Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Gary FineoutJune 2, 2016

A new audit is critical of how the administration of Gov. Rick Scott oversaw a state worker charity campaign. Florida auditors reported the Department of Management Services did not initially document costs incurred by the vendor hired to oversee the charitable campaign. The audit also found that between January 2013 and December 2015, state officials did not […]

Phil AmmannMay 9, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off and on: Maggie Mickler is no longer press secretary for the Senate Majority Leader’s office. She has become director of communications at the Department of Management Services. On: LaQuisha Persak has become the new […]

Ryan RayApril 5, 2016

The Department of Management Services’ Joint Task Force panel detailed on Tuesday how $7 million allocated for state law enforcement radios last year will be spent, possibly giving a clue into how another $7 million appropriated for SLERS during the 2016 Legislative Session may be allocated as well. The funding item has been the topic of a […]

Ryan RayFebruary 29, 2016

The Committee on Government Operations Appropriations/General Government Appropriation held its fourth and final meeting of the budget conferencing period Monday morning. Chairwoman Rep. Jeanette Nunez and Vice Chairman Sen. Alan Hays closed out “back of the bill” differences, but couldn’t agree on about a dozen line items. They will be “bumped up” for consideration by chief budget writers […]

Jim RosicaDecember 30, 2015

Two Republican lawmakers have filed legislation allowing for private companies to invest in the state’s social services and other programs with the opportunity to make a profit “only if there are proven results.” State Rep. Chris Sprowls of Palm Harbor and state Sen. Aaron Bean of Fernandina Beach filed bills (HB 1049/SB 1200) in their respective chambers. The […]

Jim RosicaDecember 10, 2015

A rainbow-colored pole with a disco ball on top has been cleared for display this holiday season in the state Capitol rotunda, its sponsor told FloridaPolitics.com on Thursday. South Florida blogger Chaz Stevens said the Department of Management Services, which oversees state property, OK’d his Gay Pride Festivus pole to be shown Dec. 21-28. Stevens was previously […]

Ryan RayDecember 9, 2015

The 101 Restaurant and The Edison, both owned by Adam Corey, quickly became well-known staples of Adams Street culture. On any given night during Session, you’ll be sure to run into a cluster of high-profile politicos – or at least their staff. “Great conversation happens over food,” says Adam Corey, who owns the well-known restaurants near […]

Jim RosicaDecember 7, 2015

A rainbow-colored pole with a disco ball on top may not be the only holiday display in the Florida Capitol rotunda this season. On Monday, a Department of Management Services spokeswoman said one other group had filed to place a display: Chabad Lubavitch of Tallahassee and FSU filed to place a 9-foot-tall menorah, representing the traditional nine-taper candle holder […]

Jim RosicaDecember 4, 2015

The Lord may have said, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” but he’s given up on the Florida Capitol. The private group that has put up a Christian nativity scene inside the statehouse says it’s taking a pass this year because the annual controversy over various displays has become too distracting. Pam Olsen, president of the Florida Prayer […]

Jim RosicaNovember 25, 2015

‘Tis the season (almost), but so far the Gay Pride version of the Festivus pole is the only display to ask for placement in the Capitol Rotunda. As of Tuesday, South Florida blogger Chaz Stevens had submitted the only application for a holiday display, according to a spokeswoman for the Department of Management Services, the […]

Tag: Department of Management Services

Audit criticizes Rick Scott administration over charity contract

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

State police radio funding, next procurement to begin this summer

Government ops budgets inch closer but law enforcement radios dispute remains

Legislation would allow for private capital in state’s social services

“Disco pole” approved, “spaghetti monster” applies for Capitol holiday displays

3 lobbyists walk into a restaurant … and start a new firm, Unconventional Strategies

Group files to place menorah in Capitol rotunda

Baby Jesus could be absent from Capitol this year

Gay pride pole is only Capitol holiday display submitted so far