Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJune 26, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott didn’t telegraph his interest in who should be the state’s top financial regulator at a Tuesday campaign stop in Jacksonville for his U.S. Senate campaign. Earlier, an aide to the Governor at a Cabinet Aides meeting said he would announce his preference later in the day. When asked whether Republican state Rep. Jay […]

Jim RosicaJune 25, 2018

The battle over a proposed constitutional ban on greyhound racing is heating up, as ban opponents served a cease and desist letter on the group promoting an end to dog racing. The Committee to Support Greyhounds said it hit the Protect Dogs — Yes on 13 campaign with the letter on Monday. At issue: The […]

Jim RosicaJune 25, 2018

They haven’t even been approved, but proposed rules on medical marijuana have already drawn legal challenges. Liberty Health Sciences, a licensed medicinal cannabis provider, is challenging two rules, both debuted only two weeks ago. One is on a “supplemental licensing fee” and another covers a “variance procedure” for medical marijuana treatment centers, or MMTCs, as […]

Staff ReportsJune 25, 2018

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Advocates for a ballot initiative to put an end to dog racing have released a video to bolster their claim that “greyhounds are confined for as much as 23 hours per day at Florida racetracks.” The 1-minute, 33-second YouTube video, titled “Greyhound Racers Can’t Handle the Truth,” was posted on Monday by the Protect Dogs — […]

Staff ReportsJune 25, 2018

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the hire of Amanda Handley as its new press secretary. Handley brings expertise in media relations and strategic message development to the state hospitality trade industry’s association, the group said in a Monday press release. “Amanda’s experience, work ethic and passion for communication and community will bring […]

Staff ReportsJune 25, 2018

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Marc Dunbar, the Tallahassee-based gaming lawyer and lobbyist, no longer will represent Canada’s The Stronach Group, operator of Hallandale Beach’s Gulfstream Park racetrack and casino. The group bills itself as “North America’s largest thoroughbred horse-racing company.” Dunbar said he withdrew his lobbying registration for the group on Friday. The parting was mutual, he added. “I […]

Peter SchorschJune 23, 2018

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Ben Gibson, a former lawyer to Gov. Rick Scott, has joined Shutts & Bowen as a partner in its Business Litigation Practice Group in the Tallahassee office, the firm announced Friday. His statewide practice is focused on government, political, and corporate clients, involving government affairs, appellate, litigation and administrative matters. Micky Grindstaff, Shutts’ managing partner, said Gibson […]

Peter SchorschJune 23, 2018

A noon Friday deadline to make the ballot for a state legislative seat has come and gone, and 25 incumbent lawmakers (and two fresh faces) have already punched their tickets to Tallahassee. Of the 27 races that are now officially over, Republicans won a half-dozen. Most notable among that crowd is incoming House Speaker Jose […]

Peter SchorschJune 22, 2018

As it gears up for the “critical” 2018 elections, the Florida Democratic Party announced Friday another crop of new hires. “It’s going to take a committed, experienced, and motivated staff of Democrats to help us take back Florida after nearly 20 years of Republican rule — and we are building a team who is ready […]

Drew WilsonJune 21, 2018

Ballard Partners added a load of lobbying clients after an expansion to Washington D.C. last year; one of the biggest was pleased enough to ink another contract with the firm. In mid-2017, the Turkish government inked a $1.5 million deal with the firm aimed at improving US-Turkey relations and promoting the country’s public image by […]

Influence
Volunteers and team members from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and World Central Kitchen organize meals for storm victims taking shelter at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center in Tampa, Florida. Image via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

Rick Scott won’t say whether he likes Jay Fant as OFR head

Greyhound racing supporters hit back with ‘cease and desist’ letter

Proposed medical marijuana rules already bringing challenges

‘Protect Dogs’ drops new video on greyhound industry

Personnel note: Amanda Handley joins Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Personnel note: Marc Dunbar, Stronach Group part ways

Personnel note: Ben Gibson joins Shutts & Bowen

25 state lawmakers re-elected without opposition

Personnel note: Florida Democrats staff up for 2018 election

Turkey re-ups Ballard Partners lobbying contract