Ali Schmitz

Political reporter

Portfolio
TCPalm
07/05/2018
Rick Scott, Bill Nelson battle over algae blooms in U.S. Senate race

CLOSE U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Florida Gov. Rick Scott have blamed each other for the toxic blue-green algae blooms plaguing the Treasure Coast and Southwest Florida. The attacks over the past two months come as Scott, a Republican, challenges the three-term Democrat for the Senate seat Nelson won in 2000.

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NRA vs. Republicans? Unexpected battle shaping up after Parkland high school shooting

CLOSE As politicians discuss gun reform measures in Tallahassee and Washington after a mass shooting in Parkland, the National Rifle Association's influence looms. The organization opposes multiple measures being suggested by Republican lawmakers, from raising the age requirement to purchase long guns, to adding waiting periods for rifle purchases. Florida Gov.

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Sugar policy reform: Will Florida lawmakers fight Modernization Act, Zero-to-Zero?

CLOSE Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio led the charge to stop sugar policy reform in 2014. The Florida senators, with lawmakers from other sugar-producing states, blocked a bipartisan effort to change the U.S. government program that keeps the domestic raw sugar price artificially high, about 35 percent more than the worldwide average.