Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMarch 29, 2016

Several of Tampa Bay’s most prominent fine arts institutions found success in the Legislature’s budget for 2016-17, navigating the delicate appropriations process and escaping Gov. Rick Scott‘s veto pen. Lawmakers approved $2 million for Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, frequently home to performances by The Florida Orchestra and national touring acts. Katie Pedretty, Director of Public Relations, said the money will go toward renovating the 33-year-old building […]

Mitch PerryMarch 29, 2016

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For decades, aspiring restaurateurs in Tampa and Hillsborough County have had to contend with regulations unlike those in any other part of Florida. State law requires that any restaurant that serves alcohol must be at least 2,500 square feet in size. However, in Hillsborough County, state law dictated that restaurants that sell booze must be at least 4,000 square feet. No longer. […]

Mitch PerryMarch 18, 2016

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Florida Gulf Coast Chapter is endorsing Rebecca Smith for the House District 60 seat in Hillsborough County. “Today, we are pleased to offer our endorsement of Rebecca Smith to become the District 60 Representative to the Florida State Legislature,” said Steve P. Cona III, president and CEO of the group. “Rebecca has been […]

Ryan RayMarch 8, 2016

The House on Tuesday passed a bill designed to stop thieves from using “skimmers,” devices that steal consumer’s credit card information when they swipe their cards to pay for gas at the pump. The measure – SB 912 – was top priority this Session for Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, and he expressed his gratitude to sponsor Sen. Anitere […]

Jim RosicaMarch 4, 2016

A legislative leader ultimately backed down Friday on his attempt to tack language legalizing fantasy sports play in Florida on a regulatory-related bill. State Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Fort Walton Beach Republican who chairs the Finance and Tax Committee, tried to amend a House bill (HB 1187) making changes to the state’s Department of Business […]

Mitch PerryMarch 3, 2016

Tampa businesswoman Rebecca Smith announced on Thursday that she is now a candidate for the Hillsborough County area House District 60 seat. The seat is currently occupied by Dana Young, but she will vacate it this fall, as she attempts to advance to the state Senate District 18 seat recently created due to redistricting. “Over […]

Associated PressFebruary 29, 2016

As the Florida legislative session nears its end, some lawmakers are in a race against time to correct what they say is an injustice to the working poor: the suspension of driver’s licenses for reasons unrelated to driving violations. License suspensions can result from a minor infraction and can lead to thousands of dollars in […]

Bob SparksFebruary 25, 2016

Sometimes during legislative sessions some unusual partnerships develop. Unlikely alliances can form to pass or defeat a measure that fits a common goal. Florida has provided a prime example of such teamwork. The philosophy of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” syndrome has played out in the area of economic incentives. House Bill […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 12, 2016

Nancy Watkins, the South Tampa certified public accountant who has been campaign treasurer for hundreds of local and national Republicans for more than 25 years, won’t run for the Florida House District 60 seat being vacated this fall by Dana Young. Watkins, who has never run for public office, was said to be seriously considering […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 10, 2016

The executive director for the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission told Florida lawmakers on Wednesday he’s OK if they ban his agency from regulating ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft. Kyle Cockream came before the House Economics Committee to speak in support of the bill, sponsored by Republican Dana Young from Tampa and Plant City’s Dan […]

Tag: Dana Young

Tampa Bay area arts, cultural institutions fared well in Legislature’s budget

New law brings Hillsborough County in line with rest of Florida regarding restaurant size to sell alcohol

Contractors group endorses HD 60 GOP candidate Rebecca Smith

Adam Putnam thanks lawmakers for helping crack down on gas pump “skimmers”

Fantasy sports bill fumbles in Florida House

Rebecca Smith enters HD 60 race

Some Florida lawmakers want reform of driver’s license suspensions

Bob Sparks: Battle over economic incentives features unlikely alliances

Nancy Watkins opts not to run for Tampa HD 60 seat

Hillsborough PTC chief tells House committee he still wants ride-share drivers fingerprinted