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Staff ReportsMarch 5, 2017

Think of it as the last hurrah before the 2017 Legislative Session. Members of the House and Senate can’t raise money while the Legislature is session, putting a 60-day pause on fundraising each year. And while that may be good news for their most loyal contributors’ pocketbooks, it does mean you can expect a mad […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 3, 2017

[Updated with new data.] “Build Something That Lasts,” the political committee of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, raised $110,000 in February. That sum follows a $63,000 January. Curry’s committee secured the $110,000 from five donors, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Peter Rummell, Gary Chartrand, and J.B. Coxwell. While these are usual donors, the committee also got a $25,000 donation from Mori […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 27, 2017

It’s time for the Leggs to enjoy it being “Quiet Uptown.” Former state Sen. John Legg said Monday he will not run for Senate in 2018, quashing rumors he might considering a comeback in the coming years. “After 12 years my family and I need a break,” he said. “Also, I am enjoying working on […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

It’s never too early in the day to start fundraising. Sen. Denise Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception for her 2018 bid for Agriculture Commissioner at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 at Florida Finance Strategies, 111-B East College Avenue in Tallahassee. The reception, according to a copy of the invitation, is hosted by […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

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Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

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 […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 6, 2017

The Senate Committee on Education Monday passed Senate Bill 374, the College Competitiveness Act of 2017, sponsored by Republican Sen. Dorothy Hukill of Port Orange and co-sponsored by Republican Sens. Bill Galvano of Bradenton, and Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson of Trilby. Senate Bill 374 is a component of the Florida Excellence in Higher Education […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 6, 2017

February will be a busy month for state lawmakers hoping to raise a few bucks for their next campaign before the start of the 2017 Legislative Session. Several candidates will be holding campaign fundraisers in Tallahassee during back-to-back-to-back committee weeks this month. House Majority, the campaign arm of the Florida GOP, will host fundraisers for […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 12, 2016

Florida could be the latest state to consider repealing the “tampon tax.” Rep. Katie Edwards filed a bill in November that would exempt tampons and other feminine hygiene products from Florida’s sales tax. The Plantation Democrat said she began thinking about the filing a bill last year, after listening to a debate about a wide-ranging […]

Tag: Wilton Simpson

Final push for fundraising before 2017 Session kicks off

Lenny Curry political committee raises $110K in February

It’s official: John Legg not running in 2018

Bring on the orange juice: Denise Grimsley schedules breakfast fundraiser for March 7

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

“Whiskey and Wheaties” bill now cleared for Senate floor

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

Senate Education Committee passes College Competitiveness Act

February poised to be busy month for fundraising for lawmakers seeking re-election

Florida lawmakers could tackle “tampon tax” in 2017