Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJune 6, 2017

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission now has a set of rules for how it might go about writing major changes to Florida’s Constitution. Those rules — addressing such matters as who will appoint committees, how proposals will move through committees, whether Florida’s Sunshine laws will cover everything — emerged from a sometimes chaotic debate in Orlando […]

Associated PressJune 6, 2017

A Florida woman is under investigation after apparently posting a video on Facebook showing a red rat snake biting her 1-year-old daughter. The woman tells Tampa’s ABC Action News she has no regrets for “introducing” the girl to the snake, which she found in the driveway of her home near Sebring. The station reports the Highlands […]

Michael MolineJune 6, 2017

A state appeals court criticized a judge of compensation claims for denying a $20,000 attorney fee award because of unsubstantiated claims that the parties had colluded. The 1st District Court of Appeal ordered Judge John Lazzara of Tallahassee to conduct a proper evidentiary hearing in the matter. “Given the JCC’s failure to provide the parties […]

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

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David Mica Jr., the Florida Lottery‘s chief of staff, has been named interim secretary while Gov. Rick Scott searches for a full-time replacement, an agency spokeswoman said Tuesday. Mica was officially appointed as interim on Friday, according to Lottery spokeswoman Connie Barnes. The vacancy was created by the departure of former Secretary Tom Delacenserie, now president […]

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

Sen. Perry Thurston has thrown his support behind Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in the race to replace Gov. Rick Scott. Thurston, the chairman of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, announced Tuesday he was endorsing Gillum in his 2018 gubernatorial bid. In a statement, Thurston said Gillum has led the way on “healthcare, education and climate […]

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

Gwen Graham has topped the $2 million mark after just one month on the campaign trail. Graham’s campaign announced Tuesday that she has already raised more than $2.25 million, surpassing the $2 million raised by Democratic rival Chris King. According to Graham’s campaign, the former U.S. representative raised $1.5 million in May — $430,000 to […]

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

Joshua E. Doyle, a Tallahassee-based special agent for the FBI, will be taking the reins from John F. “Jack” Harkness, Jr. as the next executive director of The Florida Bar, according to a Tuesday press release. Harkness, who’s been with the Bar for 37 years, will shift to an “ongoing consulting role.” They’ll start a six-month transition in […]

Michael MolineJune 6, 2017

The governor’s constitutional authority to veto budget line items trumps a state law requiring him to bow to the Legislature when it resolves labor collective bargaining impasses, a divided 1st District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday. The majority conceded that, under the state Labor Code, “any actions taken by the Legislature shall bind the parties” […]

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

Matt Caldwell brought in more than $100,000 in less than a month, his campaign announced this week. The North Fort Myers Republican raised $101,1575 for his 2018 agriculture commissioner bid during a 20-day period in May. While Caldwell filed to run for the statewide office May 1, he did not begin fundraising until after the […]

Michael MolineJune 6, 2017

A former Orlando Predators player can’t recover workers’ compensation benefits because nobody from the Arena Football League ever signed his employment contract, the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled Tuesday. Bryon Bishop attempted to claim benefits for an injury sustained during a tryout to rejoin the now-defunct team following a hiatus. A judge of compensation […]

Headlines

After a seemingly rule-less meeting, constitution panel adopts rules

Florida woman let snake bite baby as learning opportunity

Workers’ comp judge ordered to reconsider $20K attorney fee agreement

Personnel note: David Mica Jr. named interim head of Florida Lottery

Perry Thurston backs Andrew Gillum for Governor

Gwen Graham hits $2.25M mark after first month on campaign trail

Personnel note: Joshua E. Doyle selected as head of Florida Bar

Split appeal court upholds Rick Scott’s 2015 veto of firefighters’ $2,000 raise

Matt Caldwell raised more than $100K for Agriculture Commissioner bid in May

Injured Orlando Predators player loses workers’ compensation claim on appeal