Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJanuary 7, 2019

Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis made a campaign promise that he would pursue a fracking ban in Florida, and a Clearwater-based group is making sure he doesn’t forget. Floridians Against Fracking (via Food & Water Watch) said in a Friday news release that it would set up “large visuals throughout Tallahassee in coordination with the Governor’s inauguration […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 7, 2019

While the rest of us were enjoying some downtime during the holidays, Miami-based Converge Government Affairs was busy building a sister public affairs firm, Converge GPS. Converge chairman Jonathan Kilman announced the launch of Converge GPS (short for Global Public Strategies), which will be an affiliated but separate, bipartisan firm focused on public affairs, corporate communications and political […]

Jacob OglesJanuary 6, 2019

Former Agriculture Commissioner candidate Baxter Troutman faces new accusations by wife Rebecca of aggravated assault and domestic battery. Arrest records with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office detail a tumultuous and sometimes violent home life for the Troutmans over ten years of marriage, despite the couple during the course of his campaign insisting their home life […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 4, 2019

Fred Piccolo, spokesman for House Speaker Jose Oliva, released the following memo on Friday: After consulting with House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee, the following members are hereby appointed as Ranking Members for the following committees and subcommittees for the 2019 Legislative Session. Appropriations Committee – Leader McGhee Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee – Rep. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 4, 2019

In a rebuke to lawmakers and the Rick Scott Administration that was stunning even for Tallahassee Circuit Judge Karen Gievers, she struck down the 2017 state law regulating medical marijuana, saying it conflicted with the state constitution. In the spirit of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, known for his pre-fight rhymes, Gievers opined that in Florida “the medical […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 4, 2019

Addressing costly hurricane damage from years past could be one of Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ first headaches after he takes office next week. Kevin Guthrie, chief of staff at the state Division of Emergency Management, on Thursday painted a pricey picture to a panel charged with advising DeSantis and Lt. Gov-elect Jeanette Nuñez on government operations. Guthrie […]

Jacob OglesJanuary 3, 2019

Sen. Joe Gruters brings his fight against dark money to the Senate. The first-term state lawmaker filed a bill (SB 224) to stop the practice of contributions funneling through multiple political committees, his third attempt since joining the Legislature in 2016. “We have legal laundering of campaign contributions through a system so nobody can see […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 3, 2019

The special election hasn’t been called yet, but the arms race to replace Republican state Rep. Halsey Beshears in House District 7 is ramping up. A day after five current and retired sheriffs announced they were backing his opponent, Port St. Joe Republican Jason Shoaf put out a fundraiser invite featuring a slew of influential […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 3, 2019

Agriculture Commissioner-elect Nikki Fried filled out her office’s personnel list a little more Thursday with another round of staffing announcements. The new hires include Franco Ripple as comms director, Max Flugrath as press secretary, Karen Skyers as minority affairs director, Rachel Morgan Garland as rural outreach director and Matt Gotha as cabinet affairs director. “We’re […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 2, 2019

Some of Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis‘ transition advisers are suggesting changes to the way the state administers behavioral health care. A DeSantis brain trust of health care professionals and policy experts spent a great deal of time Wednesday discussing the behavioral-health spectrum, with mental health and substance abuse at the top of their list. These issues fill the backdrop […]

Influence
Anna Maria Island home after Hurricane Milton.

Activist group to remind Ron DeSantis of anti-fracking pledge

Converge, the gov’t affairs firm founded by Jonathan Kilman, plots major expansion with new public affairs affiliate

Baxter Troutman arrested for domestic battery, wife details years of abuse

House announces ranking Democrats for legislative panels

State’s mellow gets harshed: Medical marijuana law again found unconstitutional

Ron DeSantis’ first worry: Hurricanes could bust state budget

Joe Gruters seeks to close dark money channels

Big name Republicans on board for Jason Shoaf fundraiser

Nikki Fried announces next wave of staffers

Ron DeSantis panel eyes mental health, addiction