Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiOctober 3, 2017

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As Hurricane Irma bore down on Florida, many residents were faced with evacuation orders — and some felt pressure from employers not to leave … or else they’d lose their jobs. A new bill from Rep. Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, would rectify that, banning such “employment discrimination.” HB 225 would protect employees from “retaliatory personnel […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 14, 2017

August historically isn’t a hot month for political fundraising, and the Irma aftermath may make some readers forget about politics. However, politics goes on — and in that context, a look at Northeast Florida fundraising, broken down by candidate category. Attorney General Rep. Jay Fant continued to struggle raising funds in August, bringing in just over […]

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 […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 6, 2017

Two Jacksonville “local bills” regarding alcohol sales and consumption were signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Rick Scott. Both bills, carried by Rep. Tracie Davis at the request of the Jacksonville City Council, make it easier to drink in public places. One bill: near the stadium. The other: at smaller restaurants in older neighborhoods. HB 1291 waives open container […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 11, 2017

March offered northeast Florida’s state legislators a window to fundraise before the Legislative Session kicked off. Some took advantage of it, such as state Sen. Aaron Bean, who brought in $11,000 via $500 and $1,000 checks on Mar. 6. The Fernandina Beach Republican spent over $7,000 in March, including over $1,000 with Wal-Mart, and $1,497 […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 4, 2017

When it comes to Gov. Rick Scott and Northeast Florida, is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? For the fourth time since the beginning of March, Gov. Scott was in Jacksonville Tuesday, as Scott held another “business roundtable” with Mayor Lenny Curry and other Jacksonville notables, including former mayor and UNF President […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 29, 2017

For the second time in a fortnight, Gov. Rick Scott came to Jacksonville on Wednesday to outline the importance of Enterprise Florida. This time, he discussed the Florida Defense Alliance, which has helped bring in grants within the last year to Clay County for academic enrichment and land buffering near Camp Blanding, and Duval via Defense […]

Mitch PerryMarch 29, 2017

Under a new bill passed Wednesday by the House Government Accountability Committee, Tampa would need to change the dates of municipal elections every four years. Changes to when local municipalities hold election days was one of a series of proposals included in a committee-written bill passed by the House Government Accountability Committee, approved easily by a 22-1 […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 29, 2017

Another round of bad press awaits House members of the Duval County Legislative Delegation on Wednesday. Governor Rick Scott will host a roundtable on Jacksonville’s Westside, discussing Enterprise Florida backed programs that “invest in Florida’s military and defense communities.” Those with memories that extend back a few days will remember that Scott was already here […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 20, 2017

When Gov. Rick Scott comes to your town to hold a “Fighting for Florida’s Jobs” round table, that means your GOP State Representatives crossed him on an incentive vote. Scott started off March in Rep. Travis Cummings‘ district, where he repeatedly jabbed at Cummings and Rep. Paul Renner for opposing Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida. Cummings was just one […]

Tag: Tracie Davis
The Yankees organization is generous with Helene relief in Florida. Image via AP.

House bill would ban firing employees who evacuate during emergencies

Northeast Florida candidates’ fundraising in August: Some sizzled, some fizzled

Special House panel will investigate Daisy Baez residency

Jax liquor bills signed into law

Keith Perry, Audrey Gibson pace northeast Florida fundraising in March

Encore performance: Rick Scott messages economic incentives in Jacksonville

Rick Scott, Lenny Curry talk economic incentives in Jacksonville

House advances bill to change Tampa municipal election dates

Rick Scott returns to Jacksonville Wednesday to push military, defense incentives

Rick Scott harangues Duval Delegation, pushes incentives in Jacksonville