North Florida News

AIF names 2023 Champions for Business: Senators Kathleen Passidomo, Travis Hutson, Linda Stewart, State Reps. Paul Renner, Tommy Gregory and Tom Fabricio

Published

3 years ago

June 6, 2023

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released its 2023 Voting Records and announced its 2023 Champions for Business award recipients.

AIF’s Voting Records is the definitive legislative scorecard for the business community that tabulates the voting conduct of each member of the Florida Legislature during the 2023 Legislative Session. Scores are based on committee, amendment and floor votes cast on bills that were advocated, promoted or opposed by AIF, with every bill and vote carrying equal weight. By reporting on the 3,747 votes cast by legislators on 42 bills, this publication embodies the most exhaustive and complete record of the Legislature’s collective approach to the concerns of Florida’s employers.

“Each legislative session, AIF works tirelessly, day in and day out, to advocate on behalf of Florida’s business community and ensure lawmakers understand the impact that proposed legislation would have on employers throughout our state,” said AIF President & CEO Brewster Bevis. “We track everything – bills, amendments, votes – and we’re committed to keeping the business community informed of what happens in Tallahassee. That’s why each year for the last 49 years AIF has compiled its Voting Records report, to provide businesses with a thorough review of how lawmakers voted on the issues that matter to them and let them know who their greatest advocates are.”

AIF Vice President of Governmental Affairs Adam Basford added, “Florida’s business community saw some significant victories this legislative session, from transformative tort reform legislation that will help end lawsuit abuse to a comprehensive workforce housing package that will help Floridians live where they work. But not every bill passed will have a positive impact on our state’s job creators, so we will continue to work with our members and legislators to hopefully continue to improve the business landscape in Florida. This is also why AIF’s Voting Records report is so important. It takes a complete look at every relevant bill filed and every vote cast to provide a full picture of where every lawmaker stands on the issues that really matter to the business community.”

AIF recognizes Senator Linda Stewart for her willingness to cross party lines and be the only Democratic Senator to vote for the sweeping tort reform bill. She also sponsored a bill that will significantly cut back on the amount of litigation in the auto glass industry.

AIF’s 2023 Voting Records report is available in full here. The Voting Records Database, which includes over 230,000 votes, more than 2,400 bills, and over 900 legislators from the last nearly 50 years, is available at AIF.com/VotingRecords.

Along with its Voting Records report, AIF also names its Champions for Business every year since 2003, which recognizes the elected officials who provided strong leadership in advancing key legislation and has taken risks for their beliefs in the success of Florida’s business community.

“AIF’s Champions for Business went above and beyond this session and took an active role to show their support for the business community in Florida,” said Bevis. “These lawmakers served as our greatest advocates and have worked to defend free enterprise and economic prosperity time and time again. We are proud to call them our champions and are grateful to have them on our side in the Florida Legislature.”

For the 2023 Legislative Session, AIF awarded the following elected leaders with the Champions for Business distinction:

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo for her impeccable leadership during the 2023 Legislative Session, including playing an essential part in passing a historic tort reform bill, as well as spearheading efforts to increase access to affordable workforce housing. President Passidomo also worked closely with AIF to promote business-friendly solutions to several bills that pose significant challenges.
House Speaker Paul Renner for his bold leadership that helped pass one of the most monumental civil justice reform bills in history that will finally begin to put an end to lawsuit abuse in Florida.
House Judiciary Chairman Representative Tommy Gregory for his dedication to reshaping the legal climate in Florida by spearheading the revolutionary tort reform law, HB 837. As the bill sponsor, Chairman Gregory faced fierce opposition from the powerful trial bar, yet, instead of watering down the bill through the committee process, he pushed to provide even stronger protections for businesses who are at risk of frivolous litigation.
Senator Travis Hutson for his role in passing the Senate’s tort reform package during the 2023 Legislative Session. Senator Hutson made a concerted effort to work with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the reforms passed were meaningful and had a lasting impact on businesses and consumers.
Senator Linda Stewart for her willingness to cross party lines and be the only Democratic Senator to vote for the sweeping tort reform bill. She also sponsored a bill that will significantly cut back on the amount of litigation in the auto glass industry.
Representative Tom Fabricio for his stellar work as prime co-sponsor of HB 837 that will help put an end to lawsuit abuse in the Sunshine State. Rep. Fabricio also sponsored HB 761 that clarifies the Florida Telephone Solicitation Act to prevent frivolous litigation when businesses call or text customers for legitimate reasons.

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North Florida News

Pro-Democracy Groups Launch “No Partisan Maps” Day of Action at Florida Capitol

Published

2 months ago

November 29, 2025

FNN NEWS

A view of the historic Old Florida State Capitol building, which sits in front of the current New Capitol, on November 10, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — A coalition of pro-democracy advocates and community members from across Florida will gather at the State Capitol on Tuesday, December 2, to launch the “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action. The event begins with a press conference, followed by visits to legislative offices and coordinated outreach urging lawmakers to reject partisan-driven redistricting efforts.

