Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsNovember 4, 2018

A new poll suggests a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending live dog racing in Florida may not pass. The survey by St. Pete Polls shows a total of 50 percent polled are for Amendment 13, while 38 percent are opposed and nearly 12 percent are still undecided just a days before the general election. […]

Staff ReportsOctober 8, 2018

A coalition made up of Florida’s farmers, ranchers and sportsmen have teamed up to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending live dog racing in the state, according to a Monday press release. But a main supporter of the racing ban said their argument doesn’t hold water. Amendment 13, which would need at least 60 […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2018

Almost 90 greyhound adoption groups across the U.S. and Canada — including in Florida — now formally oppose a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending commercial dog racing in the state. Greyhound Adopters for Racing, which also opposes the ban, released the latest list Thursday night through a spokesman. The newest additions are Erie Shore Greyhound Adoption of […]

Jim RosicaOctober 3, 2018

The state’s top gambling regulator, using the greyhound industry’s own concern against it, has nixed an “emergency” request to allow tours of greyhound kennels at race tracks. Robert Ehrhardt, director of the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering, on Wednesday released a letter (reprinted below) that he sent to Florida Greyhound Association lobbyist and spokesman Jack Cory. Ehrhardt’s division oversees dog […]

Staff ReportsOctober 3, 2018

The Margate City Commission has now joined other municipalities that support a proposed constitutional amendment banning betting on live greyhound racing. Commissioners on Sept. 26 unanimously approved a resolution (see below) supporting passage of Amendment 13. Such measures don’t have any effect of law but can be important in swaying public opinion. Margate, in Broward County, is […]

Staff ReportsOctober 2, 2018

In a new report for backers of a proposed constitutional amendment on greyhound racing, economist and financial advisor Hank Fishkind says “claims that Amendment 13 would cause economic harm are incorrect and not supportable.” Carey Thiel asked Fishkind, a former University of Florida economics professor, to “review claims of economic damage” by the amendment from […]

Jim RosicaOctober 1, 2018

An administrative law judge on Monday largely gutted the state’s proposed rule governing the drug testing of racing greyhounds. In a 44-page “final order,” Administrative Law Judge E. Gary Early struck down specific provisions of the state regulation on how greyhounds are chosen for testing on race days, and how samples are stored and at […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 28, 2018

A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending betting on live dog racing is headed to defeat on the November ballot, a new Florida Chamber of Commerce poll shows. In fact, only two amendments seem to have at least the required 60 percent support to be added to the state constitution, according to the poll. Amendment […]

Scott PowersSeptember 25, 2018

A backer of the Nov. 6 ballot issue to ban greyhound racing in Florida called an opponent’s statement outrageous, false, and fully-refuted by the Florida Supreme Court after the NRA Political Victory Fund circulated a warning Tuesday that Amendment 13 could one day threaten hunting and fishing rights. Carey Theil, senior advisor for the Yes […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 12, 2018

In light of a recent industry guest column regarding state gambling data, voters should ask themselves whether they can believe anything the greyhound industry says. Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation released new data on gambling at Florida racetracks. According to this report, betting at Florida dog tracks fell by 6.4 percent […]

Tag: Amendment 13

Poll: Dog-racing ban looks like it won’t make it to finish line

Farmers, ranchers, sportsmen now oppose dog-racing ban

Nearly 90 greyhound adoption groups now oppose racing ban

‘No, dog. No!’ State rejects request for greyhound kennel tours

Margate City Commission votes to support dog racing ban

Economist: Amendment 13 criticisms ‘incorrect, not supportable’

Judge’s ruling eviscerates state’s greyhound drug-testing system

Dog-racing ban headed to defeat, poll says

Amendment 13 backer calls claim that dog racing ban could threaten hunting ‘outrageous, false’

Carey Theil: Dog racers gaslight while greyhounds continue to die