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

Peter SchorschNovember 18, 2016

As Anton Chekhov once said: If it’s not essential, don’t include it in the story. What would the great Russian novelist and playwright make of recent movements in Florida’s seemingly never-neverending Eyeball Wars between ophthalmologists and optometrists? “If you say in the first chapter that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the […]

Peter SchorschNovember 16, 2016

A bill introduced by Democrat U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch that would make it easier impose sanctions on Iran if it violates the terms of the Iran nuclear deal cleared the House Tuesday. “The Iran Sanctions Act has served as the backbone of our Iran policy for two decades and ultimately helped force Iran to the […]

Peter SchorschNovember 16, 2016

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. AN URGENT REQUEST FOR SUNBURN READERS Each morning, at about 3:30 a.m., I wake up to put the finishing touches on the latest edition of Sunburn, the definitive morning read of what’s […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2016

Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis espoused the virtues of self-driving cars after a Tuesday meeting of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “The technology we have today has the potential to completely redefine how we commute to work, drop the kids off at school, and travel the country,” he said. “Self-driving cars also hold […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2016

Republican U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross celebrated the passage of a bill Tuesday that would require government agencies to report on the full economic impact of outdoor recreation, including the Recreational Vehicle industry. “Tourism, the outdoors and Recreational Vehicles are an important part of Florida’s economy. The RV industry, in particular, provides thousands of jobs across […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2016

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. FLORIDA BUDGET FORECASTERS SEATING THE ‘TRUMP EFFECT’ State officials trying to nail down how much money Florida government will have to spend next year confronted two major uncertainties Monday: Whether and when […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2016

Palm Beach County officials say President-elect Donald Trump has dropped a lawsuit he filed last year to keep jets from flying over his private South Florida club. The Palm Beach Post reports that County Attorney Denise Nieman emailed commissioners about the lawsuit Monday afternoon. Nieman says Trump’s attorneys contacted her to say they are dropping […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2016

Six firms are in the running to be St. Petersburg’s lobbyist in Tallahassee. The contract, worth $50,000 last year, belonged to Peebles and Smith from Tallahassee. Its contract with the city expired Sept. 30 and the group has submitted a proposal to continue representing St. Pete. The five other firms who have responded to the city’s […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2016

Much like how Uber and other ride-hailing apps toppled the taxi industry, home-sharing platform Airbnb has revolutionized the way people travel, and hotel companies aren’t the only ones taking notice. Since the site took off, critics have pointed to the questionable legality of whole-home rentals, which are prohibited in many municipalities for periods less than […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2016

The Florida Department of Children and Families announced Monday it will receive $8 million in federal money to fund services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in underserved communities. The 2016 Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) grant will fund victim services providers such as law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts by […]

Peter Schorsch

Chekhov’s Gun in the Eyeball Wars? Optometrists are lobbied up for 2017

Ted Deutch calls for stricter, quicker sanctions on Iran nuclear violations

Sunburn for 11.16.16 – An urgent appeal; Florida’s growth spurt; Mel Sembler, Brian Ballard on inaug cmte.; Rick Scott opens 2018 door; Freshmen lawmakers learn the ropes

Gus Bilirakis the latest self-driving car convert

Dennis Ross touts passage of bill supporting outdoor recreation industry

Sunburn for 11.15.16 – Trump effect impacts Florida’s budget; Rick Scott addresses Gov. colleagues; Jack Latvala vs. Mike Evans; Jeff Atwater’s $$$ lawsuit

Donald Trump drops lawsuit about flights above Mar-A-Lago

Six firms vie for City of St. Pete’s lobbying contract

Claims Airbnb is ruining neighborhoods is more sharing-economy fear-mongering

DCF receives $8 million grant to fund community-based projects targeting domestic violence and sexual assault