Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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, […]

Bill RuftySeptember 1, 2015

A third Republican and likely to be the fourth candidate overall seeking the vacant Florida House District 41 next year filed his qualification papers Tuesday. Retired 2nd District Court of Appeal Judge Charlie Davis filed to run as a Republican for the east Polk County House seat that will be left vacant by Rep. John […]

Bill RuftyAugust 19, 2015

Democrats in Polk County have been working feverously to attract a local big name to one of the Florida Legislature seats they’d like to win next year. With courteous phone calls and pleasantries, the party’s selection committee has been courting former Circuit Judge Robert Doyel to challenge Republican state Sen. Kelli Stargel of Lakeland for […]

Diane RobertsAugust 18, 2015

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – They stamp their feet, they scream till they’re sick, and hold their breath till they’re blue. They act like 5-year-olds caught with their grotty little paws in the cookie jar, their faces covered in crumbs, as they swear they didn’t do anything wrong. The Special – or Remedial – Session. While all […]

Diane RobertsAugust 17, 2015

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – They stamp their feet, they scream till they’re sick, and hold their breath till they’re blue. They act like 5-year-olds caught with their grotty little paws in the cookie jar, their faces covered in crumbs, as they swear they didn’t do anything wrong. The Special – or Remedial – Session. While all […]

Martin DyckmanJuly 13, 2015

While thinning files last week, I came across one labeled “Crist” and wondered whether to dump it. After successive losses for the U.S. Senate and for governor again, hadn’t Charlie reached the end of the line? No, I thought, something will happen to bring him back. The next day, something did. It was the Florida […]

Martin DyckmanJuly 13, 2015

While thinning files last week, I came across one labeled “Crist” and wondered whether to dump it. After successive losses for the U.S. Senate and for governor again, hadn’t Charlie reached the end of the line? No, I thought, something will happen to bring him back. The next day, something did. It was the Florida […]

Phil AmmannApril 20, 2015

A Lakeland hospice threatened with closing by the state, could be saved by a bill making its way through the Legislature. On Tuesday, Estero Republican Rep. Ray Rodrigues will introduce an amendment to HB 441, with legislative language to help Compassionate Care Hospice on Drane Field Road to continue serving terminally ill patients. This year, the […]

Tag: polk county
Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of providing emergency drinking water and supplies for disaster relief efforts.

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

Bill Rufty: A 4th candidate for HD 41

Bill Rufty: A challenger for Kelli Stargel? Growing pains for Lakeland

Diane Roberts: Democracy in Florida remains lost in spite of new maps

Diane Roberts: Democracy in Florida remains lost in spite of new maps

The irony of how redistricting has resurrected Charlie Crist

Martin Dyckman: Redistricting irony: The resurrection of Charlie Crist

Amended House bill may save Lakeland hospice