Capitol View

As many around Florida’s political circle focus on fallout from the legislative session and campaigns for statewide office this fall, the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) has been carrying out its duties below the radar at times.

It seems we are continuously subjected to more heartbreaking news than uplifting stories, with devastating headlines exploding on social media and beyond. But how can we balance the depressing with the inspiring?

With another Florida legislative season coming to an end (pending any special sessions, of course), a new political era is approaching the state capital.

The legislative session brings with it numerous opportunities for “days” highlighting a variety of special groups at the capitol that we all look forward to each year.

A new year brings reflection on the year gone by. But wow, how fast have the last eight years gone?

One Word 365 says by choosing your word, it becomes the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps.

2017 has been an interesting “news” year, to say the least, on the local, state and national levels.

Floridians have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

As you awaken to empty candy wrappers strewn across the floor, no doubt forming a line all the way from the front door to living room, it is our pleasure to provide an alternative to polishing off those remaining bags of sugar.

Look around Tallahassee and you will probably be seeing a lot of pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a great opportunity for the Capital City to show support for the cause. Businesses, retail outlets, community organizations and others are all finding ways to help.

We’ve all done it. Put in a few hours here and there to help at a local school event or group activity where many hands make light work. But how do you take that next step to provide assistance when it’s a matter of life and death?

Florida has quite a history with hurricanes. These storms are an enormous test for our state and local leaders. Governor Rick Scott passed that leadership test while being a firm, steady, consistent voice for citizens.

On behalf of CoreMessage and On 3 Public Relations, thank you Tallahassee for welcoming us into your inboxes this past year. It’s truly been our pleasure sharing these 100-word vignettes on everything local, state and national — from breaking news, to restaurant openings, to policymaker interviews, and all-around happenings in the Capital City.

College football in the South – it never gets here fast enough for fans in the Capital City.

This issue has a bit of everything for everyone. Politics, restaurants, sports, parks, music and much more! But, our informative biweekly publication does not stop there.

The summer season around the capitol means many things. Fewer people. No lawmakers. Less traffic. Heat. Rain. More Rain. Less crowded restaurants, less crowded everything.

Capital Tiger Bay Club, founded in 1971, provides a non-partisan forum on current political issues and listens to the views of newsmakers and opinion leaders of the day.

2018 may seem far off, but candidates for Governor are already off and running trying to win the Governor’s mansion next year.

The Legislature needed just a few extra days to get things done, coming back June 7-9 for a Special Session. Here’s what passed and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature:

When Jackie Schutz joined CoreMessage in 2009, having just received her Masters of Science in Politics & Communications, it was clear she was on her way to great things. It did not take long to see her potential.

No budget deal? Wait, we have a budget deal? A surprise resignation and back-and-forth battles on gaming and medical marijuana. The last weeks of the legislative session always bring a surprise or two. An unforeseen issue that arises and steals the headlines.

Halfway home for the Legislature, and it is anyone’s guess on when and how things will turn out. While dates already have been released for the 2018 Session, many are wondering how late Sine Die might be in 2017.

An Evening with Barry Jenkins will be held March 31 at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at 7PM. Tickets on sale now (FSU students are free, others are $20), and includes a screening of “Moonlight.”

The beginning of the Legislative Session includes a State of the State speech from our governor. It’s always an agenda-setter, a rare opportunity to share a vision for the rest of the year.

A new year has brought more severe weather to our area and the Southeastern United States. On Jan. 22, intense storms rolled through the Florida Panhandle and Southern Georgia. Our neighbors to the north took the brunt of the storms, and 15 people lost their lives in South Georgia alone.

Florida legislators begin the new year with committee meetings in the Capital City, prior to the start of the official Legislative Session on March 7. In preparation for the annual 60-day assembly, we’ve shared the priorities of Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran. This edition, we hear from Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson and Minority Leader Oscar Braynon on issues and strategy for their respective chambers.

Welcome back! We hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season with friends and family.

While shopping for that perfect gift, we are reminded of the love and sacrifice demonstrated by Jim and Della in The Gift of the Magi. She sold her long hair to afford Jim’s watch chain, and he sold his watch to buy Della’s hair combs.

It has been a year of change, and that change continues as we near the 2017 Legislative Session. Many new faces will be seated in both chambers, and new rules are on the way.

Chances are, you will journey 50 miles or more from your home this holiday weekend, according to AAA.