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Politico
7 hours ago
- Business
- Politico
How Florida's political disruptor spent his summer
Hello and welcome to Monday. JOHN MORGAN, the billionaire attorney and frequent disruptor of Florida politics, still isn't running for governor. But Morgan — who is nearly ubiquitous as the founder of law firm Morgan & Morgan — continues to find novel ways to broadcast his folksy and unique message and get the attention that could boost a possible run for political office. Take for example his decision to recently spend a half-hour sparring with a room of Floridians for the popular Jubilee YouTube channel. The video —provocatively titled '20 people confront a billionaire' — features Morgan weighing in on everything from his wealth to oppression in China and a revelation that he previously drug-tested his own children. The encounter has racked up nearly 2 million views and more than 11,000 comments since it dropped in late July. Morgan touched on his successful efforts to legalize medical marijuana and raise the minimum wage in Florida. He repeated the message he gave during a recent visit to Tallahassee — that income inequality is the No. 1 issue in the country. This eventually led to a moment where one of the people questioning him asks Morgan what stops him from helping the people in the room who are struggling with their bills. Morgan stopped, took a $100 bill out of his pocket and handed it to him. The Jubilee video came on the heels of a video posted in June by the School of Hard Knocks in which Morgan talks about what it takes to be successful and asserts he made more money last year than NBA superstar LeBron James. He was asked if he was ever — ahem — screwed over in business deals. He said he has been, then added, 'But I f--- back.' Both videos show Morgan talking about being raised poor and finding a path to success. At the end of the Hard Knocks video, Morgan asserted, 'I'm a lucky guy. Successful people pat themselves on the back too much. What they really should do is get on their knees and thank God.' Morgan's wealth — and blunt talk — would have the chance to upend 2026 if he were to take the plunge and run statewide. As Floridians continue to struggle with affordability, he has very sharp views about insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry. In the Jubilee video, he said people keep asking him to run for governor. When reached by Playbook last week, Morgan continued to assert that, if he were to run, he would not do it under the banner of either party. But Morgan, who is now 69, also added: 'Once upon a time being governor would have been an ego boost. But now my ego has been satisfied. And my children are my greatest accomplishment and pride and joy.' Morgan went on: 'So now doing this would be an incredible sacrifice … as would the job itself. But the direction of our state and country causes me to feel real despair … both parties. All or nothing. I only have so many summers left ... so I need to be careful and cautious, but not too careful.' So again, it's not a firm yes or no. Although it sounds more like a no. — Gary Fineout WHERE'S RON? Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference in Melbourne at 9:30 a.m. with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert. (Tune in at The Florida Channel.) Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget that Playbook should look at? Get in touch at: kleonard@ and @leonardkl. ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... RESEARCH OVERHAUL AT UNIVERSITIES — President Donald Trump's efforts to reshape higher education in a conservative mold aren't just targeting Ivy League elites. They're stripping millions from Florida universities — and the state's Republican governor is happy to help. While institutions like Harvard University and Columbia University are taking heat from the Trump administration, colleges all across the country — including deep red Florida — are feeling the squeeze of sweeping federal research cuts. Florida universities this year saw more than 90 grants terminated across key federal agencies. Some states are suing the federal government to push back on the downsizing. But Florida, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, has the state's government accountability DOGE team auditing university research projects and even recommending grants for termination. — Andrew Atterbury PHONELESS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL — Most Florida students are back in the classroom today. And the biggest change coming for elementary and middle school students is that they won't be allowed to use their cell phones throughout the school day. They'd already been banned from access during instructional time, but the new rules are more strict. In high school, students will be prohibited from using their cell phones while in the classroom, unless a teacher tells them to use their phones or tablets as part of a lesson. A pilot program in six districts will be assessing what an all-out ban would look like. More and more states have instituted these limits to keep students from being distracted when they're supposed to be learning, and to help teachers from having to get into a back-and-forth with students about confiscating their phones. They also want to curb social media use and instances of cyberbullying that contribute to mental health struggles. The phone restrictions come amid rapid technological advancements, with artificial intelligence on mobile devices able to answer test questions or write essays. What else is new: A school safety law has also been revamped this year. Last year, a law obligated schools to lock all their doors and gates when students are around, or to have staff at any entrances that are left unlocked. It was partially intended as a response to the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. But the law ended up causing other safety concerns and being logistically difficult once implemented; now, schools have more