Staff Reports, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMay 18, 2018

Current and former law enforcement officers from all over Florida will be honored Saturday at the Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Tallahassee. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced the event Friday. “The Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame was created by the 2014 Florida Legislature to recognize and honor law […]

Staff ReportsMay 18, 2018

As Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is fond of saying: politics is a “relationship business.” So, this edition of Bold spotlights the utility of political friendships. Whether running for Congress or state or local office, you’d better have your friends’ endorsements (well-timed) and the interest of the donor class (early, and often). In each category, there will be […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2018

Florida wants to spend $616 million in post-Irma federal emergency money to repair damaged homes, build new affordable housing, and to help businesses that suffered damage in the storm. The money would come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through a disaster-recovery community block grant. Gov. Rick Scott submitted his plan for […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott continues his full court press of Florida airwaves in his bid for Senate against Bill Nelson, with a new Spanish language ad released Wednesday. “Cambiar,” a Spanish language ad running in South Florida, spotlights Scott’s efforts in job creation, with citizens extolling his efforts. Among the kind words from various speakers: “Rick Scott has […]

Staff ReportsMay 15, 2018

Construction, engineering, and contracting firms urged Congress on Tuesday to begin paying off the $262.2 million maintenance backlog in Florida’s national parks. Organizations including the American Institute of Architects, the Florida Engineering Society, and Florida Transportation Builders signed an open letter marking “Infrastructure Week” — an effort by similar groups and labor unions to promote […]

Staff ReportsMay 15, 2018

Scott, DeSantis celebrate new Jerusalem embassy On Monday, the United States was well represented for the official opening of its new embassy in Jerusalem. Some key Florida-based elected officials joined Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and others for the ribbon cutting. The controversial action comes 70 years to the day the U.S. recognized the Jewish state (see “On this day […]

Staff ReportsMay 15, 2018

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Asked for a 30-second ‘elevator speech‘ on why voters should choose ‘yes’ for Amendment 2 in November, Florida TaxWatch president Dominic M. Calabro didn’t blink. “If you don’t vote ‘yes,’ either you or your neighbors will see massive tax increases and great deal of property tax dissatisfaction … anger even, if we see property taxes jump […]

Staff ReportsMay 14, 2018

Clearwater Vice Mayor Doreen Caudell is dropping out of the race for the countywide District 2 seat on the Pinellas County Commission. Caudell, a Republican, told the Tampa Bay Times Monday that she will serve out the remainder of her term on the Clearwater City Council, which runs through 2020. “I feel compelled to dedicate […]

Staff ReportsMay 14, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags at half-staff Tuesday to honor the Highlands County sheriff’s deputy killed on duty May 7. Deputy William J. Gentry Jr., 40, had served with the the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for nine years, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Gentry was shot and killed “while responding to an animal […]

Staff ReportsMay 14, 2018

Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam is rolling out details of his top priority if elected — a plan to boost vocational and technical education in middle and high schools. “I want every Floridian to have the education, skills and experience they need to find their version of the American Dream right here in the Sunshine […]

Staff Reports
Buccaneers QB Teddy Bridgewater. Image via AP.

‘Thin blue line’ to be honored at The Capitol

Jacksonville Bold for 5.18.18 — Relationship business

Rick Scott earmarks federal Hurricane Irma block grant for housing, infrastructure

Rick Scott rolls out new Spanish language campaign ad, spends $3.2M on air this week

Builders’ plea to Congress: Rebuild Florida’s national parks infrastructure

Delegation for 5.15.18 — Insights from the Beltway to the Sunshine State

TaxWatch stumps for property-tax cap on November ballot

Doreen Caudell ends Pinellas Commission campaign

Flags ordered at half-staff for Highlands County deputy

Adam Putnam unveils plan for vo-tech program for Florida students