Peter Schorsch
Before we get to the election results from across the state, here are three first-in-Sunburn items:
Another Republican has signed up to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy in Florida’s 7th Congressional District.
Leo Valentin, a medical doctor who runs a radiology practice in Orlando, entered the race Tuesday, joining a half-dozen other Republicans vying for the Central Florida-based seat.
Valentin does differ from his primary rivals in one respect — he’s putting in the resources to get his campaign off on the right foot.
His announcement was coupled with a campaign video introducing himself to CD 7 voters. The key takeaways: he’s pro-free-enterprise and concerned about how Democrats approach health care.
He also highlighted what he calls a growing divide that lays “between the powerful government elite and the hardworking families.”
To view the video, click on the image below:
Valentin hopes to convince voters Murphy, who coleads the House Blue Dog Coalition, isn’t so moderate. In Valentin’s opinion, she has socialist goals.
Thus far, none of the other Republicans hoping to topple Murphy next year have gained much traction, especially in the money race. As it stands, Murphy’s reelection fund has $840,000 in the bank while her next-closest competitor, Vennia Francois, has $10,000.
That leaves some room for him to make a case ahead in the nine months before GOP voters choose their nominee.
___
Shumaker Advisors is expanding its Florida footprint.
The firm, which has offices across the midwestern and southeastern United States, set up shop in the Sunshine State two years ago, and it’s since built up a strong roster of clients from its base of operations in the Tampa Bay area.
Now, it’s ready to move into the state capital.
“The Tallahassee expansion has been part of our strategic plan since we opened Shumaker Advisors Florida in 2017,” Shumaker Advisors Florida President and CEO Ron Christaldi said.
“The office space is intended to better serve our clients, partners, and provide a common place for receptions and gatherings.”
Shumaker Advisors Florida Principal Amy Maguire added, “As we continue to serve the best companies across Florida, we believe this expansion to our state’s Capitol is a great opportunity to best serve our clients and closer connect to our elected officials and agencies.”
The new office is a block from The Capitol at 113 East College Street.
___
The proposed half-cent sales tax to fund Duval County schools is a major hit with voters, according to a new poll conducted by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab.
The survey found three-quarters of voters were in favor of the plan, with just 20 percent opposed.
PORL Director Michael Binder called it “the continuation of a trend we’ve seen during polling on this issue several times this year. Duval registered voters are very supportive of the half-cent sales tax and, if given the opportunity to vote, would likely pass this measure easily.”
The UNF poll also measured the Duval Schools Superintendent Diana Green’s approval rating; she is above water 44-28 percent. Still, 70 percent of voters said they’d rather vote for superintendent than have it remain an appointed position.
Outside of education, UNF found voters were split on a plastic straw ban, with 47 percent opposed and 42 percent in favor. Marijuana decriminalization, another policy that could make its way to Jax, had supermajority support across party lines.
“Similar to previous polls, marijuana legalization is extremely popular in Duval County,” Binder said. “This issue has not gotten very far in City Council, but it is an issue that resonates with the populace.”
— TODAY’S SUNRISE —
Two Central Florida lawmakers are making another run at their election protection bills — and two South Florida lawmakers are trying to get a hearing for their bills banning conversion therapy on children.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— A bill to revive the state’s tourism marketing agency clears a friendly Senate committee, but it’s going to be a battle during the 2020 Session.
— If ghosts are in your town, the Department of State archivist Isabella Folmar would love to hear from you. They’re assembling an oral history archive of all the ghoulish and creepy stories throughout Florida.
— And today’s Florida Man is a woman, and police have the X-rays and CT scan to prove it.
To listen, click on the image below:
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@AndrewBakaj: I urge all of our government leaders — notably all Members of Congress — to step back and reflect on the important role whistleblowers play in our constitutional republic’s ability to oversee itself.
—@JoeBiden: [Donald] Trump‘s Cuba policy hurts families on & off the island. Administrations of both parties have supported family reunification, and I support @DebbieforFL & @DonnaShalala‘s work to reunite Cuban families. As president, I will reinstate the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program.
—@AllahPundit: I will write the hot take that a [Matt] Bevin loss somehow meaningfully changes the math of the Senate removing Trump
—@CJane87: The idea of covering up allegations against a serial pedophile so you could run more stories about the Royal Family is the dumbest thing I’ve heard yet today, and I’ve gotten emails from fans of Richard Spencer.
Tweet, tweet:
As always, a fantastic visit with @FloridaPBA.
#BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/BVHB9XJTlf— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) November 6, 2019
—@JimmyPatronis: Awesome to see how @Uber has empowered individuals to unique abilities to succeed in life. #readthesign.
Tweet, tweet:
Today, my daughter Faith and her classmates ran the @FLSenate.
I was happy to see her, but now I’m curious. Is Lobbying 101 next? pic.twitter.com/MYzfWP2foB
— Tom Lee (@TomLeeFL) November 5, 2019
—@AGlorios: .@dennisbaxley talking about how he paid his way thru school in Senate Health Policy Cmt today, and is marveling at complaints on those who have debt. He appears to not know how much more expensive college/grad school is today than when he attended.
—@SamanthaJGross: Highlight of the meeting so far: @CaryPigman asking if dried marijuana can be compared to “a fine Pecorino cheese”
—@MDixon55: The most startling thing about early 2020 Session is the fact that @floridachannel now appears to focus on committee room audiences more than in the past. This is a potentially terrifying development
—@TheZervPipe: The Tallahassee Democrat (@TDOnline) is getting one of the kindest, most observant journalists I’ve ever met. Congrats, @JimRosicaFL!
— DAYS UNTIL —
3rd Annual Florida Internet and Television FITCon starts — 1; “The Mandalorian” premieres — 6; New season of “The Crown” streaming on Netflix — 11; Fifth Democratic debate — 14; “Frozen 2” debuts — 16; Next government shutdown (maybe) — 16; TaxWatch 40th Annual Meeting — 26; UK votes on Brexit — 36; “The Rise of Skywalker” premiers — 44; College Football National Championship — 68; 2020 Session begins — 69; Florida TaxWatch State of the TaxPayer Dinner in Tallahassee — 70; New Brexit deadline — 86; Super Bowl LIV in Miami — 88; Great American Realtors Day — 89; Iowa Caucuses — 89; New Hampshire Primaries — 97; Last day of 2020 Session (maybe) — 127; Florida’s presidential primary — 133; “Black Panther 2” debuts — 182; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo begin — 259; Florida primaries for 2020 state legislative/congressional races — 293; First Vice Presidential debate at the University of Utah — 336; First Presidential Debate scheduled at the University of Michigan — 344; Second presidential debate at Belmont — 351; 2020 General Election — 363.
