Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschOctober 29, 2015

Did Don Gaetz really say what he said on Wednesday? Did he really apologize for not putting people under oath when his Senate – for the first time in memory – had to plead guilty to violating the Constitution? Did he really use a point of personal privilege to give a speech that should have […]

Phil AmmannOctober 28, 2015

Bay County Commissioner George Gainer pushed back hard on accusations he is “standing alone in the mirror” for his Florida Senate District 1 campaign. As proof, the Northwest Florida Republican hosted a major fundraiser, attended by what supporters call a “who’s who” of Bay County business, civic and political leaders. Gainer faces state Rep. Matt Gaetz […]

Jim RosicaOctober 28, 2015

For the first time in recent memory, a sitting Florida senator invoked the Senate Rules during a floor session to call out a colleague specifically for impugning his integrity. State Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican and previous Senate President, raised a “question of personal privilege” to defend his honor against attacks made in the press […]

Jim RosicaOctober 28, 2015

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed its redrawn district map by a close vote of 22-18, with all 14 Democrats and four Republicans opposed. It’s now up to the House of Representatives to OK the map as is or change it and send it back as the Special Session clock ticks to an end. “We now have […]

Ryan RayOctober 22, 2015

State lawmakers are in Tallahassee for the fourth time this year to amend Senate maps found by courts to contain improper political bias. With little committee action on the calendar Thursday, several majority-party legislators got to work on their priorities ahead of the 2016 Legislative Session, which begins in January. Here’s a quick look at […]

Diane RobertsOctober 22, 2015

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – Another Special Session! Why, it’s just like Christmas – minus the joy. Minus the presents, too. While the members of the Florida Legislature rake in lobbyist largesse during committee weeks and every other hour that God sends, trawling for dollars during a Session is verboten. This makes them surly. Surlier. They aren’t […]

Diane RobertsOctober 20, 2015

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – Another Special Session! Why, it’s just like Christmas – minus the joy. Minus the presents, too. While the members of the Florida Legislature rake in lobbyist largesse during committee weeks and every other hour that God sends, trawling for dollars during a Session is verboten. This makes them surly. Surlier. They aren’t […]

Ryan RayOctober 20, 2015

Members of the Senate Health Policy Committee discussed a 2011 law designed to crack down on illicit painkiller prescriptions through “pill mills,” which Chairman Aaron Bean said has sent “the pendulum from one direction to the other.” The law, HB 7095, was spearheaded by a newly elected Attorney General Pam Bondi and then-Sen. Mike Fasano in the midst […]

Ryan RayOctober 20, 2015

Tuesday saw a rapid fire morning for gun legislation in Tallahassee, with pro-Second Amendment groups getting the better of the shoot-out. A pair of bills to expand where and how Floridians can carry firearms – on college campuses and without concealment, respectively – advanced in Senate committees, as did one that strengthens the state’s “Stand Your […]

Peter SchorschOctober 20, 2015

Politicians frequently humble-brag about campaign contributions, invoking “grassroots support” or furiously beating chests over the lack of special interest cash. Republican state Rep. Matt Gaetz, who is seeking the Northwest Florida Senate district held by his term-limited father, Don Gaetz, took in two donations earlier this year that certainly could be seen as “interesting.” Both are raising questions, […]

Tag: Don Gaetz
Discovery Cove (Gabrielle Russon)

On Don Gaetz, Jack Latvala, and bullies

Matt Gaetz opponent George Gainer holds major SD 1 funder, proves he isn’t “standing alone in the mirror”

Don Gaetz strikes back against ‘bully’ Jack Latvala

Senate passes new district map, sends to House

Legislative roundup: Slew of Republican bills introduced Thursday

Diane Roberts: Charm and grace again flow downhill from Capitol

Diane Roberts: Charm and grace again flow downhill from Capitol

Senators say anti-pill mill law has seen patients’ pain go untreated

Controversial gun bills advance in Senate

After calling for sin tax, Matt Gaetz nabs checks from South Florida strip clubs