Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJuly 21, 2016

The last time supporters of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio gathered in Tallahassee it was to “bring the family together” in advance of Super Tuesday and update supporters on how they could help the then-presidential candidate’s White House bid. That was before Donald Trump won the Florida primary and dashed Rubio’s hopes — for now — of moving to 1600 […]

Jim RosicaJuly 21, 2016

Boyd Gaming Corp., which bills itself as “one of the largest and most successful casino entertainment companies in the United States,” has ended its relationship with its Tallahassee-based lobbyists. Lobbying registration records accessed Thursday show the casino company’s representation by The Mayernick Group was “canceled” last Monday. Firm principal Frank Mayernick declined comment and Boyd spokesman David Strow did […]

Peter SchorschApril 28, 2016

Were it not for Nicholas V. Iarossi, I may very well have won election as student body president at Florida State University. During my time on college, I probably was the most involved Greek (fraternity, not nationality) guy on campus. By my senior year, my ego told me I deserved to be SG president. I […]

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

The future of Florida’s aviation fuel taxation regime is set for a major overhaul on July 1, if Gov. Rick Scott signs an omnibus tax bill into law as expected. For the state’s largest air carriers, that’s a good thing indeed. The bill removes exemptions to the state’s jet fuel tax, which currently apply to once-upstart carriers like Southwest […]

Jim RosicaMarch 4, 2016

Just as it always does in recent years, a legislative effort to revisit the state’s gambling laws bloated and sank in the waning days of this year’s Legislative Session. After months of negotiations a proposed new “Compact” – a gambling agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida – failed Friday when the […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

This is one of two gambling stories in advance of the 2016 Legislative Session. For a separate preview focussing on the Seminole Compact, click here. A big gambling overhaul bill won’t be on the menu this legislative session, but expect a swirl of other gaming-related topics to bubble up, including fantasy sports play and creating a state gambling commission. One […]

Associated PressDecember 8, 2015

Want a sure bet? The gambling agreement between Gov. Rick Scott and the Seminole Tribe is going to face changes during the next three months – if it’s approved at all. The deal signed Tuesday calls for a guaranteed $3 billion over seven years for Florida in exchange for the state agreeing to limit the […]

Peter SchorschDecember 1, 2015

The Everglades Foundation, Audubon Florida, the Nature Conservancy, and the H2O Coalition of the Associated Industries of Florida. What do all of these political players have in common? They scored a massive victory Tuesday all thanks to the Florida House of Representatives. A loud symphony of applause came in the form of a three-page news release where countless groups praised and thanked […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 23, 2015

Like so many others, I am really worried about my friend Nick Iarossi, one of the founders of the lobbying firm Capital City Consulting. As Jim Rosica reported Tuesday, gambling giant Las Vegas Sands is abandoning its push for a destination casino resort in Florida. Part of thie move includes Sands canceling its contract with […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 23, 2015

The Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s decision to abandon efforts to build a destination casino in Florida is “good news,” says an anti-gambling group. The No Casinos organization in Orlando sent out a press release Tuesday night saying the Sands’ “so-called ‘integrated resort,’ which is industry-speak for giant casino, would (have caused) economic harm to small […]

Tag: Nick Iarossi
Sleek F1 machine poised for Miami Grand Prix amid star-studded parties and high-speed action.

Marco Rubio’s major Tallahassee fundraiser planned for August 22

Boyd Gaming cancels Florida lobbying contract

Debuting today: The latest edition of INFLUENCE Magazine featuring this year’s ‘Golden Rotunda’ winners

Jet fuel tax changes set to become law July 1, barring unlikely veto

Sunshine State gambling #fails: A short history

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Gambling issues move from spotlight to supporting role

Gambling deal with Seminole Tribe still has long way to go

Environmental community scores big in Florida House on Tuesday

Poor Nick Iarossi: What will top lobbyist do after losing Las Vegas Sands as a client?

Anti-casinos group ‘vigilant’ despite Sands leaving