pressure churning waters in the Gulf of Mexico is rapidly increasing its odds of developing into a tropical depression, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. Thursday update. The storm has changed so quickly that the NHC released a special advisory about it at 10 a.m. outside of the NHC’s normally updated schedule. However, satellite data indicate that the circulation is elongated and not well defined. The low-pressure area, which is currently in the Bay of Campeche, now has a 60 percent chance of formation over the next two to five days, said NHC senior hurricane specialist John Cangialosi.
“‘People don’t want to be teachers anymore’: Florida among worst in nation for teacher pay” via Amanda Dukes of WESH — The average teacher pay in Florida ranks in the bottom 10 of all 50 states, and qualified teachers are turning to other careers, leaving dozens of teacher vacancies in Central Florida counties. Rachel Bardes walked away from her dream job as a middle school teacher in Orange County earlier this year. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right decision for me. It’s just become a life that’s less and less sustainable,” Bardes said. Bardes and dozens of teachers have recently quit, and they are blaming low pay and burdensome workloads.
“Despite federal law, Lawrence Keefe says he won’t go after medical marijuana” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics — Pot may still be illegal under federal law, but don’t expect north Florida’s top federal prosecutor to start storming the medical marijuana stores. U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the Northern District of Florida, at a press conference Thursday with several state-level chief prosecutors, told reporters he recognized two types of weed: Marijuana legal under state law that’s “subject to a robust regulatory process” — and, basically, the street stuff. His office “will not expend its scarce resources prosecuting that which has been expressly made legal by the people of Florida,” said Keefe, an appointee of Trump.
“Ballooning overtime pay in Florida prisons: One of the myriad problems facing the state’s corrections crisis” via Lloyd Dunkelberg or of Florida Phoenix — Last year Florida paid $77 million in overtime to staff its state prisons, an exploding price tag stemming from the inability to hire and keep correctional officers at the state’s Department of Corrections. Why is this happening? The problem begins with starting salaries of just $33,500. That works out to about $16 an hour — the eighth-lowest among the 10 largest prison systems in the country, corrections data show. As a result, more than four out of every 10 new correctional officers leave their jobs within a year, according to the Department of Corrections. Nearly six out of every 10 — 57 percent — leave within two years.
“State targets 7.5 percent cut for workers’ comp insurance rates in 2020” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier issued an order that would result in a 7.5 percent cut in workers’ compensation insurance rates in 2020. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is a third party that makes rating requests on behalf of insurance companies. In August, NCCI proposed to reduce workers’ compensation rates by 5.4 percent. Altmaier responded with an order rejecting that proposal. Instead, the order called for a 7.5 percent cut. “If approved by the [Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)], the revised rate decrease would become effective on January 1, 2020, for new and renewal business,” read a release from the OIR.
— PEACHY —
“Hunter Biden’s name was used as selling point in fraudulent bond scheme” via Dave Michaels and Theo Francis of the Wall Street Journal — Biden’s work in Ukraine and China has attracted criticism from Trump and other Republicans. In an unrelated fraud case from last year, his name was invoked as a selling point in transactions that turned out to be fraudulent, although Mr. Biden‘s lawyer said his client knew nothing about it. The case involved a $60 million securities fraud based on bonds issued by an economic-development company affiliated with a Native American tribe in South Dakota, according to prosecutors’ statements in a federal trial in Manhattan last year.
“How two businessmen hustled to profit from access to Rudy Giuliani and the Trump administration” via Katelyn Polantz, Scott Glover and Vicky Ward of CNN — Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars and jetted around the world touting their connections to Giuliani and the Trump administration while pushing for business and favors, even claiming to arrange a Fox News interview, right up until the day they were arrested for conspiracy and campaign-finance related charges. At one point, they pushed a Ukrainian businessman to pay them to bring Trump administration officials to Ukraine. At another time, they convinced a Florida-based businessman to loan them $100,000, so they could connect him with Giuliani and other prominent conservatives. And in a third instance, they attempted to influence the management board of a Ukrainian gas company.
