Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jac VerSteegFebruary 9, 2015

How sad that Skip Foster, new president and publisher of the Tallahassee Democrat, has decreed that his newspaper no longer will endorse political candidates. I expect that soon he and Gannet will need to change the paper’s name to the Tallahassee No Party Affiliation. This is almost certainly a business decision. Foster, like many people […]

Ryan RayFebruary 9, 2015

It comes as no surprise that West Palm Beach City Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell wants to be Mayor after twelve years of waiting in the wings. That her former spouse and Republican über-lobbyist Richard Pinsky would take a major role in running her campaign doesn’t exactly blow you away either, given their deep mutual connections to the Palm Beach Republican Party — though a registered […]

Ryan RayFebruary 9, 2015

It comes as no surprise that West Palm Beach City Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell wants to be Mayor after twelve years of waiting in the wings. That her former spouse and Republican über-lobbyist Richard Pinsky would take a major role in running her campaign doesn’t exactly blow you away either, given their deep mutual connections to the Palm Beach Republican Party — though a registered […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 9, 2015

How modern is Florida’s statewide law enforcement radio system? That is the question a state task force made up of the heads of law enforcement agencies is asking in a recently-commissioned study delivered to Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. The study commissioned by the Joint Task Force on […]

James CallFebruary 9, 2015

Drone technology has evolved to enabling the remote-controlled aerial devices to provide crisp clear video from hundreds of feet in the air instantly and cheaply. And while this appeals to law enforcement looking to stretch resources, farmers wanting to monitor livestock and the media covering outdoor events it alarms privacy rights advocates worried about flying […]

Christine Jordan SextonFebruary 9, 2015

A Florida nursing home organization wants to see changes made to the statewide Medicaid managed care program. Tony Marshall, director of reimbursement for the Florida Health Care Association, said his group would like to modify the program so patients who use long term care services can have the same managed care plan for their traditional […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 9, 2015

Thomas_Halsnik__Black_Pearl_Limousine_and_Airport_Service_3-1024x1024.jpg

The Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission has been a favorite whipping boy among critics for years, but its attracted more criticism in recent times as ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have broken into the market – and not gone along with PTC rules. Uber’s premier ride service known as Uber Black entered the Tampa market during the […]

Christine Jordan SextonFebruary 9, 2015

When Chet Bell started in the mental health arena 35 years ago the work, he said, was more akin with the justice system than the health-care arena. That has slowly changed, said Bell, now a management consultant with Stewart Marchman-Act Behavioral Healthcare, with locations throughout central Florida, including Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, DeLand, DeBary and […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 9, 2015

The Tampa Bay Times reports that Florida GOP leaders have not and will not be hunting for dollars at Texas’ King Ranch. Craig Pittman and Michael Van Sickler report: “… for the first time since 2011, records show, the state’s Republican elite have yet to make the trek west. U.S. Sugar — which has much at stake this […]

Associated PressFebruary 9, 2015

Stepping closer to a White House bid, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is set to release thousands of emails Tuesday, plus the first chapter of a related e-book intended to highlight his compassionate leadership style and conservative credentials. The Republican said during a Monday morning conference call that he would release the materials Tuesday. Although […]

Uncategorized

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: The rise of gutless newspapers

Are local Dems pushing for a GOP ‘landslide’ in West Palm Beach?

Are local Dems pushing for a GOP 'landslide' in West Palm Beach?

State law enforcement task force seeks to modernize statewide radio system

Drones spotted on Capitol radar with proposal to curb flying robotic monitors

Nursing home industry wants to see changes in statewide Medicaid managed care program

Judge could rule on Hillsborough PTC minimum fare rule by end of February

Florida needs to spend more money on mental health and substance abuse, provider says

For fundraising, Florida House leaders say baseball and wine good, hunting bad

Jeb Bush set to release e-book, emails Tuesday