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The election is over and now it’s time to go to work for the people Floridians chose to represent them in the state house.  As Matt Galka tells us, many new faces flooded the capitol for prep work on how to be an elected official.

Things got real for newly elected state representatives and Senators Tuesday.  More than 60 new faces were at the Capitol for orientation.

“One thing that’s really true for us to represent the people and do a really good job, knowledge is power. And the more knowledgeable our members are, that’s the less powerful the special interests, that’s the less distracting the outside noise or circus is,” said House Speaker Designate Richard Corcoran.

The first day is everything from picture taking to learning to navigate the Capitol.

Rep. Barrington Russell/(D) Lauderhill

“Here it’s like you’re told what to do and you have to fall in line and of course comport accordingly, it’s interesting, it’s a bit fast paced,” said newly elected South Florida Rep. Barrington Russell (D-Lauderhill).

Representative Loranne Ausley (D-Tallahassee) returns to the Florida House after an 8 year absence – but under newly proposed House rules that are stricter on lobbyists and the budget process.

“There are some pieces of it that concern me a little bit, but I think that for the most part I applaud him for really stepping up and trying to make sure this process is as transparent as possible,” she said.

But new Senator Daryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) – who had been in the House before the most recent election – says there’s still time to see how the chambers operate under potentially different rules.

“We have a long way to go before we get to the budgeting process, the conferencing process, the Senate is a different chamber and is expected to pass its own rules that benefit its members and its constituents,” he said.

The 46 new House members make up the second largest class ever. The Senate’s 20 new members compose its largest freshman class.

All lawmakers are expected back at the Capitol next week to be sworn in to their new terms in office.

Florida may soon nearly double the number of protected bird nesting areas along our shores. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will consider creating ten new bird sanctuaries at its meeting in St. Petersburg tomorrow, and as Mike Vasilinda tells us, the commission is reviving a decades old conservation practice with proven results.

Florida has 20 critical wildlife areas. Most were created in the 1970’s and 80’s. But as the population grew, bird nesting areas were mostly left behind. Until now.

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will vote on creating ten new sanctuaries and expanding five existing locations. Both Regulators and conservationists  say this about the vote:

“This is a big deal” says the FWC. “This is pretty huge” was the response from Audubon Florida.

Audubon calls the action long overdue, but something few will even notice. Julie Wraithmell  says the biggest change is how the public knows they are approaching one of these critical wildlife areas.

“What these will do is make it possible to post signs in the water around the islands, so people will be advised not to get close than that, so the birds will be able to nest successfully” says Wraithmell.

So if both conservationists and regulators agree this is a big deal, why has it taken decades for an expansion?

Kipp Frohlich is the FWC’s Deputy Director, Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. “There has been a period of time here we did not use this conservation tool. I think it’s been a little bit rediscovered by this commission. they approved two the last few years and they’ve been very successful, and that caused them to think we need some more” says the wildlife expert.

While out of favor for a several decades, It is a tried and true method of protecting birds says Wraithmell. “These are very target, very modest protections, with a really big benefits.”

Invading the birds privacy in a critical wildlife area is a misdemeanor, but FWC says once established the regulations are almost universally obeyed.

Of the ten new critical wildlife areas, nine are for birds. One is for bats.

Democrats are licking their wounds and wondering where they go from here. As Matt Galka tells us, some are hoping for a new direction.

Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump in Florida. Patrick Murphy couldn’t unseat Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate.  And there was minimal impact at the state level.  Almost any way you look at it – Florida Democrats took a beating on election day.

And now Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Allison Tant won’t seek re-election.  Longtime Democratic National Committee Member Jon Ausman says the party needs to do some soul searching.

“The first thing that has to happen is Democrats across the state have to get together and do a realistic assessment about what happened. Let’s look at the election results, let’s look at the turnout, let’s look at the performance, let’s look at the consultants that were successful versus those who have failed and where we have people who are continually losing election cycle after election cycle, it’s time to let them go,” he said.