flexibility. Under the change, doors that go to the outside of the school still need to be locked, as do classrooms. But other doors throughout schools can be unlocked, and there's more options before and after school, when clubs or athletics meet. Other laws for schools further aim to address safety. Child care centers can now take part in a program to have security on site. And school staff have to be trained to be able to see when students are having a severe allergic reaction, and administer an EpiPen. — 'State is reviewing school choice scholarship payment rules,' reports Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix. FPL AGREEMENT REACHED FOR RATE HIKE — 'Florida Power & Light, along with several groups representing business interests, have proposed settling the utility's historic rate case, which would bring an end to a battle that affects the electric bills of roughly 12 million Floridians,' reports Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times. 'In a filing posted late Friday afternoon, Florida Power & Light notified regulators that it has reached an agreement with several of the groups involved in its rate case. The list of those groups included many business interests — such as a federation of retail companies, Walmart, gas stations and industrial companies — but did not include the state-appointed consumer advocate or other groups that represent residents.' ON SATURDAY — Florida celebrated its first ever Bob Graham Day in commemoration of the late governor and senator. A law passed during this year's legislative session officially designated August 9, 2025 as Bob Graham Day to match up with the date the Save Our Everglades program was founded. 'ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ' AGREEMENT — 'More than a month after Florida opened 'Alligator Alcatraz' in the Everglades, the state and ICE signed an updated agreement spelling out how state corrections officials should handle federal immigration detainees at non-correctional facilities,' reports Mike Schneider of The Associated Press. 'The addendum signed this week updated a 2020 agreement between the Florida Department of Corrections and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that had explained how to handle federal immigration detainees at correctional facilities, but not at places like this new detention center. The update was made public Thursday in court papers in response to a civil rights lawsuit claiming that 'Alligator Alcatraz' detainees have been unable to meet with attorneys or get access to immigration courts.' — 'At 'Alligator Alcatraz,' did a detainee just faint or need CPR?' by Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times. — '36 hours before DOGE arrived in Broward, one city's commissioners gave selves 200 percent pay raise,' reports Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. — 'Coastal Florida farm is identified as source of raw milk that sickened 21,' by Kate Payne of The Associated Press. — 'Did politics help former state Rep. Amesty evade criminal charges?' by Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel. PENINSULA AND BEYOND — 'Hillsborough County schools remove LGBTQ+ book under state pressure,' by Stephany Matat of USA Today Network — Florida. ...HURRICANE HOLE... EYE ON THE STORM — 'A cluster of showers and thunderstorms that moved off the African coast last week became a tropical rainstorm Sunday morning near the Cabo Verde Islands. Further strengthening is expected and the rainstorm is expected to become a hurricane by late week. The next name on the list is Erin,' reports Elizabeth Danco of AccuWeather. CAMPAIGN MODE LAWSON SETS ULTIMATUM — 'David Jolly is on notice: He has three months to prove he's built a coalition capable of winning the governor's mansion or Jolly will face a challenge from Al Lawson Jr., the Democratic dean of North Florida politics,' reports James Call of USA Today Network — Florida. 'Jolly, a former Republican Congressman turned Democrat, is seeking to revive a lifeless Florida Democratic Party that has lost seven consecutive gubernatorial races.' RUBIO ALL THE RAGE — 'At least twice in recent months, President Trump has declined to formally crown Vice President JD Vance as the successor to the MAGA movement. Instead, Trump is leaving his options open,' report Alex Leary, Meridith McGraw and Natalie Andrews of The Wall Street Journal. 'On Tuesday, he told reporters Vance is probably the favorite to succeed him, echoing what he has privately told associates. But Trump also talked up another administration official who has emerged as one of his most trusted advisers: Secretary of State Marco Rubio.' One notable exchange: 'Which one of you is going to be at the top of the ticket?' Trump asked the men earlier this year, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. 'I used to think it would be Vance-Rubio, but maybe it will be Rubio-Vance.' TRANSITION TIME — BRETT TUBBS will be joining the Florida Chief Financial Officer's team as director of advancement. Tubbs has worked for the Republican National Committee and the White House, as well as several Florida agencies, coming to the CFO's office from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. — TREVOR SCHAETTLE will be executive assistant to Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia. Schaettle previously worked as Legislative Affairs Manager at Greenberg Traurig. ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN BIRTHDAY: CBS Miami's Jim DeFede.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Law firms file 100-page lawsuit against designers, builders of Sapelo Island gangway after collapse
