Life and politics from the Sunshine State's best city

Tag archive

Jeff Brandes - page 50

‘Momma bears’ roam the Florida Capitol searching for medical marijuana for their cubs

in Top Headlines by

Momma bears. It’s taking the momma bears to end the reefer madness. Paige Figi, Holley Moseley and Dawn Wein are among a group of women who worked the Florida Capitol the past year persuading, pressuring and pleading with lawmakers to lift a prohibition on medical marijuana and authorize the use of cannabis products they say will ease their children’s suffering and, in some cases, potentially save lives. When they showed up at the Capitol it was to put an exclamation point on the generation-long…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Southern Strategy Group lands short-term rentals giant Airbnb

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Though ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are getting most of the ink these days, you’d be a fool to sleep on the short-term rental aspect of the new so-called sharing economy, where companies like industry leader Airbnb are challenging zoning rules, raising the ire of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and raising questions about fundamental property rights. Such a complex issue will require a big lift on the influence side, and Airbnb is hiring up top-shelf lobbying talent to meet…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Uber bill cruises through Senate panel, will see amendment in Appropriations

in Top Headlines by

A ridesharing insurance requirements bill that goes hand in hand with a broader effort to pass legislation permitting Uber across Florida made progress today, passing quickly and unanimously through the Senate Judiciary Committee early Tuesday evening. The proposal — SB 1298 — sponsored by Altamonte Springs state Sen. David Simmons requires that app-based “transportation network companies” like Uber and Lyft carry specialized insurance policies, the same way cab companies carry commercial and liability insurnce. Simmons’ bill provides for specific guidelines — including $1 million…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Mitch Perry Report for 3.31.15 — Jeff Brandes’ civil forfeiture bill advances

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

With his role as the legislative chair of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is in Tallahassee a lot these days, arguing for or against bills regarding law enforcement. His agency gets a lot of respect from lawmakers, but the FSA doesn’t always get their way. That was what happened late yesterday afternoon, when St. Petersburg state Sen. Jeff Brandes’ civil forfeiture bill that prohibits law enforcement agencies from retaining property and assets seized from individuals who are not…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

New survey says Floridians oppose guns on campuses bill

in Top Headlines by

Florida’s rather relaxed rules regarding who can use a gun have led to critics dubbing it the “Gunshine State.” And that was before this year’s legislative session got underway. Current proposals before state lawmakers this spring include a proposal that would allow college students to carry concealed weapons on campus. They’re also considering arming public school personnel to help protect kids. And don’t forget the Jeff Brandes-sponsored bill that in the event of a hurricane-based evacuation, gun owners with a concealed carry license would still…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

New survey shows Floridians support Medicaid expansion, medical marijuana and same-sex marriage

in Top Headlines by

With a Republican governor and overwhelmingly GOP-led Legislature, Florida is being well served by its legislators in Tallahassee, right? Not exactly. A new Public Policy Polling survey released on Thursday shows that 58 percent of Floridians want Medicaid expansion. Independents support it by 57 percent, while there is a 12-point difference among Republicans (33-45). Despite those numbers, the Florida House remains obstinate in refusing to try to work with the state Senate on a hybrid expansion plan. Such a program…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

Could Senate budget be a referendum on PSTA CEO Brad Miller?

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

The Florida Senate has not placed a $1.25 million appropriation for Bus Rapid Transit in St. Pete in its budget. The funding would have paid for a BRT pilot program with express bus service running from downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach along First Avenues North and South. According to Clearwater state Sen. Jack Latvala, who sits on the transportation, tourism and economic development appropriations subcommittee, it’s not there because such a program would be redundant. “There’s a system…

Keep Reading

You might be interested in

1 … 48 49 50 51 52 … 55
Go to Top