Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannApril 20, 2015

As most Americans recover from a Tax Day hangover, there is one day all taxpayers can celebrate: Monday, April 20. Happy Taxpayer Independence Day! In a new email, Florida TaxWatch is calling all Floridians to mark Taxpayer Independence Day; the first day in the calendar year the average taxpayer begins earning an income that is […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 30, 2015

State senators and representatives on a panel that oversees state audits responded angrily on Monday when they were told top officials at the Florida Municipal Power Agency were too busy to discuss audit findings that describe lavish spending and risky fuel-trading schemes. Sen. Joe Abruzzo, a Democrat from Wellington who chairs the Joint Legislative Audit […]

Phil AmmannMarch 23, 2015

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced 28 appointments to a variety of regulatory boards and panels statewide. Board of Professional Geologists Scott began by reappointing Louie Bush and Mervin Dale to the Board of Professional Geologists, which regulates the practice of professional geology. Bush, 64, of Lakeland, is the southeast regional manager for Underground Imaging […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 8, 2015

Florida’s beekeepers say honey bees play a sweet role in agriculture and the economy but they need help – and state funding – to maintain a healthy population. The Florida State Beekeepers Association is requesting $3.5 million for an apiary research center at the University of Florida. Florida is the third largest honey-producing state, with […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 8, 2015

Florida’s beekeepers say honey bees play a sweet role in agriculture and the economy but they need help – and state funding – to maintain a healthy population. The Florida State Beekeepers Association is requesting $3.5 million for an apiary research center at the University of Florida. Florida is the third largest honey-producing state, with […]

Peter SchorschMarch 6, 2015

A cry could be heard in the voice of Father Pat O’Neil as he spoke of the love Ken Plante generated in his work in his community and throughout the state of Florida. O’Neil, the director of the Miami Diocese’s Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, celebrated a Mass in Tallahassee Friday for his friend, […]

Phil AmmannMarch 5, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott ordered U.S. and state flags at the Florida Capitol to fly at half-staff Friday in honor of former State Sen. Ken Plante. Plante passed away March 1 after a three-year battle with ALS. First elected to the Senate from Winter Park in 1967, Plante served until 1978. After leaving the Legislature, he remained […]

Jac VerSteegFebruary 25, 2015

Miami Herald political editor Sergio Bustos provided the most fascinating tidbit at Tuesday’s Media Panel sponsored by TaxWatch and held at Gunster law firm in Fort Lauderdale. The topic was gambling in Florida. Will the state reach a new compact with the Seminoles? Will the interests pushing for Las Vegas-style resort casinos finally get clearance […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 29, 2015

Florida is currently enjoying the highest job growth since the Great Recession of 2008, according to a new study from nonpartisan watchdog group Florida TaxWatch. In the annual report on employment activity, the Sunshine State added 230,000 nonfarm jobs in 2014, making the state’s four-year nonfarm employment total to 710,200. This four-year increase equates to […]

James CallJanuary 28, 2015

Florida TaxWatch usually trains its eye on government waste but Tuesday the Tallahassee-based watchdog group recognized individuals and teams of state government workers whose ideas have improved productivity in government. The 2015 Prudential Productivity Award will recognize 217 individuals and teams with cash and plaques for innovative approaches to delivering government services. The Department of […]

Tag: Florida TaxWatch
Now it's time for Florida to start cleaning up.

Email insights: Happy Taxpayer Independence Day!

Legislators pound FMPA after top officials fail to appear

Gov. Scott announces 28 regulatory boards appointments

Bruce Ritchie: Beekeepers stung by 2014 veto, try again for research site

Bruce Ritchie: Beekeepers stung by 2014 veto try again for research site

Ken Plante eulogized for love of his work, dedication to personal principles

Governor orders flags at half-mast to honor Ken Plante

Jac VerSteeg: Why casinos might be out of luck in Florida

Florida job growth for 2014 solid in all sectors, says Florida TaxWatch

Florida TaxWatch recognizes productive public servants