Category: State & National News
Scott touts bridge construction, introduces new CFO
By Sammi Sontag On Monday morning, Governor Rick Scott held a kick-off event at the base of the old Pensacola Bay Bridge for the four-year,…
Scott in Pensacola today celebrate Pensacola Bay bridge construction
Gov. Rick Scott is visiting Northwest Florida today. At 8:30 a.m. in Panama City, he is expected to announce the appointment of former lawmaker Jimmy…
Gaetz: ‘This Justice Department is becoming too politicized’ [podcast]
On “Pensacola Speaks,” I asked Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach) what was his take on the Jim Comey’s testimony before the U.S. Senate. Gaetz…
Lawmakers poised to vote on medical cannabis process today
By DARA KAM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA House and Senate leaders might be divided on issues that forced them to return to the Capitol…
How the State of Florida handles outside attorney contracts
Florida 287.059 Private attorney services — governs how the state’s executive branch handles the use of outside attorneys. The system considerable controls in the hands of…
Medical pot regs slowly developing
By DARA KAM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA After state lawmakers failed to act, health officials on Thursday laid out a framework for adopting regulations…
Gaetz answers healthcare questions without a body-slam [podcast]
Congressman Matt Gaetz was my guest yesterday on News Talk 1370 WCOA’s “Pensacola Speaks.” He stepped put a House Judiciary Committee meeting to talk about…
Trump budget eliminates Amtrak, crushes dream of Pensacola route
U.S. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and his staff have reviewed the budget proposed by President Donald Trump. It apparently eliminates all Amtrak Services in Florida, which…
Scott faces decision on ‘liquor wall’
By JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Opponents have mobilized to try to convince Gov. Rick Scott to veto a bill that would a…
Constitutional panel wrestles with Sunshine Law
By BRANDON LARRABEE THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA A panel of the state Constitution Revision Commission deferred a decision Wednesday on how to follow open-government…
Santa Rosa lawmaker praises colleagues [podcast]
State Rep. Jayer Williamson (R-Milton) has been widely praised for his work during the 2017 Session. Yesterday on “Pensacola Speaks,” Williamson credited Rep. Clay Ingram…
Florida Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala coming to Pensacola on Friday
Florida Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, who is rumored to be a potential candidate for governor next year, will address Panhandle Tiger Bay Club on…
Pensacola chamber recaps 2017 session
The 2017 legislative session provided a mixed bag on the issues endorsed by Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. The following items were endorsed by the…
First amendment group asks Gov. Scott to veto the budget
The First Amendment Foundation (FAF) has called for Florida Governor Rick Scott to veto the budget as a result of this year’s “extreme lack of…
Rep. Frank White on 2017 Legislative Session
State Rep. Frank White discussed his accomplishments during the past session on “Pensacola Speaks” on Wednesday. He credited the entire Northwest Florida delegation for delivering…
Pensacola Speaks: Studer and Putnam
Quint Studer will be my guest on News Talk 1370 WCOA’s “Pensacola Speaks” today at 5:10 p.m. We will discuss in upcoming column in the…
Rep. Jay Fant raising funds for AG race in Pensacola [podcast]
State Rep. Jay Fant (R-Jacksonville) is visiting Pensacola today to introduce himself to locals and raise funds for his Florida Attorney General campaign. On “Pensacola…
Budget tidbits include Galvez monument
BUDGET TIDBITS GO FROM ALLIGATORS TO ZOOS By JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA The more than 400-page state budget approved this week by…
Future medicaid funding for Sacred Heart and other safety net hospitals uncertain
While Gov. Rick Scott’s administration has reached agreement with the federal government on as much as $1.5 billion for the Low Income Pool program, the…
Ten Big Issues of 2017 Legislative Session
How much of the heavy lifting got done…. By JIM SAUNDERS THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Florida lawmakers gather today at the Capitol to pass…
