Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 25, 2016

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A proposal to regulate high-pressure well stimulation has cleared a second Senate committee, despite continued objections from environmental activists. The measure (SB 318), sponsored by Naples Republican Sen. Garrett Richter, cleared the Senate’s general government appropriations subcommittee Monday on a 4-2 vote. Sen. Gwen Margolis and Sen. Oscar Braynon, both South Florida Democrats, voted against […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2016

The Florida Senate’s economic development bill took its first step of the 2016 Legislative Session, unanimously clearing the Commerce and Tourism Committee on Monday. The bill’s sponsor, Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala, last week had promised it would contain provisions for film and television production incentives. Florida has been losing out to other states when it comes to film shoots. […]

Ryan RayJanuary 21, 2016

A bill to outlaw discharging a firearm in more residential areas was advanced Thursday in the state Senate. In Capitol-speak, the proposal was considered and rolled over for third reading, meaning it is set for a final vote before the chamber as soon as next week. Senate Bill 130 by Naples Sen. Garrett Richter prohibits firing a gun […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 20, 2016

Florida Department of Environmental Protection head Jon Steverson was formally confirmed in his position by members of the Senate’s Ethics and Elections Committee on Wednesday. That affirmation, though, came only after he was grilled by the panel about controversial decisions or statements made under his watch the past year. The Senate refused to confirm him in last year’s regular […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

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A bill to regulate hydraulic fracturing cleared its first Senate hurdle Wednesday. The bill (SB 318), sponsored by Sen. Garrett Richter would require drillers to get a permit for high-pressure well “stimulations,” calls on the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a study such techniques would have on Florida’s geology, and increases the penalty from […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott’s annual State of the State speech didn’t surprise lawmakers from Southwest Florida, they said Tuesday. “I think there are opportunities for success when you’re consistent, and the governor continues to be consistent with his priorities for job growth in the state of Florida,” said Sen. Garrett Richter, a Naples Republican and Senate President […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

State Rep. Matt Hudson raised more than $53,000 during December, outpacing opponent and fellow state lawmaker Rep. Kathleen Passidomo during the one-month fundraising period. Hudson and Passidomo, both Naples Republicans, are vying to replace Sen. Garrett Richter of Senate District 23. Richter, a Naples Republican, cannot run for re-election because of term limits. Hudson raised […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 11, 2016

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Bills aimed at hydraulic fracturing have been filed every year since 2013, but the 2016 Legislative Session may be the year to watch when it comes to the controversial drilling technique. Several measures, including one aimed at regulation and three focused on bans — have been filed in advance of the Session. Some state lawmakers […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 6, 2016

Gary Price, a longtime Naples resident and former City Council member, has ended his campaign for state Senate. “Due to the mounting stress the campaign was placing on my family and especially my wife, who is the primary caretaker for our son Garrett, I have decided that in order to continue to put my family […]

Jim RosicaDecember 4, 2015

One of three Senate committee leaders set to review now-outgoing Department of Economic Opportunity chief Jesse Panuccio for confirmation next year didn’t say she was sorry to see him go. “I’ve already said too much about Mr. Panuccio,” state Sen. Nancy Detert, the Venice Republican in charge of the Commerce and Tourism Committee, said Friday. […]

Tag: Garrett Richter
Last time this happened, the Earth got plants. Image via Popular Science.

Senate fracking proposal moves forward despite some concerns

Jack Latvala starts moving economic development bill with film/TV incentives

Bill to curb backyard gun ranges advances in Senate

Jon Steverson grilled on fracking, timber harvesting, hunting in state parks by Senate panel

Bill aimed at hydraulic fracking clears first Senate committee

SWFL lawmakers: Few surprises in Rick Scott’s 2016 State of the State speech

Matt Hudson, Kathleen Passidomo boost campaign accounts in December

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Amid debate over fracking, local control could drive discussion

Naples resident Gary Price ending campaign for state Senate

Jesse Panuccio’s road to resignation paved with Senate’s hard feelings