Peter Schorsch
Even though he’s an illustrious alumnus of INFLUENCE Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Florida politics and is one of the most sought after consultants in The Process, our friend David Johnson — husband to fellow INFLUENCE 100’er Christina Johnson and a former executive director of the Republican Party of Florida — doesn’t like to make too big of a deal that today is his birthday, so we’ll just leave this right here …
David is an enormous fan of “Mad Men,” and this gif is actually part of a very funny scene that is worth watching in its own right. Click here for the YouTube video.
— TODAY’S SUNRISE —
Five years after voters approved the Florida Water and Land Legacy Amendment, conservation groups are urging the Legislature to finally obey that amendment and spend more to preserve environmentally sensitive lands.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— It’s Election Day in Saint Petersburg, where nonpartisan City Council races have become about as partisan as it gets.
— Although she leads in the polls in the polls, state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto of Fort Myers said she would not be running for the Congressional seat being given up by U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney.
— Florida Politics is adding veteran reporter AG Gankarski to the Tallahassee team for Session coverage. Gancarski stops by the studio to talk about the upcoming Legislative Session.
— More from Florida Man with a couple of stories featuring a Chihuahua and more than a thousand pythons.
To listen, click on the image below:
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: Many people say they know me, claiming to be ‘best friends’ and really close, etc., when I don’t know these people at all. This happens, I suppose, to all who become President. With that being stated, I don’t know, to the best of my knowledge, a man named Michael Esposito … I don’t like him using my name to build his consulting company, or whatever. Please advise his clients and Administration officials accordingly.
—@ProudResister: First, Donald Trump got booed at the World Series in DC. Then he got booed at a UFC fight in New York. So now he is going to a college football game in Alabama, the reddest of red states, to find a crowd that won’t boo him. He is the most insecure man on planet earth.
—@RacgekRGonzalez: “But Pete Buttigieg went to Harvard!” Okay, so did Julián Castro. “But Pete Buttigieg is a Rhodes scholar!” Okay, so is Cory Booker. “But Pete Buttigieg has experience as a Mayor!” Okay, so does Cory Booker and Julián Castro — and their cities were bigger. But he’s white.
—@LizbethKB: After thoughtful consideration, I have decided that running for Congress in 2020 is not the right path for me and my family at this time. I am extremely grateful for the words of encouragement and support from so many friends and neighbors as I have considered this option.
—@Barkowitz: Key point from @CoachP_CHS at @UpliftedCF #sailto60 event: we can’t forget that all of us are not living in the same Florida. We cannot forget the struggles of those in the #panhandle and students from economically disadvantaged parts of our state. We must collaborate statewide.
—@AcktoBda: Terrific keynote from Florida Superintendent David Altmaier of @FLOIR_comm outlines some current supervisory priorities in one of the world’s most important #insurance markets. #InsureFL
—@JeffBurlew: In other Scott Maddox news, the former #Tallahassee city commissioner and mayor agreed to disbarment on consent from the Florida Bar. His disbarment, part of fallout from his public corruption case, awaits approval from the Bar’s Board of Governors and the Florida Supreme Court.
—@Fineout: When asked if he had gotten pressure from trustees or elected officials, FSU AD David Coburn joked “the governor made this call” to remove Taggart
—@Osiliana: FSU has shut down football media access for the rest of the week after a press conference with athletic director David Coburn and interim coach Odell Haggins.
—@AEdwardsLevy: polls taken earlier in the day found copious sunshine — but by this afternoon, the sun was sinking precipitously … the sun has a turnout problem
— DAYS UNTIL —
3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon starts — 2; “The Mandalorian” premieres — 7; New season of “The Crown” streaming on Netflix — 12; Fifth Democratic debate — 15; “Frozen 2” debuts — 17; Next government shutdown (maybe) — 17; TaxWatch 40th Annual Meeting — 27; UK votes on Brexit — 37; “The Rise of Skywalker” premiers — 45; College Football National Championship — 69; 2020 Session begins — 70; Florida TaxWatch State of the TaxPayer Dinner in Tallahassee — 71; New Brexit deadline — 87; Super Bowl LIV in Miami — 89; Great American Realtors Day — 90; Iowa Caucuses — 90; New Hampshire Primaries — 98; Last day of 2020 Session (maybe) — 128; Florida’s presidential primary — 133; “Black Panther 2” debuts — 183; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo begin — 260; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 294; First Vice Presidential debate at the University of Utah — 337; First Presidential Debate scheduled at the University of Michigan — 345; Second presidential debate at Belmont — 352; 2020 General Election — 364.
— TOP STORY —
It’s Election Day!
“Governor’s races in three states test whether every election now is about Donald Trump” via Tim Craig and Seung Min Kim of The Washington Post — As Andy Beshear campaigned through eastern Kentucky, the Democratic candidate for Governor seemed well aware that he didn’t have much time to deliver his message before Trump arrives. For Beshear and Jim Hood, the Democratic candidate for Governor in Mississippi, such policy focus is being tested as Trump storms into these two Republican-friendly states and attempts to turn Tuesday’s governor’s election into a referendum on him. With Trump still relatively popular in both states, the White House says those two governor’s races, as well as a runoff election for Governor in Louisiana Nov. 16, will give the president a major political boost by proving that he can still mobilize religious conservatives and working-class voters to the polls.
“Voters’ verdict: Election Day is Tuesday in Orlando, Oviedo, six Lake County cities” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando voters will decide whether to give Mayor Buddy Dyer a fifth term over two challengers while those in the southwest part of the city also will fill a City Council seat. Dyer faces City Commissioner Sam Ings and Navy veteran Aretha Simons. Seeking the District 6 seat Ings is vacating are former state Sen. Gary Siplin, Orange Blossom Family Health CEO Bakari Burns and community activist Lawanna Gelzer. Oviedo voters will pick a successor to Mayor Dominic Persampiere, who decided not to seek reelection to the post he has held since 2010, from among three candidates. One other City Council seat is on the ballot. Also, voters in six Lake County cities will go to the polls.
