Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryFebruary 16, 2016

(Updated)In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris in November, Florida Gov. Rick Scott joined more than two dozen other governors across the country to say he doesn’t want refugees fleeing war-torn Syria coming into his state. He also said that the federal government isn’t providing him any information about who was coming in, or where they […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 26, 2016

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With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Sue Berfield is the new district secretary for state Rep. Chris Latvala. On: Peter Campbell and Linda Segall are new district secretaries for state Rep. Katie Edwards. On: Lance Clemons and Pamela Watt have […]

Ryan RayJanuary 13, 2016

A bill to “streamline” the process for minors to expunge their criminal records bill passed unanimously in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. A pair of Tampa Bay area Republicans – Rep. Chris Latvala of Clearwater and prime co-sponsor Rep. Chris Sprowls – filed the bill (HB 147) in September. The bill would cut a break to […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJanuary 6, 2016

State Rep. Chris Latvala has filed a bill conceived by two Countryside High School students. House Bill 1147 would require the state Commissioner of Education to create a high school elective course for some students to provide lessons in life skills, leadership development, college planning, and a study hall. Under the bill the State Board of Education […]

Mitch PerryDecember 10, 2015

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will be in Tampa on Friday night for a fundraiser, but it’s not for his own struggling presidential campaign. The GOP presidential contender will be appearing at the Centre Club in Tampa in an event for the Republican Party of Florida. Among the Republicans who are scheduled to attend include […]

Mitch PerryDecember 9, 2015

Tampa area state Rep. Jamie Grant said Wednesday he’s not backing away from his Monday tweet calling Donald Trump‘s proposed ban on Muslims from entering the country a “a fascist proposal.” “The answer to immigration problems in this country is not fascism. It’s not registries of people who look a certain way or believe a certain thing,” […]

Mitch PerryNovember 18, 2015

The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee in the Florida Legislature on Wednesday barely passed a controversial bill that would allow people with a concealed weapons and firearms license to carry a gun openly. House Bill 163 is being sponsored in the House by Fort Walton Beach Republican Matt Gaetz. It passed with Pinellas County Republicans Chris […]

Phil AmmannNovember 18, 2015

On Friday, State Sen. Jack Latvala will once again join the effort to provide local families free, fresh Florida produce to create healthy holiday meals. For the 13th year, the Clearwater Republican will host a series of holiday produce distributions throughout Northern Pinellas County. Joined this year by his son, state Rep. Chris Latvala, Latvala […]

Drew WilsonOctober 31, 2015

Early committee finance numbers for Republican Sens. Jack Latvala and Joe Negron show the two rivals for Senate President are as close as ever in fundraising. Latvala’s outfit, Florida Leadership Committee, entered October with a little more than $1.6 million on-hand, and the committee should get a little boost above that mark once final reports […]

Mitch PerryOctober 22, 2015

The 28-year-old Berny Jacques is an assistant state attorney for Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit, but is a pure political animal, also chairman of the Young Floridians for Opportunity PAC. A native of Haiti who immigrated to the states when he was 7, he got his first opportunity when U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart brought him on […]

Tag: Chris Latvala

State House committee passes bill that aims to ban Syrian refugees

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

House bill to expunge juvenile records OK’d unanimously by Judiciary panel

Chris Latvala sponsoring bill proposed by local high school students

Jeb Bush to appear at RPOF fundraiser in Tampa on Friday

Jamie Grant doubles down on referring to Donald Trump proposal on Muslims as “fascist”

Open carry weapons bill advances in House

Jack Latvala to host 13th Holiday Food Giveaway with Farm Share this Friday

Fundraising reports show Senate rivals Jack Latvala, Joe Negron close as ever

Meet Berny Jacques, one of the “30 Under 30” rising stars of Florida politics