Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJuly 7, 2017

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Kim McDougal, Gov. Rick Scott‘s former chief of staff, is joining GrayRobinson‘s Tallahassee office as a Senior Director of Government Affairs, the law firm announced Friday. “Kim brings tremendous insight and invaluable experience to our firm, and will also substantially increase our expertise in the education policy and appropriations areas,” said Jason Unger, managing partner of the Tallahassee office. “The […]

Staff ReportsJuly 6, 2017

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Frank E. Matthews, a lawyer-lobbyist with Tallahassee’s Hopping Green & Sams firm, died Thursday in Tampa after a “valiant battle against leukemia,” the firm announced on its website. He was 61. Arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Matthews’ memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The firm’s statement […]

Gary FineoutJuly 5, 2017

Ed. Note: The settlement can be viewed here. The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the administration of Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday ended a legal tussle over the tribe’s estimated $2 billion a year gambling operation in the state. The two sides agreed to drop an ongoing lawsuit over whether the tribe can keep blackjack […]

Staff ReportsJuly 5, 2017

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Simone Marstiller, a retired judge of the 1st District Court of Appeal, will be joining the Gunster law firm’s appellate and government affairs teams and will be based in the Tallahassee and Tampa offices, the firm announced Wednesday. “Judge Marstiller brings vast expertise and judicial system knowledge,” said Lila Jaber, regional managing shareholder and head of the firm’s […]

Jim RosicaJuly 5, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran‘s net worth has fallen by more than 27 percent from last year, according to his latest financial disclosure. His annual filing for 2016 was posted Wednesday on the Florida Commission on Ethics website. Corcoran, an attorney and father of six children, reported a net worth of $341,750 as of Dec. 31, 2016—nearly […]

Jim RosicaJuly 5, 2017

Senate President Joe Negron‘s net worth is now over $950,000, according to a financial disclosure filed last week with the Florida Commission on Ethics. Negron’s net worth as of Dec. 31, 2016 was $952,634, his filing shows. That’s up 15 percent from his 2015 reported worth of $828,646. As income, he listed $278,887 from the Gunster […]

Associated PressJuly 4, 2017

Starting Saturday, concealed guns will be permitted at college campuses in Georgia and Kansas, more public buildings and bus stations in Tennessee, and at the Iowa state Capitol as new laws take effect continuing the steady expansion of gun rights in Republican-controlled states. The firearms policies are among scores of laws scheduled to take effect […]

Jim RosicaJuly 1, 2017

Saturday is not only the first day of the state’s budget year, it’s also when a host of new laws go into effect. Here’s a capsule look at five of the more notable statutes taking effect July 1: — Religious expression in schools. This new law clarifies that public school students can’t be punished for […]

Staff ReportsJune 30, 2017

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Charlotte County Commissioner Christopher Constance has been named president of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), the association announced Friday. Constance was sworn in during the celebration dinner at the 2017 FAC Annual Conference and Educational Exposition in Palm Beach County. “Home rule and self-determination starts at home,” he said in a statement. “It is our citizens […]

Peter SchorschJune 30, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron aced the 2017 Legislative Session when it comes to school choice, said an organization founded by former Gov. Jeb Bush. Foundation for Florida’s Future gave both Republican lawmakers an “A+” this year and included both on their “honor roll,” which the group says, “recognizes the legislative […]

Influence
Sen. Ashley Moody (right) fields questiosn about the space program during a town hall in Melbourne. Image via Ashley Moody.

Personnel note: Kim McDougal joins GrayRobinson lobbying team

In memoriam: Frank Matthews, Hopping Green & Sams lobbyist

New deal: Florida and Seminoles settle blackjack dispute

Personnel note: Simone Marstiller joins Gunster

Richard Corcoran’s net worth drops 27 percent

Joe Negron’s personal wealth nears $1 million

New state laws will expand concealed guns to public facilities

The 5 on 1: Five ‘most interesting’ laws taking effect July 1

Personnel note: Christopher Constance named FAC President

Jeb Bush foundation issues legislative grades; aces for Richard Corcoran, Joe Negron