Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMarch 11, 2015

Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, says the Florida residents affected by discharges from Lake Okeechobee need to let state leaders know about their concerns. Eikenberg is at the Capitol this week meeting with House and Senate leaders including House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner. He’s trying to get state leaders […]

Brendan FarringtonMarch 11, 2015

The Republican-dominated Florida House quietly acknowledged Wednesday that gay people have the right to adopt children when they supported a bill amendment that removes a gay-adoption ban from law. The vote came five years after an appeal court ruled that the state’s gay-adoption ban is unconstitutional. Then-Gov. Charlie Crist refused to appeal the decision. While […]

James CallMarch 9, 2015

News will take a backseat to humor Tuesday night when the Capitol Press Corps presents the 60th edition of the sometimes Annual Press Skits; a tradition that began when the senior members of Florida’s political/media class were toddlers. “It’s become ingrained in the culture of Tallahassee, said Steve Bousquet, appearing in his 21st Press Skits show. […]

James CallMarch 6, 2015

At the end of the first week of the 2015 Legislative Session, the Capitol City’s newspaper printed an editorial cartoon that compared lobbyists to great white sharks. The cartoon asks which species pose a greater threat to Floridians; paid advocates or Jaws. Psychologists tell us we see what we know and what we know influences […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 5, 2015

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House Republican leaders praised a water policy bill they passed Thursday as a good start while the chamber’s Democratic leader called it bad legislation and joined environmentalists in hoping for a better version from the Senate. HB 7003 passed the House 106 to 9 on the third day of the legislative session after about 45 […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 4, 2015

Democrats questioned a House water policy bill on the floor Wednesday while environmentalists said they are turning their hopes to the Senate for a stronger bill. Supporters say HB 7003 provides a statewide approach to dealing with water issues while modernizing the water regulatory system. But environmentalists say it weakens Lake Okeechobee protections while failing […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 3, 2015

House and Senate leaders touted water policy during opening speeches of the legislative session while Gov. Rick Scott again said he’s proposing more than required under Amendment 1. And House Speaker Steve Crisafulli warned that he’s reluctant to support an increase in land-buying despite Amendment 1, the water and land conservation funding initiative approved by […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott artfully wrapped his approach to government in a cherished American value as he delivered the annual State of the State speech to open the 2015 Legislative Session. “I believe we are the best place in the country and the world to make dreams come true,” Scott said. “I call this Florida Exceptionalism.” […]

James CallMarch 3, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott artfully wrapped his approach to government in a cherished American value as he delivered the annual State of the State speech to open the 2015 Legislative Session. “I believe we are the best place in the country and the world to make dreams come true,” Scott said. “I call this Florida Exceptionalism.” […]

Associated PressFebruary 23, 2015

After years of deep cuts to environmental programs, Florida voters last November overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1, which changed the state constitution to earmark billions for conservation. But the measure left it up to the Legislature and governor to determine the details of how the money will be spent, and that has led to a heated […]

Tag: Mark Pafford

Everglades Foundation’s Eric Eikenberg presses case for land buy

House bill would remove gay-adoption ban from law

Annual Capitol Press Skits skewer Tallahassee elite

The week that was in Florida politics

House water bill passes as critics hope for better Senate legislation

House water bill faces questions, is teed up for floor vote

Session openers: Rick Scott touts enviro spending, Steve Crisafulli warns against land-buying

Rick Scott boasts “Florida Exceptionalism” in State of the State address

Rick Scott boasts "Florida Exceptionalism" in State of the State address

Florida environment to get billions, but how to spend it?