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

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2018

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is calling “on all Floridians to report suspicious activity and be on the lookout for those who attempt to commit arson-related crimes,” according to a Monday press release. National Arson Awareness Week is this week. “Arson-related crimes can destroy property, put lives at risk, and arson-for-profit schemes are […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2018

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that House Democrats have the fundraising, the issues and the political atmosphere on their side to win back the majority in November. These factors, and an activated party base that’s helped Democrats win in special elections across the country this year are the “small droplets of water” that […]

Staff ReportsMay 5, 2018

A robotic geologist armed with a hammer and quake monitor rocketed toward Mars on Saturday, aiming to land on the red planet and explore its mysterious insides. In a twist, NASA launched the Mars InSight lander from California rather than Florida’s Cape Canaveral. It was the first interplanetary mission ever to depart from the West […]

Staff ReportsMay 5, 2018

Florida State University President John Thrasher has a big decision to make: change controversial name recognitions on campus — or leave ‘em be? On Friday a university panel charged with reviewing FSU namings approved a proposal to relocate a statue commemorating Francis Eppes and wipe his association to the building housing the university’s criminology and criminal justice program. Also included: a […]

Staff ReportsMay 4, 2018

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As of the close of qualifying on Friday, 18 appellate judges had formally qualified for merit-retention elections in November. They include Florida Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson, formerly a 5th District Court of Appeal judge. The others are: 1st District Court of Appeal: Harvey Jay, Stephanie Ray, Brad Thomas, Kemmerly Thomas, Allen Winsor. While Winsor qualified for […]

Staff ReportsMay 4, 2018

Rubio, the gift that keeps on giving Each election cycle, voters are treated to campaign ads and mailers touting the good works of one candidate and the warts of the other. Opponents are often compared to an unpopular member of their party. In Congressional elections, Republicans will tout their record and qualifications while comparing Democrat opponents […]

Staff ReportsMay 4, 2018

What’s called “the largest municipal-backed solar project in the nation” was announced Friday by the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA). In conjunction with 12 Florida municipal electric utilities and NextEra Florida Renewables, the large-scale solar energy project will “provide renewable energy for customers in the most cost-effective way,” a press release said. The project was announced […]

Staff ReportsMay 4, 2018

Congressional candidates finish qualifying this week, setting the stage for a 3+ month sprint to nominations. Virtually every Congressional incumbent, save John Rutherford, will face a primary. Ted Yoho faces nominal competition for what could be his final term; Al Lawson faces more than a symbolic challenge in the form of Alvin Brown in Congressional District 5. We are a few weeks […]

Staff ReportsMay 4, 2018

President Donald Trump’s new attorney, Emmet Flood, a veteran of the Clinton impeachment battles, is the leading candidate to replace the White House’s top lawyer, several people familiar with the matter said Thursday. The move would be an effort to prepare for the possibility that Democrats could regain control of the House after the November […]

Staff ReportsMay 3, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is telling the state’s top financial regulator he “no longer ha(s) confidence” in Drew Breakspear‘s ability to lead the Office of Financial Regulation. Patronis, a Panama City Republican running for re-election this year, sent a letter to Breakspear on Thursday. “Over the last 10 months, I have developed concerns over the lack of cooperation, […]

Staff Reports
Buccaneers QB Teddy Bridgewater. Image via AP.

Jimmy Patronis wants you to help stop arsons

Nancy Pelosi: Democrats have cash and environment to win House

NASA launches InSight spacecraft to Mars to dig down deep

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Rewriting history?

Appellate judges qualify for November ballot

Delegation for 5.4.18 — Insights from the Beltway to the Sunshine State

Florida’s municipal utilities go solar in big way

Jacksonville Bold for 5.4.18 — Qualifying Week

Donald Trump’s new lawyer is top candidate for White House counsel

Jimmy Patronis: ‘No confidence’ in state’s chief financial regulator