Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonJuly 24, 2018

In Florida now, the rule of law now seems to be shoot first, justify later. So, what happened to Markeis McGlockton last week at a Circle A convenience store in Clearwater is exactly lawmakers had in mind when they widened the range of what’s permissible under Florida’s “stand your ground” law. Don’t let anyone tell […]

Joe HendersonJune 12, 2017

This was a pretty famous case. You might remember it. On Nov. 23, 2012, Michael David Dunn was at a gas station in Jacksonville when he got into an argument with 17-year-old Jordan Davis, who was there with some friends. It seems the music coming from Davis’ car was too way loud for Dunn’s taste. […]

Staff ReportsMay 30, 2017

The Florida Retail Federation has issued a reminder that the new disaster preparedness sales-tax holiday begins this week. Right in time for hurricane season, the state will waive sales taxes on purchases of emergency supplies starting at 12:01 p.m. Friday, ending at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. “Thanks to our legislative leaders and Gov. Scott for including […]

Staff ReportsMay 8, 2017

The office of Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, who is stepping down with the conclusion of the Legislative Session, has defended pay raises for his top staff as in line with long-overdue increases throughout his department. In a letter dated Thursday to Senate President Joe Negron’s chief of staff, Cheri Vancura, Atwater’s chief of staff, Budd […]

Michael MolineFebruary 3, 2017

A state senator proposing legislation to mitigate flood risk said Friday that lawmakers in Tallahassee don’t fully appreciate the extent of that risk. “I think my colleagues in the Legislature don’t quite understand the gravity of the situation — much like Congress,” said Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican. “They do not understand how serious the […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 1, 2017

If there was any uncertainty what the main event will be in the 2017 Florida Legislature, that has been answered. It’s the throw down over the “T” word. In one corner, Gov. Rick Scott is seeking an $815 million increase in public school funding. To help pay for that, the governor wants to use the […]

Tag: 2017 Florida Legislature

Joe Henderson: Stand Your Ground worked just like lawmakers intended

Joe Henderson: After GOP gives NRA another ‘gun rights’ victory, what’s next?

Three-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday begins Friday

Jeff Atwater’s office defends pay increases for top administrators

Jeff Brandes: Legislature needs educating about flood risk

Rick Scott, Legislature set for an old-fashioned ‘T’ word throwdown