Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannJuly 14, 2015

Florida’s leading law enforcement association recognized 10 legislators this week for providing significant advancements in 2015 to the state’s overall public safety. Florida Sheriffs Association is a for-profit corporation representing Florida Sheriffs, as well as nearly 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 Floridians. The association released its annual list of Legislative Champions on Monday night during the group’s Summer Conference […]

Mitch PerryJuly 10, 2015

It was just an average Thursday in the Florida political world. But first a note about Jeb Bush, who announced that through his own campaign and his Super PAC Right to Rise, he’s raised $114 million this year, with all but $11 million coming from Right to Rise, which began fundraising for the “non-candidate” in […]

Mitch PerryJuly 9, 2015

Florida’s political world was shaken Thursday when the state Supreme Court ruled that the GOP-led Legislature had gerrymandered eight congressional districts and called on the Legislature to remedy the situation before the 2016 election. Still to come however, is a court ruling on a separate 2012 lawsuit filed by the League of Women Voters and […]

Mitch PerryJuly 9, 2015

The battle over Medicaid expansion in the Florida Legislature was an intense, emotional issue for many in Tallahassee this year. It was an internecine battle, as House Republicans fought Senate Republicans over expanding health care coverage and a Senate fix to the Low Income Pool program. At times the battle got personal, with some ascribing less than […]

Mitch PerryJuly 6, 2015

Although lawmakers are never pleased when their projects are vetoed out of the state budget, Don Gaetz says the way Gov. Rick Scott handled those vetoes last month still rankles him. “I’ve always had vetoes of projects that I was interested in,” the Niceville senator said of bills axed by Govs. Jeb Bush and Charlie […]

Phil AmmannJune 30, 2015

Florida lawmakers just wanna have fun – to borrow a line from Cyndi Lauper. As summer breaks all over the country, Floridians look forward to visiting vacation spots both at home and across America. The Florida Senate is no different. In the 75-odd days until committee meetings start for the 2016 Legislative Session, a newly announced […]

Mitch PerryJune 30, 2015

Among the many local projects that didn’t escape Rick Scott’s veto pen last week was $2 million earmarked for the Tampa Innovation Alliance, the nascent public-private agency charged with redeveloping the University area of North Tampa. But Mark Sharpe, the agency’s Executive Director, insists that it’s not a big deal. He says the organization never envisioned receiving […]

Mitch PerryJune 29, 2015

Beginning on Wednesday, craft beer enthusiasts will finally be able to purchase 64-ounce growlers at the establishment of their choice in Florida. It’s a big moment for the burgeoning craft beer industry in Florida and its allies in Tallahassee, who had seen their efforts to repeal the unique ban in recent years thwarted by the “Big […]

Matthew IsbellJune 29, 2015

Florida’s western Panhandle has not been exactly known as a hotbed of electoral campaigns during recent election cycles. The region stretching from Pensacola to Panama City is steadfastly Republican in registration and in electoral dominance. GOP primaries decide most fights in the region, and incumbency has ensured few contentious primaries outside of local offices. The region is […]

Bob SparksJune 25, 2015

The Florida Senate and several communities hoping to receive state money for local projects or programs are unhappy. The public food fight between legislative chambers and the governor was an embarrassment that could have serious ramifications. A governor’s use of line-item veto authority is often likened to a surgeon conducting delicate surgery with a scalpel. […]

Tag: Jack Latvala

Florida Sheriffs Association picks Legislative Champions for 2015

Mitch Perry Report for 7.10.15 — A whole lotta political stuff

Jack Latvala hedges bets on possibility of redrawn state Senate seats in 2016

Jack Latvala calls attacks on state senators, spouses in health care “reprehensible”

Don Gaetz still vexed by some Rick Scott vetoes

Florida Senate Majority puts the ‘fun’ in fundraising during summer break

Despite Rick Scott rejection, Mark Sharpe says Tampa Innovation Alliance is right on course

Dana Young and Chris Sprowls to go on “Growler Freedom Tour” on Wednesday

Family matters: excitement builds for western Panhandle primary

Bob Sparks: 2015 leaves Florida Republicans in a dangerous place for 2016