Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 8, 2019

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried made her first post swearing-in remarks to Florida Democrats Tuesday afternoon. Fried’s prepared remarks noted that she expected to be serving aside “Gov. Andrew Gillum.” That didn’t come to pass, obviously. Fried, the titular head of Florida Democrats as their sole statewide elected official, bookended her remarks with the kind of encouragement one […]

Jacob OglesJanuary 8, 2019

In his inaugural speech, newly sworn-in Gov. Ron DeSantis promised to maintain fiscally conservative tax policies for Florida, while saying the state must fiercely protect the environment or face financial peril. “Our economic potential will be jeopardized if we do not solve the problems afflicting our environment and water resources,” DeSantis said. Florida’s 45th governor stressed […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 8, 2019

Gov. Ron DeSantis and wife, Casey DeSantis, will hold a baptism ceremony Tuesday afternoon for son Mason in the Governor’s Mansion, he told the audience at a pre-inaugural prayer breakfast. That’s why he did not want a traditional parade after his 11 a.m. inauguration, DeSantis said at the event, held at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center […]

Ryan NicolJanuary 8, 2019

Bipartisan legislation from U.S. Rep. Brian Mast and former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson that secures federal funding to combat harmful algal blooms has been signed into law by President Donald Trump. The new law reauthorizes the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2013. The newest version was included as part of […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 8, 2019

“If my husband hadn’t been serving in the state House as he was at the time, or if he wasn’t from such a prominent family, the story wouldn’t have made the news and I wouldn’t feel the need to talk about it now.” — Becky Troutman, wife of former state Representative Baxter Troutman, as quoted […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 8, 2019

Rick Scott on Monday evening — just hours before his successor takes office — announced his final judicial appointments as Governor. They include naming his chief deputy general counsel to the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach. Meredith Sasso, 35, of Orlando, received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida, a […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJanuary 8, 2019

Floridians can expect a quick start to the Ron DeSantis administration, with the new governor ready to make key appointments to the state Supreme Court, announce a major environmental initiative and try to improve the medical-marijuana system. “Within the next week, I think you guys are going to have a lot to write about,” DeSantis […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 8, 2019

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the Florida House staffing merry-go-round. On: Alisa Bergmann is the new district secretary for Macclenny Republican Rep. Chuck Brannan. On: Stephanie Kreps is the new district secretary for St. Petersburg Republican Rep. Nick DiCeglie. Off: Kim Timm is no […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 7, 2019

Agriculture Commissioner-elect Nikki Fried celebrated her last night before she drops the hyphenated portion of her title alongside the people who helped her get to Tallahassee. A slew of elected party companions, lobbyists and general supporters packed a suite at Florida State University’s football stadium on Monday night to welcome to the capital Fried, the […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 7, 2019

Tree farmers and the state are saying parts of North Florida have an increased threat of wildfires in the wake of Hurricane Michael. John Alter, owner of a Jackson County tree-farming operation, told lawmakers on the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday that an excessive amount of fuel — fallen trees or branches — from the October storm […]

Headlines

Nikki Fried rallies faithful, promises policy movement

In inaugural address, Ron DeSantis vows to ‘overcome political tribalism’

The real reason Ron DeSantis doesn’t want an inaugural parade

Bipartisan legislation secures federal funding to combat algae blooms

Turns out Baxter Troutman is a turd after all

Rick Scott makes final judicial appointments

Ron DeSantis to move quickly on court, environment

Latest on the House legislative merry-go-round

Glitzy inaugural ball welcomes Nikki Fried to Tallahassee

Wildfires more of a threat after Hurricane Michael, lawmakers told