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Guest AuthorJune 2, 2015

Put aside the politics of Florida’s healthcare reform debate for a minute, and you’ll recognize our uninsured crisis is as much a public safety problem as it is a public policy challenge. My entire professional life has been dedicated to public service and safety. Working my way up from patrolman to lieutenant over 26 years […]

Ryan RayJune 2, 2015

From the distance of his presidential cattle call in Orlando, Gov. Rick Scott issued his first veto of the year late Tuesday afternoon, scrubbing HB 1087, a bill supported by a coalition of South Florida Republicans and most legislative Democrats that would curb a practice of forcing policyholders to continually “opt-in” to their Citzens Property Insurance Corp. policies […]

Ryan RayApril 30, 2015

As lobbyists and pols alike collect their collective jaws from the floor in the wake of Speaker Steve Crisafulli’s Sine Die adjournment spectacle, the Florida Democratic Party is wasting no time in making political hay out of it. The FDP told Florida Politics that it is hitting vulnerable members of the majority in the GOP-dominated Florida House […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

Florida lawmakers approved a medication that could save lives during a drug overdose, with a bill now awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature. On Tuesday, the Legislature passed SB 758/HB 751, known as the Emergency Treatment for Opioid Overdose Act, which increases availability of Naloxone, a drug that immediately reverses effects of opioids — prescription painkillers, […]

James CallApril 14, 2015

Efforts to put the brakes on the use of red-light cameras by municipalities stalled in the Florida Senate on Tuesday, but is continuing to cruise in the House. Sen. Jeff Brandes and Rep. Brian Avila say the money the cameras raise in fines should be used for public safety programs. An OPPAGA report found that most of the […]

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 […]

Ryan RayApril 6, 2015

The pro-business political action committee Americans for Prosperity — Florida continues to make waves this Session as it prepares to distribute mailers to a handful of legislators thanking them for their advocacy on charter school expansion. The move to gain good will among members of the Florida GOP majority serves as the carrot to AFP’s punitive stick, […]

James CallMarch 30, 2015

The day at the state Capitol began dark Monday. As we approach the midpoint of the 60-day of the Legislative Session, apparently the grind is starting to get to people. Someone forgot to turn on the lights this morning in the hallway leading to the Senate press room. It was eerie walking a usually bustling […]

Daniel TilsonMarch 30, 2015

Military veteran and longtime Miami police Officer Robert Asencio has announced his 2016 candidacy for Florida State Representative in House District 118. He’s seeking the Democratic nomination and the opportunity to unseat two-time incumbent Rep. Frank Artiles in the general election. Given recent events, plenty of people will applaud the news. That’s because Artiles has become a poster boy for […]

Mitch PerryMarch 28, 2015

Members of the GLBT community and their allies flocked to Ybor City under idyllic conditions on Saturday, as Tampa held its first gay pride event in more than a decade. In his public remarks, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner referred to what he called one of the “darkest moments in this country’s history” — the June 15, […]

Tag: Frank Artiles
TCEC line workers restoring power after Helene. Image via Facebook (TCEC).

Robert Asencio: Healthcare expansion is a public safety issue

Rick Scott issues first 2015 veto, kills Citizens reform of opt-in letters

Florida Democrats unveil text of mailers, robocalls targeting vulnerable House Republicans

Florida Legislature passes expanded access to overdose treatment drug

Red-light camera crackdown stalls in Senate, gets green light in House

Bill allowing concealed carry during emergencies on way to governor

Americans for Prosperity sends mid-Session mailers thanking supportive lawmakers

The day that was in Florida politics — March 30

Robert Asencio steps up to challenge Republican Frank Artiles

Activists at Tampa Pride urge celebrants to fight adoption bill