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Staff ReportsFebruary 9, 2017

Sen. Randolph Bracy could be eyeing higher office. The Florida Times-Union reported Thursday that Bracy is considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2018. If he decides to jump into the race, Bracy would face sitting U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in a Democratic primary. “I’m considering it; I’ll leave it there,” he told the paper. […]

Associated PressFebruary 9, 2017

President Donald Trump insisted Thursday that comments by his Supreme Court nominee criticizing his own attacks on the judiciary were “misrepresented,” even as Republican and Democratic lawmakers vouched for the veracity of the remarks. Trump responded after private rebukes from Judge Neil Gorsuch, who said in meetings with lawmakers on Wednesday that the president’s comments […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2017

Florida’s grapefruit crop held steady at nine million boxes, but its orange crop went down slightly, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s February forecast. Thursday’s report projects a one million box reduction in the state’s orange crop to 70 million boxes. That’s after last month’s forecast also predicted a decrease. “Today’s forecast reflects a true utilization of […]

Scott PowersFebruary 9, 2017

A Florida Senate committee overwhelmingly approved the latest attempt to expand the state’s Stand Your Ground self-defense law. On Thursday, the Senate Rules Committee passed the measure after advocates said it would stop unnecessary prosecutions. Opponents alleged it would stop a lot of necessary prosecutions, as well. Senate Bill 128 would allow gun defendants to […]

Michael MolineFebruary 9, 2017

Legislation cleared a House committee Thursday to create a new cause of action for women who suffer injuries or emotional distress during abortion procedures as a result of the doctor’s failure to provide informed consent. HB 19, by Vero Beach Republican Erin Grall, specified that women would not be bound by restrictions imposed under Florida’s […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 9, 2017

Water remains one of Rep. Francis Rooney’s top priority, the freshman congressman told Southwest Floridians this week. The Naples Republican told member of Businesspeople United for Political Action Committee (BUPAC) that he wants to focus Everglades restoration and improving water quality during his time in office. His visit to Fort Myers kicked off a day-long […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 9, 2017

Rep. Francis Rooney dismissed rumors he is considering gubernatorial bid, saying he is focused on “being the best congressman” he can be for Southwest Florida. Rooney, a freshman congressman and the former ambassador to the Holy See, said he was not considering a run for governor in 2018. “I am considering one thing — being the […]

Scott PowersFebruary 9, 2017

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and three more members of Congress have joined the bipartisan, largely bi-coastal Climate Solutions Caucus, the group announced Thursday. With the additions of Crist, a Florida Democrat; David Reichert, a Republican from Washington; Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat from Oregon; and Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, the caucus formed and chaired […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2017

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has scored a preliminary win in his fight against the federal government over U.S. savings bonds he holds as unclaimed property. The U.S. Treasury has agreed to redeem “just over 1,000 bonds, worth a little more than half a million dollars, excluding accrued interest,” Atwater spokeswoman Ashley Carr said Thursday. The total value of […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 9, 2017

With a mix of old and new, the annual Florida State Fair kicks off Thursday. In addition to obligatory references to artery-clogging fair fare by local reporters (Deep-fried butter! Spaghetti Ice Cream!), Opening Day of the Fair is the setting for the yearly Governors Day Luncheon, where every man and women in Hillsborough County who is […]

Headlines

Report: Randolph Bracy considering 2018 U.S. Senate bid

Donald Trump nominee decried criticism of judges, senators agree

More bad news as Florida orange crop drops again

Senate Rules Committee stands its ground on Stand Your Ground

House panel approves new cause of action for abortion negligence

Francis Rooney talks water during Fort Myers stop

Francis Rooney says he’s not considering 2018 gubernatorial bid

Charlie Crist, three others join Climate Solutions Caucus

Jeff Atwater wins first round of $1 billion bonds fight with feds

Politics, food and fun: Florida State Fair kicks off