Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2015

The race to take over termed-out Republican Sen. Garrett Richter’s District 23 seat was already setting up to be a hard-fought battle between Republican Reps. Matt Hudson and Kathleen Passidomo, when the May entry of Naples businessman Gary Price brought on what will likely be an even more contentious three-way primary. Campaign finance numbers for May show Hudson is […]

Mitch PerryJune 10, 2015

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed HB 7109 into law Wednesday, a bill that makes modest reforms at the state Public Service Commission. The law limits future Public Service Commission members to three consecutive four-year terms and requires commissioners to undergo annual ethics training. The bill was weakened when the House refused to accept a Senate amendment […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJune 8, 2015

The Florida League of Cities is recognizing 36 Florida lawmakers for their dedication to ensuring home rule powers of local governments. Home rule allows local cities and counties to function with limited interference at the State level. Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala is included in the group. The League of Cities had previously announced he and […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 8, 2015

Senate budget Chief Tom Lee said on Monday the House is “doing the bidding” of Gov. Rick Scott in pushing to increase funds to Enterprise Florida. The remarks followed Sen. Jack Latvala‘s abrupt move to adjourn the Tourism and Economic Development budget conferee meeting early Monday morning just minutes into the meeting and as the House […]

Ryan RayJune 8, 2015

A day after Transportation & Economic Development budget conference chair Sen. Jack Latvala touted his open, public approach to dealmaking with the House, things got testy at a Monday morning meeting as budget offers grew further apart and the conversation was brought to an abrupt end. Committee vice chair Rep. Clay Ingram, like Latvala a Republican, began […]

Ryan RayJune 7, 2015

Tallahassee’s withering June heat seems to have made sunshine fashionable again in the Florida Capitol. As House and Senate lawmakers conferred during the weekend to reconcile their disparate budget proposals, transparency was the tool of choice for certain key budget writers. Going against the usual appropriations grain where budget priorities are wheeled and dealt among […]

Ryan RayJune 7, 2015

Two $10 million line items were at issue in Sunday’s meeting of Transportation & Economic Development budget conference panel, the third this weekend as lawmakers from both chambers of the Legislature sit down to hash out their considerable budget differences. The controversial public-private “All Aboard Florida” rail plan favored by Gov. Rick Scott made progress in […]

Peter SchorschJune 4, 2015

While Tallahassee is buzzing today with news that Jeb Bush will officially launch his presidential campaign June 15, Adams Street is also buzzing with talk that Rep. Matt Gaetz is about to draw a serious contender in the race for State Senate District 1. Bay County Commissioner George Gainer, a Republican, is expected to file to […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJune 1, 2015

Three state lawmakers have been recognized by the Florida League of Cities for their dedication to ensuring localities are able to function without too much state interference. Among the recipients is Pinellas County Senator Jack Latvala. He is one of three recipients of the League of Cities Defender of Home Rule Award. Fort Lauderdale Senator […]

Phil AmmannJune 1, 2015

Florida’s Senate Majority leadership will be holding a July fundraiser featuring a performance at Cirque Su Soleil in Downtown Disney, Orlando. As first reported by Matt Dixon in Political Fix Florida, the reception, which includes dinner and live “La Nouba” show, is on July 9; dinner at Downtown Disney is 6 p.m., show begins at 9 […]

Tag: Jack Latvala

Gary Price posts $64K in May, though Matt Hudson still in commanding lead

Rick Scott OKs modest reforms to Public Service Commission, public utilities

Florida League of Cities recognizes 36 lawmakers as Home Rule Champions

Tom Lee says House is “doing the bidding” of Rick Scott on Enterprise Florida funding

From horse trading to horse whipping: budget talks break down over economic incentives

Jack Latvala, budget writers “horse trading in public” on member projects funding

Heat, lightning in air as economic development funding flies

Matt Gaetz about to draw a serious challenger for Senate race in George Gainer

Pinellas’ Jack Latvala lauded as Home Rule hero

Senate leadership to hold July funder at Cirque Du Soleil