Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschDecember 19, 2018

Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ Inaugural Committee chief Justin Caporale announced another wave of staffers for the former congressman’s swearing in celebration. “The Inaugural Committee is pleased to announce additional members of our leadership team who hail from Florida and across the nation,” Caporale said. “These accomplished individuals are spearheading the planning and production of inclusive Inaugural […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 19, 2018

On Tuesday, Sen. Aaron Bean filed SB 164, a companion bill to a piece of legislation filed a week prior in the Florida House. The bill compels as of the end of 2019 private employers, public employers, and state contractors and subcontractors to enroll in the federal E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility. E-Verify featured in Gov.-elect Ron […]

Drew WilsonDecember 18, 2018

Five more incumbent state representatives — three Democrats and two Republicans — have opened campaign accounts to run again in 2020. Among those filing their paperwork last week were three members of the 2018 freshman class in the House: — Riverview Democratic Rep. Adam Hattersley. — Lauderdale Lakes Democratic Rep. Anika Omphroy. — Howey in […]

Peter SchorschDecember 18, 2018

Samantha Sexton has been named the new Director of Government Relations for the University of Florida, her alma mater, leading its Tallahassee office. She will report to Mark Kaplan, the university’s vice president for government and community relations. “Samantha is going to help UF build on our momentum in research, academic excellence, and economic development […]

Ryan NicolDecember 18, 2018

Ralph Thomas, a Wakulla County Commissioner, has filed to replace state Rep. Halsey Beshears in House District 7. “I served our nation in uniform, and now I want to serve our rural communities in the Florida House of Representatives,” said Thomas, who was a member of the U.S. Navy from 1985 to 1997. “As a hometown […]

Peter SchorschDecember 18, 2018

The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners — one of the state’s leading, full-service government relations firms — has added top policy adviser and legal counsel Jeffrey Woodburn to its team of experts in Florida, the firm has announced. Woodburn most recently served as policy director for Governor-elect Ron DeSantis‘ campaign. Woodburn “has deep policy, government, […]

Staff ReportsDecember 18, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: In the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Cindy Kynoch is staff director. Jamie DeLoach and Ross McSwain are deputy staff directors. McSwain worked previously as staff director of Regulated Industries. Off and on: Elizabeth Ryon became deputy staff director for the […]

Ryan NicolDecember 17, 2018

State Sen. Lauren Book has filed a bill (SB 160) which would seek to criminalize the sale of sex dolls designed to look like young children. “A person may not knowingly sell, lend, give away, distribute, transmit, show, or transmute … an obscene, child-like sex doll,” the bill says. “These obscene dolls are being shipped from […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 17, 2018

Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis‘ Transition Advisory Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture met Monday, with the discussion involving very little in the way of actual disagreement between panelists. The 40-person group, chaired by U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, is expected to make recommendations by the end of December, on issues ranging from restoring the Everglades to […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorDecember 17, 2018

Rep. Jackie Toledo filed legislation Monday that would make “distracted driving” a primary offense. The bill (HB 107) would apply to texting while driving and to talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving. Current law bans using a cell phone while driving as a secondary offense, which means law enforcement officers can […]

Influence
Anna Maria Island home after Hurricane Milton.

Ron DeSantis’ Inaugural Committee adds more staff

Lawmakers could consider E-Verify requirement

More state representatives launch 2020 re-election bids

Personnel note: Samantha Sexton named government relations director for UF

Wakulla Co. Commissioner Ralph Thomas files for HD 7

Personnel note: Jeff Woodburn joins The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Lauren Book files state ban of ‘obscene, child-like‘ sex dolls

Ron DeSantis task force hones in on environmental improvement

Jackie Toledo bill would make texting while driving a ’primary offense‘