Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorApril 8, 2014

Florida has always been a very conservative state when it comes to gambling. Voters rejected casino gambling three time (1978, 1986 and 1994). The state aggressively challenged the Seminole Tribe when they opened a high stakes bingo parlor in 1979. Even the state lottery was not approved until 1984. Pursuant to Article X section 7 […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 4, 2014

Greyhound racing has a rich history in Florida. The first greyhound racetrack opened in Florida more than 100 years ago. Our state quickly became the nation’s unofficial capital of the sport. Greyhound racing became one of the most popular spectator sports in America. While some of Florida’s smaller tracks have closed in recent years, greyhound […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 14, 2014

In 2010 USA Today reported that roughly 30 percent of college freshmen are the first in their family to attend college. Twenty-four percent of college freshmen are first generation and low income. Nationally, a shocking 89 percent of low-income first-generation college students leave school within six years without a degree. They leave for a variety […]

Guest AuthorNovember 10, 2013

It seems like every year a new debate arises on the latest way to “fix” Florida’s education system. The latest example is the debate over Common Core. Unfortunately, we will never truly develop a world-class school system until we discard the current piecemeal approach. True and lasting reform requires coordinated reforms that affect every aspect […]

Guest AuthorOctober 9, 2013

In May of 2010 I had the privilege of joining Maj. Gen. C.R. Davis at the Panama City Airport to welcome home WWII veterans who had participated in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. The concept of an Honor Flight is the brainchild of Retired Air Force Capt. Earl Morse. He wanted to honor veterans […]

Guest AuthorAugust 29, 2013

The vacancy in Florida’s office of lieutenant governor has caused some to question why we have a lieutenant governor. The answer can be found by looking back at history. Following the Civil War, Florida adopted what is known as the “Reconstruction” or “Carpetbag” Constitution in 1868. Seventeen years later, the voters called for a Constitutional […]

Tag: Jeff Kottkamp

Jeff Kottkamp: Legislature should be wary of turning dog tracks into mini-casinos

Jeff Kottkamp: Unreported wagers a losing bet for Florida’s taxpayers

Jeff Kottkamp: Raising tuition reduces access to higher education

Jeff Kottkamp: Six steps to a quality education system

Jeff Kottkamp: Despite shutdown, veterans should have access to memorials

Jeff Kottkamp: Having a lieutenant governor makes good sense