Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMay 15, 2016

As he gets ready to “go home,” as departing legislators like to say, outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner has no regrets or hard feelings. He did have choice words regarding lobbyists for gambling concerns, however: They “just get greedy.” Gardiner, an opponent of gambling expansion, recently sat down with Capital Correspondent Jim Rosica for an “exit interview.” He leaves office later this […]

Gary FineoutMay 13, 2016

The Seminole Tribe of Florida, owner of Florida’s largest casinos, is trying to get a federal judge to block the publication of information related to a trial that could upend their businesses and to seal a key deposition until it can be redacted. Tribal attorneys this week filed an emergency motion seeking to seal a […]

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

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Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 2 p.m. with the most recent Zika cases in the state. Gov. Rick Scott is heading to the nation’s capital to “meet with Congressional leaders on Zika preparedness,” his office announced. His daily schedule shows him departing the Enterprise Florida board meeting in Naples, his hometown, and departing […]

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

A former member of the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission said the group doesn’t have “jack” to do. That’s why the commission — charged with reviewing rules to protect the state’s environment — hardly ever meets, the person said. The former commissioner asked not to be named. But a current member explained the body, whose members don’t get paid, always meets when there’s business […]

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has tapped his former top environmental lawyer for a spot on the state’s Environmental Regulation Commission. But Craig Varn might not have a lot to do as a member: The commission has cancelled every one of its monthly meetings so far this year. Scott named him to the commission on Tuesday. Varn, 47, was general […]

Jim RosicaMay 10, 2016

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Florida Gov. Rick Scott is telling #NeverTrump’ers: Get with the program. “My goal with regard to the presidential race is to get the Republican Party unified,” he said. The Naples Republican, who officially endorsed Trump, spoke to reporters after a Florida Cabinet meeting. “It’s a clear choice,” the governor said. “We’ve got a businessperson, Donald […]

Ryan RayMay 10, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday OK’d a plan to buy still more conservation easements. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam approved the $6.6 million in deals at a Cabinet meeting. The land, in Osceola County south of St. Cloud, will be set […]

guestMay 9, 2016

“Buy the land, send the water south” has become a rallying cry for Florida activists looking to return the flow of water from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades. This mantra tells me history has been forgotten and common sense ignored. My fear is this mindset is tied to buying more land that would put rural […]

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 […]

Jim RosicaApril 29, 2016

The head of the state’s child-advocate program has made the final cut to become a north Florida circuit judge. The 2nd Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announced that Alan Abramowitz and five others had been recommended to Gov. Rick Scott to fill a slot being vacated by current Judge George Reynolds III. He sits in Tallahassee. Abramowitz, executive director of […]

Peter Schorsch: From the ‘gambling boys’ to (un)popularity contests

Seminole Tribe trying to stop publication of financial info

Rick Scott to talk Zika in D.C.

Environmental review board doesn’t have much to do

Craig Varn named to environmental board that hasn’t met this year

Rick Scott: GOP need to unify around Donald Trump

Rick Scott, Cabinet approve land conservation deal

Gary Ritter: State should complete its water projects before buying more land

Rick Scott budget official and others vying for PSC opening

Alan Abramowitz makes final cut for judgeship