Staff Reports
Good morning and welcome back to “Brunch,” a pop-up email about this week’s Special Session of the Florida Legislature, as well as other essential information about Florida politics.
This week’s edition is heavy on the intersection of politics and tonight’s big game, including predictions from dozens of those working in The Process.
Prediction? I’m all in on the Chiefs. And I despise the Eagles (who outside of Philly doesn’t?). So put me down at Chief 32, Eagles 17, with Mahomes winning MVP.
The game starts at 6:30 p.m. EST, but if you’re like Ella Joyce you’ll be in front of the TV long before that (she wants to watch the Puppy Bowl, now in its 19th year, which begins at 2 p.m. EST.)
Celebrating their birthday this Super Bowl Sunday is former Sen. Jeff Brandes, a thoughtful, forward-thinking leader whose vision and tenacity are already missed in the Florida Legislature. It’s also Marc Reichelderfer’s birthday. Marc is jokingly known as “The M-architect” because of his political brilliance. He really is a five-tool player when it comes to campaign strategy, understanding as many angles of modern politics as anyone working in Florida. Happy birthday to both Jeff and Marc.
Be sure to check out this week’s picks for the Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics (please click here.)
Now, enjoy the game and this week’s edition of Brunch.
— Isaac Morgan joining FP —
Florida native Isaac Morgan, a 2009 graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism, is joining the Florida Politics team to provide robust coverage of state politics as a Capitol Correspondent.
— Phoenix rising: Morgan comes to Florida Politics after a stint with the Florida Phoenix covering state government, politics, health care and general statewide news.
— Let’s get social: Morgan also joins the Florida Politics team with robust knowledge of social media, having previously served as a social media analyst for Cognizant where he reviewed content and supported SEO strategies to boost reach.
— Insider knowledge: Morgan also has experience with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a communications specialist, the experience that will help him understand how to navigate Tallahassee bureaucracy and boost the Florida Politics product.
— He’s elated: That’s how Morgan described his next professional chapter with Florida Politics. “I look forward to joining the stellar Florida Politics team as we cover myriad legislative proposals and issues shaping Florida laws and policies, while shining a light on government and its leaders and representatives.”
Morgan also has previous experience working for the Tallahassee Democrat as a sports news assistant and for the John G. Riley Center and Museum as a communications specialist. He is also the founder of Everything Social, a social media consulting firm.
— Super Bowl predictions —
We asked; you answered. This week, Florida Politics put out a call to those in The Process (both elected and behind the scenes) for their Super Bowl LVII predictions. The response — many serious, others more tongue-in-cheek — was overwhelming! The key takeaway: This will be a close match, and the winner is still anyone’s guess.
We will know the answer soon — kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.
Thanks to everyone for contributing … and enjoy the game!
“I grew up in Kansas City and remember watching the Chiefs in Super Bowl 1. While I’d rather root for a Florida team than anyone else this weekend, I’ll be cheering for KC to bring home a win on Sunday.” — U.S. Sen. Rick Scott
“What about- KC chiefs will struggle early until Jake from State Farm gives them a halftime pep talk and then kc will edge the eagles by 5 points. Jaguars will be there next year!” — U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean
“I will be rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday! Their grit and passion is inspiring — and Philly is the birthplace of our great nation!” — U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee
“Kelce will win.” — U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz
“Eagles over Chiefs, 30-27. Only because Patrick Mahomes’ ankle, injured against the Jags, is going to limit him against an Eagles’ smothering pass rush … I think!” — U.S. Rep. John Rutherford
“Jags 2024!” — U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz
“Rumor has it that Mahomes is still struggling to recover from his high-ankle sprain and may not be in full form. Also, my son Connor’s favorite player is Philadelphia’s quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Therefore, I’m going to have to say: Fly, Eagles Fly!” — Attorney General Ashley Moody
“I think the Chiefs will win over the Eagles 38-16. I also think a bunch of their players will spend a good chunk of their bonus checks in Florida.” — CFO Jimmy Patronis
“Rihanna by 17. A lot closer than some people might think.” — Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson
“Being an AFC guy, I’ll take the Chiefs, 31-27.” — Secretary of State Cord Byrd
