Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 21, 2016

Enterprise Florida was on the defensive Thursday as the state’s chief economist threw cold water on Gov. Rick Scott‘s proposed $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund. The Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development held a workshop on the proposal. Amy Baker, head of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, told lawmakers the governor’s […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 20, 2016

Nora Patterson snagged the support of more than a dozen local officials, including former Senate President John McKay, in her bid for state Senate. Patterson, a Sarasota Republican, announced the endorsements Wednesday. “I’ve worked with many of these respected local officials and look forward to again working with them in Tallahassee,” she said in a […]

Ryan RayJanuary 13, 2016

A bill to “streamline” the process for minors to expunge their criminal records bill passed unanimously in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. A pair of Tampa Bay area Republicans – Rep. Chris Latvala of Clearwater and prime co-sponsor Rep. Chris Sprowls – filed the bill (HB 147) in September. The bill would cut a break to […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Ending “balance billing,” overhauling the state’s insurance laws, and preserving a practice called “prior authorization” are among the goals of the Florida Association of Health Plans for this legislative session. The organization, which represents every health insurer in the state other than Florida Blue, released its priority list on Monday. “FAHP consistently supports legislative proposals that […]

Guest AuthorDecember 13, 2015

Last week found Jesse Panuccio resigning as director of the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Ya-a-a-wn, says the reader. Z-z-z-z, goes the reader. Pay attention! Pay attention! Here’s why: Newspapers and blogs have pronounced him a “trusted” adviser of Gov. Rick Scott. Upon his appointment as DEO leader in 2011, Scott was fulsome in […]

Jim RosicaDecember 4, 2015

One of three Senate committee leaders set to review now-outgoing Department of Economic Opportunity chief Jesse Panuccio for confirmation next year didn’t say she was sorry to see him go. “I’ve already said too much about Mr. Panuccio,” state Sen. Nancy Detert, the Venice Republican in charge of the Commerce and Tourism Committee, said Friday. […]

Jim RosicaDecember 3, 2015

A Senate panel has cleared a bill that would classify computer coding as a “foreign language” for purposes of getting high school credit. The PreK-12 Education Committee approved the legislation (SB 468) on Thursday. The measure is sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy Ring, a former Yahoo! executive. Ring, a Margate Democrat, made clear his bill would not force […]

Jim RosicaNovember 19, 2015

The selling of Gov. Rick Scott‘s $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund, aimed at revamping the state’s business incentives, continued in earnest Thursday, with promises it would allow for “cleaner deals.” The No. 2 official of Enterprise Florida, the state public-private economic development organization, presented the proposed overhaul to the House Economic Affairs Committee, saying it was […]

Jim RosicaNovember 17, 2015

State Sens. Nancy Detert and Jack Latvala delivered a one-two punch to the state’s moribund Film Office, essentially telling Film Commissioner Niki Welge she was being set up for failure. Welge appeared Tuesday before the Senate Commerce and Tourism committee, which Detert — a Venice Republican — chairs. Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, is another member. […]

Mitch PerryNovember 16, 2015

Rick Scott really, really wants the Legislature to back his reforms for Enterprise Florida, the public-private economic development organization. At the top of his wish list is a request for $250 million to help the agency lure out-of-state companies to take up business in the Sunshine State. As part of his advocacy, Scott has been recruiting […]

Tag: Nancy Detert

Enterprise Florida losing fight for $250 million incentives fund?

Nora Patterson grabs support from more than a dozen local officials

House bill to expunge juvenile records OK’d unanimously by Judiciary panel

Health-plan group releases priorities for 2016 Legislative Session

Chris Timmons: JP done at DEO

Jesse Panuccio’s road to resignation paved with Senate’s hard feelings

Senate panel OKs classifying computer coding as “foreign language”

Enterprise Florida official touts incentives overhaul

Senate panel rakes over state’s film commissioner and incentives deal

Bob Buckhorn backs Rick Scott’s push to boost Enterprise Florida funding