Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Brendan FarringtonMay 29, 2017

Lucy McBath is afraid many more people will die if Florida Gov. Rick Scott signs a bill making it harder to prosecute when people claim they commit violence in self-defense. She already lost her son, an unarmed black teenager, when a white man angry over loud music and claiming self-defense fired 10 times at an […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 11, 2017

March offered northeast Florida’s state legislators a window to fundraise before the Legislative Session kicked off. Some took advantage of it, such as state Sen. Aaron Bean, who brought in $11,000 via $500 and $1,000 checks on Mar. 6. The Fernandina Beach Republican spent over $7,000 in March, including over $1,000 with Wal-Mart, and $1,497 […]

Jim RosicaApril 4, 2017

The House on Tuesday began consideration of a Senate bill changing the state’s “stand your ground” law to make it easier to claim self-defense. But the House soon amended the measure (SB 128) to change the burden of proof to overcome self-defense to “clear and convincing evidence,” a lower threshold than the Senate’s “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 24, 2017

Lake Geneva in Keystone Heights isn’t what it used to be. And neither is Keystone Heights. Decades back, Lake Geneva was full — kids swam in the water that used to be underneath the raised pavilion. Out on the lake, water skiing contests and other events supported local businesses and brought tourists from miles around […]

Les NeuhausFebruary 22, 2017

Members of the House Subcommittee on Criminal Justice passed a highly-contested bill Tuesday, potentially changing the state’s “Stand Your Ground” self-defense laws. If passed, it would place the burden of proof on the prosecution (or state) in cases of those who claim self-defense immunity in acts of violence when brought before judiciary proceedings. HB 245 […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 20, 2017

Late last week, a federal appeal court struck down an NRA-backed law that restricted doctors in Florida from talking to patients about gun safety. The legislation, often referred to as “Docs vs. Glocks,” passed during the 2011 Legislative session. It said doctors could be censored, fined, and have licenses revoked if asked or talked to patients […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 20, 2017

There’s one committee week left until the start of the 2017 Legislative Session, and you can bet lawmakers will be doing more than just debating the merits of their bills during their time in the capital city this week. House Majority, the campaign arm of the Florida GOP, will host fundraisers for several House Republicans, […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 14, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Tiffany Harrington has replaced Heather Williamson as House staff director of the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining. On: Teri Cariota, formerly an aide to former Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 30, 2017

On Monday, the Clay County Legislative Delegation heard local concerns in Green Cove Springs, the county seat. Sen. Rob Bradley, Rep. Travis Cummings, and Rep. Bobby Payne — the three members of the delegation — heard from community advocates, stakeholders, and leaders. Payne, of course, is new to the Florida Legislature — and has his district split among […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 24, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Charles Smith, previously district secretary for Broward County Republican Rep. George Moraitis, is now his legislative assistant. On: Dennis Ragosta is the new district secretary for Ocala Republican Rep. Charlie […]

Tag: Bobby Payne

Florida could pave new changes in ‘stand your ground’ laws

Keith Perry, Audrey Gibson pace northeast Florida fundraising in March

House amends Senate’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ bill

Rob Bradley: ‘The lakes have left us’

House committee passes controversial change to ‘Stand Your Ground’

Moms Demand Action promise to be a presence during Session

Busy week for fundraising ahead of 2017 Legislative Session

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Clay County delegation to focus on First Coast Expressway, Keystone Lakes

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round