“I’m rooting for Donna Kelce, the first mom in history to have two sons compete against each other in the Super Bowl. I’m praying for her too — she’s got a long day ahead. Go Donna!” — Senate President Kathleen Passidomo
“This is a very special week and the team with the supermajority of points will win! Birds by a touchdown.” House Speaker Paul Renner
“The game stays close up until the 3rd quarter, after that, KC cruises to a 32-22 victory.” — Sen. Ben Albritton
“I lived in Philadelphia for several years but don’t count Mahomes out. My most confident prediction is that a Kelce brother will prevail.” — Sen. Lori Berman
“Chiefs! Mahomes will end the ‘curse.’” — Sen. Jim Boyd
“Hoping the Eagles pull it off.” Sen. Tracie Davis
“I believe the Eagles are going to win the Super Bowl. They have an outstanding defense and one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks running an explosive offense.” — Sen. Travis Hutson
“There’s a football game on?” — Sen. Blaise Ingoglia
“While I wish my prediction included the Dolphins, I will settle on waiting one more year for that, because it’s coming! My prediction is that Philly is going to beat Kansas City.” — Sen. Shevrin Jones
“KC 31-29.” — Sen. Jonathan Martin
“I’ll be rooting for the Eagles from my college hometown. Unfortunately, we are Jets fans in my family so we’re always a little bitter ….” — Sen. Tina Polsky
“Lots of folks will be making “that HURTS” jokes once they realize Philly’s QB’s name. And I just hope both teams have fun.” — Rep. Alex Andrade
“Eagles will win.” — Rep. Mike Beltran
“We are proud to see two well-deserving teams in the Super Bowl. Jalen Hurts had an unconventional path to the pros and an unconventional path to the starting job in Philadelphia. It would be great to see this young man defy the odds and the naysayers and win the championship.” — Rep. Christopher Benjamin
“Pulling for clerk Jeff Takacs Eagles!” — Rep. Adam Botana
“Put your money on Philadelphia. It’s going to be 24-21 — by a field goal. I got this from a reliable source.” Rep. Joe Casello
“As a proud Seminole, I struggle with the Chiefs fans oftentimes butchering our proud warchant, but I still think they pull off a close victory.” — Rep. Dan Daley
“Rihanna will kill it.” — Rep. Fentrice Driskell
“There have been 56 Super Bowls and it is a historic occasion to have two African American quarterbacks play against each other in the Super Bowl for the first time ever. No matter who wins, it is a win for history.” — Rep. Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds
“No, I will be catching up with Ph.D. lol” — Rep. Anna Eskamani
“I’m pulling for the Chiefs for many reasons: (Patrick) Mahomes is such a uniquely gifted athlete whose dad Pat I admired when he pitched for the Mets; the Chiefs have exhibited such spunk and originality in their playbook for years; the team is my KC-devoted nephew’s hometown team, and it is Midwest as am I originally.” — Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman
“As WE celebrate Black History Month, CONGRATULATIONS to Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. This is the first time two Black QBs meet in the Super Bowl. Because my daughter-in-Love, my Executive Director, and the consistency both defensively and offensively, my pick will be 31-24, Philadelphia Eagles win! (I am a 🐬 fan!)” — Rep. Patricia Hawkins-Williams
“I think it will be a high-scoring game with the Chiefs winning in a close game. Mahomes wins the Super Bowl MVP. It will be great to see these two incredibly talented quarterbacks face off.” — Rep. Christine Hunschofsky
“Embarrassingly, I don’t even know who is playing. Will it be the Orlando Magic? Or the Tampa Bay Lightning? Kidding, of course. Except, not kidding about not knowing who is playing. I usually root for the team with the best color scheme. ;)” — Rep. Traci Koster
“Sadly, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan, and my brother is a 49ers fan, so our teams lost over the last couple of weeks. If I had to make a prediction, I would say that Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs get my support, although I dread that the dirty birds have more talent and will probably win. I can’t call them the Eagles as a Cowboys fan because they are our sworn enemies, but they have one heck of a team this year.” — Rep. Chip LaMarca
“My Super Bowl prediction is that the Eagles will win big. I will be cheering them on for a number of reasons. One of my very good college friends lives in Philadelphia, and his wife’s cousin is Vince Papale, a former Eagles wide receiver whose story was the inspiration for the movie, ‘Invincible.’ Vince and his family now live in Florida and are fond supporters.” — Rep. Vicki Lopez
“Team Ruff over Team Fluff in OT (Puppy Bowl reference. I have no dog in the Super Bowl this year).” — Rep. Fiona McFarland
“While I am a Dolphins fan, I am going with the Eagles. Jalen Hurts is a threat every time he touches the ball. He has the ‘it factor,’ as a coach would say. Eagles 27, Chiefs 24.” — Islamorada Rep. Jim Mooney
“Philadelphia Eagles. Why would I root for the team that knocked us out of the running? I look forward to the Jaguars whooping everybody’s butt next year. Let’s Gooooooooooooooo!” — Rep. Angie Nixon
