Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2018

Former state Rep. Marti Coley Eubanks has joined the lobbying-consulting team at PinPoint Results, the firm announced. Coley Eubanks had been governmental relations director for Nemours Children’s Health System Florida. “Marti is an awesome addition to our team,” said Robert Beck, partner of PinPoint Results, in a statement. Her “character, professionalism, work ethic and experience […]

Ryan NicolMay 15, 2018

Manny Diaz‘s campaign had an impressive fundraising month in April, with now more than $500,000 raised between his campaign and political committee. Diaz, a Republican candidate for the Senate District 36 seat, brought in more than $35,000 to his campaign in April. That puts his total raised to just over $325,000, with more than $200,000 still […]

Staff ReportsMay 15, 2018

Florida-TaxWatch-Amendment-2-presser-05-15-2018-e1526400570127.jpg

Asked for a 30-second ‘elevator speech‘ on why voters should choose ‘yes’ for Amendment 2 in November, Florida TaxWatch president Dominic M. Calabro didn’t blink. “If you don’t vote ‘yes,’ either you or your neighbors will see massive tax increases and great deal of property tax dissatisfaction … anger even, if we see property taxes jump […]

Danny McAuliffeMay 15, 2018

Two South Florida state lawmakers plan to ask the Legislature to increase the public education budget, which they say was insufficiently funded during the 2018 Legislative Session and anticipate a budget shortfall exacerbated by mandates passed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The Legislature officially adjourned in March, but on Monday […]

Phil AmmannMay 15, 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: Alexa Chappell is no longer staff director for the House Democratic Leader’s office. Off: Bo Pittman is no longer program manager for the House Property Management Division. Off: Whitney Langston is no longer an attorney for the House Health […]

Drew WilsonMay 14, 2018

Republican Sen. Keith Perry is launching his re-election campaign for Senate District 8 with a May 24 fundraiser in Gainesville. The event is at Ballyhoo Grill, 3700 W. University Ave., starting at 5:30 pm. Those looking to attend the casual-attire reception can send their RSVPs to Skylar Swanson by sending an email to [email protected] or […]

Drew WilsonMay 14, 2018

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh weighed in on the Republican Primary battle for House District 73, announcing Monday she is backing Melissa Howard. “Today I am proud to announce my endorsement of Melissa Howard for House District 73. Melissa has a proven track record as a leader who cares for our community and its values. […]

Bill RuftyMay 14, 2018

Two of the heaviest-monied Republican candidates for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture are heading for a busy week. Former state Rep. Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven plans to be in the Panhandle for the next two weeks beginning Monday with a visit to Fort Walton Beach. State Sen. Denise Grimsley of Sebring also starts the week […]

Jim RosicaMay 14, 2018

From karaoke to ballroom dancing to ice sculpting, the hobbies of Florida’s legislators are legion. A Florida Politics reporter recently noticed and tweeted that Rep. Carlos G. Smith, an Orlando Democrat, listed but one “recreational interest,” karaoke, on his legislative info page. That sparked a number of responses on social media last week. TCPalm reporter […]

Staff ReportsMay 12, 2018

Former state Rep. Ritch Workman has a new job. The Melbourne Republican recently started as a special projects manager at Palm Bay City Hall, where he is tasked with managing the Brevard County city’s effort to make its facilities more energy efficient. Workman’s new gig was first reported by Rick Neale and Wayne T. Price […]

Influence
Golf cart caravan in The Villages. Image via Harris campaign.

Personnel note: Marti Coley Eubanks joins PinPoint Results

Manny Diaz campaign crosses $500K mark in contributions

TaxWatch stumps for property-tax cap on November ballot

Democratic lawmakers call for special session on K-12 funding

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Keith Perry kicking off SD 8 campaign May 24

Vanessa Baugh endorses Melissa Howard for HD 73

Agriculture Commission candidates face busy week

Lawmakers’ hobbies amuse and confuse on social media

Ritch Workman lands job at Palm Bay City Hall