Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMarch 17, 2016

Now that the 2016 Legislative Session has concluded, state Sen. Jeff Brandes is once again hosting his popular craft beer event in St. Petersburg’s up-and-coming Edge District. The St. Petersburg Republican invites friends and supporters to enjoy his latest “Brews with Brandes” on Wednesday, March 30, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Green Bench Brewing […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2016

Nikki Haley says she’s seen what Donald Trump rallies have become of late, and surmised that accepting him as the GOP presidential nominee goes against what the party of Lincoln is all about. “I’m watching a presidential candidate who at his rally is saying, ‘punch him. He should be taken out on a stretcher. Do […]

Drew WilsonMarch 12, 2016

The Foundation for Florida’s Future highlighted a bevy of bills and budget items passed by the Legislature in a celebratory email sent out by the education advocacy group Friday. “More Florida children will get a better education – that is the takeaway from this year’s Legislative Session,” said Patricia Levesque, executive director of the Foundation for […]

Jim RosicaMarch 10, 2016

The House sponsor of legislation this year that would have benefited Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing services slammed the Senate’s inaction, saying the chamber wasn’t “interested in the free market.” State Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach Republican, talked to reporters Thursday evening with Uber public affairs director Colin Tooze and state Sen. Jeff […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 10, 2016

The Florida Taxicab Association is calling on Sen. Jeff Brandes to withdrawn a pro-Uber amendment and “respect the legislative process.” In an email Thursday, the association said Brandes has pushed “model legislation” written by the ride-sharing company Uber “as a solution for any regulatory impediment the company may encounter in Florida now or in the […]

Mitch PerryMarch 10, 2016

In what is being dubbed by critics as the “low-energy” summit, Jeb Bush is scheduled to meet today in Miami separately with John Kasich and Ted Cruz, after reportedly already meeting with Marco Rubio on Wednesday. The idea being, I take it, is that Jeb might come out with an endorsement. If he’s going to do […]

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2016

Despite the wooing of state Democrats, St. Petersburg City Council member Darden Rice says she will not leave her seat to challenge Republican Jeff Brandes in the state Senate District 24 race this fall. “I really like what I’m doing right now, and I really don’t have any interest in the job,” Rice said on Tuesday. After […]

Peter SchorschMarch 7, 2016

A proposal to overhaul archaic state regulations on Florida-based cosmetics manufacturers has gained steam from two major industry endorsements as Session winds down, though the time for the bills to move is growing shorter. The bills – HB 261 by Rep. Chris Latvala and SB 176 by Sen. Jeff Brandes — would reform a regulatory cosmetics regime manufacturers have called “unnecessary and burdensome” by cutting down […]

Ryan RayMarch 3, 2016

A proposal to stop law enforcement officials from wantonly confiscating Floridians’ property was amended and discussed in the Florida Senate on Thursday. The proposal – SB 1044 by Sen. Jeff Brandes – got a final tuneup before heading to the Senate floor for a full vote, which is scheduled for Friday. The St. Petersburg Republican introduced four […]

Brendan FarringtonFebruary 29, 2016

Police would have to charge people with a crime before they can seize their money, cars, homes or other property under bills that are now ready for votes on the House and Senate floors. Sen. Jeff Brandes‘ bill was approved unanimously Monday by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, the last of three stops before it […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

With session over, Jeff Brandes plans ‘Brews with Brandes’ event

Nikki Haley tells Pinellas Republicans that they’re better than what Donald Trump is offering

Foundation for Florida’s Future highlights expanded education options passed by lawmakers

Matt Gaetz slams Senate over tanking Uber legislation

Email Insights: Taxicab Association calls on Jeff Brandes to ‘respect the legislative process’

Mitch Perry Report for 3.10.16 – Why hasn’t the Florida GOP establishment rallied around Marco Rubio?

Darden Rice will not challenge Jeff Brandes in SD 24

Cosmetics legislation moving forward as Session winds down

Senate tees up civil asset forfeiture bill for floor vote

Florida could require arrest before police seize property