Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMarch 8, 2015

Florida’s beekeepers say honey bees play a sweet role in agriculture and the economy but they need help – and state funding – to maintain a healthy population. The Florida State Beekeepers Association is requesting $3.5 million for an apiary research center at the University of Florida. Florida is the third largest honey-producing state, with […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 8, 2015

Florida’s beekeepers say honey bees play a sweet role in agriculture and the economy but they need help – and state funding – to maintain a healthy population. The Florida State Beekeepers Association is requesting $3.5 million for an apiary research center at the University of Florida. Florida is the third largest honey-producing state, with […]

James CallJanuary 6, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott took the oath of office for a second term at 12:09 p.m. Tuesday. The ceremony put an exclamation mark on Scott’s evolution from a Tea Party outsider who captured the governor’s mansion four years ago to a pillar of the GOP establishment; potential presidential candidates Texas Gov. Rick Perry and New Jersey […]

Guest AuthorDecember 21, 2014

I will never forget that night. The salty sea air was whipping my face, mosquitoes were buzzing in my ears, my sweat-soaked shirt was sticking to my back and my pack was digging firmly between my shoulder blades. But I was focused, my eyes never leaving that shadowy, lumbering figure cresting the berm of the […]

Guest AuthorNovember 3, 2014

We now know that more than half of Florida’s voters are deciding not to vote this year. Your vote matters more than ever. Like you, I have faith in our state and believe Florida is moving in the right direction again. I believe if we focus less on the left, the right, or who’s right […]

Bruce RitchieOctober 2, 2014

California became the first state in the nation this week to ban disposable single-use plastic shopping bags. The ban is needed, supporters said, to reduce litter and protect birds and sea life from becoming entangled in bags. The ban also prevents bags from clogging storm drains or winding up in landfills. That new law prompted […]

Guest AuthorAugust 17, 2014

In November, Florida voters will likely approve Amendment 2 – a proposal that seeks to expand health-care options to include medical marijuana. At that point, it will be incumbent on lawmakers to implement regulatory schemes that protect rather than exploit Florida’s health-care system. Toward this goal, looking at the experience of other states can offer a […]

Peter SchorschJuly 31, 2014

Writers like Carl Hiaasen have made careers pointing to the corruption and absurdity of Florida’s brand of government. But, despite our frequent failings, there have been a few bright shining moments when Floridians could point with pride to the innovations of their public officials. On rare occasion, there has been a positive confluence of visionary […]

Guest AuthorJuly 30, 2014

Florida has a long-standing rivalry with the other Sunshine State, California. As a proud Floridian myself, I have to say that this Eastside-Westside beef almost always comes down in favor of the East. And as the campaign manager for United for Care — the organization advocating for medical marijuana and the passage of Amendment 2 […]

Guest AuthorJuly 29, 2014

Proponents have argued that Amendment 2 is about providing compassionate care for people who have debilitating symptoms, pain, or are dying. But if compassionate care were what the amendment is only about, then the authors would have specifically cited non-euphoric medical weed in the amendment’s language. That’s why this amendment is a fraud. It’s a […]

Tag: California
Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Bruce Ritchie: Beekeepers stung by 2014 veto, try again for research site

Bruce Ritchie: Beekeepers stung by 2014 veto try again for research site

In inauguration speech, Rick Scott puts N.Y., California on notice

Claire Gonzales: Ban plastic grocery bags to protect sea turtles

Mark Wilson: Your vote matters more than ever

Bruce Ritchie: Florida won’t follow California on bag ban because of 2008 law requiring study

Karen Cyphers: Lessons for Florida from a California cannabis tourist

Peter Schorsch: Florida should be a leader in regulation of medical marijuana

Ben Pollara: Florida can show other states how to regulate medical marijuana

Barney Bishop: Amendment 2 isn’t about medical marijuana; it’s about getting high