Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressJanuary 13, 2017

The lack of fireworks surrounding Senate consideration of President-elect Donald Trump‘s Cabinet picks may reflect a slew of statements his choices have made contradicting the billionaire businessman’s position on key issues. Trump acknowledged the differences early Friday, posting a message on his Twitter account saying: “All my Cabinet nominee are looking good and doing a […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2017

More lawmakers are gearing up for a re-election bid. State elections records show dozens of members of the state House and Senate have filed to run for re-election in 2018, and several more are looking ahead to 2020. Sen. Greg Steube is one of those lawmakers who is starting to think about his next race. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags at half-staff to honor two first responders killed in Central Florida. The governor issued the directive Thursday. “My wife Ann and I join Floridians across the state in praying for these officers and their families during this unimaginable time,” he said. “We ask that God provide them with much needed […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 12, 2017

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch contacted FBI Director James Comey Thursday, asking for an update on whether the bureau is investigating potential illegal meddling in U.S. foreign affairs by individuals connected to the Donald Trump presidential campaign. In late September during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Deutch asked Comey if the FBI would investigate potential violations of the Logan Act, […]

Associated PressJanuary 12, 2017

The Obama administration is ending the “wet foot, dry foot” policy that granted residency to Cubans who arrived in the United States without visas. That’s according to a senior administration official, who said the policy change was effective immediately. The official said the U.S. and Cuba have spent several months negotiating the change, including an […]

Scott PowersJanuary 12, 2017

Leah Carius said she knows something about being in a medium- or small county and feeling largely ignored by Democratic Party leaders Tallahassee, yet she also knows more than a little about strengthening a Democratic powerhouse. Carius, the chair of the Osceola County Democratic Party, is one of the dark horses seeking election as chair […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

The latest estimates show “a slight decrease” in Florida orange production to 71 million boxes for the 2016-17 season, according to the Florida Department of Citrus. The department on Thursday shared the results of the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast, the first in 2017. The state’s citrus industry has been hurt by the citrus greening epidemic. The so-far incurable disease […]

Michael MolineJanuary 12, 2017

State regulators and an organization that proposes workers’ compensation coverage rates in Florida defended themselves in pleadings to a state appeals court this week, seeking to overturn a lower court ruling that they had violated open-government laws. Attorneys for the National Council on Compensation Insurance, or NCCI, submitted their arguments in a brief filed Wednesday with […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 12, 2017

This weekend, Congressman Charlie Crist will be back on home turf for one of his first Florida fundraisers of 2017. The afternoon reception, scheduled for Saturday from 5:30 – 7 p.m., will be at the home of Crist’s sister, Dr. Elizabeth Crist Hyden, at Casa Las Brisas, 515 Brightwaters Blvd, NE in St. Petersburg. Supporters […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 12, 2017

Philip Levine will not be seeking another term as mayor of Miami Beach. In a video “state of the city” address released Thursday, Levine talked about how he “rolled up his sleeves and got to work” on such issues as sea level rise, traffic congestion, the Zika virus and lower property taxes. With that, Levine […]

Headlines

Week 1: Cabinet picks contradict Donald Trump stands on some issues

Legislative hopefuls file to run in 2018, 2020

Rick Scott orders flags at half-staff for Central Florida officers

Ted Deutch asks James Comey for FBI update on potential connection between Donald Trump campaign, Russian officials

Obama scrapping ‘wet foot, dry foot’ policy for Cubans

Leah Carius seeking to be the local-control candidate for state Democrats

Citrus crop production trending down again ‘slightly’

Ratings agency warns in brief against ‘dramatic expansion’ of Sunshine Law

Charlie Crist to hold first St. Petersburg fundraiser of 2017 Saturday

Philip Levine announces final term as Miami Beach mayor, to launch statewide listening tour