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

Melissa RossJanuary 21, 2016

Despite statewide pleas to veto it, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Thursday a water policy bill decried by the state’s environmentalists but loved by agriculture interests. St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman joined the chorus of critics blasting the move as one of short-term expediency at the expense of the long-term goal of protecting […]

Melissa RossJanuary 20, 2016

In a series of broadsides at Gov. Rick Scott and the state’s House leadership, a panel of national health policy experts convened by the League of Women Voters of Florida has released a blistering report to the media outlining the Republican leadership’s decision not to expand Medicaid – in particular, its growing effect on Florida […]

Melissa RossJanuary 19, 2016

Death penalty cases across Florida have been thrown into a state of uncertainty after last week’s Supreme Court ruling finding the state’s sentencing system for capital cases unconstitutional. That’s simply more heartache for Jacksonville’s Farah family, who say they simply want closure after the 2013 slaying of Shelby Farah. “I never believed in the death […]

Melissa RossJanuary 15, 2016

In Jacksonville, Peter Rummell giveth, and Peter Rummell taketh away. That was a lesson very publicly learned by former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. Now, ousted One Spark founder Elton Rivas is the latest to get his walking papers after the powerful money man behind the popular (but financially struggling) crowdfunding festival decided the spark was […]

Melissa RossJanuary 14, 2016

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One of the premier facilities in America treating veterans and NFL players for traumatic brain injury and PTSD has chosen Jacksonville as its location for expansion into the Southeast. The renowned Eisenhower Center, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, settled on North Florida in part because of the region’s international recognition as a medical tourism destination […]

Melissa RossJanuary 12, 2016

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Animal rights groups have scored a major victory against the Greatest Show On Earth, but that isn’t stopping the protests. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, America’s best-known circus, announced Monday it will relocate all its elephants to a conservation center here in Florida by the end of May. That pushes up the […]

Melissa RossJanuary 11, 2016

When Mitt Romney said “Corporations are people, my friend,” at the 2011 Iowa State Fair, Citizens United was just over a year old. That U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing corporate personhood would go on to spark a national grassroots movement that its founders say is winning over both conservatives and liberals, who believe in the idea of […]

Melissa RossJanuary 11, 2016

The Jacksonville City Council meets Tuesday, and the entire 19-member body has sponsored a new bill that would repurpose the Better Jacksonville Plan with a half-cent sales tax to pay down the city’s massive unfunded pension liability. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry says he’s willing to ask the voters to approve the idea with a referendum. […]

Melissa RossJanuary 8, 2016

Whether it’s the construction of green buildings, pushing more public transit, or investing in sustainable infrastructure, the Sunshine State is practically flunking when it comes to energy efficiency. That’s according to a new scorecard by a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has issued grades to Florida’s four largest cities. Jacksonville got a 26 […]

Melissa RossJanuary 7, 2016

Humbled, contrite, and saying he’s found Jesus, 4th Circuit Public Defender Matt Shirk is forging ahead with a campaign for a third term, despite a grand jury urging him to quit after scandal plagued his tenure in office. “I have a good record to stand on and intend to make that known to the public,” […]

Melissa Ross
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

St. Johns Riverkeeper blasts Rick Scott, Legislature over water policy bill

Florida counties “in crisis” without Medicaid expansion, League report says

Jax death penalty case in spotlight after Supreme Court ruling

Elton Rivas on leaving One Spark: “A leader serves as a privilege, not as a divine right”

Amid growing NFL concussion concerns, Mark Brunell to lead Eisenhower Center’s expansion into Jacksonville

Ringling to retire elephants early; Jacksonville protests still planned

“Move to Amend” rolls through Florida with pushback to Citizens United ruling

Labor lawyer pushes back on Lenny Curry pension plan: “We’re setting ourselves up for another crisis”

Florida cities among the least energy efficient in America

Matt Shirk seeks 3rd term: “I’ve owned up to my mistakes … moving forward”