Emails & Opinions

Peter SchorschMarch 9, 2017

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. BREAKING OVERNIGHT – Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn has decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for Florida governor. The Mayor made the announcement on his social media accounts early Thursday. REMEMBERING JIM KING The late state […]

Darryl PaulsonMarch 9, 2017

As a lifelong Republican and a former Fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, I have always preferred voting for the Republican and conservative candidate. Preferably, the candidate is both Republican and conservative, although that is not always the case. For only the second time in my life, I did not vote for the Republican presidential […]

Guest AuthorMarch 8, 2017

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen much-needed economic legislation put on hold out of fear of how it’d affect the environment. Ditto for the mounds of environmental priorities placed on the back burner because of apprehensions about what they might do to the economy. At one point, this all made sense. The […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2017

Akerman, one of the state’s largest law firms, and lobbyists Eliakim Nortelus and David Roberts have parted ways after a vote in a legislative committee to repeal the state law requiring businesses to have separate stores to sell liquor was postponed. Marisa Serrano, a spokesperson for Akerman said Nortelus and Roberts “have resigned from the firm to pursue other interests.” Sources close to the two […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2017

We’re not campaign finance experts, but we think Charlie Crist pulled an oopsie when he named his new Political Action Committee after himself. Simple reason: Federal law doesn’t allow it. Former Republican Gov. and now Democratic Congressman Crist opened “Charlie Crist PAC” Monday, calling it “a Leadership PAC.” In doing so, Crist – or his money people – forgot the […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2017

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. #HUMBLEBRAG It’s that time of year when everyone in the process emails around CATECOMM’s annual legislative aide study — even the clients he’s working against. It’s a must-read perennial reminder for advocacy groups and […]

Peter SchorschMarch 7, 2017

The House version of the “whiskey and Wheaties” bill stumbled and then face planted in its second committee hearing Tuesday afternoon. The Walmart-backed HB 81, sponsored by Hialeah Republican Rep. Bryan Avila, would allow grocery stores and other retailers to sell liquor, rather than keeping up the so-called “liquor wall.” The issue is a top priority for […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2017

Congresswoman Kathy Castor has always been an unflagging champion of the Affordable Care Act, so you could bet she would have a harsh reaction to the plan unveiled by House Republican leaders on Monday night. “It’s pretty horrendous,” the Tampa Democrat told a group of reporters gathered in front of a medical building Tuesday morning on West […]

Joe HendersonMarch 7, 2017

The Hillsborough County public school district has straightforward rules in its student handbook about religion. It says students can talk about religion, practice their religion, can be excused to observe a religious holiday, and – most important for the context of our discussion today – decide for themselves whether they want to participate in things […]

Peter SchorschMarch 7, 2017

Later this morning, Gov. Rick Scott will give his seventh State of the State address as lawmakers kick off their annual 60-day legislative session. After the applause from his fellow Republicans dies down, Florida Democrats and progressives will offer a response to the GOP’s agenda. “Labor leaders, legislators and advocates for access to health care, […]

Emails & Opinions

Sunburn for 3.9.17 – Buckhorn out; King remembered; Negron’s priorities vetted; Akerman lobbyists gone; Lyft in Tally

Repeal and replace — The end of traditional conservatism

Jason Fischer: Florida needs to say yes to American energy independence, no to proposed fracking ban

Akerman law firm, lobbyists Eli Nortelus, David Roberts part ways after ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ issue postponed

Did Charlie Crist pull an oopsie naming his PAC after himself?

Sunburn for 3.8.17 – Governor gets personal; Speaker gets joyful; Bills get moving; Don Gaetz’ next run?; It’s Space Day!

Hmmm… House’s whiskey & Wheaties bill stumbles in second committee

Kathy Castor calls new GOP House health care plan ‘Robin Hood in reverse’

Just imagine huge can of worms opened by religious liberty bill

Isn’t it time Florida progressive put the ‘Awake the State’ mantra to bed?