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

Jim RosicaDecember 2, 2016

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“University” for House members starts next week, but don’t worry about drop/add period or credit loads. The Florida House of Representatives on Friday released a calendar for next Tuesday and Wednesday’s “Legislator University,” Speaker Richard Corcoran’s initiative to train new lawmakers on the fine points of policymaking. “We want to give you the maximum freedom […]

Jim RosicaDecember 1, 2016

An aide to then-Florida state Sen. Maria Lorts Sachs has sued his former employer, saying she “exposed (him) to unwelcome sexual conduct” by frequently undressing in front of him. Matthew Damsky sued the Florida Senate in Leon County Circuit Civil court this week on gender discrimination and retaliation charges. The 68-year-old Sachs, elected to the […]

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2016

State Rep. Larry Metz says Parkinson’s disease is “not going to affect (his) future.” Metz, a Yalaha Republican who represents House District 32 in Lake County, revealed his diagnosis during a Monday interview for an opening on the Florida Supreme Court. The 61-year-old, a lawyer in private practice, did not make the final cut. On Tuesday night, he told FloridaPolitics.com he didn’t “want […]

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2016

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Fret not, cigar loving members of the Governors Club: The ‘front porch’ is still in the works. Despite years of delays, an outdoor deck in front of the private club at Adams Street and College Avenue “is still a go,” said general manager Barry Shields. The deck, which will hold 10 to 12 outdoor tables under […]

Jim RosicaNovember 29, 2016

Florida Senate President Joe Negron on Tuesday released leadership posts, including four Democrats, and committee assignments for the 2017 and 2018 Legislative Sessions. Wilton Simpson of Trilby is now Senate Republican Leader and Kelli Stargel of Lakeland is the deputy leader. Simpson, a Pasco County farmer, is on track to assume the Senate presidency himself in 2020-22 as long […]

Jim RosicaNovember 29, 2016

An administrative law judge is recommending dismissing a challenge to the Department of Corrections seeking outside substance-abuse treatment and other transitioning-back-into-society services in Orange County. Bridges of America, the Orlando-based nonprofit that runs the program, has for months been waging a legal and PR battle to keep its facility open, and another in Broward County. […]

Jim RosicaNovember 29, 2016

Florida’s bong ban, as toothless as critics say it may be, now is preempted by the recently approved constitutional amendment on medical marijuana. That’s according to Ben Pollara, campaign manager of United for Care. The group has fought for the ballot initiative, which first failed in 2014 before passing this year with 71 percent of […]

Jim RosicaNovember 28, 2016

The third round of interviews of Florida Supreme Court applicants on Monday brought several revelations, including state Rep. Larry Metz’s disclosure that he has Parkinson’s disease. Metz, a Yalaha Republican, shared his diagnosis with members of the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission at the end of his interview. “I don’t think it’s an issue,” Metz […]

Jim RosicaNovember 28, 2016

Budget whiz Michele Tallent has become the Florida Department of Health‘s full-time deputy secretary for administrative services after acting as interim since January. The department announced the move in a Monday press release. “Her years of service and extensive experience with finance and management will help ensure the department’s capacity to provide essential public health services,” […]

Jim RosicaNovember 28, 2016

The first three candidates to be interviewed for state Supreme Court justice burnished their conservative credentials Monday afternoon. The Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission began interviewing the 11 applicants to replace retiring Justice James E.C. Perry, who departs the bench Dec. 30. The nominating panel will forward six names by Dec. 13 to Gov. Rick […]

Jim Rosica

It’s back to school for Florida House members

Former Maria Sachs aide sues for discrimination, retaliation

Parkinson’s won’t stop me, Larry Metz says

Yes, Virginia, there will be a cigar porch at the Governors Club

Joe Negron announces Senate committee leadership, membership

Judge finds for Corrections in drug-treatment vendor dispute

Bong ban doesn’t apply to medical pot, advocate says

During Supreme Court interview, Larry Metz discloses he has Parkinson’s

Personnel note: Michele Tallent becomes deputy secretary at Department of Health

Supreme Court candidates are all about conservatism