Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaOctober 19, 2015

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In a surprise move, Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner on Monday brought up for discussion a plan to remove a Confederate flag from the chamber’s official seal and replace it with the state flag. The plan was adopted without objection during the first floor session of the third Special Session of this year, though not before several senators were […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 10, 2015

State Sen. Tom Lee won’t give up on trying to amend Florida law on alimony and child custody. On Thursday, Lee filed a bill (SB 250) to change the way divorces are handled in state courts. It marks at least the third time since 2013 that Lee, a Brandon Republican, has supported such an overhaul […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 2, 2015

At least one legislator is trying again to change the law on the state’s oversight body for public high school athletics, including ensuring that it is revenue-neutral, among other things. State Rep. Ross Spano, a Dover Republican, has filed a bill (HB 31) for next session that tweaks state law governing the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). This will make the fifth year […]

Bill RuftyAugust 27, 2015

Former Circuit Court Judge Robert Doyel announced Thursday that he is running in 2016 for Florida House District 41, which encompasses most of the eastern portion of Polk County. County Democratic Party officials confirmed last week that they were trying to recruit Doyel to run against Lakeland Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel. “I was approached about running […]

Peter SchorschAugust 26, 2015

State Senator Joe Negron this morning upped the ante in the poker game to be President of the Florida Senate in 2016-18 by releasing the names of his colleagues who have pledged their support to him. Unfortunately for Negron, this latest ploy will likely fall flat. Claiming that he has the support of “Senators who […]

Bill RuftyAugust 19, 2015

Democrats in Polk County have been working feverously to attract a local big name to one of the Florida Legislature seats they’d like to win next year. With courteous phone calls and pleasantries, the party’s selection committee has been courting former Circuit Judge Robert Doyel to challenge Republican state Sen. Kelli Stargel of Lakeland for […]

Mitch PerryJuly 21, 2015

In advance of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) national meeting which begins Wednesday in San Diego, the good government group Common Cause Florida is calling on two state lawmakers to disclose any corporate or special interest funding that is paying for state lawmakers to travel to the west coast for the meeting. ALEC meetings place business executives with […]

Mitch PerryMay 16, 2015

Although craft beer enthusiasts are happy to be able to finally live in a state that can now offer them 64-ounce growlers, the legislation was always about more than the selling of a half-gallon sized jug. One could say the half-gallon growler had become the political pawn in what had led to a fierce battle […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2015

A Lakeland hospice forced to close by the state over a paperwork error is near reopening by way of a bill passed last week by the Legislature. On Friday, both the Senate and House passed HB 441, giving Compassionate Care Hospice (CCH) on Drane Field Road access to an expedited process to reapply for its license. […]

James CallApril 20, 2015

Sen. Anitere Flores’ bill requiring women seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours after a face-to-face meeting with their doctor is on its way to the Senate floor. The Fiscal Policy Committee approved SB 724 Monday on a party-line vote. Current law allows women to decline discussing the stage of fetal development and possible side […]

Tag: Kelli Stargel
The skully pirate, otherwise known as Dennis Martin, towers over Gasparilla attendees as he walks the streets of Tampa, Fla. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (Madilyn Gemme/Fresh Take Florida)

Senate removes Confederate flag from official seal

Tom Lee will try again to overhaul alimony, custody laws

Battle over high school sports looms in Legislature

Robert Doyel announces HD 41 bid

Sorry, Joe Negron, but this latest ploy for Senate Presidency is weak sauce

Bill Rufty: A challenger for Kelli Stargel? Growing pains for Lakeland

Seven Florida House Republicans attending ALEC conference this week

Compromises led to passage this year of growler bill

Bill to reopen Lakeland hospice goes to governor’s desk

Senate panel approves abortion waiting-period