Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersMarch 30, 2018

In anticipation of Gov. Rick Scott‘s entry as the leading Republican candidate in this year’s U.S. Senate race, Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto and state Sen. Gary Farmer on Friday accused him of avoiding responsibility in the Hollywood Hills, Parkland, and Florida International University tragedies. “There is a stark contrast in how each man takes responsibility […]

Peter SchorschMarch 29, 2018

The response to the first two editions of “Not Just A Body of Water” has been so phenomenal, we worked hard to get one more edition out before the Easter holiday. No Spring Break here. If there’s one theme that’s dominating the local political scene, it’s chessboarding. Candidates are either getting ready to jump into […]

Scott PowersMarch 29, 2018

Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio‘s reluctance to give full-throated support for Gov. Rick Scott‘s anticipated run for Florida’s other U.S. Senate seat is becoming an issue in the Republican primary contest between Scott Sturgill and Mike Miller in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. The congressional campaign for Sturgill, a businessman from Sanford, is criticizing Rubio’s loyalty, […]

Peter SchorschMarch 28, 2018

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham said Tuesday that Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet need to bring back the voting rights restoration process implemented by Gov. Reubin Askew and used by her father, Gov. Bob Graham. Graham’s demand came after a federal judge blocked Florida’s “fatally flawed” process of restoring voting rights and gave Scott […]

Peter SchorschMarch 27, 2018

It’s a great time to be Philip Levine, the former mayor of Miami Beach who is now the for-sure front-runner for the Democratic nomination in Florida’s wide-open gubernatorial race. The latest poll — the second in a week — shows Levine leading former congresswoman Gwen Graham and way ahead of Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. Entrepreneur […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 26, 2018

A new state law could mean harsher penalties for animal abusers. Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill on Friday that bumps animal cruelty to a level 5 offense up from level 3, meaning convicted offenders are more likely to serve prison time (selling cocaine also is a level 5 offense). The change comes into effect […]

Peter SchorschMarch 26, 2018

While many students (and their parents) throughout Tampa Bay are enjoying a Spring Break, there’s no break in the news for local political aficionados. In fact, the next few weeks will see a flurry of activity as incumbent lawmakers make the rounds at legislative wrap-up events (like the one hosted by the Greater Tampa Chamber […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 26, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott‘s office saw a changing of the chief of staff position Monday, presaging what Scott says is a “big announcement” on Facebook Live on April 9. Brad Piepenbrink takes over as Chief of Staff. Jackie Schutz Zeckman “resigned yesterday and will be pursuing other opportunities,” according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. Schutz Zeckman is […]

Staff ReportsMarch 24, 2018

One of the state’s premier breweries just got a lot closer to the Capitol. Proof Brewing Company announced this week it would move its operations to an old Coca-Cola Bottling Company building on South Monroe Street, within walking distance of downtown Tallahassee and Cascades Park. The brewery is now housed in a former warehouse in […]

Drew WilsonMarch 23, 2018

The University of Florida announced Friday that Morteza “Mori” Hosseini was elected chairman of its Board of Trustees. Hosseini will succeed Bill Heavener when his term as chair ends in June. Heavener has chaired the board since 2016. “Our new Board Chair exemplifies the leadership, vision and guidance that will be key to moving the […]

Tag: Rick Scott
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Democrats portraying Rick Scott as unaccountable in tragedies

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 3.29.18

Marco Rubio’s decision not to campaign for Rick Scott becoming an issue in congressional race

Gwen Graham: Rick Scott and Cabinet should take a page from Reubin Askew

Phil Levine comes to the ‘burg; here are a few first impressions

Florida strengthens animal cruelty laws

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing on Tampa Bay politics — 3.26.18

Chief of staff shake-up in Governor’s office suggests Rick Scott Senate run imminent

Takeaways from Tallahassee — A brewer gets bigger

Mori Hosseini elected chair of University of Florida board