Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJune 7, 2017

A mailer from an Illinois based political committee targeting Senate President Joe Negron is landing in Treasure Coast mailboxes. The Palm Beach Post reported voters living in Negron’s Treasure Coast-Palm Beach district are receiving mailers from SunshinePAC, a newly formed Illinois-based PAC, criticizing the Stuart Republican over his support of a wide-sweeping education bill (HB […]

Associated PressJune 7, 2017

Simmering frustration with the Florida Legislature’s inability to agree on a framework for the state’s constitutional amendment expanding medical marijuana could build if it’s not addressed at this week’s special session. Gov. Rick Scott called the session that begins Wednesday because of an ongoing feud over the state budget. Although observers expected medical marijuana to […]

Jim RosicaJune 6, 2017

Sen. Jack Latvala is telling fellow senators that funding bills planned for this week’s Special Session will be subject to the state’s constitutionally-mandated “cooling off” period. That potentially means, if the bills are changed, that lawmakers could be stuck in Tallahassee past Friday, when the session is scheduled to end. The Clearwater Republican, who chairs […]

Jim RosicaJune 6, 2017

Senate President Joe Negron, in advance of the Legislature’s 3-day Special Session this week, told members in a Tuesday memo he expects “a proposal to override the veto of some university and higher education funding.” The Stuart Republican also left the door open for medical marijuana implementation to be added to the call, saying he […]

Peter SchorschJune 6, 2017

Welcome back, Beth Vecchioli. The veteran lobbyist has rejoined the firm of Carlton Fields to serve as a Senior Director — Government Consulting. In this position, Vecchioli will serve as co-chair of the firm’s property and casualty regulatory group. Before joining Carlton Fields, Vecchioli served as a senior policy advisor and member of Holland & […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 6, 2017

Stronger civil penalties for terrorism in the Sunshine State are imminent, as Gov. Rick Scott signed Rep. Jason Fischer‘s “Civil Remedies for Terrorism” bill into law Friday. HB 65 was Fischer’s first bill, filed last November. Previously, there had not been a civil cause of action for terrorism under Florida law. This bill changes that, allowing a person injured […]

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

Attorney Rosanna “Ro” Manuela Catalano is joining Capitol Access, a government relations firm in Tallahassee. “We are excited about this new relationship,” said Jerry Paul, founder and managing member of the firm. “Ro’s experience, professionalism, and high-energy personality are a perfect fit for Capitol Access and the clients we serve.” Catalano has been executive director and chief administrative officer […]

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Hope Holt, formerly calendar coordinator in the House Clerk’s Office, is now serving as a program specialist for the Office of Professional Development. Off: Tina White stepped down as policy chief for the House Criminal Justice […]

Staff ReportsJune 5, 2017

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Alex Diaz de la Portilla made all of his income last year through a political consulting firm he founded, which POLITICO Florida reported was paid nearly $900,000 for work on his brother’s failed state Senate bid. POLITICO Florida reported that Diaz de la Portilla, who is vying to replace Sen. Frank Artiles in Senate District […]

Jim RosicaJune 5, 2017

Legislative leaders working behind the scenes are getting closer to putting medical cannabis implementation into the call of this week’s Special Session. For instance, one senator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said “some progress” had been made but there was “no deal” as of Monday afternoon. When this week’s Wednesday-Friday Special Session was announced last Friday, […]

Influence
Kathleen King and Joe Gruters. Image via Max Goodman.

Report: Mailers from Illinois PAC targeting Joe Negron over education bill

Legislature still debating medical marijuana legislation

Jack Latvala: ‘Cooling-off’ period applies to Special Session bills

Joe Negron: Senate will consider veto overrides

Personnel note: Beth Vecchioli rejoins Carlton Fields’s insurance regulatory practice

Jason Fischer’s ‘Civil Remedies for Terrorism’ bill becomes law

Personnel note: Rosanna Catalano joins Capitol Access lobbying firm

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Report: Alex Diaz de la Portilla sole source of income was a firm he founded, paid $900K for work on brother’s campaign

‘Progress’ on getting marijuana in Special Session but ‘no deal’ yet