Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 30, 2017

Graduation season means big business for Florida businesses. The National Retail Federation estimates total spending is expected to reach $5.6 billion this graduation season, a nearly 4 percent increase over last year when consumers spent $5.4 billion buying gifts for graduates. The 2017 estimate is expected to be the highest amount spent in the 11 […]

Michael MolineMay 29, 2017

Of the missteps the Legislature committed this year, the most egregious was a failure to live up to its promises that the budget process would be more open and transparent than ever before, according to Florida TaxWatch chief Dominic Calabro. In an interview tied to TaxWatch’s release of its annual list of budgetary “turkeys,” Calabro praised […]

Staff ReportsMay 26, 2017

After the Florida Senate failed to consider several names for confirmation before sine die of the 2017 Regular Session, Gov. Rick Scott announced 11 reappointments Thursday to various boards statewide. Florida Prepaid College Board Ambassador John Rood, 62, of Jacksonville, is the chair of the Vestcor Companies, Inc. He served as United States Ambassador to […]

Peter SchorschMay 26, 2017

Summertime is here — well, almost. While Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces, the holiday also marks the unofficial start to summer. And for many people, that means it’s time to start thinking about summer vacation. More than 39.9 million Americans are expected to travel more […]

Peter SchorschMay 26, 2017

Florida TaxWatch is offering its annual serving of “budget turkeys” 11 a.m. Friday at the group’s downtown headquarters on Bronough Street. These turkeys are not Thanksgiving staples, but “individual appropriations that circumvent a thoughtful and thorough budget process,” says the group’s website. “The organization identifies budget turkeys to promote transparency in public budgeting, encourage meaningful […]

Staff ReportsMay 26, 2017

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Florida House Democrats are beefing up their campaign arm for next year’s elections, hiring a communications chief and operatives to begin work immediately. Kionne McGhee, scheduled to become House leader following the 2018 elections, said it is “imperative” that Democrats “take back power” in the House. “I’m pleased to welcome our new staff into the fray,” McGhee […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 25, 2017

Florida will reduce the tax pay on business pay on rent, have two, three-day sales tax holidays, and eliminate the so-called tampon tax under a $180 million tax cut package signed by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott signed the measure (HB 7109) during an event at 3C Interactive in Boca Raton on Thursday. While the tax […]

Staff ReportsMay 25, 2017

John Tupps is heading back to the Governor’s Office. Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday that Tupps would be returning to the Governor’s Office as his communications director beginning June 5. He will replace Jackie Schutz Zeckman, who has been tapped to serve as Scott’s chief of staff. “John has demonstrated an incredible commitment to supporting […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 25, 2017

Sen. Rene Garcia is weighing in on a multi-million dollar bridge project planned for South Florida, telling the Florida Department of Transportation that the Miami-Dade community can’t wait any longer. In a letter to FDOT Secretary Rachel Cone this week, Garcia said he was confident the procurement process established by the state transportation agency “followed […]

Peter SchorschMay 25, 2017

Rep. Joe Gruters is backing Rep. Paul Renner to be House Speaker in 2022-24. The Sarasota Republican said while he thinks everyone in the running for the position would do a great job, he felt Renner is the best person at this time. Gruters said he’s decided to make his position known because he didn’t want […]

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Graduation spending expected to reach $5.4B in 2017

Legislature failed transparency test this year, TaxWatch chief Dominic Calabro says

Without Senate confirmation, Rick Scott reappoints 11 to state boards

Memorial Day Weekend brought to you by these lobbyists and associations

Gobble, gobble: It’s turkey time at Florida TaxWatch

Personnel note: House Democrats staff-up for 2018 campaign cycle

Rick Scott signs $180M tax cut package into law

Rick Scott names John Tupps communications director

Rene Garcia: ‘The people of Miami-Dade County … cannot wait any longer’ for signature bridge

Joe Gruters makes his pick for House Speaker