Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 30, 2016

Three Southwest Florida lawmakers are asking Gov. Rick Scott to include Lee County in an emergency declaration to address blue-green algae blooms. In a joint statement Thursday, Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, and Reps. Matt Caldwell and Ray Rodrigues said Scott’s emergency declaration for Martin and St. Lucie counties is “drawing much-needed attention to the algal blooms and […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 29, 2016

The South Florida Water Management is responding to critics who say the district isn’t doing enough to stop the spread of blue-green algae. Blue-green algae forced Treasure Coast officials to close some Martin County beaches this week. The algae also have been spotted in waterways and canals across much of South Florida. A spokesman for the […]

Keith MorelliJune 10, 2016

Fifty-four-year-old Bridget Kirouac was followed home by Martin County sheriff’s deputies just over two years ago after a visit to Mr. Nice Guy Hydroponics. Deputies raided her home and found about 20 marijuana plants, some cannabis tincture and some harvested pot. She said she needs the marijuana to help get her through days of pain […]

Associated PressMay 24, 2016

A summer flu seemed to be sweeping through Rachel Heid‘s riverfront neighborhood. Pale and shaky, she left work with a fever. Neighbors had the same symptoms, and a contractor at her home felt so sick he went to the hospital. Heid thought the neighborhood children were passing a bug around their circle. She never suspected […]

Ryan RayApril 20, 2016

A group protesting the expansion of passenger rail in South Florida never heard back from the feds. But they did obtain a letter addressed to the rail plan they oppose. The group, Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida, said they worked with U.S. Rep. Bill Posey to get a copy of the communiqué after hearing the Federal Railroad […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 26, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in three Florida counties and called on President Barack Obama to fully fund repairs needed to operate the Herbert Hoover Dike. Scott, a Naples Republican, declared a state of emergency in Lee, Martin and St. Lucie counties on Friday. The decision came after record rainfall drenched […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 16, 2016

Adam Putnam was met by a crowd of angry Treasure Coast residents during a stop in Martin County last week. Putnam, the state’s agriculture commissioner, was greeted by protesters calling on the state and the Army Corps of Engineers to stop discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee River. In […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 12, 2016

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Candidates who want to keep Martin County different from the rest of crowded South Florida have lost county commission races when two who favor careful growth run against one development-friendly contender. In past elections, the two candidates who support careful growth split the majority vote and the candidate who developers favor coasts to victory on […]

Sally SwartzFebruary 11, 2016

Candidates who want to keep Martin County different from the rest of crowded South Florida have lost county commission races when two who favor careful growth run against one development-friendly contender. In past elections, the two candidates who support careful growth split the majority vote and the candidate who developers favor coasts to victory on […]

Sally SwartzFebruary 1, 2016

Martin Commissioner John Haddox knows how to push a plan that has little public interest or support. First, schedule a meeting that doesn’t include any representatives of the general public or anyone who doesn’t support the plan. Next, declare that all the folks who attend support the plan, even if they don’t. Haddox used the […]

Tag: Martin County

Lizbeth Benacquisto, Matt Caldwell and Ray Rodrigues request Lee County be added to emergency declaration

SFWMD responds to criticism over blue-green algae blooms

Martin County woman faces trial for medical pot prescribed by Maine doctor

As Zika spreads, Florida town a study in bug-borne illness

Anti-rail group responds to letter from federal transit agency

Rick Scott declares state of emergency in Lee, Martin, St. Lucie counties

Angry protesters demand that Adam Putnam put stop to Lake Okeechobee releases

Sally Swartz: If growth advocates split vote, can conservationist win Martin commission seat?

Sally Swartz: If growth advocates split vote, can conservationist win Martin commission seat?

Sally Swartz: Martin commissioners need research before deciding whether to move Fairgrounds