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

Guest AuthorJune 23, 2016

Here are the 15 quick notes I put out Thursday about the new census data. More coming on all this soon: 2015 census estimates are out today. Some really interesting things in Florida. First, population up almost 1.5 million to just over 20.7 million. Florida is growing at a slightly slower rate than 2000-10, but […]

Guest AuthorJune 23, 2016

It’s been a difficult and emotional week for many of us, but nothing can compare to the grief and sorrow experienced by the family and friends who lost loved ones in the Orlando massacre. I had the opportunity to visit Orlando last weekend to pay my respects, and was moved by the courage of the […]

Guest AuthorJune 21, 2016

The day before I jetted to Charlotte for a weeklong vacation, unspeakable ugliness ambushed the City Beautiful. First, it descended upon an Orlando nightspot where more than 300 revelers came on “Latin Night” to live “la vida loca.” Later, it crept into my bedroom. Early that Sunday at Pulse, too many fathers, mothers, sons and […]

Guest AuthorJune 21, 2016

As the 2016 presidential election nears, all eyes will be on Florida with its 29 electoral votes. Floridians are a unique melting pot with a diverse population and a wide-range of political beliefs. Without a doubt, one key topic this cycle will be the need for comprehensive immigration reform and to address the 11.5 million […]

Guest AuthorJune 20, 2016

With Florida being an $80 billion enterprise and the third-largest state in the nation, it is alarming that its procurement statutes, rules and policy have not been significantly changed in decades, contributing to our state lagging behind most states in the effective use of technology to make our state a better place to live and […]

Guest AuthorJune 19, 2016

On June 22, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will discuss whether to open another Florida black bear hunt. It was a bad idea last year, and it’s a bad idea this year, especially now that a group of knowledgeable Florida scientists has sent a detailed letter to the state’s wildlife agency. They make […]

Guest AuthorJune 17, 2016

I, like every American, am deeply saddened by the horrific terrorist attack that took place in Orlando last weekend. Innocent lives were viciously taken, and families were torn apart. There are a lot of questions surrounding the details and motivations of this attack. We do know a shooter, who had previously been under investigation by […]

Guest AuthorJune 17, 2016

At this time of year, we always see the TV commercials advising the perfect gift for Father’s Day. It is interesting that as the year’s pass by the gifts matter so much less, and it is the times long past that we crave to recapture, even if for just a day. Yet we are bombarded […]

Guest AuthorJune 16, 2016

Much like vacations, road trips, and barbecues, summertime brings with it a seasonal spike in residential energy consumption. The Sunshine State is certainly no exception. We use plenty of power to cool our homes and charge the electronics in the hands of our children. No doubt, this very hot, energy-intensive season is a good time […]

Guest AuthorJune 16, 2016

Hey, NRA. Yeah, I’m talking to you, you ruggedly handsome, semi-terrifying devil. Who am I? Why, I’m your worst nightmare. The one you’re always talking about. The one that keeps those membership dues flowing. I’m the Democrat who wants to take away your guns. Turns out, I’m not just a purely hyperbolic invention. I believe […]

Guest Author
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Steve Schale’s 15 quick tidbits on the new 2015 census estimates

Rene Garcia: Stakes too high for rhetoric in addressing mass shooting epidemic

Darryl E. Owens: The horror of wounded empathy — or when mass shootings become humdrum

Julio Fuentes: Our current immigration system is not fostering talent & innovation

AIF supports needed IT procurement, contracting reform for the state of Florida

Kate MacFall: Florida black bear hunt — bad idea last year; bad idea this year

Randy Perkins: Hatred, terrorism, gun violence and mental health

Ed Moore: The best Father’s Day gifts are not bought

Dan Peterson: The growing cost of keeping the lights on

Ben Pollara: Unsolicited advice to the NRA