“Republicans fight Trump’s impeachment by attacking the process” via Michael Shear and Nicholas Fandos — Under pressure to defend Trump amid damaging revelations about his conduct, Senators appeared to have settled instead on denouncing the impeachment inquiry that has uncovered them, giving anxious Republicans a chance to air their complaints about the process. Led by Sen. Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, who has fiercely defended the president, the Senate resolution accuses Democrats in the House of conducting an unfair, secret inquiry designed to embarrass Trump without giving him the ability to defend himself. “This is un-American at its core,” Graham said.
“Is Giuliani going to jail?” via Josh Gerstein of POLITICO — To Democrats and other Trump critics, the scene would be almost deliciously ironic: Giuliani, the ex-prosecutor known for perfecting the “perp walk” in the 1980s, getting a taste of his own medicine. But how much legal risk does the president’s most outspoken personal lawyer actually face? In the wake of the recent indictment of two of Giuliani’s clients and associates over dealings related to Ukraine, the former New York mayor has faced widespread predictions that he’s on the verge of being indicted on charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent. However, many legal experts say Giuliani needn’t be quaking in his boots — at least on that score.
“Rick Scott, Marco Rubio disagree with Gaetz storming House impeachment inquiry” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — Rubio and Scott aren’t fans of the House of Representatives’ closed-door impeachment inquiry, but they also aren’t impressed with Gaetz’s political stunt on Wednesday when he and other Republicans stormed a secure room where a Defense Department official was being interviewed. Rubio attacked both Republicans and Democrats, arguing that the House proceedings, during the escalating impeachment investigation, have devolved into political theater.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Top Trump aide suppressed VA whistleblowers, department investigator finds” via Arthur Allen of POLITICO — A political operator who led an office created by Trump to expose wrongdoing at the Department of Veterans Affairs used his position to quash whistleblowers and retaliate against foes, according to an inspector general report. The accusations involve Peter O’Rourke, who Trump appointed in 2017 to lead the new Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, and his successor, Kirk Nicholas. The inspector general audit said that under O’Rourke and Nicholas, the whistleblower’s office ended investigations into allies of senior officials, failed to report consistently to Congress and refused to honor whistleblowers’ demands for anonymity. The office used unfair and shoddy investigative procedures, and in some cases, didn’t interview the subjects of some complaints, the report said.
“How Matt Gaetz used daddy’s money to become Trump’s favorite congressman” via Stephanie Mencimer of Mother Jones — Gaetz is often described as Trump’s protégé, someone who’s become a Fox News staple not just by sucking up to the president but by trying to out-Trump Trump with insults hurled at Democrats and anyone else with the temerity to challenge the president. But Gaetz hasn’t merely been copying the president; he was cultivating a Trumplike persona long before anyone considered the possibility of a Trump. And the two men share more than just a love of playground taunts. Gaetz’s political ascent was also fueled by a rich father who paved his way, and a series of unorthodox financial maneuvers.
“Marco Rubio, Brian Mast blast Army Corps over Everglades progress” via Scott Powers Florida Politics — In a letter to Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, Florida’s Republican senior Senator and the Republican Congressman from Palm City charged the corps’ bureaucracy of being an impediment to compliance with the federal law last year authorizing the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, because completion of a feasibility environmental impact study report is long overdue. “We strongly urge your immediate attention to significant and ongoing concerns with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ failure to comply with the law authorizing the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoir,” Rubio and Mast wrote. Their letter goes out on the anniversary of the enactment of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.
