Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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, […]

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 […]

Tag: polk county

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

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