Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonApril 2, 2018

Ormond Beach Republican Rep. Tom Leek picked up two Democratic challengers this week in his re-election campaign for the Volusia County based seat. Katie Tripp filed for the seat on Wednesday, and was followed by Brandon Schwedes, who put in his paperwork Thursday. The pair join Leek and Libertarian Party candidate Joseph Hannoush in the […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 26, 2018

A new state law could mean harsher penalties for animal abusers. Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill on Friday that bumps animal cruelty to a level 5 offense up from level 3, meaning convicted offenders are more likely to serve prison time (selling cocaine also is a level 5 offense). The change comes into effect […]

Michael MolineFebruary 14, 2018

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A bill OK’d Wednesday would clear the way for a likeness of Florida educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune to replace one of a Confederate general representing Florida in the U.S. Capitol. The House Appropriations Committee unanimously cleared the measure (HB 139), making it available for the floor. The Senate version (SB 472) also cleared the floor […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2018

Rep. Kathleen Peters‘ attempt to amend an House ethics reform bill resulted in virtual fireworks Thursday, with a prominent lobbyist saying Peters was targeting him and a lawmaker bemoaning “political gymnastics” that temporarily gummed up the measure. One of Peters’ amendments would have banned sitting lawmakers and their immediate family members from working for lobbying firms. The […]

Peter SchorschNovember 4, 2017

After a puppy was beaten to death in Volusia County earlier this year, the fight to give animal abusers harsher penalties is gaining momentum at the state Capitol. And if passed, those who are convicted could be banned from owning or contacting animals. It all began in April when neighbors heard a racket coming from […]

Jim RosicaOctober 12, 2017

The House’s ethics panel on Thursday set a Dec. 4 hearing on a charge that Democratic Miami-Dade Rep. Daisy Baez doesn’t live in the district she was elected to represent. The Public Integrity and Ethics Committee will conduct an evidentiary hearing “somewhat like a court trial,” said chair Larry Metz, a Yalaha Republican. “You’re trying to […]

Jim RosicaOctober 10, 2017

A House investigative panel Tuesday found that Miami-Dade Rep. Daisy Baez likely broke member residency rules. The Select Committee on Member Conduct decided to refer Baez’s case to the Public Integrity and Ethics Committee for the equivalent of a trial. A finding of “probable cause,” required for further proceedings, means it is more likely than not that a violation […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 24, 2017

Whether Democratic state Rep. Daisy Baez actually lives in South Florida’s House District 114 will be investigated by a select House subcommittee on member conduct. A Thursday memo from Speaker Richard Corcoran agreed there is “probable cause” for an inquiry, in response to an earlier memo earlier from Rep. Larry Metz, chair of the Public Integrity and Ethics Committee. The […]

Drew WilsonAugust 21, 2017

Republican HD 89 candidate Matt Spritz announced another wave of legislative endorsements Monday got his campaign to replace term-limited Rep. Bill Hager in the Palm Beach County seat. Northeast Florida Reps. Bobby Payne and Tom Leek added their names to the list of sitting legislators supporting Spritz, which also includes Byron Donalds, Alex Miller, and […]

Guest AuthorJune 16, 2017

The Associated Builders and Contractors and our 2,500 members are pleased to report that new legislation will now strengthen competition and reduce abusive litigation in Florida’s multibillion commercial and public construction markets. We also want to thank Gov. Rick Scott for his support of these two pro-business, pro-consumer bills. With the help of Rep. Jayer […]

Tag: Tom Leek

Tom Leek faces two Democrats in HD 25 re-election bid

Florida strengthens animal cruelty laws

Mary McLeod Bethune statue proposal heading to House floor

‘Political gymnastics’: House panel kills Kathleen Peters’ ethics proposals

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Seeking justice for puppies

House ethics panel sets trial in Daisy Baez residency case

Daisy Baez residency investigation moves to trial

Special House panel will investigate Daisy Baez residency

HD 89 candidate Matt Spritz touts more endorsements from GOP lawmakers

Carol Bowen: Florida construction marketplace healthier thanks to new legislation