Six law firms, including Morgan & Morgan and the firm of prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, are suing five companies involved with the engineering and construction of the gangway on Georgia's Sapelo Island that led to the deaths of seven people after collapsing last October. Four of the people who died were from Jacksonville, one was a former reverend from Brunswick, and the two others were from Georgia. Georgia state officials believe 40 people were on the gangway between the ferry and the island when it broke apart. 'This was a tragedy of unbelievable proportions,' said Chadrick Mance, a Savannah-based attorney who helped create the lawsuit, 'there was an improper design and improper maintenance of the gangway.' The 101-page lawsuit lists 19 different charges against the companies being sued, including negligence and wrongful death related to the collapse. Part of the reason is because it lists information from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources saying the gangway should have been able to hold the weight of 320 people. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Between survivors of the collapse and family of those who died, 50 people are listed in the lawsuit as those seeking damages. The lawsuit claims the gangway had issues for years. It shows an email from 2022 between one of the companies that helped design the gangway and DNR, saying hairline cracks and a 'completely failed weld' had been found during an inspection, and concerns raised over a loud popping sound as people were walking across the platform. The email later said there were no issues or concerns related to the gangway's structural integrity. The lawsuit was announced between two separate news briefings: one held by attorney Ben Crump in Atlanta and another held by Chadrick Mance at the Elm Grove Baptist Church in Meridian, Georgia. It's right next to the ferry pickup to Sapelo Island and the site where those who survived the collapse first reunited with their families after it happened. 'Replaying everything in my mind, seeing my daughter hanging on the side, finding out my wife and my youngest daughter are missing, it's just been rough,' Michael Wood said, one of the survivors who spoke at the briefing inside Elm Grove Baptist Church. Read: Historic Mayport Lighthouse in plans to be relocated One of the last pages of the lawsuit, which was filed in Georgia's Gwinnett County, demands a trial to be held, though no set trial or hearing date has been given. Mance, along with the other lawyers who helped put the lawsuit together, are promising answers for those affected by the collapse in the hope it may help them heal. 'We will be seeking maximum justice, unfettered justice and aggressive justice for these clients. And these are the best firms in the country. And so if there's ever an opportunity to get justice, this is it,' Mance said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Morgan announces creation of new political party, hints at future ambitions
John Morgan, the face of mega-law firm Morgan & Morgan, announced on Wednesday that he would create a third political party. Morgan stated, 'I'm gonna do the party thing. I've spent the money on the legal.' He discussed his vision for a new political party that would welcome both Democrats and Republicans, whom he referred to as 'D's and R's.' Morgan emphasized, 'I think there needs to be some D's and R's for the first four. Then I'm going to say, who wants to join?' He also mentioned the possibility of running for governor with this new party. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is another candidate in the race, backed by President Trump, while former Senate Democratic leader Jason Pizzo is running as an independent. Morgan said, " I've been out there in Florida since 1988 and I've had the three amendments so I think I have that advantage that nobody else really has." Aubrey Jewett, a Political Science Professor at UCF, shared that Morgan has suggested forming a minor party called the Capitalist Party. Jewett explained to Channel 9 how the emergence of a new political party could impact the Democratic Party. Jewett said 'If we have one or more independent candidates running , chances are that's going to split the anti-Republican vote You know with the Democratic candidate and make it harder for them to win and make it easier for the Republican to win.' Evan Power, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, released a statement saying in part: 'Let's be real, John: you can't slap a new label on the same failed ideas and expect a revival. If it quacks like a duck, it's still a duck—and you're still a Democrat. In response, Morgan expressed optimism, saying, 'If my idea is a bad idea, I've had many and my life won't change. But I think if we do it and it happens that people lives would change in Florida, because I don't believe there's any compromise in our political system anymore, anywhere on both sides.' Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Morgan jokes, curses, talks third-party gubernatorial run at Capital Tiger Bay Club
Orlando attorney John Morgan. (Photo by Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix) Trial attorney John Morgan took Tallahassee by storm on Wednesday as he joked, dropped f-bombs, and gave his 'no bullshit' take on politics in America and Florida. But when it was done and over, he maintained he is 'serious' about a possible run for governor. By his own reckoning, Morgan's extensive experience with helping to finance proposed constitutional amendments for medical marijuana in 2016, increases in minimum wage in 2020, and legalization of marijuana in 2024, have given him the campaign chops he needs if he does choose to run for governor. Morgan also acknowledged he has plenty of name recognition due to his role as the founder and face of the Morgan & Morgan law firm. He figures he can afford to wait and see how other candidates fare down the 'home stretch.' He likened it to running a sprint rather than a marathon. 