Associated Press, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressMay 13, 2017

Chaos is President Donald Trump’s style, yet as long as the Republican delivers on health care, taxes and tapping a new FBI director as solid as his Supreme Court pick, GOP leaders say everything will be just fine. While Trump’s abrupt firing of FBI Director James Comey roiled Washington, Republicans who attended the national committee’s […]

Associated PressMay 12, 2017

Florida’s tourism marketing agency was forced to sign a new contract after a newspaper pointed out it hired a firm to advertise to potential Syrian tourists. VISIT FLORIDA officials said Friday a “clerical error” caused them to include Syria on a list of countries the agency planned to advertise in. VISIT FLORIDA CEO Ken Lawson signed […]

Associated PressMay 12, 2017

President Donald Trump, in an apparent warning to his fired FBI director, said Friday that James Comey had better hope there are no “tapes” of their conversations. Trump’s tweet came the morning after he asserted Comey had told him three times that he wasn’t under FBI investigation. “I said, ‘If it’s possible, would you let […]

Associated PressMay 10, 2017

After conquering Hollywood, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may have his sights set on the White House. The actor and former pro wrestler tells GQ that a presidential run is “a real possibility.” Johnson says if he were president, leadership would be a top priority. Johnson isn’t revealing much about his political leanings, but says he’s […]

Associated PressMay 10, 2017

With his shocking dismissal of FBI Director James Comey, Donald Trump is propelling the presidency into rarely traversed territory. His surprise announcement Tuesday flouts decades of presidential deference to the nation’s top law enforcement agency and its independence. It earns Trump the dubious distinction of being the first president since Richard Nixon to fire the […]

Associated PressMay 10, 2017

The leader behind getting Florida’s medical marijuana constitutional amendment passed last year is calling on Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature’s leaders to hold a special session to get rules enacted. Orlando attorney John Morgan posted an eight-minute video on Tuesday and said it is Scott’s obligation to convene a special session to finish up […]

Associated PressMay 9, 2017

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast has unveiled a proposal that would speed up the completion of Everglades restoration projects, including a massive reservoir system south of Lake Okeechobee approved by the Florida Legislature this year. The bill will be formally introduced Thursday and would expedite the ambitious plan by a top Florida Republican to build a […]

Associated PressMay 8, 2017

Tampa International Airport’s cargo business is growing, thanks in large part to the online retailer Amazon. Seattle-based Amazon has opened two enormous distribution centers in the greater Tampa Bay area. To supply those warehouses with merchandise, Amazon is shipping goods to Tampa International Airport daily aboard a Boeing 767 cargo freighter plane. The Tampa Bay […]

Associated PressMay 8, 2017

Three schools canceled classes due to smoky conditions from a nearby wildfire as Florida’s agriculture commissioner said the state is in the “midst of its worst wildfire season in years – with no end in sight.” Commissioner Adam Putnam said in a news release that nearly 125 active wildfires were burning Monday morning. Officials in […]

Associated PressMay 8, 2017

Owners of small, independent liquor stores in central Florida are asking customers to support their efforts urging the governor to veto a bill allowing the sale of spirits in grocery stores. A proposal nicknamed the “Whiskey and Wheaties Bill” (SB 106) would allow grocery stores, big box retailers and other stores to sell liquor alongside […]

Associated Press

GOP leaders dismiss James Comey firing as fleeting political drama

Leave Syria, visit Florida? Tourism agency makes error

Donald Trump to James Comey: Better hope there are no ‘tapes’ of talks

Rock nation? Dwayne Johnson considering run for White House

Donald Trump thrusts U.S. presidency into perilous area

Calls grow for Special Session on medical marijuana

Brian Mast looking to fast track Lake Okeechobee reservoir

Amazon’s presence in Tampa area means booming cargo business

Florida Ag commissioner: ‘No end in sight’ for wildfires

Independent liquor stores fight ‘Whiskey and Wheaties Bill’