Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallFebruary 22, 2015

It’s the lull before the storm. In the spring, salmon swim upriver, swallows return to Capistrano and 160 lawmakers descend on the state capitol to decide how to spend billions of dollars. That’s next week, this week people catch their breath before a 10-week sprint of budget debates and whether to change regulations governing alcohol, […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 22, 2015

Whip out those checkbooks, Tallahassee lobbyists and PAC chairs, as the week kicks off with a handful of legislative re-election fundraisers. This will be the last full week of fundraisers for a while, as Florida law prohibits legislators raising campaign cash during session, which begins Tuesday, March 3. On Tuesday, Jeb Bush brings his all-but-certain […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 19, 2015

As it passed its final committee stop on Thursday, state agriculture officials on Thursday defended a House water bill against the idea that it represents a power grab by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. HB 7003 has backing from agriculture, business and industry groups. The bill passed the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday with three votes […]

James CallFebruary 19, 2015

Florida House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford said Thursday he favors a Charlotte’s Web glitch bill and expanding the number of illnesses covered. Pafford also sided with the Speaker Steve Crisafulli about the Scott’s administration failure to evaluate and rank applications for sports stadium grants. The Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 was to have allowed Florida’s first […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 13, 2015

When you attend a House appropriations subcommittee where a chairman’s budget proposals are being unveiled, you might expect to hear some tough questions from Democrats and Republicans. And you might be disappointed, at least by the subcommittee that deals with environmental and agricultural spending. Most of the debate I hear in the House occurs only […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 12, 2015

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When you attend a House appropriations subcommittee where a chairman’s budget proposals are being unveiled, you might expect to hear some tough questions from Democrats and Republicans. And you might be disappointed, at least by the subcommittee that deals with environmental and agricultural spending. Most of the debate I hear in the House occurs only […]

Ryan RayFebruary 3, 2015

With Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner set to term out in 2016, two Tampa Bay area Democrats are now gearing up for what should be an intriguing Democratic primary to succeed her, according to the Florida Division of Elections. St. Petersburg Rep. Darryl Rouson and former Tampa Rep. Betty Reed both opened campaign accounts for the stalwart Joyner’s […]

Ryan RayFebruary 3, 2015

With Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner set to term out in 2016, two Tampa Bay area Democrats are now gearing up for what should be an intriguing Democratic primary to succeed her, according to the Florida Division of Elections. St. Petersburg Rep. Darryl Rouson and former Tampa Rep. Betty Reed both opened campaign accounts for the stalwart Joyner’s […]

James CallJanuary 28, 2015

SStatSenate President Andy Gardiner Wednesday said he’s expecting ongoing discussions about the Department of Health rulemaking and medicinal marijuana when lawmakers convene the 2015 legislative session in March. “I have heard from some senators a frustration when you pass legislation last May and the Department is still going through its rulemaking,” Gardiner said at the […]

James CallJanuary 28, 2015

SStatSenate President Andy Gardiner Wednesday said he’s expecting ongoing discussions about the Department of Health rulemaking and medicinal marijuana when lawmakers convene the 2015 legislative session in March. “I have heard from some senators a frustration when you pass legislation last May and the Department is still going through its rulemaking,” Gardiner said at the […]

Tag: Mark Pafford
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

The week ahead: Lull before the Session storm

Get your checkbooks ready for several political fundraisers this week

State agriculture officials defend House water bill, deny power grab

Mark Pafford agrees on stadium funding act, wants talks on pot

Bruce Ritchie: Even if budget-writing is unfair, asking tough questions is key

Bruce Ritchie: Even if budget-writing is unfair, asking tough questions is key

Darryl Rouson, Betty Reed file for term-limited Arthenia Joyner’s Senate seat

Darryl Rouson, Betty Reed file for term-limited Arthenia Joyner's Senate seat

Sen Prez hearing from members frustrated with DOH's Charlotte's Web rulemaking

Sen Prez hearing from members frustrated with DOH’s Charlotte’s Web rulemaking