Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJuly 10, 2018

The political arm of the Florida Realtors rolled out endorsements Monday for nearly every state legislative election slated for the 2018 ballot. “As Realtors, we pride ourselves on our long-standing efforts to defend private property rights, promote community prosperity and preserve a professional climate that ensures the economic growth of Florida,” said Ann DeFries, chair […]

Drew WilsonJune 18, 2018

New candidates filed Monday for three Republican-held seats in the state Legislature. In Senate District 2, Fort Walton Beach Democrat Mary Jeanne “Gigi” Gibson is challenging Panama City Republican Sen. George Gainer. Gibson is currently Gainer’s only real challenger — Pensacola Republican Jantzen Craine has had his name down to run for the seat since 2015, but has not […]

Drew WilsonApril 3, 2018

North Florida state Sens. Doug Broxson and George Gainer both added more than $40,000 to their campaign accounts in the 20 days from sine die to Easter. Broxson, who holds Senate District 1, reported $47,000 raised last month across 50 contributions, all but six of which were for the campaign maximum of $1,000. The March […]

Drew WilsonMarch 5, 2018

The Senate last week unanimously passed a House bill to help cut fees tacked on to college tuition for students who are active duty service members. HB 75, sponsored by Destin Republican Rep. Mel Ponder, would give Florida College System institutions, formerly known as community colleges, the option of waiving all or part of their […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 6, 2018

A Senate committee Tuesday advanced legislation to repurpose $60 million annually for alternative transportation projects in both Miami-Dade County and the Tampa Bay area. Sponsored by Tampa Republican Dana Young, SB 1200 would use money from an existing $240 million rail fund. Speaking to members of the Senate Transportation Committee, Young explained that the money comes from Florida Rail […]

Mitch PerryDecember 11, 2017

A former U.S. Senator, a former U.S. Attorney, several former state lawmakers and a host of other Republican insiders are on the 34-member state financing team for Republican Attorney General candidate Ashley Moody. The team’s membership was released Monday. The 42-year-old former Hillsborough County circuit judge is one of four Republicans vying for the nomination […]

Scott PowersNovember 14, 2017

A bill that would set tougher rules and safety requirements on the All Aboard Florida Brightline passenger rail train being developed along the East Coast got approval from the Florida Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday. Yet members of that committee sounded as if they’ll be ready to derail the bill later, if they eventually conclude it’s […]

Scott PowersAugust 30, 2017

When the public agency that runs the Tri-Rail commuter trains in South Florida dumped five less-expensive proposals and awarded a ten-year, $511 million, operations and maintenance contract last winter, the agency followed rules spelled out in that particular proposal but they conflicted with the agency’s standing internal procurement rules, a draft state investigation report concludes. […]

Staff ReportsAugust 15, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the most recent movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Barbara Crosier is replacing Michael Poche as policy chief for the House Health Innovation Subcommittee. Off and on: Alex Bickley changed roles from district secretary to legislative assistant for Lady Lake Republican Sen. […]

Jim RosicaAugust 14, 2017

Social media reaction was hard and swift this weekend against state Sen. George Gainer, the Panama City Republican who filed legislation last session to remove liability for drivers who “unintentionally” hurt or kill protesters or others “obstruct(ing)” traffic. On Saturday, Gainer tweeted, “If I do not love, I am nothing,” quoting Paul’s First Epistle to […]

Tag: George Gainer

Florida Realtors make endorsements in 87 legislative races

North Florida lawmakers draw re-election challengers as qualifying begins

Two North Fla. state Senators raise $40K+ after Session

Bill to cut college tuition fees for military clears Legislature

Senate advances funding for alternative transit in Tampa, Miami

Heavy hitters in Ashley Moody’s finance team

Bill to tighten All Aboard Florida rules gets approval – but so does train

Draft investigation report: Tri-Rail did not follow rules in $511 million, one-bid deal

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

George Gainer takes a licking on social media