“Gary Siplin bid for Orlando City Council to be decided Tuesday” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Longtime former Florida lawmaker Siplin is making his latest attempt to return to politics in an election for Orlando City Council’s District 6. Siplin, who spent 12 years in the Legislature (including 10 in the Florida Senate), faces a veteran City Council candidate and almost full-time community activist in Gelzer, and a newcomer to Orlando politics with a lengthy background in public health, businessman Burns. The trio is seeking to succeed incumbent Ings, who is giving up his seat to run for Mayor. The district includes the north end of International Drive, Universal Orlando, a handful of suburban neighborhoods, and a broad spread of mostly low-income, predominantly African American communities.
“Voters head to the polls to decide four St. Pete City Council races” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Two incumbents face challengers — Ed Montanari in District 1 and Lisa Wheeler-Bowman in District 7. Montanari, a registered Republican, faces Democrat Orlando Acosta, and Wheeler-Bowman faces Uhuru candidate Eritha “Akile” Cainion. Both are expected to deliver solid victories to supporters. Two open races are also on the ballot. Republican Robert Blackmon faces Democrat John Hornbeck in Charlie Gerdes‘ District 1 seat while Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Trenia Cox, both Democrats, are vying to replace Steve Kornell in District 5.
“Three commission seats, six ballot initiatives at stake in Miami Beach election” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Group IV seat was vacated by former Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez when she ran for the 2018 Democratic nomination in CD 27. But Rosen Gonzalez is looking to reclaim her seat, which has been filled by Joy Malakoff on an interim basis. Group V: Commissioner Ricky Arriola is running for reelection. Group VI: The most high-profile among the four-person field is former state Rep. David Richardson. Referendum 1 will change the time the Mayor is allowed to stay in office. Referendum 2 changes the pay to $45,381 for commissioners and $75,636 for the Mayor, which are 1966 numbers adjusted for increases in cost of living.
“Hialeah voters have five charter amendments on their ballots” via Christine Morales of the Miami Herald — Hialeah voters could give their mayor the authority to declare a state of emergency after a hurricane or other disaster, then spend an unlimited amount of city funds on cleanup without approval from the City Council for up to three months. That’s one of five proposed amendments to the city’s charter that will be on the Nov. 5 ballot and the one that would make the most substantial change to city government. Another would change the date of the city’s runoff election to line up with other municipalities. Others would amend the charter to conform to changes in state law, update language or make minor changes.
“What to expect in Brevard County elections” via Dave Berman of FLORIDA TODAY — There are municipal and special district elections or other items on the ballot in seven communities — Barefoot Bay, Cape Canaveral, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay and Rockledge. While these “off-year” municipal elections are less visible than elections during years when federal, state and county offices are contested, Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Lori Scott says these elections are important, nonetheless. “These are the governments closest to you — the government that touches your life every day,” Scott said.
— DATELINE: TALLY —
“Ron DeSantis met indicted businessman at a Zionist Organization of America event” via David Smiley, Steve Contorno, and Bianca Pedró Ocasio of the Miami Herald — DeSantis, at the time a Congressman, first came into contact with Lev Parnas after speaking at a gathering of the Zionist Organization of America on May 9, 2018, according to a spokeswoman for the Governor. The spokeswoman was unsure of the exact nature of the event, but DeSantis spoke at the organization’s annual Washington Mission that same day in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. It’s unclear how DeSantis and Parnas — who would go on to co-host fundraisers for DeSantis and appear at his inauguration with “very very important person” status — were introduced.
Assignment editors — DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis will make a major announcement, 9 a.m., The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, 890 Northeast Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Later, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein, State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Eric Sutton will join the DeSantis’ for an announcement, noon, Lover’s Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.
“Top Patronis aide quits business partnership with lobbyist” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — A top state official said he will abandon a business he launched with a prominent lobbyist after POLITICO raised questions about the arrangement. Ryan West, chief of staff to state CFO Jimmy Patronis, said Monday that he is in the process of pulling out of a partnership with Jeff Woodburn, a former state regulator now working at The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners. In response to questions about the enterprise, Patronis said West would be leaving the Department of Financial Services at the end of the year.
“Website will let Floridians see average cost of medical services” via Mark Bergin of Florida Politics — DeSantis announced the launch of an updated website that allows Floridians view the average cost of medical services. FloridaHealthPriceFinder.com breaks down the cost of nonemergency medical services by the average cost in the county, state and nation. “If you look at how people behave in most aspects of their lives, they kind of have a sense of how much something costs, and they make decisions accordingly,” DeSantis said. “That’s really not been the case with health care.”
State seeks asks judge to quash ‘loser pays’ challenge — Secretary of State Laurel Lee and the Department of Economic Opportunity asked a circuit court judge to toss a lawsuit challenging a new law making it harder to challenge development orders in court, Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida reports. The challenge, filed by environmental group 1000 Friends of Florida, claims a provision in HB 7103 that requires the loser in such lawsuits to pay attorney’s fees violates the due process and single-subject provisions of the state Constitution. The group also alleges that lawmakers were not aware that the provision was in the bill. Lee told the court she isn’t responsible for enforcing the law while DEO head Ken Lawson said that responsibility belongs to local governments.
“Scott Plakon hid real estate holdings, ethics complaint alleges” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel — The complaint was filed by Dan Stevens, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, with the Florida Commission on Ethics. It cited property records, court filings and other documents to show Plakon bought and sold several properties in Seminole, Lake and Volusia counties that never showed up on his annual financial disclosure forms. Plakon says he did nothing wrong because the property was all owned by subsidiaries of Nationwide Publishing, a company he owns and which Plakon disclosed on every annual form since he was first elected to the House in 2008. All of the properties owned by Nationwide subsidiaries listed in the complaint were included as part of the overall valuation of Nationwide on the disclosure forms, Plakon said.
“While Florida schools set medical marijuana rules, senator files bill to protect students” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — Sen. Bill Montford has filed a proposal outlining the dos and don’ts for how schools can administer the medicine to students with a medical marijuana card and are listed on the state’s medical marijuana registry. Florida legalized medical marijuana five years ago with a so-called Charlotte’s Web law that allowed its use for seizures, cancer and other debilitating illnesses. Reforms and expansion of that measure include a Dec. 1 deadline for school districts to implement policies for the drug to be administered during school hours.
