Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJanuary 7, 2019

In a unanimous vote, VISIT FLORIDA’s board of directors on Monday approved former state Sen. Dana Young as its next CEO. The appointment, recommended by Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis, was met with praise by the board. Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said Young had a “100 percent voting record” […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 4, 2019

Governor-elect Ron DeSantis on Friday said he is recommending former state Sen. Dana Young, a Tampa Republican, to become the next CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s public-private tourism marketing arm. Though the agency’s board of directors ultimately must decide to hire Young, it would be a surprise if they did not honor DeSantis’ wish. […]

Peter SchorschDecember 13, 2018

Ken Lawson, a veteran of Gov. Rick Scott‘s administration, will next lead the Department of Economic Opportunity when Ron DeSantis becomes Governor. That’s according to sources inside the transition team who spoke with Florida Politics on Thursday. (The hire was confirmed later in the day by an official news release.) Lawson is now president and CEO of VISIT […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 7, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday rolled out two VISIT FLORIDA Hurricane Michael assistance programs to offer “critical relief and support” to storm-ravaged Panhandle and Big Bend counties. Per a media release: “The Tourism Recovery Grant Program for Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Michael Recovery Marketing Program are available to Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Taylor, […]

Drew WilsonDecember 7, 2018

The state’s tourism marketing arm, VISIT FLORIDA, said Friday that it’s teaming up with JetBlue on a campaign to lure more visitors to Florida. The “JetBlue Sunshine State of Mind Fare Sale” is part of a $9 million effort to help tourism bounce back in the wake of Hurricane Michael, a Category 4 storm that […]

Jacob OglesNovember 27, 2018

It looks like 2018 will be another record year for tourism in Florida, which could be good news both for the hospitality industry and for agencies promoting the state in the nation and abroad. Gov. Rick Scott announced Florida welcomed 95.8 million visitors from January through September, nearly a 7 percent increase from the 89.8 […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 1, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott directed another $3 million to Pinellas County for red tide relief Thursday, bringing the total so far for Pinellas to $6.3 million. The funding comes from the Florida Department of Environment Protection’s red tide emergency fund. Scott is infusing another $3 million into that fund to make sure other Florida counties can access […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2018

Some 65.5 million visitors came to Florida during the first six months of the year, setting a record for the state’s tourism industry. The numbers represent a 5.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, Gov. Rick Scott said in a written statement released by his office. They included 58 million domestic visitors, […]

Michael MolineSeptember 4, 2018

A rules change to help Visit Florida comply with legislatively mandated reporting requirements for big contracts will be ready for the organization’s board of directors next week. State law requires Visit Florida to submit contracts in excess of $750,000 to the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. If the commission’s chair and vice chair — or the Senate […]

Michael MolineSeptember 4, 2018

VISIT FLORIDA has begun a search for a replacement for chief marketing officer Nelson Mongiovi, who has resigned effective Sept 11. Vice President for Brand Staci Mellman will serve as interim CMO. Members of the executive committee heard details of the search during a conference call Tuesday. Officials offered no details of Mongiovi’s plans. He did […]

Tag: Visit Florida

Dana Young approved as next VISIT FLORIDA CEO

Dana Young recommended to lead VISIT FLORIDA

Ken Lawson tapped to head DEO under Ron DeSantis

VISIT FLORIDA ponies up for Panhandle, Big Bend

VISIT FLORIDA, JetBlue team up to boost tourism

VISIT FLORIDA: State on track for record tourism by end of 2018

Florida tees up another $3 million for red tide relief in Pinellas County

Tourism update: Florida sets another record in attracting visitors

Visit Florida board to vote on new contract oversight rule

Personnel note: Nelson Mongiovi leaving VISIT FLORIDA

Florida politics had 11 questions before federal qualifying week. Here are the answers.