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

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2016

The proposed $3 billion gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida got a boost Wednesday when a key Senate panel approved it and another related gambling measure. The Senate Regulated Industries Committee, which oversees gambling in Florida, approved both measures (SB 7072, SB 7074) with four senators opposed: Republicans Aaron Bean of Fernandina Beach, […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2016

Slot machines could be expanded to six Florida counties that already OK’d them in local referendums under a new measure pushed by Senate President-designate Joe Negron. The Stuart Republican filed his proposal as an amendment to gambling legislation (SB 7072, SB 7074) set to be reviewed Wednesday by his chamber’s Regulated Industries Committee, chaired by state […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2016

The Alabama-based Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which approached Gov. Rick Scott in 2014 for a deal to offer gambling in Florida, essentially offered not to press for a Las Vegas-style casino with blackjack near Pensacola if the state wouldn’t fight their efforts to just open a poker-style cardroom. In return, the Poarch Creeks would […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 16, 2016

With the state’s citrus industry in free-fall, Florida’s leading growers are calling for the Department of Citrus to “be scaled back considerably,” saying they “do not believe current marketing programs are generating an economic return.” A dozen growers, including Florida Citrus Hall of Famer Ben Hill Griffin III, signed and sent a letter Monday to Florida Citrus Commission […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 16, 2016

A contentious bill meant to remake what critics call Florida’s antiquated alimony law and end “forever alimony” was cleared Tuesday by a Senate panel. The Judiciary Committee, the first of its three review panels, OK’d the measure (SB 668) by a 6-4 vote after impassioned comment for and against the proposal, even after speakers were limited […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 16, 2016

A Senate panel on Tuesday OK’d a measure that would ban the practice of “balance billing,” when insurance companies often unexpectedly slam a customer with a high bill for using an out-of-network health care provider. The measure (SB 1442), carried by GOP state Sen. Rene Garcia of Hialeah, now moves from the Banking and Insurance […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 16, 2016

North Florida U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham on Tuesday said she still hasn’t decided whether to run again for her 2nd Congressional District seat. Graham, a Tallahassee Democrat, spoke with reporters after a constituent-services recognition event at Tallahassee City Hall. She was surrounded by several she helped, saying her office “helped return more than $1 million owed to […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 15, 2016

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Former state Rep. Tom Grady on Monday said although he thinks being Florida Insurance Commissioner would be “an interesting job,” he doesn’t have any plans to try for the position. “I haven’t applied. I don’t expect to apply,” he told FloridaPolitics.com. “It was flattering to hear my name batted about as a leading contender.” Gov. Rick Scott […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 15, 2016

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Only two of the 25 applicants aiming to replace outgoing Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty answered “yes” to the state’s two pre-screening qualifying questions as of Monday. Kirk Schmidt, of Jefferson City, Missouri, is president and CFO of an insurance company after having been chief financial examiner for the Missouri Department of Insurance, he said in his […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 15, 2016

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Richard Corcoran, Speaker-designate of the Florida House, already is flexing his political muscles with a call-to-action email sent to supporters Monday. The intransigence of the Florida Senate gave him no choice, he told FloridaPolitics.com, explaining that the House’s priorities are languishing in the upper chamber. For example, a measure calling for term limits of 12 years for the […]

Jim Rosica
Paula Stark is hosting Buenaventura Lakes' 'first-ever' event to honor veterans.

Senate panel OKs Seminole Compact, gambling bill

Joe Negron may have votes to advance Compact plan that expands slot machines to 6 counties

Poarch Creek Indians offered to give up blackjack for their own gambling compact

State’s growers call for dramatic overhaul of Florida Department of Citrus

Amid jeers, Senate alimony bill clears first committee

Balance billing measure clears 2nd Senate panel

Gwen Graham still hasn’t decided on political future

Tom Grady says he won’t apply for Insurance Commissioner

Only 2 applicants clear Insurance Commissioner pre-screening

Richard Corcoran criticizes state Senate for “going nowhere”