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

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

The numbers are out. Registered legislative lobbying firms reported median earnings of more than $35.7 million in the first quarter of 2017. The Top 5 earners during the three-month period were Ballard Partners, Southern Strategy Group, Ronald L. Book PA, Capital City Consulting, and Greenberg Traurig. If those rankings look familiar, there’s a reason for […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

Jackie Schutz Zeckman has been tapped to serve as Gov. Rick Scott’s right hand woman. The Naples Republican announced Tuesday that Schutz Zeckman will serve has his chief of staff beginning July 1. She’ll replace Kim McDougal, Scott’s current chief of staff, who is departing to pursue opportunities in the private sector. “Jackie has been […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

Three Leon County officials are throwing their support behind Gwen Graham. Leon County Commissioners John Dailey and Kristin Dozier, and Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor Tabitha Frazier have endorsed Graham for governor, her campaign announced Tuesday. In a statement, Graham said she was “proud to have the support” of the local leaders, and pledged to […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

There’s a new podcast on the block. SalterMitchell is launching Fluent in Floridian, a new podcast featuring state leaders talking about issues important to the people of Florida and the people who visit the Sunshine State each year. The podcast will tackle issues like economic development, environmental protection, transportation, tourism, politics and taxes. Released weekly, […]

Staff ReportsMay 15, 2017

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George Sheldon‘s hometown newspaper now has weighed in on the former Florida politico, putting in newsprint the latest ethics woes of the now-director of Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services. The Tallahassee Democrat’s Monday edition (online version here), with help from the Chicago Tribune’s estimable reporting of the last few weeks, documented Sheldon’s travails as head of […]

Staff ReportsMay 15, 2017

A record number of tourists — 31.1 million visitors — came to Florida during the first three months of 2017, a 2.5 percent increase over the same period in 2016. Gov. Rick Scott released the latest numbers Monday at Miami’s Jungle Island. Nearly 113 million tourists — most of them from the United States — […]

Staff ReportsMay 12, 2017

Mike Sole, the former secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, is headed for a seat on the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointment Friday. Sole served at DEP from 2007 to 2010, then went to work for Florida Power & Light Co. and NextEra Energy, where he has […]

Staff ReportsMay 12, 2017

Former state representative and congressman David Rivera banked $110,750 last month toward his 2018 run for House District 105, campaign finance records show. The April take follows a $100,000 loan. Rivera is looking to replace term-limited state Rep. Carlos Trujillo in the Republican-leaning district. His only competitor, Republican Ana Maria Rodriguez, collected $36,800 for April, bringing her […]

Staff ReportsMay 12, 2017

The list of names to be the next secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation is down to three. The Florida Transportation Commission, the department’s advisory board, interviewed five applicants Thursday and is set to recommend three to Gov. Rick Scott. They are Richard Biter, a former assistant secretary of the transportation department; Phillip Gainer, FDOT’s District […]

Staff ReportsMay 11, 2017

The political committee of Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam posted more than $800,000 in contributions for the month of April, the state’s campaign finance website shows. Florida Grown reported $809,156 in fundraising and $276,479 in expenditures for the month. That brings the committee’s total take since its February 2015 formation to $11.3 million in contributions. […]

Staff Reports
According to reviews, F1: The Movie is living up to the hype. Image via AppleTV+/Associated Press.

Lobby firms bring in more than $35.7M in first quarter to lobby Legislature

Rick Scott announces Jackie Schutz Zeckman as next chief of staff

Three Leon County officials endorse Gwen Graham for governor

SalterMitchell launches ‘Fluent in Floridian’ podcast

George Sheldon now taken to task by hometown paper

Rick Scott announces record tourism numbers, criticizes marketing budget cut

Personnel note: Mike Sole appointed to fish and wildlife commission

David Rivera banks another $110,000 for April

Transportation board settles on three for next FDOT head

Adam Putnam fundraising panel notches over $800,000 for April