Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 13, 2018

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As the Florida Democrats work to flip Florida’s government from red to blue, there are strong indications that green may be the color of change agency. In light of reports that Gov. Rick Scott has spent $2.1 million in legal defenses of his administration’s position that the over 100,000 medical marijuana patients in the state shouldn’t […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2018

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Some of Florida’s Sheriffs, Tax Collectors, Clerks of Circuit Court, Property Appraisers, and other supporters gathered at the Capitol Wednesday to kick off a “statewide education initiative” about Amendment 10, or the “Protection Amendment.” “The amendment safeguards the interests of Floridians by protecting our right to vote, our families, our tax dollars, and our veterans,” […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously agreed to consider a challenge on whether three proposed constitutional amendments should be blocked from the November ballot. The court, however, postponed a decision “as to whether the case will be submitted … with or without oral argument,” its order said. Attorney General Pam Bondi appealed after Circuit […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 12, 2018

Incoming Senate President Bill Galvano will host a fundraiser for Gainesville Republican Sen. Keith Perry in Tallahassee next week. The Sept. 20 reception will be held at the Florida Retail Federation office, 226 S. Adams St., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Making the host committee alongside Senate Appropriations Chair Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission on Wednesday announced it would start accepting applications to fill three upcoming vacancies. Justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis, and Peggy A. Quince face mandatory retirement on the same day that term-limited Republican Gov. Rick Scott will leave office. Under the state constitution, judges and justices face mandatory retirement at […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 12, 2018

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Lobbyist Teye Reeves has joined the Tallahassee firm of Smith, Bryan & Myers (SBM). “Teye has cemented herself as an ardent influencer in the Capitol,” said Matt Bryan, president of SBM, in a statement. “She has the ability to see an issue from all angles and effectively navigate it through the legislative and executive process. “We’re happy to […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 12, 2018

Andrea Reilly is now the manager of Southeast government relations for JM Family Enterprises, the company announced. Reilly will spearhead legislative and regulatory efforts on behalf of the diversified automotive company founded by the late Jim Moran. She’ll work under the direction of company vice president Sonya Deen. JM Family Enterprises is the world’s largest independent Toyota […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 11, 2018

The anti-racing activists led by the Humane Society of the United States, under the guise of “Protect Dogs — Yes on 13,” continue their barrage of deliberately deceptive propaganda aimed at Florida’s voters. Once again, they are hiding the ball by intentionally omitting monies wagered via Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW), recently submitting a misleading and […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 10, 2018

As Gov. Rick Scott continues to stump for Senate, his influence over policy in the state capital appears to be waning. The latest example of such: incoming Senate President Bill Galvano and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission snubbing Scott’s request to move $58 million from the state’s school safety “guardian program” to hire more campus police officers. “We are less […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 10, 2018

Florida’s primary elections had some shockers, none more so than the surprise win of Andrew Gillum in the Democratic primary for Governor. Further down the ticket, in the Republican primary for Escambia County’s state House District 1, there was another big upset: Former state Rep. Mike Hill’s 3-point victory over rising GOP star Rebekah Bydlak. […]

Influence

For Nikki Fried and Sean Shaw, smokable medical cannabis could be a winning issue

Local elected officers launch Amendment 10 initiative

Supreme Court accepts ‘bundling’ challenge to constitutional amendments

Bill Galvano helping Keith Perry raise re-election cash in Tallahassee

Apply within: Panel starts process to replace Supreme Court justices

Personnel note: Teye Reeves joins Smith, Bryan & Myers

Personnel note: Andrea Reilly joins JM Family Enterprises

Committee to Support Greyhounds: The real racing handle numbers

Rick Scott ‘very disappointed’ in school safety funding snub

Mike Hill’s comeback bid needed every trick in the book