“Senate moving quickly to kill local sunscreen laws” via Ana Ceballos of the News Service of Florida — Sen. Rob Bradley said Monday that Key West is sending “mixed signals” to people about the importance of sunscreen and that his bill is meant to send a clear message to the “country and the world” that the use of sunscreen is encouraged in the Sunshine State. “Unfortunately, with all of the wonderful things that come with our beaches and our sunshine, we also rank second in the nation for the highest rate of new melanoma cases,” said Bradley, who described sunscreen as the “first line of defense” against skin cancer. Under Bradley’s bill (SB 172), which was approved Monday by the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee, the state would block local regulation of over-the-counter drugs and cosmetics, which would include all sunscreens. Regulation would be determined by the state.
“Emails show signs of Democratic dissension ahead of Miami-Dade delegation chair vote” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — “You’ll forgive my lack of enthusiasm.” Those are the words of Sen. José Javier Rodríguez in response to plans by Miami-Dade Democrats to nominate Rep. Joe Geller to lead the county’s legislative delegation during the next Session. But in follow-up comments, Rodríguez clarified that his “lack of enthusiasm” will not lead to him actively opposing Geller’s candidacy. Rodríguez made his original comments in an email chain where Democrats were discussing nomination plans for Tuesday’s delegation meeting. The group plans to elect a chair and vice-chair at that meeting. The sentiments from Rodríguez appear to stem from a 2016 delegation vote, where Rodríguez competed against then-Republican Rep. José Félix Díaz for the chair position.
— LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS —
The House Health & Human Services Committee will hear a presentation on Recreational Marijuana by Chris Gibson, Executive Director, Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), 10 a.m., 17 House Office Building.
The Senate Agriculture Committee will get an update on the effect of Hurricane Michael on Florida agriculture, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building.
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee will workshop a bill (SB 254) on a “Working Persons Tax Rebate Study” and consider a bill (SB 3620) to extend the operational life of VISIT FLORIDA, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building.
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will hear a presentation on Racial Impact Analyses by the Florida State University College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building.
The Senate Health Policy Committee meets to hear a presentation on implementing Prescription Drug Importation programs and discuss “drivers behind increases in prescription drug prices.” That’s at 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building.
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will hear presentations on the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in the private insurance market, 2 p.m., 412 Knott Building.
The Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee will hear a presentation on gender dysphoria by Gilbert Smith, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, 2 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider several bills, including one (SB 176) to limit amendments proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission to one subject, 2 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building.
— TODAY IN THE CAPITOL —
Assignment editors — Sen. José Javier Rodríguez joins advocates, experts and working families from across the state for a telephone news conference on the newly filed working family tax credit bill, 9 a.m. RSVP to [email protected] to receive the call-in information.
Assignment editors — Sen. Dennis Baxley and Rep. Clay Yarborough will announce legislation related to healthy marriages and the impacts of divorce, 1 p.m., 4th-floor Rotunda.
Delegation meets — The Miami-Dade County legislative delegation will meet, 4:45 p.m., Room 316, the Capitol.
— GOV. CLUB BUFFET —
Butternut squash and apple soup; mixed garden salad with dressings; Walldorf salad; pasta and tuna salad; deli board, lettuce, tomatoes, cheeses and breads; roast teres major of beef with chasseur sauce; grilled salmon with Florida citrus butter sauce; Ronnie’s fried chicken; steamed broccoli florets with butter; whiskey smoked candied carrots; buttermilk mashed potatoes; Oreo chocolate mousse for dessert.
— STATEWIDE —
“Florida utility regulators prepare to raise energy bills, reduce conservation measures” via Mary Ellen Klas and Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald — The Florida Public Service Commission will be tested as it is asked to take two votes that could have a significant impact on customer electricity bills in the future: one to set rules for charging customers billions to bury power lines and another to wipe out energy conservation incentives that utilities say are unneeded. Both decisions could collectively cost customers more than $3 billion in the next three years and are being closely watched — and heavily lobbied — by the utility industry, which expects the regulatory board to take its side. Environmental groups, the lawyer that represents the public in utility rate cases, and two state legislators argue the PSC should reject the industry positions.
DOE could takeover UWF programs — An investigation into financial mismanagement at the University of West Florida could lead the Florida Department of Education to take over some of the school’s online resources, Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO Florida reports. The investigation revolves around $23 million in discrepancies in the Complete Florida Plus Program that UWF manages. In response, a Florida College System library panel recommends DOE take over the program, claiming it would be “much more efficient” at doing the job. However, provosts from other state universities worry the takeover would deprive UWF of resources and say the program should stay at the Pensacola-based university. “We stand firmly behind the program located where it is,” Sally McRorie told the SUS Council of Academic Vice Presidents.
“Florida Virtual School audit cost state nearly $200,000, provides few details, no roadmap for future” via Beth Kassab and Leslie Postal of the Orlando Sentinel — The report said the school’s new executive, Louis Algaze, appointed this summer at Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s direction, had already created “a leaner and more efficient FLVS,” by reducing a “bloated” leadership team. Ernst & Young of Tallahassee was paid $193,060 for the 48-page audit and failed to provide additional insight into what went wrong at the virtual school. The firm was also tapped this summer to do a “security risk assessment” of the virtual school for $165,411. The largest section of the public audit, 15 pages, was pulled — largely word-for-word — from existing reports by the school or other organizations’ publications. But the audit did not provide clear recommendations for how the school should be run.
“Florida patients hard-pressed to find smokable medical pot as demand increases” via Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald — There are more than 280,000 qualified patients in Florida, many of whom jumped on the opportunity to take advantage of what cannabis experts call the “entourage effect,” or the effect of smoking mostly unprocessed marijuana bud with all its natural compounds intact, including psychoactive component THC. A typical growing facility for medical marijuana can take up to six months to build. The actual growing of the plants takes another four or five months, depending on the condition. It can be around 10 months from the time a company wants to expand its growing operation to the time products can hit the shelves, making it tricky to keep up with the demand.
