Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsDecember 14, 2016

Tallahassee-based public affairs firm CoreMessage is adding Brianna Shoaf as its newest account executive. Shoaf, a Rhode Island native and Florida State University graduate, will develop communications strategies for corporate, political and government clients across the state. Before joining CoreMessage, she spent nearly two years with The Zimmerman Agency. There, Shoaf worked with several award-winning […]

Michael MolineDecember 12, 2016

The Florida Legislature may have nearly $142 million more to spend next year than previously expected, but that won’t save lawmakers from difficult choices during the spring legislative session. The revenue forecast for the fiscal year ending in June could run $119.3 million ahead of the previous forecast in September, according to preliminary numbers approved […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 8, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry wants new city hires on defined contribution plans. Public safety unions want the Florida Retirement System. And Rick Scott will let the locals figure it out, he said Thursday in Jacksonville. “That’s clearly a local decision. This community will make a decision on that,” the governor said. “I think what’s important with regard […]

Peter SchorschDecember 7, 2016

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS… ADAM PUTNAM PRESENTS FLORIDA-GROWN TREES TO GOVERNOR, CABINET — Agriculture Commissioner Putnam presented Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and CFO Jeff Atwater with Florida-grown Sapphire Christmas trees Tuesdaymorning. The governor lit the […]

Associated PressNovember 30, 2016

The son of Opa-locka’s mayor is the latest person to face charges in a federal corruption investigation involving the South Florida city. The Miami Herald reports that Mayor Myra Taylor‘s son, 41-year-old Demetrius Corleon Taylor, surrendered to the FBI Tuesday morning. He pleaded not guilty to a corruption charge at a Tuesday afternoon hearing. Taylor […]

Associated PressNovember 27, 2016

President-elect Donald Trump claimed without evidence Sunday that “millions” voted illegally in the national election, scoffing at Hillary Clinton‘s nearly 2 million edge in the popular vote and returning to his campaign mantra of a rigged race even as he prepares to enter the White House in less than two months. Trump and his lieutenants […]

Associated PressNovember 21, 2016

The chamber of the Florida Senate is reopening after a $6 million upgrade. Outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner showed off the renovated chamber on Monday. Workers spent the last eight months tearing out carpet, replacing desks and installing a new stained glass dome and new wood columns. The state motto of “In God We Trust” […]

Michael MolineNovember 21, 2016

Florida House Democrats formally elected Janet Cruz of Tampa as their leader Monday, but the vote hadn’t even happened before she faced her first setback — reportedly placing Minority Staff Director Joe McCann on leave for unspecified reasons. Cruz is the first Hispanic leader of the caucus and will serve through 2018. The Democrats elected Rep. Bobby Dubose […]

Jim RosicaNovember 10, 2016

The new rules of the Florida House of Representatives, among other things, will increase the ban on former members lobbying their colleagues from two years to six years, and prohibit state representatives from flying in aircraft owned, leased, or otherwise paid for by lobbyists. That’s according to a final copy of the rules, released Thursday […]

Michael MolineNovember 10, 2016

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The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is having trouble retaining actuaries, aides to Gov. Rick Scott learned Thursday, as a raft of state agencies presented their budget requests for the next fiscal year. The office is asking for $31.6 million for FY 16-17, including $488,651 to boost its actuarial firepower, agency budget director Richard Fox said. […]

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The University of Central Florida's Resiliency Command Center (UCF)

Personnel note: CoreMessage adds Brianna Shoaf as account executive.

Austerity budget looms despite Florida’s improved state revenue forecast

Rick Scott: Jacksonville public pension debate a ‘local decision’

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics – 12.7.16

Mayor’s son charged in South Florida city’s corruption investigation

Donald Trump assails recount push, claims millions voted illegally

Florida Senate reopens chamber after $6 million upgrade

Florida House Democratic caucus elects first Latina leader

Richard Corcoran rolls out new rules, says House will ‘set the standard for others’

State agencies outline spending hopes with tight budget looming