Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersAugust 1, 2018

The organization at the center of opposition to All Aboard Florida’s plans to extend a higher-speed passenger train railway from South Florida to Orlando announced Wednesday it is designating U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Bill Posey as “champions” after grading politicians on their positions regarding the train. Citizens Against Rail Expansion – Florida gave both […]

Scott PowersJuly 19, 2018

Martin and Indian River counties and Citizens Against Rail Expansion Florida are asking a federal judge to vacate the federal approval that would allow All Aboard Florida to sell $1.15 billion in private activity bonds to finance the railway expansion to send higher-speed Brightline passenger trains between Souh Florida and Orlando. In a federal case […]

Drew WilsonMay 31, 2018

The Mayernick Group surged into the top 10 list of highest-grossing lobbying firms after reeling in an estimated $1 million in lobbying compensation during the first quarter. Frank Mayernick, Tracy Mayernick, Rob Johnson and Katie Smith reported up to $1.12 million in legislative lobbying earnings during the quarter, which included the 2018 Legislative Session, and […]

Scott PowersApril 19, 2018

Brightline’s use of federal tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds, to build the privately owned and operated higher-speed passenger railroad that would connect Orlando to South Florida, was sharply criticized Thursday during a congressional hearing. Brightline, also known as All Aboard Florida, is planning to use $1.5 billion worth of the federally authorized bonds to pay for […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2018

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill by Sen. Lauren Book (SB 376) that would include in the Worker’s Compensation Law benefits for first responders who sustain mental or nervous injuries such as PTSD in the line of duty. The forward momentum for the bill got the attention of CFO […]

Scott PowersOctober 16, 2017

A Brightline train derailed in February and opponents of the planned, east-coast, high-speed passenger rail service expressed frustration Monday that they only recently learned about the accident and criticized the company for not mentioning it during Florida Legislature testimony about rail safety. Citizens Against Rail Expansion in Florida and the counties of Indian River and […]

Peter SchorschApril 20, 2017

Still waiting. A pair of Republican lawmakers have yet to receive an adequate explanation from the Florida Development Finance Corporation about its approval of a $600 million private equity bond application for All Aboard Florida. The rail project is seeking to offer passenger service from Miami to West Palm Beach with the possibility of future […]

Peter SchorschApril 13, 2017

Two Republican lawmakers are still waiting for a response from the Florida Development Finance Corporation about its approval of a $600 million private equity bond application for All Aboard Florida. The rail project is seeking to provide passenger service from Miami to West Palm Beach and, eventually, service to Orlando. FDFC approved the issuance of […]

Staff ReportsMarch 28, 2017

The Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee voted 5-1 to approve a proposal (SB 596) that would allow telecommunications companies to put small wireless communications infrastructure in public rights-of-way. Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida: “AIF supports legislation to bring technology of the future to Florida, allowing our communities to be […]

Drew WilsonJune 7, 2016

A group opposing All Aboard Florida announced Tuesday they would issue “report cards” measuring where candidates for public office stand on the railroad project connecting Orlando to Miami. The Coalition Against Rail Expansion in Florida, or CARE FL, sent a 12-question survey to candidates in districts affected by All Aboard Florida with instructions to send […]

Tag: CARE FL
Lawsikia Hodges is joining the law firm of Smith, Gambrell & Russell. Photo via Smith, Gambrell & Russell

Anti-rail expansion group extolls Brian Mast, Bill Posey, others

Martin, Indian River counties ask federal judge to stop Brightline’s bonds

The Mayernick Group surges into top 10 with Q1 report

Brightline’s financing challenged in congressional hearing

Capitol Reax: Workers’ comp, payday loans, vacation rentals, train safety, AOB

Brightline February train car derailment comes to light; critics call it ‘disturbing’

Still waiting: Senators get non-answer from FDFC on All Aboard Florida bonding

FDFC silent after lawmakers question All Aboard Florida bonding process

Capitol Reax: Visit Florida funding, Uber, high-speed rail

All Aboard Florida opponents to offer candidate ‘report card’ on rail expansion