Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressFebruary 18, 2016

The heads of 10 Florida state agencies will keep their jobs. The Florida Senate voted Thursday to confirm top officials appointed by Gov. Rick Scott. They also confirmed Rick Swearingen who was appointed the head of Florida’s law-enforcement agency by Scott and members of the Florida Cabinet. The vote was important because state law would […]

Ryan RayFebruary 16, 2016

The Senate Health Policy Committee on Tuesday gave the nod to state Surgeon General John Armstrong. Members granted him confirmation to extend his tenure as head of the state’s health care apparatus, but just barely by a 5-4 vote Armstrong has been under heightened scrutiny in Tallahassee because of recent public failures in the state’s health […]

Staff ReportsOctober 2, 2015

This past week the Florida Department of Health celebrated World Heart Day with 5K Walk/Runs and Hands-Only™ CPR trainings held in every county. Statewide, the department engaged with nearly 50,000 people across Florida to create heart healthy environments. “This week we saw a tremendous response from Floridians across the state taking action to keep hearts […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 17, 2015

Dr. John Armstrong, Florida’s surgeon general and Health Department secretary, on Thursday said he has colon cancer and will be undergoing surgery Friday. Armstrong, appointed in 2012, disclosed his diagnosis in a note to department employees. “We all know health is personal, and today I need to share with you how it is impacting my […]

Peter SchorschAugust 30, 2015

Starting in September, Florida’s Department of Health will be under new leadership. Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong announced the promotion of Alexis Lambert to Chief of Staff, moving Jennifer Tschetter to Chief Operating Officer, and Nathan Dunn will become Deputy Chief Operating Officer. All three appointments begin September 11. “Leadership excellence remains a hallmark of […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 15, 2015

The “Spotlight Transparency Tour” starts in Tampa on Wednesday with at least two local hospital executives and Marty Makary, medical doctor and author of Unaccountable: What Hospitals Won’t Tell You and How Transparency Can Revolutionize Health Care, slated to address Gov. Rick Scott‘s blue ribbon commission on the subject. Makary, associate professor of health policy […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 11, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott named nine people to the newly created healthcare and hospital board on Monday, steering clear of appointing anyone to the commission who is affiliated with a hospital. One medical doctor serves on the commission. Many of the commission members Scott appointed have made campaign contributions to Scott, the governor’s political committee, Let’s […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 4, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday reappointed 14 men and women as directors of state agencies despite the Florida Senate refusing to confirm them during the Legislative Session. The agencies run the gamut from Department of Economic Opportunity to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to the State Technology Agency. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner […]

James CallApril 29, 2015

When the Senate broke for lunch on Wednesday, Sen. Rob Bradley engaged the Capitol Press Corps in a discussion of dead bills, a broken session and the Senate health care proposal to provide coverage to uninsured workers. Q: SPB 7066, a rewrite of the medicinal marijuana law died yesterday. Do you intend to bring it […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 29, 2015

With little fanfare, the Senate on Wednesday approved appointees to the boards of medicine, nursing, podiatry, dentistry, chiropractic medicine and physical therapy, among others. The boards are located within the Florida Department of Health and are charged with regulating health care professionals. The Senate had not, however, moved to confirm the Secretary of the Florida […]

Tag: John Armstrong

Florida Senate confirms 10 agency heads appointed by Rick Scott

Senate panel narrowly votes to confirm Scott admin Surgeon General

Nearly 50,000 Floridians participate in Dept. of Health World Heart Day events

State’s surgeon general says he has colon cancer

Florida Dept. of Health unveiling new leadership team; Alexis Lambert named Chief of Staff

Physician-writer to help debut health care panel’s traveling “transparency tour”

9 appointments made to new health care, hospital commission

Rick Scott reappoints 14 agency heads after Senate snub

Rob Bradley talks pot, Rick Scott and the people’s business

Senate OKs DOH appointees, but not chief