Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

Stephen Lawson has left the post of communications director for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to become Vice President of Government Relations for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing agency. He announced the job change in an email Wednesday. Lawson has been making the rounds of Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, previously serving as communications director […]

Gary FineoutJune 7, 2017

An effort by Florida’s Republican leaders to put aside recent acrimony and reach a new budget deal was falling apart on the eve of a three-day special session. If legislators can’t reach an accord, Florida’s public schools could be in danger of losing billions for the upcoming school year. Legislators are scheduled to return to […]

Guest AuthorJune 6, 2017

Under the leadership of Gov. Rick Scott, the revival of the Florida economy has been marked by annual job growth and tourism rates that outpace the national average. The inextricable link between Florida’s investment in its tourism industry and this economic recovery is affirmed by the statistics. Visitor spending in Florida has increased by an […]

Guest AuthorJune 5, 2017

The Florida House of Representatives has recently espoused a philosophy of not “picking winners and losers,” but House Bill 1A does just that. As I watched Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Joe Negron, and Speaker Richard Corcoran announce their plans for a special session to discuss tourism funding, I felt hopeful for the fate of […]

Staff ReportsJune 2, 2017

The House released a summary Friday of the economic incentives package unveiled by Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders. First on the list — and written in red, boldfaced letters — is what the $85 million program will not be: “a part of Enterprise Florida.” What the program will do: pay for public infrastructure and […]

Peter SchorschJune 2, 2017

Florida taxpayers will be the true winners next week as lawmakers return to Tallahassee for a special session on economic incentives and education funding in the state’s budget, says Americans for Prosperity-Florida. The conservative government watchdog group is applauding Friday’s announcement by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, Senate President Joe Negron, and Gov. Rick Scott that […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 31, 2017

Northeast Florida, like the rest of the state, waits for Gov. Rick Scott to review the budget from the Florida Legislature. Scott has been typically vague on his real disposition on the budget: the new-school “Veto Corleone” hasn’t ruled out a full-on veto, or line item vetoes. And in recent months, Gov. Scott has been […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 30, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott hammered state lawmakers over reduced funding for two of his top priorities, but once again declined to say whether he’ll veto the budget when it gets to his desk in the coming days. “I’ve been in business all my life and I love to see people succeed, to take risks, and when […]

Guest AuthorMay 25, 2017

Last week, Gov. Rick Scott announced record-breaking tourism numbers in the Sunshine State. It may be the last time for a while. Ignoring extensive research, case studies and pleas from travel industry constituents across the state, the Florida Legislature slashed funding for VISIT Florida by a crippling 67 percent — recklessly jeopardizing the tourism industry’s […]

Michael MolineMay 23, 2017

A history of alcoholism in Gov. Rick Scott’s family will inform his decision about whether to sign the “whiskey & Wheaties” bill, which would tear down the wall of separation between hard liquor and other goods. “I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on that bill,” Scott told reporters. “I’ve had family members who have had […]

Tag: Visit Florida

Personnel note: Stephen Lawson moves to VISIT FLORIDA

With school funding in jeopardy, Florida GOP at odds again

Pat Neal: Look to Colorado — cutting VISIT Florida funding would be disastrous

Steve Hayes: Tourism industry in jeopardy with House Bill 1A

Richard Corcoran stresses that incentives package won’t benefit Enterprise Florida

Florida taxpayers, entrepreneurs winners in new budget deal, says Americans for Prosperity

Will Rick Scott’s veto pen affect Northeast Florida priorities?

Rick Scott still mum on 2017-18 budget veto plans

Gil Langley: Post-Session reflection on tourism marketing

Time growing short for Rick Scott to decide ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ bill’s fate