— 2020 —
“How South Florida became headquarters of the Trump-Industrial Complex” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO — Campaign manager Brad Parscale is a new resident of Fort Lauderdale, where the campaign’s chief pollster, Tony Fabrizio, and on-again, off-again Trump adviser Roger Stone also reside. Two of Trump’s lawyers representing him amid his impeachment saga, Jane and Martin Raskin, hail from the tony Miami suburb of Coral Gables. … Trump’s winter home and resort, Mar-a-Lago, is located in the exclusive enclave of Palm Beach. That’s not far from the Boca Raton offices of the National Enquirer — which went so far as to spearhead a “catch and kill”propaganda scheme in 2016 to hush women who allegedly had affairs with Trump — and the influential conservative publication Newsmax, whose CEO, Christopher Ruddy, has known Trump for years as a Mar-a-Lago member. It’s an exotic ecosystem that has almost nothing in common with buttoned-down Washington — and it could play a role in determining the president’s fate in the giant swing state that’s essential to his 2020 fortunes.
“Amy Klobuchar qualifies for November debate” via Zach Montellaro of POLITICO — U.S. Sen. Klobuchar became the ninth candidate to qualify for the fifth Democratic presidential primary debate in November. Klobuchar qualified after getting 3 percent support in a national poll conducted by Quinnipiac University that was released Thursday morning. She has previously hit 3 percent in three other polls approved by the Democratic National Committee, according to POLITICO’s tracking, and her campaign has said publicly she has hit the 165,000 donor threshold. The debate will be held on Nov. 20 in the Atlanta area and is sponsored by MSNBC and The Washington Post.
“Tim Ryan ends his 2020 presidential campaign” via Maggie Astor of the New York Times — Ryan of Ohio dropped out of the presidential race on Thursday, ending a campaign that sought to champion Midwestern manufacturing workers but failed to gain traction. Ryan’s exit leaves 18 Democrats in the 2020 race. “I wanted to give voice to the forgotten communities that have been left behind by globalization and automation, and I’m proud of this campaign because I believe we’ve done that,” Mr. Ryan said in a video announcing his withdrawal. “While it didn’t work out quite the way we planned, this voice will not be stifled.”
Assignment editors — On Saturday, Trump Victory and RPOF Vice Chairman Christian Ziegler, State Committeeman Richard DeNapoli, Palm Beach REC Chairman Michael Barnett will host a counter- impeachment campaign event called “Stop the Madness!” 3 p.m., Marriott Hotel — Coral Springs, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral Springs.
Happening Sunday — State Sen. Janet Cruz, her daughter Ana Cruz, along with Sen. Bill Nelson and others will host a fundraiser featuring Dr. Jill Biden to support her husband, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, 1:30 p.m. at the home of Janet Cruz and Dr. Steve Rifkin, Tampa. Address will be sent to all confirmed guests 48 hours prior to the event. To RSVP, click here.
“Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO quietly tests presidential bid” via Natasha Korecki of POLITICO — Ed Stack, the CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods and a longtime Republican donor, is testing the waters for a possible third-party presidential bid that could scramble the dynamics of the 2020 general election. Various messages were presented to a focus group in southern Wisconsin this week centering on the billionaire businessman, along with possible three-way matchups against Trump and Joe Biden or Elizabeth Warren. … A source familiar with Stack’s thinking said, “Mr. Stack enjoys running Dick’s Sporting Goods and has no plans to run for any elected office.”
— LOCAL —
“Tallahassee Police arrest 10 people in ongoing gambling raids” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — The arrests come as part of an ongoing crackdown by TPD and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office on alleged gambling operations and so-called internet cafes following armed robberies in two establishments. During one of the robberies, on April 26, a man opened fire inside the Arcade Center, 1889 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. No one was injured in the shooting, and a suspect was later arrested. Six search warrants were served after the shooting, and the establishments closed. The most recent wave of arrests involved alleged gambling houses at a strip mall at 1350 Mahan Drive and what appears to be a gas station at 2720 Blair Stone Road.
“State commits $1.4B in funding to reconstruct Tampa’s Westshore interchange” via Veronica Brezina-Smith of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation announced today $1.4 billion in funding would be used for the Reconstruction of the Interstate 275/State Road 60 Westshore area interchange in Tampa. This project will connect the Howard Frankland Bridge, the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the Veterans Expressway and Tampa International Airport with additional general-purpose and express lanes. It will also reconnect local streets beneath the interstate to relieve traffic congestion on Westshore Boulevard and improve community access, according to the announcement. The project is set to take place in fiscal year 2023-2024.
