Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMay 4, 2015

For those wondering which big name Florida Republican will choose to seek higher office 2018, one puzzle piece may soon fall into place. Conservative women’s group Maggie’s List is hosting a major Tampa fundraiser on May 19 that’s to feature a “special announcement” from Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi is widely considered one of the […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 1, 2015

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli’s late-night apology for Rep. Matt Gaetz‘s questionable Twitter posts were not enough. Sen. Arthenia Joyner issued a statement early Friday noting that Gaetz has not apologized and that Crisfulli’s attempts to defuse the situation did not succeed. In her response Joyner said not only were the remarks racist, that the House’s opposition […]

Mitch PerryMay 1, 2015

What was supposed to be the last day of the regular legislative session in Tallahassee is turning into a very bad one for Rep. Matt Gaetz. The House Republican from Fort Walton Beach set off a firestorm Thursday afternoon by tweeting a comment about Senate Democrats’ petition filed to the Florida Supreme Court that challenges the state […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 1, 2015

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli late Thursday night apologized for a controversial Twitter post made by Rep. Matt Gaetz. Crisafulli said he “does not condone the Tweet by @MattGaetz. He is an agitator, yes, but not a racist. Please accept my apology to those offended.” Gaetz started a Twitter war Thursday afternoon after remarking that the Senate Democrats […]

James CallApril 30, 2015

Now Florida lawmakers are arguing on Twitter. The 2015 Regular Session came to a screeching halt Tuesday when the House adjourned three days before the session’s scheduled end. On Thursday, Senate Democrats filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court to order the House back in session on Friday. Senate Republican leaders say the House’s […]

Bruce RitchieApril 29, 2015

The Senate on Wednesday voted to strip off amendments it passed to a bill involving Duke Energy Florida and financing for its Crystal River nuclear plant and sent the bill to the governor. HB 7109 would allow Duke Energy to issue bonds to cover $1.4 billion in operating costs prior to the shutdown of its Crystal […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 29, 2015

With little fanfare, the Senate on Wednesday approved appointees to the boards of medicine, nursing, podiatry, dentistry, chiropractic medicine and physical therapy, among others. The boards are located within the Florida Department of Health and are charged with regulating health care professionals. The Senate had not, however, moved to confirm the Secretary of the Florida […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2015

A Lakeland hospice forced to close by the state over a paperwork error is near reopening by way of a bill passed last week by the Legislature. On Friday, both the Senate and House passed HB 441, giving Compassionate Care Hospice (CCH) on Drane Field Road access to an expedited process to reapply for its license. […]

Bruce RitchieApril 27, 2015

A bill that would allow Duke Energy Florida to issue bonds for the shutdown of its Crystal River nuclear plant isn’t necessarily doomed in the House because of bill changes made by the Senate on Friday, a leading House supporter said. HB 7109 allows Duke Energy Florida to issue bonds for the $1.4 billion nuclear […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

The Senate on Friday voted to send an amended Public Service Commission bill back to the House after Sen. Jack Latvala indicated that Capitol lobbyists are not pleased with it. HB 7109 would limit PSC members to serving three four-year terms and require those who lobby to register the PSC Nominating Council to register as […]

Pam Bondi to make “special announcement” at May 19 fundraiser

Arthenia Joyner calls Matt Gaetz tweet, opposition to Medicaid expansion racist

Mike Hill latest Republican to condemn Matt Gaetz tweet

Steve Crisafulli apologizes for Matt Gaetz’s “disgraceful” tweet

Lawmakers tweet insults over budget dispute

Senate passes Duke/PSC bill after House rejected amendments

Senate OKs DOH appointees, but not chief

Bill to reopen Lakeland hospice goes to governor’s desk

Duke Energy bill not doomed by Senate changes, key House supporter says

Senate sends PSC bill back to House with changes that “folks in the hall” don’t like