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

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2017

It’s no secret what House Speaker Richard Corcoran thinks of local governments paying firms to lobby for them before the Florida Legislature. “It’s a disgrace that taxpayer dollars are used to hire lobbyists when we elect people to represent them,” Corcoran told the Tampa Bay Times. Were it up to Corcoran alone — and on some days, it may […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2017

Jonathan Rees, a member of the 2016 class of FloridaPolitics.com’s “30 Under 30,” will be joining Anheuser-Busch as the state affairs manager for Florida, effective Monday. Rees will be responsible for leading Anheuser-Busch’s legislative agenda, political giving and stakeholder engagement in Florida. The company brews more than 100 brands in the United States, including its flagship brands, Budweiser […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2017

Veteran lawmaker and lobbyist Dale Patchett is joining the Johnson & Blanton lobbying firm. “Dale Patchett brings an incredible history and perspective to our firm,” firm founder Jon Johnson said. “He has seen government operate from every angle as both an elected legislator and appointed official. He was Republican in Florida before it was fashionable […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 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. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! In Florida, odd number years are just as busy as even numbered ones. There’s big city municipal elections; a never-ending legislative session; and turmoil in the state’s political parties. […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 8, 2017

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against the Florida airport shooting suspect that could bring the death penalty if he is convicted. A criminal complaint filed Saturday by the Miami U.S. attorney’s office accuses 26-year-old Esteban Santiago of an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death. The punishment is execution or any prison […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 8, 2017

A pair of boutique lobbying firms is making a significant move by jointly purchasing a historic building in downtown Tallahassee, just a few steps from the Florida Capitol. Liberty Partners of Tallahassee and RSA Consulting partnered up to buy the 17,000-square-foot, four-story structure, which, according to the Leon County Property Appraiser’s Office, was built in […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 7, 2017

National Review Online blogger Ed Whelan was in a lather this week over retired Florida Supreme Court Justice James E.C. Perry “displac(ing)” new Justice C. Alan Lawson. As many suspected he would, Chief Justice Jorge Labarga signed an order last month allowing Perry to stay on as a senior justice to continue working on unresolved […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 7, 2017

Nearly five years have passed since the first attempt to expand Jacksonville’s Human Rights Ordinance. This time, there is reason for optimism. For starters, we hear that Shad Khan — owner of the Jaguars, as you may recall — has “made some calls.” Khan is worried that the amphitheater may have a hard time drawing […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 6, 2017

Is Ken Lawson the right man to right the state’s beleaguered tourism agency? The smart money in Tallahassee now is betting on Gov. Rick Scott to move Lawson, his secretary of Business and Professional Regulation, to head VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s “official tourism marketing corporation.” As you’ll recall, Scott called on former CEO Will Seccombe […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 6, 2017

6154_RedLightCamera.orig-max-640x640-1024x1024.jpg

When it comes to crashes at Florida’s controversial red-light camera intersections, all may not be what it seems. As Florida lawmakers gear up for battle once again over the use of red light cameras statewide, a new report by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers a decidedly mixed bag for both sides […]

Peter Schorsch

Local governments lobbying may be a ‘disgrace,’ but its better than sending certain elected officials

Personnel note: Jonathan Rees joins Anheuser-Busch

Personnel note: Dale Patchett moves to Johnson & Blanton

Sunburn for 1.9.17 – Key dates for 2017; Terror at #FLL; Pam Bondi still mum; 3 key personnel moves

U.S. seeks death penalty in airport shooting

Boutique lobbying firms join forces to buy historic building in downtown Tallahassee

Takeaways from Tallahassee – On and off the Court

Jacksonville Bold for 1.7.17 — A time for choosing

Could Ken Lawson next be tapped to head VISIT FLORIDA?

Actually, crash data shows mixed bag