— MOTHER NATURE —
“Disagreement over conservation spending squeezes long-running land program” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO Florida — Bob Graham wants to restore the $300 million the Florida Forever program previously enjoyed from the Legislature each year between 1990 and 2009. But he is clear-eyed about the fact that other environmental groups don’t agree on the amount. Environmentalists are telling legislators privately — and sometimes publicly — to fund specific land acquisition programs over others, mainly ignoring the Florida Forever formula that provides funding to more than 10 state agencies for land acquisition. The disagreements put the state’s popular land-buying program — and ultimately, the success of the ballot measure — at risk as environmentalists emphasize specific programs instead of the holistic approach of the past while legislators grab money for regional projects.
“Environmentalists to Legislature: Quit spending land-buying money on admin costs” via Jeff Schweers of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, better known as Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of the voters, requires the Legislature to put 33 percent of net revenue from the real estate document stamps into the Land Acquisition Trust Fund for 20 years. But a sizable portion of that money has been diverted to administrative expenses voters didn’t intend it to go to, said Aliki Moncrief, executive director of the Florida Conservation Voters. “One-third of that money is going to operational and administrative costs,” she said. For example, a Department of Environmental Protection IT department gets $6 million a year of money that is intended for buying and conserving environmentally sensitive lands.
“Lake O level is close to that of drought year of 2011, and water experts are worried” via Adriana Brasileiro of the Miami Herald — Lake O rose just about an inch in October, after the driest September on record, and currently stands at 13.45 feet. “I’m a bit concerned about the lake level, we are right about where we were in 2011,” said Col. Andrew Kelly, Jacksonville District commander. He said he worries about whether the Corps will be able to maintain water releases into the Caloosahatchee Estuary. The Corps had resumed water releases to the estuary west of the lake early in October at a rate of 650 cubic feet per second, averaged over seven days and measured at Franklin Lock and Dam. The Caloosahatchee Estuary needs a mixture of fresh and saltwater to stay healthy and support marine life.
“How Southwest Florida’s business community got woke about water” via Eve Samples of the Fort Myers News-Press — In 2018, thousands of businesses in Southwest Florida banded together to push for clean water. Spurred by a deadly confluence of red tide and toxic blue-green algae blooms, they educated themselves on water quality. They found a unified voice to push for stricter pollution limits. As the kids say, they got woke. And it had a tangible impact on Florida politics. “We spent 2019 focused solely on water,” said Tiffany Esposito, president and CEO of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, and one of the driving forces behind the new business alliance. Today, the group — known as the Southwest Florida Alliance of Chambers — is continuing to advance a water-policy agenda.
— INSURANCE DEEP DIVE —
The first day of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit opened with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez delivering an optimistic update on the state economy followed by a deep dive into all things insurance, from AOB reform to resiliency plans.
Day 2 will see attendees glean some more inside information on the state of the state’s insurance industry.
The Tuesday slate kicks off with a presentation on how home engineering performed in Hurricane Michael, courtesy of University of Florida professor Kurt Gurley.
The day continues with panels on new developments in insurance technology, the legal climate, building construction standards, auto glass AOB, and a discussion on whether it’s time to pull the plug on the personal injury protection, or PIP, system.
One topic sure to be of interest: genetic testing
The tests were a hot topic in the 2019 Legislative Session, with lawmakers opposing the use of test results in underwriting in any way, shape or form.
Insurers, meanwhile, argued prohibiting their access to genetic testing results could incentivize policyholders to lie about their true medical situation.
A Tuesday panel moderated by Josh Aubuchon of Holland & Knight and featuring U.S. Mortality Markets SVP Dave Rengachary, Florida Insurance Council President Cecil Pearce and James Madison Institute VP Sal Nuzzo will highlight the positive side of allowing insurers access to genetic tests — namely, how it could lead to lower premiums for some consumers.
— “Insurance Summit: Jimmy Patronis talks Hurricane Michael claims” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said he won’t be happy until 100 percent of Hurricane Michael insurance claims are paid. On Monday, Patronis spoke to Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit attendees about the struggles of Panhandle residents still recovering from Hurricane Michael. Thousands of Northwest Florida residents are still waiting on insurance claims to come through more than a year after the Category 5 storm made landfall. At The Associated Press’ Legislative Planning Session last week, Patronis was grilled over those still-open claims. Patronis reiterated that his priority for the 2020 Legislative Session is passing legislation to limit the number of insurance adjusters assigned to each claim.
— “Insurance Summit highlights local, federal efforts on flood mitigation” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Jane Gilbert, who serves as Miami’s Chief Resilience Officer joined Jennifer Jurado, the Broward County Chief Resilience Officer for a panel discussion on flood planning and mitigation at the Florida Chamber Insurance Summit Monday. The duo is charged with dealing with and planning for the effects of climate change in their respective municipalities, including sea-level rise. Gilbert outlined Miami voters’ approval of a $400 million general obligation bond, about half of which is focused on flood mitigation and sea-level rise mitigation. She also hit on Miami’s goal of updating waterfront design standards and sea wall elevation standards that would help prepare for the impact of flooding upfront.
— PEACHY —
“Giuliani associate now willing to comply with Trump impeachment inquiry — lawyer” via Aram Roston of Reuters — Lev Parnas, an indicted Ukrainian American businessman who has ties to Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, is now prepared to comply with requests for records and testimony from congressional impeachment investigators, his lawyer told Reuters on Monday. Parnas, who helped Giuliani look for dirt on Trump’s political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, is a key figure in the impeachment inquiry that is examining whether Trump abused his office for personal political gain. His apparent decision to now work with the congressional committees represents a change of heart. Parnas rebuffed a request from three House of Representatives committees last month to provide documents and testimony.
