Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonAugust 8, 2017

Lake Worth Democratic Sen. Jeff Clemens raised an even $65,000 for his political committee last month, giving him the best month among Senate Democrats who have already submitted their July reports. Clemens, set to be Senate Minority Leader after the 2018 elections, brought in the money through just six contributions. The committee also managed to […]

Brendan FarringtonApril 27, 2017

Florida could become the first state to issue what’s essentially a birth certificate for women who’ve had miscarriages under a bill the Legislature sent to Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday. The Grieving Families Act would give parents the option of receiving a state-issued certificate if a pregnancy is lost between nine weeks and 20 weeks […]

Staff ReportsApril 19, 2017

An emotional and eye-opening display featuring about 1,000 shoes worn, decorated and submitted by sexual assault survivors of all ages from across the state of Florida – with accompanying stories – are decorating the Capitol rotunda through Friday of this week. They commemorate National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The […]

Phil AmmannApril 19, 2017

Child advocate and state Sen. Lauren Book‘s inspirational story will be featured in Sheryl Sandberg‘s newly launched initiative on themes of resilience through tragedy. On April 19, Book — a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who became an internationally renowned activist — will exhibit an installation decorating the Capitol rotunda, made up of more than 750 […]

Staff ReportsMarch 13, 2017

Two bills introduced in the Florida Legislature this week seek to bolster gun safety when children are involved. Cosponsored by Plantation Democratic state Sen. Lauren Book, SB 648 would establish a perimeter of safety for students around schools, as well as strengthen penalties for careless storage of firearms which then fall into the hands of […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2017

The Senate Environmental Preservation & Conservation Committee unanimously approved a bill to ban fracking Tuesday, marking a reversal from previous legislative actions on the issue. “Florida has such a unique geological make up and one-of-a-kind environment that we should not be putting it at risk by allowing fracking in the State of Florida,” said Sen. […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 14, 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 and off: Tiffany Harrington has replaced Heather Williamson as House staff director of the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining. On: Teri Cariota, formerly an aide to former Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 24, 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 and off: Charles Smith, previously district secretary for Broward County Republican Rep. George Moraitis, is now his legislative assistant. On: Dennis Ragosta is the new district secretary for Ocala Republican Rep. Charlie […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 5, 2017

New state Sen. Lauren Book, who’s eight months pregnant with twins, also has filed legislation to exempt diapers and baby wipes from the state’s 6 percent sales tax. Book, a Broward County Democrat, filed her bill (SB 252) Thursday. A similar provision was filed last month by House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz of Tampa. The 32-year-old lawmaker, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 22, 2016

Senate President Joe Negron can drop the “designate” from his title. Florida senators voted unanimously to elect Negron as the 87th president of the Florida Senate during its organizational meeting. “There’s one thing about Joe Negron, he’s always respectful and kind. He truly cares about those that he represents. While Joe is thoughtful and considerate, […]

Tag: Lauren Book

Jeff Clemens adds $65K in committee cash

Florida passes bill to issue certificates for miscarriages

Shoes are stark reminders of sexual abuse

Lauren Book unveils display on resilience, triumph over sexual abuse in Capitol rotunda

Lauren Book, Joe Geller file bills seeking higher penalties for guns at school, boost firearm safety

Senate committee unanimously approves bill to ban fracking

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Soon-to-be new mom Lauren Book wants diapers exempt from sales tax

Joe Negron formally elected as Senate president