Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallApril 29, 2015

Instead of a Doctor of the Day, when the Florida House and Senate next meet, maybe they should consider a psychologist, counselor or mediator. After an exchange of insults and letters Wednesday it became even more uncertain when the two chambers will be able to begin budget negotiations. The gulf between the Florida House and […]

Phil AmmannApril 9, 2015

New documents reveal a legislative attack on a trust fund intended to pay for corrections officer training and equipment, which intensified already aggravated under-funding of the Department of Corrections. The situation has led to dangerous failures in felon supervision, reports Noah Pransky of WTSP News. In 2004, lawmakers closed the trust fund, although the state […]

Brendan FarringtonApril 3, 2015

Just past the midpoint of the Florida Legislature’s 60-day session, lawmakers have left town for the Easter and Passover holidays. Let’s take a look at what they have done with the more than 1,700 bills that have been filed. They set next year’s presidential primary for March 15. And they’re really, really close to sending […]

Phil AmmannMarch 23, 2015

Staff problems in Florida prisons are bad, but parole officers might have it even worse. Although Florida state prisons have received a lot of attention lately, slashed budgets in the Department of Corrections probation and parole divisions have a potential to cause bigger problems. WTSP/10 Investigates is reporting on a months-long study that found probation […]

James CallMarch 19, 2015

A record number inmates — 346 — died last year in Florida prisons. Most were from natural causes, but Federal and state law enforcement agencies are investigating why there were so many deaths. In recent legislative hearings, several prison guards testified under oath about the stressful conditions they work under. Republican Sen. Greg Evers of Baker […]

James CallMarch 10, 2015

No movement Tuesday in clearing up confusion over next year’s state budget. While state economists counted up how much money Florida will have to spend for the year beginning July 1, the stances of the players involved seemed to harden. The Revenue Estimating Conference met but by sunset had yet to release the report lawmakers will […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Senate President Andy Gardiner spoke with reporters for about 10 minutes Tuesday after the Senate adjourned its first session of the 2015 Legislative Session. The discussion highlighted the differences separating the House and Senate as they begin writing a state budget and addressing other priorities. While the Senate is focused on prison reform, providing access […]

Ryan RayFebruary 17, 2015

Following weeks of testimony, hostile op-eds and public recriminations about the sordid state of affairs in some Florida prisons, members of the Senate Criminal Justice committee unanimously approved a committee-sponsored bill aimed at beefing up intra-prison security and accountability, SB 7020, late on Tuesday afternoon. Committee chairman Sen. Greg Evers of Baker hailed the passage of the bill through […]

Ryan RayFebruary 17, 2015

Following weeks of testimony, hostile op-eds and public recriminations about the sordid state of affairs in some Florida prisons, members of the Senate Criminal Justice committee unanimously approved a committee-sponsored bill aimed at beefing up intra-prison security and accountability, SB 7020, late on Tuesday afternoon. Committee chairman Sen. Greg Evers of Baker hailed the passage of the bill through […]

Phil AmmannDecember 10, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott is turning to a veteran of state government to try to turn around Florida’s troubled prison system that has been under scrutiny for inmate deaths, abuse and allegations of cover-ups. Scott on Wednesday announced he was appointing Julie Jones, who once led the agency that oversees the state highway patrol, to take […]

Tag: Department of Corrections
(L-R) Bobby Powell and Leonard Serratore. Images via the candidates.

Senate President, House Speaker exchange letters as budget dispute deepens

While lawmakers starve DOC budget, probationers still pay for supervision

Lawmakers pass few bills as budget questions linger

WTSP: Probation officers outline “dangerous” staffing crisis at DOC

House prepares Corrections bill; Democrats say it lacks oversight

The Day That Was in Florida Politics – March 10

Day One with Andy Gardiner: Medicaid, greyhounds, water and a “long way to go”

Senate Criminal Justice Committee passes bill to reform embattled Corrections Dep’t

Senate Criminal Justice Committee passes bill to reform embattled Corrections Dep't

Gov. Scott names new chief for prisons