The Day of Action takes place two days before the Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting holds its first meeting on December 4. Advocates say the proposed mid-decade remapping is unconstitutional and undermines the will of voters.

“Any attempt by politicians to engage in drawing new voting maps designed to tip the scales of power for partisan gain is unconstitutional and illegal in Florida,” said Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground. “Redistricting decides who represents us in government, so it is critical that the process serves the people, not politicians.”

Florida’s push for mid-decade redistricting aligns with President Donald Trump’s call for Republican-led states to gerrymander district lines to help retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Such efforts would violate Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, which prohibit partisan gerrymandering in the state.

Event Details:
What: “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action
When: Tuesday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Florida State Capitol, House-side Rotunda, Fourth Floor
Who: Voting rights organizations, civic groups, and impacted Florida residents
Why: To demand that lawmakers uphold constitutional protections and ensure fair representation for all Floridians

North Florida News

State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database

Published

3 months ago

November 4, 2025

Willie David

State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Felicia Simone Robinson (D–Miami Gardens) has introduced House Bill 73 for the 2026 Legislative Session, aimed at improving transparency and access to information for returning citizens seeking to restore their voting rights. The proposal would establish a statewide, publicly accessible database to help individuals with felony convictions determine their eligibility to vote. A companion measure, Senate Bill 132, has been filed by Senator Tina Polsky (D–Boca Raton).

Centralized Database to Streamline Restoration Process

Under the proposed legislation, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be responsible for developing and maintaining a centralized database that tracks key information, including supervision terms, restitution, fines, and other legal financial obligations related to felony sentences.

The bill mandates cooperation between state and local agencies—such as clerks of court, county comptrollers, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of Executive Clemency—to ensure the data is accurate and updated regularly. The database would be publicly accessible online and updated monthly, providing a clear path for eligible individuals to confirm their status.

Protecting Returning Citizens and Ensuring Transparency

The legislation also includes protections for individuals who rely in good faith on the database’s information, shielding them from prosecution for unintentional voting violations. Additionally, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be required to submit a detailed implementation plan—outlining costs, staffing, and technology needs—to both the Governor and the Legislature. If approved, the law would take effect July 1, 2026.

Rep. Robinson Calls for Fairness and Dignity in the Process

Representative Robinson emphasized the moral and civic importance of restoring clarity to Florida’s electoral system.

“Floridians who have completed their sentences deserve clear, timely access to information about their rights,” said Rep. Robinson. “Too many are uncertain whether they still owe obligations or whether they can safely register to vote. This legislation will eliminate confusion and restore dignity.”

North Florida News

Jaguars Maul Panthers in Travis Hunter’s Debut

Published

4 months ago

September 7, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Carolina Panthers (0-1) by a score of 26-10 at EverBank Stadium. Today’s game marked the debut of Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, who played on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars, as a wide receiver and cornerback. It was also the first time Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. played against his brother, Panthers rookie RB Trevor Etienne, who was drafted in the fourth round after playing two seasons for the Florida Gators and one for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter makes his debut with the Jaguars. (Photo: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

The Jaguars scored on their first drive of the season, with K Cam Little’s 35 yard field goal. But the Panthers responded with K Ryan Fitzgerald’s 48 yard field goal, tying the game at 3-3, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s 6 yard touchdown pass to TE Hunter Long, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, put the Jags ahead 10-3. It was Lawrence’s fifth consecutive open week with a passing touchdown. Just after that play, the game was officially delayed for about an hour due to severe weather in the area. Players and fans were moved to covered areas as a precaution. Later in the quarter after action resumed, WR Brian Thomas Jr. ran for a 9 yard touchdown. Little added the XP and followed shortly after with a 47 yard field goal just before halftime, to put the Jags up 20-3.

The game was delayed due to severe weather in Jacksonville. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

In the third quarter, the Jaguars succeeded in stopping the Panthers’ drive, taking over the ball on their 6 yard line. But neither team scored any points in the quarter.

Midway through the fourth, Cam Little’s 36 yard field goal put the Jags ahead 23-3. But the Panthers responded with a 27 yard pass from QB Bryce Young to RB Chuba Hubbard, followed by Brian Fitzgerald’s XP, narrowing their deficit to 23-10. After the two minute warning, Cam Little’s 28 yard field goal put the Jags up 26-10. A late scoring drive by the Panthers ended with an interception of Bryce Young’s pass intended for RB Rico Dowdle by Jaguars CB Jourdan Lewis, ending the game at 26-10.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 178 yards and one TD. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 142 yards. Brenton Strange was the leading receiver with 59 yards. Today’s attendance was 59,957.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the process of renovating their stadium. Many areas of EverBank Stadium were blocked off for construction during today’s game. The project will continue while the Jaguars continue to play at home this season and next. In 2027, the team will play at either Orlando or Gainesville to complete the transformation. For more details on Jacksonville’s Stadium Of The Future, which opens in 2028, visit https://www.jaguars.com/stadiumofthefuture/.

The Jaguars head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals on Sunday, 9/14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.