Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

Florida Chamber of Commerce members are taking over Tallahassee. The 2016 Florida Chamber’s Capitol Days kicks off Wednesday. The two-day event is meant to give the business community a chance to interact with lawmakers and advocate for issues that are important to them. Edie Ousley, the chamber’s vice president of public affairs, said the annual […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 28, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott said Monday that Florida’s private-sector growth rate of 3.6 percent in November was the highest among the country’s 10 most-populous states. November marked the ninth consecutive month Florida was tops among large states. The state’s private-sector job growth rate was also higher than the national growth rate of 2.1 percent. “Florida businesses […]

Guest AuthorDecember 10, 2015

It’s computer science education week. We are anticipating the largest learning event in history through the Hour of Code this week. While I’m writing this column, 147,908,891 learners have received a cost-free introduction to coding and computer science around the globe and across 40 different languages. Google, Facebook, SalesForce, Disney Infinity, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, College […]

Associated PressNovember 10, 2015

Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs is making plans to lay off more than 450 workers. According to a notice posted on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website Monday, the company plans 468 layoffs to take place between Jan. 6 and 19. In February Planet Hollywood said it was transforming its Orlando flagship location into […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 7, 2015

As we join family and friends at barbeques, pool parties, and picnics this weekend, it is worth reflecting on Florida’s remarkable economic turnaround. This Labor Day, Florida’s workforce is presented with pathways to prosperity that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The Great Recession hit Florida hard. Our unemployment rate skyrocketed to 11.2 percent, […]

Shannon NickinsonJune 9, 2015

This map could be the key to improving our relationship with water for years to come. If we make it come alive. A chain of parks that runs underneath Interstate 110 and through the Longhollow neighborhood. A “daylighted” version of Washerwoman’s Creek, which used to empty into Pensacola Bay near what is now the Baskerville […]

Guest AuthorMay 25, 2015

On Memorial Day, be sure to thank a Florida veteran. It shouldn’t be too difficult to track one down, as Florida is home to more than 1.6 million veterans. That’s one in every 12 adults. It’s no surprise that the state has the third-largest veteran population in the nation, because Florida policymakers have worked hard […]

Phil AmmannMay 7, 2015

Power Design Inc., a family-owned electrical contracting business, is expanding its national headquarters in St. Petersburg. The $3 million move will bring 60 new jobs to the region, as well as maintaining 196 jobs. Gov. Rick Scott called the expansion “great news for families” in St. Petersburg. “Thanks to companies like Power Design who continue […]

Guest AuthorApril 16, 2015

For those of us who care about the future of our nation – and in particular the future of Florida – we must first and foremost acknowledge that it is more than just the climate that is changing. Sea levels are unquestionably rising. High tides are measurably higher. And drinking wells near our coastlines are […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 23, 2015

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has filed what is the first challenge to a local comprehensive plan amendment since sweeping growth management law changes passed in 2011. Legal watchers on either side of growth management issues — development and environmental — say the DEO move against the city of Mascotte in Lake County is […]

Tag: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
Tom Homan has a stern warning for states that are uncooperative with deportation orders.

Florida Chamber: Capitol Days focus on issues important to business community

Rick Scott: Florida’s private-sector job growth tops large states

Teresa Barber: Coding to catch up the literacy we’ve ignored

Disney’s Planet Hollywood to lay off 468 workers next year

Jesse Panuccio: Florida workers have much to celebrate this Labor Day

Shannon Nickinson: Hunting for millions with stormwater 'treasure map'

Dominic Calabro: Florida has worked hard to make this a veterans-friendly state

National electrical contracting firm to expand corporate roots, jobs in St. Pete

Bill Golden: Rising seas and Florida's economic future

DEO files first challenge to a local government land-use change