Lobbyist Nikki Fried has entered the Democratic primary to be Florida’s next agriculture commissioner, launching her bid on Monday and showcasing her support for medical marijuana. 

Last week, the U.S. House overwhelmingly passed a bill from U.S. Reps. Tom Garrett, R-Va., and Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., ensuring states have plans ready to help infants born dependent on drugs. 

U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., continued his efforts to ensure marijuana policy is left to the states.

On Monday, the federal government doubled down on its support of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) as it announced that it was sending $32.4 million to the First Coast to continue its deep dredging efforts. 

U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, D-Fla., scored a win as the U.S. House passed his proposal to make the birthplace of civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson in Jacksonville a national landmark

U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., scored a win this week as the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee passed her bill ensuring that federal funds to fight terrorism will not be used to arm teachers. 

Darcy Richardson has decided to end his bid to topple state Rep. Kim Daniels, D-Jacksonville, to run for governor as the Reform Party’s candidate. 

This week, President Donald Trump signed the “John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Networks Act” (VA MISSION Act) into law and a freshman congressman from North Florida’s fingerprints are all over it. 

From his perches as vice chairman of the U.S. House State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee and as a member of the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla, is backing a bill from two other members of the Florida delegation offering more American support for Israel. 

On Wednesday, the Florida chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a group championing free market solutions and limited government, released its scorecard for state legislators.