Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonJanuary 17, 2017

Over the weekend, Florida Democrats elected Miami rich guy Stephen Bittel to lead their party. The choice was controversial and left many members screaming that Bittel is the wrong man at the wrong time. They have their reasons, I guess. But, let me ask a simple question: Whom would be the right person? The political […]

Brendan FarringtonJanuary 15, 2017

The state Republican and Democratic parties met two miles from each other Saturday, their first meetings since Donald Trump carried Florida in November’s election, but the atmosphere and enthusiasm were worlds apart. As both parties chose their leaders, it was easy to see which has more confidence heading into an election cycle when the governor’s […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

The latest estimates show “a slight decrease” in Florida orange production to 71 million boxes for the 2016-17 season, according to the Florida Department of Citrus. The department on Thursday shared the results of the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast, the first in 2017. The state’s citrus industry has been hurt by the citrus greening epidemic. The so-far incurable disease […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 9, 2017

Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera is the latest high profile Republican to back Blaise Ingoglia in his bid for re-election to be the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. “I have been active in the RPOF for 20 years and I cannot recall a chairman that has shown the commitment and dedication to the […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2017

Jonathan Rees, a member of the 2016 class of FloridaPolitics.com’s “30 Under 30,” will be joining Anheuser-Busch as the state affairs manager for Florida, effective Monday. Rees will be responsible for leading Anheuser-Busch’s legislative agenda, political giving and stakeholder engagement in Florida. The company brews more than 100 brands in the United States, including its flagship brands, Budweiser […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 4, 2017

Over the weekend, the Times’ Rick Danielson and Sue Carlton shared a byline online where they essentially discussed the Bob Buckhorn Experience in Tampa, close to six years after he was elected mayor. Although the initial thrust of the story was how the Mayor wasn’t above looking a little silly on occasions to sell a particular program or […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 31, 2016

Everyone expected Florida to play an important role in politics this year. And why wouldn’t they? Presidential hopefuls hailed from here; the state’s electoral votes were coveted; and its Senate race could have determined control of the U.S. Senate. But just like many predictions in 2016, some of the prophecies for Florida’s outsized role on […]

Staff ReportsDecember 29, 2016

Violations of the state’s “Do Not Call” list were the most common complaint this year to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The department released its “Top 10 complaints” list on Thursday. It’s the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. In addition, the department said it recovered more than $2.9 million for […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 28, 2016

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam raised more than $2 million in 2016, boosting his war chest ahead of a likely 2018 gubernatorial bid. State records show Florida Grown, Putnam’s political committee, raised more than $2.3 million through Nov. 30. The committee has raised more than $6.3 million since February 2015, according to state campaign finance records. […]

Tom JacksonDecember 23, 2016

Like comedy, politics is most often all about timing. No one knows this better than Will Weatherford, who at the age of 26 rocketed from obscure legislative aide to Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives because of unanticipated, but perfectly placed, events (more about which in a moment). Now, arguably, this once-rising star of […]

Tag: Adam Putnam
A sign that reads, Gaza Solidarity Encampment, is seen during the Pro-Palestinians protest at the Columbia University campus in New York, Monday April 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Stephen Bittel for Florida Democrats, what do you have to lose?

Tale of 2 parties: Florida GOP high, Dems low ahead of 2018

Citrus crop production trending down again ‘slightly’

Carlos Lopez-Cantera endorses Blaise Ingoglia for RPOF Chair

Personnel note: Jonathan Rees joins Anheuser-Busch

Mitch Perry Report for 1.4.17 — Waitin’ on the man

Infamous dates: The moments that shaped Florida politics in 2016

What did Florida consumers complain about the most in 2016?

Adam Putnam political committee brings in more than $2.3 million in 2016

Will Weatherford’s timing off, but only for the moment