— TOP STORY —
“Buddy Dyer overwhelmingly reelected to fifth term” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Dyer carried 72 percent of the vote, easily topping the majority needed to avoid a Dec. 3 runoff. City Commissioner Sam Ings received 17 percent of the votes, and Navy veteran Aretha Simons finished third with 11 percent. Already Orlando’s longest-serving mayor, Dyer, 61, will add to that legacy so that by the time his new term is up in 2024 a 20-year-old would have only known one mayor. “We love Orlando, we believe in Orlando, we’re going to shape the future for anyone that wants to live, work and play in Orlando … I am humbled beyond measure,” he told supporters at The Abbey. “I’m the happiest mayor in America.”
>>>The only other Orlando race, for the District 6 City Council seat … will go to a runoff between the top two vote-getters, Orange Blossom Family Health CEO Bakari Burns and former state Sen. Gary Siplin. Burns received 46 percent, falling short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff. He’ll go against Siplin, who won 39 percent, in the next round. Community activist Lawanna Gelzer came in third with 15 percent.
“David Richardson moves on to runoff in race for Miami Beach Commission seat” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Former state Rep. Richardson is going to a runoff after falling just short of a majority in the race for the Group VI seat on the Miami Beach Commission. Richardson earned 49 percent of the vote. He will compete against restaurant owner Adrian Gonzalez, who collected 38 percent of the vote. Richardson was the most high-profile candidate among the four. The House District 113 seat that Richardson formerly held covers Miami Beach. He gave it up to compete in the 2018 primary for Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Richardson placed second in that contest to Donna Shalala, who went on to win the general election.
“Former Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez forced to runoff in Miami Beach Commission race” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The race for the Group IV seat on the Miami Beach City Commission is headed to a runoff as no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote Tuesday night. The top two candidates, Rosen Gonzalez and Steven Meiner, will face off in that runoff election on Nov. 19. Meiner secured his spot in the runoff by just 3 votes out of 9,670. Rosen Gonzalez was the top vote-getter Tuesday night, collecting more than 38 percent of the vote. Meiner, meanwhile earned 23.86 percent, narrowly securing a spot in the runoff. The Group IV seat was vacated by former Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez when she ran for the 2018 Democratic nomination in Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
“Miami Beach Commissioner Ricky Arriola headed to runoff as voters reject pay raise for commissioners” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Group V Commissioner Arriola is headed to a runoff election to defend his seat, as he fell short surpassing 50 percent support Tuesday night. Arriola, who chairs the Finance Committee, was well atop the field in fundraising, bringing in more than $220,000. He garnered 45 percent of the vote Tuesday. That means a Nov. 19 runoff election will see Arriola compete against first-time candidate Raquel Pacheco, who has a public relations background. She owns and manages the RDP Agency LLC, which helps with language translation. Pacheco secured 24 percent of the vote Tuesday night, edging real estate broker Stephen Cohen, who earned 23 percent.
“Alex Díaz de la Portilla secures spot in runoff for a seat on Miami City Commission” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Former state Sen. Díaz de la Portilla appears headed to a runoff in the contest for the District 1 seat on the Miami City Commission. Díaz de la Portilla competed against six other candidates Tuesday night for the District 1 seat. He and the second-highest vote-getter — which is currently former Miami Planning and Zoning Board Member Miguel Gabela — will face each other in a runoff on Nov. 19. With 96 percent of precincts reporting, Díaz de la Portilla netted 39 percent support. That puts him well ahead of the field but well short of a majority to earn the seat outright. Gabela has 21 percent support.
“Ed Montanari dominates challenger Orlando Acosta at the polls” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Montanari defeated Acosta, 54 to 46 percent. Montanari entered the race as a popular incumbent. He was elected without opposition four years ago and looked poised to enjoy the same fate this year until Acosta filed for the seat the final week of qualifying for the election. Acosta got off to a slow start in his campaign, but by midsummer, the race took a sharp partisan turn. Acosta staked most of his campaign on efforts to tie Montanari to Trump. Montanari fought back against the partisan attacks by laying low and sticking to his commitment to the city.
“Robert Blackmon trounces John Hornbeck in race to succeed Charlie Gerdes in St. Pete” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Blackmon closed election night with a solid 64 to 36 point victory over John Hornbeck. Gerdes is leaving due to term limits, paving the way for what could have been a competitive race for an open seat. Blackmon’s ascension as the front-runner came in early July after the early front-runner in the race, Scott Orsini, dropped out amid backlash surrounding insulting comments he had previously made on Twitter. Within days, Blackmon, who had already planned to run, hosted his official campaign kickoff party drawing support from City Councilmembers Darden Rice, Brandi Gabbard and Gina Driscoll right off the bat.
“Lisa Wheeler-Bowman reelected to St. Pete Council by a landslide” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Wheeler-Bowman trounced her opponent, Eritha “Akile” Cainion, with 82 percent of the vote. It was a staunch difference from when Wheeler-Bowman was elected four years ago over Will Newton, who was running to succeed his brother in the seat, former City Councilmember now-state Rep. Wengay Newton. That race was rife with negative attacks on Wheeler-Bowman, including questions about her activism in the community breaking down the no-snitch culture that made it difficult for police to identify her son’s murderer.
“St. Pete voters approve two charter amendments and a referendum” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The first charter amendment allows the city to accept grants from government agencies that include a stipulation that the property be restricted to preservation of conservation uses without having to get voter approval first, which is currently required. The charter passed with 78 percent of the vote. The second changes the date Mayors and members of City Council take office after they’re elected. Eighty-four percent of voters approved that charter amendment. The referendum allows a long-term operating agreement between the city and the St. Petersburg Sailing Center. Voters approved that referendum with 84 percent of the vote.
“Megan Sladek wins Mayor’s seat in Oviedo election” via Martin Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — Sladek was elected mayor of Oviedo in Tuesday’s municipal election, defeating Randy Core, a retired director for Lockheed Martin, and Emma Reichert, a real estate broker. Sladek, an attorney and real estate developer whose late father, Phil Cloninger, served on the council, garnered about 44 percent of the votes cast. Core received 35 percent and Reichert, nearly 21 percent, according to unofficial election results. … In the race for the council’s Group 1 seat, Judith Dolores Smith defeated Barry Cammack by winning nearly 55 percent of the votes cast. The Group 1 seat on the council became vacant after Steve Henken, a seven-term incumbent, also decided not to seek another term.
“A runoff election will decide Lakeland City Commissioner race” via WTSP — No one surpassed 50-percent of the vote: Chad McLeod got 38 percent and will now face off against Carole Philipson, who received 30 percent. The runoff will be on Dec. 3, 2019. Shandale Terrell got 24 percent of the vote, and Ricky Shirah received 8 percent. Neither will participate in the runoff.
