Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallMarch 9, 2015

It was a day of testing at the state Capitol. The House Education Committee took about an hour to dispose of an overhaul of Florida’s school accountability system. The measure reducing testing and allowing an earlier start date of the school year sailed through with a few concerns expressed and a unanimous vote. While the […]

Associated PressMarch 9, 2015

Florida’s top law enforcement agency is investigating cyber-attacks that caused several school districts to suspend standardized tests. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Education announced the investigation Monday, a week after school districts started reporting problems with the tests. Administrators were having problems logging into the testing system and some students […]

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2015

Florida lawmakers last year approved a plan to set aside $7 million in sales-tax revenue to help pay for building or renovating sports stadiums. Last month, though, the Joint Legislative Budget Commission punted on the decision on whether or not to fund the four stadium projects before them: EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Daytona International Speedway, Sun […]

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2015

In a survey of U.S. CEOs choice of best and worst states for business last year, Florida ranked second, finishing just behind Texas. “We’ve learned from Texas how to tell our story better and it helps that we’ve cut taxes 25 times, by about $400 million,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott told Chief Executive Magazine. “When companies like Hertz, Amazon, […]

Phil AmmannMarch 9, 2015

Florida’s largest medical trade group is showing just how much the state’s doctors care about their friends, neighbors, and fellow residents. The Florida Medical Association, which represents more than 20,000 physicians statewide, on Monday unveiled “FMA Cares,” a new initiative highlighting how medical professionals give back to local communities. FMA Cares will feature a series of […]

Phil AmmannMarch 9, 2015

Two major pro-business groups, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association are calling for renewal of the gambling agreement between state lawmakers and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. In a television ad released Monday, Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Chamber and Carol Dover, president and CEO of the restaurant […]

Phil AmmannMarch 9, 2015

Florida’s largest electric utility is asking the state for permission to cut energy bills for most of its 4.7 million customers. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today filed updated fuel cost projections for 2015 with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), requesting to reduce customer rates beginning May 1, thanks primarily to projected savings on natural […]

Phil AmmannMarch 9, 2015

Florida’s largest electric utility is asking the state for permission to cut energy bills for most of its 4.7 million customers. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today filed updated fuel cost projections for 2015 with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), requesting to reduce customer rates beginning May 1, thanks primarily to projected savings on natural […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 9, 2015

The war on designer drugs no longer is limited to synthetic substances. Kratom — an herb derived from the leaf of a tropical tree indigenous to areas of Southeast Asia — has been gaining popularity in kava bars and smoke shops as the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency labeled it as substance of growing concern. It […]

James CallMarch 9, 2015

News will take a backseat to humor Tuesday night when the Capitol Press Corps presents the 60th edition of the sometimes Annual Press Skits; a tradition that began when the senior members of Florida’s political/media class were toddlers. “It’s become ingrained in the culture of Tallahassee, said Steve Bousquet, appearing in his 21st Press Skits show. […]

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The day that was in Florida Politics — March 9

State investigates cyber-attack on school testing program

Obama budget would bar tax-exempt bonds to finance stadiums

St. Petersburg exec extols virtues of doing business in Florida

New “FMA Cares” campaign extols doctors’ charitable work

New TV ad aims to extend Seminole Gaming Compact

Florida Power & Light asks PSC to lower consumer energy bills

Florida Power & Light asks PSC to lower consumer energy bills

Senate committee schedules kratom legislation

Annual Capitol Press Skits skewer Tallahassee elite