“Never bet against Andy Reid. 34-28 Chiefs.” — Rep. Daniel Perez
“I have no idea who is even playing. My prediction is the team who scores the most touchdowns will win.” — Rep. Spencer Roach
“Eagles 24; KC 20” — Rep. Will Robinson
“Let me say that both teams are great; however, I am supporting the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl because they have consistently proven themselves to be a top-tier team this season. With a talented roster led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a skilled coaching staff, they have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and come out on top in close games. I find this inspiring in my own career. I’m also a Dolphins fan, so I want to support a fellow AFC team!” — Rep. Marie Woodson
“KC beats Philly 31-27 as Mahomes leads a last-minute TD drive.” — Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez
“Tough call with the odds being so close, but as a Dolphins fan I have to go with a fellow AFC team and pick the Chiefs. Besides, Mahomes is probably the best player in football and brings experience and that X factor you can’t teach. Chiefs 27, Eagles 24.” — Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera
“While my heart is with the Chiefs, the Eagles are the better team.” — Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell
“I am an AFC guy and think if this game turns into a track meet the Chiefs win. KC 34, Philadelphia 28. — Hialeah Mayor Steve Bovo
“Rihanna will be the winner.” — Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
“While my money is on the Eagles for Super Bowl LVII (final score 27-20 Philly; you heard it here!), the real winner will be the #TikTokTailgate. TikTok has become a go-to destination for football content and culture (including the best Cheesesteak recipes), with nearly 90 billion combined views for #NFL, #NFLPlayoffs and #SuperBowl. I’ll be tuning in to see my favorite performers and watch the best virtual sideline entertainment while watching my team take the ring!” — Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham
“Hurts rushes for over 100. A QB Super Bowl record. And Eagles win by 6.” — Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry
“Chiefs win by 4.” — Citrus County School Board Chair Doug Dodd
“I have family that roots for KC, so I’ll go with them.” — Citrus County Commissioner Holly Davis
“Can we just fast-forward to Rihanna?” — Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez
“Kansas City will win.” — Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher
“Predicting Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes has been the best QB in the NFL this season and I think he will propel them to victory. Coach Andy Reid has the Super Bowl experience and will make the right game adjustments to beat the Philadelphia Eagles.” — Miami-Dade County Commissioner René García
“I am rooting for KC because KC tight end Travis Kelce hates the Patriots and with the Dolphins home for the Super Bowl, my organizing principle is who hates the dreaded Pats the most. KC 35-21 #neverforgetsnowplowgame” — Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber
“I think this is going to be an amazing game given that we have the two best teams in the league with such an incredible matchup. More so, it’s history in the making watching the first Super Bowl with both elite teams starting two Black American quarterbacks. The Chiefs already have a Super Bowl under their belt, and they’ll be motivated for that second ring, but the Eagles have a chance to win a historic Super Bowl. I honestly don’t know who will win, but I’m happy to watch the game.” — Miami-Dade Commissioner Rob Gonzalez
“Chiefs +9.” — former Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman
“My hope for the Super Bowl is that there will be guacamole & pigs-in-a-blanket at the National Association of Counties’ Super Bowl watch party. The Legislative Conference is happening on Super Bowl Sunday. Geez!” — Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins
“Team Citrus.” — Citrus County Administrator Steve Howard
“I’m a Patriots fan and a Buccaneers fan. I didn’t realize they could still have a Super Bowl without the Patriots or Tom Brady.” — Citrus County School Board member Thomas Kennedy
“Very tough to bet against Patrick Mahomes! If I were a betting man, my money would be on KC.” — Citrus County Commissioner Jeff Kinnard
“Every year, my family and I enjoy the Super Bowl. The problem with this year’s Super Bowl, just like the last 39 editions, is that my hometown team, the Miami Dolphins, will not be playing. Regardless, go Fins!” — Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago
“I believe the Eagles will be able to squeak this one out. It’s gonna be a close game with Mahomes making a valiant effort to come back at the end. However, the Eagles will make the plays necessary in the end to take the trophy.” — Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott
“34-28, Chiefs.” — 4th Circuit State Attorney Melissa Nelson
