Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaAugust 13, 2018

As it defends a slew of cases over medical marijuana, the state of Florida has spent close to $2 million on outside lawyers. Nearly all of that went to one firm. Records reviewed last week show at least $1.9 million approved by the Department of Health (DOH) going to two law firms — mostly Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli, […]

Jacob OglesAugust 12, 2018

Former Manatee County Commissioner Jonathan Bruce is calling on Republican state House candidate Melissa Howard to drop out of the running in District 73. The move was prompted by accusations Howard lied about graduating from Miami University in Ohio and then faked her diploma. “What a sad day for integrity in local politics,” Bruce said. […]

Jacob OglesAugust 11, 2018

Story updated at 2:17 p.m. Florida House candidate Melissa Howard’s husband, Ian, suffered a heart attack Friday, sources close to her campaign confirm. The development comes as the Manatee County Republican answers charges she lied about earning a college degree. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center confirms Ian Howard has since been released from the hospital. As for […]

Drew WilsonAugust 10, 2018

House District 73 candidate Melissa Howard says her Republican primary opponent, Tommy Gregory, has been trying to smear her with one lie after another as the pair fight to succeed exiting state Rep. Joe Gruters in the Sarasota-based district. According to Howard, the Gregory campaign has been employing a strategy that is all too common […]

Jim RosicaAugust 10, 2018

Mike Carroll, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), will quit his post effective Sept. 6, Gov. Rick Scott‘s office announced Friday. “Mike embodies the ideals and mission of the Department … and has devoted nearly three decades to improve and change the lives of Florida’s vulnerable children and families,” the governor said […]

Danny McAuliffeAugust 10, 2018

A Democratic push to reconvene state legislators for a special session on the state’s controversial ‘Stand Your Ground’ law is dead. Although doomed Thursday night, when it became clear that the three-fifths support threshold could not be met, lawmakers had until noon Friday to go on record with their support or opposition to the special […]

Drew WilsonAugust 10, 2018

Gainesville physician Kayser Enneking, a Democrat, started hitting TV Friday with a new ad backing up her campaign to oust incumbent Republican Sen. Keith Perry in Senate District 8. The 30-second spot, titled “Caring For North Central Florida,” features footage of the anesthesiologist in operating rooms, waiting rooms and living rooms while pitching her as […]

Jim RosicaAugust 9, 2018

Gary Stein, a medical marijuana historian and advocate, has opened his own Florida fundraising panel — the first of its kind — to support pro-marijuana candidates and influence legislation. Clarity PAC was officially registered Wednesday as a non-profit corporation and political committee, state records show. Its mission: “To advocate for full legal access to medicinal […]

Staff ReportsAugust 8, 2018

Florida lawmakers have until noon Friday to respond to a proposal by Democrats to call a special session to revisit the state’s “stand your ground” self-defense law. As of Wednesday evening, responses have largely fallen along party lines. House Republicans, expected to reject the idea of holding a session, made up 43 of the 44 […]

Peter SchorschAugust 8, 2018

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Progressive advocacy group For Our Future Florida announced Wednesday that it will pitch in on the effort to flip the state Senate, starting with the seats held by Republican Sens. Keith Perry and Dana Young. Senate District 8, the Gainesville-based seat held by Perry, and Senate District 18, the Tampa-based seat held by Young, sit […]

Influence

State has spent $2M on legal bills for medical marijuana

Manatee Co. leader Jonathan Bruce first to call on Melissa Howard to drop out, campaign responds

Melissa Howard’s husband released from hospital as credential controversy engulfs her campaign

Melissa Howard tells Tommy Gregory to ‘stop the lies’

Mike Carroll quits as head of Florida’s child-welfare agency

Final votes recorded for failed ‘Stand Your Ground’ session

Kayser Enneking pitches health care experience in first TV ad

Medical marijuana advocates start their own PAC

‘Stand Your Ground’ session likely doomed

Progressive group sending backup to state Senate battlegrounds