Here's the latest Florida Five from The Daily Buzz:
1. Facing court action, Rick Scott calls emergency meeting on felon voting rights
Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet had a month to respond to a court ruling that required they come up with a new system for restoring voting rights for some felons. That deadline is Thursday. So they waited until pretty much the last minute to hold a meeting -- for 9:30 p.m. tonight at the Capitol. What's at stake?
2. With election looming, Nelson strengthens bond with Rubio
Sen. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio have always enjoyed a close relationship but one can't avoid seeing it through a political lens as Democrat Nelson heads into a tough re-election campaign. Nelson and Rubio have been teaming up more than ever, it seems, responding to natural disasters and gun violence. Take a look at some examples.
Nelson is waiting until the last minute to say if he'll support President Trump's pick for Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. A Nelson spokesman did not respond to an email this morning asking for an update. Last week, Nelson said he found Pompeo's outreach to North Korea encouraging but said he was still undecided. Nelson opposed Pompeo to lead the CIA. Meantime, Nelson's opponent sees an opportunity.
4. Protesters taunt Putnam as he blames Obama "regulators" for violation
Protesters greeted Adam Putnam Wednesday as the Republican candidate for governor campaigned in Jacksonville. Public radio station WJCT reported that Putnam said his family's Bartow citrus operation's failure to pay the minimum wage to four workers in 2008 was a "clerical error," and he said "Obama regulators" were responsible for the finding...But better be careful. His opponents have something to fear.
5. Jeff Brandes says the end of session was 'terrible'. Here's why.
It was late on the last Friday of the Legislative session in March, and Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, was visibly fuming on the floor of the Senate chamber, waving his arms and scowling while he spoke to other lawmakers during breaks in formal action. After long hours of deal-making and drafting, the final hours of session usually bring a sense of celebratory relief. Brandes wasn't having it. "I had a terrible last 24 to 48 hours of session," Brandes said later.
Today's contributors: Steve Bousquet, Alex Leary, Adam C. Smith, Emily Mahoney.
For questions or comments contact Adam Smith: asmith@tampabay.com or Alex Leary: aleary@tampabay.com.