Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaAugust 13, 2018

As it defends a slew of cases over medical marijuana, the state of Florida has spent close to $2 million on outside lawyers. Nearly all of that went to one firm. Records reviewed last week show at least $1.9 million approved by the Department of Health (DOH) going to two law firms — mostly Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli, […]

Jim RosicaAugust 10, 2018

Mike Carroll, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), will quit his post effective Sept. 6, Gov. Rick Scott‘s office announced Friday. “Mike embodies the ideals and mission of the Department … and has devoted nearly three decades to improve and change the lives of Florida’s vulnerable children and families,” the governor said […]

Michael MolineAugust 8, 2018

A state appeals court has blocked Clay County judicial candidate Lucy Ann Hoover from appearing on the ballot because she filed her paperwork too late. “We recognize that the public policy of Florida generally favors letting the people decide the ultimate qualifications of candidates,” the 1st District Court of Appeal concluded Wednesday, in an opinion by Judge […]

Staff ReportsAugust 3, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott ordered flags at half-staff for Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller, late of the Fort Myers Police Department. Jobbers-Miller, a three-year veteran of the force, was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, July 28. Scott directed the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at the Lee County Courthouse in Fort Myers, Fort Myers […]

Jim RosicaAugust 2, 2018

Mark Kruse has been elevated from Policy Coordinator to Legislative Affairs Director for Gov. Rick Scott, replacing Kevin Reilly. As Legislative Affairs Director, he will be Scott’s chief liaison to lawmakers as the term-limited governor prepares to leave office in January. “Kevin Reilly was instrumental in so many of Gov. Scott’s outstanding legislative achievements over the past two sessions […]

Jim RosicaJuly 30, 2018

Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum Monday called on Gov. Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency and suspend the state’s “stand your ground” law by executive order. In a news conference in Tallahassee, Gillum said the law has become an “opportunity for vigilantes to agitate conflict” from behind the legal […]

Jim RosicaJuly 27, 2018

Christian Bax, director of Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), has stepped down after a controversial three-year tenure that frustrated patients, angered lawmakers, and witnessed an explosion in litigation. His resignation is effective Aug. 10. Deputy director Courtney Coppola will serve as interim director, Department of Health spokesman Devin Galleta said Friday. Bax’s resignation letter, released […]

Joe HendersonJuly 25, 2018

Voting in Florida is a right, not a privilege. And since life today doesn’t run at the same pace as it did back when Ozzie met Harriett (look it up, kids), the government should make it as easy as possible for citizens to exercise that right. So yes, it was, as League of Women Voters […]

Jim RosicaJuly 24, 2018

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Give Costco’s lawyers some credit: They may have a found a way to finally be able to sell tequila and turkey burgers in the same store. The answer may involve its food courts — turkey provolone sandwich, anyone? — and repealing the state’s obscure, 24-year-old “Restaurant Rule.” And already, Costco’s critics are calling it an […]

Jim RosicaJuly 19, 2018

The Legislature opened the state’s wallet again Thursday, granting a request from the state’s medical marijuana regulators for another $13 million in operating costs. The approval from the Joint Legislative Budget Commission didn’t come without some grousing, however. The Department of Health, under Gov. Rick Scott, regulates the drug through its Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). House Democratic […]

Tag: Gov. Rick Scott

State has spent $2M on legal bills for medical marijuana

Mike Carroll quits as head of Florida’s child-welfare agency

Judicial candidate filed campaign paperwork too late, appeals court says

Flags at half-staff for Fort Myers officer

Personnel note: Mark Kruse named Rick Scott’s new Legislative Affairs Director

Andrew Gillum: Rick Scott should suspend ‘Stand Your Ground’ law

Christian Bax quits as state’s top medical marijuana regulator

Joe Henderson: Judge rules for college voting rights over incumbent privilege

It’s back: Costco’s weapon to win ‘whiskey and Wheaties’ war

Lawmakers grudgingly OK more money for marijuana regulators