Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 16, 2016

Like may people in the Tampa Heights community that he represents, House District 61 Democrat Ed Narain was holding his breath when news broke on Tuesday that Gov. Rick Scott had vetoed $256 million in projects from the just concluded legislative session. The good news is that Narain’s request for $1.2 million to move what has become a […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 11, 2016

Legislation that would reform Florida’s civil forfeiture laws advanced in a Senate committee on Thursday. The bill (SB 1044) sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes, eliminates civil forfeiture in the state of Florida. Under the proposal, a seizure of assets or property may only take place after the arrest of a property owner, and the final […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

As Florida lawmakers once again consider a proposal to allow open carry of firearms, opponents, including the League of Women Voters Florida, argue that if passed, such a law would devastate the state’s biggest industry: tourism. There’s a compromise solution, though, says Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner of MomsRising.org, a grassroots organization that seeks economic security for all […]

Mitch PerryDecember 14, 2015

The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) issued a statement on Monday giving their full support to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who has been under a firestorm of criticism in recent days for comments he was quoted as saying last week regarding the open carry legislation being debated in the Florida Legislature. Gualtieri and the FSA […]

Mitch PerryNovember 23, 2015

There’s been an increasing rise in reforming civil asset forfeiture laws around the country, with conservatives and libertarians (such as the Cato Institute) leading the cause in many cases. Civil asset forfeiture is the legal practice that allows law enforcement officials to seize private property and money that is suspected of aiding, or resulting from, […]

Mitch PerryNovember 18, 2015

The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee in the Florida Legislature on Wednesday barely passed a controversial bill that would allow people with a concealed weapons and firearms license to carry a gun openly. House Bill 163 is being sponsored in the House by Fort Walton Beach Republican Matt Gaetz. It passed with Pinellas County Republicans Chris […]

Jim RosicaAugust 27, 2015

For the third time, state Sen. Aaron Bean has introduced legislation to create a statewide “cold case task force” to pare down the thousands of unsolved murders in Florida. But the head of an organization of victims’ survivors says he’s concerned about law enforcement again balking at the cost of such a measure. For instance, […]

Phil AmmannJuly 15, 2015

One of the nation’s largest state sheriff associations has named its leadership for the coming year. The Florida Sheriffs Association elected Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell its new president, only the second woman to fill the role. Darnell will preside over the association, the staff and board of directors to guide the efforts and direction of […]

Phil AmmannJuly 14, 2015

Florida’s leading law enforcement association recognized 10 legislators this week for providing significant advancements in 2015 to the state’s overall public safety. Florida Sheriffs Association is a for-profit corporation representing Florida Sheriffs, as well as nearly 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 Floridians. The association released its annual list of Legislative Champions on Monday night during the group’s Summer Conference […]

Mitch PerryApril 9, 2015

Legislation that would allow Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a permit during certain emergency situations passed in the Florida House on Thursdaty, and will soon go to Gov. Rick Scott‘s desk for him to sign. Sponsored by Fort Myers Republican REep. Heather Fitzenhagan as HB 493, SB 290 is similar but with tweaks from […]

Tag: Florida Sheriffs Association

Ed Narain proud of accomplishments in House, ready for Senate

Jeff Brandes’ civil forfeiture reform bill moves in Senate

Email insight: Open Carry opponents praise Florida Sheriffs compromise proposal

Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri’s out-of-context quotes lead to misinterpretation, harsh responses

State report on civil asset forfeiture laws in Florida suggests reforms are needed

Open carry weapons bill advances in House

Bill would create “cold case task force” for unsolved killings

Florida Sheriffs Association picks new president, board leadership

Florida Sheriffs Association picks Legislative Champions for 2015

Bill allowing concealed carry during emergencies on way to governor