Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 15, 2017

Kim McDougal is leaving as Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief of staff effective July 1, according to a Monday press release. McDougal, who’s been in the position since April 2016, “will be pursuing opportunities in the private sector,” the release said. “Over the last year, Florida had its fair share of tragic events including two hurricanes, […]

Joe HendersonMay 15, 2017

Well, I guess that is settled. House Speaker Richard Corcoran has emphatically ruled out running for the U.S. Senate, and I admit I’m a little disappointed. The thought of a bare-knuckle campaign between him and Gov. Rick Scott for the Republican nomination would have been immensely entertaining. Not gonna happen. “Those are the only two […]

Staff ReportsMay 15, 2017

A record number of tourists — 31.1 million visitors — came to Florida during the first three months of 2017, a 2.5 percent increase over the same period in 2016. Gov. Rick Scott released the latest numbers Monday at Miami’s Jungle Island. Nearly 113 million tourists — most of them from the United States — […]

Tamara LushMay 12, 2017

A “body farm” where researchers can study how corpses decompose will open next week in the Tampa Bay area with the burial of four donated bodies. Officials broke ground Friday on the Adam Kennedy Forensics Field, a five-acre patch of land north of Tampa. It’s the seventh such facility in the nation and the first […]

Peter SchorschMay 12, 2017

Sometimes, the devil is truly in the details. Consider the latest video campaign from New Republican, the super PAC chaired by Rick Scott, presumably formed in advance of the Governor’s all-but-certain bid for U.S. Senate in 2018. A pair of slickly produced YouTube videos – “If You Open Education” and “If You Open Opportunity” – talk […]

Mitch PerryMay 10, 2017

With a setting out of a Norman Rockwell painting, Florida Agriculture Commissioner and fifth generation Floridian Adam Putnam formally announced his candidacy for governor on Wednesday morning before hundreds of adoring friends and supporters in his home town of Bartow in Polk County. Harkening back to an earlier era, Putnam said “some people say that […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 10, 2017

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Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday a bill that creates statewide regulations for ride-booking companies, like Uber and Lyft. “I’m proud to sign this legislation today to make it easier for ridesharing companies to thrive in Florida and help ensure the safety of our families,” said Scott in a statement. “Florida is one of […]

Gary FineoutMay 10, 2017

With a friend and a political ally in the White House, this was supposed to be a moment of triumph for Florida Gov. Rick Scott. For years, Scott complained and criticized President Barack Obama and contended he wasn’t helping Florida. Now with Donald Trump in office, Scott has worked out a deal with federal officials […]

Associated PressMay 10, 2017

The leader behind getting Florida’s medical marijuana constitutional amendment passed last year is calling on Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature’s leaders to hold a special session to get rules enacted. Orlando attorney John Morgan posted an eight-minute video on Tuesday and said it is Scott’s obligation to convene a special session to finish up […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 9, 2017

A three-hour helicopter tour of the Everglades could prove to be key in helping secure money for restoration projects going forward. Rep. Francis Rooney took House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy on a tour of the Everglades and the Lake Okeechobee Watershed on Tuesday. The tour — similar to one the Naples Republican took Rep. Ken […]

Tag: Rick Scott
Florida's crackdown on Asian ownership is having an impact on Jacksonville ports.

Kim McDougal to depart as Rick Scott’s chief of staff

Joe Henderson: Richard Corcoran in the Governor’s race? Adam Putnam would be hard to catch

Rick Scott announces record tourism numbers, criticizes marketing budget cut

Body farm for researchers and detectives opens near Tampa

Seriously? Rick Scott’s New Republican web videos stumble on details

Adam Putnam touts Florida exceptionalism as he starts his campaign for governor

Governor signs landmark ride-sharing legislation into law

Rick Scott has a friend in White House and foes back home

Calls grow for Special Session on medical marijuana

Kevin McCarthy says he sees a ‘great opportunity to get the money’ for Everglades restoration projects