Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2017

The political committee backing Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam says it raised more than $2 million in February, bring total contributions to more than $9 million. In an email to supporters from Justin Hollis, the chairman of Florida Grown, said the committee raised more than $2.25 million in February 2017. Hollis said that one-month fundraising haul […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 27, 2017

It’s time for the Leggs to enjoy it being “Quiet Uptown.” Former state Sen. John Legg said Monday he will not run for Senate in 2018, quashing rumors he might considering a comeback in the coming years. “After 12 years my family and I need a break,” he said. “Also, I am enjoying working on […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

It’s never too early in the day to start fundraising. Sen. Denise Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception for her 2018 bid for Agriculture Commissioner at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 at Florida Finance Strategies, 111-B East College Avenue in Tallahassee. The reception, according to a copy of the invitation, is hosted by […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

A wide-sweeping gambling bill is now ready to be heard by the full Senate when the 2017 Legislative Session kicks off next month, after it cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee this morning. The bill (SB 8), sponsored by Sen. Bill Galvano, ratifies the 2015 Seminole Compact, subject to the approval of amendments to conform the […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

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Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 13, 2017

Saying that he is “shocked” that a committee in the Florida House voted to kill funding for Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida last week, Governor Rick Scott came to Tampa on Monday to urge the public to urge their state legislators to maintain the funding for those two besieged agencies. “This is an important issue to me personally,” […]

Michael MolineFebruary 9, 2017

The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee defended state spending on economic incentives Thursday by pointing to evidence the effort produces solid returns on investment. Visit Florida, for example, returns $3.20 cents for every dollar spent on advertising, according to figures (here; scroll down) from Amy Baker, state government’s top economist. Enterprise Florida’s international offices […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2017

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A Senate bill to remove the “wall of separation” between hard liquor and other retail goods won approval from a second committee, clearing it to be considered by the full Senate. The bill sparked an unexpected objection from National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer after an amendment came up banning liquor from being sold in the same […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2017

The Florida Senate and House have agreed to work together on a joint rule to avoid a “who blinks first” approach to this year’s budget negotiations. Sen. Jack Latvala, the Clearwater Republican who heads the Appropriations Committee, Thursday told the Rules Committee he was “pleased to report” House leaders had agreed to consider what’s known […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 9, 2017

Rep. Francis Rooney dismissed rumors he is considering gubernatorial bid, saying he is focused on “being the best congressman” he can be for Southwest Florida. Rooney, a freshman congressman and the former ambassador to the Holy See, said he was not considering a run for governor in 2018. “I am considering one thing — being the […]

Tag: Jack Latvala
Gus Bilirakis checks out the latest in rural farm equipment. Image via Greg Nash/The Hill.

Email Insights: Adam Putnam political committee brings in more than $2M in February

It’s official: John Legg not running in 2018

Bring on the orange juice: Denise Grimsley schedules breakfast fundraiser for March 7

Senate Appropriations votes 14-2 to OK gambling bill, now cleared for Senate floor

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

At Tampa rally for Enterprise Florida funding, Rick Scott repeatedly calls out Shawn Harrison

Jack Latvala says evidence doesn’t support House on job incentives

“Whiskey and Wheaties” bill now cleared for Senate floor

House, Senate trying to avoid budget showdown over rules

Francis Rooney says he’s not considering 2018 gubernatorial bid