One big challenge over the next two years, reconnecting with apathetic voters.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson will be up for re-election in 2018 with Governor Rick Scott rumored as a potential challenger. That fight…along with the fight for the Governor’s mansion…will be tough tests for the Democrats. Consultant Kevin Cate says some of the recent struggles fall on the candidates.

“Well I think Democrats need to speak to the electorate as it is and understand the urgent needs of voters which, right now, they want better jobs and higher wages. And they wanted the system to be shaken up and they certainly shook it up with Donald Trump,” he said.

Democrats will have an uphill climb in the race for the Governor’s mansion in 2018…they haven’t won that position since 1994.

A new Speaker of the Florida House takes office a week from Tuesday, and he’s proposing tough new rules for House members to live by.

Richard Corcoran is a no non-sense Pasco County Republican who takes over as Speaker of the Florida House on November 22. He’s bringing a host of rules changes to the job.

“And when you have an open and transparent process, Mike, then you going to have the greatest output for the people of Florida. When it’s closed doors or when its in secret, or when there’s too much influence of the special interests, and lobbyists have too much control, everyone loses” says the incoming House Speaker.

This is what it can look on the Capitol’s fourth floor when the legislature is in session. Lobbyists everywhere. Here you can see a lobbyist discussing a last minute amendment with a lawmaker. But Under the rules change, members will have at least a day to read how another wants to change their bill before a vote is taken.

“78 yeas”

“We’re gonna add an additional day so we can scrutinize all these amendments, and people people can’t wait until the last second to do what they can’t do openly in the sunshine, that’s why they have to do it at the last minute” says Corcoran.

There are also tough new ethical rules for House members.

And a hip video produced by the House helps explain the changes.”

“No more spending millions of dollars at the last minute” says the animated short.

No flights on private planes owned by lobbyists or the people who hire them.

Lawmakers must disclose new employment with a Government funded agency

And they can’t do business with a registered lobbyist.

There is also a ban of texting between lobbyists to members who are in session or a committee meeting.

Right now, lawmakers have to wait two years before they can lobby. Corcoran wants to extend it to six.

“the revolving door is closed” concludes the video.

Former members who now lobby say extending the ban on lobbying by former members to six years will have little impact on the process. Also, many of the changes, especially when it comes to spending must also be agreed to by the Senate,   and it has yet to weigh in on the changes.

Six million dollars in renovations to the Senate Chamber in the state Capitol are almost complete. Senators will sit at marble coved desks, see information on a 120 inch 4K ultra HD TV mounted on a wall of mahogany, and have their names in lights on a newly designed voting board. The renovations must be complete by the end of next week. Lawmakers are back in the Capitol to organize after the election on November 22nd.

The top two legislative priorities of the NRA this past year, campus carry and open carry were stopped by one lone State Senator, but as Mike Vasilinda tells us, the political roadblock was removed when eh Senator did not win re-election.

Allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry on college campuses, and allowing open carry so police aren’t arresting someone when their weapon is inadvertently exposed,  both died this year, in large part of State Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla. The then Senate Judiciary Chairman refused to hear the bills, even though Open carry sponsor Don Gaetz says Portilla had promised to give the bill a hearing.

“Three times he said he would hear the bill, three times  he failed to hear the bill. He didn’t tell the truth, he mislead us” said Gaetz by phone.

Diaz de la Portilla lost his Senate race to a Democrat who also opposes open and campus carry, but still the NRA calls it a victory.

Q:”His views are no different” we asked. Marion Hammer Responded “At least he’s honest about his views and he’s honest about what he would do.”

The NRA is already looking forward to next year. House and Senate pro gun legislators won in the primary and general election, including pro gun House members who moved to the Senate.

Top on the NRA’s agenda, open carry and campus carry.

“So when you can elect proven second amendment supports to office in the Senate, you help yourself, you help gun owners” says Hammer.

