Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2017

While the Florida Democratic Party has called for Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala of Clearwater to step down in the wake of accusations of sexual harassment, only two of the 15 Democratic senators have followed suit. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum says that may be because of the institutional structure and the nature of relationships in the […]

Mitch PerryDecember 7, 2017

Ever since the 9/11 attacks, the nation hails firefighters and other first responders as heroes for entering burning buildings while others run away. However, in Florida, workers’ compensation does not cover mental stress injuries of first responders dealing with intense experiences. In some circumstances, PTSD is covered, but only if accompanied by a physical injury. Megan Vila is […]

Peter SchorschDecember 6, 2017

There is a scene in the always-watchable movie “The Late Shift” — a behind-the-scenes look at the network politics that embroil television executives responsible for late-night programming after 1991’s retirement announcement of Johnny Carson — in which Tonight Show producer Peter Lassally (played by Steven Gilborn) has a come-to-Jesus conversation with David Letterman in which […]

Ana CeballosDecember 5, 2017

Embattled Sen. Jack Latvala is facing yet another complaint, this time by one of his allies accusing him of interfering in a Senate investigation by using defense tactics that aim to publicly attack and shame the woman who is accusing him of sexual harassment. Sen. Lauren Book field the formal complaint late on Tuesday with […]

Peter SchorschOctober 30, 2017

Two female state senators Monday issued a powerful joint statement on sexual misconduct in the Capitol, the same day Senate President Joe Negron agreed to reconsider his new hard-line harassment reporting policy. Sens. Lizbeth Benacquisto, a Fort Myers Republican and Rules Committee chair, and Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat and chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and […]

Jim RosicaOctober 19, 2017

The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus on Thursday called white nationalist Richard Spencer, set to speak at the University of Florida later today, a “a vile, racist, carnival barker.” Spencer’s “traveling circus of ignorance-fueled hatred is inhabited by insecure clowns unable to come to terms with a changing world,” according to a statement. “His ideology is that […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 26, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Jonathan Capps became a legislative analyst for the Senate Majority Office. Off and on: Staff director Jennifer Hrdlicka has moved from the Senate Criminal Justice to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development. Lauren Jones replaces Hrdlicka on […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 15, 2017

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A South Florida senator has filed the first bill in response to the deaths of eight nursing home residents this week after Hurricane Irma knocked out their air conditioning. Sen. Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat, filed the measure (SB 284) on Friday afternoon. Among other things, it would require the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) “to determine […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 6, 2017

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Pasco County Sheriff and Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) member Chris Nocco on Wednesday filed his proposed constitutional amendment to give equal rights to crime victims. The amendment, if placed on the 2018 statewide ballot and passed by 60 percent of voters, would create a Marsy’s Law for Florida, to “bring assurance that victims of crime and their families […]

Peter SchorschAugust 28, 2017

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and state Sen. Lauren Book are joining a national victims’ rights group to ask Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission for an amendment to give equal rights for crime victims. While most states give crime victims constitutional-level protections, Florida remains one of 15 that does not. Marsy’s Law for Florida, the organization […]

Tag: Lauren Book

Andrew Gillum questions Senate Democrats’ silence on Jack Latvala

Jimmy Patronis visits Tampa to fight for first responder workers comp bill

Et tu, Lauren Book

Senator files complaint against Jack Latvala for hindering Senate probe

Lizbeth Benacquisto, Lauren Book issue statement on sexual misconduct

‘Wicked hatred’: Jewish lawmakers condemn Richard Spencer

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

First legislation filed after nursing home deaths

Chris Nocco files constitutional proposal for crime victim rights

Chris Nocco, Lauren Book backing amendment for crime victims’ rights