“Leslie Waters reelected Seminole Mayor” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Waters won reelection with 67 percent of the vote. Her opponent, Darren Clark, earned just 33 percent. Waters served as the Mayor of Seminole since 2013. She was first elected to Seminole City Council in 2009, served as Vice Mayor from 2010 to 2011 and as interim Mayor for several months between 2012 and 2013. Previously, Waters served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1998 until 2006, serving as Speaker Pro-Tempore during her final term in office.
— “Voters pass all 4 Seminole charter amendments” via 10 News WTSP
“Venice elects Ron Feinsod its new Mayor” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — With early votes in for the race, Feinsod narrowly winning over City Councilman Bob Daniels and blogger Frankie Abbruzzino. That’s somewhat surprising given Daniel’s history running in the city and Abbruzzino’s notoriety thanks to his watchdog blog, The Scoop. Feinsod promised a balanced approach to development and a fiscally conservative agenda with the city budget. “I love Venice, but I feel that what made Venice the paradise that I fell in love with is beginning to disappear,” he writes on his campaign website. Feinsod finished the night with 3589 votes, or 39.1 percent, to Daniels’ 3,497, of 40.1 percent. Abbruzzino trailed far behind with 1,865 votes.
“Vero Beach elects Joe Graves, Rey Neville; Sebastian tosses incumbents” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Vero Beach candidates included: Graves, Neville, John Cotugno, Brian Heady, Jeff Nall, Bob McCabe, Estelle Panagakos and Nick Thomas. Graves won 1,144 votes (26 percent) while Neville won 823 (18.7 percent). McCabe won 755 votes (17.16 percent). Cotugno won 641 (14.57 percent), Nall 445 (10.11 percent), Heady 245 (5.57 percent), Panagakos 203 (4.61 percent) and Thomas 144 (3.27 percent). Voters picked three new commissioners — Charles Mauti, Pamela Rapp Parris and Damien Gilliams — and tossed three incumbents. The three candidates were running against three sitting members of the Sebastian City Council: Albert Iovino, Linda Kinchen and Bob McPartlan. Mauti won 1,866 votes (19.27 percent), Parris 1,747 (18.04 percent), Gilliams 1,622 (16.75 percent), McPartlan 1,539 (15.89 percent), Iovino 1,460 votes (15.08 percent) and Kinchen 1,450 (14.97 percent).
“Michael Maino, Roger Compton top Barefoot Bay trustee race; incumbent Steven Diana ousted” via Eric Rogers of FLORIDA TODAY — Maino and Compton secured spots in the Barefoot Bay Recreation District, defeating three other candidates for a two-year term on the community’s Board of Trustees. Unofficial election results show Maino with 881 votes (28.53 percent) and Compton with 790 votes (25.58 percent). Incumbent Diana came in third with 582 votes (18.85 percent). Robert Stanley Peet was just behind Diana with 563 votes (18.23 percent), while Dan Murphy trailed with 272 votes (8.81 percent).
— DATELINE: TALLY —
Caloosahatchee reservoir on track for 2023 completion — Gov. Ron DeSantis said a reservoir to store water from the Caloosahatchee River would be completed by 2023, Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida reports. “I want to get it as fast as we can,” DeSantis said of the reservoir, which will require work from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “From where we are today, you can see the start of the work on the final $524 million contract to build around 19 miles of embankments and 15 miles of canals that will help bring the Caloosahatchee River and estuary back to health.” The Governor also said he’d ordered the South Florida Water Management District to study how best to improve the quality of the water stored in the reservoir.
Assignment editors — DeSantis will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, 10 a.m. Central time, 2580 Roosevelt Blvd., Panama City.
What’s wrong with two friends wanting to open a bar together? — “Top Jimmy Patronis aide quits business partnership with lobbyist” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida — A top state official said he would abandon a business he launched with a prominent lobbyist after POLITICO raised questions about the arrangement. Ryan West, chief of staff to state CFO 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.
“Fracking ban gains early steam in Senate committee” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — Despite the objections of the state’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, a Senate panel gave unanimous approval to a proposal to ban fracking in Florida. Lawmakers sided with more than two dozen environmental groups, which urged them to be proactive in addressing what they said was a threat to clean water when SB 200 came up for a hearing in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “I don’t think we need to wait for a catastrophe and then say, ‘If we had only done something else,’” said Sen. Bill Montford, the sponsor of a bill which he had worked on for seven years.
“FSU criminology dean lays out ‘racial impact’ analysis process to Senate panel” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Arrests are falling, jail sentences are shortening, and lawmakers should be focused on employing people once they get out of prison. That’s all according to Thomas Blomberg, dean of the FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Blomberg spoke to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday to discuss the new partnership between the Senate and FSU to study the racial impact of proposed legislation going forward. “There are four states in the country that are doing some of this, but only at sentencing,” Blomberg laid out. Those four states are Connecticut, Iowa, Oregon and New Jersey. What Florida’s proposing is a complete criminal justice system approach, so from arrest to sentencing through imprisonment. So this is a very unique initiative.”
KidCare bill clears Senate committee — A bill that would remove the $1 million cap on benefits for children insured through Florida KidCare got an OK from the Senate Health Policy Committee Tuesday, Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida reports. KidCare is funded through the federal government’s Children’s Health Insurance Program and insures about 345,000 Florida children. Sen. Aaron Bean, who is sponsoring SB 348, said the cap currently in place is at odds with federal law, which is charged with making sure every child has health coverage. The Fernandina Beach Republican said the cap only applies to a “handful” of children, though their high medical bills force them out of the program, leaving them without coverage.
“Florida may crack down on assisted living facilities after all” via Elizabeth Koh of the Miami Herald — A bill that would have given assisted living facilities weeks, rather than days, to report adverse incidents like death or abuse was amended Tuesday to restore existing stricter requirements, after elder advocates warned the change could leave residents in harm’s way.
“Legislators, advocates seek to expand tax break for working-class families” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — State Sen. José Javier Rodríguez and state lawmakers on Tuesday made a case for an expansion of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. During a call with the media, Rodríguez contended that the credit — which benefits low- and moderate-income people with families — merits expansion. It “reduces the amount of tax you owe and may give you a refund,” the IRS website explains. He made that case ahead of a legislative workshop in the Senate’s Commerce and Tourism Committee. Rodríguez seeks a study on expanding the credit through a new bill (SB 254); estimates are that expansion would mean an additional $500 going into the pockets of at least some Floridians.