The legislation is expected to face fewer roadblocks after the NRA flexed its muscles this election.

The NRA says it is also cautiously optimistic of Donald Trump’s election, because while he has said he will defend second amendment rights, he is yet to be proven. carrion Hammer says she knows a Hillary victory would have seen efforts at gun control.

After thousands protested President elect Trump nationwide last night, one lone protestor was in front of the State Capitol in Tallahassee today. Wes Armstrong told us he feared what Trump may do for immigrants and gay rights. he’s calling on the people who vote in the electoral college to honor the popular vote and give the presidency to Hillary Clinton.

“The election was for the electoral college to see how thee american people wanted to vote. And as close as it was, all the electoral college needs is to sway 38 votes and they have 38 days to do it.”

Q:”So you are encouraging them to avoid the mandates from their government.”

“Absolutely” responded Armstrong.

Most states bind their electors to vote based on the vote, but not all require the commitment.

Today was the 27th year in a row that ROTC Cadets at Florida State University began ceremonially guarding the Viet Nam Memorial across the street from the Capitol. The students will spend 24 hours at the memorial, with each doing a one hour shift. Cadet Charles Preyser says their presence is a reminder to all to honor veterans past and future.

“To honor them. to embrace veterans of today. These are going to be the soldiers of our future because we are all Army cadets. Um, so yes to memorialize those who have passed in wars past” says the Cadet.

The cadets will be at the memorial until 11 am tomorrow.

The future of blackjack in Florida seems safe thanks to a federal judge. As Matt Galka tells us, the gambling ruling stacks the deck against the state.

Gamblers in Florida can keep taking cards at the blackjack table. A lawsuit between the Seminole Tribe and state of Florida was filed after a provision in the gambling deal between the two allowing exclusive banked card game rights expired in 2015.  The state wanted the games to end when re-negotiations stalled.

But U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that the state didn’t hold up its part of the bargain with the Seminole Tribe when it allowed designated player card games at card rooms and race tracks around the state.

“It said that bank card games ran til 2015 unless the state authorized any other person or entity to offer the games., which the state did,” said Tribe attorney Barry Richard.

So what comes next.  Gambling law expert Marc Dunbar says the ruling costs the state some money.

“That’s going to cost the state 134 million dollars a year,” he said. It’s because the state forfeits the money that comes from locations in Florida where the games aren’t exclusive.

“Oh this is long from over, I would guess there will be an appeal and ongoing discussions between the two sides,” said Dunbar.

The card games can now be offered until 2030 – the original duration of the deal signed in 6 years ago.

The ruling also gives the Seminole Tribe to offer blackjack and other banked card games at two more locations in Florida, but it’s unclear if they plan on doing that.

Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi both played key roles in helping President Elect Trump win Florida. Now, as Mike Vasilinda tells us, bot could be poised to play keep roles in Washington.

Pam Bondi endorsed Donald trump the day before Florida’s primary in March, Rick Scott did so the day after. Scott also ran the Rebuild America Now PAC. He raised and spent 20 million in key battle ground states for Trump.

“Hillary’s priorities are not your priorities” chimed one of the ads.

Now, Scott could likely have any job he wants in DC, but he says he’s  counting the days he has left as governor.

“Governor, if you are offered a job, and there is a rumor you could be offered Health and Human Services Secretary, would you take it?” we asked.

”No” he responded, then went on to say “Here’s the way I look at it. I have 789 days left in this job. I ran hard to get this job, twice. And both hard fought races and I really believe in this state.  think about what I have the opportunity to do; We have the opportunity to give more people a job, improve education every day.”

Scott is widely expected to seek a US Senate Seat in 2018. But Pam Bondi’s future is much more murky.”

We asked Scott if Bondi has a place in a Trump Administration.

“If I was President-elect, she is somebody I would look at” Scott told us.

Melissa Stone is one of Scott’s closed confidants. She believes Scott could win a third term as governor if not for term limits.

