Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 22, 2017

Sen. Rob Bradley indicated he is willing to support opening up the medical marijuana market more than he first proposed, but continues to believe vertical integration is the right system for Florida. Bradley, an Orange Park Republican, filed one of five medical marijuana implementing bills this Legislative Session. His proposal (SB 406) would, among other […]

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2017

Besides, maybe, New York City or Washington, D.C., there really is no better place from which to write about politics than Tampa Bay. One reason is that there are so many competitive congressional and legislative seats in the region. And what’s spent to win those seats is oftentimes as much as the amount spent to […]

Mitch PerryMarch 20, 2017

Bob Buesing may be looking for a rematch. One of the most bitter races in all of Florida politics last year took place in Hillsborough County’s Senate District 18, where Democrat Buesing faced Republican state Rep. Dana Young and independent Joe Redner. Although Democrats believed Young was vulnerable to a serious opponent she ultimately defeated Buesing 48 to 41 percent. […]

Associated PressMarch 19, 2017

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Citing unresolved health concerns, Florida lawmakers are weighing the fate of a measure that would ban fracking across the state. Legislators are pushing the bill to safeguard Florida’s clean water supply, which is the drinking water source for 90 percent of Floridians and a major player in the state’s economy, from agriculture to tourism. If […]

Mitch PerryMarch 15, 2017

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says a bill co-introduced by Tampa state Senator Dana Young would take away local control of public spaces, but Young says that the mayor has it wrong in his concerns about what the bill will actually do. “Telecommunications companies are pushing SB 596 and HB 687, legislation that would allow them to place small refrigerator-sized equipment, and even towering poles, […]

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2017

Bob Buckhorn’s decision not to run for Governor is eliciting plenty of reaction in Tampa. Many people say they are not surprised Buckhorn has chosen not to pursue a path to the top political job in Florida. “Am I the only one who felt he wasn’t heading in that direction?” asked City Councilwoman Yolie Capin. “I truly believe that he made […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2017

The Senate Environmental Preservation & Conservation Committee unanimously approved a bill to ban fracking Tuesday, marking a reversal from previous legislative actions on the issue. “Florida has such a unique geological make up and one-of-a-kind environment that we should not be putting it at risk by allowing fracking in the State of Florida,” said Sen. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2017

With competing legislation now set up in both chambers, the question remains whether lawmakers finally will pass a gambling overhaul or whether the effort will founder as it has in years past. Hanging in the balance is a new blackjack exclusivity deal for the Seminole Tribe of Florida that promises a cut to the state […]

Joe ReedyMarch 4, 2017

Philip McDaniel is like most craft distillers in Florida – he is frustrated that he can sell only two bottles per label a year to each visitor of his distillery in St. Augustine when breweries and wineries can sell as much as they want. McDaniel, who makes rum, gin and vodka, wants that bottle limit […]

Mitch PerryMarch 3, 2017

Although it may be difficult to believe now that same-sex marriage is the law of the land, the fact is that it’s still legal in most states to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in employment, housing and public accommodations. It’s legal to discriminate against the LGBT community in Florida, which is why […]

Tag: Dana Young
Donald Trump. Image via AP.

Senate begins discussion of medical marijuana implementing legislation

Here’s where sh*t stands in Tampa Bay politics — the ‘this place is the best’ edition

Bob Buesing contemplates 2018 rematch versus Dana Young

Republicans lead fight to ban fracking in Florida

Dana Young says Bob Buckhorn should support utility legislation

The political class react to Bob Buckhorn’s decision not to run for Governor

Senate committee unanimously approves bill to ban fracking

2017 Legislative Session preview: Showdown over gambling—again

Legislation would help Florida craft distilleries, breweries

Florida Competitive Workforce Act now has 36 co-sponsors