Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeDecember 7, 2018

Cynthia Kelly, Gov. Rick Scott’s longtime policy and budget director, will keep her current job when Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis takes office. DeSantis announced on Friday that Kelly will continue to serve as the Director of the Office of Policy & Budget, or OPB. “Cynthia is a long-time, trusted advisor whose work ethic and dedication to the […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday rolled out two VISIT FLORIDA Hurricane Michael assistance programs to offer “critical relief and support” to storm-ravaged Panhandle and Big Bend counties. Per a media release: “The Tourism Recovery Grant Program for Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Michael Recovery Marketing Program are available to Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Taylor, […]

Scott PowersDecember 7, 2018

Melinda Miguel, former Florida Chief Inspector General under Gov. Rick Scott, will return to that post under Ron DeSantis, his transition committee announced Friday. Miguel left the Governor’s Office in the spring of 2017 after 28 years in government to run her own consulting service, the last six as the state’s Chief Inspector General, saying she […]

Jacob OglesDecember 7, 2018

As the question arises anew about whether Florida voters should elect a Secretary of State, Katherine Harris, the last person elected to the office, said it’s important to well-define the post. While she would not weigh in on whether a return to elected secretaries should occur, she did see certain benefits. Those range from board […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 6, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott rewards loyalty, and yet another example of that surfaced Thursday, when he appointed former Republican Party of Florida Chair Leslie Dougher to the St. Johns River College Board of Directors. Dougher, 55, of Green Cove Springs, is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. The board appointment culminates an interesting few years for her. Dougher, a […]

Drew WilsonDecember 6, 2018

It took more than $82 million in campaign funds for Republican Rick Scott to boot Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson from office, and more than three quarters of that cash came from two-term Governor’s personal wealth. The post-election finance report for Scott’s principal campaign committee, Rick Scott for Florida, shows the former HCA exec plunked […]

Scott PowersDecember 4, 2018

After serving two terms, Blaise Ingoglia is stepping down as chair of the Republican Party of Florida. He announced the move Tuesday, citing the support of term limits for RPOF members. Ingoglia also serves as a state representative from House District 35 in Hernando County, In 2015, Ingoglia rose to power in what was primarily an insurgency against […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 4, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott will not resign from office before his term ends, a spokesman announced on Tuesday. “When Governor Scott was elected Governor of Florida, he promised to fight for Florida families every single day of his term,” said John Tupps, Scott’s Communications Director. “Governor Scott will remain Governor until January 8th, 2019.” The announcement extinguishes speculation that […]

Peter SchorschDecember 3, 2018

Chris Kise joining Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ transition team is sure to catch some flak from Florida Democrats. After all, he did represent former Andrew Gillum confidant Adam Corey. However, there’s a case to be made that it really is just another sign that DeSantis is serious about continuing to build a highly competent and capable […]

Jacob OglesDecember 2, 2018

Broward County’s elections office continues to exist in legal limbo. This weekend alone, Gov. Rick Scott suspended Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes weeks before her already-announced departure. Snipes subsequently withdrew her resignation and vowed to fight her suspension in court. And Scott ally Pete Antonacci was named as the replacement in office. “The supervisor is being […]

Tag: Rick Scott
Buccaneers QB Teddy Bridgewater. Image via AP.

Current budget director will stay in Ron DeSantis administration

VISIT FLORIDA ponies up for Panhandle, Big Bend

Melinda Miguel returning as Chief Inspector General under Ron DeSantis

Katherine Harris weighs in on electing Florida’s Secretary of State

Back to school: Leslie Dougher scores St. Johns River College board slot

Rick Scott spent $63 million punching his ticket to Washington

Blaise Ingoglia stepping aside as Florida GOP chair

Carlos Lopez-Cantera won’t be next governor after all

Adam Corey drama aside, Chris Kise is a slam dunk transition addition

Broward controversy continues after Brenda Snipes’ unresignation