“Former lawmaker disciplined by Florida Supreme Court” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Attorney and former state Rep. Kevin Ambler was publicly reprimanded by the Florida Supreme Court for his behavior in federal court, The Florida Bar announced. Ambler, a Tampa Republican when he served in the House from 2002 to 2010, was “negligent” and failed to comply with a court order regarding discovery, according to the Bar. He also “made disparaging comments in rebuttal to opposing counsel’s allegation of committing fraud upon the court.” Ambler, a lawyer since 1991, was representing Danubis Group, LLC in a case against Landmark Insurance Company, alleging that Landmark had underpaid a claim for loss of rent on a commercial property, according to the complaint.
“Tampa Bay Times lays off 7 newsroom employees” via Tom Jones of Poynter — The Poynter-owned Times laid off seven journalists — five full-timers and two part-timers. In addition, the Times will combine the A (national) and B (local) sections in print on Monday through Saturday to save costs. Among those laid off is award-winning sports columnist Martin Fennelly, who joined the Times from the Tampa Tribune in 2016 when the Times purchased and then shuttered the Tribune. The latest financial crunch for the Times was made worse because of the loss of a major auto dealership advertiser over the summer, as well as digital revenue not meeting projections.
“A junkyard Dog Island no more: Hurricane Michael ruins hauled away 11 months later” via Karl Etters of the Tallahassee Democrat — During the first weeks of September, 134-foot barges ran load after load of debris back across the bay to Carrabelle, left for 11 months after the monster Category 5 storm pummeled the Forgotten Coast. Chris Teaf, the treasurer of the Dog Island Conservation District, was among the first people to traipse through the weathered dunes and seagrass, taking in the totality of the destruction. The roads were impassable for about four days after the storm, either from scattered debris or remaining floodwaters. The slow recovery is akin to the pace of any project on the island. Weather and the remoteness of Dog Island present challenges that take time to overcome, said Randy Cannon.
— MORE LOCAL —
“Joe Gruters calls for fresh audit of Sarasota school finances” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida Legislature will conduct a follow-up on a Sarasota County Schools audit after an initial review found concerns over record keeping. State Sen. Gruters, whose district includes all of Sarasota County, requested further review. He said he was especially concerned over a finding the School Board had no documentation for 40 percent of costs. The audit itself pointedly read: “The district had not established policies or procedures for effectively monitoring and documenting the reasonableness of general conditions costs.” “Wherever you see an almost 40 percent failure rate in a certain area, it makes you question what’s going on,” Gruters said. “I want to see how widespread the problem is.”
“Brightline expects to more than double ridership by adding three South Florida stations” via David Lyons of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — It expects to more than double its annual ridership through the addition of stations at Boca Raton, Aventura and PortMiami. “We believe the three new stations … will contribute over 2 million incremental annual passengers once ridership at these stations ramps up and stabilizes,” according to the rail line’s latest financial filing. The high-speed rail line considers the three new stations as top priorities as it builds a 170-mile rail extension to Orlando International Airport. Company spokesman Ben Porritt said it reached the passenger figures from “independent and internal ridership studies in addition to traffic software and traffic patterns,” and based on when the stations are operational and have established track records.
“Conch-style rebellion in the making? Changes in fishing rules in Keys Sanctuary drawing fire” via Jenny Staletovich of WLRN — More than a thousand residents showed up at a Key West meeting to review the plan that expands boundaries at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and increases restrictions on a park that helps pump $4 billion into the state economy. At a Key West City Commission meeting earlier this month, critics complained the rules might be grounds for another rebellion. “A 21-mile traffic jam started the Conch rebellion,” Key West attorney David Paul Horan said, referring to the 1982 standoff with federal officials. “This is way beyond a 21-mile traffic jam.” The plan calls for increasing the number of preserves from 57 to nearly 100. Restrictions within the zones vary from limited access for motorized boats to anchoring rules.
