Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMay 23, 2018

Sarasota Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is rolling out another TV ad for his re-election campaign in Florida’s 16th Congressional District. The 30-second spot, “Fighting Chance,” highlights the sixth-term congressman’s record on the opioid epidemic. The campaign said it will begin airing online immediately and will hit TV next week as part of $200,000-plus ad […]

Drew WilsonMarch 7, 2018

The Senate appears to be lining up behind the sole-source continuing education requirements in the opioid bill passed by the House last week, according to a newly-filed amendment. HB 21 contains a number of provisions aimed at putting a dent in the opioid epidemic, including limits on prescriptions and new reporting requirements to prevent doctor […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2018

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More than 150 mental health advocates visited the Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to pass a slate of bills and approve funding requests covering a wide range of mental health issues, including the opioid epidemic. “Behavioral Health Day at the Capitol allows, peers, caregivers, friends and family to unite to talk about mental health issues […]

Ana CeballosDecember 28, 2017

Calling it a “small step” to save Floridian’s lives, two Democrats are pushing for bills that would require new warning labels on prescription opioid containers, spelling out the danger of overdose and addiction. State Sen. Annette Taddeo introduced her bill on Wednesday and a similar bill was filed by state Rep. Joseph Geller in the […]

Peter SchorschOctober 23, 2017

Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto and Rep. Jim Boyd, both Republicans representing southwest Florida, will file bills today to combat opioid abuse in the Sunshine State by limiting first-time painkiller prescriptions to a three-day supply. The proposal mirrors one Gov. Rick Scott made earlier this year and is also similar to a proposal backed by a drug manufacturers […]

Guest AuthorOctober 12, 2017

The opioid epidemic in Florida is wreaking havoc on individuals, families and communities. The negative consequences of this crisis can be seen across our state — in the health of our people, our schools, our businesses, our hospitals, our streets, our jails. Our state legislature has an opportunity right now to enhance its response to […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 28, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott and other elected officials said this week they would look to combat the opioid epidemic plaguing Florida by limiting first-time pain pill prescriptions to a three day supply, and Wednesday the CEO of a major drug manufacturer trade group said he was on board with a similar plan. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers […]

Peter SchorschJuly 27, 2017

Florida’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws are working as planned, putting thousands of people behind bars for an extended period in the wake of the state’s devastating opioid epidemic. While these measures aim to be tough on crime, they also come with a host of unintended consequences, including prison overcrowding, high costs and disproportionate punishment that […]

Scott PowersJuly 13, 2017

Saying that Gov. Rick Scott has done little to address Florida’s opioid crisis compared with how counties and other states are responding, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum pledged Thursday to make it a major effort. Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee, released a statement that offers several initiatives he said he will undertake if elected to take […]

Scott PowersMay 3, 2017

Rick Scott is declaring a public health emergency across Florida due to the epidemic of heroin and other opioids abuse, addiction, and overdose deaths wracking the Sunshine State. While the governor signed an executive order Wednesday following action by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which declared a national opioid epidemic, it comes months after […]

Tag: opioid epidemic
Image via Palatka Main Street.

New ad highlights Vern Buchanan’s record on the opioid epidemic

Senate keeps national accreditation requirement from House opioid bill

Mental health advocates urge lawmakers to pass slate of bills during Behavioral Health Day

Democrats push bills that would put warning labels on prescription opioids

To fight opioid abuse, limit Rxs to 3 days, lawmakers say

Melissa Larkin-Skinner: State resources are needed to address the opioid epidemic

PhRMA backs Rick Scott plan to combat opioid epidemic

An inmate’s story highlights need for mandatory minimum drug sentencing reform

Andrew Gillum pledges major response on heroin/opioid crisis

Rick Scott declares opioid emergency in Florida