Gary Fineout, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Gary FineoutJanuary 21, 2016

After a multiyear investigation, Florida is now struggling to figure out what should happen next to a now-closed reform school that was the site of horrific acts and a supposed “rape dungeon.” Researchers from the University of South Florida presented their final report Thursday to Gov. Rick Scott and other elected officials on the closed […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 20, 2016

Amid an ongoing tug-of-war over tax cuts and spending, Florida legislators learned Tuesday that they are going to have less money to spend in the coming year than planned. The changes — as measured in a nearly $80 billion budget — are not significant. But the drop represents another hurdle for Gov. Rick Scott and […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 13, 2016

Attorney General Pam Bondi took a rare stance Wednesday, personally criticizing a Republican-backed measure because she said it would derail an ongoing lawsuit alleging Medicaid fraud. Bondi, who usually remains out of many legislative battles, testified before a House panel that a bill sponsored by a Panama City Republican was a “desperate attempt” to help […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 12, 2016

When he stands before the Florida Legislature for the sixth time on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott will repeat the same message he has given every year since he took office: It’s all about jobs. Scott will open the 60-day session with his annual “State of the State” speech where he will call on Republican leaders […]

Gary FineoutDecember 17, 2015

State Sen. Bill Galvano testified Wednesday that he did not push a new map for Florida Senate districts with the aim of aiding incumbents or fellow GOP legislators. Galvano, who is in line to become Senate president in 2018 if the Republicans maintain control, spent more than two hours on the witness stand defending his […]

Gary FineoutDecember 3, 2015

The Florida Supreme Court approved a sweeping overhaul of the state’s congressional districts on Wednesday, a move that will upend the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2016 elections. The justices ruled 5-2 in favor of the new boundaries for many of Florida’s 27 districts. The ruling signs off on the map that Circuit Judge […]

Gary FineoutNovember 26, 2015

The Florida State University official once in charge of the office that counsels campus rape victims told lawyers suing the school that football players receive special treatment, and that most of the 20 victims who alleged sexual assaults by team members during the past nine years declined to press student conduct charges. Melissa Ashton, who […]

Gary FineoutNovember 23, 2015

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, setting up a likely messy budget fight with the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature, on Monday released a nearly $79.3 billion spending plan that is heavy on tax cuts and help for businesses. Scott, in an event that was similar to campaign rallies he held during his successful re-election campaign, chose a sign […]

Gary FineoutNovember 11, 2015

A long-running legal battle over Florida’s political landscape wound up back before the state Supreme Court on Tuesday where several justices sounded skeptical about the changes proposed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. The hope is that the court will soon end three years of lawsuits, court hearings and special sessions by finally endorsing a new map […]

Gary FineoutNovember 9, 2015

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who loudly opposed a medical marijuana measure that appeared on the 2014 ballot, is staying on the sidelines this time around. Bondi said she is still opposes the effort to legalize medical marijuana, but the state’s top legal officer is remaining silent on whether the Florida Supreme Court should block […]

Gary Fineout
Flamingos at Discovery Cove in Orlando.

State struggles to decide next steps for notorious school

Uh-oh: Legislators might have less money to spend this year

Pam Bondi blasts GOP-backed bill on Medicaid

It’s back to work for GOP-controlled Florida Legislature

Bill Galvano sticks to his story: No partisan intent behind redistricting

Florida Supreme Court approves new congressional map

FSU official details favorable treatment of players

Rick Scott’s budget: Tax cuts, more for schools

Supreme Court considers changes to Florida’s political map

AG Pam Bondi won’t ask court to block pot measure