Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2017

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A Senate bill to remove the “wall of separation” between hard liquor and other retail goods won approval from a second committee, clearing it to be considered by the full Senate. The bill sparked an unexpected objection from National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer after an amendment came up banning liquor from being sold in the same […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 8, 2017

State Sen. Bill Galvano Wednesday filed an amendment to this year’s “whiskey and Wheaties” legislation to “slow its implementation so it doesn’t come into the marketplace all at once.” The bill (SB 106), filed for four years running, would repeal the Prohibition-era state law requiring businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box retailers, to have separate stores […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

Even though the bill sailed through its first committee, state Sen. Anitere Flores Thursday said she would tweak her “whiskey and Wheaties” legislation to make sure it wouldn’t apply to gas station convenience stores. The Senate Regulated Industries committee cleared the bill (SB 106) to repeal the Prohibition-era state law requiring businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box […]

Peter SchorschDecember 23, 2016

The holidays are here. That means carols and cookies, brightly lit Christmas trees and twinkling menorahs, and nip of eggnog (or whatever seasonal cocktail tickles your fancy) to keep you warm at night. But the festive holiday season is also a chance for people to spend time with their family and friends, make resolutions for […]

Jim RosicaDecember 6, 2016

For the fourth year in a row, lawmakers will try to tear down the wall that separates tequila from tangelos. Senate President pro tem Anitere Flores on Monday filed a bill (SB 106) to repeal the Prohibition-era state law requiring businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box retailers, to have separate stores to sell liquor. Beer and […]

Melissa RossMay 4, 2016

A construction worker vandalized a prominent pro-LGBT mural in Jacksonville’s 5 Points neighborhood Thursday, and was dismissed. Both the “before” and “after” pictures of the mural are being widely shared on North Florida social media. The sign, which fronted the old Peterson’s 5 & Dime store, reads “You’ve been sharing bathrooms with transgender people your […]

Diane RobertsMay 3, 2016

Conservatives used to be all about lower taxes and smaller government. These days they’re all about genitals: what you do with said genitals, with whom, and where you bare them to answer the Call of Nature. The city council of Oxford, Alabama, defying both “political correctness” and the English language, declared that decent folk have […]

Diane RobertsMay 2, 2016

Conservatives used to be all about lower taxes and smaller government. These days they’re all about genitals: what you do with said genitals, with whom, and where you bare them to answer the Call of Nature. The city council of Oxford, Alabama, defying both “political correctness” and the English language, declared that decent folk have […]

Phil AmmannApril 21, 2016

The startling news that SeaWorld will stop breeding its captive orca whales and will phase out theatrical orca shows in favor of exhibits highlighting whales’ natural behaviors is an indicator of a broader trend in society. SeaWorld realized that making orcas do tricks in small concrete pools is no longer a sustainable business model. The company […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 29, 2016

If proponents of tearing down the hard liquor “wall of separation” in retail stores had a theme song, it would be, “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” Businesses organized as Floridians for Fair Business Practices want to repeal the Prohibition-era state law that requires businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box retailers, to have separate stores to sell liquor. […]

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“Whiskey and Wheaties” bill now cleared for Senate floor

Amendment would slow down effect of ‘whiskey and Wheaties’ bill

Anitere Flores: Gas stations will be carved out of ‘whiskey and Wheaties’ bill

This holiday season brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

It’s “whiskey and Wheaties” all over again

Pro-LGBT mural in Jacksonville vandalized

Diane Roberts: Conservatives’ hysteria about genitals is silly and pointless

Diane Roberts: Conservatives’ hysteria about genitals is silly and pointless

Wayne Pacelle: Florida’s politicians need to embrace ‘humane economy’

“Whiskey and Wheaties” looking dead, but advocates keep pushing