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

Jim RosicaJune 30, 2016

This year, Jamie Grant got lucky. The Hillsborough County Republican qualified for office with no opposition, meaning he’s an automatic walk-on for the 2016-18 term. But for Grant, who represents Florida House District 64, that’s far from the story two years ago. He was re-elected, then had the results thrown out after legal challenges put them into question, […]

Jim RosicaJune 28, 2016

Michael Williams is departing the Florida House Speaker’s office as communications director and heading to Tallahassee PR shop CoreMessage as managing director of media relations. The firm announced the move Tuesday. “CoreMessage is thrilled to add Michael to our team,” said Cory Tilley, the president of CoreMessage and former top communications aide to Gov. Jeb Bush. […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

State Sen. Kelli Stargel, the sponsor of this year’s abortion legislation, said in a statement a “clear double standard … permeates the pro-abortion movement.” The Lakeland Republican responded to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Monday in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. It struck down a Texas abortion-restriction law because it “unduly burden(s)” women’s reproductive rights. The Texas law […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

State Sen. Don Gaetz is telling constituents not to take the special-session-on-gun-control bait. Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who was Senate president in 2012-14, sent out an email Monday. It reprinted and linked to an op-ed he wrote for the Northwest Florida Daily News, Okaloosa County’s newspaper. It appeared Sunday. He wrote on the mass shooting at […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

Planned Parenthood of Florida called Monday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling on abortion “a landmark decision.” The decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt “sends a strong message that laws that restrict access to abortion under the guise of protecting women are unconstitutional,” said Lillian Tamayo, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida. “Here in Florida, […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

In a decision that could reverberate in Florida, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas law that clamped down on abortion access because it “unduly burden(s)” women’s reproductive rights. The court announced its 5-3 decision Monday in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. It was one of three final opinions released before the justices go on […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

A Florida Lottery advertising contract worth $125 million is being challenged by the losing bidder. St. John & Partners, a Jacksonville-based advertising and PR firm, filed its 166-page protest Friday. Representing the company is Foley & Lardner partner Robert Hosay in Tallahassee. He’s an expert in bid protests and former interim secretary of the Florida Department of Management Services under Gov. Jeb Bush. The Lottery […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2016

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Frank Collins‘ departure from the embrace of the Executive Office of the Governor means yet another rejiggered organizational chart of Gov. Rick Scott‘s team. The latest chart shows that Collins, a former deputy chief of staff, hasn’t been replaced. Rather, his portfolio has been spread among remaining deputy chiefs and other high-level officials. For example: — […]

Jim RosicaJune 24, 2016

The head of the state’s child advocate program has lost a second bid to sit on the judicial bench. Alan Abramowitz, executive director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Office, was a finalist to replace retiring Circuit Judge George Reynolds III in Tallahassee’s 2nd Judicial Circuit. On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott instead appointed Robert E. Long Jr., the general counsel […]

Jim RosicaJune 24, 2016

The man slated to be the next Speaker of the Florida House will return to his seat next year. Incumbent state Rep. Richard Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican, was the only person to qualify for his House seat Friday. Candidates had until noon Friday to qualify to be on the ballot. Corcoran, who represents District 37, is slated to […]

Jim Rosica
Image via AP.

Jamie Grant doesn’t miss 2014-15 election drama

Personnel note: Michael Williams to Core Message

Kelli Stargel opines on ‘double standard’ following abortion ruling

Don Gaetz: We don’t need special session for gun control

Florida Planned Parenthood lauds Supreme Court on abortion ruling

Supreme Court abortion decision could affect Florida

Bid protest filed for $125 million Florida Lottery contract

Another Rick Scott staff shift, another org chart …

Alan Abramowitz loses bid for circuit judgeship

Future House speaker Richard Corcoran gets no opposition