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Staff ReportsDecember 14, 2018

Those close to the political operation of Mayor Lenny Curry are calling this a “momentum week.” And why not? Curry is essentially alone still in the mayoral field. Yes, there are filed opponents. No, you haven’t heard of them. And won’t, given their fundraising. Curry is on television with an ad buy. He’s talking smack. […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 13, 2018

The political cycle never truly ends and no sooner had the 2018 elections wrapped before Northeast Florida Republican candidates and committees began raking in 2020 funds. The numbers aren’t eyepopping, but with power increasingly concentrating in the GOP-dominant region, they are worth watching. Working for Florida’s Families, the political committee of budget chair Sen. Rob Bradley, […]

Jim RosicaDecember 12, 2018

A healthy but also fragile economy led the Senate’s budget chief to tell fellow lawmakers they need to be “very, very conservative” in writing the state’s next yearly budget. Indeed, with chief legislative economist Amy Baker saying the state needs roughly $6 billion in new money over the next three years just to keep up, Sen. Rob […]

Staff ReportsDecember 6, 2018

Wrap it up The year, in terms of Jacksonville city government, is nearing an end. Next Tuesday sees the final City Council meeting of 2018. For those interested in getting autographs, a Holiday themed meet-and-greet will also be held Wednesday afternoon. Hors-d’oeuvres will be served at the latter event. Reminder: keep gifts under $100 in […]

Phil AmmannDecember 5, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round in the Florida Senate. Off and on: Andrew Liebert and Jae Williams became legislative assistants, and Karen Whaley became district secretary for Republican Sen. Ben Albritton of Bartow. Williams previously worked for former Sen. Denise Grimsley. Whaley worked with […]

Staff ReportsNovember 29, 2018

Baseball terminology may be out of season, but no matter: this week’s developments show that all the work Northeast Florida lawmakers have done in recent months has paid off. For the second straight year, Fleming Island Republican Rob Bradley will helm Senate Appropriations. This year, a close ally is also handling the House budget. Gov. […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 29, 2018

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State Sen. Rob Bradley is renewing for the second straight year his quest to protect Floridians’ vegetable gardens — local ordinances notwithstanding. This year’s bill (SB 82) by the Fleming Island Republican would eliminate as “void and unenforceable” local jurisdiction over front yard gardens. The goal: Facilitating “the development of sustainable cultivation of vegetables and fruits at […]

Jacob OglesNovember 29, 2018

While Florida communities persistently face affordable housing issues, a trust fund to help solve the problem remains an easy pot to raid. But state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo hopes to safeguard those dollars in next year’s budget. One of the first bills filed by the Naples Republican for this session aims to protect the State Housing […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 27, 2018

Among the crop of early bills filed ahead of the 2019 Legislative Session is a push to prevent Floridians from talking and texting while operating a vehicle. State Sen. Wilton Simpson, a Trilby Republican, earlier this month filed legislation (SB 76) that would ban the use of handheld communications while driving. In the House, Boca […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 27, 2018

For the second straight year, Northeast Florida Republican Rob Bradley will chair the Senate Appropriations Committee. With Rep. Travis Cummings chairing the House’s budget panel, that means Clay County has two lawmakers overseeing statewide spending decisions for the 2019 Legislative Session. Bradley replaced Jack Latvala ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session, when the Clearwater Republican quit the Senate amid sexual misconduct […]

Tag: Rob Bradley

Jacksonville Bold for 12.14.18 — Momentum week

Early start: Northeast Florida 2020 fundraising begins

Rob Bradley says next budget needs to be ‘very, very conservative’

Jacksonville Bold for 12.6.18 — Wrap it up

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round (Senate version)

Jacksonville Bold for 11.29.18 — Payoff pitch

Garden party: Rob Bradley renews fight for front-yard horticulture

Kathleen Passidomo aims to protect state’s affordable housing trust fund

Fight to stop behind-the-wheel cellphone use will look different in 2019

Back again: Rob Bradley returns to chair Senate Appropriations