Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder has passed the Legislature unanimously and now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. A spokesman on Monday said the governor will “review the legislation” when received, but would not commit to Scott’s approval. The legislation is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 22, 2018

Rep. Jared Moskowitz has filed legislation creating the “Retired Military Working Dogs Program.” “If enacted, the program would allow the Department of Military Affairs to contract with a not-for-profit to provide retired military working dogs with veterinary care,” according to a Monday news release. The Coral Springs Democrat filed the bill (HB 1253) earlier this month; it has been referred […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 16, 2018

“Recovering a toddler’s body from the river, pulling bodies from a car that ended up in a canal and carrying a decapitated teen’s body across the sand who was the victim of a shark attack would certainly take a toll on anyone,” Leslie Dangerfield said behind teary eyes. She was describing the atrocities her husband, […]

Staff ReportsOctober 16, 2017

State Rep. Danny Burgess on Monday announced he filed a trio of veterans bills for the 2018 Legislative Session to address mental health and licensing issues. “I believe our most solemn responsibility as a state is to serve those who have served us,” said Burgess, a Zephyrhills Republican, in a statement. “Veterans are Florida’s VIPs, and these […]

Jim RosicaAugust 23, 2017

Medical marijuana advocate John Morgan has added three more plaintiffs to his lawsuit against the state, filed after lawmakers refused to allow marijuana to be smoked, according to court filings accessed Wednesday. Diana Dodson of Levy County, a cancer patient; Catherine Jordan of Manatee County, who has Lou Gehrig’s disease; and Roberto Pickering of Leon County, […]

Scott PowersApril 20, 2017

Republican state Sen. David Simmons sharply condemned racist and vulgar comments made earlier this week by state Sen. Frank Artiles. The behavior is nothing new, Simmons said, but he puts his faith in the Senate’s due process to determine a judgment by the body. Simmons, of Altamonte Springs, then suggested that Artiles’ behavior might be […]

Joe ReedyApril 14, 2017

Florida’s voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in November that formally legalized medical marijuana for chronic pain and other ailments, but with less than a month to go in their session, Florida legislators remain far apart on how to implement it. Bills in the Senate and House don’t agree on the details of expanding access […]

Les NeuhausMarch 20, 2017

A Florida House committee unanimously advanced a first-of-its-kind bill Monday to allow alternative treatments for veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). Treatments to be considered include music, art, horses, dogs, acupuncture, yoga and more. HB 55, sponsored by both Rep. Daniel Burgess and Rep. Frank White, looks to expand […]

Scott PowersFebruary 21, 2017

The Pulse nightclub massacre took its toll on at least one Orlando cop who responded that horrible morning and state Sen. Victor Torres said he’s convinced it’s time the state recognized Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a covered disability for Workers Compensation claims. Torres filed Senate Bill 1088 Wednesday night to make first responders suffering from […]

Associated PressNovember 29, 2016

Battalion Chief David Dangerfield‘s nickname was “Super Dave,” a moniker the veteran firefighter had earned over the years for his cheerful, get-things-done personality. The leader of a fire department dive team in a quiet Florida beach community of 15,000 volunteered for charities helping kids and families and was the 2013 Treasure Coast Emergency Service Provider […]

Tag: post-traumatic stress disorder

Bill to help first responders heads to Rick Scott

Jared Moskowitz files bill to help retired military dogs

With emotion, legislators and relatives of late firefighters push PTSD bill

Danny Burgess announces veterans legislation

Smoke this: John Morgan adds plaintiffs to marijuana lawsuit

David Simmons condemns Frank Artiles comments; calls for due process, suggests PTSD might be factor

Legislature makes slow progress on medical pot rules

House bill advances to allow alternative treatments for Florida veterans suffering brain injuries, PTSD

First responders suffering from PTSD addressed in Vic Torres bill

For firefighters, emotional stress often the deadliest enemy