Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonApril 30, 2015

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli sent a memo to representatives Thursday telling them he had no intention of calling them back to Tallahassee because of a lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court by Senate Democrats. “We strongly disagree with the arguments that were filed by 13 Democrat members of the Senate and believe that the House’s […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 30, 2015

Senate Democrats have filed an emergency petition with the Florida Supreme Court asking the justices to deliver an expedited ruling on whether the House of Representatives violated the state Constitution when they abruptly adjourned Tuesday. Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner and members of the Democratic Caucus walked from the Senate Office Building at the Capitol to […]

Mitch PerryApril 15, 2015

The “Fight for 15” movement for fast-food and retailer workers advocating for higher wages and better treatment has been ongoing for more than two years. On this Tax Day it culminated in a protests in more than 200 cities across the country, including events at city hall in St. Petersburg and in Tampa’s Copeland Park. Although the movement […]

Mitch PerryApril 9, 2015

At 10 a.m, and again at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, a group of activists performed a skit along the Florida Capitol courtyard — acting out a scene where eight condemned people line up next to an executioner. Their crime? Condemned to die for not having health insurance. The players were from Catalyist, a Miami-based community organization […]

Mitch PerryMarch 24, 2015

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Last year, a proposal in Tallahassee that would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a license while evacuating an emergency was met with resistance from law enforcement, and didn’t come to pass. After bill sponsor Sen. Jeff Brandes made some tweaks this year, though, the Florida Sheriffs Association endorsed it, and that seemed […]

Mitch PerryMarch 23, 2015

While South Florida Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy gathered statewide attention Monday by declaring his candidacy for Marco Rubio‘s U.S. Senate seat, the liberal wing of the Democratic Party wasn’t part of the cheering section. The Progressive Democratic Caucus announced Monday morning that a recent informal survey it took showed Orlando area Congressman Alan Grayson to […]

James CallMarch 17, 2015

The latest chapter of “4th Floor Files” talks with Mario Bailey, a lobbyist with the Becker & Poliakoff firm. Bailey represents clients from a variety of sectors including government — he has six south Florida governments including Cape Coral, Hollywood, and Lauderdale Lakes; education — Bethune Cookman, Florida Memorial University, and Miami-Dade Schools; and businesses — […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

On Monday, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that the Florida Cannabis Action Network was now “developing a 2016 voter initiative to legalize marijuana, based on the likelihood that the Florida Legislature will be unwilling to create a comprehensive medical-only program in coming weeks.” Uh, not exactly, says FCAN executive director Jodi James. “The ballot initiative idea […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

On Monday, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that the Florida Cannabis Action Network was now “developing a 2016 voter initiative to legalize marijuana, based on the likelihood that the Florida Legislature will be unwilling to create a comprehensive medical-only program in coming weeks.” Uh, not exactly, says FCAN executive director Jodi James. “The ballot initiative idea […]

Phil AmmannMarch 5, 2015

Veteran broadcaster and communications expert Trimmel Gomes announced Thursday his newest venture, The Rotunda, a weekly podcast focusing on the people and stories shaping Florida politics. The inaugural episode, available Friday on iTunes and other platforms, gives listeners an overview of opening week of the 2015 Legislative Session. Issues will include such as the infamous […]

Tag: Dwight Bullard
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Steve Crisafulli sends memo to members advising them to stay put

Senate Democrats sue House in state Supreme Court for early sine die

Bob Buckhorn among speakers at Fight for 15 protest in Tampa

Activists hold Medicaid gap “public execution” in Capitol courtyard

Senate OKs gun bill allowing concealed carry during emergencies

Florida Democratic Progressives want Alan Grayson in U.S. Senate bid

4th Floor Files talks with Mario Bailey about government, Ronald Reagan, and mentoring

No, FCAN isn’t about to pursue a pot legalization amendment

No, FCAN isn't about to pursue a pot legalization amendment

Trimmel Gomes launches “The Rotunda” weekly political podcast