State & National News - Rick's Blog

Scott’s PAC releases poll showing Trump leads in Florida

Let’s Get to Work, the political action committee tied to Gov. Rick Scott, had its political consultant, OnMessage, do a presidential poll. The results? Republican…

State Weekly Roundup: Brown interrupts the quiet

(Recap and analysis of the week in state government) By DARA KAM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Other than a steady stream of emails from…

Charlotte’s Web creators fight for Florida license

By DARA KAM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA More than two years after lawmakers legalized a limited type of medical marijuana, an administrative law judge…

Taxwatch on how Florida can save $2B annually [podcast]

Last week, the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force approved its final report, which outlines 29 recommendations that would improve government operations while saving hard-working Florida…

Miller proposes bill to protect VA whistleblowers

Yesterday, Chairman Jeff Miller introduced H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016. The bill would strengthen protections for whistleblowers and…

Five Questions for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

By DARA KAM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Hours after a gunman killed 49 clubgoers and injured more than 50 others in his city, Orlando…

Trump’s GOP convention unpredictable and exciting [podcast]

Sharon Day, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, said this week that she is excited about the upcoming GOP National Convention. She said the convention…

Underhill has questions re: Bay Bridge

Commissioner Doug Underhill has also been trying get answers from the Florida Department of Transportation regarding the plans for the new Pensacola Bay Bridge. In…

NRA successfully blocks judicial appointment

By JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Gov. Rick Scott appointed Robert Dees to the 4th Judicial Circuit on Friday, choosing the Jacksonville attorney…

Mystery candidate pays $10K to get in GOP Congressional race

On Thursday, Gary Fairchild paid $10,440 to run as a Republican for the First Congressional District seat. The address that he gave was 4771 Bayou…

Anti-corruption, ethics and accountability: Always the toughest bills to pass

State Sen. Don Gaetz this afternoon sent out this email to his constituents. The Anti-Corruption has been passed by all the appropriate House and Senate…

Prison health firm cancels contract with state

By JIM SAUNDERS THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Saying a contract with the state is “too constraining,” a company that provides health care to 75,000…

Senate could drop Confederate flag from seal

By BRANDON LARRABEE THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA State senators are scheduled next week to begin considering whether to keep the Confederate flag on the…

Miller is not considering a 2016 run for Senate

On Pensacola Speaks yesterday, Congressman Jeff Miller, who represents Northwest Florida, said that running for U.S. Senate next year is not up for discussion. “I…

Ingram chosen to chair House Transportation Subcommittee

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island) today announced his choice of Representative Clay Ingram (R-Pensacola) to serve as Chairman of the House Transportation & Economic…

Video: Pam Bondi defends herself

The News Service of Florida posted this video of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi adamantly defending herself when questioned about news reports implying she has…

Jeb Bush, 2016 presidential candidate? It’s 50-50

In an interview Sunday on â€œFace the Nation,â€ former President George W. Bush put the chances of his brother, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, running…

TaxWatch recommends paroling elderly prisoners

Florida’s prison population is rapidly increasing despite declining crime rates, and the latest report from Florida TaxWatch recommends options to prevent increasing costs from overwhelming…