'I'd rather have a three-month window than an 18-month window,' he said. While Morgan was less than firm about his run for office, he said he is moving ahead with real plans to form a third party in the state. A new party is necessary, he said, because the existing parties have been hijacked by factions that he doesn't feel represent many of their members. Republicans are controlled by supporters of Donald Trump as opposed to 'country club Republicans,' Morgan said, while Democrats are in the thrall of progressives and 'socialists' such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. He said that both sides refuse to compromise. He argued that the polarization in the country is because many people are angry over income inequality and it helped lead Trump supporters to riot on Jan. 6. 'We're stuck in the middle, and we don't have a voice, any voice, but yet, we have a lot to say, but we're paralyzed,' Morgan said. 'So my belief is this: I believe that we need a third party.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Morgan said he will choose the party's name through a competition he will sponsor with a cash prize for the winning entry. He said he has already brought in a lawyer to help draft the paperwork to launch the party. In addition to discussing his political future, Morgan weighed in on Florida's current political events as well as its past. He took repeated shots at DeSantis and said the 2023 insurance changes meant to lower property coverage rates were a 'a money grab' for the governor to run for president. 'And who lost? Every homeowner in Florida. There's going to be a day of reckoning. There's going to be a hurricane, and it's going to be bad,' he said. Morgan facetiously spoke about DeSantis being a 'hard-working governor,' noting that he saw him at the Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs on May 3 and a Formula 1 sprint event at the Miami Grand Prix later the next day. 'So, he's always working for us, constantly working for us and for our benefit,' Morgan said. Morgan conceded being a 'billionaire' who lives in Maui during the winter. He says he 'smokes a lot of dope out there' because it's 'relaxing.' He recalled earlier this year getting texts and videos of the governor invoking his name 'everywhere' and talking about his sway with members of the Legislature. Given the alleged influence he has over legislators, Morgan said he had a simple question for them: 'When the f— are they gonna start doing what I tell them to do?' He declared the Democratic Party of Florida dead and put the blame squarely on former Tallahassee mayor and 2020 Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Andrew Gillum, who lost his bid for governor by 34,000 votes in 2018 to DeSantis. Morgan also opined that the Legislature shouldn't meet every year but every other year instead. 'Because every time they meet they screw us over,' Morgan said. He questioned whether Florida needs its Governor's Mansion, a lieutenant governor, or agriculture commissioner. He predicted the latest effort to legalize marijuana in Florida will pass despite the constitutional ballot changes the Legislature recently passed and DeSantis signed into law. 'It's sickening, because what it means is politicians want to have total control so they can take care of their special interests — cable companies, the fire companies, the sugar people. They don't want us to have a say, because they know we, the people, are dangerous. We're dangerous when we get to vote, and they don't want that,' he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘A horrible experience': Attorney for Clearwater Ferry crash survivors weighs in on case
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — An attorney representing two survivors in the deadly Clearwater Ferry crash is weighing in on the case. A recreational boat, driven by Jeff Knight, slammed into the back of the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge on April 27, killing José Castro and injuring 10 others. Several victims in Clearwater Ferry crash hire Morgan & Morgan to 'uncover any negligence' No charges have been filed in connection with the ferry crash. 'From the sworn witness statements already in your possession, as well as from the video evidence, there is consistent and credible evidence that no stern light was visible at the time of the incident,' Knight's attorney J. Kevin Hayslett wrote in a letter to investigators. Meanwhile, an attorney representing two survivors spoke to News Channel 8 about the case. 'They are a family who was on this cruise just out to enjoy the community on the beautiful bay and went through a horrible experience,' said attorney Mickey Keenan. 'The thing that came out that really incited my clients was that the blame appeared to be shifted.' Last week, passengers onboard the private boat that slammed into the ferry wrote sworn letters to investigators detailing what they experienced that night. Three women described what led up to the crash and its aftermath in their written statements. The women reported having alcoholic drinks at dinner before getting on the boat, but said Knight did not have any. They insisted no one used drugs before or after dinner. One woman described the area as being 'really dark' and the crash as 'out of nowhere.' However, Keenan said there are additional factors to consider. 'There's many factors that go into the crash and we'll wait until the investigation is completed so they can make their determination on that,' Keenan said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking anyone with video footage from the area of the fatal ferry crash to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Ferry Captain Dennis Kimerer provided the following statement: 'I consider myself fortunate to be alive and deeply thankful to the heroic passengers, first responders, good Samaritans, and medical professionals whose quick actions saved lives during and after the collision. My thoughts are with all those who were injured—and especially with the family mourning the loss of a beloved father. Out of respect for them and everyone affected, I will not be engaging in a public back-and-forth regarding the causes of this tragedy. I trust the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and I will continue to cooperate fully with them.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
