Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayJune 10, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday signed into law HB 633, which creates a new 24-hour waiting period after a woman requests an abortion from a medical provider before the procedure can be administered. There was controversy over whether or not Scott would approve the law, as well as an organized effort to defeat it in the legislative […]

Ryan RayMay 18, 2015

SaintPetersblog has learned that Democrat Edward James, III is in the early stages of a likely run for the state House in northern Sarasota-based House District 72. “I’m exploring the idea right now,” said James on Friday. “Several people have reached out to me about running for that particular seat. I’m seriously considering it and consulting […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

Florida lawmakers approved a medication that could save lives during a drug overdose, with a bill now awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature. On Tuesday, the Legislature passed SB 758/HB 751, known as the Emergency Treatment for Opioid Overdose Act, which increases availability of Naloxone, a drug that immediately reverses effects of opioids — prescription painkillers, […]

James CallApril 22, 2015

Krysta is an 18-year-old Florida State University student. She’s the reason Lauren Book marches. Krysta’s abuse started when she was 6. She did not tell anyone for six years, until she first told a camp counselor, then her parents. Wednesday was the first time she has talked publicly about her abuse. “My legs are shaking, […]

James CallApril 15, 2015

As the House met in full session Wednesday morning, patient advocates were abuzz about a new amendment allowing terminally ill patients to use medicinal marijuana. Rep. Matt Gaetz tried to attach it to the bill that would create the Right to Try Act, which would allow patients to use experimental drugs and devices that have completed […]

James CallApril 15, 2015

Lawmakers are blazing at least three trails in an attempt to make medical marijuana available in Florida. The latest effort comes Wednesday when Rep. Matt Gaetz will try to amend HB 269, the Right to Try Act, to allow terminally ill patients to use marijuana under certain conditions. The measure filed by Rep. Ray Pilon […]

Bruce RitchieApril 13, 2015

Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey Jr. on Monday urged legislators to take action to protect Florida’s electric grid from a terrorist or foreign military attack. Woolsey, who was CIA director from 1993 to 1995 under then-President Bill Clinton, spoke Monday during a House legislative working group meeting about the threat of electromagnetic pulse weapons that could […]

Bruce RitchieApril 7, 2015

With hundreds of lobbyists in suits and Parrotheads in flower-patterned shirts cheering in applause, singer Jimmy Buffett urged Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature to buy land to protect the Everglades. “It’s good to be back in Tallahassee,” Buffett said before playing an acoustic version of “Changes in Lattitudes.” “It’s good to be raising a […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 25, 2015

A 2015 Legislative Session that already was busy with water bills and Amendment 1 funding just got a huge growth management bill in the House. A House subcommittee on Wednesday passed a sweeping committee substitute for HB 933 despite objections from cities, counties and environmental groups. “We’ve got a lot to consider,” Rep. Mike La […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 17, 2015

House bills that involve oil and gas “fracking” passed their first committee stop with support from some environmental groups and opposition from others and tense questioning by Rep. Ray Pilon. HB 1205 would establish a permitting program for hydraulic fracturing and acid fracturing, which are processes used to extract oil and gas from rock. HB […]

Gov. Rick Scott signs new 24-hour barrier to abortions into law

Democrat Edward James “seriously considering” taking on Ray Pilon for HD 72

Florida Legislature passes expanded access to overdose treatment drug

Lauren Book ends trek with Tally rally to protect Florida’s children

House joins medical marijuana debate this session

Rep. Matt Gaetz makes move on medical marijuana

Former CIA director urges legislators to prepare for attacks on electric grid

Jimmy Buffett tells Capitol crowd it’s good to be “raising hell for the right reason”

Add growth management to a busy legislative session

Fracking bills pass House panel after testy exchanges