“I think you are seeing voters who have one issue. they want the economy to grow, they want jobs to be added,  That’s been Governor Scott’s singular mission, and also a focus for Donald Trump” says Stone.

But in Washington or not, Trump is not likely to forget what Scott and Bondi did to help.

We reached out to Attorney General Pam Bondi, she did not return calls or texts to her cell phone. She was with Donald Trump in New York last night.

More than 50 percent of the states registered voters already cast a ballot before polls opened this morning. And most opened without incident.

Before precinct doors opened Tuesday morning, more than 6.51 million had already cast early or mail ballots.

Good morning. It’s open. Good morning” was the message to waiting voters at precisely 7am.

That means just over 50 percent had voted before election day. Contrast that with 1992, when just 5.3 million people voted overall in the Presidential election.

Lorea Arambarri waited until election day,

“It’s a really motivating election this time around” she explains.

There are 5, 836 polling places in Florida, and when they opened  this morning, only one reported a problem.

A vote counting machine in Jacksonville was the only anomaly reported . It was plugged into a dead outlet and was quickly brought on line.

“Do you have your drivers license handy? She’ll take care of you” said one poll worker to entering voters.

This precinct saw a steady stream of voters. Many, including Bob Russel and Barbara Sapuppo made a conscious decision to wait until election day to vote.

“Oh, it’s Tuesday. You got to vote on Tuesday. It’s like having Christmas early. Do you have Christmas on the 23rd or 24th?” joked Russel.

“A lot of people are working and everything, but we’re not so we have all the time in the world to vote” said Sapuppo.

Keeley Day was perhaps the most enthusiastic voter we met…she gave a double thumbs up on her way out.

“It’s a good day for women” she explained. “The first Woman President is running. It’s a pretty big accomplishment for women everywhere.”

But that remains the big question of the day.

As of noon, a quarter million mail in ballots were yet to be returned. And when the first results are announced at 8 tonight, they are expected to include all 6.5 million of the early and mail in ballots, perhaps shining a light on how the night will turn out.

Call it a November Surprise. The Professional Firefighters of Florida is rescinding it’s endorsement of Amendment one. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the 25,000 member union found the amendment was too controversial.

The pro Amendment one spot 1 implied, without actually saying that solar was the reason for too many unnecessary fires.

“In my job, I see a lot of fires that could have been stopped before they started” chimed the tv message from an Orlando firefighter in full gear.

The board for the Professional Firefighters of Florida made the initial endorsement. Then, after hearing from more than a thousand rank and file members who were’t happy, the board unanimously rescinded their support and immediately asked the TV spot and other advertising be taken down. Jim Tolly is their President.

“And it had just become very controversial on both sides. and so we didn’t go to a vote no position, we just withdrew our endorsement and took no position” Tolly reluctantly told us.

“Consumers for Smart Solar declined to go on camera, but they did send a statement, saying only that they are disappointed.”

No on 1 activists say the about face is in keeping with what they have dubbed the shady solar amendment. Colleen Castille is the former Environment Protection Secretary and now operates a Clean Technology consulting business.
“When it came to light the they were supporting someone that most of them didn’t’t even know about, and it was kind of a sham anyway, I wasn’t surprised.” says Castille.

This is the second major gaffe for the utility backed amendment. In October a James Madison institute Vice President is heard in a leaked recording saying that solar’s popularity could be used against it.

“We can use a little bit of political jujitsu and take take what they are hitting us on and use it to our benefit” is how Sal Nuzzo described the effort to a conference in Tennessee.

The firefighters now say if they have concerns about safety, they will ask state lawmakers to address their issues rather than putting them into the constitution.

Anchor Tag: Amendment one has been polling around 60 percent, which is the required threshold for approval.

You might be sick of them but the political ad blitz is almost over. As Matt Galka tells us, the campaign commercials designed to pull on our heart strings have been especially important in our state…and pretty negative.

