Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 3, 2017

The Governor’s Office now has received nearly 500 emails asking Gov. Rick Scott to veto a contentious bill that allows retailers to sell distilled spirits in the same store as other goods. A tally shows 491 emails urging a veto and none in support of the measure (SB 106), according to Scott spokesman McKinley Lewis. The bill passed […]

Associated PressMay 2, 2017

A bill to compensate the family of a freshman Florida State football player who died after a workout 16 years ago is heading to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott. The Florida Senate on Tuesday voted 34-2 for a claims bill (HB 6515) paying $1.8 million to the family of Devaughn Darling. Florida State agreed […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 2, 2017

The House overwhelming approved its version of a medical marijuana implementing bill, setting the bill up for final negotiations with the Senate later this week. The House voted 105-9 to approve a bill (HB 1397) that would implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment. “Understanding the level of pain and the level of need patients […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 2, 2017

After months of discussion, the House appears ready take steps to open up the medical marijuana industry. Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues filed an 82-page, delete all amendment on his medical marijuana implementing bill (HB 1397) early Tuesday morning. The amendment comes just hours before the House is scheduled to vote on the bill. The amendment, […]

Gary FineoutMay 2, 2017

After keeping the money locked up for nearly a year, Florida legislators have finally agreed on a plan to hand out millions of dollars given the state for damages related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Senate on Monday voted unanimously for a bill that would guarantee […]

Phil AmmannMay 1, 2017

ed-hooper-02.19-e1487519265665-3500x1365.jpg

Ed Hooper, the former Republican State Representative and Clearwater City Commissioner, will be featured at a high-profile fundraiser Wednesday in his bid for Florida Senate. Hooper is seeking to succeed term-limited Jack Latvala in Senate District 16, which covers much of north Pinellas County. A reception will begin 5 PM at Mugs ‘N Jugs, 40737 […]

Guest AuthorApril 30, 2017

I have been honored and humbled to serve our South Florida community for almost four decades. From helping everyday people with constituent cases to standing up to dictators around the world, I am proud of the work we have accomplished over the years. However, it is now time to take a new step. With the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 28, 2017

The Florida House began discussions on its medical marijuana implementation bill, teeing it up for a vote early next week. The proposal (HB 1397) was amended Friday to move it closer to the Senate bill (SB 406), but House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues, the bill’s sponsor, told members the House continues to be negotiations with the […]

Jim RosicaApril 27, 2017

The reaction to the Florida Legislature’s repeal of the state’s “booze wall” law continued long after Wednesday’s vote. The House, on a close vote of 58-57, passed the Senate’s bill (SB 106) to allow retailers to remove the ‘wall of separation’ between hard liquor and other goods. (Full story here.) The legislation now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. If signed […]

Jim RosicaApril 26, 2017

Screen-Shot-2017-01-26-at-1.25.54-PM.png

The Florida Legislature has voted to tear down the booze ‘wall.’ The House, on a by-a-nose vote of 58-57, Wednesday passed the Senate’s bill (SB 106) to allow retailers, at least those who choose to do so, to remove the ‘wall of separation’ between hard liquor and other goods. The legislation now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. […]

Tag: Florida Senate
Image via AP.

Opponents of ‘liquor wall’ bill have begun veto effort

Senate passes compensation for deceased FSU player’s family

House passes medical marijuana implementing bill, sends to Senate

House medical marijuana amendment could quicken pace for new licenses

After delay Florida will finally hand out oil spill money

Ed Hooper to host major Tarpon Springs fundraiser Wednesday

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: Why I’m retiring from Congress

House prepares medical marijuana bill for vote

Interests for and against ‘liquor wall’ legislation react to passage

Legislature votes to tear down the ‘liquor wall’