Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis recognized Financial Wellness Month by encouraging Floridians to be vigilant about avoiding scams.
“While budgeting, savings, planning for retirement, and good credit management are important tools to keep your finances in order, a critical part of any financial plan is fraud prevention. Knowing what to look for and how to spot fraud before it happens can help ensure your family’s financial security. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is,” he said in a news release.
Patronis offered a half-dozen tips that could help Floridians avoid falling victim to financial scams: block unwanted calls and texts; don’t give away personal information; take some time to think before making financial decisions; never pay in crypto, gift cards or by wire transfer; ask trusted friends for their input; and report anything that seems suspicious.
The CFO also highlighted resources available through the Department of Financial Services, such as the Guide to Outsmarting Scammers. Further tools and financial literacy tips are available via the CFO’s consumer services division.
Floridians who have information about a fraudulent scheme or suspect they or someone they know has fallen victim to one can file a report with Patronis’ office at FraudFreeFlorida.com.
Evening Reads
—”A Florida college goes to war with Ron DeSantis” via Jack McCordick of The New Republic
—“This college helped a prominent white nationalist leave the movement. Here’s what he thinks about DeSantis’ plan for it.” via Molly Olmstead of Slate
—”Paltry finance report underlines Florida Democrats’ woes” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics
—”The U.S. may finally breach the debt ceiling. Here’s why that would be very bad.” via Alan Rappeport, Jim Tankersley and Jeanna Smialek
—“A tax guru explains why Trump may finally be in trouble” via Michael Mechanic of Mother Jones
—”The gas stove regulation uproar, explained” via Rebecca Leber of Vox
—“More than 3.1 million Florida residents have signed up for Obamacare” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics
—”Space Florida expects humans in space will double in next decade” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
—“UF spending $300K on new swimming pool for incoming president Ben Sasse” via Emma Behrmann of Fresh Take Florida
—“The meaning of Dry January” via Caroline Mimbs Nyce of The Atlantic
Quote of the Day
“We read about it just like everybody else. We in no way, shape or form condone or endorse his candidacy. Marion County deserves better.”
— Marion County Tax Collector George Albright, refusing to endorse his brother, Justin Albright, in the race for HD 24.
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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