“The Kansas City Chiefs have won seven straight games heading into Sunday. While the Philadelphia Eagles have proven to be dominant all season. Both teams have a very high-powered offense. I believe the Birds will prevail in a thriller! Eagles 34, Chiefs 27.” — Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein
“I think the Chiefs take it 27-24. Because according to my football-loving son, Sebastian, Mahomes and Kelce are the best QB/receiver combo in the league.” — Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado
“My daughter’s favorite color is red. We are going with the Chiefs by 7 points. 28-21!!!” — Miami-Dade County Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez
“Eagles 20, Chiefs, 17.” — Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer
“The Eagles’ main color is green and so is Plantation. Logic dictates we root for Philadelphia.” — Plantation Mayor Nick Sortal
— More predictions —
“Roll Tide, I meant Go Eagles! #BuiltByBama” — Mario Bailey
“Eagles by 3 — 34-31 — who are the Chefs?” — Tim Center
“KC BBQ > Philly cheesesteak” — Jordan Connors
“Over/under on Number of bath bombs Patrick Mahomes will use after game: 5” — Gary Fineout
“26-21 Eagles!” — political consultant Max Goodman
“I’m taking the Chiefs and the points.” — former Rep. Michael Grieco
“Chiefs +9.” — former Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman
“Chiefs 31-27. That outcome will make me mad, not because I care about the Eagles (I don’t) but because the Chiefs shouldn’t be there. The refs robbed my Bengals in the AFC title game. I’m still bitter.” — Joe Henderson
“Philly’s going to win by 6.” — former Bay Harbor Islands Mayor Jordan Leonard
“Patrick Mahomes is the best active QB in the league (I say active because Brady retired). The Eagles probably have had the second-best defense in the league, but they’re vulnerable. Just look back at the Cowboys, Commanders, and Packers that all put up +30 on them. Mahomes can put up more if needed. Look for McKinnon to be the Chiefs’ weapon the Birds can’t defend. Hurst is a great QB, but this is Mahomes’ year. He’s proven he doesn’t need a “true #1″ WR to win. He’s that good. Plus, Philly fans are just plain obnoxious. So, I’m rooting against them too.” — Mike Moor
“Chiefs 34 — 37 Eagles. Wasn’t this already decided? I heard the NFL was rigged.” — Henry Mahler
“As an Eagles fan, I’ll be a Chiefs fan with my boyfriend … for the day and for peace in this house.” — Christopher Nurse
“I’m taking Philly in the Super Bowl. The Eagle is America’s bird. Philadelphia is America’s team.” — Logan Padgett.
“Eagles by 14 because as a Titans fan, I don’t want the Chiefs to have anything nice.” — Leon County Republican Party Chair Evan Power
“The Eagles and Chiefs have scored the exact same number of points (546) this season. That’s with Hurts missing time. I’m betting on the Eagles D to give them the edge in the Kelce-brother Bowl. Eagles 27, Chiefs 24” — Evan Ross
“On Super Bowl Sunday, I predict that I will be moderating a Sierra Club screening of 13 candidates who are running for my former seat.” — former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell
“Fly Eagles Fly!!! 35-24 Eagles.” — Chris Schoonover
“Philadelphia wins, and it won’t be particularly close. 38-20. — Mike Scudiero
“Chiefs 35, Eagles 24.” — former Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Ben Sorensen
“Jalen Hurts will have more rushing yards than Patrick Mahomes. KC Chiefs will win in overtime.” — former state Sen Annette Taddeo
“KC Chiefs win by 14 points; Patrick Mahomes MVP; When will the state of Florida get back the freedom to legally place a bet on the Super Bowl? It’s a sad day when 33 other states have more freedom than we do.” — Jonathan Tallman
“I haven’t cared much for the SB since my Saints (who dat!) were last in it, but to your point/my prediction is that I will win this Sunday … all y’all (all the nation) gonna be home watching the game and Imma be having a lovely Valentine’s dinner with my beautiful wife in a half-full restaurant … don’t be stressing, I’ll see the highlights and Rihanna on YouTube — Eddie Thompson
“Philly born and raised. 31-17 Birds soar over Chiefs!” — Steve Tomlin
“As the Steve Miller Band sings, “Fly like an Eagle, let my spirit carry me” … Kansas City’s “ time keeps on slippin, slipping, slipping into the future” — Screven Watson
“In this historic game as we will see two African American quarterbacks lead their teams on the field and as a long-suffering Dallas Cowboys fan — my prediction is that the Eagles will win adding more insult to the Cowboys Nation! Plus, My Boss — POTUS & the First Lady are Eagles Fans! 😉 As my buddy Will Weatherford always reminds me, “Read the Room”!!! The Cowboys — America’s Team-will be Back! 🙏🏽🤞🏾 — Alan Williams
“I am ‘South Philadelphia Born & Raised’ … and I have generations of Eagles fans who lived down the road from the Vet in my blood. Eagles win 45-32 … Fly Eagles, Fly 🦅.” — Sarasota County GOP State Committee member Christian Ziegler
—SpeshSesh wrap-up —
Ahead of a final floor Session, Speaker Paul Renner on Friday brought together the sponsors for all legislation passed, including one Democrat. Here’s how each talked up their legislation.
