Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Joe HendersonNovember 14, 2018

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It’s wonderful that while dealing with the catastrophe wrought by Hurricane Michael, more than 140 Bay County voters did their civic duty and found a way to cast a ballot in this election. Each one deserves some kind of citizenship medal and to be held up as positive examples to any slug who couldn’t be […]

Guest AuthorNovember 13, 2018

When Hurricane Michael ripped through our state last month as the third most powerful hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States, it left a trail of destruction and devastation in its path. Unlike Hurricane Irma last year, this storm hit predominantly rural areas, leaving already resource-strained communities in a state of even greater […]

Tag: Hurricane Michael

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

Joe Henderson: Bay County voters show need for expanded options

Sarah Catalanotto, Laura Hampson: After hurricane, air medical services was rural lifesaver