The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – December 26, 2016

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, DECEMBER 23, 2016....... A major change at the Florida Supreme Court will take effect next week, as Justice James E.C. Perry retires and is replaced by newly appointed Justice C. Alan Lawson. Otherwise, state government and politics likely will be quiet during the holiday week, with state offices closed Monday.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2016

STATE OFFICES CLOSED: State offices will be closed. When Christmas falls on a Sunday, state workers receive a holiday on the following day.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016

BOARD OF OPTICIANRY HOLDS CALL: The Board of Opticianry is scheduled to hold a conference call. (Tuesday, 3 p.m. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 4552635641.)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2016

UNEMPLOYMENT CASES DISCUSSED: The state Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission is scheduled to meet. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., 101 Rhyne Building, 2740 Centerview Dr., Tallahassee.)

APPEALS COURT RELEASES OPINIONS: The 3rd District Court of Appeal, which hears cases from Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, is scheduled to release opinions.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

PERRY RETIRES FROM SUPREME COURT: Florida Supreme Court Justice James E.C. Perry will retire from the Florida Supreme Court effective Friday. Perry, who has served on the court since 2009, will step down because of a mandatory retirement age.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016

LAWSON JOINS SUPREME COURT: C. Alan Lawson, who has served as chief judge of the 5th District Court of Appeal, will join the Florida Supreme Court effective Saturday. Lawson, who was appointed this month by Gov. Rick Scott, will replace retiring Justice James E.C. Perry.