Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

The numbers are out. Registered legislative lobbying firms reported median earnings of more than $35.7 million in the first quarter of 2017. The Top 5 earners during the three-month period were Ballard Partners, Southern Strategy Group, Ronald L. Book PA, Capital City Consulting, and Greenberg Traurig. If those rankings look familiar, there’s a reason for […]

Mitch PerryMay 16, 2017

A host of political and education issues came together Tuesday in West Tampa to trash the massive $419 million public education bill that GOP lawmakers unveiled and passed in the final days of the Legislative Session. “This is the mother of all education bills, ” said Rep. Sean Shaw. The Tampa Democrat was referring to House Bill 7069, […]

Phil AmmannMay 16, 2017

On Monday, Gov. Rick Scott announced seven appointments and reappointments to a variety of state boards. Florida Real Estate Commission Scott began by naming Randy Schwartz to the Florida Real Estate Commission, a seven-member board that administers and enforces real estate license law. Schwartz, 67, of Winter Springs, is a private practice attorney. He fills […]

Staff ReportsMay 12, 2017

Mike Sole, the former secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, is headed for a seat on the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointment Friday. Sole served at DEP from 2007 to 2010, then went to work for Florida Power & Light Co. and NextEra Energy, where he has […]

Michael MolineMay 12, 2017

Innovate Florida, state Sen. Bill Galvano’s political committee, spent a quiet April on the fundraising front while the Legislative Session concluded. It collected exactly $0. This after amassing $494,200 during the first three months of the year and $6.2 million since 2013, according to state records. Sen. Wilton Simpson’s Jobs for Florida committee’s fundraising took […]

Michael MolineMay 12, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott’s Let’s Get to Work political committee raised $485,100 during April, with United Health Group Inc. kicking in the largest single donation of $100,000. Fundraising was down from March, when the PAC raised nearly $610,000. The committee has raised more than $56.8 million since 2014. Its best month thus far this year was […]

Jim RosicaMay 12, 2017

Add state Sen. Jeff Brandes to the list of those calling for a Special Legislative Session on medical marijuana implementation. “I hope that we can reconvene in a Special Session, which should include ample time for public input, to implement the will of the voters, so that patients and entrepreneurs alike may access the marketplace,” […]

Staff ReportsMay 12, 2017

Former state representative and congressman David Rivera banked $110,750 last month toward his 2018 run for House District 105, campaign finance records show. The April take follows a $100,000 loan. Rivera is looking to replace term-limited state Rep. Carlos Trujillo in the Republican-leaning district. His only competitor, Republican Ana Maria Rodriguez, collected $36,800 for April, bringing her […]

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2017

Without using the words “Special Session,” Senate President Joe Negron is seeking “ideas” from fellow senators after the 2017 Legislative Session ended without a bill to implement the state’s medical marijuana constitutional amendment. Negron sent a memo Thursday, released by his office, saying he “believe(s) we should consider the best way to meet our constitutional obligation […]

Staff ReportsMay 11, 2017

Contributions for candidates in the race to replace House District 71’s Jim Boyd topped $115,000 for April. Will Robinson, a Bradenton Republican, bested Sarasota Republican James Buchanan for the month, pulling in a whopping $97,600 to Buchanan’s $15,300, records show. And Bradenton Democrat Randy Cooper put up $2,210. Boyd, a Bradenton Republican, is term-limited, having been first […]

Influence

Lobby firms bring in more than $35.7M in first quarter to lobby Legislature

In Tampa, public officials blast education bill, urge Rick Scott veto

Rick Scott announces seven state board appointments

Personnel note: Mike Sole appointed to fish and wildlife commission

Future Senate leaders’ political committees went quiet during Legislative Session

Rick Scott’s Let’s Get to Work committee raised $495,000 during April

Jeff Brandes asks for medical marijuana Special Session

David Rivera banks another $110,000 for April

Joe Negron seeks guidance on medical marijuana

Race to replace Jim Boyd gins up big numbers