Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaAugust 31, 2015

A proposed constitutional amendment allowing medical pot now has the amount of signatures needed for Supreme Court review, the next step toward getting on the 2016 ballot. Late Monday, the state Division of Elections website showed the amendment had 73,713 valid signatures. Medical marijuana got more than a million signatures overall last time, but an initiative actually needs 683,149 verified […]

Mitch PerryAugust 27, 2015

Along with an effort to legalize medical marijuana that could be on the 2016 ballot in Florida next year, there could also be another constitutional amendment: This one calls for the outright legalization of marijuana in the Sunshine State. Organizers and supporters of the Sensible Florida PAC will hold a news conference in Fort Lauderdale on Friday […]

Mitch PerryAugust 22, 2015

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Florida Democratic Party consultant and lobbyist Ben Pollara says he “loves Joe Biden,” but that ardor does not translate into him hoping the Vice President opts to take the leap into the 2016 presidential sweepstakes. Along with his pal Brian Franklin, Pollara created a Facebook page called, “Draft Joe Biden for VP for 8 more years” last month. “If […]

Phil AmmannAugust 14, 2015

Although a state lawmaker is trying to expand the low-potency pot already legal in Florida, it might be too little to do any real good for medical marijuana supporters. The problem is not the law, they say. It is political gridlock. This week, Republican state Rep. Greg Steube filed HB 63, an effort to expand […]

Frank TorresAugust 14, 2015

Members of United for Care staked out the steps of the Orange County Courthouse on Monday afternoon, collecting petitions and promoting its platform to make medical marijuana legal in the state of Florida. The new effort comes nearly a year after voters failed to pass Amendment 2, coming 2 percent short of the 60 percent necessary […]

Mitch PerryAugust 12, 2015

Last month marked the 30th anniversary of the legendary Live-Aid concerts that took place in Philadelphia and London. One of the breakout stars of that historic occasion, Boy George, apparently will be in the Tampa Bay area this weekend. That’s right: Culture Club is headlining a group of ’80s and ’90s bands that will be […]

Mitch PerryAugust 11, 2015

For years, Marco Rubio has been very clear on the campaign trail that he opposes the legalization of marijuana. But what about for medicinal purposes, as is allowed in 19 states and may again be on the ballot in Florida in 2016? “I’ve said that I’m open to medicinal uses, of anything, particularly marijuana, and in fact, […]

Phil AmmannJuly 31, 2015

New statewide polling shows Florida voters are ready to approve two possible constitutional amendments in 2016. One would be to legalize medical marijuana, even after the narrow loss of Amendment 2 last November. The other is raising Florida’s minimum wage to at least $10 per hour. In a survey conducted by St. Pete Polls, a proposed […]

Mitch PerryJuly 24, 2015

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Florida is one of only three states that require a governor’s order to restore civil rights to ex-felons. As the law stands, men and women released from the prison system must wait five years before applying for full citizenship rights. Then they must petition the governor and Cabinet for clemency, a process that can take 10 […]

Mitch PerryJuly 23, 2015

Attitudes regarding fostering a relationship with Cuba is only of several differences between Bob Buckhorn and Rick Kriseman. Kameel Stanley in today’s Times writes about how Kriseman is hot to trot to Havana sometime this year. That’s in contrast to Buckhorn, who has been steadfast in his lack of enthusiasm for hosting a Cuban consulate in […]

Tag: United for Care
Image via Palatka Main Street.

Medical marijuana initiative headed to Supreme Court

Effort to legalize pot in Florida goes public Friday

Ben Pollara discusses his “Draft Joe Biden for VP for 8 more years” Facebook page

Email insights: New Charlotte’s Web expansion bill doesn’t go far enough, says United for Care

United for Care steps up medical marijuana petition efforts in Orlando

Mitch Perry Report for 8.12.15 — Hot fun in the summertime?

Medical pot lobby says Marco Rubio “doesn’t respect” people’s will

Survey finds most Florida voters support medical marijuana, raising minimum wage to at least $10

Bid for constitutional amendment to restore ex-felons’ rights not looking good for 2016 ballot

Mitch Perry Report for 7.23.15 – Cuba not only difference between Buckhorn and Kriseman