Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschDecember 18, 2018

The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners — one of the state’s leading, full-service government relations firms — has added top policy adviser and legal counsel Jeffrey Woodburn to its team of experts in Florida, the firm has announced. Woodburn most recently served as policy director for Governor-elect Ron DeSantis‘ campaign. Woodburn “has deep policy, government, […]

Staff ReportsDecember 14, 2018

Those close to the political operation of Mayor Lenny Curry are calling this a “momentum week.” And why not? Curry is essentially alone still in the mayoral field. Yes, there are filed opponents. No, you haven’t heard of them. And won’t, given their fundraising. Curry is on television with an ad buy. He’s talking smack. […]

Ryan NicolDecember 13, 2018

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Senate President Bill Galvano on Thursday said his chamber won’t act on Broward County Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes‘ suspension by Gov. Rick Scott. The reason: Not enough time. Galvano also points to a 1934 Florida Supreme Court advisory opinion that suggests Snipes’ rescinding her resignation doesn’t count. Under the state constitution, the Senate is responsible for […]

Staff ReportsDecember 6, 2018

Wrap it up The year, in terms of Jacksonville city government, is nearing an end. Next Tuesday sees the final City Council meeting of 2018. For those interested in getting autographs, a Holiday themed meet-and-greet will also be held Wednesday afternoon. Hors-d’oeuvres will be served at the latter event. Reminder: keep gifts under $100 in […]

Drew WilsonDecember 5, 2018

A newly minted state Senator and a quartet of fresh state Representatives opened campaign accounts for the 2020 election cycle this week. Sarasota Republican Joe Gruters, who took over for U.S. Rep.-elect Greg Steube in Senate District 23, filed his paperwork Tuesday. Gruters was a member of the House for a term before U.S. Rep. […]

Ryan NicolNovember 30, 2018

In light of news the Florida Supreme Court will be without a black justice for the first time in 36 years, Democrats in the state Senate are pushing to reform the state’s judicial nominating panels. “The latest nominations submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) to the incoming governor underscore how politicized the process has […]

Michael MolineNovember 30, 2018

Attorneys for the Florida Senate and federal government agreed Friday to seek an expedited trip to a federal appeals court regarding its sovereign immunity defense against a legislative aide’s sexual harassment claim. That might ameliorate what an attorney for the chamber called the “distinct, irreparable harm” to its dignity as a legislative body forced to […]

Staff ReportsNovember 29, 2018

Baseball terminology may be out of season, but no matter: this week’s developments show that all the work Northeast Florida lawmakers have done in recent months has paid off. For the second straight year, Fleming Island Republican Rob Bradley will helm Senate Appropriations. This year, a close ally is also handling the House budget. Gov. […]

Peter SchorschNovember 28, 2018

POLITICO Florida Playbook snuck in a swipe at Senate President Bill Galvano the other day, and at the Senator from the 7th District, St. Augustine Republican Travis Hutson. An item detailed leadership moves Galvano recently announced. “Anitere Flores went from chairing two important committees to the desert, Tom Lee went from the desert back into the […]

Ryan NicolNovember 27, 2018

New state Sen. Manny Diaz may just be readying for his first Legislative Session, but he’s already nabbed a committee chairmanship after being named to head the Senate’s Education Committee. Diaz spoke to Florida Politics about his plans for the state’s education system, including a continued push for charter school support, and an expansion of […]

Tag: Florida Senate

Personnel note: Jeff Woodburn joins The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners

Jacksonville Bold for 12.14.18 — Momentum week

Bill Galvano says Senate won’t act on Brenda Snipes suspension

Jacksonville Bold for 12.6.18 — Wrap it up

More freshman lawmakers file for re-election

Senate Democrats push to overhaul judicial nominating process

No ruling in Rachel Perrin Rogers case before Monday

Jacksonville Bold for 11.29.18 — Payoff pitch

Travis Hutson not in doghouse, despite POLITICO’s take

Manny Diaz preaches need for school choice