Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschAugust 17, 2018

Matthew Surrency, mayor of Hawthorne in Alachua County, was named president of the Florida League of Mayors at the organization’s annual business meeting Thursday. Surrency will serve a one-year term as the League’s president. “I’m honored,” Surrency said. “Mayors across Florida have long benefited from working together to solve common issues. I’m really looking forward to working with our […]

Drew WilsonApril 28, 2018

Airbnb this week touted a new report showing Florida seniors are cashing checks thanks to its platform, and the Florida League of Cities said that announcement is proof the company doesn’t need to bypass local governments in the vacation rental food fight. The report showed Florida Airbnb hosts aged 55 and older made more than […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2018

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Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign a measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Scott made the announcement early Wednesday at a “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony for Florida’s fallen firefighters at The Capitol. The legislation (SB 376) is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder has passed the Legislature unanimously and now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. A spokesman on Monday said the governor will “review the legislation” when received, but would not commit to Scott’s approval. The legislation is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

Without debate, the Florida Senate on Saturday unanimously passed a bill to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure (SB 376) was among several added to a rare weekend sitting to handle pending school safety legislation. That’s in response to last month’s deadly shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas […]

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire Marshal, Thursday applauded a Senate panel’s unanimous approval of a workers’ compensation insurance bill that could provide expanded benefits to first responders with job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. “Last year, four states, including Texas, passed measures that give first responders the needed access to mental health benefits […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 26, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s fire marshal, called the Florida League of Cities “disgraceful” for “attempting to derail” legislation that would allow first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to mental health benefits. Patronis issued a news release Monday. “Florida League of Cities lobbyists have, at every step of the legislative committee process, vehemently […]

Scott PowersFebruary 12, 2018

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham has received endorsements from Hawthorne Mayor Matt Surrency and two former mayors, Cindy Lerner of Pinecrest and Shirley Freeman of Monroe County, her campaign announced Monday morning. In a news release Graham, a former congresswoman from Tallahassee, heralded the endorsements as relevant in an era when the Florida Legislature is pursuing […]

Jim RosicaOctober 25, 2017

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Despite concerns about its effectiveness, a House panel Wednesday unanimously cleared legislation to tweak state law on making threats online. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 165), backed by Belleview Republican Stan McClain, who said he was prompted by “the explosion of social media in our society.” State law now makes it a […]

Guest AuthorAugust 21, 2017

Sometimes Florida’s cities find themselves at odds with the state Legislature over the principle of home rule. That cherished concept, supported by an overwhelming majority of Florida’s citizens, reflects the view that the closer government is to the people, the more effective, fair and responsive it will be. Over this past year, we have seen […]

Tag: Florida League of Cities

Personnel note: Matthew Surrency named president of Florida League of Mayors

League of Cities gives Airbnb a dose of snark

Rick Scott says he’ll sign first responders’ benefits bill

Bill to help first responders heads to Rick Scott

Senate passes PTSD benefits for first responders

Jimmy Patronis can’t stop, won’t stop for first responders

Jimmy Patronis: League of Cities’ opposition to benefits for first responders is ‘disgraceful’

Gwen Graham touts endorsements from mayor, two former mayors

‘Online threats’ bill moves despite questions, concerns

Gil Ziffer: Protect home rule and let cities work