Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bill RuftyMarch 30, 2016

David Charles Poulin, a Lakeland Democrat, recently opened a campaign account for Florida House District 56, occupied by Wauchula Republican Ben Albritton, who is seeking his fourth two-year term to the seat. Poulin’s entry means all five House seats in or including parts of Polk County now have Democrats running in them. That hasn’t happened […]

Bill RuftyMarch 11, 2016

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Motorists nearly always complain about the traffic on Interstate 4, but in the last two days with the Democratic and Republican primaries Tuesday, many on the crowded highway have been presidential candidates. On the Democratic side, both former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders worked Orlando, Kissimmee and Tampa Wednesday and Thursday. […]

Associated PressMarch 9, 2016

Florida health officials say they’ve confirmed the first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus in the state. Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong‘s office announced Wednesday that two new cases of Zika had been confirmed in Polk County. Officials say one instance was travel-related and, in the other case, the virus was sexually transmitted from […]

Bill RuftyMarch 8, 2016

A fourth two-year term in Congress is what U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, a Lakeland Republican, is wishing for. On Thursday, Ross, 56, made his official announcement for the post in the three counties of his 15th Congressional District after redistricting orders from the Florida Supreme Court, warning of terrorism and the national debt. “Our work is […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 20, 2016

Ed Smith has gathered enough petition signatures to qualify for the House District 41 race, the Bartow Republican announced Wednesday. “The campaign has got momentum,” Smith said. “I thank everyone who signed a card for me and I have enjoyed meeting new friends along the way.” The former Winter Haven police officer is the first […]

Bill RuftyJanuary 12, 2016

The state of Florida is sitting on a building it cannot sell, but won’t give it to a local municipality which says it needs it. In his final year in the Florida House due to term limits, Winter Haven Republican Rep. John Wood said he and members of the Polk County delegation will be fighting […]

Bill RuftyJanuary 6, 2016

Polk County business leaders and legislators are readying for a possible end run around the Florida Department of Transportation’s decision to postpone and perhaps even stop support for the Central Polk Parkway toll road … maybe a half-end run. Rep. John Wood, a Winter Haven Republican who has chaired the Central Polk Parkway Working Group […]

Bill RuftyDecember 3, 2015

Republican U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross of Lakeland said he can live with the new shape of his 15th Congressional District approved by the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday even though it cuts more of his home county out of his district. Like many Florida members of Congress, Ross’ district boundaries changed when the court certified […]

Drew WilsonNovember 18, 2015

A new camp in Polk County aims to give Florida’s disabled veterans a private space to enjoy the outdoors and the company of their fellow veterans. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced the opening of Camp Prairie Wednesday as a part of his department’s “Operation Outdoor Freedom” campaign, which Putnam launched after taking office in 2011. […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 17, 2015

An incentives deal with mega-retailer Wal-Mart will bring 625 jobs and a pair of new warehouses to Polk County, Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday. “I’m proud to announce that Wal-Mart will be creating 625 new jobs at their new e-commerce facilities in Polk County,” Scott said. “Because of our work to create a business-friendly environment, […]

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A sign that reads, Gaza Solidarity Encampment, is seen during the Pro-Palestinians protest at the Columbia University campus in New York, Monday April 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Democrats becoming challengers on I-4 again?

I-4 heavy with traffic … of presidential candidates

Florida reports 1st case of sexually transmitted Zika virus

Dennis Ross makes official announcement; running for fourth term

Ed Smith submits enough signatures to qualify for HD 41 race

John Wood says state needs to let go of Nora Mayo Hall

Maybe Polk County will build a toll road, anyway

Dennis Ross glad he’s “still living in his district” after redistricting

Adam Putnam launches Camp Prairie, outdoor activities for disabled veterans

Wal-Mart announces two Polk County e-commerce sites, 625 jobs