Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersAugust 21, 2017

The Republican primary for House District 44 may have deeply split support from top Republicans but now that Bobby Olszewski has won he’s bringing much of that together behind his special election campaign. Olszewski’s campaign announced a fundraiser set for the evening of Aug. 30 that will feature the current speaker of the Florida House […]

Scott PowersJuly 7, 2017

Faced with a potentially-serious Republican nomination challenger, David Smith dropped another $25,000 loan into his campaign for what will be an open seat in Florida House District 28. Smith’s June 30 loan was augmented by $2,963 in fundraising in June, giving him $100,855 in total contributions and loans. He had primed his campaign when he […]

Scott PowersJune 21, 2017

The race for the special election to fill Florida House District 44 got off to a big start Tuesday, the day five candidates qualified for the ballot, as Republican John Newstreet‘s campaign held a fundraiser aides say pulled in almost $20,000 and attracted a bevy of influential elected supporters. Newstreet, executive director of the Kissimmee/Osceola […]

Scott PowersJune 21, 2017

David-Simmons-Jason-Brodeur-Bob-Cortes-Scott-Plakon.jpg

Interparty, cross-house fighting over the controversial education omnibus bill House Bill 7069 is not yet over, nor are efforts to stop provisions that could spell death sentences to underperforming public schools, Republican state Sen. Dave Simmons vowed Wednesday. And the bill might face a legal challenge led by state Sen. Gary Farmer, a Parkland Republican […]

Staff ReportsJune 5, 2017

A disgruntled former employee opened fire inside a Florida awning manufacturer on Monday, killing five workers there and then killing himself, officials said. The gunman was armed with a knife and a gun but did not stab anyone, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during a news conference. Demings said the shooter — who had […]

Scott PowersApril 12, 2017

Surrounded by what’s billed as the world’s new center for tennis but yet also almost in the shadow of a failed medical research center, Gov. Rick Scott brought his plea for salvation for Enterprise Florida and VISIT Florida to Orlando’s Lake Nona community Wednesday – urging pressure on the mostly-Republican group of lawmakers set to […]

Guest AuthorApril 4, 2017

Two Orlando residents are out $8 million after a large, out-of-state corporation forced their local businesses to shut down. The local entrepreneurs were originally enticed by the corporation to open 10 Mexican-themed fast food restaurants in the Orlando area. The California-based corporation used unrealistic sales projections and profit margins to convince the group to sign […]

Peter SchorschApril 3, 2017

For the Republican-dominated state Legislature, helping the business community is a high priority. So, it’s not surprising that this Session, new protections for small-business owners are capturing legislators’ attention. Tomorrow, the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries will hear SB 750, known as the Protect Florida Small Business Act. This bill, sponsored by powerful appropriations chair […]

Peter SchorschApril 2, 2017

A pro tip for anyone seeking to curry favor with the Florida Legislature: get your facts straight — or at least know which state you’re trying to lobby. A couple of months ago, state Sen. Jack Latvala and Rep. Jason Brodeur announced supporting the “Protect Florida Small Business Act” (SB 750), which seeks to “promote […]

Drew WilsonMarch 31, 2017

House District 28 Republican candidate David Smith picked up an early endorsement in the 2018 cycle from Seminole County Commissioner Bob Dallari, his campaign announced Thursday. “Colonel David Smith is a proven leader,” said Dallari. “He is a committed conservative with a passion for service to his country and community. David’s storied military background, business […]

Tag: Jason Brodeur
Image via AP.

Bobby Olszewski HD 44 fundraiser packed with Republican leaders

David Smith pours another $25,000 personal money into his HD 28 race, topping Central Florida races

Republican HD 44 candidate John Newstreet fundraiser claims $20K

David Simmons: We’re not done yet with HB 7069

Florida leaders react to the shooting in Orlando

Rick Scott brings Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida pitch to Lake Nona

Keith Miller: Florida’s small businesses need protections in state law

Lawmakers looking to give boost to Florida’s local franchise business owners

Franchise group tweets tone-deaf opposition to ‘Florida Small Business Act’

David Smith earns endorsement from Bob Dallari in HD 28 race