Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonSeptember 5, 2017

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson asked the Federal Trade Commission to keep a lookout for price gougers ahead of Hurricane Irma’s potential landfall on Florida shores. The Democratic senator sent a letter to acting FTC head Maureen Ohlhausen asking for the commission to watch for spikes in gas prices ahead of the storm and also in […]

Jim RosicaAugust 31, 2017

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, state officials issued an emergency rule Thursday allowing fuel from other parts of the country with a different chemical make-up to be sold in Florida. The new regulation will allow more and different kinds of gas to be sold, in reaction to the diminishing supply caused by Hurricane—now Tropical Storm—Harvey, which […]

Phil AmmannAugust 30, 2017

To help assess the impact of Hurricane Harvey, ravaging the Gulf Coast since Saturday, AT&T will use a fleet of drones to get a better look at damage throughout Southeast Texas. Twenty-five drones, part of AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery Team, will be used to inspect cell towers, helping assess the storm’s effect on the AT&T […]

Associated PressAugust 30, 2017

Two weeks before Harvey’s floodwaters engulfed much of Houston, President Donald Trump quietly rolled back an order by his predecessor that would have made it easier for storm-ravaged communities to use federal emergency aid to rebuild bridges, roads and other structures so they can better withstand future disasters. Now, with much of the nation’s fourth-largest […]

Associated PressAugust 29, 2017

The University of Tampa has fired a visiting assistant professor who suggested in a tweet that Hurricane Harvey’s destruction is “instant karma” for Texas because it voted Republican. Sociology professor Kenneth L. Storey posted the tweet and two responses on Sunday before removing the entire thread and his profile photo. University spokesman Eric Cardenas said […]

Associated PressAugust 29, 2017

George W. Bush never recovered from his flyover of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. Barack Obama got a bipartisan boost late in his re-election campaign for his handling of Superstorm Sandy. Now, President Donald Trump confronts the political risks and potential gains that come with leading the federal government’s response to a deadly and destructive natural disaster. […]

Joe HendersonAugust 28, 2017

Like all of you, I have been mesmerized watching reports about the catastrophe in Texas from Hurricane Harvey. Just couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and couldn’t help thinking what it would be like if a storm like Harvey washed ashore from the mouth of Tampa Bay. Florida got a taste of it last year […]

Staff ReportsAugust 28, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday said he’s sending more Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and resources to Houston to help Houston after its soaking by Hurricane Harvey. “These officers and resources will be assisting with ongoing search and rescue and disaster response efforts,” a press release said. “Gov. Scott spoke with Texas […]

Tag: Hurricane Harvey

Bill Nelson asks FTC to go after gas gougers

New state rule should ease gasoline shortages

AT&T deploying drones to assess Harvey damage

Donald Trump order undermines rebuilding better for future floods

University of Tampa boots prof who blames Harvey on GOP

Donald Trump’s turn to face tricky politics of natural disasters

Joe Henderson: Florida take heed from Houston horror

Rick Scott sends more help to Texas