“Legislators defend ‘healthy marriage’ guide proposal” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics — House and Senate sponsors of legislation that would create a state-sanctioned “guide to a healthy marriage” defended their positions. Sen. Dennis Baxley is carrying the Senate version: SB 682. Baxley, who first brought this bill when he was in the House, described “mounting evidence” of the costs of “issues related to divorce.” “Many times, we end up with two poor families,” Baxley said. “It’s much easier to treat a cold than a terminal disease,” Baxley added, regarding the preventive measures of this bill. The Senator hopes that people “discuss the practical issues.”
“Oregon cop warns lawmakers about dangers of legal marijuana” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel — Recreational marijuana has brought trouble to Oregon, a law officer said Tuesday, as Florida lawmakers prepared to deal with the chance that Sunshine State voters could legalize pot next year. The House Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony from Chris Gibson, a narcotics officer in Oregon, where marijuana was legalized in 2015. He listed a litany of problems that followed, including an increase in positive drug tests in the workforce, legal marijuana being siphoned into the black markets of other states, and a spike in the use of other, still illegal drugs. Gibson stopped short of calling marijuana legalization a “gateway” to other drugs.
— TODAY IN THE CAPITOL —
Tampa General Day in Tally — The Tampa General Hospital Patient and Family Coalition has its first-ever #WeAreTGH Day at the Capitol. Sixty patients and families who found healing at TGH will blanket the Capitol to share their story with lawmakers. Many of the patients are transplant recipients; some survived trauma, and others are cancer survivors. The TGH Patient and Family Coalition will hear from Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez, Agency for Health Care Administration Sec. Mary Mayhew and state Sen. Aaron Bean during a program in the Senate Chamber. Then, the group will hold a press conference to celebrate the 10,000th transplant completed at Tampa General, 2 p.m., Capitol courtyard.
The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 9:30 a.m., 17 House Office Building. On the agenda: Presentation by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Water Policy, on best management practices.
The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee meets, 9:30 a.m., 404 House Office Building. On the agenda: a panel on using technology to advance public safety and privacy.
The House Health Quality Subcommittee meets, 9:30 a.m., 306 House Office Building. On the agenda: A presentation on recreational marijuana and emergency/urgent care visits by Andrew Monte, MD, Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine Medical Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine. A presentation on recreational marijuana and adolescent emergency and urgent care visits, Sam Wang, MD, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics — Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
The House Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee meets, 9:30 a.m., 12 House Office Building. On the agenda: A bill that would outlaw misrepresenting oneself as a member of the military.
The House Transportation & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 9:30 a.m., 102 House Office Building. On the agenda: A discussion of the Hurricane Michael Recovery Grant Program.
The House Business & Professions Subcommittee, 1 p.m., 212 Knott Building. On the agenda: A bill on changing fireworks law.
The House Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 1 p.m., 17 House Office Building. On the agenda: Presentations by the Department of Financial Services on the Florida PALM Project (Planning, Accounting, and Ledger Management) replacement of the state’s accounting and treasury systems; Department of Management Services on state real estate and facilities, with an update on current and pending projects.
The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 1 p.m., 404 House Office Building. On the agenda: A bill to create a ‘Prescription Drug Donation Repository Program.’
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government meets, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building. On the agenda: Various presentations, including on the status of the State Hemp Program, by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice meets, 1:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office building. On the agenda: A presentation on Parole and Early Release by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.
The House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 3:30 p.m., 212 Knott Building. On the agenda: “Recurring Base Appropriations Projects Justification Review: State University System-Florida College System-Private Colleges and Universities.”
The House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee meets, 3:30 p.m., 404 House Office building. On the agenda: A bill on “Loss Run Statements.”
The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 3:30 p.m., 17 House Office Building. On the agenda: Presentations by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the “Data Transparency Initiative and the Transition to the Incident-Based Reporting System.”
— GOV. CLUB. BUFFET —
White chicken chili; mixed garden salad with dressings; traditional egg salad; grilled southwestern potato salad; deli board, lettuce, tomatoes, cheeses & breads; BBQ baked chicken; pulled pork sandwiches; crispy fried catfish with tartar sauce; braised collard greens; green beans with bacon and onions; macaroni & cheese; dessert-apple crisp bars for dessert.
— STATEWIDE —
“Inside this Florida politician’s mission to make CBD legit” via Matt Laslo of Vice News — Beware of the many CBD products being peddled as medicinal cure-alls by your local bartender, barista, friends, and family. While many claim natural healing benefits, they may actually be packed with chemicals, toxins, metals, and other things you’d never expect to see sold over the counter in the U.S. — even large amounts of THC, which can cause you to, say, fail a drug test. That dire warning comes from Nikki Fried, a former marijuana lobbyist who is now Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“After public outcry, regulators reject utilities’ plan to end energy savings program” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald — In a rare rebuff to Florida’s monopoly utilities, the Public Service Commission voted 4-1 to reject a call for eliminating the 30-year program that encourages utility customers to save energy. One of the commission’s longest-serving members, Julie Brown, persuaded her colleagues to keep the energy efficiency program, which requires monopoly utilities to meet energy conservation goals by offering savings programs to customers and, instead of replacing it, ask the Florida Legislature to review what she considers an outdated law. The proposal by the utilities “is a drastic reduction in our state in conservation efforts, and I frankly do not believe it’s what the customers want,’’ Brown said. “I don’t believe it’s in the public interest.”
“Florida high court set to clarify voting rights for felons” via The Associated Press — The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether felons can be kept from voting if they haven’t paid fines, fees and restitution. Lawyers for Republican DeSantis and other state officials, as well as those arguing on behalf of felons seeking their voting rights, will appear before the court on Wednesday. Advocates for felons sued the state, saying the law implementing the amendment was equivalent to a poll tax. DeSantis asked the Supreme Court to clarify the amendment.
“Changes proposed in Florida for Marsy’s Law” via Kathy Leigh Berkowitz of the Lakeland Ledger — It hasn’t been a breeze to enforce, partly because there isn’t a standardized, statewide approach to handling records and confidentiality, said Stacy Butterfield, Polk County’s clerk of courts who is president of the Florida County Clerks & Comptrollers. She assigned a task force of clerks to review procedures that are being used to meet the requirements of Marsy’s Law. One proposed change would require law enforcement to file the victim opt-in form with initial case documents, or upon receipt, so victims are protected from the moment the case begins. Another change would authorize clerks to redact victim information from court documents upon filing of the victim opt-in form or victim request for the protection of their identifying information.