“White House officials spurn demand to testify in impeachment probe” via Kyle Cheney and Andrew Desiderio of POLITICO — Four senior White House officials refused to testify to House impeachment investigators, a sign that Democrats have exhausted their best leads for evidence against Trump. Those witnesses, including the White House’s top national security lawyer John Eisenberg, blew off subpoenas to testify, underscoring the likelihood that Democrats are already sitting on the evidence they’ll have for impeachment as they move toward public hearings. And many of them say it’s more than enough. All that remains before those hearings begin is a cluster of high-profile witnesses closely connected to Trump who seem likelier to battle Congress to a near-certain stalemate than submit to questioning that might boost Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
“Trump inches closer to outing purported whistleblower” via Rishka Dugyala and Sarah Ferris of POLITICO — Trump sought to discredit the whistleblower, linking the individual to his predecessor, President Barack Obama, as well as former CIA director John Brennan and former national security adviser Susan Rice — two of Obama’s top aides. A string of witnesses in the impeachment inquiry have corroborated the whistleblower’s account in congressional depositions. Trump and his allies have denied that there was a quid pro quo and said there was nothing wrong in asking for an investigation into the Biden family. Some Republican lawmakers and conservative publications have named a purported whistleblower or asserted theories about the person’s identity. The whistleblower’s lawyers released a statement neither confirming nor denying their client’s identity but warning of the danger that comes with disclosure.
Meanwhile … “The idiot’s guide to the Roger Stone trial” via Darren Samuelsohn and Josh Gerstein of POLITICO — The Roger Stone circus is going on trial. Starting Tuesday, Stone, the conservative provocateur and longtime adviser to Donald Trump, will be in federal court fighting charges that he obstructed a congressional investigation into whether the president won the 2016 campaign with the help of Russian hackers.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Trump makes it official: U.S. will withdraw from the Paris climate accord” via Brady Dennis of The Washington Post — In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the administration had sent official notification of its plans to the United Nations. “In international climate discussions, we will continue to offer a realistic and pragmatic model — backed by a record of real-world results — showing innovation and open markets lead to greater prosperity, fewer emissions, and more secure sources of energy,” Pompeo said. “We will continue to work with our global partners to enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change and prepare for and respond to natural disasters.” Environmental and public health activists quickly condemned the decision, even as it came as no surprise.
“PolitiFact: Facebook post says Matt Gaetz has ‘numerous DUIs.’ It’s wrong.” via Amy Sherman of the Tampa Bay Times — U.S. Rep. Gaetz has dominated national TV in defense of Trump amid the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry. Now social media users are firing back with an unfactual post about the North Florida Republican’s arrest record. “Fun fact for ya,” reads an Oct. 27 Facebook post. “Republican Matt Gaetz has had numerous DUIs, and his dad got him off each time. He was part of a company that had to pay 75 million in hospice fraud. They stole from dying people. He is the swamp.” The Facebook post takes a single arrest for DUI, inflates it and omits that the case was dropped. Also, Gaetz’s father Don Gaetz, wasn’t named as a defendant in that case hospice fraud case.
“Kathy Castor: More health insurance policies, more problems” via Delaney Brown of WUSF — People shopping for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act have more options than ever — but one lawmaker is warning that not all plans promise equal coverage. At an event in Tampa Monday, Representative Kathy Castor warned consumers about the growing number of what she called “junk policies” that are saturating the market.
Assignment editors — Congresswoman Lois Frankel will host a listening roundtable with health care professionals from South Florida to discuss issues facing physicians and patients, 2 p.m., Children’s Service Council, 3300 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach.
“Thousands of Floridians drive cars that get this tax break. It’s under siege in D.C.” via David Lightman of the Miami Herald — Florida has the third-highest number of registered electric vehicles in the country. But federal tax breaks for owners across the country have gone mainly to people with six-figure incomes. With a dossier full of that kind of information as ammunition, stalwart opponents of expanding the credit are mobilizing to kill it. “The [electric vehicle] tax credit is no longer necessary,” Sen. John Barrasso, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, wrote earlier this month in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
— PROPS TO PHI MAJORS, RUBIO SAYS —
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio regrets mocking philosophy majors, he tells the Washington Post’s “Daily 202” email newsletter.
— He like the Stoics: “Going back to when I ran for president, one of the moments that people remember is when I talked about how we need more welders and less philosophers,” the senior Senator from Florida said in an interview with the Post. “Since that time, I’ve actually been reading philosophy a little bit. Like the Stoics. I am, actually, maybe not so negative on philosophy anymore.”
— Vocational ed. important, but …: Rubio “said his underlying point about the importance of vocational education remains, but he’s come to recognize the need for a more intellectual approach to modernize conservatism and save the country.”
— Scoop: The senator shared with the Post a 17-page draft of a lecture he’s preparing to deliver Tuesday to business students at the Catholic University of America. “He gets quite philosophical for a politician,” the Post says.
— For example: “Rubio cites the Greek statesman Pericles (‘When a man is doing well for himself, but his country is falling to pieces, he goes to pieces along with it’) and the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (‘That which is not good for the beehive cannot be good for the bees’).”
— Coming to Catholicism: The Senator “also leans on his personal faith while discussing his increasingly populist economic policy. He quotes four popes, including the past three … ‘The social doctrine of the church is not something that gets a lot of attention,’ Rubio said. ‘ … There’s a very rich social doctrine … based on the importance and value of work, but also on the obligation of the employer and the private economy to provide dignified work.’ ”
The rest of the interview is here.
— 2020 —
“Trump trails Democratic rivals in national survey as independents move away” via Dan Balz and Scott Clement of the Washington Post — Former vice president Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren run strongest against the president nationally, with Biden leading by 17 points (56 percent to 39 percent), Warren by 15 points (55 percent to 40 percent) and Sanders by 14 points (55 percent to 41 percent). South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Kamala D. Harris, the other two Democrats tested against Trump, also lead the president among registered voters, with Buttigieg up by 52 percent to 41 percent, and Harris ahead by 51 percent to 42 percent.
