Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

Without debate, the Florida Senate on Saturday unanimously passed a bill to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure (SB 376) was among several added to a rare weekend sitting to handle pending school safety legislation. That’s in response to last month’s deadly shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas […]

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire Marshal, Thursday applauded a Senate panel’s unanimous approval of a workers’ compensation insurance bill that could provide expanded benefits to first responders with job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. “Last year, four states, including Texas, passed measures that give first responders the needed access to mental health benefits […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 26, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s fire marshal, called the Florida League of Cities “disgraceful” for “attempting to derail” legislation that would allow first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to mental health benefits. Patronis issued a news release Monday. “Florida League of Cities lobbyists have, at every step of the legislative committee process, vehemently […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 30, 2018

A House panel on Tuesday pushed forward a redraft of a workers’ compensation bill that would extend benefits to first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder if they are diagnosed within two years of the work-related injury. The overhaul of the House proposal was approved at its first committee stop, with no questions or debate, […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 25, 2018

First Responder Appreciation Week is a special time when we Floridians recognize law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who help keep us safe. This past year, first responders went above and beyond not only day-to-day but also during Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful hurricanes we have seen in years. They worked […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 16, 2018

“Recovering a toddler’s body from the river, pulling bodies from a car that ended up in a canal and carrying a decapitated teen’s body across the sand who was the victim of a shark attack would certainly take a toll on anyone,” Leslie Dangerfield said behind teary eyes. She was describing the atrocities her husband, […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 11, 2018

By joining FirstNet, Florida will now become just a little safer in times of emergency. Last month, the state of Florida (quickly followed by California) became the final entry in the nationwide public-safety broadband network, part of a public-private partnership between FirstNet and telecommunications giant AT&T. The announcement by Gov. Rick Scott came just hours ahead […]

Terry RoenSeptember 21, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott stopped in Sanford Thursday to thank first responders for their sacrifices and service during Hurricane Irma. The blue-jeaned governor wore his Navy baseball cap and made the visit personal with handshakes and selfies, while sharing stories of how his 4- and 5-year-old grandsons want to be a firefighter and a police officer […]

Scott PowersFebruary 21, 2017

The Pulse nightclub massacre took its toll on at least one Orlando cop who responded that horrible morning and state Sen. Victor Torres said he’s convinced it’s time the state recognized Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a covered disability for Workers Compensation claims. Torres filed Senate Bill 1088 Wednesday night to make first responders suffering from […]

Larry GriffinJanuary 23, 2017

A new bill filed Monday by Rep. Bill Hager of HD 89 would make it illegal to remove personal property from an emergency scene. The bill, HB 355, creates a new section of the statutes which makes it a third-degree misdemeanor to remove tangible personal property from an emergency scene – defined in the bill […]

Tag: first responders
A rendering of the Trump Doral International Towers by Doral-based Pascual Perez Kiliddjian Starr Architects & Planners.

Senate passes PTSD benefits for first responders

Jimmy Patronis can’t stop, won’t stop for first responders

Jimmy Patronis: League of Cities’ opposition to benefits for first responders is ‘disgraceful’

House redrafts PTSD legislation to include educational component

Claudia Rodriguez: Motorola Solutions thanks Florida first responders

With emotion, legislators and relatives of late firefighters push PTSD bill

Florida now a little safer, joining FirstNet nationwide public-safety network

Rick Scott gets personal by showing gratitude to first responders

First responders suffering from PTSD addressed in Vic Torres bill

Bill would make it illegal for people to block emergency scenes gathering personal property