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

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2018

Despite interviewing five “quality candidates” on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet held off on appointing a new head of the state’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). Instead, they decided to keep the application period open through mid-July. Thirty-four people already had applied. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and […]

Jim RosicaJune 26, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott didn’t telegraph his interest in who should be the state’s top financial regulator at a Tuesday campaign stop in Jacksonville for his U.S. Senate campaign. Earlier, an aide to the Governor at a Cabinet Aides meeting said he would announce his preference later in the day. When asked whether Republican state Rep. Jay […]

Jim RosicaJune 26, 2018

John Morgan on Tuesday said he’s “going to look at starting a fund” toward an initiative to legalize marijuana, including recreational use, on the 2020 ballot. He has previously has been on the record supporting marijuana legalization. His latest tweets move him further in terms of personally promising a political solution. The Orlando attorney and […]

Jim RosicaJune 25, 2018

The battle over a proposed constitutional ban on greyhound racing is heating up, as ban opponents served a cease and desist letter on the group promoting an end to dog racing. The Committee to Support Greyhounds said it hit the Protect Dogs — Yes on 13 campaign with the letter on Monday. At issue: The […]

Jim RosicaJune 25, 2018

They haven’t even been approved, but proposed rules on medical marijuana have already drawn legal challenges. Liberty Health Sciences, a licensed medicinal cannabis provider, is challenging two rules, both debuted only two weeks ago. One is on a “supplemental licensing fee” and another covers a “variance procedure” for medical marijuana treatment centers, or MMTCs, as […]

Jim RosicaJune 22, 2018

Papa John’s, the takeout and pizza delivery restaurant chain, has told state health regulators ‘never mind’ on its request to store its pizza sauce at higher temperatures. A “closing order” from the Department of Health shows the company withdrew its petition for a variance — first reported by POLITICO Florida — from the state’s “safe temperature” refrigeration […]

Jim RosicaJune 22, 2018

Cocoa Mayor and House District 51 candidate Henry Parrish has posted a video on Facebook showing a supporter of his opponent pulling up and flinging a Parrish campaign sign. What’s raising eyebrows is who did the tossing: Veteran lobbyist Guy Spearman, whose Spearman Management office is right next door. He supports Republican rival Tyler Sirois, executive director of […]

Jim RosicaJune 21, 2018

John McKay, a former Florida Senate President who serves on the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors, said Thursday he was “misunderstood” about serving as chair. McKay told Florida Politics he’d be “honored that anyone would consider me,” but said he has “no interest whatsoever” in chairing the panel. Citizens is the state-run insurer of last resort. […]

Jim RosicaJune 21, 2018

Tallahassee faith leaders — in oratory ranging from subdued to fiery — and others on Wednesday prayed for a permanent end to the separation of migrant families crossing the Mexico-U. S. border. Some, including pediatric cardiologist Louis St. Petery, long outspoken on children’s issues, called it “child abuse.” But many of the roughly 200 who attended […]

Jim RosicaJune 21, 2018

The head of the trade group for the state’s retailers said Thursday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling opening the door for online sellers to collect sales tax the same as brick-and-mortar stores is “great news.” That’s even though Floridians already are technically supposed to pay sales tax on online purchases. “Retailers have been adamant in seeking equity […]

Jim Rosica

Rick Scott, Cabinet delay decision on hiring new OFR head

Rick Scott won’t say whether he likes Jay Fant as OFR head

John Morgan hints at ballot initiative for marijuana legalization

Greyhound racing supporters hit back with ‘cease and desist’ letter

Proposed medical marijuana rules already bringing challenges

Papa John’s withdraws request for warmer pizza sauce

Campaign sign turned ‘flying disc’ causes social media ruckus

John McKay says ‘no thanks’ to Citizens board chair

Family separations bring Tallahassee’s faith community together

Florida retailers cheer Supreme Court online sales tax decision