They’re everywhere. Political ads flooding airwaves.  And the Wesleyan Media Project from Wesleyan University says Orlando and Tampa are leading the way – both with more than 21,000 ads run since June.

Most have the same formula – try to create a good guy and bad guy – and they can get ugly. Florida’s Senate Race between Marco Rubio and Patrick Murphy is the 5^th least positive in the country.

Political strategist and ad guru Kevin Cate broke down some of the spots for us.

“It’s the black and white for the bad guy and the gospel hallelujah music for whichever candidate is being supported,” he said.

All told nationwide, political advertisements have aired more than three million times with more than $2.4 billion dollars spent just to try and win your vote.

The Hillary Clinton campaign is out-advertising Donald Trump by 3 to 1 nationally. Nearly $50 million dollars have been spent in the Florida I-4 corridor alone on ads for both candidates since June.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is pushing to have judges and juries try death cases, even though the Florida Supreme Court ruled the law setting out a 10-2 jury decision was unconstitutional. Now, Bondi’s efforts have fueled a war of words with defense attorneys.

Florida’s top judges said death must be imposed unanimously by a jury. They threw out a law allowing a 10-2 jury decision. Mark Schlakman is a death penalty expert.

“Some could argue that no proceeding should go forward, and then there will be other scenarios where people might say well, yes, however, you could also proceed with the trial phase and defer on the penalty phase” says Schlakman.

There are at least two cases trying to answer this question, pending now before the start Supreme Court.

The Attorney General is asking the high court to let the trials go forward.

Nancy Daniels is the Public Defender who won the US Supreme Court case that

said juries must be unanimous. We asked her “Can prosecutions go forward, in your mind, now?”  “No” was her response.

Bondi’s lawyers write that prosecutions should still be conducted as long as the trial courts insure the juries final recommendation is unanimous. Daniels says “We don’t think that could possible be true. If it is the courts are going to be guessing what procedures to use, and what jury instructions to give the juries, and that isn’t the way trials and due process of law works.”

Ultimately, state lawmakers must rewrite the law, they get their first chance in two weeks when they come to the Capitol for a one day organization session, but so far it’s not on their agenda.

386 people woke up on death row in Florida, which is second in number only to California, where there have been just 17 executions since the death penalty resumed in 1976. Florida has had 92, which is the fourth most in the nation.

The battle over the solar amendment on election ballots isn’t over. Matt Galka explains why it’s heating up now – and why pro solar environmentalists are asking the state’s high court to step in.

The sun has been at the center of some political controversy this election cycle.  Mainly because of constitutional Amendment 1.  A utility backed proposal supporters say will stabilize electricity costs if people opt for solar, but opponents say it’s deceptive.

The Supreme Court may end up having a role.  A lawsuit was filed Wednesday after leaked audio appeared to show that the amendment was crafted to fool people into voting for a perceived pro-solar initiative.  The audio is from Sal Nuzzo of the James Madison Institute at an energy policy conference in October.

“Solar polls very well to the degree that we can use a little bit of ‘political jiu-jitsu’ and take what they’re hitting us on and use it to our benefit,” he says in part of the tape.

Kim Ross with Rethink Energy Florida says people have been duped.

“We’ve been phone banking and calling and canvassing and every time we do that, we talk to voters who thought that they were supporting solar but voted yes early on, and now have realized they voted in a way they didn’t intend to,” said Ross.

But the Consumers for Smart Solar, the group pushing Amendment 1, says the lawsuit is trying to block people from voting.

“To me, it’s deplorable that anybody would want to not count Floridian’s votes, I think the only way you can look at this is some sort of political grandstanding,” said Screven Watson, the group’s spokesman.

The lawsuit was filed a day before a dozen rallies were staged statewide urging voters to vote No on Amendment 1.

A separate lawsuit also calls on the Secretary of State to not count the votes already cast for Amendment 1 until the court potentially rules.