Peter Schorsch, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJune 14, 2017

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. — IN DEFENSE OF CIVICS EDUCATION — In a column in the Pensacola News-Journal recently, former Senate President Don Gaetz took on the issue of civics education, calling on Floridians to help teach […]

Peter SchorschJune 13, 2017

The $20 Million Dollar Man, Bernie Fensterwald, filed Friday to run in Senate District 16, the seat currently held by term-limited Jack Latvala. The Dunedin Democrat created a buzz in Florida political circles last year when, in a campaign against state Rep. Chris Sprowls, listed that he’s worth nearly $20 million in his financial disclosure forms. Despite his […]

Peter SchorschJune 13, 2017

Americans for Prosperity-Florida is launching a digital ad campaign urging Floridians to contact Sen. Bill Nelson and ask him to support efforts to fix the country’s broken and intrusive tax code. The campaign is part of a nationwide effort to tap into taxpayers’ frustrations with tax laws into a grassroots movement supporting broad, pro-growth tax […]

Peter SchorschJune 13, 2017

It’s the most interesting parlor game in Tallahassee. Who will Rick Scott appoint to be the state’s next Chief Financial Officer now that Jeff Atwater has announced that he is leaving his job at the end of the month? In a letter to the governor sent Monday, Atwater says his last day in office will be June […]

Peter SchorschJune 13, 2017

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. — AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY URGES BILL NELSON TO BACK TAX REFORM EFFORTS — Americans for Prosperity-Florida is launching a digital ad campaign urging Floridians to contact Sen. Nelson and ask him to […]

Peter SchorschJune 12, 2017

The race to replace Kathleen Peters in House District 69 is officially underway. Ray Blacklidge, a Madeira Beach resident and self-described entrepreneur and consumer advocate, became the first candidate to file for the seat since Peters announced she would not seek re-election in order to run for the Pinellas County Commission. House District 69 covers the […]

Peter SchorschJune 12, 2017

Governor Rick Scott will sign into law a sweeping education bill that would steer more money to privately run charter schools, require recess in elementary schools, and tinker with the state’s oft-criticized standardized testing system. An informed legislative source told FloridaPolitics.com Monday morning that Scott will sign HB 7069 in Orlando on Thursday. The legislation, which was […]

Peter SchorschJune 12, 2017

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. Scott Powers and Terry Roen of Orlando-Rising.com wrote today’s topper. — ONE YEAR LATER — On Monday, a city still in deep mourning will reckon itself to the first anniversary of one […]

Peter SchorschJune 11, 2017

With special session firmly in the rearview mirror, the 27 freshmen Republican members of the Florida House are quickly turning their attention to selecting one of their own to serve as Speaker, beginning in 2022. Even during the special session — where the budget, key education policies and implementation of a medical marijuana amendment were […]

Peter SchorschJune 10, 2017

Earlier Friday, the same day lawmakers approved the implementing bill for the state’s constitutional amendment on medical marijuana, an appellate court handed marijuana growers a loss. The 1st District Court of Appeals held that identities of investors and partners in medical marijuana companies aren’t trade secrets. It remanded back to Circuit Judge Charles Dodson, however, […]

Peter Schorsch
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Sunburn for 6.14.17 – Don Gaetz for the win; Bruce Ritchie is everywhere; Ron DeSantis’ big check; Disney pushes back

Here’s where sh*t stands in Tampa Bay politics – the “look who’s running for what” edition

Support tax reform efforts, AFP-Florida urges Bill Nelson

Jack Latvala doesn’t want to be appointed CFO, isn’t running for CFO; thinks Joe Gruters is right for the job

Sunburn for 6.13.17 – AFP targets Bill Nelson; Rick Scott goes Johnny Drama; Jeff Atwater leaving June 30; Greg Black heads to Gunster

Ray Blacklidge becomes first to file to run in battleground House District 69

Sources: Governor to sign HB 7069 in Orlando on Thursday

Sunburn for 6.12.17 – One year later

Secret balloting was cause of latest Speaker’s race rift

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Medical marijuana wins one, loses one