Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeDecember 18, 2018

An election-year shuffle of political players could leave some storm-battered counties without legislative representation ahead of and during the 2019 Session. Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis last week tapped state Rep. Halsey Beshears to serve as the next head of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Beshears, a Monticello Republican, will vacate elected office to take […]

Peter SchorschDecember 15, 2018

With a new statewide gig at a regulatory agency, state Rep. Halsey Beshears is expected to soon vacate his House District 7 seat. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Beshears. But we’re hoping it’s not bad news for the constituents of the sprawling, 10-county district stretches across most of the counties hit hardest by Hurricane Michael. […]

Peter SchorschDecember 8, 2018

This may come as a surprise, but state lawmakers don’t have an innate understanding of the legislative process. After all, subjects like bill drafting and budgeting don’t come easy — and they aren’t known to rile a political crowd during campaign season. Legislative leadership hopes to remedy this problem next week through a series of […]

Drew WilsonDecember 7, 2018

The state’s tourism marketing arm, VISIT FLORIDA, said Friday that it’s teaming up with JetBlue on a campaign to lure more visitors to Florida. The “JetBlue Sunshine State of Mind Fare Sale” is part of a $9 million effort to help tourism bounce back in the wake of Hurricane Michael, a Category 4 storm that […]

Drew WilsonDecember 3, 2018

The longest-running annual conference focused on Northwest Florida economic development was put on the backburner when Hurricane Michael tore through the Panhandle, but Gulf Power says it’s coming back in mid-April. The 22nd Economic Symposium was originally scheduled to commence on Oct.10, the same day the Category 4 storm made landfall near Mexico Beach. Michael […]

Peter SchorschDecember 1, 2018

Takeaways from Tallahassee — New Mayor, new style There used to be 11 city-funded positions in the Tallahassee Mayor’s Office. But now that number is four (if you include the receptionist). Newly sworn-in Mayor John Dailey said he cut the seven positions — a mix of paid fellows and interns — because his new team […]

Peter SchorschNovember 26, 2018

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Recent hurricanes have served as a stark reminder of the integral role communications play in disaster response efforts. When Hurricane Michael decimated Northwest Florida last month, cell outages were just as widespread as power outages — many in the hardest hit areas had to park their car on a bridge and stand on its roof […]

Jacob OglesNovember 25, 2018

The holiday season inspires support for those in need, and after being struck this year by a Category 4 hurricane, the Panhandle still qualifies. Gov. Rick Scott this Thanksgiving weekend found himself sending messages of thanks to jurisdictions outside Florida for sending support to the Sunshine State. On Saturday, the Smyrna, Georgia, Police Department delivered […]

Staff ReportsNovember 17, 2018

December 12 will mark twenty years since the passing of Florida’s former Democratic U.S. Senator and Governor Lawton Chiles. Yet, still to this day, the mark left on Sunshine State politics is very visible. Most Democrats will tell you he’s the best governor in modern Florida history. And Republicans aren’t quick to dispute. Supporters, staffers, […]

Ryan NicolNovember 15, 2018

Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham is joining efforts to rebuild the Panhandle after Hurricane Michael, taking a leadership position with the Rebuild 850 initiative. Graham, who finished second in this year’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, will serve as a co-chair for the group along with GOP former Florida House Speakers Allan Bense and Will Weatherford. Rebuild […]

Tag: Hurricane Michael
Glen Gilzean's swearing-in ceremony in May 2024. (Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office)

Leon lawmakers plan for Halsey Beshears’ absence

Takeaways from Tallahassee — When it matters most

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Never too old to learn

VISIT FLORIDA, JetBlue team up to boost tourism

Gulf Power announces new dates for Economic Symposium

Takeaways from Tallahassee — New mayor, new style

Hurricane Michael emphasizes the need for public safety radio communications

First Responders around state, country celebrated by thankful Panhandle

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Old he-coon reunion

Gwen Graham joins ‘Rebuild 850’ efforts after Hurricane Michael