Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaApril 18, 2018

It’s another happy day at Hard Rock. Gov. Rick Scott Wednesday announced an agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida that “extends the Tribe’s current commitment to make (gambling) revenue sharing payments to the state through May 2019.” The tribe operates Hard Rock-branded and other casinos in Florida, including the flagship Hard […]

Peter SchorschApril 18, 2018

The Florida Democratic Party announced Tuesday that it had brought in more than $1.81 million during the first three months of the year, besting the Republican Party of Florida by more than $325,000. The report represents party chair Terrie Rizzo’s first full quarter at the helm since she was elected to the position in late […]

Jim RosicaApril 13, 2018

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Senate President-designate Bill Galvano on Friday said there was no “agreement (on) or recommendations” for a Special Legislative Session on gambling. Legislative leaders, who failed to agree on comprehensive gambling legislation this past Regular Session, have been considering a Special Session after House Speaker Richard Corcoran raised concerns over the potential loss of revenue share from the Seminole […]

Jim RosicaApril 4, 2018

Despite a legal right to cut off the money, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has decided to continue paying the state its share of Indian casino gambling revenue each month. The Tribe “confirmed” its decision Tuesday night, according to its outside counsel, Barry Richard of the Greenberg Traurig firm, who participated in a conference call. The Tribe pays $19.5 […]

Jim RosicaApril 3, 2018

Despite increasing calls for and against a Special Legislative Session on gambling, the Seminole Tribe‘s lawyer continues to back his client’s promise to keep paying millions to the state. “They’re not just going to stop paying just because they have the right to,” said Barry Richard on Tuesday. That said, if lawmakers come back with […]

Staff ReportsApril 2, 2018

Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson says she’s “stunned by the ongoing inability of the Republican legislative leadership to reach an agreement with the Seminole Tribe over gaming in Florida, and alarmed by the suggestion of an expensive Special Session.” The Senate Democratic Office released her statement Friday morning. “This was not a sudden development, or […]

Jim RosicaMarch 30, 2018

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Top men in the Legislature are considering a Special Session to tackle unresolved gambling issues from the 2018 Regular Session, including renewal of a deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe. It’s all about the money. The Tribe paid a little more than $290 million last fiscal year into state coffers as part of a 2010 […]

Peter SchorschMarch 28, 2018

It’s been nearly 25 years since a Democrat presided over the Florida Senate, but if the plans of party leaders and operatives come together, the president’s gavel could be theirs as soon as November. The Florida Democratic Party and the Florida Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the recently-established campaign arm of the Senate Democrats, are aggressively working to […]

Drew WilsonMarch 27, 2018

Sarasota Republican Sen. Greg Steube is holding a fundraiser April 12 for his campaign to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in Florida’s 17th Congressional District. The campaign fundraiser will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Aragon Room of The Biltmore in Coral Gables, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. The host committee listed […]

Staff ReportsMarch 14, 2018

Incoming Florida Senate President Bill Galvano announced Wednesday that longtime senior policy adviser Lisa Vickers will serve as his chief of staff. “She brings a wealth of management experience gained from service as executive director of the Department of Revenue under two Governors, combined with a strong and diverse background in public policy,” Galvano said in a statement […]

Tag: Bill Galvano
Image via AP.

Deal ’em: Rick Scott, Seminole Tribe agree on gambling money

Blue (money) wave: Florida Democratic Party bests Republican Party of Florida in Q1 fundraising

Bill Galvano: No deal on Special Session for gambling

All in: Seminole Tribe says it will keep paying state

Seminole Tribe’s lawyer says same old gambling proposals ‘won’t fly’

Audrey Gibson on gambling: ‘This should have been resolved’

Legislative leaders ponder special session on gambling

Florida Democrats look to expand number of state Senate seats in play

Greg Steube holding April 12 fundraiser in Coral Gables

Bill Galvano names Lisa Vickers chief of staff