Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Martin DyckmanAugust 25, 2015

Florida lost one of its oldest and best citizens when Elston Edward “Steve” Roady, a professor emeritus of political science at Florida State University, died at Tallahassee last week, four months into his 96th year. He was one of my favorite professors there, long ago, and a good friend. He did more than inspire two […]

Guest AuthorAugust 25, 2015

On the opening day of the 2014 Session in the Florida House of Representatives, then Speaker of House Will Weatherford spoke at length about an issue that few leaders in government talk about — generational poverty. During his remarks, Speaker Weatherford noted “There will always be poverty — the kind that results from temporary setbacks: […]

Guest AuthorAugust 25, 2015

While I was having lunch with Tallahassee banker Ben Graybar recently, we had an open dialogue on cyber security, cyber threats and how we can make sure our customers were protected. We discussed common threats such as boss phishing, identity theft, crypto-locker, password protocols, and then some new threats came up. One I had never […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 25, 2015

If you’re looking for hot-button issues, you likely won’t find them at Tuesday night’s Jacksonville City Council meeting. As the Finance Committee works through the budget in all-day sessions ahead of the Sept. 21 Council meeting, those on hand in Council Chambers will hear debates on a number of uncontroversial measures. The handful of third-reading […]

Mitch PerryAugust 25, 2015

Rick Scott has been governor of Florida for over 5 1/2 years now, but other than his two election-day victories, he’s been more down than up when it comes to his personal approval ratings throughout his controversial tenure. That’s why the governor and his supporters have to be giddy this morning, after a Quinnipiac poll […]

Julie DelegalAugust 24, 2015

Former State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand has issued an impassioned plea on behalf of Florida’s 78,000 voucher students. He wants the plaintiffs, namely the Florida Education Association, which represents teachers, to drop its lawsuit opposing the diversion of tax dollars to the voucher program. The FEA lawsuit is now at the appeal stage. […]

Sally SwartzAugust 24, 2015

Florida lawmakers did one thing worth celebrating in this year’s Legislative Session: They approved, at long last, a law that protects residents from SLAPPs: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Two champions deserve special credit for the success of the anti-SLAPP campaign: the Florida Press Association and the Motion Picture Association of America. On the Treasure […]

Guest AuthorAugust 23, 2015

“It is your business to rise up and preserve the Union and liberty for yourselves and not for me. I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that not with politicians, not with Presidents, not with office seekers, but with you, is the question: Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this […]

Guest AuthorAugust 23, 2015

There’s a surprise coming to Florida property owners at the end of August, one wrapped in the federal government’s signature red tape. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers have positioned themselves to regulate practically every square inch of our state. How? They have redefined the extent of EPA jurisdiction […]

Associated PressAugust 21, 2015

Billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch are opening the Tea Party’s door for Republican Jeb Bush, whose time as Florida governor preceded the movement. It’s a valuable opportunity for a presidential contender whose competition is some of the Tea Party’s biggest success stories. On Friday in Columbus, Ohio, Bush is making his first appearance at […]

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Martin Dyckman: A good friend, an inspiring teacher passes on

Jeff Kottkamp: Breaking the cycle of generational poverty

Blake Dowling: Beware cyber-skimming at the pump

Quiet Jacksonville City Council meeting on tap

Rick Scott right side up in new Q poll, 45-44 percent

Julie Delegal: Other ideas follow defense of school vouchers

Sally Swartz: Free speech victory rose from Session morass

Ed H. Moore: It’s time to recover our promise as a great nation

Dan Peterson: Improving Your Private Property? Check with the EPA

Newcomer to Koch scene, Jeb Bush competes with Tea Party class