Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJanuary 5, 2018

New legislation from state Sen. Dana Young aims to “crack down on for-profit stem-cell clinics that are preying on Florida seniors and other vulnerable Floridians,” her office said Friday. The Tampa Republican’s measure (SB 1508) relates to “use of stem cells in a clinic setting.” It would require stem-cell clinics to: — Register with the Department of Health (DOH). […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 5, 2018

In the wake of back-to-back sex scandals at the Capitol, Sen. Lauren Book and state Rep. Kristin Jacobs on Friday filed similar bills that aim to systematically change how sexual harassment is dealt with in the workplace, particularly in a government setting. The proposal include civil penalties of up to $10,000 for public officers and […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 5, 2018

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RJ Myers, an established veteran of politics and The Process, is taking his experience to Suskey Consulting, the Florida government affairs firm announced this week. Myers, who will serve as a Government and Community Affairs Consultant, will be based in the firm’s St. Petersburg and Tallahassee offices. He most recently was Deputy Political Director for Republican Rick Baker‘s […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 4, 2018

Calling his qualities “all too rare in politics,” former Florida Governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Thursday endorsed Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for a second term. The former Republican House member has now picked up the endorsements of two Florida governors: Bush and Gov. Rick Scott, a longtime ally of Patronis who appointed […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 4, 2018

Audubon Florida announced its legislative priorities on Thursday, but also was happy to see Gov. Rick Scott oppose the U.S. Department of Interior’s possible drilling explorations in the Sunshine State. “We were glad to see Gov. Scott’s response, coming out strongly in opposition to drilling near Florida’s waters,” said Julie Wraithmell, the interim executive director of […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 4, 2018

Sen. Jeff Brandes filed a bill Wednesday that would toss a controversial “certificate of need” hospital regulatory process as the House fast-tracks an identical bill. House Republican leaders and Gov. Rick Scott, a former hospital CEO, have long supported repealing the “certificate of need,” but the effort has stalled in the Senate. This year, though, the […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 4, 2018

A new year brings yet another attack by environmentalists against the South Florida Water Management District’s plan for a reservoir to help clean Lake Okeechobee discharges. This time, the Everglades Foundation is offering its own plan — even though the group is criticizing a proposal it helped create. First, a timeline of events. In January […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 4, 2018

America’s growing opioid crisis has prompted the nation’s largest physician-led specialty certification group to enter the fray, armed with a new strategy to better educate medical professionals on the issue in Florida and beyond. In October 2015, the American Board of Medical Specialties – which oversees 24 Member Boards – added Addiction Medicine as a […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 4, 2018

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Rich Glorioso, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who served in the House 2004-12, has again thrown in his hat to be considered for a seat on the Florida Public Service Commission. Glorioso’s was one of two initial applications for a vacancy created by the withdrawal of former Rep. Ritch Workman. The applications were released Wednesday by the Public […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 3, 2018

Longtime GrayRobinson attorney George Meros, who’s been involved with high-profile state government-related lawsuits in recent years, is next heading to Holland & Knight. The firm announced the move Wednesday in a press release. Meros was most recently involved as outside counsel for the Senate in the high-profile case of embattled Sen. Jack Latvala, who eventually resigned […]

Influence

Dana Young files bill to protect seniors from stem-cell clinics

Bills creating tougher penalties for sexual harassers filed in both chambers

Personnel note: RJ Myers heading to Suskey Consulting

Jeb Bush endorses CFO Jimmy Patronis for another term

Audubon happy Rick Scott opposes drilling, releases Session priorities

Senator files ‘certificate of need’ repeal bill, identical to House priority

A new year brings more overreach by environmentalists on Lake O reservoir

American Board of Medical Specialties gears up to battle opioid crisis, including in Florida

Former Rep. Rich Glorioso re-applies for PSC seat

Personnel note: George Meros joins Holland & Knight