Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorNovember 25, 2017

Right now, Floridians have a chance to finally put a stop to one of the cruelest “sports” left in America – greyhound racing. Two past Florida Senate Presidents, Tom Lee and Don Gaetz, have introduced an amendment that would phase out greyhound racing in the Sunshine State to the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission, the 37-member […]

Jim RosicaNovember 15, 2017

State Sen. Tom Lee fired off a tweetstorm Wednesday in support of his proposed constitutional amendment to ban greyhound racing in Florida. Lee—a Thonotosassa Republican, previous Senate president and current candidate for Chief Financial Officer—called dog racing “cruel and inhumane,” and added the “greyhound industry opposes any real reform.” (His tweets are at bottom.) He filed […]

Jim RosicaNovember 1, 2017

As expected, Constitution Revision Commissioner Tom Lee has filed a constitutional amendment to ban greyhound racing in Florida. Lee, a state senator from Thonotosassa and a previous Senate president, filed the 2-page proposal late Tuesday, the deadline for commissioners to submit proposed amendments for the state’s governing document. Lee last month said he had been considering filing such […]

Scott PowersMarch 8, 2017

A bill banning the use of anabolic steroids on racing greyhounds was overwhelmingly approved by the Florida House Tourism and Gaming Control Subcommittee Wednesday after sponsor state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and industry lobbyists traded “fake fact” charges. House Bill 743, sponsored by Smith and Republican state Rep. Alexandra Miller of Sarasota would ban dogs that […]

Scott PowersFebruary 10, 2017

Decrying that racing dog owners are “doping greyhounds,” state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith joined state Rep. Alexandra Miller and Dana Young Friday in another effort to tighten regulation of dog racing in Florida, with a bill explicitly banning the use of steroids. Smith, the Orlando Democrat, and Miller, the Sarasota Republican, introduced House Bill 743 […]

Phil AmmannApril 21, 2016

The startling news that SeaWorld will stop breeding its captive orca whales and will phase out theatrical orca shows in favor of exhibits highlighting whales’ natural behaviors is an indicator of a broader trend in society. SeaWorld realized that making orcas do tricks in small concrete pools is no longer a sustainable business model. The company […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 10, 2016

With the half-way mark of the 60-day 2016 Legislative Session on Wednesday, the theme so far is like a line from a Frankie Valli song: “… so close/And yet so far.” Take the 2016-17 state budget, the only bill lawmakers are required to pass each year. The House came in at $79.9 billion with the Senate […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 19, 2016

The head of an anti-gambling expansion group Tuesday announced a three-front war as lawmakers prepare to consider a sweeping deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that he said could “lead to the largest gambling expansion in state history.” John Sowinski, president of the Orlando-based No Casinos, told reporters he plans a legislative, legal and […]

Guest AuthorOctober 12, 2015

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Florida was the first state to officially sanction greyhound racing in 1931 and for almost 85 years it’s been an enjoyable source of entertainment for Floridians as well as visitors to our state. Just as importantly, greyhound racing track owners have made billions in revenue and made a big contribution to Florida’s economy over the […]

Guest AuthorOctober 11, 2015

Florida was the first state to officially sanction greyhound racing in 1931 and for almost 85 years it’s been an enjoyable source of entertainment for Floridians as well as visitors to our state. Just as importantly, greyhound racing track owners have made billions in revenue and made a big contribution to Florida’s economy over the […]

Tag: greyhound racing

Kate MacFall: CRC should pass amendment on greyhound racing

Tom Lee defends dog racing ban; Pam Bondi noncommittal

Tom Lee files greyhound racing ban in Florida

Bill banning steroid use for racing dogs passes House panel

Carlos Smith, Alexandra Miller, Dana Young push new greyhound bill, banning steroids

Wayne Pacelle: Florida’s politicians need to embrace ‘humane economy’

Gut check: Legislative Session reaches midpoint

No Casinos promises multifront war on gambling

Jack Cory: Florida’s greyhound racing industry deserves protection

Jack Cory: Florida's greyhound racing industry deserves protection