Scott Powers, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJanuary 27, 2017

The South Florida Regional Transit Authority voted Friday afternoon to award a long-term management contract worth up to a half-billion dollars amidst concerns that it did so after tossing five of six bids, and powerful state Sen. Jeff Brandes reacted with “deep concern.” The SFRTA Board of Directors voted 6-2 Friday to award an operations […]

Scott PowersJanuary 26, 2017

Saying he is concerned “it just doesn’t look right,” state Sen. Jeff Brandes, who chairs a key committee, said late Thursday he hopes the South Florida Regional Transit Authority does not award a controversial operations contract Friday that could be worth $511 million over ten years. Brandes said he’s asking the staff of the Senate Appropriations […]

Scott PowersJanuary 26, 2017

Concerned that there are under-the-radar problems with teen children abusing parents, state Rep. Amy Mercado is seeking to create a parent abuse reporting system that could give the parents some of the same protections the state extends to children being abused by parents. Mercado, an Orlando Democrat, filed House Bill 431 this week, aiming to […]

Scott PowersJanuary 26, 2017

On Friday, the South Florida Regional Transit Authority will consider awarding a deal to run the state’s largest public commuter railroad, Tri-Rail — worth up to $511 million — after tossing all competing bids, including some asking far less money. The SFRTA’s board of trustees is being asked Friday to award Tri-Rail’s operations and maintenance contract, […]

Scott PowersJanuary 25, 2017

Asked to prepare for 10 percent budget cuts, Florida’s state university and college leaders pledged to try to avoid affecting students but told the House Subcommittee on Higher Education Appropriations Friday the impacts would still be profound. “The target reductions are set at 10 percent for each entity,” Subcommittee Chairman Larry Ahern said after spelling […]

Scott PowersJanuary 25, 2017

Florida’s tourism economy grew by nearly 4 percent in 2015 and brought almost $109 billion worth of economic activity to the Sunshine State, according to a new survey released by VISIT Florida Wednesday. The growth was slower than was seen in the previous five years but still added $4.1 billion in new money to the […]

Scott PowersJanuary 25, 2017

This year’s effort to ban red-light cameras in Florida was approved by the Florida House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee after testimony that the records shows the cameras don’t appear to be reducing traffic accidents and their primary purpose seems to be revenue that’s not doing much to improve highway safety. House Bill 6007 is the […]

Scott PowersJanuary 25, 2017

Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Mike Ertel wants voters to know that that the voting process is sound and he believes it was not corrupted by millions of illegal votes in November as President Donald Trump has alleged. Ertel, a Republican, took to social media Wednesday morning to spread that message. He conceded there may […]

Scott PowersJanuary 24, 2017

Proposals from state Rep. Mike La Rosa and state Sen. Greg Steube would restrict how local governments may regulate vacation rentals, a move that could help preserve that market for the rapidly-expanding Airbnb phenomenon and similar home-sharing services. On Tuesday La Rosa introduced House Bill 425. Like Steube’s Senate Bill 188, introduced earlier, it would […]

Scott PowersJanuary 24, 2017

If President Donald Trump wants to spend big on America’s infrastructure, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and other Democratic leaders are offering their plan: $1 trillion, with money included possibly for Florida rail, seaports, highways and Everglades restoration. Nelson and the Democrats unveiled their “A Blueprint to Rebuild America’s Infrastructure” Tuesday afternoon, proposing $1 trillion in […]

Scott Powers
Please stay aware ... and safe.

Tri-Rail awards controversial contract, Brandes lashes out

Jeff Brandes urges Tri-Rail to hold off on controversial half-billion dollar contract, seeks inquiry

Amy Mercado, Victor Torres seek ‘parent abuse’ reporting system

Tri-Rail’s half-billion dollar, single-proposal deal raises questions

Universities, colleges paint depressing picture of dealing with 10 percent cuts

Tourism business up 4 percent in 2015 to $108 billion, VISIT Florida reports

Red-light camera ban passes House subcommittee

Seminole elections chief Mike Ertel takes to social media to defend voting integrity

Bills would restrict local regulation of vacation rentals

Bill Nelson, Democrats, unveil their $1 trillion infrastructure plan