Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineOctober 11, 2016

State regulators approved a 5.5 percent increase in water rates Tuesday for residents of a Pasco County retirement community. But Utilities Inc. of Florida can apply the new rates only after it switches from its own discolored, malodorous and nasty-tasting supply to cleaner county water. The new rates will amount to $48,235 per year — […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 21, 2016

Jeffrey Bragg has been tapped to head up Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs. Bragg will replace Sam Verghese, the current Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs, according to Gov. Rick Scott’s Office. Verghese, the Governor’s Office announced Wednesday, is stepping down to pursue options in the private sector. Verghese’s last day is Sept. 23. […]

Michael MolineSeptember 14, 2016

The lights seem likely to stay on in Florida for the next 10 years, utility industry representatives told the Public Service Commission Wednesday. Reserve margins for the electricity supply should exceed 20 percent during that time, due to increased reliance on natural gas — projected to hold steady at 65 percent of supply. Renewable energy […]

Michael MolineSeptember 13, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission delayed a vote Tuesday on whether to allow a private utility to boost rates so it can switch customers from the unpleasant-tasting, discolored, sediment-filled water it supplies, to cleaner water provided by Pasco County. Residents of the Summertree retirement community in New Port Richey and county officials objected to the proposed […]

Michael MolineAugust 22, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission opened hearings Monday on Florida Power & Light Co.’s request for nearly $1.3 billion in rate increases during the next three years, with an array of customers on hand to oppose the hikes. The increases are “unprecedented and unwarranted,” said Patricia Christensen of the Office of Public Counsel, which represents […]

Staff ReportsAugust 17, 2016

Three candidates won nominations Wednesday to sit on the Florida Public Service Commission. Their names go to Gov. Rick Scott, who will make the final selection. The top vote-getter during a meeting in Orlando of the PSC Nominating Council was Donald Polmann, with eight votes. The Dunedin resident is a registered professional engineer with three degrees, […]

Peter SchorschAugust 1, 2016

Mike Fasano took to social media last week to “shame” GOP political consulting firm Data Targeting for having the audacity to request public personnel records. In doing so, the Pasco County Tax Collector — recognized with the Friend of the First Amendment award only last year — disappointed a number of people, including several of his friends. But in the […]

Peter SchorschJuly 28, 2016

What a difference four years can make. Especially in the world of politics. Elected officials change their positions. Sometimes it can happen when new facts emerge, or because of a desire to follow the will of the people who elected them to serve. And then there are the other scenarios. Take my friend Pasco County […]

Jim RosicaJuly 28, 2016

A state panel on Thursday picked eight applicants — including unsuccessful Insurance Commissioner contender Jeffrey S. Bragg — to be interviewed for a seat on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The Public Service Commission Nominating Council will hold interviews Aug. 17, with the goal of selecting three finalists for Gov. Rick Scott‘s consideration. One person tapped by the council is Scott’s deputy policy coordinator. […]

Jim RosicaMay 5, 2016

Those vying for an open seat on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) range from seemingly unqualified to having decades of regulatory experience. One of the contenders is Gov. Rick Scott‘s current deputy policy coordinator. Another comes recommended by a current state senator and a former University of Florida president. The state’s Office of Legislative Services on Thursday released copies […]

Tag: Florida Public Service Commission

Water rate hike approved for Pasco community, but with big string attached

Rick Scott appoints Jeffrey Bragg as the Secretary of Elder Affairs

Florida utilities keeping up with demand for electricity

PSC balks at water rate hike in Pasco County

PSC opens hearings on FPL rate hike

Public Service Commission nominees down to 3, Rick Scott to decide winner

First Amendment Foundation calls Mike Fasano’s conditions on public record access ‘highly inappropriate,’ illegal

Mike Fasano, it’s none of your business who requests public records

Jeffrey Bragg, 7 others make cut for PSC opening

Rick Scott budget official and others vying for PSC opening