Crowley Political Report

There was a lot of reaction over the Memorial Day weekend to the controversy over public beach access in Walton County. Let's just say the residents there are quite unhappy.

We received a lot of feedback after talking about the issue on our podcast - High Tops and Politics.

This is an important issue. Beach access is critical not only to Walton County but to all the coastal areas of Florida which count on beach-going tourists. And it is especially important to the economic viability of small counties such as Walton.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet told Floridians to pound sand by going ahead with their "ceremonial" meeting in Israel. 

It is an unnecessary blemish on the record of a new governor who has done rather well during his first months in office. He has won the praise of some Democrats, and the affection of many environmentalists - especially those who care about Everglades restoration.

While the faux Cabinet meeting will soon be forgotten (lord knows what precedent has been sent and it remains disturbing Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody participated), the issue confronting tiny Walton County is not like to go away any time soon.

Public beach-goers are already dealing with private security guards, signs and fences intended to keep them off the "private" beaches of the wealthy.

Here is a video showing deputies chatting with beachgoers about the issue.   

(Note you may have to scroll down a bit on the tweeter feed to see the video but it worth watching).

Mother Jones has an in-depth story about how Mike Huckabee used his political clout to turn the public beach into his private beach. You can read it here.

And below is our podcast chatting about what is happening in Walton County.

In an effort to protect the public's right to know what their government is doing, the First Amendment Foundation and several Florida newspapers have filed suit against the Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet for holding a public meeting in Israel. 

From a First Amendment Foundation release:

Moments ago, the governor's office released this rather lengthy list of folks joining him on his trip to Israel.....and here it is:

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the leadership and delegation for the Governor’s Business Development Mission to Israel, which takes place Saturday, May 25^ththrough Friday, May 31^st. Organized in conjunction with Enterprise Florida, Inc., the mission includes more than 90 delegation members and serves to strengthen the economic, academic and cultural bonds between Florida and Israel.

“This group of diverse Florida leaders will represent our state and nation proudly on this historic business development mission to Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East,” said Governor DeSantis. “Our delegation includes professionals and experts from a wide range of policy and business areas, representing every corner of our state. During this trip, we will affirm Florida as the most pro-Israel state in the nation and strengthen the bond between Florida and Israel for decades to come.”

Business Development Mission Leadership and Delegation

Episode 10 of High Tops and Politics is a fun one. A mix of humor and serious discussion. 

Thank you for all the positive feedback. 

Please enjoy and share it with your friends.

In this episode of High Tops and Politics, Brian Crowley and Mary Anna Mancuso chat about Donald Trump's visit to the Panhandle, Joe Biden's efforts in Florida, Brad Meltzer's new book about George Washington, South Florida Jeopardy finalists, Florida Man, a Mojito expert, Guess who is on their way to the Democratic Debates, and much more.

Enjoy Florida's best political podcast (iTunes -5 stars)....

And tell your friends.

In this episode of High Tops and Politics, Brian Crowley and Mary Anna Mancuso chat about Donald Trump's visit to the Panhandle, Joe Biden's efforts in Florida, Brad Meltzer's new book about George Washington, South Florida Jeopardy finalists, Florida Man, a Mojito expert, Guess who is on their way to the Democratic Debates, and much more.

Enjoy Florida's best political podcast (iTunes -5 stars)....

And tell your friends.

This week co-hosts Brian Crowley and Mary Anna Mancuso chat about:

Who stole the Plastic Cow?

Florida binges.

Florida Legislature plants corn?

Charlie Crist get 15 minutes.

This week's High Tops Award, and much more. 

Thank you for joining us.