This week, lawmakers are parsing Florida’s budget in Tallahassee as state Rep. Chris Sprowls — the newly designated House Speaker for next year — says they have a spending problem. But Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Rob Bradley disagrees, saying: “not really.”
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is asking state legislators to ante up for the Florida Forest Service. With the threat of wildfires looming in the Panhandle due to Hurricane Michael devastation, Fried says the agency is still using Vietnam War-era helicopters.
— A newly released Florida Atlantic University poll shows Elizabeth Warren gaining ground on Joe Biden in the Sunshine State. Warren, Biden and Bernie Sanders are each in a statistical tie against Donald Trump in Florida. But political guru Steve Vancore has some concerns about the poll’s methodology.
— Adventures of Florida Woman: Police in Ocoee are searching for a Florida woman accused of attacking employees of a local Burger King. She was in the drive-thru when something set her off, where she then left her car, went inside and battered several workers and damaged some fixtures. The burger basher was last seen driving off in a bright orange Dodge Charger.