Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschApril 3, 2017

Recounting an impressive list of achievements spanning four decades, veteran lawmaker Jack Latvala seems to have done it all: an effective Florida senator and political consultant, a self-described “environmentally-conscious” Republican and the proud father to state Rep. Chris Latvala. The Clearwater senator, chair of the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, recently sat down with FloridaPolitics.com’s Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 29, 2017

Cosmetic manufacturers are hopeful state lawmakers will take action this year to eliminate a policy requiring them to get approval before taking a product to market, a lengthy process that industry officials say goes above and beyond federal requirements. The industry has been pushing for the change for several years now, but think a recent […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 23, 2017

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As long expected, Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda is pulling a reverse Charlie Crist. The former state representative for Tallahassee, who quit the Democratic Party and became an independent shortly before being term limited out of office last year, now has officially become a Republican. Rehwinkel Vasilinda, 56, officially announced the switch at the 2017 Leon GOP Lincoln Day Dinner held in […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

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Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 15, 2017

I will give state Rep. Chris Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, the benefit of the doubt that he believes he is doing the right thing by filing HB 661 – a measure that prohibits the public release of video and audio recordings of someone’s death. Latvala originally filed the measure last October to cover only the […]

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, […]

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 […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 7, 2016

Count them in for 2018. Dozens of state lawmakers have already filed to run for the state House and Senate in 2018. For some, their decision comes before their first bills get a hearing. Others have their eye on the higher office as they embark on their final term in the House. State elections records […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2016

On Friday, candidates released their final campaign finance reports before Election Day, and reports out of Senate District 18 show Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young pressing her fundraising advantage in the race with $1.2 million in spending. Young spent more than $500,000 of campaign’s war chest in between Oct. 22 and Nov. 3, most of […]

Peter SchorschOctober 31, 2016

A new mailer from Clearwater Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala offers a simple message: “This election is not just about Washington D.C.” Latvala’s mailer lets Pinellas County voters know what he believes is at stake this November — at both the state and local levels — with a handy voters’ guide for down-ballot races. “It’s also about […]

Tag: Chris Latvala
Paula Stark is hosting Buenaventura Lakes' 'first-ever' event to honor veterans.

INFLUENCE Magazine talks with Jack Latvala on life, political success and ‘what he’s learned’

Cosmetics industry hopeful third time is the charm for reform bill

Surprise (or not): Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda joins the Republican Party

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

Bill blocking public release of death recordings a slippery slope for transparency, truth

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Dana Young, Randy Fine, others file to run for re-election in 2018

Final round-up of the money chase in Tampa Bay’s legislative races

Direct mail round-up: Jack Latvala reminds Pinellas voters what’s at stake this election