— MOTHER NATURE —
“Protesters gather to protect local natural spring from Nestlé” via Ryan Shepard of Northwest Florida Daily News — A sea of protest signs lined the streets in High Springs, Fl. as water advocates and locals gathered together to protest Nestlé Waters North America’s request to bottle more than 1 million gallons of water a day from Ginnie Springs. According to the New York Times, there are about 60 springs that flow from Florida’s aquifer systems into the Santa Fe River, which runs through north-central Florida. This waterway provides one of the primary sources of drinking water for the entire state. However, there are fears that this important natural resource is at risk. Earlier this year, Nestlé purchased a water bottling plant in Florida, and inherited the company’s permit to extract water from the local freshwater source.
“Butterflies in Florida: Thousands of monarchs stop in the Sunshine State as part of migration” via Annie Blanks of TC Palm — Thousands of monarch butterflies are stopping along the Gulf Coast this week as part of their migration pattern, which sends them along the eastern seaboard toward Mexico. “The monarch butterflies that have inhabited the whole eastern part of the United States from southern Canada all the way down here to Florida on this side of the Rocky Mountains, they fly south and they gather along the coast and fly along the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico,” said Mary Salinas, the residential horticulture agent at the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension Office in Santa Rosa County. “They go down to Mexico where they’re not going to freeze.”
— INSURANCE SUMMIT —
The Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit has wrapped.
The two-day event saw dozens of industry experts descend upon the Magic City to talk all things insurance.
While actuarial tables can be a snooze, the Insurance Summit kept on the cutting edge of where emerging technology meets and old-school surety.
Many of the topics covered may well serve as a catch-up course heading into the 2020 Legislative Session, which starts in January.
Atop the second-day agenda was a panel on genetic testing — lawmakers considered banning insurers from using the test results in the 2019 Legislative Session, and a bill addressing the matter is sure to show up again.
Same goes for auto glass repairs.
They were carved out of the AOB reform package OK’d by lawmakers a few months ago, and repair companies haven’t pumped the brakes on taking insurers to court after swapping out a windshield.
There are also some unsolved aspects of the micromobility movement.
Scooter rentals got the green light, and lawmakers approved letting the two-wheelers travel in bike lanes on the roads, but the insurance market is still grappling with how to indemnify e-scooters properly.
It might take a similar deal to what ride-share companies have now — one level of coverage when the scooter is stationed, another when it’s rented out, and a third when it’s stored for the day.
Then there’s the big one that show’s up every year: Will Florida ditch PIP? Thonotosassa Sen. Tom Lee has already filed a repeal bill in the Senate, and on Tuesday, Vero Beach Rep. Erin Grall told Insurance Summit attendees she’s putting the finishing touches on a House version.
— PEACHY —
“Slander is Donald Trump’s last refuge” via Dana Milbank of The Washington Post — Innuendo seems to be all that remains at the President’s disposal as any last remnant of a factual defense crumbles. The House Intelligence Committee released revised testimony by Trump’s ambassador to the European Union, Gordon Sondland, who now says that, come to think of it, he does recall telling a senior Ukrainian official “that resumption of U.S. aid would likely not occur until Ukraine provided the public anti-corruption statement that we had been discussing” involving Hunter Biden and Democrats. Trump and his allies are trying hard to amplify speculative reports in conservative media claiming to out the whistleblower, whose identity is protected by law. Trump, in demanding the unmasking, has asked if the whistleblower is “on our Country’s side.”
“Roger Stone leaves Day 1 of trial early over food poisoning” via Ashraf Khalil of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The trial of Stone, the flamboyant former confidant of Trump, kicked off Tuesday amid a host of medical issues involving both the defendant and a spectator. Shortly after jury selection began, the courtroom had to be cleared for more than a half-hour when a man sitting in the back row moaned loudly and collapsed on the floor. He was revived and helped from the room by medical staff. Not long after the session resumed, Stone himself went home early, telling U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson that he had food poisoning. Stone faces charges related to allegations he sought to collaborate with WikiLeaks to release emails hacked by Russia to damage Hillary Clinton‘s Democratic presidential campaign.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“‘Florida man’ browser extension pokes fun at Trump, Sunshine State” via Nicole Darrah of Fox News — President Trump has become the ultimate ‘Florida man.’ The 45th president — a born-and-bred New Yorker — announced Thursday he’s moving his official residence from New York City to Palm Beach, Fla., citing the way he’s been treated in the Empire State by the Democratic politicians in charge at the city and state levels… To commemorate the East Coast address change, Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show’ created a browser extension that changes all references of Trump’s name to ‘Florida man.’ The phrase ‘Florida man’ has become an infamous descriptor for males involved in all sorts of crazy or absurd news in the Sunshine State (yes, ‘Florida woman’ exists, too).
“U.S. bans government funding of cultural exchanges with Cuba, other nations” via the Miami Herald — The White House has banned government agencies from funding educational and cultural exchanges with Cuban, Syrian, Russian and North Korean government entities and officials as part of Trump administration efforts to halt people trafficking in those countries, according to a memorandum sent to the State Department.
“Marco Rubio advocates for ‘common-good capitalism’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Rubio, in a speech given to The Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business in Washington D.C., spoke of developing an economy where rights and obligations of both companies and workers are respected, including the obligation of companies to reinvest for the betterment of their workers, society, and the United States. His speech “Human Dignity and the Purpose of Capitalism” was built in part on the social and economic writings of Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 1878 to 1903. In his 1891 encyclical, “The Rights and Obligations of Capital and Labor,” Pope Leo XIII argued that companies and workers have obligations to one another.
“Rick Scott urges Michael Bloomberg to pull New Economy Forum from China” via Florida Daily — Scott wrote Bloomberg: I write today to encourage you to consider the grave implications of hosting the New Economy Forum in Communist China, and the message it sends to those fighting for human rights in China and for freedom in Hong Kong and around the world. Communist China, led by President Xi, is violating human rights. They are stealing our intellectual property and technology and refuse to open their markets to foreign goods as required by their agreement to be part of the WTO. They are militarizing the South China Sea, even after they promised President [Barack] Obama they would not.
— 2020 —
“Trump trails Democratic rivals in national survey as independents move away” via Dan Balz and Scott Clement of The Washington Post — Trump trails some potential Democratic rivals, with his national support level currently fixed at about 40 percent, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll. Among the 39 percent of registered voters who approve of Trump’s job performance, Trump is winning at least 95 percent support against each of five possible Democratic opponents. But among the 58 percent of voters who disapprove of Trump, he receives no more than 7 percent support. 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).
“Trump holds steady among Latinos in new poll” via Laura Barrón-López of POLITICO — Trump appears to be holding relatively steady support among Latino voters compared to his performance in 2016, according to a new poll by Telemundo. Nationally, 25 percent of Latinos say they would vote to reelect Trump — a slight drop from the 28 percent that most exit polls showed voted for him in 2016 — and 31 percent approve of his job performance. By comparison, 64 percent of Latinos overall say they would vote to replace the president, and 57 percent support impeaching and removing him from office. Fifty-four percent of Latino respondents who identify as independents said they would vote to replace Trump with a Democrat.