— Rep. John Snyder: On migrant flights: “Unfortunately, what we’ve seen out of Washington, D.C. under President Joe Biden is a complete failure to uphold the rule the rule of law to enforce our borders.”
— Rep. Fred Hawkins: On the new Disney district: “This bill takes an old district and modernized and updated it took rights away that no corporation should ever have.”
— Rep. Juan Fernandez-Barquin: On statewide prosecutor power: “Our state prides itself in free and fair elections. It also prides itself in law and order,” he said. “My bill is fitting in both.”
— Rep. Mike Giallombardo: On hurricane relief: “That emergency relief fund last year, gave the governor the ability and emergency management the ability to be able to respond quick.”
— Rep. Chip LaMarca: On name, image and likeness: “The bill maximizes our collegiate athletes’ ability to capitalize on full benefits of NIL as authorized by the NCAA.”
— Rep. Jason Shoaf: On the Eastpoint district: “As we all know you have to have central sewer anytime you’re near any pristine environment and this bill allows us to continue that.
— Rep. Dan Daley: On the Sunshine district: “My issue may not be as sexy as some of the others that we’ve heard about today, but it’s very important in my district. The Sunshine Water Control District has now been reauthorized.”
— Tardy to class —
A 9 a.m. class can be hard to make for many college students. Wait, this is the Legislature where grown-ups work? Well anyway, a vote on a local bill on Lee Health was held up briefly this week as Rep. Adam Botana struggled to reach the bottom floor of the House Office Building.
— Heckle alert: Rep. Daley called for a recess, but only if coupled with permission for members to “heckle” Botana when he returned. Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka granted this request with a smirk.
— Through the heart: But the first dose of ridicule came from Rep. Kaylee Tuck, Botana’s … frequent legislative partner. “Did you have any issues finding the committee this morning?” Botana explained she merely had a slow elevator.
— Begging forgiveness: Rep. Stan McClain pushed for some type of contrition on the Bonita Springs Republican’s part, saying an apology might be “customary” after forcing a recess of minutes in a morning hearing.
— Acceptance: Botana ultimately obliged. “I apologize to everyone on this committee I made wait,” he said. “It won’t happen again.” The promise drew some skepticism from McClain. But ultimately, the committee took up and advanced the bill.
— New Insurance Commish —
Gov. Ron DeSantis is nominating Michael Yaworsky to serve as the state’s new Commissioner of the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR).
— Résumé: Yaworsky is Vice Chair of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. But he’s got experience at OIR, serving as Chief of Staff there. He’s also worked as legal counsel to the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, counsel to the Georgia Senate President Pro Tempore and Chief of Staff at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
— Interim tag: Yaworsky will serve as interim Commissioner for the time being until the Financial Services Commission can take up his nomination and approve it. If so, he’ll take over for former Commissioner David Altmaier, who left his post in December after six years.
Yaworsky earned a bachelor’s degree in social science from Florida State University and got his law degree at Samford University.
— New Leader-designate drafted —
Sen. Jason Pizzo will quarterback Senate Democrats through the 2024-26 term. The sharp-minded lawyer, who represents parts of South Florida, won the role via a unanimous Senate Democratic Caucus vote this past week.
