Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Sally SwartzApril 15, 2015

They spell out “Buy the Land” in live bodies along a Stuart beach. They gather in standing-room-only crowds at South Florida Water Management District meetings, traveling from Miami aboard Tri Rail and car pools from the Treasure Coast. They travel to Tallahassee by the busload for rallies on the Capitol steps. Last week, singer Jimmy […]

Marc YachtApril 15, 2015

I started medical studies in Liege, Belgium, in 1973. The Université de Liège had students from many countries. Americans studied there but also Arabs, Palestinians, Israelis, Russians, Chinese and many other nationals. I struck up a friendship with a Tunisian and we shared an apartment while attending to our studies. Being Jewish, my loyalties were […]

Jac VerSteegApril 15, 2015

The Florida Legislature has passed, and Gov. Rick Scott has signed, an education reform bill that is dishonest – and politically cowardly – at its core. The measure tries to appease parents and others sick of over-testing. It scales back the number of tests. That’s fine. It also reduces the weight given to tests when […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 15, 2015

Given that neither the House nor Senate are agreeing to back off their positions on health care legislative leaders in the House and Senate conceded on Wednesday that the Legislature will not be able to pass a budget by May 1, the last day of the the 2015 session. However there hasn’t been a decision […]

Guest AuthorApril 15, 2015

In 1996 I was fresh out of college living in Bay City, Mich., and about to begin my first year as a paid volleyball coach. As many people in my situation, I was scared to death about my lack of experience and my potential inability to shape the hearts and minds of 15- to 18-year-old-volleyball […]

Peter SchorschApril 15, 2015

The last thing Democrat Annette Taddeo needs is another bump in the road on the so-far rocky campaign trail, but she may well have one on her hands. According to blogger and activist Jason Henry, Taddeo is not immune to some of the racially tinged criticisms that have befallen some of her Anglo counterparts in the Florida Democratic Party. Henry said that while he […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 15, 2015

The Southside Businessmen’s Club featured a sheriff’s debate during its weekly meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the San Jose Country Club, and everything about the event embodied southern gentility at its best. Local political standouts, like Bill Bishop (looking dapper in a navy blazer and a green polo) and Jay Farhat, were on hand to […]

Mitch PerryApril 15, 2015

The “Fight for 15” movement for fast-food and retailer workers advocating for higher wages and better treatment has been ongoing for more than two years. On this Tax Day it culminated in a protests in more than 200 cities across the country, including events at city hall in St. Petersburg and in Tampa’s Copeland Park. Although the movement […]

Bruce RitchieApril 15, 2015

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jon Steverson said “climate change” three times during a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday in response to a senator’s question about whether there is a department policy against using the phrase. Steverson was responding to Sen. Darren Soto, a Democrat from Kissimmee who was wearing a climate change button on […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 15, 2015

The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee voted 8-1 to approve Liz Dudek‘s appointment as head of the state Agency for Health Care Administration but only after she answered more than an hour’s worth of questions regarding Low Income Pool funding, Medicaid expansion and how negotiations are evolving with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. […]

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Sally Swartz: In fight to buy sugar land, Joe Negron needs to step up

Marc Yacht: Israelis and Palestinians weary of conflict

Jac VerSteeg: Fewer tests in school-grade formula is like less spit in milk

Legislative leaders say budget impasse means 2015 session won’t end on time

Todd Dagenais: Get to know the custodians

Annette Taddeo represents problem blacks have with state Democrats

Jax Sheriff candidates talk Ferguson, North Charleston, and reform at a country club

Bob Buckhorn among speakers at Fight for 15 protest in Tampa

DEP’s Jon Steverson repeats “climate change” phrase at confirmation hearing

Senate grills, then confirms, AHCA Secretary Liz Dudek