Closing time: Kelli Stargel — the greatest asset is experience

The firm announced that on Day One it was engaged by several top government and corporate clients. Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC is hitting the ground running. From its first day, a number of influential Florida businesses, trade associations and state agencies have engaged the newly launched law firm, which began operations this week.

The same piece identified the former lawmaker as 'Our State Representative.'. Charlie Stone hasn’t served in the Florida Legislature since 2020. And the National Rifle Association hasn’t issued an endorsement in the House District 24 Special Election. But as he runs to return to the House, a new...

Our democracy depends on getting it right. History has shown that our country is best served when competing ideas are shared to shape policies that bring more people together for common purpose. Our political system is also at its best when both parties are strong. This past election cycle in...

Senator says dentists are having to fix the work of bad tele-dental care. State Sen. Jim Boyd wants to improve the dental care Florida residents receive via telehealth. Boyd said he filed SB 356 because Florida dentists are having to treat patients who have developed problems after ordering dental devices. He said steps need to be taken to protect patients.

A digest of the day's politics and policy while the bartender refreshes your drink. Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics. The Florida Supreme Court nixed a rule that allowed judges to receive continuing education credit for courses covering fairness and diversity.

A digest of the day's politics and policy while the bartender refreshes your drink. Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics. Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his budget proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year, recommending $114.8 billion in overall spending. The top-line number...

'Florida — we’re built to succeed now and well into the future.'. Gov. Ron DeSantis is releasing a $114.8 billion spending proposal for next fiscal year, a $3.8 billion increase from the current year, which he said reflects the economic success of Florida despite the headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic and rampant inflation.

The posters provide instructions on how to respond to a choking victim. The Democracy in Action contest not only served as Rep. Dan Daley’s catapult into a legislative career, it also resulted in a bill that could save lives. The Sunrise Democrat has filed legislation Wednesday (HB 585) that...

'When I became Governor, they couldn't hire them.'. Florida’s beleaguered correctional guards will get some help in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new budget. In fact, the men and women tasked with overseeing Florida’s worst criminals will now be better compensated than convenience store clerks, something the Governor said Wednesday was not the case when he took office in 2019.

Though it’s only a recommendation, the Florida Legislature will likely agree to approve the funding. Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking steps to ensure children living in the wake of Hurricane Ian do not lose access to affordable health insurance. To that end, DeSantis included $3.7 million in his proposed...

Killen will lead JMI's “Blueprint: Florida” effort. Lindsay Killen is joining The James Madison Institute as its new Vice President of National Strategy and Director of the Durden Center for the Advancement of Liberty. In her new role, Killen will lead JMI’s efforts to connect and engage with...

Board of Governors leader Brian Lamb has pushed for hikes in out-of-state fees. While some of Florida’s university leaders believe it’s time to consider raising tuition, Gov. Ron DeSantis does not. A proposed budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year won’t raise the basic cost of a higher education...

Currently, Florida is a hairsbreadth away from being a minority-majority state. Demographically speaking, America has looked to the future and found — Florida. That was just one of the data points political scientist Susan McManus shared with members at the Capital Tiger Bay Club luncheon Tuesday. The racial and...

Good morning. ‘Sunburn’ has been waiting for you. Veteran campaign strategist and legislative staffer Avery Lopez is joining lobbying firm The Southern Group. “Miami Dade County is one of the hottest political markets in the country and Avery has distinguished himself there as a trusted operative who knows how to deliver,” shared Southern Group Founder and Chairman Paul Bradshaw.

Those with an associate degree would spend two years under a teacher's mentorship before being fully certified. Specifics for reducing the amount of college needed to become a public schoolteacher was part of the Gov. Ron DeSantis budget released Wednesday. The Governor announced the Teacher Apprenticeship Program in August as...

The grants are part of $400 million in federal funding for broadband access. Small cities and towns in 41 counties throughout Florida are set to receive $144 million in federal grants to expand and improve broadband internet services in rural and underserved areas, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced. DeSantis handed out...

Both programs would see their funding double, to $100M each, next year under the plan. Funding for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism promotion group, and the Jobs Growth Grant fund, a pot of money used for infrastructure and job training projects, would double under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget.

The Governor wants to have a second tax holiday when students return from winter break. Florida may soon have back-to-school tax holidays both before the new school year and when students return after semester break. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year includes two separate periods for...

Diamond has worked in Florida politics for 15 years. Veteran political strategist Christina Diamond is joining Ruth’s List Florida as interim CEO, the group’s board of directors announced. Current CEO Lucy Sedgwick will remain in an advisory capacity for a transition period to help onboard Diamond. “The board...

The Sunshine State has seen increased antisemitism in recent years. Jewish day schools, museums and memorials throughout Florida would receive more than $18.2 million through Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Roughly half those funds would pay for security. DeSantis’ office released a $114.8 billion...