Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMarch 29, 2015

Words matter, or they should – at least for journalists. Not necessarily for politicians. Case in point: the Florida House leadership saying that it has $205 million in the proposed 2015-16 state budget for Florida Forever, the state’s land-buying program. Nope, not true. In fact, the House budget proposal doesn’t include a single dollar for […]

Martin DyckmanMarch 29, 2015

The first Florida presidential primary that ever mattered was intended to enhance Sen. Edmund Muskie’s campaign for the Democratic nomination. It dealt him a staggering defeat instead. Florida Republican leaders might want to consider that example before structuring next year’s primary as a winner-take-all clincher for former Gov. Jeb Bush or Sen. Marco Rubio. For […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 29, 2015

Words matter, or they should – at least for journalists. Not necessarily for politicians. Case in point: the Florida House leadership saying that it has $205 million in the proposed 2015-16 state budget for Florida Forever, the state’s land-buying program. Nope, not true. In fact, the House budget proposal doesn’t include a single dollar for […]

Daniel TilsonMarch 29, 2015

Editor’s note: The following is a first-person account from Context Florida columnist Daniel Tilson. After getting home from shooting video for a client today, I found a business card shoved in my front door. Much to my surprise, it had the name and contact info of an FDLE inspector on it. Remember FDLE, the Florida […]

William MarchMarch 29, 2015

In a state Legislative Gession preoccupied with gambling, guns, booze and tax cuts, the Children’s Movement of Florida is pushing a cause that gets little attention: health care and early education for children from poor families. It may not draw high-powered lobbyists to the Capitol rotunda, but Vance Aloupis, director of the group, said it’s […]

Mitch PerryMarch 28, 2015

As one of the major counties along the I-4 corridor, Pinellas County will be a contested piece of real estate in choosing the next U.S. president. Ensuring it goes for the GOP nominee is in 2016 is the No. 1 goal for Pinellas Republicans for the next 18 months, recently elected party Chairman Nick DiCeglie said […]

Mitch PerryMarch 28, 2015

Members of the GLBT community and their allies flocked to Ybor City under idyllic conditions on Saturday, as Tampa held its first gay pride event in more than a decade. In his public remarks, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner referred to what he called one of the “darkest moments in this country’s history” — the June 15, […]

Ryan RayMarch 28, 2015

The long tail of John Thrasher‘s decision to leave the state Senate to assume the presidency of Florida State University will come to an end on April 7, when special elections to fill the legislative vacancies left in his wake are held. Early voting in three statehouse special elections began this weekend and ends Saturday, […]

Phil AmmannMarch 28, 2015

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced three new appointments and two reappointments to a pair of state regulatory boards. All of these appointments are subject to Florida Senate confirmation. Florida Development Finance Corporation Scott named three to the Florida Development Finance Corporation. FDFC is a state authorized issuer of industrial revenue bonds through interlocal agreements. […]

Phil AmmannMarch 28, 2015

Republican Rand Paul visits the Florida Panhandle on Monday, as the special guest of a dinner reception that evening. Organizers describe the $250-a-plate fundraiser as a “small get together for just a few people” to meet the Kentucky Senator, who is a prospective presidential candidate for 2016. The event begins 6 p.m. at Mama Clemenza’s, […]

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Image via the Associated Press.

Bruce Ritchie: Is House giving Florida Forever $205 million? Nope

Martin Dyckman: Winner-take-all primary could backfire on Florida GOP

Bruce Ritchie: Is House giving Florida Forever $205 million? Nope

Daniel Tilson: My surprise visit from FDLE

In Tallahassee, there’s a low-profile push for child welfare

Jeff Atwater, David Jolly star at Pinellas GOP Lincoln Day Dinner

Activists at Tampa Pride urge celebrants to fight adoption bill

Early voting in NE Florida special elections has begun

Gov. Rick Scott announces 5 board appointments

Rand Paul to visit Florida Panhandle for event on Monday