Are U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and the owner of the Hollywood nursing home where nine people died more than just acquaintances?
That’s what the National Republican Senatorial Committee wants to know.
On Thursday, the NRSC blasted Nelson over a June 2012 campaign donation made by the owner of the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, Jack Michel.
The $1,000 donation came directly from Michel, the president of the nursing home where nine people died following a power outage from Hurricane Irma.
“Senator Bill Nelson doesn’t want you to know that he has ties to Jack Michel the owner of Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills nursing home,” the NRSC said.
So far, Nelson has been mum about his relationship -- if there is one -- with Michel, but the NRSC had a lot of questions to ask about the donation and why Michel gave Nelson money when he ran for office five years ago.
“Enquiring minds want to know how deep is this connection,” the NRSC wrote. “Has Nelson met Michel? Has Michel ever attended a fundraiser for Nelson? Has Nelson ever met with Michel to talk about his nursing home?”
The NRSC slammed the donation as “politicking 101” and accused Nelson of being hypocritical for criticizing the nursing home “without telling the full story.”
“It’s time that Nelson explains his relationship with Jack Michel because Floridians deserve to know,” the NRSC wrote.
The donation is one of two from Michel, who also donated to former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos in 2011.
Nelson's office denies the senator knows Michel.
"He’s one of tens of thousands of people who’ve contributed to one of Nelson’s campaigns over the years," a spokesperson told the Tampa Bay Times.
Last week, the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills made headlines after eight people died following a power outage post-Hurricane Irma.
By Tuesday, a ninth person had perished from effects of the sweltering conditions at the home.
The Hollywood police have launched an independent investigation into the incident and Gov. Rick Scott has vowed to hold the responsible parties accountable for the deaths of the nine elderly people who died at the home.
Nelson teamed up with fellow U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio to create an advisory panel following the tragedy at the facility, warning other nursing homes the time had come for a massive crackdown on how ALFs operate. The panel will look into how local, state and federal officials can help better prepare senior facilities before, during and after emergencies like Hurricane Irma.
“The ALF’s and nursing homes are patrolled, regulated by the state of Florida. And so there’s going to be some hell to pay, because they are going to have to tighten down on the regulations to make sure the nursing homes for the frail, elderly are doing the job,” said Nelson last Friday.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