“First he was shot at by police. Now he is being evicted from his group home” via Carol Marbin Miller, Daniel Chang and Elizabeth Koh of the Miami Herald — Arnaldo Rios-Soto has been involuntarily committed, handcuffed, forcibly restrained, tranquilized, and shot at by police. Now, he’s about to be homeless. Rios-Soto became the troubled face of Florida’s disability program in 2016 when a North Miami police officer, mistaking Rios-Soto’s toy truck for a handgun, shot at him. In the three years since, Rios-Soto has ping-ponged between group homes and psychiatric hospitals in three Florida counties, eventually landing at the Beechdale Home in Orlando. The home’s operator officially informed him Monday through a court notice he’s being evicted, after state disability administrators announced they were cutting Rios-Soto’s care plan by $74,000 or 14 percent.
— OPINIONS —
“For $50,000, a hug from DeSantis. And what else?” via the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board — We Americans value our personal space. People, men especially, don’t often hug each other without some reason. It can be the sharing of sorrow, the celebration of triumph, or the reunion of old friends. So what are Floridians to make of those scenes showing a beaming Gov. DeSantis, on the night of his election last year, embracing two men whom he wanted us to believe he hardly knew? It turns out that they contributed $50,000 to his campaign. That’s worth a hug, no doubt. But questions linger: What else did they get? More importantly, what might they have been expecting?
“Joe Henderson: Good move by DeSantis to challenge NCAA monopoly” via Florida Politics — The self-serving system that sustains the money machine known as the National Collegiate Athletic Association is on life support. DeSantis is the latest high-ranking lawmaker to push back against the NCAA’s ridiculous policy that prohibits athletes from making money off their name. DeSantis threw his support behind a pair of bipartisan bills that would overturn those rules. Excellent move. The NCAA argues a full college scholarship is sufficient compensation for student-athletes. Consider the cash generated by the athletes’ work. SEC schools made $43 million apiece just off TV in the fiscal year 2018, and that doesn’t include licensing rights for jerseys and the like. Dabo Swinney, the head football coach at NCAA champion Clemson, makes $9.3 million annually.
“We expect foolishness from Matt Gaetz, but we expect better from Michael Waltz” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Gaetz is, and always has been, a bomb-thrower who is desperate for attention. Waltz is a decorated combat veteran, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who probably knows a thing or two about security and protocols. Waltz probably was aware that SCIF stands for “Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility.” Such rooms are built to thwart electronic eavesdropping. That’s why devices like cellphones are secured outside the room. Nevertheless, he and a couple of dozen Republicans barged into just such a room while a Pentagon official was about to be deposed by Republican and Democratic members of the House Intelligence Committee. According to news accounts, some GOP representatives still had their phones, which are not allowed inside the secure room.
“Matt Caldwell: Let the market solve our conservation needs” via Florida Politics — Traditional government tools for avoiding suburban sprawl focus on spending public tax dollars to buy land, either outright or through a conservation easement. However, not only is this often inefficient, there is unlikely ever going to be enough funding to satisfy all the conservation goals that Floridians want to achieve. But there is a way, one that relies on the free market to achieve all of the same goals, at no direct cost to the taxpayer — Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs are like conservation easements, but even simpler. Why not create a plan where every property owner has their development rights explicitly recorded in their deed and allow them to trade with one another on the open market?