“’There’s no model for this’: Impeachment timeline crashes into Democratic primary” via Mark Caputo of POLITICO — The House is unlikely to vote on impeachment until the end of the year, meaning the Senate trial against Trump figures to begin in January — just weeks before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses. It’s an event that could require the six Democratic presidential prospects to remain in Washington every workday for at least a month. Depending on when the trial begins, or if it drags on, the trial could affect the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 11, a day shy of the 21st anniversary of President Bill Clinton’s acquittal after a five-week Senate trial. There’s no consensus over which Democratic contenders are advantaged by an impeachment trial.
“Republicans tout Trump in push for Florida’s Hispanic vote” via Kavitha Surana of the Tampa Bay Times — Despite Trump’s harsh immigration policies and demeaning comments about foreigners, Republicans are betting on making inroads with Florida’s diverse Latino communities to boost voter turnout in the 2020 election. Those efforts can make all the difference in Florida, a key swing state where candidates win elections by less than half a percentage point. “It’s about the margins,” said Fernand Amandi, a Democratic pollster based in Miami. “Even if Republicans never get a majority, what they are focused on is getting a certain percentage to offset the margin of defeat.”
“Ex-Sen. Bill Nelson: Trump will win Florida if Warren or Sanders becomes Dem nominee” via Joseph Wulfsohn of Fox News — Nelson warned Democrats with a prediction that President Trump will win Florida if his former colleagues Sen. Elizabeth Warren or Sen. Bernie Sanders become the party’s 2020 presidential nominee. Nelson, who was defeated in the 2018 midterms by then-Gov. Rick Scott, was asked by The Daily Beast if his home state was out of the Democrats’ grasp if one of the leading progressive candidates became the standard-bearer for Democrats. ‘The answer is yes,’ Nelson told The Daily Beast.”
— THE TRAIL —
“Measure to let independent voters participate in Florida primaries moves closer to the 2020 ballot” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of Florida Phoenix — A group that wants to let voters decide whether to allow “jungle primaries” is closing in on its goal of collecting enough voter signatures to place the constitutional amendment on the 2020 ballot. All Voters Vote Inc. has recorded 753,438 validated signatures with the state Division of Elections as of Monday, just short of the 766,200 signatures needed to qualify for the 2020 general election ballot. The proposed state constitutional amendment would allow all registered voters to vote in primary elections. It would replace the current “closed” system that restricts primaries to Republican or Democratic or other party voters when more than one candidate from the party qualifies for the election.
“Gun rights groups, Ashley Moody target assault weapons ban” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida — The National Rifle Association condemned a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to do away with assault weapons in Florida as a “classic example of impermissible political rhetoric” designed to inflame voters’ emotions. “The amendment hides behind political rhetoric and a misleading ballot summary to coax voters into abridging their existing right under the Florida Constitution to keep and bear arms and criminalizing the most commonly owned rifles and shotguns in America,” lawyers for the gun-rights organization wrote in a brief filed with the Florida Supreme Court. The organization’s arguments were among three briefs filed in opposition to the proposed amendment, which the political committee Ban Assault Weapons NOW is trying to place on the November 2020 ballot.
“Ted Yoho: Rumors of my retirement from Congress are premature” via Brian Burgess of The Capitolist — In response to a story published by Sarah Rumpf, Yoho said contrary to the previously published report, he’s not yet made any decision on his future plans. Rumpf’s story was based on several factors, including the observation that Yoho appeared to have deleted his campaign Twitter account. But Twitter reinstated the account. “It was recently misreported that the Ted Yoho for Congress campaign had deleted our Twitter account, potentially signaling a decision from Congressman Yoho of whether or not to run in the 2020 election,” said Yoho spokeswoman Kat Cammack. “There was no intentional effort on our behalf to deactivate or delete the account as the Congressman is still filed to run for the 2020 election.”
“That sea turtle running for Clearwater mayor is also the top fundraiser” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times — Elizabeth Drayer, the human lawyer running for mayor on behalf of the loggerhead sea turtle species, has raised more money for her campaign than any other candidate in the crowded 2020 Clearwater City Council races. In just one day in September, Drayer raised $20,000 ― all from a single personal check from herself donated to her campaign, according to the latest records.
Judson Sapp snags more endorsements — Republican Sapp tacked on two more endorsements in his campaign to succeed U.S. Rep. Yoho in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District. The new backers: Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith and former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll. “Judson Sapp is a hardworking, honest family man, and great community steward who will do what’s right for America and Americans. He’s done more than talk the talk, he’s walked the walk,” Carroll said. “Judson will stand by us and President Trump to make this country the best it can be.” Sapp ran for CD 3 in the 2018 cycle, losing to Yoho in the Republican primary. It is unclear whether Yoho will run for reelection in 2020.
First on #FlaPol — “Lizbeth Benacquisto won’t run for Francis Rooney’s seat in 2020” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — “After thoughtful consideration, I have decided that running for Congress in 2020 is not the right path for me and my family at this time,” she said in a statement. “Instead, I will focus my energies on continuing to honor the voters who have entrusted me to represent them in the Florida Senate … I look forward to joining my hardworking, grassroots Republican friends to ensure we elect a candidate in CD 19 who best reflects our shared conservative values and steadfastly supports the President.” The Fort Myers Republican has been one of the most talked-about contenders since Rooney announced he would not seek reelection.
Happening tonight:
“Kaylee Tuck first candidate to qualify in HD 55” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Sebring Republican Tuck has officially gathered enough signatures to qualify as a candidate in Florida House District 55. “I am honored that almost 900 of my friends and neighbors in House District 55 have placed my name on the ballot,” Tuck said. Tuck in June became the first Republican candidate to enter the race. She’s set herself apart with significant endorsements, notably former U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney.
“Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony officially files to run for election” via Skyler Swisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Tony, a Democrat who is making his first run for elected office, has a formidable opponent among the eight other candidates — ousted Sheriff Scott Israel, who was elected in 2012 and 2016 and wants his old job back. Tony said his 10 months as sheriff stands in contrast to his predecessor’s tenure, which he said was marred by “mediocre training requirements” and “disregarded internal policies.” “Under the previous administration BSO’s problems were ignored,” Tony said. “I quickly understood that the reality of the office I took over was far worse than what I had imagined.”
