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

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2016

A House education panel unanimously cleared a bill that would create a state mandate for elementary schools to give students at least 100 minutes of recess per week. The K-12 Subcommittee OK’d the measure (HB 833) Tuesday. It must next clear the Education Appropriations Subcommittee and full Education Committee before it can be heard on the House floor. The bill, […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2016

Lawyers for the state of Florida filed their response to a lawsuit filed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida nearly three weeks after a federal judge shot down their request to toss the case out. Among highlights of the filing: The state denies that the lawsuit was properly filed in Tallahassee and says “nothing in the […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2016

In a move that combines policy goals with political pragmatism, state Sen. Jack Latvala on Monday told reporters he’s championing Gov. Rick Scott‘s request for a $250 million business incentive fund in next year’s state budget. Latvala said he would recommend the pot of money to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development, which he chairs. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2016

The Florida Senate’s economic development bill took its first step of the 2016 Legislative Session, unanimously clearing the Commerce and Tourism Committee on Monday. The bill’s sponsor, Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala, last week had promised it would contain provisions for film and television production incentives. Florida has been losing out to other states when it comes to film shoots. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2016

Florida State University has agreed to pay $250,000 to the former student who alleged that then-Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston raped her in December 2012. The university announced the move in a prepared statement, released Monday, that was quick to note the school was also paying Erica Kinsman‘s lawyers $700,000. Among her legal counsel, she is represented by […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2016

The group behind a proposed constitutional amendment to give voters more control over gambling says it’s gathered 100,000 signatures toward getting on the 2018 ballot. The Voters In Charge committee on Monday said it is sending its latest collected signature to county Supervisors of Elections so they can be validated. The committee is chaired by John Sowinski, who […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 22, 2016

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Travis Keels says he’s leaving the James Madison Institute for the press secretary gig at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Keels, who’s been JMI’s Director of Public Affairs for the past two years, announced the move Friday. The organization is a “free-market think tank” based in Tallahassee. His time there “allowed me the opportunity to grow […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 21, 2016

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Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday continued to sound lukewarm on the prospects of his renegotiated deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that would let them keep blackjack at their casinos. Scott took questions after an afternoon bill-signing ceremony with House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner. “Well, I did my job. We […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 21, 2016

As expected, Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed into law three bills that were priorities of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner. Scott approved SB 552, which “implements policies to protect and restore water and natural resources statewide, with a focus on meeting water quality and supply needs.” Crisafulli wanted the measure passed […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 21, 2016

In another “strange bedfellows” moment in the Florida Capitol, an array of conservative and progressive interests stood in the Rotunda to support state Sen. Jeff Brandes‘ bill to rein in what’s known as civil asset forfeiture. “Before your private property can be taken, you must, at least, be charged with a crime,” Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, […]

Jim Rosica
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Bill would mandate elementary schools to give recess

State responds to Seminole Tribe federal lawsuit

Jack Latvala now supports $250 million business incentive plan

Jack Latvala starts moving economic development bill with film/TV incentives

FSU to pay nearly $1 million to settle Erica Kinsman lawsuit

Anti-gambling amendment cracks 100,000-signature mark

Personnel note: Travis Keels to DBPR from JMI

Rick Scott on Seminole Compact: “I did my job”

Rick Scott signs Legislature’s priority bills

Jeff Brandes draws diverse support for asset forfeiture overhaul