Murphy Supports Iran deal

"Calling it the toughest decision he's made in Congress, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy announced Monday he is supporting the proposed Iran nuclear deal, making the Jupiter Democrat the first U.S. Senate candidate in Florida to do so."

U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando remains undecided on the agreement, while "all four Republican U.S. Senate candidates, U.S. Reps. Ron DeSantis of Ponte Vedra Beach and David Jolly of St. Petersburg, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Orlando businessman Todd Wilcox, came out strongly in opposition." "Murphy's 'toughest decision:' Support Iran deal." See also "Senate Candidate Patrick Murphy Draws Fire from the Right for Backing Obama's Deal With Iran."




Can't blame this one on the Union

"School leaders: Orange school-building rules favor charters."




"Scott in better shape with Florida voters"

"Another poll shows Gov. Rick Scott in better shape with Florida voters. Last week, Quinnipiac released a poll showing Scott above water with 45 percent of voters approving of him and 44 percent of voters disapproving of him, the first time in more than four years he was right side up in a Q-poll."

"On Monday afternoon, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which supported Scott’s efforts for re-election last year and continues to back him, released a poll taken on its behalf by Cherry Communications showing 48 percent of Florida voters approve of the governor while 44 percent disapprove of him." "Florida Voters Approve of Rick Scott, Think State Headed on Right Path in New Poll."




Legislative Efficiency

Lloyd Brown: "Is the 'Legislative Process' Really More Efficient Today?"




Yee Haw!

"Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced on Monday that Floridians will be able to apply and renew their applications for concealed weapons permits at participating tax collectors’ offices across the Sunshine State." "Adam Putnam Teams With Tax Collectors on Concealed Weapons Permits."




Entrepreneurs in action

"Miami developers, contractor plead guilty in $36 million affordable-housing scam."




Map Battles

"The legal arguments about Florida's political maps continue to mushroom. While the Florida Supreme Court and the Legislature grapple with how congressional districts will be drawn, more legal fights are building in federal courts." "Battles over Political Maps Brew in Federal Courts."




Trib pushes GOP line

"Faceoff: Tribune columnists debate Hillary Clinton’s future."




Consulate Games

"Tampa may have a centuries-old connection to Cuba through its cigar industry and freedom fighter José Martí, but St. Petersburg has a mayor willing to travel there. Hanging in the balance may be where Cuba decides to locate the consulate that many Tampa leaders have coveted since the announcement in December diplomatic relations would be restored between the United States and Cuba." "Kriseman, seeking consulate, got high-level meetings in Cuba."




The best Jeb can do?

Bereft of ideas, "Jeb Bush fires back with video calling Donald Trump 'liberal'."




"Hot, crazy or shady"

Marc Caputo: "What Sen. Galvano ‘won’t abide;’ Iran-deal Democrat divide; Lt. Gov. throws shade at Murphy; Palm Beachers surge; nonpols beating GOP pols; testing D-Day; shooting drones?" "Florida Playbook."




CD10 Jamboree

Val Demings is not the only Democrat in the CD 10 race against Webster. "Florida Sen. Geri Thompson, D-Orlando, also launched a bid against Webster earlier this month. Now he could be facing two other Democratic challengers. Politico Florida reported at the end of last week that two other well-known Democrats are looking at the race: former Florida Democratic Party Chairman Bob Poe and former state Sen. Gary Siplin." "More Democrats Gunning for Dan Webster's Hide."