Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMay 19, 2015

As the demand for alternative and renewable energy grows nationwide, leaders in government, business and the public are more receptive than ever to developing new energy sources. Highlighting the latest innovations in sustainable energy is the Energy Summit Tampa Bay at the Hilton Carillon Park in St. Petersburg. The event, scheduled for May 29 to […]

Mitch PerryMay 19, 2015

Last Wednesday, House Republicans voted to cut part of Amtrak’s budget, less than a day after a train crash outside of Philadelphia resulted in eight deaths and more than 200 injuries. Democrats criticized Republicans, pointing to the train tragedy as a prime example of the dangers of shortchanging the nation’s transportation needs. However, the cut would apply only to Amtrak’s […]

Ryan RayMay 14, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed into law SB 7040, one of dozens of bills sent to the governor’s desk last week. Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles customers who include their emails in forms and communications with the office will now be shielded by an exemption from Florida’s stringent “Government in the Sunshine” […]

Mitch PerryMay 11, 2015

For years, attempts to revive the historic Fort Homer Westerly Armory in West Tampa became a fruitless endeavor. That changed two years ago, when the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation realized the 100,000-square-foot space on North Howard Avenue just south of I-275 could fulfill its need to have a presence farther south in Tampa than its […]

Mitch PerryMay 8, 2015

As of early Friday afternoon, the ride-sharing app Uber had gathered more than 25,000 signatures on its website petitioning state lawmakers to address regulation issues regarding transportation network companies (TNC) when they convene in Special Session next month. One influential Republican said he wouldn’t be surprised to see such legislation brought up when the House and Senate […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2015

A measure sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes aimed at increasing flexibility and lowering premiums on insurance premiums has made it as far as the governor’s office, where it sits pending his approval. SB 1094 replaced the House version sponsored by fellow Pinellas County Republican Rep. Larry Ahern. Brandes and Ahern both represent moderate coastal districts where […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 7, 2015

A bill that allows unlicensed people to carry concealed weapons or firearms on their body or in the car during emergencies and evacuations has been sent to Rick Scott for review. If approved by Scott, SB 290 would allow concealed weapons “while in the act of complying” with a mandatory evacuation order issued during a […]

Ryan RayMay 5, 2015

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The popular ridesharing app company Uber is appealing to the public for support in its effort to persuade lawmakers to include legislation to regulate its industry in the call for a Special Session. “We need your help to make sure the Legislature doesn’t go home again without taking up ridesharing legislation during the special session,” the […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMay 1, 2015

After the Florida House of Representatives threw in the towel this week, abandoning the legislative session three days early, medical marijuana was declared dead in Tallahassee for the 2015 session. That’s why the group United for Care has said screw it, and is heading back to the ballot box to give voters another go-round. “Our […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMay 1, 2015

Sen. Jeff Brandes is home from Tallahassee with the list of accomplishments this session. Of bills he proposed, at least nine are on their way to the governor for a signature. One of the bills Brandes is most excited to see make its way to Rick Scott’s desk is the Local Government Pension Reform bill. Senate Bill 242 is […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Energy Summit to highlight renewable, sustainable solutions for Tampa Bay area

On C-SPAN, David Jolly calls Democrats criticism on Amtrak funding irresponsible and offensive

DMV-collected email addresses to be exempt from Sunshine Law

Bryan Glazer gives $4 million for new Jewish center in West Tampa

Jeff Brandes says regulations for Uber could surface in special session

Flood insurance flexibility bill goes to Rick Scott for likely approval

Bill to OK lethal weapon carrying during emergencies goes to Governor

Uber wants ridesharing on agenda during Special Session

Ben Pollara puts the smackdown on Florida House over medical pot

Jeff Brandes leaves Tallahassee with impressive bill record