Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsOctober 8, 2018

A coalition made up of Florida’s farmers, ranchers and sportsmen have teamed up to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending live dog racing in the state, according to a Monday press release. But a main supporter of the racing ban said their argument doesn’t hold water. Amendment 13, which would need at least 60 […]

Drew WilsonOctober 8, 2018

The race for SD 8 has already taken to the airwaves, but both candidates for the Alachua County-based seat have been sending out mailer after mailer pitching themselves as the best candidate for the job. As he’s done throughout the election cycle, Gainesville Republican Sen. Keith Perry put out another mailer this week tying his […]

Staff ReportsOctober 8, 2018

In a move that’s big news in Tallahassee’s influence industry, Melissa Joiner Ramba is leaving the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) and going to Floridian Partners, the firm announced Monday. “Having worked with Melissa on retail issues over the last several years, we have been impressed with her victories in the legislative process,” said Charles Dudley, […]

Jacob OglesOctober 7, 2018

As the community mourns the death of state Sen. Dorothy Hukill, the daunting task of naming a replacement nominee still lays ahead. Mike Thomas, Republican state committeeman for Brevard County, says numerous applications have already come in to replace Hukill as the GOP nominee in Senate District 14. “The names are still coming in and […]

Staff ReportsOctober 7, 2018

Just like in 2016, we’re again asking every candidate, including incumbents, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email [email protected]. Significant other? Kids? My husband and I have five adult children […]

Jim RosicaOctober 5, 2018

Mike Carroll, who stepped down last month as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, has been named to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission. Gov. Rick Scott‘s office announced the appointment on Friday. Carroll, 57, now is Executive Vice President of Lutheran Services of Florida. Carroll is actually returning to the panel; he […]

Ryan NicolOctober 5, 2018

A new survey from Public Policy Polling (PPP) puts Democratic candidate David Perez ahead of his Republican opponent, Manny Diaz, in the race for Senate District 36. The results show Perez leading Diaz 41 percent-38 percent, with 21 percent of voters still undecided. The poll ran from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 and consisted of 358 registered voters […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday ordered flags at half-staff on Sunday in honor of the late state Sen. Dorothy Hukill. The Port Orange Republican, who served in the Senate since 2012, died Tuesday after a recurrence of cancer first diagnosed and treated last year. Scott directed the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff […]

Jim RosicaOctober 5, 2018

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Jeremiah Hawkes, formerly a top official under Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, is now general counsel of the Florida Senate, its spokeswoman said Friday. Hawkes, who started Monday, will be paid $135,000 a year. He replaces Dawn Roberts, who served as the Senate’s top lawyer under outgoing Senate President Joe Negron. Roberts is returning to her […]

Jim RosicaOctober 5, 2018

State Sen. Lauren Book, a child sexual abuse survivor, said she supports Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s investigation into possible abuse committed by Catholic priests in Florida. Bondi “has sent a clear message to any person using their position of power to exploit and manipulate children: Your actions are not tolerated, and you will not get […]

Influence
U.S. Rep. Cory Mills delivering Starlink systems to Florida Highway Patrol. Image via Mills.

Farmers, ranchers, sportsmen now oppose dog-racing ban

Direct mail roundup: Kayser Enneking, Keith Perry release dueling mailers in SD 8

Personnel note: Melissa Joiner Ramba heading to Floridian Partners

Replacement process in Dorothy Hukill’s Senate race looms

Meet Tracye Polson, Democrat running for Florida House District 15

Former DCF Secretary Mike Carroll appointed to state public safety panel

New poll puts David Perez in the lead in battleground SD 36

Rick Scott orders flags at half-staff for Dorothy Hukill

Personnel note: Jeremiah Hawkes now state Senate’s top lawyer

Lauren Book backs Pam Bondi’s investigation of sexual abuse by Catholic priests