“State universities’ prestige rankings augur well for economy” via the Palm Beach Post editorial board — This fall, the University of Florida climbed to No. 7 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of top public schools. The Gators’ ascension was based on such measures as undergraduate outcomes, faculty resources, student excellence and alumni giving. It’s been a rapid climb. And UF isn’t the only one of the state universities rising in reputation. Florida State climbed to No. 18 (from 26th last year); the University of South Florida improved to 44th, and the University of Central Florida advanced to 79th (from 87th). Even more striking — and surprising — is that the magazine ranked Florida’s university system as the No. 1 state system overall in the nation.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Harbor pilot association taps first-ever executive director” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Florida Harbor Pilots Association hired Laura Di Bella, a longtime industry executive, to lead the group. “There is no one more qualified than Laura to fill the role of executive director, and we are elated she will be joining our ranks,” said Captain and FHPA President Sam Stephenson. “Laura’s notable experience and educational background, paired with her expertise on Florida’s ports, made her a sure choice for our newly created role.” The FHPA represents the interests of Florida’s nearly 100 professional harbor pilots around the state, advocating on their behalf regarding various state and federal issues that impact the harbor pilots. Di Bella most recently served as port director for the Port of Fernandina, Ocean Highway and Port Authority.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Brian Ballard, Christina Brodeur, Mathew Forrest, Katherine San Pedro, Ballard Partners: American Hotel and Lodging Association, Give America Hope, eMerge Americas, Habilitation Center for the Handicapped, Hope Statistics
Patrick Bell, The Legis Group: Adams Sanitation, Town of Jay
Andrew Ciafardini, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: Fidelity National Information Services
Michael Corcoran, Matt Blair, Andrea Tovar, Corcoran Partners: American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Florida Chapter, Palm Beach County
David Custin, David R. Custin & Associates: FALCONTRUST AIR, Mbeach Consulting & Solutions
Mary DeLoach, The Southern Group: HISTORIC TOURS OF AMERICA, Ocean Reef Club
Jason Gonzalez, Shutts & Bowen: U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform
Scott Jenkins, Carlton Fields: Summit Industries Corporation d/b/a School Check IN
Joel Overton, James Card, Larry J. Overton & Associates: South Broward Hospital District
James Spratt, CAS Governmental Services: Sunshine State Biomass Cooperative
Dawn White: Baptist Health South Florida
Ian Whitney: City of Tampa
— LISTEN UP —
Biz & Tech with Aegis CEO Blake Dowling: Kim Galban-Countryman is the Chief Executive Officer of LBB (Lighthouse of the Big Bend). LBB is a nonprofit agency dedicated to assisting people with vision loss. The mission of LBB is to enhance the lives of individuals who live with vision loss in the Big Bend area through direct services, community engagement, and education. Galban-Countryman and Dowling discuss LBB’s recent rebranding.
Gradebook from the Tampa Bay Times with hosts Marlene Sokol and Jeffrey Solochek: Alexandra Gilmore is a mother of two who sometimes substitutes in local schools; she has seen the love of learning sucked out of her children, and others like them, because of the way standards are implemented. Not all families start at the same place, Gilmore observed, and yet the state expects them all to begin at a high level — whether that’s attainable or not. “The current standards are a set up for kids to fail,” she said. Gilmore discusses her views on Florida’s academic standards in an interview with Solochek.
Inside Florida Politics from GateHouse Florida with hosts John Kennedy and Zac Anderson: A new poll finds Florida voters are evenly split on the impeachment inquiry of Trump. Kennedy and Anderson discuss the latest impeachment news out of Florida and some early action in the Legislature, including an abortion bill and a vote to oust Broward County Sheriff Israel.
podcastED: Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, of America’s fifth-biggest school district, saw the rapid expansion of charter schools and private school choice a decade ago and concluded, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. RedefinED converted a recent interview into its latest podcast to complement a paper on Miami-Dade for the Education Cities conference at Harvard, which Education Next published this week.
REGULATED from hosts Christian Bax and Tony Glover: The United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (116th Congress) hosted public health officials for a chat on e-cigarettes. This week REGULATED is sharing the testimony of the CDC’s principal deputy director, Dr. Anne Schuchat.
