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Staff ReportsDecember 28, 2018

Let’s not even pretend to avoid a spoiler: The post-Parkland legislation was the biggest legislative story of the last year. We’ll save that for the end, but in the meantime, here’s Florida Politics’ annual (and admittedly subjective) list of the top stories to come out of the 2018 Legislative Session. In somewhat chronological order: Sexual […]

Staff ReportsDecember 27, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday that $24 million in economic incentive and infrastructure dollars would be dispersed to 36 rural communities across the state. Most of the money will be released via the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, a collaboration between the Department of Economic Opportunity and the federal department of Housing and Urban […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 27, 2018

The Governor-elect Ron DeSantis‘ transition-based public safety panel convened Thursday with juvenile crime and incarceration the topic du jour. The 45-person panel is stacked with law enforcement professionals, as well as civilians impacted by the Parkland tragedy. The first major topic: juvenile crime. Unsurprisingly, the conclusion was the kids aren’t alright (building on contentions made […]

Drew WilsonDecember 27, 2018

A second candidate has filed for the Pasco County seat state Rep. Danny Burgess is expected to leave vacant shortly after New Year’s. Wesley Chapel Democrat Kathy Lynn Lewis filed for the seat Friday, joining Dade City Republican Randy Maggard, who filed a day earlier. Lewis and Maggard have put in their paperwork to run […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerDecember 26, 2018

A bank representing bondholders filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to force the state Department of Transportation to raise tolls on Northwest Florida’s Garcon Point Bridge to pay off construction bonds that are in default. The 3.5-mile toll bridge, which spans a portion of eastern Pensacola Bay, has had a troubled financial history since it opened […]

Drew WilsonDecember 25, 2018

It’s the giving season, and for those in the process it’ll be a long one — with all the lawmakers being tapped for exec positions by Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis there’s sure to be an extensive slate of special elections. That means the Adams Street crowd will need a few more checks to hand out during […]

Jacob OglesDecember 25, 2018

Charter schools may promise to provide access to a top education for more children, but one University of Florida researcher’s findings show hat opportunity doesn’t get offered readily to many of the most at-risk students. A new study shows schools of choice often ignore inquiries of students with special needs, and charter schools do so […]

Jacob OglesDecember 22, 2018

Background checks should stop violent felons from buying guns. State Rep. Margaret Good just filed legislation to make all sellers actually use them. “I don’t know if people understand that if you buy off the internet in Florida, if you buy off of Craiglist or you do it person to person, a background check is […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorDecember 21, 2018

State Sen. Jeff Brandes has again filed a bill that would protect individuals’ privacy contained on cell phones and other electronic devices as well as GPS location data. The bill would require a warrant to access electronic information from a person suspected of a crime. A warrant is not currently required to search such electronic data. […]

Peter SchorschDecember 21, 2018

Neil Skene, a child welfare reformer in Florida and Illinois, is moving from trustee of the Pace Center for Girls to becoming its Vice President of Strategy and Policy early next year, the organization said. Its aim is to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system. “In this newly created role, Skene will lead Pace’s efforts to positively impact the lives […]

Influence
Anna Maria Island home after Hurricane Milton.

Florida Politics’ review of top legislative stories of 2018

Rick Scott doles out rural economic incentive dollars

‘The kids aren’t alright’ warns Ron DeSantis public safety team

New candidate sets up showdown for Danny Burgess’ House seat

Bondholders cry foul over ‘Bo’s Bridge’

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

Univ. of Florida study: Charter schools less responsive to neediest students

Margaret Good aims for background checks on private gun sales

Jeff Brandes files cell phone privacy bill

Personnel note: Neil Skene joins Pace Center for Girls