Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallApril 1, 2015

This day at the state Capitol things began to happen. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson was in the House and Senate warning lawmakers that Washington wasn’t bluffing about ending a federal reimbursement program for safety-net hospitals. Nelson met with both Senate President Andy Gardiner and Speaker Steve Crisafulli. Concerning the Low Income Pool question, Nelson said, […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

At an elaborate ceremony he acknowledged seemed as much a church revival as a political event, Bob Buckhorn was sworn in to his second term as Tampa’s mayor Wednesday. Buckhorn took office again with most people understanding that if things go his way, he won’t be be mayor four years from now. Instead, he would be […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

It was over in less than a minute. The much anticipated vote for Tampa City Council chairman was decided quickly Wednesday afternoon, as the newly sworn-in council picked Frank Reddick to be their chairman for the next year. As expected, it was a close vote, with Reddick defeating current chair Charlie Miranda on a 4-3 vote. […]

James CallApril 1, 2015

A Charlotte’s Web fix cleared its second Senate committee this week while drawing fire from patient advocates and black farmers for failing to increase permissible THC levels and discriminatory licensing requirements. Sen. Rob Bradley is asking his colleagues to keep the bill, SB 7066, moving while he continues discussions with stakeholders. Patient advocates’ concerns about the state’s inability […]

James CallApril 1, 2015

A Charlotte’s Web fix cleared its second Senate committee this week while drawing fire from patient advocates and black farmers for failing to increase permissible THC levels and discriminatory licensing requirements. Sen. Rob Bradley is asking his colleagues to keep the bill, SB 7066, moving while he continues discussions with stakeholders. Patient advocates’ concerns about the state’s inability […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

Talks to secure a preliminary accord that would limit Iran’s nuclear program continued Wednesday in Lausanne, Switzerland, a day after negotiators extended the March 31 deadline. There is tremendous pressure on the Obama administration, with members of Congress already prepared to denounce an agreement between the P+1 nations and Iran that has yet to be finalized. A […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

Speaking to talk-show host Bill Bunkley on Tuesday, Ocala House Republican Dennis Baxley stood by his decision to reverse his vote on the gay adoption issue. He initially voted for HB 7013, which would provide incentives to state workers who adopt children from foster care — while also repealing part of state law that in […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

Speaking to talk-show host Bill Bunkley on Tuesday, Ocala House Republican Dennis Baxley stood by his decision to reverse his vote on the gay adoption issue. He initially voted for HB 7013, which would provide incentives to state workers who adopt children from foster care — while also repealing part of state law that in […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

The St. Petersburg City Council won’t be voting on that newly revised agreement that Mayor Rick Kriseman worked out with the Tampa Bay Rays last week that seemed to resolve the main conflict in why the Council didn’t approve the deal last December: the redevelopment rights to Tropicana Field. The new deal the mayor negotiated […]

James CallMarch 31, 2015

This day at the state Capitol lawmakers continue to clear their desks of items before getting down to serious budget work. They dealt with the contentious issues of marijuana, abortion and fracking before having to deal with the $4.2 billion of really contentious differences in the spending plans they are developing. • • • Sen. Garrett […]

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Image via AP.

The day that was in Florida politics — April 1

In inaugural speech, Bob Buckhorn hints at bigger things for Tampa, himself

Tampa City Council picks Frank Reddick to be new chairman

Charlotte’s Web at session halftime: New issues bloom while families wait

Charlotte's Web at session halftime: New issues bloom while families wait

House panel votes to urge more sanctions on Iran

Dennis Baxley on gay adoption reversal: “I simply can’t affirm homosexuality”

Dennis Baxley on gay adoption reversal: "I simply can't affirm homosexuality"

Mitch Perry Report for 4.1.15 — TBT slams city council members over Rays impasse

The day that was in Florida politics — March 31