The Rotunda with Trimmel Gomes: Melba Pearson with the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida explains their fight to get a judge to block Florida’s law requiring fees be paid before ex-felons can vote. Plus, educators like Brian Dean of Instruction Partners tells Gomes why he’s urging state officials to improve, instead of eliminating Florida’s Common Core educational standards. Gomes also talks with Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council about their new study, which shows Florida’s 15 seaports are leading the nation in resiliency for sea-level rise and natural disasters.
— 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 with Sandra Graves, GOP State Committeewoman for Pasco County; Barry Edwards, political commentator and consultant; Adam Smith, a political consultant for Mercury Public Affairs; Ernest Hooper, a columnist for the Tampa Bay Times.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion of new policies and initiatives designed to fight breast cancer in women and men. Joining Walker-Torres are state Reps. Jackie Toledo and Kamia Brown; Kate Watt, Executive Director, Susan G. Komen and Tracy Jacim, Director of Community Empowerment, Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: A discussion on the Florida Senate’s vote on Broward County Sheriff Israel; PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter will rate a claim by Sen. Elizabeth Warren; a one-on-one interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders; Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran will discuss school safety.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks with pollster Steve Vancore and Florida Politics Publisher Peter Schorsch.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests are Dr. Michael Binder of the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab; Jacksonville City Council members LeAnna Cumber and Dr. Ron Salem.
— ALOE —
“7 spooky under-the-radar places to visit, according to a ghost hunter” via Natalie Compton of The Washington Post — Mackinac Island on Lake Huron was once home to the indigenous Odawa people until Jesuit priests, French fur traders and British soldiers came along. The town of Point Pleasant, W.Va., was allegedly terrorized by a seven-foot-tall creature known as Mothman. The Belvoir Winery and Inn. in Liberty, Montana: Formerly the Odd Fellows’ Home complex. Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts, has two rooms haunted by Jerusha Howe, who is said to have died of a broken heart. Atchison, Kansas, is aviator Amelia Earhart’s hometown. The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Britain Woods, New Hampshire, has hosted the likes of Thomas Edison and multiple U.S. presidents. In Loveland, Ohio, you’ll find a castle in the middle of the suburbs.
“Epic Universe, Orlando’s next theme park, is coming in 2023” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — Epic Universe, Universal’s third theme park in Orlando, is expected to open as soon as 2023, officials said Thursday during a Comcast earnings call. “We recently announced we’re doing a fourth gate in Orlando in 2023,” was all one executive said during Thursday’s call, counting the new Epic Universe with the existing Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the Volcano Bay water park. No other information was given.
“Unique guitar-shaped hotel opens at Florida Seminole casino” via Curt Anderson of The Associated Press — The Guitar Hotel had its grand opening on the Seminole Tribe’s land in Hollywood. It’s the latest step in the Seminole Hard Rock empire. “It really is special,” said Mitchell Cypress, vice chairman of the Seminole tribal council. “The Seminoles now are known throughout the world.” It’s a unique addition to South Florida’s tourist landscape, and no hotel is like it in the world. It has more than 600 rooms and at night, beams of light will mimic the strings of the guitar. The $1.5 billion project also has a refurbished venue for concerts and other events, starting with Maroon 5 on Friday and continuing with artists such as Sting and Billy Joel.
“Watch the trailers for the top movies coming this weekend” via Chelsea Frisbie of WESH — “The Current War”: The greatest inventors of the industrial age, Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse battle with their technological advances to determine which will be the electrical system to power the next century. “Countdown”: After finding out she only has three days left, a nurse must figure out what’s haunting her and how to save her own life. “Black and Blue”: A rookie police officer in New Orleans struggles with her identity as a black woman and a police officer when she witnesses fellow officers commit a murder. “The Lighthouse”: Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe star in this thriller about two lighthouse keepers who try to maintain their sanity living on a mysterious remote island off the coast of New England in the 1890s.
To watch the trailer for “The Current War,” click on the image below:
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— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today are Eric Conrad, Mara Frazier, and Chuck Urban. Happy 50th birthday this Saturday to bulldog reporter Mark Puente and Monica Russell.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
