Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMarch 9, 2016

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that critics say would curtail women’s access to safe and legal abortions, while supporters say it simply “gets Florida out of the abortion business.” The measure to increase medical requirements on abortion clinics, sponsored by Lakeland Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel, passed 25-15 after nearly half an hour of debate. […]

Scott PowersMarch 9, 2016

Uber is hitting Senate President Andy Gardiner and Mears Transportation in their home turf Wednesday with a mailer accusing him of thwarting ride-sharing legislation in order to help old friends and patrons at a taxi company. The mailer, called “Connect The Dots,” is being sent to homes in Gardiner’s home district in Orlando. It follows […]

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2016

Although Bernie Sanders and his supporters have to be feeling great after the Vermont senator stunned everyone Tuesday night by defeating Hillary Clinton in Michigan, Clinton’s victory in the richer delegate state of Mississippi won her more delegates for the night, 86-69. Nevertheless, it’s certainly a stunning rebuke to the pollsters and pundits, some predicting Clinton […]

Mitch PerryMarch 8, 2016

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With just days to go before Sine Die in the Florida Legislature, frustrations are boiling over the issue of whether there will finally be bill regulating TNCs (Transportation Network Companies) in Tallahassee. Uber is unhappy with Senate President Andy Gardiner, who they say has failed to bring up to a vote in the Senate a […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

Don’t count out Surgeon General John Armstrong quite yet. Senate President Andy Gardiner said he is still debating whether the Senate will consider Armstrong’s confirmation. Gardiner said if the Senate were to take up Armstrong’s confirmation, it could come up on Thursday. But, Gardiner said, that’s still a big if. “I’m not sure we’re there […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

The heads of two more state agencies are keeping their jobs. The Florida Senate on Tuesday confirmed dozens of Gov. Rick Scott appointees, including Cissy Proctor, the executive director Department of Economic Opportunities, and Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. Proctor’s confirmation flew through all of its committee stops. Scott selected Proctor to lead the agency last […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The man of the hour smiled as his colleagues told stories and reminisced about his time in the Florida Legislature. They spoke of his commitment to his family, his dedication to his community, and his calm demeanor when dealing with the tough issues the state has faced in recent years. “He is the George Bailey […]

Drew WilsonMarch 7, 2016

Uber has had a tough time getting legislation passed this session, and the ridesharing company is focusing its efforts on changing one lawmaker’s mind: Republican Senate President Andy Gardiner. Starting Monday, Florida users of the ridesharing app will be prompted to “vote for Uber” the next time they call for a car. The “VOTE” app […]

Scott PowersMarch 7, 2016

The University of Central Florida has walked a careful path to line up support for what had been a controversial plan for a downtown Orlando campus, and now the university has everything but the governor’s signature. No one is taking that for granted, though. Over the weekend, with pushes from Senate President Andy Gardiner of […]

Jim RosicaMarch 4, 2016

It’s the Florida Senate’s fault that the Seminole Compact wasn’t passed this session, two House leaders said Friday afternoon. They rejected claims there weren’t enough votes in the House, saying instead there was no point in moving a bill that wasn’t going to be considered across the Capitol Rotunda. (For Friday’s background, click here.) The […]

Tag: Andy Gardiner
Marco Rubio. Image via AP.

Legislature passes new strictures on abortion clinics

Uber taking its fight with Andy Gardiner, Mears Transportation, home to Orlando

Mitch Perry Report for 3.9.16 – Sanders stuns in Midwest

Uber targets Senate President Andy Gardiner in new ad

Senate President Andy Gardiner still considering whether to bring up John Armstrong’s confirmation

Florida Senate confirms Cissy Proctor, Tom Delacenserie

Senate pays tribute to outgoing President Andy Gardiner

Uber Florida uses app to call out Andy Gardiner on ride-sharing legislation delay

With downtown campus funding in budget, UCF hopes it has satisfied Rick Scott

House lays Seminole Compact failure at feet of Senate