Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJuly 13, 2018

Volunteer Florida announced two recent changes to the organization’s leadership: — Gov. Rick Scott appointed David Mica Jr. to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Volunteer Florida. — The Volunteer Florida Commission unanimously voted Autumn Karlinsky to preside as Chair for the 2018-19 year. “Volunteer Florida is always ready to support our local communities, especially […]

Staff ReportsJuly 4, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott has proclaimed July as “Recreation and Parks Month” in Florida, the Florida Park Service announced this week. “People from across the world come to Florida to enjoy our state’s natural beauty,” Scott said in a statement. “I encourage all Floridians and visitors to take advantage of our 175 state parks. “Our state […]

Staff ReportsJuly 3, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags at half-staff to honor the victims of the June 28 shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland. The order was effective immediately on Tuesday till sunset. The U.S. and state flags will “be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of […]

Jim RosicaJuly 3, 2018

An appellate court delivered the equivalent of a judicial smackdown Tuesday following its decision last month to reinstate a delay on the effect of a lower court’s ruling that medical marijuana can be smoked in Florida. A unanimous three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal (DCA) issued a 5-page order calling Circuit Judge Karen Gievers‘ ruling to allow patients […]

Staff ReportsJuly 2, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott says he has told the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to “file a budget amendment to redirect funding for homelessness prevention services.” Scott announced the move in a news release Monday. “The Florida Legislature provided DCF spending authority in the FY 2018-19 budget, but did not provide dollars needed to fund these […]

Staff ReportsJuly 2, 2018

The Florida Education Association (FEA) is asking a court to declare unconstitutional the Legislature’s controversial education bill that could lead to some teacher unions across the state being decertified. Among other things, HB 7055, which took effect July 1, expands the use of voucher-like scholarships to send more public-school students to private schools. But it also “unfairly targets […]

Peter SchorschJune 30, 2018

Patriotism in the Sunshine State While the president may have a ‘Winter White House’ in Mar-a-Lago, Florida doesn’t quite make the cut as one of the most patriotic states in the union. According to a new WalletHub study that compiled the “Most Patriotic States in America,” the Sunshine State could use a bit more of […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2018

Despite interviewing five “quality candidates” on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet held off on appointing a new head of the state’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). Instead, they decided to keep the application period open through mid-July. Thirty-four people already had applied. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and […]

Jim RosicaJune 26, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott didn’t telegraph his interest in who should be the state’s top financial regulator at a Tuesday campaign stop in Jacksonville for his U.S. Senate campaign. Earlier, an aide to the Governor at a Cabinet Aides meeting said he would announce his preference later in the day. When asked whether Republican state Rep. Jay […]

Staff ReportsJune 23, 2018

In her lifelong fight against child abuse, state Senator Lauren Book has found a friend in America’s favorite pastime. The Plantation Democrat brought together 1,000 middle and elementary school children from seven schools in the Bronx for a walk to advocate for child safety and protection Thursday. Led by Book, the large group of children […]

Tag: Gov. Rick Scott

Personnel note: David Mica Jr. named CEO of Volunteer Florida

It’s ‘Recreation and Parks Month’ in Florida

Flags at half-staff to honor victims of Maryland newspaper shooting

Appellate court calls out ‘abuse of discretion’ in medical marijuana case

Rick Scott orders money for homelessness prevention

Teachers union sues over contentious education bill

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Patriotism in the Sunshine State

Rick Scott, Cabinet delay decision on hiring new OFR head

Rick Scott won’t say whether he likes Jay Fant as OFR head

Takeaways from Tallahassee — At the old ballgame