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Panama City Today
By the People, for the People
State Rep. Griffitts Discusses Legislative Session, Future Plans at Kiwanis Meeting
Griffitts addresses budget impasse, local legislation, and potential political moves.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:38am
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The stately state capitol building stands as a symbol of Florida's political landscape, its timeless architecture casting long shadows that hint at the complex dynamics unfolding within its halls.Panama City TodayState Representative Griff Griffitts, who also serves as the president and CEO of the Panama City CVB, spoke at a Kiwanis Club meeting in Panama City, Florida. Griffitts discussed the lack of laws passed in the recent legislative session, the ongoing budget impasse between the state's House and Senate, and his focus on local issues like a lemon law bill to help farmers. He also commented on the future of Panhandle politics, including the upcoming Senate presidency of Jay Trumbull, and his own undecided plans about running for reelection to the state House.
Why it matters
As a prominent state legislator and local business leader, Griffitts' remarks provide insight into the current political dynamics in Florida's Panhandle region and the key issues facing state lawmakers. His comments on the budget stalemate and his legislative priorities offer a window into the challenges and priorities of state government.
The details
At the Kiwanis Club meeting, Griffitts discussed several topics related to the recent legislative session and his future political plans. He focused on the lack of new laws passed this session and the ongoing budget impasse, with the House and Senate proposals roughly a billion dollars apart. Griffitts expressed hope that the budget difference could be negotiated in the coming month. On the legislative front, Griffitts said he focused on local issues, including a lemon law bill to assist farmers. Regarding his own political future, Griffitts noted that Jay Trumbull will become the next Senate President, a powerful position. Griffitts also said he is undecided on whether to run for reelection to the state House, and plans to factor in discussions with Panama City Beach CVB and TDC leadership in making that decision.
- The Kiwanis Club of Panama City met on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
- The recent legislative session that Griffitts discussed took place in 2026.
The players
Griff Griffitts
State Representative and recently hired president and CEO of the Panama City CVB.
Jay Trumbull
Florida state senator who will become the next Senate President, a powerful position.
What they’re saying
“'Jay Trumbull will be Senate President. That is a very powerful position. One of 40 and he will carry that stick for 2 years,'”
— Griff Griffitts, State Representative
What’s next
Griffitts plans to factor discussions with Panama City Beach CVB and TDC leadership into his decision about whether to run for reelection to the state House of Representatives in November.
The takeaway
Griffitts' remarks at the Kiwanis meeting provide a glimpse into the legislative priorities and political dynamics in Florida's Panhandle region, including the ongoing budget impasse in Tallahassee and the shifting power dynamics in the state legislature.
