Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiNovember 27, 2018

For the second straight year, Northeast Florida Republican Rob Bradley will chair the Senate Appropriations Committee. With Rep. Travis Cummings chairing the House’s budget panel, that means Clay County has two lawmakers overseeing statewide spending decisions for the 2019 Legislative Session. Bradley replaced Jack Latvala ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session, when the Clearwater Republican quit the Senate amid sexual misconduct […]

Jacob OglesNovember 27, 2018

As students log into a computer website, an orange creature named Plory — who resembles somewhat a Sesame Street monster wandering into the South Park animated world — greets the children. Through a digital tutorial, Plory explains both how the mechanics of a series of online assessments will work and what students should expect from […]

Drew WilsonNovember 27, 2018

Public policy whiz Cesar Fernandez has joined Converge Government Affairs, the growing Miami-based lobby shop founded by veteran influencer Jonathan Kilman. Three years ago, Florida Politics named Fernandez one of its “30-under-30 rising stars” in Florida politics — and his star has only risen since. The Miami native and University of Florida alumnus got his […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 27, 2018

There may be new legislative leadership, but old lawmaking sticking points are shaping up to remain unchanged. The Florida League of Cities, for example, recently unveiled its legislative priorities for the upcoming 2019 Legislative Session. Perennial issues line the group’s platform. But most fit under the ideological umbrella of Home Rule, the idea that local […]

Peter SchorschNovember 26, 2018

Shane Strum will be Republican Ron DeSantis‘ chief of staff when he takes office in January, the Governor-elect announced Monday. “I am very pleased to announce that Shane is returning to public service and bringing his expertise to our administration,” said DeSantis in a prepared statement. “Having spent many years in both the private and public sector, […]

Ryan NicolNovember 26, 2018

Democratic state Sen. Lauren Book and GOP state Sen. Manny Diaz are among the newly-named legislative committee chairs hailing from South Florida. Book, who represents Senate District 32, was one of only two Democrats (Tallahassee’s Bill Montford is the other) named to head a committee; she will lead the Committee on Children, Families, and Elder […]

Staff ReportsNovember 26, 2018

Democratic state Reps. Geraldine Thompson, Dianne Hart, and Ben Diamond have been named floor leaders, House Democratic Leader Kionne L. McGhee announced Monday. “As we transition into a new legislative year, I am confident of the progress this caucus will achieve,” McGhee said in a statement. “I am thrilled and honored to appoint such dedicated public servants […]

Drew WilsonNovember 26, 2018

Another four Democrats and four Republicans took the first step toward re-election before in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Coconut Creek Democratic Rep. Kristin Jacobs, who opened her campaign account Wendesday, and Lakeland Republican Rep. Colleen Burton are the longest tenured of the bunch. Jacobs, a former Broward County Commissioner, was first elected to the Florida House in 2014. […]

Guest AuthorNovember 26, 2018

For anyone who thought Florida fixed its election system following the 2000 recount, think again. Eighteen years after that infamous spectacle, the 2018 election season has demonstrated we still have work to do in making our voting and counting processes as effective and accessible as possible. I spent Election Day and most of the next […]

Christine Jordan SextonNovember 26, 2018

Have no doubt: Incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva wants to expand access to health care by expanding the scope of practice for Florida nurses. He also wants less government regulation in Florida’s health care delivery system and more free-market principles. Oliva, though, denies that reconfiguring the state’s health care delivery system will be his personal […]

Influence
Milton damage. Image via City of Tampa.

Back again: Rob Bradley returns to chair Senate Appropriations

Makers of i-Ready promise educator empowerment, not constant assessment

Personnel note: Cesar Fernandez joins Converge Government Affairs

Familiar issues top Florida League of Cities’ legislative priorities

Ron DeSantis taps Shane Strum for chief of staff

South Florida represents: Lauren Book, Manny Diaz named Senate committee chairs

Trio of lawmakers joins House Democratic leadership

Eight more House incumbents kick-off 2020 re-election bids

Chris Hand: First priority for 2019 Session — election reform

Jose Oliva: State’s health care is ‘behind the curve’