January 2017 - Page 13 of 76 - Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannJanuary 26, 2017

Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO Julio Fuentes attempted to undermine the reputation of the company my family and thousands of employees have worked hard to build for more than 80 years. I wish to set the record straight about safety for minors and our role in making the shopping experience convenient. Let me […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 26, 2017

For more than a year, Latino activists have called on Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to allow Tampa to officially call itself a “sanctuary city” — a jurisdiction where local law enforcement doesn’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. In a radio interview conducted late last year, Buckhorn said “we’re looking at that,” when asked about the possibility of Tampa falling into that […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2017

How bad was Hurricane Matthew for Northeast Florida? Here’s the take of one Jacksonville Republican, Rep. Jason Fischer. “Last fall, Hurricane Matthew crawled up the coast of Florida, hitting Northeast Florida particularly hard. Some of my constituents lost power for almost a full week following the storm,” Fischer noted. With that example in mind, Fischer filed […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran is saving the profanities—for now. At a Thursday press availability, Corcoran was asked about comments by a lobbyist involved in this year’s gambling legislation, which the Senate has taken the lead on with an omnibus bill (SB 8). The person was overheard in a Capitol corridor saying he had spoken with the […]

Scott PowersJanuary 26, 2017

Concerned that there are under-the-radar problems with teen children abusing parents, state Rep. Amy Mercado is seeking to create a parent abuse reporting system that could give the parents some of the same protections the state extends to children being abused by parents. Mercado, an Orlando Democrat, filed House Bill 431 this week, aiming to […]

Michael MolineJanuary 26, 2017

Tourism business owners flocked to a Senate committee room Thursday to plead the case for Visit Florida, the state’s embattled tourism promotions agency. Representing both large operations and independent hotels and restaurants, they urged members of the Appropriations Committee to let the agency continue to sell Florida to potential tourists in the United States and overseas. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran Thursday told reporters he took no personal offense at ethics suggestions sent by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott’s office earlier in the day sent Corcoran, who is on an ethics reform tear this year, more ideas, including a provision that would ban lawmakers from working for companies, including law firms, that lobby the Legislature. […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2017

There is a movement afoot in the United States to allow reformed criminals to have a second chance, and a couple of bills in the Florida House could be part of that. Earlier this month, Rep. Shervin Jones filed House Bill 31, which would remove the requirement on job applications for an applicant to disclose whether […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2017

Cities and counties often impose conditions on contractors and who they hire for public works products. But a bill filed Thursday in the Florida Senate would change some of that. Senate Bill 534, filed by Gainesville Republican Keith Perry on Thursday, would prohibit cities, counties, local taxing districts, schools, and other such “political subdivisions” from dictating […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 26, 2017

Clay Hollis and Andrew Liebert are joining the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Thursday that Hollis would serve as the director of external affairs, while Liebert will serve as the deputy legislative affairs director. “Clay and Andrew are both great additions to our team, and their professional experience will […]

Month: January 2017

Charles Bailes: Separation of liquor, groceries keeps communities safe

Bob Buckhorn says Tampa is NOT a sanctuary city, but he doesn’t intend on calling ICE anytime soon

Florida House mulls tax breaks for early-season storm prep

Richard Corcoran already vexed by Senate gambling plan

Amy Mercado, Victor Torres seek ‘parent abuse’ reporting system

Visit Florida defenders swarm Senate Appropriations Committee hearing

Richard Corcoran: Rick Scott’s ethics proposals not personal

Florida House to mull ‘ban the box’ bills

Florida Senate bill gives public works contractors more hiring discretion

Personnel note: Clay Hollis, Andrew Liebert join Department of Agriculture