Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMarch 24, 2015

A House bill that would change the state-lobbyist gift ban to allow specifically local governments to offer meeting space to legislators passed its first committee stop Tuesday. The Legislature in 2005 cracked down on lobbyist gifts after news reports of lobbyists hosting lavish dinners with legislators to discuss pending bills. The law prohibits lobbyists and the organizations […]

Mitch PerryMarch 24, 2015

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has touted himself as a nonpartisan problem solver ever since he initially ran for Congress in 2012. So when asked whether he’s been frustrated by the partisan gridlock that seems to permeate Washington, D.C., the just-announced U.S. Senate candidate is quick to list items he says shows he’s been working for […]

Peter SchorschMarch 24, 2015

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham can breathe easier, at least if her former opponent’s chief aide knows what he’s talking about. Jonathan Hayes, who was chief of staff for former Congressman Steve Southerland, has emailed members of the Bay County Republican Executive Committee saying the two-term Republican won’t seek a rematch against Graham in 2016. “Just wanted […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 24, 2015

Running a few minutes late, as happens to someone with a schedule as crowded as the mayor’s, Alvin Brown and his family arrived to vote at an Arlington precinct Tuesday morning under a slate-gray sky. After emerging from the polling place, Brown spoke briefly to local media. For the most part, Brown’s remarks were consistent with his […]

Mitch PerryMarch 24, 2015

The city of Tampa’s uneventful election season comes to a halt Tuesday night. By 8 p.m. we should have a winner in the only city council race that remains undecided — the District 6 battle between Guido Maniscalco and Jackie Toledo. I hate the overuse of the term “Seinfeld” to describe something as being about […]

Ryan RayMarch 24, 2015

The Florida Justice Association put out an advisory warning that Tuesday’s legislative action could include an “anti-consumer onslaught,” as bills on the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement agreement, medical malpractice litigation and insurance company misconduct are all taken up in committee. “These pieces of legislation all have the direct effect of benefiting narrow industries at the expense of […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 24, 2015

As the likelihood of additional veterans nursing homes increases, the House of Representatives wants to put into law a selection process that the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs must follow. The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday takes up HB 7045. The bill follows controversy surrounding the selection of St. Lucie County for the […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 24, 2015

A Senate bill that shifts from utilities to local government the cost of moving power lines and other utilities in easements for roadway expansions passed a Senate committee on Monday despite opposition from local governments. SB 896 by Sen. Jeff Brades, a Republican from St. Petersburg, was prompted by a dispute between the city of Cape […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 24, 2015

There could be some purple and gold license plates in the greater Orlando area under a bill being proposed by the Florida Senate. Proposed committee bill 7072 authorizes 12 new specialty plates, including one for Orlando City Soccer Club, the state’s first Major League Soccer team. The plates would cost an additional $25 and the […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 23, 2015

For those who want the best analysis of the Jacksonville municipal election, check out WJCT FM 89.9, where this site’s Melissa Ross will host starting at 7 Tuesday night. Adding insights as results come in will be yours truly, along with other special guests. We will discuss all of the nearly two dozen races — the 19 […]

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A state investigator, right, works with a Florida resident to look out for fraud after Hurricane Helene. Photo via Florida Chief Financial Officer,.

Subcommittee OKs bill to exempt public space use from lobbyist gift ban

Patrick Murphy sees more potential for bipartisanship in Senate

Steve Southerland won’t challenge Gwen Graham in 2016, former staff chief says

Alvin Brown votes in Arlington, has reached out to Bill Bishop

Mitch Perry Report for 3.24.15 — Tampa’s election season ends tonight

Florida Justice Association braces consumers for “trifecta of terrible” on Tuesday

House bill lays out site-selection process for new veterans’ nursing homes

Cities, counties say bill would stick them with costs for moving roadside utilities

Orlando City Soccer Club gets a specialty plate under proposed Senate bill

WJCT-FM to begin Jacksonville election coverage at 7 p.m. Tuesday