“How Iowa swallowed the Democratic primary” via David Siders of POLITICO — A strange thing is happening: Iowa appears to matter more than ever. A confluence of factors — ranging from the historic size of the primary field to the strategic considerations of top-tier candidates — has turned Iowa into the essential early state in 2020. Since July, candidates have made more than 800 appearances in the state, far surpassing totals in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, according to candidate trackers maintained by The Des Moines Register and news outlets in the other three states. Iowa is where Pete Buttigieg, still a single-digit candidate nationally, is surging, where Warren has overtaken Biden and where the former vice president — still leading nationally — is at risk of getting cut down.
“Andrew Yang has the ‘Yang Gang’ to thank for his lasting primary power” via Lissandra Villa of TIME magazine — Most members of the so-called Yang Gang also said they were not surprised he has lasting power and strongly believe in his base’s ability to grow, in particular as other candidates drop out. … Outside of liking Universal Basic Income, voters often called Yang ‘revolutionary,’ a candidate who gave voice to their concerns about automation. They like his candidness. And in particular, they like his ability to appeal to people across the aisle. Several voters either considered themselves moderates or conservative, and Yang welcomed support from all ends of the political spectrum. Asked if he has a plan on growing past his low single-digit polling, Yang pointed to qualifying for each debate “comfortably” so far.
“Julián Castro to lay off New Hampshire, South Carolina teams” via Alex Thompson and Nolan McCaskill of POLITICO — The campaign will continue focusing on Iowa and Nevada with a $50,000 television ad buy in Iowa. The moves amount to a long-shot to win the presidential contest in the hopes of catching fire before the first contests begin next February. Castro, the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Obama, has had success in framing — and, in some cases, starting — the Democratic primary’s policy debates but has struggled to raise money or raise his poll numbers above low single digits.
— THE TRAIL —
“Study: Heavily minority precincts endured longer wait times to cast ballots in 2018” via Amy Gardner of the Washington Post — Voters in communities with greater minority populations and lower incomes were more likely to wait longer to cast their ballots in the 2018 midterm elections, with Fulton County, Georgia, topping the list, according to a new study. The percentage of precincts surveyed where voter wait times sometimes reached more than 30 minutes doubled between 2014 and 2018, to about 6 percent, according to a study of 3,119 polling places across the country conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center, a D.C.-based think tank, and MIT. Fulton County, home to Atlanta, was the epicenter of a contentious and racially charged governor’s race last year between Democrat Stacey Abrams, who is African American, and Republican Brian Kemp, who is white.
“Matt Gaetz endorses Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican running for Congress in St. Pete” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — Gaetz endorsed Air Force veteran Luna in the crowded field of Republicans vying for the nomination in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. The Panhandle Republican and close ally of Trump said Luna “can be counted on to support the President.” “We must grow our community of conservatives (sic) leaders as we build a coalition to Keep America Great,” Gaetz said in a statement. Luna, 30, is one of five Republicans vying for the chance to face U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, the Democratic incumbent from St. Petersburg.
Happening tonight:
and
“HD 29 race getting bloody already between Scott Plakon and Tracey Kagan” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Democrat Kagan has been in the House District 29 race only a few days, d already political blood is spilling between her and incumbent Republican state Rep. Plakon. Plakon was hit by an ethics complaint regarding his business holdings, filed by the Washington D.C.-based group Campaign for Accountability. He speculated it was tied to Kagan, accusing her of working with a “radical left-wing, pro-abortion” group, and charging that Democratic liberal activist billionaire George Soros is behind it all … The contest now is four days old. The election, by the way, is 365 days away.
“Julie Jenkins to challenge Jackie Toledo in South Tampa’s District 60 legislative race” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times — In an interview, Jenkins said she’ll campaign on standard Democratic legislative issues — public education funding, gun safety and the environment. She plans to file in January. She said she’s aware it will be a tough task to dislodge Toledo in the GOP-leaning district. “Anybody who knows me knows I’m up for the challenge. It’s really important for our children, for the safety and health of our community.”
— LOCAL —
“Welcome to Citrus County, home to the culture war for a day” via Zachary Sampson and Josh Fiallo of the Tampa Bay Times — The culture war came to Citrus County. Two weeks earlier, the County Commissioners announced they would not pay for New York Times digital subscriptions for local library cardholders. Their words spiraled far beyond this West Central Florida town of 7,000. Now they were staring down the backlash in a nearly full meeting room. They began with an invocation. Commissioner Ron Kitchen bowed his head to call upon God. Among the progressive protesters in the crowd, wearing sunshine-yellow shirts that said “vote,” someone scoffed: “A prayer?” “We can no longer have a conversation between one another,” he said from the dais. “We can no longer have a discussion. It’s come down to hate and vitriol.”
“Universal’s Volcano Bay electrical shock happened because of construction errors, OSHA finds” via Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel — Mistakes made during the construction of Volcano Bay led to electrical problems that shocked Universal lifeguards and visitors in June, according to a new federal investigation that gives a deeper account into what happened. OSHA concluded Universal was not aware of the problems, so the company shouldn’t be fined. Nobody was seriously injured at the water park, which opened in May 2017. Five Volcano Bay lifeguards were taken to the hospital for precautionary measures and were released that same day, the report said. Some visitors also reported feeling the shock, but they weren’t taken to the hospital.
“Fox to host first-ever ‘Patriot Awards’ in St. Pete” via Megan Holmes of St. Pete Catalyst — Fox News will take over downtown St. Pete as they host the first-ever Fox Nation 2019 Patriot Awards at the Mahaffey Theater. Fox’s national subscription service will celebrate patriotism and honor law enforcement, first responders and military personnel. Pete Hegseth, the emcee of the event, said the idea for the Patriot Awards came as a response to the many mainstream Hollywood award shows, which he described as “a bunch of actors, musicians and self-important types giving each other awards.” Awards will include the Patriot Award for Service to Veterans, Most Valuable Patriot (MVP), Patriot Award for First Responders, Patriot Award for the Unsung Hero, The Most Patriotic Sportsman and the Ultimate Patriot Award.
“Jackson Health bet its bond money on attracting insured patients. Will the plan work?” via Ben Conarck of the Miami Herald — With about $100 million left to spend out of an $830 million bond approved by voters in 2013, the Jackson Health System has already funneled the bulk of its public cash infusion into modernizing its buildings and constructing new, marquee facilities. The plan is to compete for more insured patients in a crowded and cutthroat Miami health care market. As of September, the Public Health Trust — the board that manages the public health system — has approved about $725 million in spending out of the $830 million bond passed by Miami-Dade taxpayers in 2013. More than half of that amount, about $470 million, has already been spent by Jackson and reimbursed by the county.
“As seas rise, Miami’s black communities fear displacement from the high ground” via Nadege Green of WLRN — Little Haiti, the one built by working-class Haitian immigrants, is rapidly changing. In the last few years, the neighborhood has seen a swell of speculation and development projects that will change the landscape of the predominantly low-income black community. Proximity to Miami’s urban core and cheap land compared to the rest of the city is driving much of those changes. And with the undeniable threat of sea-level rise, the neighborhood’s high elevation is becoming a key selling point. A new billion-dollar development highlights the project’s resilience to sea-level rise in official documents that point out that its location in Little Haiti will make it less prone to flooding.
“Jacksonville Civic Council: JEA not in financial “death spiral;” privatization process lacks transparency” via Christopher Hong of the Florida Times-Union — JEA is not heading toward a financial “death spiral,” and city leaders need to stop the public utility’s “headlong” rush to privatize in order to conduct a thorough and transparent analysis of whether to sell the city’s most valuable asset, according to an 18-month study on JEA that was commissioned by the Jacksonville Civic Council. The group, which is made up of many of the city’s top business leaders, sent a letter on Tuesday to the Jacksonville City Council and Mayor Lenny Curry summarizing their study, which disputes JEA officials’ assertion that the utility faces a certain financial crisis, which is why the utility has it must consider privatizing.
“Councilwoman’s tweet about school vaccination catches heat” via Emily Bloch of the Florida Times-Union — A Jacksonville City Council member’s tweet over the weekend caused a stir with local public education supporters. District 5 Councilwoman Leanna Cumber on Saturday tweeted a message about Duval County Public Schools’ immunization rates. “Duval is at 54 percent of the state’s 95 percent vaccination goal,” Cumber said. “We have to do better.” But school officials say those numbers are misleading. In reality, Cumber was referencing an article in her tweet that said 54 percent of Duval County Public Schools does meet the state’s 95 percent vaccination goal, not that the school district’s overall vaccination rate is 54 percent. According to the state Department of Health, about 96 percent of Duval County schools are compliant with the state’s goal.
— MORE LOCAL —
“More area codes dialed up as numbers run out” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — State regulators approved moving forward with a new 448 area code in Northwest Florida, while Tampa also could see an additional area code in the coming years. Current numbers are running out, in part because of millions of Floridians toting around cellphones. The current 850 area code, which covers 18 counties and is used in cities such as Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola, is expected to run out of numbers in the third quarter of 2021, according to a commission staff analysis. As a result, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, which oversees telephone numbering across the U.S. and other countries, proposed creating an additional area code using what is known as an “all-services overlay.”
“DeSantis holds out for a Republican to fill ECUA seat” via Rick Outzen of Rick’s Blog — Sources have shared that DeSantis is insisting the replacement to fill the District 3 seat on the Emerald Coast Utility Board must be a Republican. The seat became vacant last January when longtime board member Elvin McCorvey passed away. The dilemma for DeSantis is District 3 only has 8,749 GOP registered voters — 23 percent of the district’s total voters. Whichever Republican the governor picks, the person won’t likely win election next year. In December 2017, Gov. Scott appointed Lee Hansen to the Escambia County School Board to fill the District 3 seat vacated by Linda Moultrie, who had resigned.
“FBI director says two employees were disciplined for botched Parkland shooter tips” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald — FBI Director Christopher Wray said Tuesday that two FBI employees were disciplined for failing to pass along a tip that the Parkland school shooter “was going to slip into a school and start shooting the place up” 40 days before the country’s deadliest high school shooting. Wray’s answer in response to questions from Sen. Scott at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing was the first public acknowledgment that the FBI meted out discipline to employees that mishandled tips.
“Green industry threatens to sue Naples over fertilizer ordinance” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The city of Naples was “put on notice” by the Environmental Research and Education Foundation regarding a controversial fertilizer ordinance. Foundation officials say if the city doesn’t pull back its ordinance, a lawsuit will be filed against the municipality. “After making every effort to resolve matters amicably, EREF believes it is in the green industry and the state’s best interest to look to the courts for judicial relief from the unconstitutional and nonscientific fertilizer ordinance put in place by the City of Naples,” said Mac Carraway, executive director of EREF. “Misguided and discriminatory ordinances, like this one, are creating jurisdictional chaos in our state, jeopardizing Florida’s water quality and waterways.”
“BSO deputy is charged with child abuse after video shows him slamming girl to floor” via David Neal and Charles Rabin of the Miami Herald — A Pompano Beach school resource officer has been arrested and suspended without pay for slamming a teen to the ground during a violent arrest that was captured on school surveillance video, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said. There has been a string of firings and suspensions of deputies in the past year for using excessive force. The sheriff said the actions are part of the “changing of the culture” at the Broward Sheriff’s Office — a clear shot at predecessor Scott Israel. “It’s embarrassing. It goes on every news channel. It spreads across the country,” Tony said. “I’m tired of it.”
“Cop cameras now standard in Central Florida … except in Lake County” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Six years ago, when I first started writing about body cameras, hardly any local police and sheriffs’ departments had them. The lipstick-sized devices were standard equipment in other parts of America. But here in Central Florida, politicians and law-enforcement leaders made all kinds of excuses about why they didn’t want or need them. Back then, only four departments out of 19 surveyed were equipped. Flash forward to today. Almost all departments have them. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is now the only major department in Central Florida without plans to put cameras in place force-wide. Notably, Lake is also where video footage recently revealed a deputy there lied about why he shot a woman, according to a federal indictment.
— OPINIONS —
“Being gay hurts Mayor Pete Buttigieg. It helps, too.” via Frank Bruni of the New York Times — The question is now being asked more urgently than before, as the primary contests draw closer and many Democrats simultaneously assess the risks of the two front-runners, Warren and Biden, and survey the field anew, wondering if anyone in the tier of candidates just below them might be a better opponent for Trump. Their gazes invariably fall on Buttigieg, but their apprehensions include whether America could really elect a gay president. Buttigieg’s sexual orientation, along with his age, definitely gave him an initial hook for journalists that other contenders didn’t have. It gave his candidacy a voguish aspect reflected in the passion of his younger supporters and the robust Twitter following that his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, quickly amassed.
“Gaetz: Transparency demands action” via Northwest Florida Daily News — “The very word secrecy is offensive and repugnant to a free and open society. We as a people are inherently and historically opposed to secret proceedings.” Uttered over 60 years ago, President John F. Kennedy’s statement remains relevant. Throughout my career, I have shared the American people’s deep aversion to government secrecy that President Kennedy described, as well as the conviction that transparency and openness are not, and should never become, partisan issues — rather, they are pillars of a free society. My transparency hawkishness used to be heralded by the media — until transparency was viewed as a positive for Trump. President Trump has contorted the media into abandoning its own long-held principles. Now, the media defends those scheming behind closed doors, and attacks me for leading others through those doors.
“Joe Henderson: Bible classes in Florida public schools? It shouldn’t come to pass” via Florida Politics — Supporters take great pains to say that the course won’t focus on one faith. It would be, as Sen. Dennis Baxley said, “an objective study of religion.” Uh-huh. The “objective study” would include a study of Hebrew Scriptures and the Old Testament, the New Testament, and all the above. An “objective” study could indeed be interesting and challenging for interested students, but why am I skeptical about the objectivity part of the equation? Start with the fact that there are about 1,500 public high schools in Florida. I think we can agree that faith is a deeply personal matter, so finding that many qualified teachers willing to leave their personal bias at the classroom door could be difficult.
— MOVEMENTS —
“James Rosica returns to Tallahassee Democrat as news director” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Rosica, a veteran journalist known for keeping close tabs on the Florida Capitol and state government, is returning to the Tallahassee Democrat as its News Director. Rosica first joined the Democrat in 1997, after working for small weekly and daily papers in Philadelphia and Florida. At the capital city newspaper, he covered City Hall before moving to the courts beat, chronicling major news stories, including the presidential recount. “I’m excited to be rejoining the Democrat,” Rosica said. “I’m looking forward to working in a newsroom with so much talent, including new faces and familiar ones. The news business has changed, but my passion for local storytelling remains the same.”
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Angela Bonds, Chris Moya, Jennifer Ungru, Dean Mead: City of Holmes Beach, Home Care Association of America
Sara Clements, McGuireWoods Consulting: Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association
Dennis Green, The Legis Group: Distributed Ledger
Yolanda Jackson, LaToya Sheals, Becker & Poliakoff: City of North Lauderdale
Seth McKeel, David Shepp, The Southern Group: Tax Collector’s Office for Polk County
Samuel Picard: BayCare
Alan Suskey, Suskey Consulting: Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
— ALOE —
“Break out the wallets! Retailers expect record holiday season” via Florida Politics — The Florida Retail Federation expected sales to grow by four percent in 2018, with consumers contributing over one thousand dollars each in spending. Since most individuals between the age of 35 and 44 have children and spouses, they are expected to spend the most. “Strong sales during the holiday season are fundamental to a successful year for Florida retailers,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the FRF. “With one in five jobs in Florida tied to this industry, this positive forecast is fantastic news for Florida families. Florida retailers are already stocked up and staffed to support the demands for this holiday season.”
“Drone-mounted lasers reveal ancient settlement off Florida coast” via Victoria Bekiempis of The Guardian — University of Florida archaeologists, doctoral candidate Terry Barbour and Professor Ken Sassaman, used aerial drones with light detection and ranging (Lidar) sensors — to create detailed 3-D maps of the surface of Raleigh Island. Although archaeological objects were first spotted on the island in about 1990, and subsequent exploration of the area in 2010 revealed the presence of a settlement dating from 900 to 1200 CE, Lidar scanning revealed previously unknown architectural details. When researchers initially tried land-based surveys to assess the settlements, they hit roadblocks because of the dense foliage. This settlement comprises 37 residential areas “enclosed by ridges of oyster shell” that are up to 12ft tall, Barbour and Sassaman said.
“A life-size Pac-Man maze is coming to Orlando in 2020” via Patrick Connolly of the Orlando Sentinel — Classic arcade game fans in Orlando will have an opportunity to assume the role of Pac-Man when a human-sized version of the maze comes to town in 2020. During the pop-up event on Oct. 10 of next year, visitors will work to dodge ghosts and collect fruit to win points. In addition, attendees will work to complete a coded puzzle, competing to top the leaderboard or be crowned the ultimate winner. Just like the video game, watch out for ghosts — maze-goers only get three lives. After completing the maze, an 80s-themed “Pixel Room” will feature arcade games and other activities. Tickets for “The Maze” go on sale next week and start at $15
— POST-WILLIE —
Florida State sets the record straight on Bob Stoops, football coach search” via Wayne McGahee III of the Tallahassee Democrat — The coaching speculation surrounding Florida State’s next football hire went from zero to 100 mph Monday. As the rumors swirl in social media, David Coburn spoke with the Democrat to set the record straight. Fact: Stoops is ‘on the list.’ Former Oklahoma coach Stoops is the top target for FSU, according to multiple Democrat sources. While Coburn didn’t go that far, he acknowledged Stoops is a candidate. Rumor: A deal with Stoops is imminent. “Rumors we are close to an agreement with Bob Stoops are untrue,” Coburn said. “We are on schedule to have someone in this position by the end of the month … Chances of something happening this week are virtually zero.”
Tweet, tweet:
The longer they wait the less it has a chance to happen. Stoops is getting push back from people he respects in Herbstreit and Finebaum. Telling him the program is a dumpster fire and will not be a quick turn. Hard to argue that. Stoops is/was definitely interested.
— FanStreamSports JP Peterson (@FanStreamJP) November 5, 2019
“What could you do with $18 million?” via Diane Rado of Florida Phoenix — Florida State University Athletic Director David Coburn confirmed that fired FSU football coach Willie Taggart would get a buyout of about $18-million. That kind of money could help struggling students who need tutoring; provide more college scholarships — rather than loans — to kids; give more money to adjunct profs who get abysmal pay. That kind of money could boost public-school teacher salaries — Florida teachers are 46th in the nation when it comes to the average wage. Those educators shape students who go on to college. As to who will be the next FSU head football coach, Coburn said: “We’re looking for somebody that can win national championships. I don’t have an explicit set of criteria other than that.”
Meanwhile … “FSU football promotes ex-USF coach Jim Leavitt to on-field role” via Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times — Former USF coach Leavitt has been promoted at Florida State. Leavitt will be a defensive assistant for the Seminoles, FSU announced Tuesday. He’ll fill the opening vacated when the Seminoles elevated Odell Haggins from defensive line coach to interim coach after Willie Taggart was fired Sunday. FSU hired Leavitt, most recently Oregon’s defensive coordinator, in September as an $80,000-a-year analyst.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to our former colleague Danny McAuliffe, as well as Amanda Bowen, Lee Constantine, NPR’s Eric Deggans, Michael T. Farmer, Facebook’s Javier Hernandez, our favorite Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long, Rick McAllister, and top fundraiser Jon Stewart.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
