Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Larry GriffinJanuary 9, 2017

Two law enforcement officials were killed on Monday morning – Orlando Police Department Master Sergeant Debra Clayton as well as an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy in a motorcycle crash while pursuing Loyd in a chase afterwards. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has said today shall be a “day of mourning.” “[Debra Clayton’s] death and her injuries, the death of the […]

Scott PowersSeptember 21, 2016

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton decried the two recent police shootings of unarmed black men – and all those that have proceeded it the past two years – as “unbearable” and “intolerable” and vowed to do something about it as president. In a speech she gave in a predominantly black neighborhood in Orlando Wednesday, Clinton […]

Larry GriffinAugust 16, 2016

With a virtual reality headset that fits snugly over the eyes, Motorola Solutions is bringing in the wave of the future. The technology, intended to usher in a new age of high-tech police work, is reminiscent of what the layman, even only a few years ago, might have called science fiction. Motorola Solutions, as a part […]

Associated PressJuly 10, 2016

The Dallas shooting that killed five officers has spurred an outpouring of support for police, not only in Texas but hundreds of miles away. Around the country, people have showed up at local departments with flowers, sent social media messages or called to say thanks. They delivered coffee, pizzas, cakes and moments of solace for […]

Scott PowersApril 13, 2016

Orlando-Police-Chief-John-Mina-and-Orlando-Mayor-Buddy-Dyer-1024x1024.jpg

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said Wednesday that his proposal to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana would give police officers a third choice between arresting or just warning people. The proposed ordinance, which will go before the Orlando City Council on Monday, creates a new municipal civil citation — a $50 penalty — for people caught […]

Mitch PerryApril 12, 2016

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is scheduled to give his State of the City this morning. Here are some things to look for in his speech. Transportation – In his 2014 speech, Buckhorn called for a funding referendum to support expanded bus service and light rail in Tampa, saying that the goal should be a referendum in the […]

Jim RosicaNovember 4, 2015

A House panel on Wednesday approved a bill that would require local law enforcement wearing body cameras to develop guidelines for their use. The Criminal Justice subcommittee unanimously cleared the bill (HB 93), sponsored by state Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat. The bill would allow the decision to wear body-cams to remain with local police and sheriffs. […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 4, 2015

A Broward County lawmaker wants his colleagues to reconsider the contentious issue of police body-worn cameras after similar legislation failed last session. State Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat, filed his bill (HB 93) on Friday. His version that was proposed last session died. “Problems don’t disappear just because legislation doesn’t pass,” Jones said in a […]

Guest AuthorAugust 26, 2015

I found myself facing some epic declarations and accusations recently: “How do you even have the job that you have?” “And you have a Ph.D. in English! How? How did that happen?” “Should you even be a librarian?” I laughed in the face of everyone’s reactions to my seeming disgrace. I like to laugh. I […]

Jac VerSteegJuly 6, 2015

A tough question facing Florida – and particularly South Florida – is: How can we combat flakka? But first, a more basic question: Why should Florida bother to combat flakka? It’s mind-boggling that people continue to take the dangerous drug. And its use apparently is increasing. Anyone with half a brain should know that the […]

Tag: police
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

Buddy Dyer calls for ‘day of mourning’ after officer deaths

Hillary Clinton: deaths of unarmed blacks ‘unbearable’ and ‘intolerable’

With virtual reality technology, Motorola Solutions intends to help law enforcement be more efficient

Shooting of Dallas officers spurs acts of kindness to police

Buddy Dyer proposes decriminalizing pot in Orlando

5 things to look for in Bob Buckhorn’s State of Tampa address

Police body-camera bill OK’d by House panel

Police body-camera bill introduced for next session

Yolanda Hood: I don’t control a lot of things – but I can control what I read

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Fight flakka with a tax on tobacco