Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, whose office also handles security guard licenses and concealed carry permits, says the Orlando shooter held security guard licenses that allowed him to carry firearms. Putnam spoke Monday to a group of reporters outside the state’s Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. The commissioner said Omar Mateen of Fort Pierce had a “D” license […]

Larry GriffinJune 12, 2016

In the wake of the 2 a.m. shooting at The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, The League of Women Voters issued a news release by email Sunday morning titled “Florida Must Lead on Gun Safety,” calling for tightening background checks and “extensive, required safety training” for any gun buyers. “The time for action is NOW,” the press release […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

A plethora of high-profile matters is scheduled for argument before the Florida Supreme Court next week. The state’s justices will consider questions related to gambling, guns, capital punishment and medical malpractice. Another case involves claim bills, passed by lawmakers to pay people for injuries suffered at the hands of government or a public entity. Still two others involve attorneys […]

Bob SparksFebruary 11, 2016

Tuesday night’s New Hampshire primary election revealed the mood of the electorate of that small state. Polls show that in many of the remaining primary and caucus states, voters in both parties are unhappy with the process of government. Amendments, show votes, executive orders and other process maneuvers have worn thin. The Florida Legislature offers […]

Associated PressJanuary 9, 2016

Hillary Clinton jumped at a chance Friday to portray rival Sen. Bernie Sanders as being at odds with President Barack Obama on gun control after the president denounced legislation protecting gun-makers from lawsuits. Clinton’s campaign chairman, former Obama adviser John Podesta, called on Sanders to join Obama and Clinton by taking on the issue of […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2016

With Florida’s Legislative Session only days away, one of the hottest issues to face lawmakers this year is Open Carry. Two bills (SB 300/HB 163) filed by the Republican father-son tag team of State Sen. Don Gaetz of Niceville and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach, would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry a […]

Associated PressJanuary 2, 2016

Laws taking effect at the start of the new year show states diverging on some hot-button issues. Restrictions on carrying guns eased in Texas, for example, but got tighter in California. It is easier to register to vote in Oregon, but there is another step to take at the polls in North Carolina. The opposing […]

Peter SchorschDecember 3, 2015

After two assailants opened fire Wednesday on a holiday party in San Bernardino, leaving 14 people dead and 21 wounded, public outrage over gun violence is reaching a fevered pitch across the country. For many, silence is no longer an unacceptable option – irrespective of political party affiliation. Americans are starting to demand accountability, not […]

Guest AuthorNovember 3, 2015

Backers and opponents of letting people bring guns onto Florida’s college campuses can’t logically support their arguments until there’s more slaughter to analyze. It appears that a bill that would allow students with a concealed-carry permit to bring their guns onto the state’s public college campuses will become law next year. A similar bill died […]

Guest AuthorNovember 2, 2015

Backers and opponents of letting people bring guns onto Florida’s college campuses can’t logically support their arguments until there’s more slaughter to analyze. It appears that a bill that would allow students with a concealed-carry permit to bring their guns onto the state’s public college campuses will become law next year. A similar bill died […]

Tag: guns

Orlando shooter was licensed as armed security guard in Florida

League of Women Voters calls for stricter gun laws after Orlando shooting

Bevy of big cases awaits state Supreme Court

Bob Sparks: Hear the gun bills, don’t restrict debate

Hillary Clinton portrays Bernie Sanders as at odds with Barack Obama on guns

Open Carry advocates in Florida should take careful note of Texas’ new gun-toting law

New laws in 2016 show states are diverging on guns, voting

GOP Senate candidates from Florida, please say something (anything) on gun violence

Tom O’Hara: Allowing guns on campus is dumb, but it won’t change college life much

Tom O’Hara: Allowing guns on campus is dumb, but it won’t change college life much