— Ready to suit up: “My gratitude for the trust Senate Democratic colleagues have bestowed upon me, is exceeded only by the sense of duty I am thrilled to undertake,” Pizzo said in response to the vote, which will see him take over from current Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book.
— Handing off: “I congratulate my friend, colleague and Leader Pro Tempore, Sen. Jason Pizzo, on being named Leader-Designate for the Florida Senate Democratic Caucus,” Book said. “The Leader-Designate’s tenacity and intellect are matched only by his heart for others, and I have every confidence in Sen. Pizzo’s ability to unify, lead, and expand the Caucus so that Florida Senate Democrats may continue to fight for our shared values and be a voice for everyday working people in our great State.”
— Backup: “The Senate Democratic Caucus will be in great hands over the next four years. We are so fortunate to have Sen. Pizzo follow in the footsteps of our fearless Leader Book,” said Democratic Sen. Polsky. Added Sen. Davis: “Sen. Pizzo is a friend, a skilled leader, and a fearless advocate for every single Floridian. I think his ability to understand a wide variety of perspectives, stand his ground, and still create meaningful relationships is exactly what our caucus needs to be successful in the current environment.”
— Ex-NFL star makes school choice play —
Sen. Cory Simon, a former NFL vet, is filing a companion bill to Speaker Renner’s school choice legislation.
— Vouchers for all: The legislation aims to make school choice vouchers available to all families, regardless of income level, though Renner has said lower-income families will still be prioritized for those scholarships.
— Choice for children: “The right and the responsibility of raising children belongs to parents, not state government. This bill makes it clear that the money follows the child, and parents have a right to guide their child’s education as they see fit,” Simon said. “Here in the free State of Florida, we stand with parents. We recognize that parents are a child’s first and best teachers, and we support the vital and irreplaceable role of a parent to decide what academic experience best fits the needs of their child. At the same time, we take important steps to allow our legacy, neighborhood public schools to thrive in the communities they serve.”
— Senate President agrees: “This visionary bill makes school choice a reality for every child in every family across our great state by providing parents the chance to guide how and where the funding for their children’s education is spent,” Senate President Passidomo added. “Universal school choice means that every school has a chance to compete for students, and their parents can decide the best fit. Additionally, by reducing red tape that burdens our traditional public schools, these institutions, which have served our communities for generations, will have a meaningful chance to compete right alongside other school choice options.”
— Arriving in mailboxes —
With less than a week to go until Feb. 18, when Florida Republicans name a new Chair, one candidate is reaching out to voters. Leon County GOP Chair Evan Power sent out a little swag to many voting members.
— Broad appeal — While literature went out from Power’s campaign for chair, a letter inside isn’t focused on his candidacy. Rather, he encourages all Florida Republican Executive Committee members to share “Pride in our Message.”
— Honest Abe — The letter mentions Gov. DeSantis’ nearly 10 percentage point win, but he also reminds members of the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, with a large image.
— Lapel swag — But the nicest keepsake in every envelope is an RPOF pin that identifies every State Executive Committee Member.
— Confidence — Power faces Sarasota County State Committeeman Christian Ziegler for the gig, and expressed confidence heading into the weekend on the vote.
— Lobby Up —
By now, everyone knows the basics: Glendale is hosting Super Bowl LVII, where the Chiefs and Eagles will battle for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. So, what’s the Sunshine State connection? There are a few tucked away among Florida lobbying registrations.
— The NFL may have teams in Jax, Miami and Tampa, but the League itself has a starting lineup in the state Capitol. Their franchise QB is Matt Bryan of Smith Bryan & Myers, with fellow SBM lobbyists Teye Carmichael, David Daniel, Jeff Hartley and Lisa Hurley also making the roster.
— The Jaguars shocked football fans by turning around after a 3-7 start to finish out the season with a winning record and the deepest playoff run of any Florida team. The Jags needed the boost after four consecutive losing seasons. When it comes to lobbying, however, the franchise has five Pro Bowlers on retainer: Brian Bautista, David Browning, Chris Dudley, Mercer Fearington and Clark Smith of The Southern Group.
— The Buccaneers were hit with a double whammy in the postseason, getting booted in the wild-card round and then losing Tom Brady to retirement — for good this time. But the losingest team in NFL history can take solace in having one of the winningest lobbying shops in Tallahassee in their corner. They’re represented by Michael Corcoran, Jacqueline Corcoran, Matt Blair, Samantha Sexton Greer, Bethany McAlister, and Will Rodriguez of Corcoran Partners.
