March 2017 - Page 41 of 105 - Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 17, 2017

After Rick Scott removed Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the case of accused cop killer Markeith Loyd after she announced she would not pursue the death penalty in his or any other case during her tenure. Later, Dover House Republican Ross Spano called on Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren to condemn Ayala’s actions. Warren refused, saying that he would seek out the death penalty only […]

Guest AuthorMarch 17, 2017

As young people transition to adulthood, earning their driver’s license provides a certain level of independence and economic mobility — a vehicle, if you will, to go places in life. Whether heading to school or work, the doctor’s office or the grocery store, having the ability to drive is a necessity most Floridians take for […]

Staff ReportsMarch 17, 2017

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A consultant hired by the state has recommended selling off or demolishing a wide swath of state office buildings in downtown Tallahassee, saying state government’s real estate is at “a critical juncture.” The Tallahassee Democrat reported on the $772,655 study Friday in its online edition. “Many of those are landmark buildings that date back to the […]

Michael MolineMarch 17, 2017

Most of the 57 insurance companies evaluated by insurance ratings agency Demotech Inc. retained scores of “A” or better after boosting their loss reserves and capital contributions. The companies had added $200 million in loss reserves and $155 million in capital at Demotech’s urging, the agency said in a statement posted on its website. “This […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 17, 2017

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry didn’t make it to Friday’s meeting of the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund. But he dropped a bomb in the aftermath of the contentious conclave. Curry started off genially: “I’d like to thank four of the five board members who met with our team leading up to today’s meeting and working […]

Erin ClarkMarch 17, 2017

A recent report by Florida TaxWatch refutes one of the key arguments made by school choice opponents — namely, that charter and choice schools end up hurting traditional schools by diverting funding. Further, the paper says that voters might be missing a larger part of the picture: how much taxpayer money is actually going to K-12 […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 17, 2017

The slow walk by the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund toward policy marginalization continued apace Friday, as the five-person board of trustees offered “review and discussion” of the city’s latest pension proposal. The General Counsel contended earlier this week that the PFPF had no role in the pension decision, arguing that the 2015 pension […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 17, 2017

Presented at the Mar. 14 meeting of the Jacksonville City Council, the Jacksonville Inspector General’s Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2016 offers a look into “fraud, waste, and abuse” in city government. Among the details in the 34-page document: “time and attendance fraud, overtime fraud, misrepresentation of educational credentials, failure to meet promotional qualifications for […]

Jim RosicaMarch 17, 2017

The Florida Senate’s bill to remove the “wall of separation” between hard liquor and other retail goods is scheduled for the floor next week. The “whiskey and Wheaties” legislation (SB 106) is on the special order calendar for next Tuesday, according to the chamber’s website on Friday. Meantime, the House companion (HB 81) has been struggling, escaping […]

Les NeuhausMarch 17, 2017

Florida lawmakers are looking to shut down a charitable program funded for decades by state employees. A bill to end the Florida State Employees’ Charitable Campaign comes after a yearslong slump due partly to a drop in participation and controversy surrounding its management, according to a new bill proposed by a House lawmaker and unanimously favored […]

Month: March 2017

Julianne Holt expresses concerns about Rick Scott’s move on Aramis Ayala

Jennifer Sullivan, Aaron Bean: Foster care program for teen drivers deserves support

Report: Consultant recommends ‘disposing’ of state office buildings

Most Florida insurers retain ratings, but agency warns of AOB danger

Lenny Curry blasts ‘egregious decisions’ of Jax PFPF Board Chair

Florida TaxWatch: School choice options a better bargain for state

Jax PFPF Board Chair: ‘I think the mayor’s plan is terrible’

Fraud, waste, and abuse: the Jacksonville Inspector General’s look at 2016

Senate’s ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ bill teed up for floor

House seeks to end controversial state employee charity program