Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayApril 14, 2015

It seems lawmakers hit the annual “drink, drop and dash” scene exceptionally hard this year. Legislators are prohibited from raising campaign cash during the Legislative Session in Tallahassee. However, in the run-up beforehand, statehouse pols pulled in more than $1 million dollars in eleventh-hour contributions. Much of it came from lobbyists and business interests who […]

Ryan RayApril 12, 2015

A proposal to allow grocers and big-box retailers to sell hard liquor in the same store as more wholesome wares lives on, Rep. Greg Steube said Friday. The Sarasota Republican’s HB 107 was pulled from consideration during week six of this year’s lawmaking Session after intense pushback from public health advocates and liquor store industry lobbyists, […]

Phil AmmannApril 8, 2015

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) recognized six Florida lawmakers this week for their efforts helping individuals and families touched by epilepsy. The EFOF “Champions of the Heart” are state Sens. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Rene Garcia of Hialeah and Denise Grimsley from Sebring, and Reps. Katie Edwards of Plantation, Matt Gaetz of Shalimar and Matt Hudson from […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Sen. Denise Grimsley’s effort to tear down the wall has morphed into moving the door. More than 100 people crowded into a Senate meeting room Wednesday when the Regulated Industries Committee considered a proposal ending a prohibition on grocery stores stocking liquor and spirits alongside beer and wine. Grimsley, a Sebring Republican, fought back against an unfriendly amendment offered by […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Sen. Denise Grimsley’s effort to tear down the wall has morphed into moving the door. More than 100 people crowded into a Senate meeting room Wednesday when the Regulated Industries Committee considered a proposal ending a prohibition on grocery stores stocking liquor and spirits alongside beer and wine. Grimsley, a Sebring Republican, fought back against an unfriendly amendment offered by […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 11, 2015

Former Rep. Jimmy Patronis wants senators to know he can serve on the Florida Public Service Commission and still help run his restaurant in Panama City Beach. PSC Commissioner Julie Brown wants you to know that last fall she didn’t vote for gutting utility energy conservation goals. Both commissioners are going through Senate confirmation for […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 11, 2015

Floridians for Fair Business Practices (FFBP) announced today the addition of several new coalition members joining the fight to take down the state’s Prohibition-era alcohol/grocery separation laws. New members include the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. In addition, nearly 2,000 Floridians so far have signed a petition […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 9, 2015

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are the three unalienable rights that the Declaration of Independence says have been given to all of us by the “Creator,” and that governments are created to protect. Were the Declaration to be updated for the 21st century, could it be amended to include a right to hail […]

Ryan RayFebruary 9, 2015

It comes as no surprise that West Palm Beach City Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell wants to be Mayor after twelve years of waiting in the wings. That her former spouse and Republican über-lobbyist Richard Pinsky would take a major role in running her campaign doesn’t exactly blow you away either, given their deep mutual connections to the Palm Beach Republican Party — though a registered […]

Ryan RayFebruary 9, 2015

It comes as no surprise that West Palm Beach City Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell wants to be Mayor after twelve years of waiting in the wings. That her former spouse and Republican über-lobbyist Richard Pinsky would take a major role in running her campaign doesn’t exactly blow you away either, given their deep mutual connections to the Palm Beach Republican Party — though a registered […]

Tag: denise grimsley

Legislators raked in campaign cash just before Session start

Greg Steube’s “whiskey and Wheaties” bill re-emerges in House

State lawmakers honored as epilepsy “Champions of the Heart”

Senate scales back “‘whiskey and wheaties” bill

Senate scales back "'whiskey and wheaties" bill

Jimmy Patronis, Julie Brown slide through committee stop toward PSC confirmation

Battle grows for repeal of Florida alcohol/grocery separation laws

Peter Schorsch: Raise a toast to disruption in Tallahassee

Are local Dems pushing for a GOP ‘landslide’ in West Palm Beach?

Are local Dems pushing for a GOP 'landslide' in West Palm Beach?