Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayApril 14, 2015

A proposal to allow big-box grocers and retailers to sell hard liquor in a cordoned-off section of a larger store — the so-called “whiskey and Wheaties” bill, for those keeping score at home in this year’s legislative food fights — was rejected by a House panel Tuesday afternoon, likely bringing an end to the effort […]

James CallApril 14, 2015

A significant rewrite is coming to the Charlotte’s Web glitch bill, according to a variety of sources. Tuesday morning, SPB 7066 sponsor Sen. Rob Bradley pulled the proposal from the Senate floor after lawmakers filed seven amendments late Monday. Lawmakers and stakeholders say the move gives them more time to continue to work on refining the Bradley […]

Bruce RitchieApril 14, 2015

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A bill that would regulate oil and gas hydraulic fracturing was amended by a Senate Committee on Tuesday to place a moratorium on the activity until after a study is completed 2016. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as “high-pressure well-stimulation” or “fracking,” is a process involving the use of water, sand and chemicals to extract oil and gas […]

Mitch PerryApril 14, 2015

The White House announced Tuesday that President Barack Obama intends to remove Cuba from the U.S. government’s list of nations that sponsor terrorism, eliminating a major obstacle to the restoration of diplomatic relations after decades of hostilities. The move had been a top priority with the Raul Castro-led Cuban government since diplomatic relations between the […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorApril 14, 2015

The Florida Senate has sent a growler bill to the House for consideration. The Senate approved 38-0 a revised growler bill that would allow Florida craft breweries to sell 64-ounce growlers. Current law allows the larger 1-gallon size and the smaller quart size, but not the most popular half-gallon containers. The version of the bill […]

Phil AmmannApril 14, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott will host most of the prospective 2016 Republican presidential candidates, including fellow Floridians Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio, at an Economic Growth Summit in June. Potential and announced candidates will meet in Orlando on June 2 to talk about the economy, jobs and their vision for economic growth for the country. Although […]

Associated PressApril 14, 2015

Florida’s 38-year-old ban on gay adoption is getting tossed out by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature. The Florida Senate on Tuesday voted 27-11 for an adoption bill (HB 7013) that repeals the law first passed in 1977. It now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. Sen. Don Gaetz, sponsor of the bill, called the current ban “meaningless” […]

Kevin MeerschaertApril 14, 2015

Northeast Florida officials are looking to boost exports and therefore increase the number of jobs in the region. The Metro Jacksonville/Northeast Florida Export Plan intends to promote economic development and encourage more businesses to consider exporting their goods. It’s part of the Global Cities Initiative that helps cities around the world develop their economies by […]

Mitch PerryApril 14, 2015

On Monday, Pat Kemp made official what she has told anyone who asked since last November’s election – she is running again for a Hillsborough County Commission seat in 2016, this time in the District 6 countywide seat being vacated by Kevin Beckner, whose term ends next year. Florida Politics originally reported she would run […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 14, 2015

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in a reserved room at the Jacksonville Zoo, the Northside Business Leaders hosted a candidate forum at its regular meeting, which involving the two runoff candidates to replace Bill Bishop in District 2 (Republican Al Ferraro and Democrat Lisa King), Reggie Gaffney, running in District 7, and the two Sheriff’s candidates, Mike Williams and Ken […]

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David Smith. Image via Florida House

“Whiskey and Wheaties” bill goes down in House panel

Charlotte’s Web glitch bill pulled from Senate floor, rewrite is underway

Senate bill amended to ban fracking during study, rule-making

Kathy Castor praises, Marco Rubio condemns Cuba’s removal from terrorist list

Growler bill sent to the House with add-ons

Gov. Rick Scott to host GOP presidential hopefuls at Orlando summit

Legislature repeals 38-year-old ban on gay adoption

Jacksonville initiative seeks boost to exports, local jobs

Pat Kemp says she’s the best Democrat in the Hillsborough County Commission District 6 seat

Northside Business Leaders host Jax sheriff and council candidates