No. 8 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Charlie Crist

2019 TBPP Crist 8
He's had several wins on the environment.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist has scored a lot of wins for the Tampa Bay region and Florida this year, catapulting him from No. 16 on last year’s list to his top 10 placement this year.

Since his election in 2016, Crist has been a staunch advocate for preserving the environment and mitigating climate change. His efforts were less well-received during his first year in office. As a Democrat in the minority, there was little hope of progressive policies making it through the conservative U.S. House of Representatives.

“Congressman Crist has been a vocal advocate for his district. He continuously seeks input on issues important to Pinellas County and has been instrumental in helping to secure federal funding for our beaches,” said Southern Strategy Group lobbyist Laura Boehmer.

But the 2018 midterm election flipped the House, and Democrats are now in charge. Crist’s efforts are now breezing through.

Crist, of St. Petersburg, most recently was able to add an amendment to an appropriations bill that would block offshore drilling off Florida’s coast. Crist also successfully co-sponsored a bill reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program for another five years, a win for Floridians in flood-prone areas.

Crist also fought locally for state and federal funding to combat red tide as Florida’s Gulf Coast had its worst outbreak in years including working with local stakeholders and securing $10 million in federal funds

Crist also secured $7 million for Tampa International Airport for reimbursements for security upgrades.

He also took on a new battle this year — medical marijuana access. Earlier this year, Crist helped secure provisions in a funding bill that would preserve opportunities for United States veterans and others to hold federal jobs even if they were medical marijuana users.

Crist secured a fairly powerful committee post this year, serving on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations subcommittee where he’s able to secure priorities into funding bills.

Once criticized for flip-flopping parties, Crist has emerged as a venerable Congressman. After defeating then-Republican David Jolly in 2016, Crist went on to win easy re-election against Republican George Buck last year. Buck plans to challenge Crist again, but Crist’s position in the U.S. House looks safe.

“How many political lives can one man have? Ask Charlie Crist,” said Republican political strategist Anthony Pedicini. “The Commissioner turned Attorney General turned Governor turned Congressman has had more political lives than the proverbial cat.  For decades, Crist has been a fixture in Tampa Bay on both sides of the political aisle. He is affable, clever and politically astute and has one of the best-known names of any Tampa Bay pol. 

Joe Henderson’s take: His national profile rose after his questioning of Attorney General William Barr during a hearing later led to proof Barr had lied to Congress. Crist also was tapped by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to a key strategic position in Democrats’ upcoming election campaign.

Follow the entire list here, on Facebook, and on Twitter with #Top25InTB.

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Janelle Irwin Taylor has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in Tampa Bay since 2003. Most recently, Janelle reported for the Tampa Bay Business Journal. She formerly served as senior reporter for WMNF News. Janelle has a lust for politics and policy. When she’s not bringing you the day’s news, you might find Janelle enjoying nature with her husband, children and two dogs. You can reach Janelle at [email protected].


4 comments

  • Ed Meltzer

    July 12, 2019 at 7:29 am

    He is so gay!

  • Harold Stassen

    July 12, 2019 at 9:11 am

    From Governor of the third largest state in the country to only the 8th most powerful pol in the Bay Area.

    That’s kinda like being MVP of an all star game to batting clean up in Double A.

  • David

    July 12, 2019 at 3:48 pm

    george buck Jr needs to be your next story. PhD 101st airborne and lifetime first responder. He has written 4 books on anti terrorism and is the Republican candidate for District 13. Do Pinellas county a good deed and interview GEORGE BUCK JR a Bill Young Republican.

  • Bob Gaston

    July 14, 2019 at 12:19 am

    Now, if he can only figure out what he believes. I can’t believe I donated to three of his political campaigns, (1 for AG and 2 for Governor). All I can figure out on his facebook page is that he loves puppies and kitties. How can he have power, He doesn’t stand for anything.

Comments are closed.


#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories