Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Former Gov. Wayne Mixson died Wednesday surrounded by family and friends.
“Mrs. Margie Mixson requests your prayers after the passing of her husband, former Gov. Wayne Mixson. Gov. Mixson died peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, July 8, surrounded by his wife and loved ones, at home in Tallahassee. He was 98,” his family said in a statement.
“Gov. Mixson dedicated his life to serving his community, his state and his country. Guided by his conscience and a love for the Sunshine State, he served Florida with great honor.”
Mixson’s administration was brief, lasting only three days in 1987 after spending nearly eight years as Lt. Governor to Bob Graham, who resigned his position to be sworn in as a U.S. Senator.
He was lighthearted about his short tenure, once saying his proudest achievement was being “known as the Governor who did the least damage to Florida.”
Still, the Jackson County native and World War II veteran had an impact beyond his three-day turn in the Governor’s mansion.
In addition to serving as Lt. Gov., Mixson was Secretary of Commerce during Graham’s second term, where he proved to be an effective leader and advocate for Florida’s farmers.
Mixson is survived by his wife of 72 years and many extended family members. Among them is his great-nephew, Port St. Joe Rep. Jason Shoaf.
His family will gather privately to honor his life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in honor of Mixson be made to the Salvation Army.
Coronavirus Numbers
Positive cases:
— 220,492 FL residents (+9,898 since Tuesday)
— 3,291 Non-FL residents (+91 since Tuesday)
Origin:
— 2,730 Travel related
— 65,358 Contact with a confirmed case
— 2,637 Both
— 149,767 Under investigation
Hospitalizations:
— 16,758 in FL
Deaths:
— 3,991 in FL
Unemployment numbers
As of Tuesday:
Total claims: 2,923,381
— Confirmed unique claims: 2,704,610
— Claim verification queue: 198,810
— Claims processed: 2,505,800
— Claims paid: 1,655,521 (+6,109 since Monday)
Total paid out: $9.07 billion (+$190 million since Monday)
Evening Reads
“Donald Trump threatens to cut federal funds from schools that don’t reopen” via Nicole Gaudiano of POLITICO
“The Republicans take America on a death march” via Adam Weinstein of The New Republic
“Florida invited the nation to its reopening — then it became a new coronavirus epicenter” via Cleve Wootson Jr., Isaac Stanley-Becker and Lori Rozsa of The Washington Post
“Trump is heading to the coronavirus capital of Florida. Will he have to wear a mask?” via David Smiley, Nora Gamez Torres and Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald
“Jacksonville receives federal Special Security Event designation for upcoming RNC” via Dan Scanlan of The Florida Times-Union
“Trump disavows his own administration’s guidance for reopening schools” via Quint Forgey of POLITICO Florida
“Despite state order, Miami-Dade will not reopen schools until county enters Phase 2” via Colleen Wright of the Miami Herald
“Can our children survive toxic chemicals, climate change, assault weapons, COVID-19, and idiots?” via Pam McVety for the Florida Phoenix
“America is testing for COVID-19 more than ever — and it still isn’t enough” via Kaleigh Rogers of FiveThirtyEight
“Florida has paid out more than $9 billion in unemployment benefits” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Truce? New York to help Florida in COVID-19 fight” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“From small eateries to giant firms: businesses that received federal PPP loans revealed” via Annie Martin and Austin Fuller of the Orlando Sentinel
“Email insights: Joe Gruters sides with cops over socialists” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“What the … hey? County Mayor’s caustic note sparks clash with constituent at public meeting” via Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post
Quote of the Day
“I have a very big head, as you may have noticed, and have not been able to find a mask that fits,” Orange County Public Defender Bob Wesley, after blaming employees for infections at his office.
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