Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMarch 14, 2017

A bill allowing patients to stay overnight in ambulatory surgery centers cleared its first Senate committee Tuesday with a 4-1 vote. SB 222 by Sarasota Republican Rep. Greg Steube would allow patients to stay up to 24 hours at ASCs, a type of medical facility dedicated to less complicated, generally elective surgeries. ASCs don’t provide […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 6, 2017

February will be a busy month for state lawmakers hoping to raise a few bucks for their next campaign before the start of the 2017 Legislative Session. Several candidates will be holding campaign fundraisers in Tallahassee during back-to-back-to-back committee weeks this month. House Majority, the campaign arm of the Florida GOP, will host fundraisers for […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 23, 2017

It’s going to be a busy few weeks for Florida Republicans. House Majority announced fundraising events for seven House Republicans, all of which are running for re-election in 2018, between Jan. 24 and Feb. 20. The fundraising kicks off on Tuesday with an event for Rep. Bob Cortes. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 […]

Michael MolineJanuary 12, 2017

A House panel began talking Thursday about imposing term limits on judges — and also reviewed how quickly the courts are clearing their caseloads. Judicial term limits failed in the Legislature last year, but House Speaker Richard Corcoran has declared the issue an important priority. Heather Fitzenhagen, chairwoman of the Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee, said […]

Phil AmmannOctober 11, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Mary Kassabaum is no longer legislative assistant for Trilby Republican state Sen. Wilton Simpson. Off: Caroline Crow is no longer district secretary for Rockledge Republican state Sen. Thad Altman. On: Matthew Hunter is returning as legislative assistant for Fort […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 1, 2016

Put Jason Maughan in the sore loser column. The Sanibel Island Republican had hoped to unseat Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto in Senate District 27. He failed — receiving 31 percent of the vote to Benacquisto’s 70 percent. But rather than concede gracefully, Maughan took to Facebook to bash Benacquisto, who is expected to play a prominent role […]

Peter SchorschAugust 23, 2016

When it comes to Joe Negron’s plan to save the Everglades, not everyone feels the answer is to “buy the land.” The problem? The Stuart Republican’s proposal is painfully short on details, says a recent editorial in the Fort Myers News-Press. Negron, the incoming Senate President, is pushing the state to purchase 60,000 acres of […]

Staff ReportsAugust 9, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Mandy O’Callaghan has stepped down as policy chief for the House Health Quality Subcommittee. Off: Edward Metzger is no longer legislative assistant for Fort Myers Republican Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen. Off: Adam Miller is no longer district […]

Jim RosicaJuly 25, 2016

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Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi said they are meeting with Fort Myers-area law enforcement Monday after a nightclub shooting there. Gunfire erupted at Club Blu, which was hosting a swimsuit-themed party for teens, leaving two dead and at least 17 wounded, according to reports. The incident happened more than a month after a […]

Staff ReportsJuly 15, 2016

There’s just a few weeks until the election, and organizations across the state are rolling out endorsements for state and federal candidates. Several organizations — including the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida, Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, and Ruth’s List Florida — issued endorsements this week. — More than six dozen Southwest Florida […]

Tag: Heather Fitzenhagen
Mike Johnson. Image via AP.

Bill allowing overnight ambulatory surgery stay clears Senate committee

February poised to be busy month for fundraising for lawmakers seeking re-election

Lawmakers look to raise money during upcoming legislative committee meeting weeks

House civil justice subcommittee takes up judicial term limits

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Jason Maughan posts lengthy rant on Facebook after SD 27 loss

News-Press editorial says Joe Negron Everglades plan needs work, more details

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Rick Scott, Pam Bondi headed to Fort Myers after teen club shooting

Endorsement watch: Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida, Ruth’s List, Fraternal Order of Police and others issue endorsements