Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 16, 2018

State Senator Jeff Brandes continues to grow his fundraising lead over his Democratic challenger Lindsay Cross, making the already steep climb even more treacherous. Between his campaign and an affiliated political committee, Brandes has raised more than $2 million to keep his seat. Cross has raised just $156,000 and does not have a political committee. […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 11, 2018

A Tampa lawyer filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics against Florida State Sen. Dana Young alleging she violated state law and Senate rules by supporting legislation that benefits her financially. Milton Toro Marquez, a lawyer with Acevedo Law Firm in Tampa, alleges Young’s support for three bills deregulating the craft beer industry directly […]

Ryan NicolOctober 8, 2018

The candidates for Senate District 36 were in a virtual dead heat in the latest fundraising period, each approaching $100,000 raised between their respective campaigns and political committees. David Perez, the Democratic nominee, earned just $12,645 in donations to his campaign from Sept. 15 to 28. But his political committee, Floridians for Change, brought in […]

Ryan NicolOctober 5, 2018

A new survey from Public Policy Polling (PPP) puts Democratic candidate David Perez ahead of his Republican opponent, Manny Diaz, in the race for Senate District 36. The results show Perez leading Diaz 41 percent-38 percent, with 21 percent of voters still undecided. The poll ran from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 and consisted of 358 registered voters […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday ordered flags at half-staff on Sunday in honor of the late state Sen. Dorothy Hukill. The Port Orange Republican, who served in the Senate since 2012, died Tuesday after a recurrence of cancer first diagnosed and treated last year. Scott directed the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff […]

Jim RosicaOctober 5, 2018

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Jeremiah Hawkes, formerly a top official under Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, is now general counsel of the Florida Senate, its spokeswoman said Friday. Hawkes, who started Monday, will be paid $135,000 a year. He replaces Dawn Roberts, who served as the Senate’s top lawyer under outgoing Senate President Joe Negron. Roberts is returning to her […]

Guest AuthorOctober 5, 2018

This week, we lost a true public servant in state Sen. Dorothy Hukill. Dorothy cared deeply for her constituents, and she leaves behind an impressive legacy of expanding economic and educational opportunities for all Floridians. She was a shrewd and effective legislator who served Brevard and Volusia County families well in the Senate. I had […]

Staff ReportsOctober 3, 2018

State Sen. Dorothy Hukill died on Tuesday, less than a week after announcing on Facebook that she “recently experienced an aggressive recurrence” of her cancer and decided to enter hospice. She was 72. In November 2016, the Port Orange Republican disclosed that she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. She missed the 2017 Legislative Session while […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 2, 2018

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is the center of the latest Janet Cruz television ad that will be featured on broadcast and cable channels throughout the coming weeks. The ad launched Tuesday. It shows the two-term mayor in black and white, standing in a bare room. “My friend Janet Cruz embodies what it means to be […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorSeptember 27, 2018

Critics of state Rep. Janet Cruz are accusing the longtime lawmaker of not living in the urban Tampa district she represents. An anonymous tipster claiming not to oppose Cruz’s bid for state Senate raised the question in an email pointing to Cruz’s husband, Stephen Rifkin, who owns a waterfront mansion in a different House district — […]

Tag: Florida Senate
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Jeff Brandes is sitting on a gold mine compared to challenger, Lindsay Cross

Tampa lawyer accuses Dana Young of profiting from beer bills

David Perez edges Manny Diaz in latest fundraising haul

New poll puts David Perez in the lead in battleground SD 36

Rick Scott orders flags at half-staff for Dorothy Hukill

Personnel note: Jeremiah Hawkes now state Senate’s top lawyer

Steve Crisafulli: Dorothy Hukill leaves legacy in space and lower taxes

Florida politicians react to the passing of Dorothy Hukill

Bob Buckhorn stars in Janet Cruz TV ad

Is this not my beautiful house? Questions linger on Janet Cruz residency