Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Daniel TilsonApril 9, 2015

Sometimes, it’s painful being right. You see, Gov. Scott this week publicly confirmed he’s opposed to ensuring affordable access to health insurance and healthcare for all Floridians. Again. With ultra-conservative Republicans in the Florida House still blocking the Senate from using Obamacare funding to insure more than 800,000 Floridians — thereby stopping 3-6 people from […]

Bob SparksApril 9, 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 […]

James CallApril 9, 2015

Although the Florida House overwhelmingly passed a $690 million tax-cut package Thursday, it still faces an uncertain future in the Senate. While the Senate looks to plug a $2.2 billion hole in the health care budget, the House is focused on keeping Florida’s economy growing by cutting costs for households and businesses. “One of the […]

Guest AuthorApril 9, 2015

Like many fans of punk and alternative music, I felt sad when Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore, of Sonic Youth, broke up. I was a casual fan and knew them mostly for their influence. Kim Gordon especially was important as an original rocker/feminist and she always seemed so unconventional and unapologetic about it. When I […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 9, 2015

Signaling a new phase of the campaign just in time for the peak of One Spark and the #UniteJax rally on Monday, a new Lenny Curry television ad hit Jacksonville airwaves on Thursday, reiterating the Curry camp’s messaging on public safety. The spot features his wife Molly delivering the message that Lenny Curry is a “Mayor for all […]

James CallApril 9, 2015

Florida’s business-recruiter-in-chief is stepping up a media campaign in advance of a California job-hunting expedition. Enterprise Florida began running radio commercials Thursday touting Florida’s perfect business climate in advance of Gov. Rick Scott’s trade delegation to California April 12-13. “California has the nation’s highest personal income tax, the highest state sales tax, and one of […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 9, 2015

The Florida Legislature on Thursday gave the nod to a bill that would allow research in sickle cell disease to be eligible for the Closing the Gap Grant Program. The bill, SB 94, was passed by the House on Thursday by a unanimous vote. It passed the Senate unanimously as well. Sickle cell is a […]

Bruce RitchieApril 9, 2015

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam says Florida’s citrus industry still is threatened by disease despite a federal forecast that shows the industry holding almost steady. Florida agriculture faces a threat from citrus greening, a bacterial disease that is spread primarily by Asian insects called citrus psyllids. Acreage planted with citrus declined from 845,250 acres in 1998 […]

Associated PressApril 9, 2015

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South Florida voters may get a chance to tell legislators whether they want Las-Vegas styled casinos. A Florida House panel on Thursday voted in favor of a stripped-down gambling bill. Legislators removed a provision to allow two casinos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but agreed to let county commissioners hold referendums on whether casinos should […]

Mitch PerryApril 9, 2015

Legislation that would allow Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a permit during certain emergency situations passed in the Florida House on Thursdaty, and will soon go to Gov. Rick Scott‘s desk for him to sign. Sponsored by Fort Myers Republican REep. Heather Fitzenhagan as HB 493, SB 290 is similar but with tweaks from […]

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Daniel Tilson: Don't get fooled again by Rick Scott's trick plays on health reform

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

House passes tax-cut package; uncertain in Senate

Catherine Durkin Robinson: A review of Kim Gordon's new book, 'Girl in a Band'

Molly Curry ad hits Jacksonville airwaves

Enterprise Florida buys radio ads ahead of Rick Scott California visit

Sickle cell bill on its way to Gov. Rick Scott

Adam Putnam says citrus still threatened despite improved forecast

South Florida voters may get chance to vote on casinos

Bill allowing concealed carry during emergencies on way to governor