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

Peter SchorschMay 2, 2017

To be frank, it was a pretty smart move, in retrospect. As competing bills to implement Amendment 2 get bogged down mid-Session, the hot-button flashpoints began: The number of new medical marijuana licensees, as well as the process to award those highly-valued “Willy Wonka” golden tickets. Current license holders have a point: “We invested millions […]

Peter SchorschMay 2, 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. GWEN GRAHAM TO LAUNCH 2018 BID Graham is ready to make it official. The former Democratic congresswoman from Tallahassee is expected to announce her 2018 gubernatorial bid on Tuesday. The announcement will make Graham, the […]

Peter SchorschMay 1, 2017

With the end of the Legislative Session mercifully (hopefully?) in sight, the discrepancies between Senate and House budgets on various issues are becoming more heightened. At times like these, the two sides need to learn how to swallow their pride when it’s clear one chamber has the better plan. This lesson would serve them — […]

Peter SchorschMay 1, 2017

At a time when everything seems to be done online, it comes as little surprise that states and cities across the U.S. are moving their permitting and licensing systems online to maximize efficiency and serve constituents more effectively. Many counties and municipalities in Florida are following suit, replacing obsolete systems with new, user-friendly technology. Unfortunately, […]

Peter SchorschMay 1, 2017

Money to help smaller communities market themselves during the off-season could still be in play as legislative leaders continue to negotiate the 2017-18 budget. The Senate has proposed language to move a state-funded marketing program run by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation from Visit Florida. The House […]

Peter SchorschMay 1, 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. Before we dive into the still-up-in-the-air state of budget negotiations, we have to acknowledge the domino which fell in South Florida Sunday… ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN TO RETIRE FROM CONGRESS via Patricia Mazzei of […]

Peter SchorschMay 1, 2017

After suffering a significant setback last week in the Eyeball Wars, optometrists may be mounting a last-ditch effort to get their bill rolling in the House. When will this bad bill just die? It has long past time to put an end to the Eyeball Wars in 2017, perhaps for good. Last week, HB 1037 […]

Peter SchorschApril 30, 2017

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the first Cuban-American elected to Congress, is retiring at the end of her term next year, saying it’s time to move on after 38 years in office. Politicians and pundits across Florida and the nation lauded the Miami Republican. Here is a compilation of those reactions: U.S. Sen. Marco […]

Peter SchorschApril 29, 2017

Just before 5 p.m. on Friday, the deadline to apply for the open position of secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, the fill-in guy filed. Ryan Matthews, the interim secretary, wants the job permanently. “We are in a unique position to continue moving Florida forward when it comes to environmental restoration, conservation and protection,” he […]

Peter SchorschApril 28, 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. YOU WON’T LIKE RICK SCOTT WHEN HE’S ANGRY Gov. Scott did not look like he was negotiating. The governor fired a shot over the bow of the Legislature, all but demanding full funding […]

Peter Schorsch
Image via AP.

Medical marijuana: OK, it time to drop caps on dispensaries

Sunburn for 5.2.17 – Gwen Graham’s ready to launch; Adam Putnam, Matt Caldwell make 2018 plans official; Joe Negron optimistic on budget, gambling legislation; Mike Dew to FDOT? Mama Wiggins last Session

Senate’s proposed hospital budget cuts, unlike House, spreads pain equally

Tyler Tech’s troubles in South Florida raise several red flags

Hospitality marketing money still in play, lawmakers say

Sunburn for 5.1.17 – Ros-Lehtinen’s domino; Budget notes galore; FPL f’d on fracking bill; Sharon Day’s new job

As Eyeball Wars peak, optometrists seek desperate, last-minute buzzer beater

Tributes pour in for Ileana Ros-Lehtinen after she announces her retirement

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Ryan Matthews applies for DEP top spot

Sunburn for 4.28.17 – Rick Scott angry; Budget deals shaking out; Kevin Rader for the win; Zika returning?