Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannJune 5, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: George Fossett is no longer legislative assistant for Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Oscar Braynon. On: Lurimar Cruz-Cortes is a new legislative assistant for Kissimmee Democratic Sen. Victor Torres. Off: Lara Medley is […]

Drew WilsonJune 5, 2018

Gainesville Republican Sen. Keith Perry is heading the Marion County slice of Senate District 8 later this month for a re-election fundraiser. Perry’s event, his second since the end of the 2018 Legislative Session, will be held June 19 at the Holiday Inn Ocala Conference Center, 3600 SW 38th Ave. The invitation lists Doug Cone […]

Drew WilsonJune 5, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation announced Tuesday that it would back Gainesville Republican Sen. Keith Perry’s re-election bid in Alachua County-based Senate District 8. The retail trade association cited Perry’s job outside of the legislature — running Perry Roofing — in its endorsement of the freshman Senator. “Keith is a long-time retail business owner, and as […]

Staff ReportsJune 4, 2018

Above: Greyhounds race at a Naples/Fort Myers track. Photo courtesy Van Abernathy. The Committee to Support Greyhounds has been formed for the “purpose of promoting greyhound welfare, racing, and adoption, as well as educating the public regarding the life of racing greyhounds,” the group announced in a Monday release. “The members of this committee are […]

Michael MolineJune 4, 2018

The outcomes of 18 lawsuits — and potentially many more — rest on State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.’s appeal of a court order to reveal how it decides on a fair price to replace a shattered auto windscreen. State Farm v. Shazam Auto Glass may be the first test of whether the insurer’s “system […]

Jim RosicaJune 1, 2018

A black attorney who has lupus is suing the state’s Department of Health for race and disability discrimination, saying she was wrongly forced to quit. Sharmin Hibbert, 36, filed her lawsuit in Leon County Circuit Civil court on Thursday, court records show, seeking her rehiring. Among other things, Hibbert said her supervisor—current General Counsel Nichole Geary—“reprimanded (her) […]

Jim RosicaJune 1, 2018

Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Drew Breakspear has resigned, another political casualty of the Rick Scott administration. CFO Jimmy Patronis formally announced the departure, first reported by POLITICO Florida’s Matt Dixon last night, on Friday. “I appreciate Commissioner Breakspear’s years of service to the state,” Patronis said in a statement. “During his time as commissioner, he had […]

Drew WilsonJune 1, 2018

Incoming Senate President Bill Galvano is planning to host a fundraiser in Bradenton next month for fellow Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel, one of a half-dozen GOP state senators whose seats are being targeted by Florida Democrats this fall. The casual fundraising reception will be held at Gio Fabulous Pizza, 4805 Cortez Rd. W, from 5:00 pm […]

Drew WilsonJune 1, 2018

A second Democrat has entered the race for House District 10, currently held by term-limited Rep. Elizabeth Porter. Lake City resident Ronald Winston Williams II filed his paperwork for the North Central Florida seat on Wednesday, possibly setting up primary battle with fellow Democrat Evan Tharpe Leslie. Leslie filed for the seat in March, but […]

Drew WilsonMay 31, 2018

Multi-state firm McGuireWoods Consulting showed an estimated $235,000 in lobbying compensation in its first quarterly since acquiring Advantage Consulting Team. Though McGuireWoods is the new kid on the block, at least in the Sunshine State, the members of its Florida lobbying corps are anything but. Rhett O’Doski, Ryder Rudd and Sean Stafford have more than […]

Influence

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Keith Perry raising money in Ocala on June 19

Florida Retailers back Keith Perry for re-election

Committee to oppose greyhound-racing ban announces formation

Appeal could prove pivotal to auto-glass litigation in Florida

Lawyer with lupus sues Health Department for discrimination

Drew Breakspear out as state’s chief financial regulator

Bill Galvano to help boost Kelli Stargel fundraising next month

Second Democrat enters crowded HD 10 contest

New name, same solid results for Rhett O’Doski and Co.