Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 23, 2017

Sen. Anitere Flores, Rep. Rene “Coach P” Plasencia, and a throng of “recess moms” spoke with reporters Thursday in support of legislation that would mandate school recess. The Senate Education Committee this week voted unanimously to approve this year’s bill (SB 78). Its House companion (HB 67) has not yet heard a hearing. It requires school districts […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 22, 2017

On Wednesday, a Florida House panel took the baton from a Senate committee, addressing a problem-riddled Auditor General’s IT audit of the Agency for State Technology. The House Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee discussed a January Auditor General report about the Agency for State Technology and State Data Center operations. Despite the findings of that […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 9, 2017

Florida’s effort to create statewide anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity received a substantial boost. On Thursday, Tallahassee tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Rick Kearney gave $100,000 to Florida Competes, the coalition of businesses working to pass the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. Kearney’s check is the largest single donation to Florida Competes so […]

Scott PowersFebruary 3, 2017

The social fallout from Puerto Rico’s multi-fasceted financial crisis must be dealt with in more immediate ways in Central Florida where so much of the diaspora is fleeing, a panel of scholars urged key Puerto Rican political leaders in Orlando Friday. Their call for concern for recognizing, assisting, and empowering Puerto Ricans settling by the […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2017

A Florida digital firm is getting national recognition as one of the best in political communications. Strategic Digital Services (SDS), is receiving notice for exceptional client work in 2016, with three projects among the finalists for the 2017 Reed Awards. SDS, based in Tallahassee, specializes in data analysis, digital media, and software development for a […]

Scott PowersNovember 8, 2016

Republican State Rep. Rene Plasencia switched districts and won again Tuesday, in Orlando-based House District 50. Plasencia, a high school teacher and track coach, defeated Democrat Sean Ashby, also a teacher and track coach at a rival high school, 47 percent to 43 percent. Plasencia, who lost the Brevard County portion of the district in […]

Peter SchorschNovember 1, 2016

New campaign finance reports are in and Democrats are still holding strong in two of Orlando’s three Senate seats, though Republican Realtor Dean Asher is still in a strong position in the Senate District 13 race. Asher added another $25,000 to his campaign account and spent just $5,500, leaving him with a little over $92,000 […]

Staff ReportsOctober 25, 2016

There’s a strong possibility Democrats could sweep all three Orlando Senate seats, though Republican Dean Asher is still far ahead in the Senate District 13 money race. The Orlando Realtor brought in another $11,250 between Oct. 8 and Oct. 14 and spent about $69,000, leaving his campaign with about $73,000 on hand. His committee, “Allegiant […]

Phil AmmannOctober 11, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Mary Kassabaum is no longer legislative assistant for Trilby Republican state Sen. Wilton Simpson. Off: Caroline Crow is no longer district secretary for Rockledge Republican state Sen. Thad Altman. On: Matthew Hunter is returning as legislative assistant for Fort […]

Scott PowersOctober 5, 2016

Political yard signs are probably not great things during a 100-mph wind and at least one candidate, state Rep. Rene Plasencia, is scurrying Wednesday to pull his before Hurricane Matthew menaces Florida’s Atlantic coast. Plasencia, a Republican from Orlando running in House District 50 — which covers far-east Orange and north Brevard County all the […]

Tag: Rene Plasencia
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

VIDEO: Lawmakers, supporters speak out on school recess

Agency for State Technology audit scrutinized by Florida House panel

Tallahassee entrepreneur Rick Kearney boosts Florida Competes campaign with $100K

Puerto Rico crisis panel brings it home to Florida

Strategic Digital Services garners national attention

Rene Plasencia wins in HD 50

Here’s where the money chase stands in Orlando’s legislative races

Here’s where sh*t stands in Orlando’s legislative races

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Rene Plasencia pulling yard signs in preparation for Hurricane Matthew