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

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2015

An organization that bills itself as “Florida’s largest statewide small business lender” is asking an appeals court to reconsider an opinion against it. The Black Business Investment Fund of Central Florida last week filed a request for a full rehearing by the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal in a case involving a low-interest loan program for the state’s small businesses. On […]

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2015

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Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, a 10-year veteran of the Naples Daily News, is leaving the paper to join Florida Politics’ growing lineup of writers. She will continue to write on regional and statewide politics and policy from her Southwest Florida base. “Jenna’s been on my must-read list since she began covering Florida politics,” said Peter Schorsch, publisher […]

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2015

There isn’t a name for the period of time before the calm before a storm. For now, let’s call it “last committee week of the year.” It, of course, includes a surplus of fundraising, which lawmakers can do during committee weeks but not during legislative sessions. Departing lawmakers also continue to raise cash for their post-Legislature plans. […]

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2015

The last committee week before the 2016 Legislative Session means — what else — a post-Thanksgiving cornucopia of fundraisers. The Republican Party of Florida sent an email last week listing all the events, coinciding with the December committee week, the last one before session begins Jan. 12. In chronological order, here are the events, subject to change and […]

Jim RosicaNovember 25, 2015

Former New York City Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday said he thinks the U.S. has “no strategy” in the fight against the Islamic State jihadist group. “We have no strategy and that’s exactly what we need,” he said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program. President Barack Obama “appeared with (French President François) Hollande who took quick decisive action, […]

Jim RosicaNovember 25, 2015

‘Tis the season (almost), but so far the Gay Pride version of the Festivus pole is the only display to ask for placement in the Capitol Rotunda. As of Tuesday, South Florida blogger Chaz Stevens had submitted the only application for a holiday display, according to a spokeswoman for the Department of Management Services, the […]

Jim RosicaNovember 25, 2015

One of several bills aimed at overhauling the state’s oversight body for high school athletics will be heard by a House panel next week. The bill (HB 31) is set to be considered by the Education Appropriations subcommittee next Tuesday, records show. State Rep. Ross Spano, a Dover Republican, filed the legislation for the 2016 Legislative Session. […]

Jim RosicaNovember 25, 2015

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Cigar-smoking Governors Club members rejoice: The club plans to build an outdoor deck. The deck will be next to the private club’s valet stand near the corner of Adams Street and College Avenue, one block from the Capitol, club president Gus Corbella said Tuesday. The deck, which will hold 10 to 12 outdoor tables under the existing magnolia […]

Jim RosicaNovember 24, 2015

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday formally asked the Florida Supreme Court to review a proposed constitutional amendment on solar power, one of two competing initiatives on the subject. The utility-backed Consumers for Smart Solar is sponsoring the amendment titled “Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice.” Bondi is bound as part of the constitutional amendment process to petition the Supreme […]

Jim RosicaNovember 24, 2015

Billionaire Jeff Greene‘s libel suit against the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald newspapers is still on after a court-ordered mediation in the case didn’t result in a settlement. Times attorney Alison Steele, a partner in the St. Petersburg law firm of Rahdert, Steele, Reynolds & Driscoll, told FloridaPolitics.com on Tuesday that Steele also has filed an amended complaint in […]

Jim Rosica

Losing side in DEO appeal wants yet another chance

Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster joining Florida Politics

Tallahassee gears up for final committee week before Session

Email insights: More House GOP fundraising

Rudy Giuliani says U.S. has “no strategy” against Islamic State

Gay pride pole is only Capitol holiday display submitted so far

High school athletics bill set for hearing

Governors Club plans outdoor deck on Adams Street

Pam Bondi asks high court to review “Smart Solar” amendment

Jeff Greene is continuing libel suit against Times, Herald