Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJuly 21, 2017

In a decision sure to ripple through the state’s gambling interests, the Havenick family has won its years-long fight to drop dog racing at its Magic City Casino in Miami. A spokesman for the state’s greyhound breeders on Friday said they’re already working on a legal challenge to the decision, which has been long awaited by […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2017

The Florida Senate has seemingly fast-tracked the chamber’s gambling overhaul for this year, as its first panel gave unanimous thumbs up to the measure one hour into a meeting that had been scheduled to last four. The bill (SB 8) was cleared Wednesday by the Regulated Industries committee, which oversees gambling policy. It has only one […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 15, 2016

Former Jacksonville City Councilman and State Rep. Dick Kravitz raised $3,850 in his latest fundraising report for his House District 16 campaign for the GOP nomination. Notable: Kravitz’s draw was mostly PAC money between June 25 and July 8. The South Florida Greyhound Association and the Florida Greyhound Association bet on Kravitz, ponying up $1,000 each. […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 17, 2016

The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday voted 5-3 to approve a bill that targets funding for family planning and women’s health. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kelli Stargel, says clinics that offer abortion services, like Planned Parenthood, are prohibited from receiving state funding. Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 9, 2016

The House Regulatory Affairs Committee on Tuesday approved a trio of bills to reshape the state’s gaming industry, including bills to ratify the new Seminole Compact negotiated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Gov. Rick Scott. James E. Billie, chairman of the Seminole Tribe, said in a statement: “Seminole Tribe Chairman James E. Billie […]

Guest AuthorOctober 12, 2015

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Florida was the first state to officially sanction greyhound racing in 1931 and for almost 85 years it’s been an enjoyable source of entertainment for Floridians as well as visitors to our state. Just as importantly, greyhound racing track owners have made billions in revenue and made a big contribution to Florida’s economy over the […]

Guest AuthorOctober 11, 2015

Florida was the first state to officially sanction greyhound racing in 1931 and for almost 85 years it’s been an enjoyable source of entertainment for Floridians as well as visitors to our state. Just as importantly, greyhound racing track owners have made billions in revenue and made a big contribution to Florida’s economy over the […]

Ryan RayOctober 5, 2015

Hollywood Sen. Eleanor Sobel filed the “Victoria Q. Gaetz Racing Greyhound Protection Act” for the second time in as many years Friday. The bill, whose title honors the animal-loving wife of former Senate president Sen. Don Gaetz, would mandate that greyhound racetrack operators report all injuries to the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. While many tracks […]

Ryan RayAugust 10, 2015

For many political pros, influencing state lawmakers in Tallahassee is more of a side gig. And for some of them, it’s a highly profitable one. For instance: Republican lawyer and curator of Sayfie Review Justin Sayfie took in an estimated $25,000 between April 1 and June 30 from just three executive and two legislative lobbying contracts. City […]

Staff ReportsMarch 12, 2015

A Mason-Dixon poll publicized by the Florida Greyhound Association finds that nearly seven out of 10 Floridians are opposed to turning increasingly out-of-fashion dog racing tracks into casinos — at least without a referendum. “Floridians are sending a loud message to the Legislature: Don’t turn greyhound tracks into casinos on your own,” said Jim Blanchard, president […]

Tag: Florida Greyhound Association
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

No more dog racing at South Florida casino, state says

Senate panel OKs gambling overhaul bill, including Seminole provisions

PAC money boosts Dick Kravitz’s bankroll in HD 16 race

Capitol Reax: Abortion, Florida Keys Stewardship Act, certificates of need, guns, balance billing, gaming

Capitol Reax: Gaming legislation, children’s dental services

Jack Cory: Florida’s greyhound racing industry deserves protection

Jack Cory: Florida's greyhound racing industry deserves protection

Greyhound injury reporting bill again circulates for 2016 Session

One-man lobby shops do nicely in 2015 Q2

Poll: Floridians oppose converting dog tracks into casinos