Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan NicolSeptember 7, 2018

Jimmy Patronis, the Republican seeking to stay as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, is set to release his first ad of the general election campaign touting his work on a bill supporting first responders. The bill, which expanded workers’ compensation benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, was passed earlier this year. Patronis advocated for […]

Drew WilsonAugust 22, 2018

Ridesharing company Uber announced Wednesday that Pinellas County is now part of a pilot program to help emergency services respond more quickly to rider emergencies. Currently, Uber said, if a rider hits the “emergency button” in the app during their trip, their location data and the make, model and license plate number of the car […]

Scott PowersAugust 15, 2018

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings has the backing of the Orange County Fire Fighters Association, the Young Democrats of Orange County and two other groups in his quest to be elected Mayor of Orange County. His campaign announced the endorsements Wednesday of the Orange County firefighters union; the Young Democrats; Equality Florida Action PAC, and […]

Scott PowersJune 6, 2018

Republican Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is launching the first digital ad of his election campaign emphasizing his role in getting expanded mental health benefits for first responders, and showing them expressing tearful appreciation for his efforts. The 30-second spot, “First Responders,” begins with Patronis at a March news conference with Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney […]

Scott PowersMay 17, 2018

The University of Central Florida has been awarded a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense for the university’s RESTORES Trauma Management Therapy Program working with veterans, service members, and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Winter Park’s U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy announced the award Wednesday evening via Twitter. She and Orlando’s U.S. Rep. Darren […]

Peter SchorschApril 25, 2018

Tech companies say opening up the radio frequencies used by first responders and infrastructure workers could bring better mobile data speeds to consumers, and the FCC seems to be giving it some thought. Apple, Cisco, HP, Facebook, Google, Intel, and others made their pitch to the FCC last year, asking the commission to look into […]

Danny McAuliffeApril 23, 2018

The loss of life is priceless, but it seems the federal government is looking to mitigate other, tangible costs of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that left 17 dead. On Monday afternoon the Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance, or BJA, announced it would award a $1 million grant to the Florida Department […]

Drew WilsonMarch 16, 2018

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells picked up and endorsement for his re-election bid Friday from the Pasco County Professional Fire Fighters. “The Executive Board for Pasco County Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 4420, has voted unanimously to endorse your candidacy for Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, District 4,” group VP Joe Russo said in […]

Staff ReportsMarch 13, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott was in Jacksonville Tuesday afternoon signing two bills that will help military members get jobs in Florida. While he was in town, he also lent his support to a potential constitutional amendment that would benefit families of first responders and service members who gave their lives in duty. HB 29, the “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2018

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Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign a measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Scott made the announcement early Wednesday at a “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony for Florida’s fallen firefighters at The Capitol. The legislation (SB 376) is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire […]

Tag: first responders
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Jimmy Patronis touts work for first responders in new ad

Uber brings ‘911 Integration’ program to Pinellas County

Jerry Demings announces firefighters’, Young Dems’ endorsements in Orange mayoral race

Jimmy Patronis’ first ad focuses on efforts for first responders

UCF post-traumatic stress clinic notches $10M grant

Tech company priority could wreck first responder radios, group says

Feds chip in $1M for Parkland first responders

Pasco fire fighters back Mike Wells for re-election

Rick Scott signs veterans’ bills, pushes for constitutional amendment in Jacksonville

Rick Scott says he’ll sign first responders’ benefits bill