Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaDecember 29, 2017

When it comes to applying for a judgeship, the third time could be a charm for Alan Abramowitz. Abramowitz, executive director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Office, is one of 12 applicants for a Tallahassee-area circuit judge seat opening because of the retirement of Charles A. Francis. Abramowitz has applied to become a judge […]

Jim RosicaDecember 19, 2017

In a 4-3 decision Tuesday, the Florida Supreme Court handed over a constitutional challenge to a contentious education law to a local court to handle. Without explanation, the Supreme Court transferred the matter (SC17-1996) to the 2nd Judicial Circuit, headquartered across the street from the Capitol. School Board of Alachua County v. House Speaker Richard […]

Jim RosicaJune 19, 2017

Lawyers for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and companies behind what are known as “pre-reveal” games—a name they apparently disdain—will appear Monday afternoon in a Tallahassee courtroom. Circuit Judge John Cooper agreed to hear argument on why he should reconsider his previous ruling that the stand-alone consoles aren’t illegal slot machines. The devices in question use a specific software known as “Version 67.” The […]

Jim RosicaJune 12, 2017

The companies behind what are known as “pre-reveal” games say they’re “losing money every day” even after a Tallahassee judge ruled the stand-alone consoles aren’t illegal slot machines. Gator Coin II and Blue Sky Games are asking Circuit Judge John Cooper to lift an automatic stay of his March decision. Cooper, however, already has agreed to reconsider the ruling, setting […]

Jim RosicaApril 24, 2017

Seeing it as the “lesser of various evils” to pass a gambling bill this year, the House may give in to the Senate’s position to legislatively approve new slot machines in counties that passed referendums allowing them, according to those familiar with the negotiations. As of early Monday, the Conference Committee on Gaming was set to meet later […]

Jim RosicaMarch 20, 2017

A recent ruling by a Tallahassee judge could result in Florida being inundated by a slot machine-style entertainment device in bars, arcades and even dog and horse tracks. It’s also not yet clear whether the decision could trigger a violation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s exclusivity rights in its gambling “compact” with the state. That […]

Jim RosicaMay 13, 2016

Sometimes, respecting the rules of the game means you have to lose. That was the message delivered Friday at an ethics forum for judicial candidates held in Tallahassee. Similar events were held around the state this week. Current and retired judges and others briefed several area contenders for judgeships on Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct, which also […]

Jim RosicaApril 29, 2016

The head of the state’s child-advocate program has made the final cut to become a north Florida circuit judge. The 2nd Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announced that Alan Abramowitz and five others had been recommended to Gov. Rick Scott to fill a slot being vacated by current Judge George Reynolds III. He sits in Tallahassee. Abramowitz, executive director of […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 12, 2016

A former co-worker of retired Judge Jackie Fulford is taking her place on the bench of the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which includes the state capital. Gov. Rick Scott this week announced the appointment of Frank Allman Jr. to replace Fulford. Allman and Fulford were both assistant prosecutors under longtime State Attorney Willie Meggs. The 55-year-old Allman, […]

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott has elevated a Leon County judge and top state official under former Gov. Charlie Crist to be the Tallahassee area’s newest circuit judge. Scott on Monday appointed Robert R. Wheeler to a vacancy on the 2nd Judicial Circuit bench. Wheeler replaces former Judge Frank Sheffield. “Throughout his career, Judge Wheeler has proven to be a good […]

Tag: 2nd Judicial Circuit

Open Tallahassee judgeship gets a dozen applicants

Florida Supreme Court decides to punt away HB 7069 challenge

Lawyers to face off in hearing over ‘pre-reveal’ games

Pre-reveal game makers bemoan state’s ‘heavy-handed tactics’

Gambling deal may come down to slots question

Rise of the (pre-reveal) machines: The coming battle in Florida gambling?

Judicial candidates schooled on campaign ethics

Alan Abramowitz makes final cut for judgeship

Veteran prosecutor tapped for Tallahassee-area judgeship

Rick Scott taps former Charlie Crist official to be capital-area circuit judge