Chris Doolin, Florida Small County Legend, Made His Yearly Pilgrimage to Lake City to Update the NCFRPC on This Year’s 2025 Legislative Session
March 10, 2025
1:05 pm | 2 min read
Chris Doolin addresses the NCFRPC, giving
his take of this year's [2025] legislative
session | Photo: Columbia County Observer
Columbia County, FL – Florida legend Chris Doolin made his yearly pilgrimage to Lake City to update the twelve county members of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council on this year’s [2025] legislative session in Tallahassee, highlighting key issues and bills.
Chris Doolin is the decades-long lobbyist/consultant for both the Small County Coalition and the Small School District Council Consortium. More than thirty of Florida’s sixty-seven counties are considered rural by the state’s definition.
Mr. Doolin began by explaining the current legislative landscape. He said this year’s landscape is marked by significant complexity due to recent special sessions disrupting normal processes, adding, the special sessions have created an environment influenced by key appointments and political maneuvering.
Tom Demps, long time Taylor County Commissioner,
listens to Mr. Doolin.
Mr. Doolin pointed out the appointment of figures like former Attorney General Pam Bondi has left vacancies that various politicians, such as Senator Randy Fine and Debbie Mayfield, are eager to fill. Ms. Mayfield's recent court victory over term limits highlights how legal interpretations can directly affect political careers.
The sex-scandal plagued withdrawal of Republican Matt Gaetz for the US Attorney General position was explained by Mr. Doolin, “Matt Gaetz was going to be the Attorney General, and he ran into his own behavior and couldn't – couldn't get –couldn't get – well, he withdrew his nomination – decided that maybe it wasn't for him.”
Mr. Doolin explained that the political climate created a ripple effect of vacancies, prompting the governor to make crucial appointments.
Mr. Doolin explained there was an escalation of tension when the legislature overrode a veto concerning its operational expenses.
Kenrick Thomas, long time Gilchrist County
Commissioner.
Mr. Doolin said, “The governor vetoed the operational expense appropriation for the legislature. Now, think about that. He vetoed the money that the legislature uses to run. Well., of course, there's going to be a reaction to that… This is just facts of the matter, the way it goes… When the big dogs are circling the bowl, you kind of stand back and wait for the crumbs. Let's see what happens. The legislators that represent this area, Simon, Bradley, McLain, Shoaf, Tant, Brannan, and Chad Johnson, you have a great group of legislators. They're positioned well; they care about you.”
Mr. Doolin pointed out that as the political landscape shifts, candidates like Byron Donalds and Casey DeSantis are positioning themselves for upcoming elections, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
Overall, Mr. Doolan characterized this year’s political scene in Florida as the interplay of special sessions, appointments, and electoral ambitions which shapes a complex and evolving legislative environment.
Also mentioned by Mr. Doolin for this year's legislative session
• 591 bills are currently being tracked.
• The "Live Local" bill, which allows developers to build affordable housing without zoning approval.
• School start times.
• Significant cuts in road construction.
• The challenges in defining fiscally constrained counties.
• Term limits.
Epilogue
After forty-five minutes, Mr. Doolin concluded his remarks emphasizing the importance of staying informed and engaged in the legislative process.
He encouraged the attendees to monitor their projects and work with their legislative assets.
