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

Jim RosicaMarch 22, 2016

A 2013 re-election contribution to Attorney General Pam Bondi from Donald Trump‘s charitable foundation was an error, aides to the Republican presidential candidate said this week. The Washington Post reported Tuesday morning that Trump’s representatives said the $25,000 check to a fundraising panel benefiting Bondi went out when a clerk confused it with a similarly-named organization. Foundations like Trump’s […]

Jim RosicaMarch 21, 2016

In a first-of-its kind decision, a federal judge in Tallahassee has ordered that local voting districts in nearby Jefferson County be redrawn, saying their boundaries are unconstitutional because of a system critics call “prison gerrymandering.” U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on Friday ruled against the county on a motion for summary judgment, effectively disposing of the case brought […]

Jim RosicaMarch 21, 2016

A watchdog group on Monday filed a complaint against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump‘s foundation, saying it violated its tax-exempt status when it contributed $25,000 in 2013 toward Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s re-election. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, asked the Internal Revenue Service to “investigate whether the Trump Foundation violated federal law.” […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2016

It was among the last on the list Friday, but the Legislature passed a tax-cut package worth $129 million. The Senate vote was 35-4, with four Democrats opposed: Dwight Bullard of Miami, Jeff Clemens of Lake Worth, Arthenia Joyner of Tampa, and Oscar Braynon of Miami Gardens. That sent it back to the House, which passed […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2016

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State Sen. Jack Latvala brought up “the elephant in the room” during remarks on the 2016-17 state budget Friday, lamenting the lack of a $250 million business incentives fund, a priority of Gov. Rick Scott. The Clearwater Republican, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development, said the absence of the Florida Enterprise […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court Friday denied a request from former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham to participate in oral argument in a case on expanding slot machines in the state. Graham has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the matter brought by Gretna Racing, the Gadsden County track seeking to add slot machines. Graham, a Democrat who was governor 1979-87 and […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2016

March 11 is not only the final day of the 2016 Legislative Session, but it’s also the last day to apply for state Insurance Commissioner. As of Friday morning, 47 people had applied for the position, but none were “marquee” names. For instance, former state Rep. Tom Grady previously told FloridaPolitics.com he wasn’t interested in the job. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2016

The Bradenton trial judge who accepted baseball tickets from a law firm representing a woman whose personal injury case he was presiding over has resigned from the bench. Circuit Judge John F. Lakin resigned Monday from the 12th Judicial Circuit. It serves DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Lakin, elected in 2012, was facing a judicial conduct inquiry by the state’s Judicial […]

Jim RosicaMarch 10, 2016

The House sponsor of legislation this year that would have benefited Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing services slammed the Senate’s inaction, saying the chamber wasn’t “interested in the free market.” State Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach Republican, talked to reporters Thursday evening with Uber public affairs director Colin Tooze and state Sen. Jeff […]

Jim RosicaMarch 10, 2016

State Sen. Don Gaetz said Thursday he did not know whether his son Matt is running for Congress but said he’d “be a great congressman.” FloridaPolitics.com caught up with the Niceville Republican after Thursday’s Senate floor session. Earlier in the day, the site reported that Matt Gaetz, now a sitting state representative, is considering a […]

Jim Rosica
Image via AP.

Whoops: Donald Trump reps say 2013 contribution to Pam Bondi was mistake

Federal judge rules against North Florida “prison gerrymandering”

Complaint filed over Donald Trump Foundation’s ties to Pam Bondi

Tax cut package finally clears Legislature

Jack Latvala rues lack of business incentives in budget

Supreme Court rejects Bob Graham’s bid to argue in gambling case

Sine die and deadline to apply for Insurance Commissioner job both Friday

Judge who took Rays tickets from law firm quits bench

Matt Gaetz slams Senate over tanking Uber legislation

Don Gaetz supports son Matt’s bid for Congress – “if he runs”