The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – June 29, 2015

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, JUNE 26, 2015…..In state government, July 1 is always key date. That is when the state's new fiscal year starts and dozens of new laws go into effect. The state will move forward with a $78.2 billion spending plan Wednesday. Otherwise, state government and politics will be quiet during the upcoming holiday week.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2015

HASTINGS RAISES CAMPAIGN CASH: U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., will hold a fund-raising event for his re-election campaign. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., The Westin Fort Lauderdale, 400 Corporate Dr., Fort Lauderdale.)

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2015

UCF TRUSTEES DISCUSS CAPITAL PROJECTS: The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees will discuss issues such as a five-year capital-improvement plan. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., University of Central Florida, Fairwinds Alumni Center, Orlando.)

CENTRAL FLORIDA WATER AT ISSUE: The Central Florida Water Initiative Steering Committee will hold a session in Jacksonville to gather feedback. The committee includes representatives of the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Tohopekaliga Water Authority. (Monday, 4 p.m., University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Dr., Jacksonville.)

GRUTERS RAISES MONEY FOR HOUSE RACE: Republican Joe Gruters is slated to raise money for his campaign in Sarasota County's state House District 73. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Gold Coast Eagle Distribution, 7051 Wireless Court, Sarasota.)

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

HURRICANE MODELS DISCUSSED: The Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology will meet and discuss issues such as hurricane models. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Hermitage Centre, 1801 Hermitage Blvd., Tallahassee.)

WATER BOARD TAKES UP BUDGET: The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board will discuss a tentative 2015-16 budget. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., district headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka.)

WATER SUPPLY PLAN AT ISSUE: The Southwest Florida Water Management District is scheduled to host a regional water-supply plan workshop. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Tampa Service Office, 7601 U.S. 301, Tampa.)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015

NEW FISCAL YEAR STARTS: The state's 2015-16 fiscal year will take effect. Lawmakers approved a $78.7 billion budget that included increased spending on public schools and funneled an additional $400 million to hospitals and other health-care providers. After $461 million in vetoes by Gov. Rick Scott, the budget totals about $78.2 billion. Also Wednesday, dozens of new laws will take effect.

SCOTT HEALTH PANEL MEETS IN JACKSONVILLE: The Commission on Healthcare and Hospital Funding, which was formed by Gov. Rick Scott, will meet. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Jacksonville University, Davis College of Business, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville.)

BILIRAKIS HOLDS VETERANS' TOWN HALL: U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., is expected to hold a town-hall meeting to discuss veterans' issues. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Dr.., New Port Richey.)

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

SUPREME COURT TO RELEASE OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015

STATE OFFICES CLOSED: State offices will be closed because of the July 4 holiday.