Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Melissa RossSeptember 21, 2015

Opposition to Florida’s campus carry bill is growing on the state’s college campuses, says one spokesman for Sunshine State academia. “Campuses are exponentially safer places than virtually any other public space, other than municipal and state buildings in which concealed weapons are strictly banned,” said John White, president of the University of North Florida chapter […]

Melissa RossSeptember 17, 2015

With crime, punishment and juvenile justice very much on the minds of local and regional policymakers, an upcoming resource fair aimed at coordinating ways to keep youngsters out of trouble is an idea that’s being embraced in Jacksonville. The Juvenile Justice and Youth Services Fair will take place Wednesday in the second-floor jury assembly room […]

Melissa RossSeptember 14, 2015

The League of Women Voters of Florida has sent out an e-blast calling for a stop to Florida’s scheduled bear hunt– a message that includes a plug for the organization’s First Vice President, Chuck O’Neal. The missive, “Stop the Hunt! Vote for Chuck!” asks readers to click on a link that takes you to the […]

Melissa RossSeptember 8, 2015

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NASA’s shuttle program may have come in for a final landing in Florida, but dreams of commercial space flight around the state are refusing to stay grounded. The CEO of Space Florida says the demand is growing for a commercial spaceport without the constraints of government bureaucracy. This, even though Senator Bill Nelson seems to be nixing […]

Melissa RossSeptember 7, 2015

In politics, language can make all the difference. For example, famed political consultant/public opinion guru Frank Luntz made his reputation by turning oil drilling into “energy exploration” and changing the estate tax into the “death tax.” “It’s not what you say,” went his famous slogan, “it’s what they hear.” Luntz also advised clients not to […]

Melissa RossSeptember 4, 2015

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The fight over fracking is heating up again in Florida. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is an oil and gas drilling technique that involves pumping fluids and chemicals at high pressure deep underground to break up rock formations. Last month, Democratic Sens. Darren Soto of Orlando and Dwight Bullard of Miami filed legislation that aims to ban fracking in […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 3, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott certainly didn’t waste any time touting July’s job growth numbers. According to new Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Florida’s private sector job growth rate was the highest among the 10 most populous states for July. “It is clear that our state is the best place to live the American Dream. I am excited […]

Melissa RossSeptember 1, 2015

Ousted Atlantic Beach Commissioner Maria Mark had a run-in with the police Monday night. As The Florida Times-Union reported, police say Mark tried to confront a resident who supported Mark’s opponent, new Commissioner-elect John Stinson. Mark told the T-U the last straw was a “hateful sign” in the homeowner’s yard that “stated Mark should have […]

Melissa RossAugust 31, 2015

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The Florida attorney representing a Kentucky court clerk in a standoff over same-sex marriage says it’s a matter of religious liberty. “It’s getting to the question of, if you hold an elected office, how far do your constitutional rights go?” attorney Roger Gannam of the Orlando-based firm Liberty Counsel told FloridaPolitics.com. Kentucky’s Attorney General may […]

Mark FerruloAugust 31, 2015

America’s roads and bridges are slowly crumbling and, to make matters worse, the fund that pays to maintain and improve our nation’s transportation needs is on the verge of going broke. But as Congress rushes to replenish the fund, it should not make a big mistake that will cost us hundreds of billions of dollars. […]

Tag: Florida

Academic opponents to Florida campus carry bill speak out

Jax Youth Justice Fair brings groups together to “save kids from the system”

League of Women Voters: Stop the bear hunt

Will Florida spaceports take flight?

In Florida, to move the needle on climate, talk about “sea level rise”

Will Florida see fracking?

Rick Scott trumpets July’s leading job growth numbers

LGBT equality movement stirs cross-currents in Florida

Orlando-based Liberty Counsel takes same-sex marriage fight to U.S. Supreme Court

Fight over infrastructure funding will reverberate in Florida