Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 5, 2016

Florida lawmakers could once again consider whether computer coding classes should be counted as a foreign language credit. Sen. Jeff Brandes filed legislation Monday to allow Florida high schools to offer computer coding classes that “along with the earning of a related industry certification satisfies two credits of sequential foreign language instruction.” Senate Bill 104 […]

Jim RosicaDecember 1, 2016

An aide to then-Florida state Sen. Maria Lorts Sachs has sued his former employer, saying she “exposed (him) to unwelcome sexual conduct” by frequently undressing in front of him. Matthew Damsky sued the Florida Senate in Leon County Circuit Civil court this week on gender discrimination and retaliation charges. The 68-year-old Sachs, elected to the […]

Anne LindbergNovember 29, 2016

When the dust cleared in Tallahassee on Tuesday, one thing was clear: Pinellas was on top when it comes to the state’s funds. Republican Sens. Jack Latvala and Jeff Brandes, who represent parts of Pinellas, landed some plum appointments. Latvala will be the chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and alt. chair of the Joint […]

Jim RosicaNovember 29, 2016

Florida Senate President Joe Negron on Tuesday released leadership posts, including four Democrats, and committee assignments for the 2017 and 2018 Legislative Sessions. Wilton Simpson of Trilby is now Senate Republican Leader and Kelli Stargel of Lakeland is the deputy leader. Simpson, a Pasco County farmer, is on track to assume the Senate presidency himself in 2020-22 as long […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 29, 2016

Sen. Wilton Simpson has been appointed Senate Majority Leader for the 2016-18 legislative term, marking the second term in a row a likely Senate President has held the role. Senate President Joe Negron appointed Simpson to the position Tuesday. The announcement came as the Stuart Republican announced committee chair assignments for the two-year legislative term. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 29, 2016

A push for mandatory play time at Florida’s elementary schools will once again be on the agenda during the 2017 legislative session. Sen. Anitere Flores filed legislation Tuesday that would require school to provide “at least 100 minutes of supervised, safe, and unstructured free play recess” each week. The mandatory recess would apply to students […]

Scott PowersNovember 28, 2016

State Sen. David Simmons, re-elected in June when no one filed to run against him in Seminole County’s Senate District 9, is airing TV commercials in Orlando for three weeks thanking voters and urging people to put aside political differences and come together during the holidays. Simmons spent $150,000 on the effort, having Southern Campaign […]

Scott PowersNovember 22, 2016

As one of his last acts on behalf of the state of Florida, outgoing Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner arranged a moment of silence Tuesday for those killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting just outside his district on June 12. Gardiner, the Orlando Republican who now is a private citizen, did so on the request […]

Jim RosicaNovember 22, 2016

Senate President Joe Negron said his approach to budgeting isn’t that different from fellow Republican and House Speaker Richard Corcoran. Negron met with reporters Tuesday after he officially became president during the Legislature’s biennial Organization Session. In sweeping changes to the House’s traditional way of doing business, Corcoran said senators would need House sponsors for special […]

Associated PressNovember 21, 2016

The chamber of the Florida Senate is reopening after a $6 million upgrade. Outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner showed off the renovated chamber on Monday. Workers spent the last eight months tearing out carpet, replacing desks and installing a new stained glass dome and new wood columns. The state motto of “In God We Trust” […]

Tag: Florida Senate
Image via FPL.

Jeff Brandes files computer coding as foreign language bill

Former Maria Sachs aide sues for discrimination, retaliation

Jack Latvala, Jeff Brandes will help control the purse strings in Tallahassee next year

Joe Negron announces Senate committee leadership, membership

Wilton Simpson appointed Senate Majority Leader for 2016-18 term

Anitere Flores to push for mandatory recess during 2017 session

David Simmons buys TV time to thank voters

Andy Gardiner, Linda Stewart arrange moments of silence for Pulse victims

Senate and House not that different, Joe Negron says

Florida Senate reopens chamber after $6 million upgrade