Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Sally SwartzOctober 27, 2015

A nightmare development scenario playing out in Palm Beach County is bad news for proponents of local control statewide. It’s almost unbelievable: new developments with thousands of homes in preserve areas that now provide drinking water for cities and water for a wild and scenic river. Ten-lane and 12-lane highways, including double-deck, high-rise roads and […]

Guest AuthorOctober 27, 2015

Unhealthy weight has affected children in Florida well before I was appointed State Surgeon General in 2012. I knew when I took office that combating this epidemic would be my highest priority – and it was clear that doing so wouldn’t be as simple as changing the meals served in our school cafeterias. To answer […]

Bill PrescottOctober 26, 2015

Term limits have spelled disaster for the Florida Legislature – erasing experience, dumbing down the process, and leaving lobbyists even more firmly in control. It was the achievement of people who preferred to weaken government rather than improve it. Florida being Florida, it figures that some people now propose to do the same to the […]

Guest AuthorOctober 26, 2015

Far too often medical bills overwhelm families when they’re hit with surprise bills as a result of unexpected emergencies, even families that have purchased health insurance. The practice of balance billing for emergency services has been detrimental to many, but relief could be on the way thanks to state Rep. Carlos Trujillo. The Miami Republican […]

Guest AuthorOctober 25, 2015

It’s already been a sad week for black bears in Florida. On Saturday, the first day of the big Florida black bear hunt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stopped the hunting in Central Florida after 99 bears were killed, just one under the quota for that region’s weeklong season. Statewide, 207 bears were […]

Guest AuthorOctober 25, 2015

There are reforms occurring in Florida’s education system, and we have the opportunity to improve our education system and further advance Florida students’ progress. Florida’s State Board of Education will soon determine our state’s “cut scores” on state-administered tests, and set the new standard for proficiency, the mastery and in-depth knowledge of core subject areas. […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 23, 2015

Dear Bear Hunters, It’s strange to me that you consider killing living things a sport. That you smile over the carcass of a once-living thing and revel in your kill both shocks and offends me. Killing animals for food is one thing – cows are cute, but I love me some steak – but to […]

Guest AuthorOctober 23, 2015

It’s important for the public to know what legislative change means for our everyday lives. All too often common-sense policies are influenced by special interests and therefore compromise public benefit. For example, Acts H.R. 976 and H.R. 2513 appear to help improve our healthcare system, but in reality they would re-establish a bad policy for […]

Guest AuthorOctober 22, 2015

Finally, the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees has lost its credibility. Its credibility as a governing body. Its credibility as a professional organ. Its credibility as a guardian of the best interests of FAMU. Its credibility in its ongoing dispute with FAMU President Elmira Mangum, which reached a point of high camp at a […]

Guest AuthorOctober 22, 2015

I remember when Sundays were about jazz, yoga and mimosas. Long walks and picnics in the park. A day to relax and reconnect with loved ones. Then my kids started high school. Now Sundays are a variety of things, none of them peaceful. Projects suddenly due the next day so we have to haul ass […]

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This exhibit celebrates late-blooming artistry, proving it’s never too late for bold creativity.

Sally Swartz: Development runs rampant without state controls

Dr. John H. Armstrong : School health programs can change lives, save millions

Martin Dyckman: Judiciary term limits? Bad idea

Audrey Brown: Support bill to end unfair balance billing

Michael Sainato: Black bears, good science on losing end as hunt begins

Tom Feeney: Raising Florida’s academic bar can result in a more productive workforce

Janelle Irwin: An open letter to the 3,200 people hoping to kill bears over the next week

Barney Bishop: Self-promoting physician-owned hospitals will put patients at risk

Chris Timmons: In battle with university president, FAMU’s Board of Trustees has lost its credibility

Catherine Durkin Robinson: I apologize in advance – for all the itching