“Pasco schools superintendent Kurt Browning to seek third term” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — After nearly eight years on the job, Browning says he hasn’t accomplished all he set out to do for improving the school system. That’s why he has decided to seek a third term leading Florida’s 10th-largest district. Pasco County also is the biggest school district in the nation to elect rather than appoint its chief executive. “I’ll be filing next week,” Browning said. “There’s still issues that need to be addressed, things to be completed.” Topping his list is the continued expansion of academic options within the district schools. “I want to see more choice in our system,” Browning said.
“Miami-Dade Democratic Party touts $360K raised at annual Blue Gala” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — “This year’s gala not only raised more funds than ever, but included more people than ever,” said Matt Haggman, who chaired the event. “That’s critically important. After all, it’s on us. But, to achieve success in the upcoming election, it will require all of us.” More than 550 people attended the event at the Miami Beach Convention Center. U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York served as the keynote speaker for the event. But a plethora of South Florida politicians were present. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried served as the night’s featured speaker.
— LOCAL —
“Pregnant Florida woman uses AR-15 to fend off burglars attacking her family” via Nicole Darrah of Fox News — A Florida woman who was eight-months pregnant and came out wielding an AR-15 rifle reportedly saved her husband and preteen daughter last week from a pair of violent intruders — with the gun-toting matriarch fatally striking one of the men, who was later found dead in a nearby ditch. Jeremy King was at his home in Lithia when two men broke inside. King said one of the burglars pistol-whipped him and another kicked him in the head, creating a commotion that attracted the attention of his wife, who walked into the room — and soon found herself dodging a bullet. The woman reportedly retreated and grabbed an AR-15 that was legally inside their house, returning to the room and shooting the intruders.
“Pinellas asks justices to decide Pasco tax fight” via the News Service of Florida — Attorneys for Pinellas County filed a 16-page brief asking the justices to decide whether Pinellas County can be required to pay property taxes on thousands of acres of land it owns in Pasco County. Pinellas argues, in part, that it is immune from taxation, but a divided panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal this year said Pasco could tax Pinellas on the property. The appeals court, however, asked the Supreme Court to take up the issue, a move known as “certifying” a question to the Supreme Court.
“Hillsborough transit chief placed on leave after whistleblower complaint” via Caitlin Johnson of the Tampa Bay Times — The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority board voted unanimously to place its new CEO Ben Limmer on paid leave, citing allegations from a whistleblower about a purchasing issue. Limmer has been with the agency for seven months. He was appointed after a national search to select a new leader following the departure of former CEO Katharine Eagan. “The board received a letter Friday evening that can only be characterized as a whistleblower alleging improper conduct on behalf of the CEO with respect to procurement processes, vendor relations and related matters,” agency attorney David Smith said during the board meeting.
“Tampa will ask federal appeals court to reinstate ban on conversion therapy” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — City attorneys filed a notice of appeal in federal court, a first step toward asking an appellate court to overturn a U.S. district judge’s decision on Oct. 4 to strike down a citywide ban of the practice. The city now has 45 days to file its challenge, which will be considered by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Tampa’s 2017 ban was intended to protect young people from the practice. But U.S. District Judge William Jung overturned the ban on Oct. 4, saying that it conflicts with a patient’s right to privacy and a parent’s right to choose health care for their children.
“Ahead of Super Bowl LV, NFL seeks diverse Tampa Bay vendors and businesses” via Sara DiNatale of the Tampa Bay Times — The NFL is already thinking about the vendors it needs to get Tampa Bay ready for Super Bowl LV in 2021, and it wants the candidates to be diverse. The NFL launched its Business Connect program, a partnership between the NFL and the Super Bowl host committee, on Monday. The program will help businesses owned by minorities — including gay, bisexual and transgender people — women and veterans prepare to win Super Bowl vendor contracts. “There is a new vibrancy in the local business community and we want to tap that,” the NFL lead of the program, B.J. Waymer, said at Monday’s news conference. “This is not the Tampa of 2009,” he said. A lot has changed, and it is beautiful.”
— MORE LOCAL —
“Undercover agent, J.T. Burnette discuss ‘dirty politics of getting things done’ in Tallahassee” via the Tallahassee Democrat — Burnette bragged to undercover FBI agents that then-Tallahassee City Commissioner Scott Maddox was his “buddy” who “always worked deals” with him because he could get fellow commissioners to go along with whatever he wanted. Burnette’s comments came during a conversation secretly recorded Sept. 21, 2016, between himself and undercover agents.
“Burnette tells undercover FBI agents ‘who you’ve got to pay’ in secret recording” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — In the conversation, Burnette painted a picture of the capital city as a place where money greases the wheels of local government. One of the undercover agents, who posed as an out-of-town businessman, lamented that it would be difficult for “an outsider” to get much accomplished. Burnette agreed, saying, “Yeah, that’s tough.” “Tallahassee is an interesting place,” the agent said. “It’s clearly ‘good ol’ boy’ network,’ but it’s not like a ‘good ol’ boy’ network like I’ve seen in other places.” “You know what you’ve got to pay,” Burnette said. “You know who you’ve got to pay and how you’re going to pay it.”
“Commissioners call New York Times ‘fake news,’ deny library funding for digital subscriptions” via Josh Fiallo of the Tampa Bay Times — There was a consensus among Citrus County commissioners: The county should not spend roughly $2700 annually on digital subscriptions to the New York Times for the 70,000 library-card holders who reside in the county. The commissioners weren’t shy in sharing why they thought the move would be a waste of money. Commissioner Scott Carnahan appeared the most passionate against approving the funding, alluding to political reasons as part of his decision. “Fake news, I agree with President Trump,” Carnahan said. “I don’t want the New York Times in this county. I don’t agree with it, I don’t like ’em, it’s fake news, and I’m voting no.”
