Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJune 6, 2017

Former state Senator Jeremy Ring, the only official candidate in the 2018 race to be Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, has just completed a book about his experiences working as a founding member of Yahoo. Ring said Monday he plans to publish his book this fall. “We Were Yahoo” will describe how the Silicon Valley-based company […]

Staff ReportsMay 31, 2017

Jeremy Ring has made it official. The Margate Democrat became the first person to throw his hat into the 2018 Chief Financial Officer race, filing to run for the statewide office on Tuesday. Ring had been eyeing the seat, and earlier this year said he would make a decision after the 2017 Legislative Session. A […]

Peter SchorschMay 31, 2017

Summer is here — well, unofficially at least. And with it comes cookouts, summer vacations, and the start of the 2018 election cycle (again, unofficially). With a tumultuous legislative session in our rearview mirror and a jam-packed election cycle on the horizon, the answers to these 14 questions (plus a fill-in-the-blank) could shape the future of […]

Peter SchorschMay 25, 2017

Rep. Joe Gruters is backing Rep. Paul Renner to be House Speaker in 2022-24. The Sarasota Republican said while he thinks everyone in the running for the position would do a great job, he felt Renner is the best person at this time. Gruters said he’s decided to make his position known because he didn’t want […]

Peter SchorschMay 9, 2017

Now that the 2017 Legislative Session is in the rearview mirror, state Sen. Jeff Brandes looks back on some big wins from the past two months. The St. Petersburg Republican is celebrating his top eight successes, which include a diverse range of issues such as renewable energy tax exemptions, statewide regulation for ridesharing, flood insurance […]

Staff ReportsMay 8, 2017

The office of Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, who is stepping down with the conclusion of the Legislative Session, has defended pay raises for his top staff as in line with long-overdue increases throughout his department. In a letter dated Thursday to Senate President Joe Negron’s chief of staff, Cheri Vancura, Atwater’s chief of staff, Budd […]

Staff ReportsMay 2, 2017

CFO Jeff Atwater is saying farewell. In an open letter to Floridians on Tuesday, Atwater recounted his achievements as the state’s chief financial officer and thanked Florida residents for their confidence over the years. “From Pensacola to Key West, and all stops in between, I have had the unique privilege of meeting your families, hearing […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 18, 2017

Two major political questions in Florida right now are predicated on the eventual decision of Gov. Rick Scott. But he’s in no rush to provide answers. One such decision: will he, as is widely expected, challenge Sen. Bill Nelson next year. Nelson, already in campaign mode, is telling reporters he’s “scared as a jackrabbit” to […]

Les NeuhausMarch 22, 2017

Orange County and state officials are making an example of a man who attempted to collect a bogus insurance claim on his car after reporting it stolen, accusing him of arson and insurance fraud. Michael Abrams, 43, is now held on $50,000 bond in an Orange County detention facility, a statement said Wednesday. Abrams is […]

Mitch PerryMarch 15, 2017

Sarasota GOP Chair and state Rep. Joe Gruters said he is a “long-shot” to be Gov. Rick Scott‘s choice to succeed Jeff Atwater as Chief Financial Officer once Atwater leaves the office in May. On Wednesday afternoon, Gruters appeared on Tampa Bay area radio station News Talk 820 WWBA with guest host David Jolly, who formerly represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District.Gruters had shown loyalty to Scott […]

Tag: Jeff Atwater

Now a CFO candidate, Jeremy Ring to publish book on Yahoo experience

Jeremy Ring files to run for CFO

15 big questions facing Florida politics heading into summer

Joe Gruters makes his pick for House Speaker

Jeff Brandes celebrates long list of legislative wins in 2017 Session

Jeff Atwater’s office defends pay increases for top administrators

Jeff Atwater thanks Floridians in farewell letter

Rick Scott still mulls Senate race, CFO choice

Officials use Orlando man, attempted insurance fraud, as example of abuse

Joe Gruters says he’s a long shot for CFO position, but appreciates the mention