Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 18, 2016

Zika_Mosquitoes.JPG_ne9dCoD-1024x1024.jpg

With the attempted coup in Turkey, the aftermath of the massacre in Nice and the ascension of Mike Pence, Floridians might not have noticed that the state Department of Health on Friday reported 18 new cases of Zika, the highest one-day total since the state began tracking the mosquito-borne disease. Zika cases in Florida have risen 32 […]

Staff ReportsJuly 17, 2016

As the first case of Zika surfaced in Manatee County, Congressman Vern Buchanan scolded Congress for adjourning for the summer without funding efforts to confront the deadly virus. Manatee County was one of 18 new travel-related cases reported by the Florida Department of Health on Friday — the largest number of new cases confirmed in a single day. Manatee […]

Staff ReportsJuly 15, 2016

With Congress recessed for seven weeks, Congressman Vern Buchanan today said the failure to fund efforts to confront the deadly Zika virus has become the new face of Washington dysfunction. “Washington’s failure to protect women and children from the devastating effects of the Zika virus is a national disgrace,” Buchanan said. “The health of thousands of lives […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJuly 13, 2016

Health officials said they would do the best they can to fight the spread of Zika if the Senate doesn’t approve a $1.1 billion spending plan, but said the money is needed to help agencies slow the proliferation of the disease. The Senate is expected to vote once again on the House-approved spending bill this […]

Staff ReportsJuly 13, 2016

As hopes dim for passage of a Zika funding bill, Congressman Vern Buchanan warned today the issue will become the new face of Washington dysfunction if Congress adjourns for the summer without taking action. “If Washington can’t function when the lives of infants are at stake, then when can it?” the congressman asked as Congress […]

Keith MorelliJuly 8, 2016

After a record-setting Wednesday, in which 11 people came down with the Zika virus in Florida, the past two days have been quiet, according to the Florida Department of Health, which issues daily updates on the virus which can cause devastating birth defects. Wednesday, the department reported 11 cases of Zika in the state, the […]

Keith MorelliJuly 8, 2016

U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan this week added his voice to the chorus urging immediate passage of a $1.1 billion bill to fight the spread of the dreaded Zika virus, and the Sarasota Republican blamed Senate Democrats for the log jam. Democrats this week pointed fingers at the Republicans, saying partisan politics was the reason the […]

Keith MorelliJuly 7, 2016

With 11 new cases of Zika reported in Florida Wednesday — the most yet in a single day — leading congressional Democrats renewed a plea to resurrect a bipartisan $1.1 billion spending bill to fight what they call a silent epidemic that is gaining a foothold in the United States. Florida Sen. Bill Nelson fired off a letter to Senate Majority […]

Keith MorelliJuly 7, 2016

As the number of Zika cases in Florida mounts — 11 new cases were reported Wednesday, including one in Hillsborough County — state health officials have launched a campaign to educate children on the dangers of the virus and enlist their help in stemming the spread of disease-toting mosquitoes. The Florida Department of Health’s “Spill the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJuly 7, 2016

Sen. Bill Nelson is urging Senate leaders to bring back a $1.1 billion proposal that would help fight the spread of Zika. The request comes just one day after the Florida Department of Health announced 11 new cases of Florida, bringing the total number of travel-related cases in the Sunshine State to 263. In a letter Thursday, the Florida […]

Tag: Zika
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

18 new cases of Zika in Florida; highest one-day total yet

Vern Buchanan urges action as first Zika case reported in Manatee County

Vern Buchanan says Congress adjourning without Zika funding a “national disgrace”

Marco Rubio says inaction on Zika funding is ‘inexcusable’

Vern Buchanan bemoans lack of progress on Zika funding legislation

After a record set Wednesday, Zika takes a holiday

Vern Buchanan urges Senate to pass Zika bill, blames Democrats

Congressional Dems renew plea to get Zika funding passed

Latest in Zika battle: Enlist kids to ‘Spill the Water’

Bill Nelson urges Mitch McConnell to bring back Senate’s $1.1B Zika funding proposal