— The Dolphins also ended their run in the wild-card round and there has been some staff turbulence in the first few weeks of the offseason with O-line coach Matt Applebaum and defensive coordinator Josh Boyer both being shown the door. There is no revolving door in Tallahassee, though. For years, the team’s go-to advocates have been Ron Book, Rana Brown and Kelly Mallette, who are registered to lobby for Hard Rock Stadium.
— No Fox for Biden —
President Joe Biden will not give an interview to Fox News during its Super Bowl Sunday pregame show. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the network asked for the interview to be canceled.
— A break with tradition: Presidents have typically given interviews ahead of the Super Bowl to whatever network is airing the big game. The tradition dates to former President George W. Bush in 2004, though it was former President Barack Obama who made the interviews into a yearly tradition.
— But it’s not the first break: Former President Donald Trump declined an interview with NBC for the 2018 Super Bowl, though he did grant interviews other years with Fox News and CBS.
— A loss for Biden: While POTUS has given some interviews ahead of Super Bowl Sunday — PBS NewsHour and Telemundo — he’s missing an opportunity to speak to Americans on the most watched televised event of the year, with an audience that is bipartisan.
While the White House said it was Fox that axed the interview, Biden hasn’t exactly been a regular face on its network. He’s given just a handful of one-on-one interviews since taking office, but none have been with Fox.
— Political cheerleading —
The Eagles and Chiefs will be at war on the field Sunday. Notably, the owners of each team also appear to side with opposite sides of the aisle, according to an NBC analysis of their political donations.
— Conservative cause: The Hunt family, which owns the Chiefs, has sent around $900,000 to candidates and committees over the last 10 years (a drop in the bucket for a family worth more than $15 billion). That money has gone to several Senators, including U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz of Texas, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and the late John McCain of Arizona. No donations have gone to presidential bids since 2015.
— Flying left: Jeffrey Lurie of the Eagles stands out among his fellow owners, as his donations have favored Democrats over the years. He’s donated a comparably smaller $27,400 over the last decade to liberal candidates and committees. The Eagles franchise also donated $2,500.
Lurie has long leaned left and used to be more politically active. Before his 2012 divorce, he donated to Bill and Hillary Clinton, Al Gore and Barack Obama. He also occasionally sent money to Republicans in the distant past, including sending money to George W. Bush, Bob Dole and Rudy Giuliani.
— Wacky wagers —
With the Super Bowl kickoff closing in, there’s still time to throw down some money on any number of this year’s unique offerings for Super Bowl prop bets.
— The props don’t stop: Given the number of eyes on Sunday’s game, bookies like to keep it interesting, for football fans and casual viewers alike. All sorts of special bets on the on-the-field action are available, far more than would be for a random Sunday game in October.
— Keeping things interesting: As for off-the-field props, one example comes from Bovada, which is offering a prop bet on how many TikTok videos Jackson Mahomes, brother of the superstar Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick, will post during the big game.
— What are the odds? Bovada is setting the over/under at 1.5, meaning you need to select whether Jackson Mahomes will post more or less videos than 1.5. “Under” seems to be the favorite, at -300 odds. That means you’ll need to be $300 to win $100. Those betting the “over” can get +220 odds, giving them $220 in winnings on a $100 bet.
— Cruising for cash —
There are also some pretty far-out opportunities for a wager, including whether Tom Cruise will parachute into the stadium to hand deliver the game ball to referees.
— Long shot: Granted, the odds on that one are long. The “No” bet is at -15,000, meaning bettors need to throw down $15,000 just to win $100. “Yes” currently sits at +2,500, giving gamblers a $2,500 payout on a $100 bet. Might Cruise just be crazy enough to promote his new Mission: Impossible movie in style?
— Celeb sightings: If that’s a bit too much of a gamble, Bovada is also offering over/under on whether certain celebrities will be seen on Sunday’s broadcast. Bovada puts -250 odds on Bradley Cooper and Kevin Hart being shown. MLB superstar Mike Trout and Matt Damon both sit at -120 odds. Bovada is giving better odds for less likely sightings such as Rob McElhenney (+120), Brad Pitt (+175), Will Smith (+200), Ben Affleck (+300), Miles Teller (+300), Kim Kardasahian (+350), Pink (+400) and Leonardo DiCaprio (+400).
