Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiApril 10, 2015

Police-involved shootings are on everyone’s mind in Jacksonville these days, especially those who live in the neighborhoods where they happen. Despite their shared opposition to citizen review boards, both candidates for Jacksonville sheriff recognize there’s a lack of dialogue, and therefore trust, between Duval County residents and those who are sworn to protect and serve […]

Phil AmmannApril 10, 2015

The latest edition of the 4th Floor Files speaks with Thomas Hobbs, the newest member of the Liberty Partners lobbying team. Serving as Liberty’s Director of Operations and Government Relations, Hobbs brings a decade of experience with state government, including both the Governor’s Office and the Florida House of Representatives. As a helicopter pilot for […]

Mitch PerryApril 10, 2015

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On Thursday, the Florida House passed Sanford Republican Jason Brodeur‘s controversial “conscience protection” bill. The legislation would allow private adoption agencies whose “written religious or moral convictions” do not permit children in their care to be adopted by gays or lesbians to refuse to make such placements. The agencies would not face the possibility of losing their […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 10, 2015

Elizabeth “Liz” Dudek, a longtime state health care planner and administrator and now head of the state’s Medicaid agency, will appear before the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee when it meets Wednesday. Though it’s Dudek’s second step in the Senate confirmation process, it’s the first time she’ll appear before the Senate since her boss, Gov. […]

Bruce RitchieApril 10, 2015

A proposed solar energy amendment could unfairly shift the cost of maintaining electricity plants and power lines from homes and businesses with solar energy to other utility customers, representatives of cities and electric utilities said Friday. Floridians for Solar Choice proposes a constitutional amendment establishing that the state’s policy is to promote local, small-scale solar […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 10, 2015

In the run up to Jacksonville’s First Election, one of the more interesting developments was the emergence of the Young Voters Coalition. The group took a nonpartisan stance (even as some folks in the Democratic establishment privately complained that it was just a front group for Bill Bishop supporters) in elections, seeking “to increase turnout […]

Phil AmmannApril 10, 2015

Berger Singerman, a leading Florida real estate and business law firm, added Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan attorney Floyd Self as the newest member of its Government and Regulatory Team. Self, who joins as a partner, will work from the firm’s Tallahassee office. Self specializes in government and regulatory practice for the utility, energy, telecommunications and […]

Melissa RossApril 10, 2015

The latest salvo in Jacksonville’s long-running battle over its pension problems comes from City Councilwoman Lori Boyer. Boyer has filed legislation that would reduce pension benefits for police and firefighters that are hired on starting Oct. 1. It’s an aggressive move and apparently the first time someone on the council has filed a measure stating […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2015

Tallahassee recently played host to a Miami billionaire who came to town to share his wisdom — and maybe some of his wealth. Jeffrey Soffer earned his money the old fashioned way — he inherited it. And among the many assets of the Turnberry empire founded by his father is the sprawling cathedral of commerce known as Aventura Mall — a […]

Bob SparksApril 10, 2015

For years Florida governors and legislators stressed the need to diversify Florida’s economy. A state’s financial well-being so heavily dependent upon tourism and agriculture is a disaster or recession away from economic calamity, they said. They, and their successors who toe the same line, are right. Resorts, parks and Fresh From Florida are great for […]

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Kathleen King and Joe Gruters. Image via Max Goodman.

Ken Jefferson pledges open forums after police-involved shootings

4th Floor Files talks with Thomas Hobbs about educating legislators, Blackhawks and Go Army!

Jason Brodeur says it’s time for truce on gay adoption controversy

Ethics and Elections considers Liz Dudek’s confirmation next week

Cities, utilities say amendment would let solar customers get away without paying

Did Jax Young Voters Coalition succeed in First Election?

Personnel note: Berger Singerman adds energy, utilities pro Floyd Self as partner

New salvo in Jacksonville pension wars

Jeffrey Soffer: A man with a billion ways to say no

Bob Sparks: Entertainment industry adds to Florida’s economic menu