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

Gary FineoutSeptember 29, 2015

A three-day trial that could decide the fate of Florida’s political landscape ended Monday as lawyers for both sides accused each other of recommending changes to the state’s 27 congressional districts that could benefit either Republicans or Democrats. Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, who said he would rule sometime in October, must recommend a new map […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 25, 2015

Two Republican state senators tried on Friday to explain to a judge why the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature deadlocked this summer over drawing new boundaries for the state’s 27 congressional districts. Both Sen. Tom Lee and Sen. Bill Galvano, who each played a key role, testified during the second day of a trial that could decide […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 25, 2015

The Florida judge who will play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of the state’s political landscape says he may craft his own proposal to sort out the mess left from squabbling over Florida’s 27 congressional districts. Circuit Judge Terry Lewis has been asked by the state Supreme Court to pick a new congressional map […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 17, 2015

Florida Rep. Richard Corcoran, soon to become one of the most powerful people in state government, delivered a fiery speech Wednesday promising sweeping changes in everything from schools to legislative ethics and how long judges can stay on the bench. Corcoran, a lawyer and one time top aide to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio when Rubio […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 15, 2015

As the NFL season kicks off, another big contest may be soon be played in the halls of the Florida Capitol. The growing fantasy sports industry, which is already subjecting television viewers to a barrage of wall-to-wall advertising with the new football season, is now setting its sights on getting the blessings of the Republican-controlled […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 13, 2015

Two telecommunications companies contend in a new lawsuit that the administration of Gov. Rick Scott is flouting the state’s public records law. The lawsuit is an outgrowth of a dispute over a nearly $400 million state contract the Scott administration recently awarded to a subsidiary of Florida-based Harris Corp. AT&T and a contractor working with […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 9, 2015

As Florida continues to recover from the depths of the recession, the state should have a budget surplus in the coming year, but it may not be big enough to avoid yet another spending battle in the state Capitol. That’s because there may not be enough money for Gov. Rick Scott to cut taxes as […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 2, 2015

Trustees at Florida A&M University turned to an outsider – and the school’s first female president – to lead them out of the turmoil that followed the hazing death of a Marching 100 drum major. But 18 months later the historic school is facing a new crisis marked by allegations of harassment and insubordination – […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 1, 2015

Florida’s new high-stakes test, which came under fire after a chaotic rollout this past spring, is valid according to a new outside study released Tuesday. Education Commissioner Pam Stewart called the results “welcome news” and said the study showed the test “accurately measures Florida student’s mastery of the standards” in math and reading. “Now all […]

Gary FineoutAugust 31, 2015

The Florida prosecutor who investigated numerous state politicians and conducted a high-profile probe into rape allegations against Jameis Winston is ending his lengthy career. State Attorney Willie Meggs said Monday he won’t seek re-election next year when his current term expires. The 72-year-old Meggs has been the lead prosecutor for six north Florida counties since […]

Gary Fineout

Courts now will decide fate of Florida’s political landscape

GOP senators defend Senate version of new congressional map

Redistricting recap: Judge may ‘combine’ maps

Next House speaker: Legislators the enemy, promises change

Gambling or fun? Lawmakers may make call on fantasy sports

Florida sued once again over handling of public records

Budget surplus may not be enough to stop spending battle in Legislature

Power struggle at FAMU after hazing death brings new crisis

New study finds Florida’s high-stakes school tests valid

Long-time prosecutor Willie Meggs, who investigated Jameis Winston, is retiring