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

Peter SchorschJanuary 24, 2015

In his first public event since taking steps toward a presidential run, Jeb Bush on Friday called on political leaders to overhaul the country’s immigration and education systems, increase job training programs and ease energy regulations to spur economic growth. “We’re in the fifth, almost sixth year, of a recovery and 60 percent of Americans […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2015

For the past two weeks, Florida journalists have sought details of his illegal ouster from FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. But since he spoke on the record with journalists last week and strongly implied that Gov. Rick Scott was “lying,” Gerald Bailey has clammed up. Frustrated journalists have phoned, texted, emailed and tried to reach him, […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2015

Today, Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointment of Michael Olenick to the State Board of Education. Olenick, 62, of Palm City, is the vice president of corporate affairs and chief compliance officer of The Morganti Group. Previously, he served as the general counsel of Florida’s Department of Education, and also as assistant state attorney for Broward, […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2015

Seems that Gerald Bailey doesn’t want to talk any more about this whole darned mess. Bailey made a set of allegations to the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald in the last week including that he was asked by the Scott administration officials to falsely name the Orange County clerks of courts as a target in a […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2015

Seems that Gerald Bailey doesn’t want to talk any more about this whole darned mess. Bailey made a set of allegations to the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald in the last week including that he was asked by the Scott administration officials to falsely name the Orange County clerks of courts as a target in a […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2015

As lawmakers mobilize for the forthcoming Tallahassee session, the state’s influence industry is under new leadership today as the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists (FAPL) unveils its officers for 2015-2016. Elected by members as FAPL chair was Florida Petroleum Institute Executive Director David Mica; vice chair is Mike Hightower, senior policy adviser with the law […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2015

State Rep. Shawn Harrison, a Republican, will soon draw opposition, reports Patrick Manteiga of La Gaceta. Democrat Mike Reedy, who is a Realtor and organizer for Equality Florida, is preparing to announce. He has been involved in The Children’s Board, the City of Tampa’s Enterprise Zone Development Agency and the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors. Democrats […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2015

Jacksonville needs to get on top of police-and-fire pension reform, and failing to do it now amounts to playing politics with taxpayer money. And contrary to what a recent direct mail piece would have us believe, it’s not the mayor who’s playing fast and loose with our tax dollars. Our past rates of payment on our pension’s […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 22, 2015

With a governor as jobs- and business-focused as Rick Scott, it’s no surprise the state spends a significant amount of time calculating the return on investment (ROI) provided by many state programs. Some may not provide a worthwhile return on investment, but two exceptional programs have managed to triple – even quintuple – the value […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 22, 2015

There are only three people who know the truth about what went down on December 16, 2014, when FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey was dismissed without the necessary consent of the Florida Cabinet. Those people are: Gov. Rick Scott, his underqualified Chief of Staff Melissa Sellers, and his seasoned general counsel, Pete Antonacci. Antonacci is the […]

Peter Schorsch
One of several proposed designs for Florida's new Margaritaville license plates. Image via the office of Rep. Linda Chaney.

In preview of a sweeping 2016 policy agenda, Jeb Bush signals focus on middle class

One theory why ousted FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey has clammed up

Michael Olenick appointed to State Board of Education

Sorry, Gerald Bailey, but you can’t unring the bell

Sorry, Gerald Bailey, but you can't unring the bell

Florida lobbyist association announces new leadership for 2015-2016

Shawn Harrison to draw an early opponent in HD 63?

Julie Delegal: Pension politics squanders millions in Jacksonville tax dollars

Report: Investments in Florida Sports Foundation, VISIT Florida worth the money

Did Rick Scott lie to Pete Antonacci?