“At Universal Orlando theme parks, a new $4 fee has been quietly added onto Uber rides” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — Uber has quietly added a $4 surcharge for pickups at Universal Orlando theme parks. The new fees that went into effect Oct. 21 will pay for a deal between Universal and Uber to improve the ride-sharing experience, Uber spokesman Javier Correoso said. Universal is charging Uber, which has passed down the fee to the customer, Correoso said. Universal did not respond to requests for comment. Under the agreement, Uber plans to build out a “lounge” inside the Universal parking garage where people waiting for their rides can wait. One full-time Uber driver who declined to be named for fear of retribution expressed frustrations because he said his passengers hadn’t been properly notified of the new fees before they rolled out.
“Airbnb bans ‘party houses’ after California killings. Miami Beach Mayor welcomes move” via Taylor Dolven of the Miami Herald — Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said in a series of tweets that the company would crack down on such rentals, marking a shift away from the company’s standard posture of declining to police the site’s content. A spokesman for Airbnb declined to comment on what the crackdown will look like in Miami Beach. The city has the highest number of Airbnbs per capita in the country and is appealing a recent court decision weakening its enforcement. Chesky said Airbnb would ramp up manual screening of reservations marked as high risk, create a party house rapid response team, remove users who violate the policy against party houses.“ We must do better, and we will. This is unacceptable,” Chesky said in a tweet.
— OPINIONS —
“Florida’s leaders love our environment, but they love money more” via Diane Roberts of Florida Phoenix — There’s always more money in destruction and degradation. In Florida, Nature must be monetized. Our pretend-green governor and the venal characters who run the Legislature now want to ram superfluous toll roads through some of Florida’s last unspoiled wildlands, wreaking havoc on wetlands, forests and wildlife. Been out on Highway 19 lately? Splendidly lonely. The Chamber of Commerce, the asphalt lobby, and rich landowners want these roads. Nobody else does. More roads don’t relieve traffic; more roads bring traffic. More roads mean more sprawl. And unsustainable development with its noisome byproducts: strip malls, big box stores, ruined land, polluted waters.
“Despite strong talk, Tallahassee has a lot more to do for Indian River Lagoon” via MJ Waters for Florida Today — As we approach the 2020 Florida Legislative Session beginning in January, the Indian River Lagoon remains at risk, despite strong talk in Tallahassee. The critical factors in all of this are a serious commitment to statewide funding and ensuring enforcement of environmental regulations and tight standards. Long term, dedicated funding is essential to repair 50 years of pollution of all the state’s waters. With 1,000 new residents in Florida every day, we need innovative breakthrough technology to eliminate the products of wastewater treatment rather than move them to farms and ranches. These technologies exist, and Florida is the perfect place for a demonstration project, which could be funded through the Department of Environmental Protection as a private-public partnership.
“Timeshare industry ‘exit’ companies need stricter regulations, more oversight” via Jason Gamel for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The timeshare industry understands life circumstances can change after making a purchase and there are programs in place to assist those customers who wish to conclude their membership by working directly with their homeowners association or developer. We also pride ourselves on providing timeshare owners with the information and tools they need to make a clear and informed decision on the options available to them through ResponsibleExit.com. Only time will tell what the future holds for the so-called exit industry — it has preyed upon timeshare owners for more than a decade, during which time the Florida Legislature, not once, but twice, has taken action to work to reform.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Personnel note: David Frady moving from DMS to Dep’t of State” via Florida Politics — Frady, previously communications director at the Department of Management Services, on Monday starts in the same position for the Department of State under Secretary Laurel Lee. Frady replaces Sarah Revell, who is taking a job outside of state government. She had been with the Department of State since April 2017. Before his DMS stint, Frady was Press Secretary and later Communications Director for the Department of Children and Families, according to his LinkedIn page. He also was a communications liaison for the Department of Environmental Protection.
“Personnel note: David Fifer joins Converge Government Affairs multistate group” via Florida Politics — Fifer, previously with the Pew Charitable Trusts, has joined Converge Government Affairs multistate group, the firm announced. At Pew, Fifer was an officer responsible for the Pew Dental Campaign, for which he designed, built and managed legislative campaigns to advance complex legislation across the country. At Converge, Fifer will be based in Boston, Massachusetts, and will be responsible for advancing client interests throughout the country, according to a news release.
— ALOE —
“Florida to start selling alcohol at men’s basketball games” via The Associated Press — The Gators announced the policy change, following the lead of several other Southeastern Conference schools. The league voted in June to end its long-standing ban on alcohol sales in public sections of stadiums and arenas. Florida, which called its new policy a “pilot program,” is incorporating conference-wide alcohol management rules that include: Alcohol will be sold and dispensed only at designated stationary locations. Vendors will not sell alcohol within seating areas. An identification check will be required to prevent sales to minors. Alcohol sales are limited to beer and wine only.
— WILLIE WATCH —
“FSU athletic director David Coburn: ‘6-6 isn’t good enough’” via Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida State athletic director Coburn did not want to fire Willie Taggart. That was clear in how the Seminoles handled the situation leading up to Taggart’s dismissal Sunday, and it was even clearer with the somber tone Coburn used less than 24 hours later. “It was a rough weekend …” Coburn said as he opened his news conference on Monday. “I had to fire a friend yesterday.” Key words: Had to. Although Taggart didn’t even get two full seasons to try to rebuild his dream job into a national power, Coburn said the Seminoles couldn’t afford to wait to make a move. “Frankly 6-6 isn’t good enough,” Coburn said.
“UCF coach Josh Heupel on being an FSU candidate: ‘I absolutely love where I’m at!’” via Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel — It doesn’t sound like Heupel is any hurry to leave UCF to become Taggart’s successor at FSU. When I asked Heupel on my Open Mike radio show Monday morning about being listed as a candidate for the Florida State job opening, Heupel replied, “I absolutely love where I’m at. I think I have maybe the most unique job in college football. My wife and kids and I absolutely love what we’re doing here.” Of course, this doesn’t mean Heupel wouldn’t leave if Florida State or some other Power Five program threw a bunch of money at him. Let’s not forget, Heupel’s predecessor, Scott Frost, also loved coaching at UCF, but he left for Nebraska after two seasons at UCF.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Belated birthday wishes to lobbyist Robert Beck of PinPoint Results. Celebrating today are U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, Britton Alexander and former state Rep. Ken Robertson.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