— Crazy for Brady —
Tom Brady may have finally hung up his cleats for good, but fans still rate the all-time great as their favorite player.
— The stats: U.S. Direct surveyed 2,000 Americans using Pollfish, finding that 46% of respondents rate Brady as their most popular player. Brady was followed by Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, the long-retired Peyton Manning and Odell Beckham Jr., who also did not play this year due to injury.
— Not so fast: While there is plenty of love to go around for Brady, he also landed atop the survey’s list of most hated players. While his success with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers led to plenty of reverence from fans, that same success also generated plenty of haters, as Brady repeatedly vanquished fans’ favorite teams from the playoffs.
— Other findings: The survey also found that the Dallas Cowboys were the most popular team nationwide, followed by the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals. And attracting fans means money for those clubs. The poll found 40% of respondents spend between $100 and $300 on merchandise for their team of choice.
— Super Bowl holiday —
We all know the Monday after the Super Bowl should be a national holiday. Lawmakers, however, have been slow to react. But Tennessee legislators could be the trailblazers this country so desperately needs.
— The pitch: State Sen. London Lamar and state Rep. Joe Towns Jr. of Tennessee are backing a measure that would cut Columbus Day from the state list of recognized holidays and replace it with Super Bowl Monday. Towns, however, has since said he hopes the bill will change to keep Columbus Day and simply add a holiday to the calendar.
— Talking sense: “With more than 16 million Americans expected to skip work the day after the Super Bowl and about 8 million expected to ask for the day off in advance, we’re talking about a major hit to the workforce,” Towns said. “My bill simply wants to examine giving the rest of us the day off. Let’s face it, it doesn’t get much more American than the Super Bowl and it’s becoming more and more the norm to miss work the next day.”
— Any hope? With the game ending after 10 p.m. east coast time — perhaps after a few adult beverages were downed — it can be a struggle pulling into work the next day. It’s unclear, however, whether the bill will pass in Tennessee. But even if it does, it’s still a long way from earning acceptance nationwide or even in Florida. If DeSantis wants to win some voters over before 2024, how about another Special Session to pitch this, Governor?
— FWC comes to Jax —
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has work to do and is set to come back to Jacksonville for Commission meetings on Feb. 21 and 22. The public has multiple points to comment.
— Hunting party: Commissioners are set to act on the first day on a final rule expanding hunting access in 35 areas and prohibiting vehicle access to the Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area during raccoon and opossum season and non-hunting periods. The rule would also set up a 3,245-acre WMA at Garcon Point in Santa Rosa County and a 1,865-acre unit in Okeechobee County for the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge.
— Tangled up: The Board will also hear the proposed rule to deal with seabird entanglements at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in St. Petersburg. More than 600 entangled sea birds had to be rescued, for instance, in January 2022.
— Switching gear: On Feb. 22, the Board will act on gear requirements to improve the survival of reef fish and adopt rules to be consistent with pending federal action on red porgy, snowy grouper and blueline tilefish.
— Brunching Out —
Little Paris is now offering a French twist to Tallahassee’s brunch choices.
— Backstory: Chef/owner Hervé Alcesilas and his brother and fellow chef Loic are originally from Charleville-Mezieres in northern France. The brothers were chefs in Europe before Hervé followed his dream to become a chef in the U.S. Loic joined him at Little Paris, and in 2020, Hervé became owner of the restaurant.
— Setting: The restaurant, which added brunch to its lineup in January, is decorated with large black-and-white prints that capture the Parisian cafe scene. You can dine in the casual dining room or sit at umbrella-shaded tables on the outdoor patio.
— The menu: What a treat to start your day with escargot, salade Niçoise or French crepes. Little Paris presents those, along with quiche Lorraine, croque monsieur (made with ham and cheese), and other breakfast classics. The chefs feature eggs Benedict, but their version is served on a toasted croissant instead of an English muffin (but, of course!). On the side: a large serving of spinach salad and crisp breakfast potatoes. The salmon ratatouille brings a big hunk of delectable salmon and veggies and a wedge of lemon. You’ll also find starters, dessert and breakfast cocktails.
— Details: Little Paris is at 135 Market St.; 850-765-7457. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. FYI, Little Paris is accepting reservations for Valentine’s Day.
