Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Kimberly DeFalcoFebruary 13, 2016

At the site of the future Manatee Solar Energy Center in Parrish, Florida Power & Light executives, environmentalists, state and local officials cheered as a groundbreaking ceremony significantly changed the dynamics of solar power in the Sunshine State. At 10:50 a.m. Thursday, FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy and Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam flipped the […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 12, 2016

A former Senate aide and high school English teacher will be the next nutrition director in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam this week announced the promotion of Lakeisha Hood from Assistant Director to Director of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness. “As director, Hood will oversee the school feeding programs in the state of […]

Scott PowersFebruary 3, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has declared a public health emergency in four counties with diagnosed cases of Zika virus: Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Santa Rosa. There have been nine confirmed travel-related instances of the Zika virus in those counties. The Zika virus has become a profound public health crisis throughout much of Latin American and the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 1, 2016

A soggy January has some officials concerned over how the wet weather will affect the state’s agriculture industry. “South Florida farmers are reeling from biblical proportions of rainfall and flooding over the past few days, weeks and months of the results of El Niño,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “With record amounts of rainfall over […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 25, 2016

A bill that requires gas stations to toughen up security and increases penalties for fuel pump fraudsters cleared its first Senate panel Monday. Senate Bill 912 would require gas stations to secure fuel pump credit card readers to defend against data theft devices, known as “skimmers,” that capture credit and debit card information. The bill also ups the […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 21, 2016

After a multiyear investigation, Florida is now struggling to figure out what should happen next to a now-closed reform school that was the site of horrific acts and a supposed “rape dungeon.” Researchers from the University of South Florida presented their final report Thursday to Gov. Rick Scott and other elected officials on the closed […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 21, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed several pieces of legislation deemed a priority for Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. One measure (SB 672) expand the personal learning scholarship account program and the Florida postsecondary comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. It also renames the scholarship program to the Gardiner […]

Associated PressJanuary 20, 2016

Citrus, rape kits, credit card skimmers, synthetic drugs, life insurance, water, medical bills, racketeering and Iran. That is the short version of the legislative priorities for Florida’s three independently elected Cabinet members. While they can’t sponsor or vote on bills or sign them into law, the Cabinet members hold important leadership roles in state government […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

In a joint appearance with representatives of the Moffitt Cancer Center, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam promoted cancer-fighting “superfoods” grown in the state, such as blueberries and broccoli. “Our parents, our grandparents, they all knew that eating your fruits and vegetables is going to allow you to be healthier and live a more active and fulfilling life,” Putnam said […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 14, 2016

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is turning 100. The annual Florida Chamber Capitol Days kicked off the year-long celebration of the Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary. Founded in 1916, the organization has grown over the years along with the state. “On hundred years ago, the biggest threat facing Florida’s economy was a parasite — the […]

Tag: Adam Putnam

FPL breaks ground on new solar power plants

Personnel Note: Lakeisha Hood named head of FDACS nutrition division

Zika virus spread leads Rick Scott to declare health emergencies in 4 counties

Adam Putnam warns above average rainfall could be “devastating” to South Florida agriculture community

Bill to combat gas pump “skimmers” passes Senate panel

State struggles to decide next steps for notorious school

Capitol Reax: Rick Scott signs priority legislation; court clerks highlight talk funding needs; fracking bill heads to House floor

Rape kits, gas pump skimmers, Iran among Cabinet priorities

Adam Putnam, Moffitt Cancer Center promote Florida-grown “superfoods”

Florida Chamber of Commerce launches 100th anniversary celebration