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Garrett Richter

Dana Young to unveil anti-fracking legislation next week

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Tampa Republican state Senator Dana Young will announce her legislation to ban fracking next week, her office said on Friday. During her successful campaign to win the Senate District 18 seat last fall, Young promised that she would introduce such a ban, after she was accused of actually supporting the controversial practice of extracting natural gas and oil during the 2016 legislative session. Democrat Bob Buesing, independent candidate Joe Redner and other environmental groups all said her support of a bill sponsored by…

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Jack Latvala says he’ll support legislation banning fracking again in 2017 Session

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

State Sen. Jack Latvala opposed a bill to regulate the use of fracking in the 2016 Session, and in the upcoming Session, he’ll support legislation that would do so again. “I’m where I was last year,” he said when asked about the controversial practice to extract natural gas and oil out of the ground. “I helped beat it last year, so … I’m in the same place, and I’ll support a bill to ban it,” the Clearwater Republican said while exiting Sunlake High School…

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PSC candidate sued for unpaid credit card bills

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power lines utility electricity public service commission

Todd Chase says his $24,000 in unpaid credit card bills shouldn’t factor into his qualifications to be a state utility regulator. “It’s taken care of, settled, and not an issue,” said Chase, one of three finalists for a spot on the Florida Public Service Commission. A government watchdog disagrees, saying it may reflect on “whether he is qualified to do the job.” Either way, Gov. Rick Scott soon will make the final selection. Alachua County court records show that in May, less than…

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Jeffrey Bragg, 7 others make cut for PSC opening

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A state panel on Thursday picked eight applicants—including unsuccessful Insurance Commissioner contender Jeffrey S. Bragg—to be interviewed for a seat on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The Public Service Commission Nominating Council will hold interviews Aug. 17, with the goal of selecting three finalists for Gov. Rick Scott‘s consideration. One person tapped by the council is Scott’s deputy policy coordinator. The PSC regulates and sets rates for the state’s investor-owned utilities. Here are the eight to be interviewed, with background from their applications: John R. Coleman: The…

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Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Portia Palmer has been named interim Clerk of the House, and the post previously held by Bob Ward, who is retiring. Off: Benjamin Smith is no longer a legislative assistant for state Rep. Jim Boyd of Bradenton. Off: Rebekah Hurd is no longer a legislative assistant for St. Cloud state Rep. Mike La Rosa. Off: Kristin Bradstreet is no longer a district…

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AIF announces “Champions for Business”

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Associated Industries of Florida’s, the state’s premier lobbying group, has announced the latest awardees of its “Champions for Business.” The group gives the awards every year to state lawmakers “whose extraordinary efforts provide model leadership on key legislation for the success of Florida’s business community,” according to a news release. On this year’s list are: Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican and four-time award recipient, for championing business incentives that ultimately stalled in the House; Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican and…

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Kathleen Peters responds to Jennifer Webb’s comments on her support of fracking bill

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Commenting on the same day that the Pinellas County Commission was poised to vote on a fracking ban, House District 69 Democratic candidate Jennifer Webb announced that she not only supports such a ban, but took the opportunity to take a swipe at her GOP opponent, incumbent Kathleen Peters. Noting that there were bills presented in the Legislature banning fracking that never received a hearing, Webb said that, “Rep. Peters has had ample opportunity to take the lead on protecting our beaches…

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