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Peter SchorschMarch 1, 2015

Almost all of the headlines surrounding the annual session of the Florida Legislature will have already been written by the time lawmakers are gaveled into business on March 3. Those headlines will involve calls to expand Medicaid; a budget hole created by the federal government’s refusal to fund the Low Income Pool health care program; […]

Phil AmmannMarch 1, 2015

Political Connections, the Tampa Bay area’s version of Meet The Press, has featured Tampa Bay Times Political Editor Adam Smith as its co-host along with Al Reuschel since 2006. But that relationship will end after the March 8 broadcast. Smith’s name has already been removed from the program’s website. That news was omitted on Thursday when […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 1, 2015

As is typical with Jacksonville straw polls this campaign season, the parking lot was full and the building brimmed with people at the WBOB “Stump” event, one that some people say is “Tea Party” and others say is simply conservative. I walked in from a cold, persistent rain and saw Sheriff’s Candidate Lonnie McDonald, and we greeted […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 1, 2015

As is typical with Jacksonville straw polls this campaign season, the parking lot was full and the building brimmed with people at the WBOB “Stump” event, one that some people say is “Tea Party” and others say is simply conservative. I walked in from a cold, persistent rain and saw Sheriff’s Candidate Lonnie McDonald, and we greeted […]

Ryan RayMarch 1, 2015

Editor’s Note: As the 2015 Legislative Session approaches, FloridaPolitics.com is reporting on several “legislative food fights” likely to break out during the annual lawmaking period. These food fights don’t always make the front page of the Tampa Bay Times, but they are the kind of industry vs. industry or intra-industry turfbattles that drive Tallahassee — and expand […]

Peter SchorschMarch 1, 2015

Despite Senate President Andy Gardiner’s publicly expressed disinterest in seeing the Florida Legislature renew the Seminole Gaming Compact, there is behind-the-scenes progress being made by lawmakers and lobbyists determined to expand gambling in Florida. House Majority Leader Dana Young, who has been tasked by Speaker Steve Crisafulli to be the House’s point person on gambling issues, says that […]

Dan GelberMarch 1, 2015

Here is the State of the State that Governor Rick Scott ought to deliver and, more importantly, that Floridians deserve to hear. Thank you Mr. Speaker. It is traditional for the governor to begin this speech with an unequivocal declaration that the state of our state is strong. The state of our state is strong, […]

Associated PressMarch 1, 2015

Sen. Marco Rubio told the anti-tax group Club for Growth on Saturday that the Senate candidates they’ve backed recently represent the Republican Party’s new leadership. The Florida senator was among a half-dozen presidential prospects who spoke at the group’s three-day winter meeting, which ended Saturday at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Among Republican […]

Ryan RayMarch 1, 2015

Session starts on Tuesday, which means three things for Monday: the drink, drop and dash fundraising frenzy before the 60-day curtain falls; last minute roommate arrangements; and the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) pre-Session welcome back reception for legislators, staff and politicos, drawing easily 2,000 attendees each year. Tallahassee reaches full capacity during March and April, bringing […]

Associated PressFebruary 28, 2015

A South Florida police chief has been arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute. Stephen Johnson of the Miami Gardens Police was jailed Friday night during a prostitution sting by the Broward Sheriff’s Office. An arrest report says 53-year-old Johnson responded to an ad for escorts on backpage.com and arranged for a liaison with two women […]

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2015 Legislative Session Preview: Big tobacco, Brecht Heuchan, and the most interesting food fight this Session

Adam Smith no longer to be part of Bay News 9’s Political Connections after next week

Bill Bishop and Lenny Curry discuss negative ads at WBOB “Stump” straw poll

Bill Bishop and Lenny Curry discuss negative ads at WBOB "Stump" straw poll

2015 Legislative Session Preview: Dogfight breaking out over jet fuel sales tax exemption

2015 Legislative Session Preview: Gambling legislation on the move in the Florida Legislature

Dan Gelber: The State of the State Floridians should hear

Marco Rubio tells Club for Growth its picks are GOP’s new leaders

Associated Industries of Florida to host annual pre-Session blowout Monday night

Florida police chief fired for arrest in prostitution sting