Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMarch 6, 2016

Lady Lake Republican Rep. Marlene O’Toole has filed to run for the newly redrawn Senate District 12 seat, setting up a primary battle between her and fellow Republican Rep. Dennis Baxley. O’Toole currently represents District 33 in the Florida House and, like Baxley, is finishing up her last term as a Representative, though her Lake […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 11, 2016

Volunteer Florida, the governor’s commission on volunteerism and community service, gave its official Champions of Service award to two lawmakers Thursday. Sen. Gwen Margolis of Miami and Rep. Marlene O’Toole of The Villages were honored with the award in a ceremony in the state capitol. “It is an honor to recognize members of the Florida Legislature who have demonstrated a […]

Mitch PerryNovember 11, 2015

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Like his fellow Republicans in the U.S. Senate race, Carlos Lopez-Cantera will be appearing this weekend at the Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine Summit, but unlike his opponents, he’ll have a a number of Orlando-area lawmakers by his side supporting him. The lieutenant governor announced endorsements from nine Central Florida Republicans on Wednesday. They are: […]

Gary FineoutMay 3, 2015

During the recently-concluded legislative session, Senate President Andy Gardiner constantly warned about the threat to the state’s hospitals if they were to lose more than $1 billion that now comes from the federal government. There’s a good reason Gardiner understands hospitals: he works for one. Gardiner’s employment is legal, but it highlights a common practice […]

Drew WilsonApril 14, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott signed HB 7069 Tuesday, reducing the number of tests Florida public school students take as well as making changes to teacher evaluations and school year start dates. “This legislation reduces the number of tests our students take, including the 11th grade English Language Arts test that we eliminated this year through an […]

Mitch PerryMarch 20, 2015

Last week, the Florida house struck down the state’s 38-year ban on same-sex adoptions. The Christian Right in Tallahassee has vowed ever since to make sure that such a bill never makes it to Rick Scott‘s desk. On Thursday the House Health & Human Services Committee passed a proposed bill, PCB HHSC 15-03, that would allow allow […]

Mitch PerryMarch 17, 2015

The Marion County Republican Executive Committee on Monday night approved a resolution criticizing House Republicans Dennis Baxley, Charlie Stone, and Marlene O’Toole for their votes last week in support of an amendment that would repeal the 38-year ban on same-sex couple adoption in Florida. Committee members said the three representatives’ support of the measure was […]

James CallMarch 10, 2015

The House Education Committee spent about an hour Monday discussing and approving an overhaul of Florida’s testing-focused school accountability program. The measure was approved on a unanimous vote. Read a staff analysis here. Chairwoman Marlene O’Toole said this past week she wanted to get the measure to the floor as quickly as possible, and Monday […]

Tag: Marlene O’Toole

Marlene O’Toole files for SD 12 race, setting up primary battle with Dennis Baxley

Volunteer Florida awards Gwen Margolis, Marlene O’Toole with Champion of Service honors

Carlos Lopez-Cantera rolls out nods from 9 Central Florida Republicans

Florida legislators push bills tied to their private jobs

Rick Scott signs bill to cut school testing

John Stemberger weighs in on gay adoption law

Local GOP condemns Dennis Baxley, 2 others for gay adoption votes

House Education panel talks school accountability reform