Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJuly 31, 2018

The Clearwater branch of the NAACP on Tuesday repeated its call for an arrest in the recent fatal shooting of Markeis McGlockton and said that it has also sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asking for an investigation. The statement from Clearwater/Upper Pinellas County NAACP chair Marva McWhite came after the group […]

Drew WilsonJuly 10, 2018

The political arm of the Florida Realtors rolled out endorsements Monday for nearly every state legislative election slated for the 2018 ballot. “As Realtors, we pride ourselves on our long-standing efforts to defend private property rights, promote community prosperity and preserve a professional climate that ensures the economic growth of Florida,” said Ann DeFries, chair […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2018

There’ll be no “toilet-to-tap” in Florida this year. Gov. Rick Scott on Friday vetoed a water-related measure (HB 1149) from the 2018 Legislative Session, which includes a contentious provision that’s come to be known as “toilet-to-tap.” The proposal would have allowed chemically treated, recycled water to be pumped into the state’s underground aquifer, an effort supporters say will […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 3, 2018

A Starke Democrat entered the race for North Central Florida’s House District 19, where they will take on incumbent Republican Bobby Payne, as well as Libertarian Ryan Ramsey. Paul Still, an elected Supervisor for the Bradford County Soil and Water Conservation Board, was motivated to run by a water issue Payne supported that he sees as a “boondoogle.” The […]

Mitch PerryDecember 6, 2017

Legislation to give the Florida Public Service Commission “exclusive jurisdiction” for deciding whether underground transmission lines are required for power-plant projects advanced through a House committee Wednesday. Pace Republican Jayer Williamson, who co-sponsored the bill in the House with Palatka Republican Bobby Payne (HB 405), told the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee that while […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 13, 2017

October brought big scores to some Northeast Florida campaigns and committees. Here’s the seat-by-seat rundown. State Senate Senate District 4’s Republican incumbent Aaron Bean brought home the bucks. October saw $36,000 come into Bean’s coffers: $24,000 to his campaign account, and another $12,000 to his committee, “Florida Conservative Alliance.” All told, Bean has roughly $78,000 […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 10, 2017

October was a good month for incumbent House District 19 Rep. Bobby Payne. His primary opponent withdrew, a Libertarian opponent’s questionable past surfaced, and he almost doubled his cash on hand. Payne raised $25,300 total; all told, he has raised $55,346 this cycle, and has almost $52,000 cash on hand. Payne’s contributions mostly come from donors […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 14, 2017

August historically isn’t a hot month for political fundraising, and the Irma aftermath may make some readers forget about politics. However, politics goes on — and in that context, a look at Northeast Florida fundraising, broken down by candidate category. Attorney General Rep. Jay Fant continued to struggle raising funds in August, bringing in just over […]

Drew WilsonAugust 21, 2017

Republican HD 89 candidate Matt Spritz announced another wave of legislative endorsements Monday got his campaign to replace term-limited Rep. Bill Hager in the Palm Beach County seat. Northeast Florida Reps. Bobby Payne and Tom Leek added their names to the list of sitting legislators supporting Spritz, which also includes Byron Donalds, Alex Miller, and […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 8, 2017

GOP state Rep. Bobby Payne, whose district encompasses parts of Union, Clay, Bradford, and Putnam Counties, has drawn both primary and general election opposition in recent days. Green Cove Springs Republican Boyce Royal filed on July 31 to run against Payne in the GOP primary. Royal is a real estate agent by trade. The winner of that […]

Tag: Bobby Payne
Image via AP.

NAACP calls on DOJ to investigate Clearwater ‘Stand Your Ground’ case

Florida Realtors make endorsements in 87 legislative races

Rick Scott vetoes ‘toilet-to-tap’ measure

Challenger emerges for Bobby Payne over Black Creek ‘boondoggle’

House advances bill giving regulators sole discretion on underground power lines

NE Florida fundraising round-up: Paul Renner shines; HD 15 is competitive

Bobby Payne hauls in $25K for HD 19 re-elect bid

Northeast Florida candidates’ fundraising in August: Some sizzled, some fizzled

HD 89 candidate Matt Spritz touts more endorsements from GOP lawmakers

Bobby Payne draws opposition in HD 19