Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 20, 2018

House Speaker-designate José Oliva on Tuesday didn’t quite put the nail in the coffin for a gambling bill this Session—but he’s holding the hammer. The reason: Lawmakers, overrun by events, are running out of time. With less than three weeks left in the 2018 Legislative Session, the House and Senate are scrambling to come up with […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 12, 2018

The Senate made some big moves Friday in the annual legislative dance that is the negotiation for an omnibus gambling bill. The biggest move: The chamber now includes a renewed 20-year deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida for $3 billion in revenue over seven years in return for exclusive rights to blackjack and slot […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 6, 2018

A Senate committee Tuesday advanced legislation to repurpose $60 million annually for alternative transportation projects in both Miami-Dade County and the Tampa Bay area. Sponsored by Tampa Republican Dana Young, SB 1200 would use money from an existing $240 million rail fund. Speaking to members of the Senate Transportation Committee, Young explained that the money comes from Florida Rail […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate’s point man on gambling issues Tuesday said he sees “a way forward” on a grand gambling bargain—but also suggested lawmakers may have to fold ’em and walk away. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is representing his chamber as he and House Speaker-designate Jose Oliva try to land a comprehensive gambling bill that’s eluded […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2018

A lawyer for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Friday said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state and won’t agree to a new deal unless “the games end.” Barry Richard, the Tribe’s outside counsel, and tribal leaders met with Sen. Bill Galvano and Rep. Jose Oliva this week […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2018

The House on Friday dropped its 83-page omnibus gambling bill for 2018, which reads like a love letter to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and a poison pen missive to nearly all the other gambling interests in the state. Industry representatives privately admitted the legislation—overseen by Speaker-designate Jose Oliva—was a placeholder for the House to pass, […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2018

State government can’t count on continued money from Seminole Tribe of Florida casinos, a roundtable of state economists decided Thursday. After taking a pass on the issue earlier this month, the Revenue Estimating Conference agreed to label the money—over $200 million a year—”nonrecurring.” In other words, not likely to repeat. Lawmakers can still decide to count the expected funds […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

Top Republican lawmakers posted big fundraising reports for their political committees in December, with future Senate President Wilton Simpson leading the pack at $427,000 raised last month. Simpson’s committee, Jobs for Florida, took in 31 contributions from Dec. 1 through New Year’s Eve and a pair of committees chaired by Ryan Tyson – Floridians for […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2018

Calling it a “shot of adrenaline,” South Florida Sen. Annette Taddeo on Wednesday stumped for her bill to bring TV and film incentives back to the Sunshine State. Her measure (SB 1606) would create the “Florida Motion Picture Capital Corporation” to “encourage the use of this state as a site for scripted productions by providing financing to […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 9, 2018

It’s not uncommon for the House floor to look like a veritable florist’s shop on the first day of a legislative session. But now, Speaker Richard Corcoran is telling members to cool it on displays of blooms and topiary. The 2018 Legislative Session begins next Tuesday. “Only reasonably-sized floral arrangements and live plants will be […]

Tag: Jose Oliva

José Oliva’s hopes for gambling resolution plummet

Ante up: Senate files new 90-page gambling bill

Senate advances funding for alternative transit in Tampa, Miami

Bill Galvano hopeful—but not betting—on gambling resolution

Seminole Tribe ‘insulted,’ doesn’t need gambling deal, lawyer says

House gambling bill to pari-mutuels: Drop dead

‘Risky money’: Gambling dollars unlikely to repeat, forecasters say

Top Republican lawmakers added major cash in December

And … action! Annette Taddeo fights for film incentives

Richard Corcoran: ‘Reasonably-sized’ flowers only, please