Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsApril 24, 2017

A Northwest Florida Republican plans to amend the Senate’s version of a bill to send millions of dollars to the Panhandle communities impacted by the 2010 BP oil spill to allow money to be spent on economic incentives. The Panama City News Herald reported this weekend that Sen. George Gainer said he plans to file […]

Peter SchorschApril 15, 2017

A running compilation of Easter-themed messages from Florida’s elected officials and politicians. Florida Senate President Joe Negron: State Sen. George Gainer: State Sen. Jack Latvala: State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto: “As week six of the legislative session concludes we take time today to celebrate Good Friday, and look forward to the Easter weekend.” “I am hopeful […]

Scott PowersApril 13, 2017

Tri-Rail’s controversial, one-source, half-billion, operations contract could go forward under an amended bill pushed Thursday by the Gov. Rick Scott administration and state Sens. George Gainer and Jeff Brandes. Just a few weeks ago, both Gainer and Brandes were hostile critics of the contract and Tri-Rail. Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, sponsored an amendment Thursday that […]

Mitch PerryMarch 14, 2017

Legislation to provide statewide regulations for transportation network companies (TNC’s) advanced in its latest committee stop in the Florida Senate Tuesday. St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes‘ bill (SB 340) received only two votes in opposition in clearing the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, though there were substantial concerns expressed about funding for paratransit that animated the debate. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

It’s never too early in the day to start fundraising. Sen. Denise Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception for her 2018 bid for Agriculture Commissioner at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 at Florida Finance Strategies, 111-B East College Avenue in Tallahassee. The reception, according to a copy of the invitation, is hosted by […]

Scott PowersFebruary 22, 2017

A new bill from state Sen. George Gainer would strip Tri-Rail of state funding unless its board rescinds a controversial $511 million contract, and it require state approval of future contracts. The Bay County Republican’s Senate Bill 1118, introduced Tuesday, would force the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority to decide between the ten-year, $511 million operations and maintenance contract it […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

ed-hooper-02.19-e1487519265665-3500x1365.jpg

Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 14, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Tiffany Harrington has replaced Heather Williamson as House staff director of the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining. On: Teri Cariota, formerly an aide to former Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 7, 2017

Florida lawmakers are once again debating this year whether the state should stop using red light cameras — but the conversation may not be long. On a 2-2 tie, state Sen. Frank Artiles’ bill (SB 178), to repeal the use of such cameras statewide, died Tuesday in the Senate Transportation Committee. A House companion (HB 6007), however, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 18, 2016

They haven’t been sworn into office yet, but that isn’t stopping a few newly elected state lawmakers from thinking about 2018. State elections records show about more than two dozen members of the state House and Senate filed have filed to run for re-election. Many of those lawmakers are incumbents who faced little-to-no opposition this […]

Tag: George Gainer

AFP-FL urges Senate to keep incentives out of Triumph Gulf Coast bill

Compilation of Easter messages from Florida’s elected officials and politicians

George Gainer, Jeff Brandes reverse positions on Tri-Rail, push bill to let controversial contract stand

Bill regulating ride-sharing in Florida advances in Senate Committee

Bring on the orange juice: Denise Grimsley schedules breakfast fundraiser for March 7

George Gainer’s bill would strip Tri-Rail of funding, contracting authority

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Bill to kill red-light cameras doesn’t get the votes in Senate

Dozens of state lawmakers file to run for re-election in 2018