Staff Reports
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
If you had “Florida Man threatens voters with a machete” on your bingo card, congrats — you just hit the jackpot.
Today in Duval County, an 18-year-old showed up at an early voting location and brandished an 18-inch machete in an apparent attempt to intimidate Kamala Harris supporters.
According to multiple reports, Caleb James Williams came to the Neptune Beach polling place with a group of Donald Trump supporters, though Williams was the only adult in the cohort. None of the minors accompanying Williams have been accused of wrongdoing.
Neptune Beach police arrested Williams, who faces a felony charge of aggravated assault against a person over age 65 — a 71-year-old woman told police that Williams held the machete over his head and approached her in a threatening manner.
Williams is also being charged with a misdemeanor for improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon.
Following his arrest, Democrats were quick to condemn the display.
“I am truly disturbed by the violent incident that occurred this week at the Beaches Branch Library Early Voting location. Voter intimidation has no place in our democracy. In fact – it’s illegal, and I applaud Neptune Beach Police for their swift response. We must not allow politicians who seek to divide us to scare us into not voting,” said Sen. Tracie Davis, who represents the Jacksonville area.
Duval Democratic Party Chair Daniel Henry added: “Violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic process. The Duval County Democratic Party stands with those who seek to express their views peacefully and without fear of reprisal.”
Duval Republicans likewise condemned Williams, though in a contorted statement seemingly blaming Democrats for creating “an environment of high tension.”
Evening Reads
—“This time, it may actually come down to turnout” via Nate Cohn of The New York Times
—“Donald Trump’s plot against America” via Sean Wilentz of Rolling Stone
—”These women are all in for abortion rights — and for Trump” via Caroline Kitchener of The Washington Post
—”The 23 must-see lines from Kamala Harris’ Ellipse speech” via Chris Cillizza of So What
—”Why Kamala Harris is targeting deep-red counties” via David A. Graham of The Atlantic
—”Florida accidentally banned banks from doing business in Sunshine State” via Alexander Saeedy of The Wall Street Journal
—”As gambling addiction surges, Florida’s hotline stops receiving funding from the state” via Shira Moolten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
—”Florida Democrats hope this Tampa race helps end a GOP supermajority” via Ivy Nyayieka of the Tampa Bay Times
—”What happens when you promise child care for every kid?” via Rachel M. Cohen of Vox
—”Elon Musk says X users fight falsehoods. The falsehoods are winning.” via Will Oremus, Trisha Thadani and Jeremy B. Merrill of The Washington Post
Quote of the Day
“To say that I am disturbed is an understatement.”
— Neptune Beach Chief of Police Michael Key, on Florida Man’s machete-wielding expedition to the polls.
Put it on the Tab
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Hillary Clinton isn’t the most popular politician around, and gin isn’t the most popular spirit (it’s the least popular, actually … so, the unholy combo of gin and matcha known as a First Lady is on the shortlist for her Tampa visit.
After another day of Republican voters running up the score, Florida GOP Chair Evan Power is ready to relax with a Swilcan 700 — just add a “K” to the end for good measure.
Are we missing something, or did something happen to warrant Fort Lauderdale’s inclusion on the list of the Top 10 spookiest cities? Whatever the case, order a round of Black Magic Margaritas for their marketing departments.
Breakthrough Insights
Tune In
Heat host Knicks
The Miami Heat look for a third straight victory as they host the New York Knicks tonight (7:30 p.m. ET, FanDuel Sports Network Sun).
After losing the opener to the Orlando Magic, the Heat (2-1) earned wins over the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons. Jimmy Butler scored 23 points and dished out seven assists, and Terry Rozier scored 20 points in the victory over Detroit on Monday night.
This week, the Heat unveiled a statue honoring Dwyane Wade outside the Kaseya Center. The statue received criticism over the appearance of the face, which did not look like the three-time NBA champion and 13-time all-star.
The Knicks (1-2) opened the season with a loss to the Celtics in Boston before beating the Indiana Pacers. They are coming off a home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 21 points and seven assists.
Last season, the Heat started the season 1-4 before winning seven straight. They ended the season 46-36 and made the playoffs before losing in the first round to the Celtics.
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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.
