Life and politics from the Sunshine State's best city

Tag archive

George Gainer

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the most recent movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round.

Keep Reading

George Gainer takes a licking on social media

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Social media reaction was hard and swift this weekend against state Sen. George Gainer, the Panama City Republican who filed legislation last session to remove liability for drivers who “unintentionally” hurt or kill protesters or others “obstruct(ing)” traffic. On Saturday, Gainer tweeted, “If I do not love, I am nothing,” quoting Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians.

Keep Reading

AFP-FL urges Senate to keep incentives out of Triumph Gulf Coast bill

in 2017 by

A Northwest Florida Republican plans to amend the Senate’s version of a bill to send millions of dollars to the Panhandle communities impacted by the 2010 BP oil spill to allow money to be spent on economic incentives. The Panama City News Herald reported this weekend that Sen. George Gainer said he plans to file an amendment to the bill (SB 364) so that it allows funds to be spent on economic incentives for companies in the region that provide…

Keep Reading

Tie score in Legislature could leave Tampa Bay Rays big winners

in The Bay and the 'Burg by

In sports, a tie means no one wins. No one loses, either. Sometimes, in politics, ties can turn out to be victories. On Monday, the Florida Senate essentially handed the Tampa Bay Rays a win with a tie, after the Commerce and Tourism Committee voted 3-3 on a bill from Thonotosassa Republican Tom Lee, which prohibited pro sports facilities from using taxpayer funds. With that, Lee’s bill was officially called out on strikes this Session. Supporting Lee (who is not on the…

Keep Reading

Compilation of Easter messages from Florida’s elected officials and politicians

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

A running compilation of Easter-themed messages from Florida’s elected officials and politicians. Florida Senate President Joe Negron: State Sen. George Gainer: State Sen. Jack Latvala: State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto: “As week six of the legislative session concludes we take time today to celebrate Good Friday,  and look forward to the Easter weekend.” “I am hopeful you can spend time with loved ones on this joyous occasion. From my family to yours, Happy Easter.” “He is not here: for he is…

Keep Reading

George Gainer, Jeff Brandes reverse positions on Tri-Rail, push bill to let controversial contract stand

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Tri-Rail’s controversial, one-source, half-billion, operations contract could go forward under an amended bill pushed Thursday by the Gov. Rick Scott administration and state Sens. George Gainer and Jeff Brandes. Just a few weeks ago, both Gainer and Brandes were hostile critics of the contract and Tri-Rail. Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, sponsored an amendment Thursday that strips away language that he and Scott had pushed for earlier that would have forced Tri-Rail to rebid the $511 million, 10-year contract. Tri-Rail’s operating…

Keep Reading

Bill regulating ridesharing in Florida advances in Senate Committee

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Legislation to provide statewide regulations for transportation network companies (TNC’s) advanced in its latest committee stop in the Florida Senate Tuesday. St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes‘ bill (SB 340) received only two votes in opposition in clearing the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, though there were substantial concerns expressed about funding for paratransit that animated the debate. Noting that there is a hole in disability transportation, Parkland Democrat Gary Farmer offered an amendment that would assess ride-sharing companies one-half of one percent of TNC…

Keep Reading

1 2 3 4
Go to Top