Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaAugust 29, 2018

FOX News announced that Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum would appear on the network later Wednesday as it distanced itself from a controversial statement made by Republican candidate Ron DeSantis on an earlier program. After that appearance, host Sandra Smith did a follow-up segment on “America’s Newsroom.” “A little while ago we had Ron DeSantis, the Republican nominee […]

Jim RosicaAugust 28, 2018

Rebecca Kapusta will become interim Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after the resignation of Secretary Mike Carroll, who’s leaving the post Sept. 6. Gov. Rick Scott announced the move Tuesday afternoon. He did not say when he expected to name a full-time replacement, if any; the term-limited governor departs office in […]

Jim RosicaAugust 27, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott appointed two Tallahassee attorneys to the Florida Elections Commission, his office announced Friday night. Coincidentally, both specialize in representing automotive dealers. Martin Hayes, 62, is a partner at the Akerman firm. Hayes fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning Aug. 24 and ending Dec. 31, 2020. Hayes, a litigator, mainly […]

Staff ReportsAugust 26, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott on Sunday ordered flags at half-staff for the late U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Scott referred to President Donald Trump‘s proclamation “directing all flags to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.” “Pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and […]

Staff ReportsAugust 24, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags at half-staff for Deputy Ben Zirbel of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Zirbel died last Wednesday. The 12-year veteran “spent days in critical condition, following a crash while he was on motorcycle patrol,” WOKV News reported. A funeral will be held Saturday. Zirbel leaves behind a wife and 8-year-old son. Scott directed the U.S. […]

Jim RosicaAugust 17, 2018

Incumbents Julie Brown and Gary Clark are staying on the Florida Public Service Commission. Gov. Rick Scott on Friday said he had reappointed the two to serve another four-year term each. His picks are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. The five-member panel regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities. Clark, 50, of Chipley, had been Deputy Secretary of land […]

Jim RosicaAugust 17, 2018

Rachel Nordby, who’s been a deputy solicitor general for Attorney General Pam Bondi, is heading to the Shutts & Bowen law firm as a partner in the Tallahassee office, the firm announced Friday. Nordby, who starts Sept. 10, will be vice chair of the firm’s Appellate Practice Group. Her hire follows another recent high-profile addition […]

Jim RosicaAugust 15, 2018

Protecting Gov. Rick Scott cost the state $2.5 million last fiscal year, up from $2.3 million the year before. That’s according to a new report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The combined cost to guard the governor, First Lady Ann Scott, their family, and the Governor’s Mansion and grounds was roughly $3.25 million in 2017-18, up […]

Guest AuthorAugust 15, 2018

As every Floridian knows, tourism is critical to our state’s booming economy. This $111.7 billion industry represents 1.4 million employees, and one out of every four people in the Sunshine State works in hospitality. With more than 850 miles of beautiful coastline, seemingly endless options for entertainment and warm sunshine, it’s no wonder that millions […]

Staff ReportsAugust 15, 2018

Small businesses hurt by algae blooms and red tide can now apply to the state for emergency loans, Gov. Rick Scott‘s office announced Tuesday. Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which provides “short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses experiencing physical or economic loss.” The program is managed by the Florida Department of […]

Tag: Gov. Rick Scott

FOX News on Ron DeSantis’ ‘monkey’ comment: ‘We do not condone this language’

Personnel note: Rebecca Kapusta made interim DCF Secretary

Rick Scott names lawyers to Florida Elections Commission

Flags at half-staff for John McCain

Flags at half-staff for Clay County deputy

Julie Brown, Gary Clark to stay on PSC

Personnel note: Rachel Nordby joins Shutts & Bowen

Cost to protect Rick Scott rises to $2.5 million

Carol Dover: Take action to protect Florida’s tourism industry

Rick Scott OKs emergency loans to cope with algae, red tide