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Staff ReportsJanuary 1, 2018

Complaints about violations of the state’s “Do Not Call” list were far and away the most common ones filed in 2017 with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, according to a news release. Complaints about landlord-tenant issues, and fuel and gasoline rounded out the top 3. “We are dedicated to protecting Florida’s consumers, and I’m […]

Staff ReportsDecember 31, 2017

The New Year is an opportunity to cherish memories, reflect on decisions and set goals for the year ahead. But it’s also a chance for some politicians and interests — or maybe their email-savvy fundraisers — to make a last ask for cash. Some have superstitious practices on New Year’s Eve to bode good fortune, […]

Joe HendersonDecember 30, 2017

Richard Corcoran apologized as he slid into his seat on the outdoor patio at The Capital Grille, an upscale eatery at Tampa’s swank International Mall. He was running a little late and battling a head cold. Corcoran passed on his usual glass of red wine. Instead, he opted for chilled Fiji bottled water. Our waiter […]

Drew WilsonDecember 29, 2017

Duke Energy and Tampa Electric Company asked the Public Service Commission this week to approve plans that would allow them to pass to ratepayers more than $600 million in costs related to Hurricane Irma and other storms. Duke Energy’s proposal would see the company collect $513 million from customers, who would see their average bill […]

Mitch PerryDecember 29, 2017

Senator Bill Nelson met with local representatives from the Tampa Bay Puerto Rican community on Friday, blasting recent actions (and non-actions) by congressional Republicans in the wake of Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on the island exactly 100 days ago. “A knife was put to the neck of Puerto Rico.” That’s the phrase the Florida Democrat […]

Scott PowersDecember 29, 2017

Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis has spent a couple of weeks now seriously signaling his interest in running for governor of Florida including getting an endorsement from President Donald Trump and now he has taken a material step toward a statewide campaign with the announcement of finance teams. The existing federal campaign, Ron DeSantis for […]

Peter SchorschDecember 29, 2017

‘Tis the season, and the Legislature’s dubious Christmas present this year was moving up the 2018 Legislative Session two months from its usual March start date. We will no doubt have many gifts in store, besides the inevitable policy food fights, such as perhaps seeing some lawmakers in their ugly holiday sweaters (the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts “sunny, turning warm” for […]

Ana CeballosDecember 29, 2017

Sexual harassment and quid quo pro allegations raised by several women against Sen. Jack Latvala have put an end to his career in the Florida Senate and his Twitter presence. Shortly after two separate Senate investigations concluded that he sexually harassed women in his orbit and that he may have traded support for legislation for […]

Jim RosicaDecember 29, 2017

When it comes to applying for a judgeship, the third time could be a charm for Alan Abramowitz. Abramowitz, executive director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Office, is one of 12 applicants for a Tallahassee-area circuit judge seat opening because of the retirement of Charles A. Francis. Abramowitz has applied to become a judge […]

Drew WilsonDecember 29, 2017

Lawmakers will have a week to fundraise before the Legislative Session kicks off and Rep. Matt Caldwell, who is running for Agriculture Commissioner, plans to make the most of it. The Lehigh Acres Republican is holding a fundraiser on Jan. 3 in Pensacola followed by another in Branford on Jan. 5. The host committee for […]

Headlines
Grace Melton and Fiona McFarland. Image via AP.

The unhappy top 10: Floridians’ consumer complaints in 2017

Politicians ringing in the new year with last-minute fundraising appeals

Richard Corcoran: 2017 Florida Politician of the Year

Ratepayers could be on the hook for millions due to Hurricane Irma

Bill Nelson slams GOP response to Puerto Rico

Ron DeSantis announces campaign finance teams with Thomas Peterffy, Sheldon Adelson

The 12 Days of Christmas, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and politicos

Jack Latvala deletes Twitter account after sexual misconduct scandal

Open Tallahassee judgeship gets a dozen applicants

Matt Caldwell looks to start the new year with a bang