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

Staff ReportsSeptember 27, 2017

After three attempts at elective office, Democrat Annette Taddeo finally won Tuesday’s special election to represent Miami-area Florida Senate District 40. Taddeo, 50, defeated former state Rep. Jose Felix “Pepi” Diaz 51 to 47 percent to fill the seat of Republican Frank Artiles, who resigned in April after using the N-word in front of two […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 26, 2017

With a little more than two months left in the 2017 hurricane season, Florida’s emergency management head is leaving his job “to pursue an opportunity in the private sector,” the Governor’s Office announced Tuesday. Gov. Rick Scott announced Bryan Koon’s resignation as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM), effective next Sunday. “On Sept. 1, […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 26, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Jonathan Capps became a legislative analyst for the Senate Majority Office. Off and on: Staff director Jennifer Hrdlicka has moved from the Senate Criminal Justice to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development. Lauren Jones replaces Hrdlicka on […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 25, 2017

J. Christian Minor has been selected as the new Executive Director for the Florida Juvenile Justice Association (FJJA), a Monday press release announced. He begins Oct. 23. Minor has been Legislative Affairs Director for Bridges International, “the largest provider of non-profit inmate reentry in the state of Florida,” the release said. “Our juvenile justice system plays […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 23, 2017

Sprint Corp hired a lobbying firm with close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on Sept. 1, adding to Sprint’s stable of federal lobbyists as it nears a deal to merge with wireless rival T-Mobile US Inc, according to disclosures filed with the U.S. Congress this week. T-Mobile is close to agreeing to tentative terms […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 22, 2017

Lobbyists, lawmakers and others will “be celebrating”: ABC Fine Wines & Spirits has reopened its midtown Tallahassee store on Thomasville Road. The location, closed since March 1, opened its doors again Friday after a demolition and new construction that cost the Orlando-based company over $2 million. It was the first store to go “completely dark” in the […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 22, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags at half-staff in memory of St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Capt. Charles Scavuzzo, the Governor’s Office said Thursday night. Flags will be flown at half-staff at the St. Lucie County Courthouse, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Lucie City Hall and the County Administration Building in Fort Pierce from […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 21, 2017

Former Vice President Joe Biden has recorded a call to announce his support of Democrat Annette Taddeo in next Tuesday’s Senate District 40 special election, her campaign announced Wednesday. “We have a real shot to elect a strong Democrat and proven leader, Annette Taddeo, to the state senate,” the longtime Democrat says in the 50-second recording. […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 21, 2017

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The Constitution Revision Commission released its committee schedule for next week. All locations are in the Capitol in Tallahassee: — Monday, Sept. 25: Rules and Administration Committee meets 2-5 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building. — Tuesday, Sept. 26: Executive Committee meets 8-11 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building; Bonding and Investments Committee meets 1-3 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building. — Wednesday, Sept. 27: Declaration of Rights Committee meets […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 20, 2017

The chair of the state’s Public Service Commission, which regulates investor-owned utilities, says her board also has started “thinking” about how it can help get power back on quicker after major storms. Julie I. Brown released a statement Wednesday morning, more than a week after Hurricane Irma knocked out electricity to millions of Florida homes […]

Staff Reports

What they’re saying about Annette Taddeo’s victory in SD 40

Personnel note: Bryan Koon quits as state emergency management head

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Personnel note: Christian Minor to lead juvenile justice group

Sprint hires Ballard Partners amid deal talks

ABC reopens midtown Tallahassee store

Flags at half-staff for St. Lucie County sheriff’s captain

The big get: Joe Biden endorses Annette Taddeo

CRC releases committee schedule for next week

PSC enters hurricane readiness debate