Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonDecember 14, 2015

Clearwater Republican Sen. Jack Latvala and South Pasadena Rep. Kathleen Peters held a press conference Monday to announce a pair of bills that would make mental health and substance abuse services more available to Floridians. Latvala and Peters’ legislation aims integrate the state’s mental health services to create a culture of access through any door, and would also […]

Ryan RayDecember 14, 2015

George Gainer isn’t slowing down his campaign for state Senate against Rep. Matt Gaetz just because Sen. Jack Latvala – who recruited him to run in the Panhandle Senate District 1 seat – recently gave up the ghost in his bid for Senate President. Gainer, a longtime Bay County Commissioner with deep roots in Northwest Florida, played on those origins […]

Mitch PerryDecember 12, 2015

Joe Negron, the Stuart-based state Senator who recently survived a marathon battle with Jack Latvala to become Senate President in 2017, has signed on as a co-sponsor Jeff Brandes civil asset forfeiture bill (SB 1044) in the Legislature’s upper chamber. The legislation would stipulate assets or property may only be seized under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act after a criminal defendant […]

Phil AmmannDecember 7, 2015

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With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – the legislative merry-go-round. Off and on: Nancy Bernier is no longer a legislative assistant for Rockledge Republican Sen. Thad Altman. She will become the new district secretary for Melbourne Republican Rep. Ritch Workman. Off: Aaron McKinney is no longer the legislative […]

Jim RosicaDecember 4, 2015

One of three Senate committee leaders set to review now-outgoing Department of Economic Opportunity chief Jesse Panuccio for confirmation next year didn’t say she was sorry to see him go. “I’ve already said too much about Mr. Panuccio,” state Sen. Nancy Detert, the Venice Republican in charge of the Commerce and Tourism Committee, said Friday. […]

Mike AbramsDecember 4, 2015

Every time I feel like I am on the verge of giving up on our current political environment, something happens that reminds me that the system will survive and work the way it is meant to. On Wednesday, Florida Sen. Joe Negron was elected by his colleagues to be their leader, Senate president. But here’s […]

Phil AmmannDecember 1, 2015

A Florida Senate committee Tuesday postponed a bill that seeks to lower the burden of proof in public corruption cases and expand the law’s reach to more state-related groups such as contractors. As reported by Lobby Tools, bill SB 582 came under harsh criticism from lawmakers on the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, who felt […]

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2015

There isn’t a name for the period of time before the calm before a storm. For now, let’s call it “last committee week of the year.” It, of course, includes a surplus of fundraising, which lawmakers can do during committee weeks but not during legislative sessions. Departing lawmakers also continue to raise cash for their post-Legislature plans. […]

Phil AmmannNovember 24, 2015

With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off and On: Nancy Bernier is no longer a legislative assistant for Rockledge Republican state Sen. Thad Altman. She is now the district secretary for Melbourne Republican state Rep. Ritch Workman. Off: […]

Phil AmmannNovember 18, 2015

On Friday, State Sen. Jack Latvala will once again join the effort to provide local families free, fresh Florida produce to create healthy holiday meals. For the 13th year, the Clearwater Republican will host a series of holiday produce distributions throughout Northern Pinellas County. Joined this year by his son, state Rep. Chris Latvala, Latvala […]

Tag: Jack Latvala
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Jack Latvala, Kathleen Peters file mental health reform legislation

George Gainer goes local in latest TV ad in SD 1

Joe Negron signs on to Jeff Brandes civil asset forfeiture reform bill

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Jesse Panuccio’s road to resignation paved with Senate’s hard feelings

Two state Senate combatants shake hands

Senate committee postpones anti-corruption bill

Tallahassee gears up for final committee week before Session

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Jack Latvala to host 13th Holiday Food Giveaway with Farm Share this Friday