Florida’s Democratic candidates for governor faced off in their fourth primary debate July 18 at Florida Gulf Coast University. The debate was the first to include all five frontrunners in the primary, including former congresswoman Gwen Graham, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, Orlando businessman Chris King, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, and for the first time, Palm Beach County billionaire Jeff Greene.
WINK News anchors Chris Cifatte and Lois Thome moderated the debate, posing questions to the candidates on topics ranging from Florida’s water woes and the political influence of the sugar industry to public education funding and school safety healthcare access, affordable housing, medical marijuana and much more. We listen back to the debate in its entirety.
Rachel Iacovone / WGCU
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WGCU
Debuting in his first debate as a candidate, Palm Beach County billionaire and real estate tycoon Jeff Greene pushes the issue of education repeatedly, expressing his disappointment in the low reading level of Florida students.
Rachel Iacovone / WGCU
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WGCU
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum tells the crowd, like the other candidates on stage, he supports a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, but he is also concerned about the 50,000 citizens living in the surrounding areas.
Rachel Iacovone / WGCU
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WGCU
Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham reiterates her plan for an executive order banning assault style weapons during her closing remarks.
Rachel Iacovone / WGCU
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WGCU
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine outlines his plans for increased school security, including a step-by-step process of where exactly the money would come from to harden Florida schools after the mass shooting in nearby Parkland.
Rachel Iacovone / WGCU
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WGCU
During the debate, Orlando entrepreneur Chris King introduces his idea for a so-called bullet tax that would create a continuous revenue flow to be put toward school security.
