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Staff ReportsApril 21, 2017

Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto said she believes Frank Artiles’ decision to resign was the “best decision for himself and his family.” Benacquisto, the Fort Myers Republican who chairs the Senate Rules Committee, said Sen. Perry Thurston has withdrawn his complaint against Artiles, and as such “no further action on the part of the part of the […]

Jim RosicaApril 21, 2017

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Sen. Audrey Gibson on Thursday publicly responded to fellow Sen. Frank Artiles‘ racially-charged invective aimed at her earlier this week, saying she’s unsure she can be “comfortable” continuing to serve with Artiles in the Senate. Gibson appeared at a press conference with Sen. Perry Thurston and a group of Tallahassee-area pastors at the city’s Bethel Missionary Baptist […]

Brendan FarringtonApril 20, 2017

A lawyer representing a state senator who could be punished for using a racial slur and other vulgarities said Thursday that the remarks — as offensive as they were — are protected by free speech and that other senators have used similar language. Tallahassee attorney Steve Andrews wrote to the Senate lawyer reviewing the case […]

Scott PowersApril 20, 2017

Republican state Sen. David Simmons sharply condemned racist and vulgar comments made earlier this week by state Sen. Frank Artiles. The behavior is nothing new, Simmons said, but he puts his faith in the Senate’s due process to determine a judgment by the body. Simmons, of Altamonte Springs, then suggested that Artiles’ behavior might be […]

Jim RosicaApril 20, 2017

The head of the NAACP Florida State Conference is calling for state Sen. Frank Artiles to step down. The organization “stands fully behind the Florida Legislative Black Caucus … and several groups who have called for the resignation of Miami Senator Frank Artiles,” said Adora Obi Nweze, president of Florida’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. […]

Scott PowersApril 19, 2017

Proposals to require gambling warnings about the Florida Lottery moved closer to the floors of their respective houses Wednesday as committees in both the Florida House and Senate approved the bills. Senate Bill 1377 and Committee Substitute for House Bill 937 would require warnings to be printed on lottery tickets, and on signs posted in […]

Jim RosicaApril 19, 2017

Surrounded by fellow black and Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Perry Thurston announced Wednesday he had filed a complaint to remove fellow Sen. Frank Artiles from the Senate. In a move sure to send chills through the Capitol’s lobbying corps, he suggested influencers who were within earshot when Artiles went on his tirade in the private Governors […]

Florence SnyderApril 19, 2017

On a busy day of hearings in a busy week of the legislative session, a south Florida woman wanted a picture of herself and a friend and the rain pouring outside the Knott Building. She scanned the immediate vicinity for a friendly face, and held her iPhone out to Jacksonville’s Audrey Gibson. Plainly the tourist […]

Jim RosicaApril 19, 2017

Florida senators passed a bill Wednesday that would allow advertising by beer companies in the state’s theme parks. The measure (SB 388), sponsored by Republican Sen. Travis Hutson of Elkton, received only one ‘no’ vote from Sen. Kelli Stargel, a Lakeland Republican. It eases the state’s “tied house evil” law by allowing ads, which could include a […]

Jim RosicaApril 19, 2017

Democratic Sen. Perry Thurston on Wednesday said “there will be consequences” for fellow Sen. Frank Artiles after he spouted insults and used a form of a racial epithet in front of Thurston and Sen. Audrey Gibson Monday night. “We’ve got a (Legislative Black) Caucus meeting” later today, Thurston said. “After that, I’m sure there will […]

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Lizbeth Benacquisto: Frank Artiles made the ‘best decision for himself and his family, his constitutes, and the Florida Senate’

Audrey Gibson responds to Frank Artiles’ ‘horrific’ tirade

Lawyer: Frank Artiles’ racial slurs offensive, but also free speech

David Simmons condemns Frank Artiles comments; calls for due process, suggests PTSD might be factor

Florida’s NAACP joins those calling for Frank Artiles’ resignation

Lottery gambling warnings clear two more committees

Black lawmaker seeks to remove Frank Artiles from Senate

Florence Snyder: Let’s hope someone loves Frank Artiles enough to get him some help

Senate votes to allow beer ads in theme parks, ‘merlot to go’

Perry Thurston says ‘there will be consequences’ for Frank Artiles