Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiOctober 13, 2015

The Human Rights Campaign has its troops on the ground as registered lobbyists for the expansion of the Human Rights Ordinance. They have an important ally from the Southern Strategy Group: Deno Hicks, a Jacksonville native and the managing power of the Jacksonville SSG office, who is now a registered lobbyist via Florida Businesses for […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 22, 2015

At Large Jacksonville Councilman Tommy Hazouri experienced numerous budget processes as mayor, as state legislator, and as Duval County School Board member. However, Monday night’s budget was his first as Jacksonville City Council member. During the floor amendments portion of the program, he scored a coup after a reconsideration. A shift of $330,779 from drainage […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 17, 2015

Two Palm Beach County municipalities are the latest to provide protections for all residents, including the LGBT community, from discrimination. The Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition campaign manager Patrick Slevin on Thursday praised the Village of Wellington, Palm Beach County’s fifth largest municipality, and the Town of Lake Clarke Shores for efforts to protect the LGBT […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 31, 2015

Earlier Monday, we discussed Anna Brosche’s decision not to participate in the Equality Florida gala Sept. 26. Is there a rift between the Jacksonville councilwoman and the group? According to Stratton Pollitzer of the Equality Florida Action PAC, not so much. “Here’s a little more context from us. Anna’s staff let us know that she was extremely […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 28, 2015

Florida Politics has learned that Kerri Stewart, chief of staff for the Lenny Curry administration, and representatives for the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality are slated to have a meeting in the near future regarding expanding the Human Rights Ordinance to the LGBT community. On Monday, Jimmy Midyette of the JCE emailed Stewart. “Leaders of the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality […]

Melissa RossAugust 21, 2015

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Florida attorney Roger Gannam, who spoke out against adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the Atlantic Beach human rights ordinance in 2014, is now involved with the defense of a Kentucky county clerk who has religious objections to marrying same-sex couples. On Monday, U.S. District Judge David Bunning ordered Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis to issue […]

Phil AmmannAugust 18, 2015

Osceola County is the latest in Florida to approve a Human Rights Ordinance to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination in the workplace, housing and public accommodations. In a prepared statement, the Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition applauded the Osceola County Commission for its unanimous vote Monday night. Osceola joins 10 other counties […]

Melissa RossAugust 12, 2015

The political newcomer challenging incumbent Maria Mark for an Atlantic Beach City Commission seat says he got into the race after an emotional debate over the 2014 passage of a comprehensive human rights ordinance in the coastal community. Mark led that charge, but her opponent John Stinson on Wednesday called the ordinance “poorly written and poorly […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 12, 2015

During the 2015 Jacksonville campaign, District 7 Councilman Reggie Gaffney was identified by the Florida Family Action PAC as opposing the Human Rights Ordinance applying to LGBT people. Turns out the PAC got it wrong. “On the issue of the HRO Councilman Gaffney believes in equality,” Gaffney posted to his Facebook page on Monday. “The mailer […]

Melissa RossAugust 10, 2015

The North Florida politician known for being the first in the area to lead on passing a comprehensive HRO stands by her record as she gears up for re-election. “It was the right thing to do,” says Atlantic Beach City Commissioner Maria Mark. Mark, the Executive Director at the Timucuan Trail Parks Foundation, faces off […]

Tag: Human Rights Ordinance
Image via AP.

Southern Strategy Group lobbying for Jax HRO

Tommy Hazouri talks budget, HRO, agenda going forward

2 Florida municipalities praised for passing new anti-discrimination protections

Equality Florida: No rift with Anna Brosche

HRO meeting imminent between Jax Coalition for Equality, Lenny Curry administration

Florida’s Liberty Counsel reps Kentucky clerk in same-sex marriage standoff

Osceola County latest to approve legal protections for LGBT citizens

Political newcomer John Stinson takes on incumbent Maria Mark in Atlantic Beach

Reggie Gaffney declares support for Jax HRO

Maria Mark: HRO “the right thing to do”