Drew Wilson, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine’s gubernatorial campaign announced Thursday that it’s expanding its communications team with a pair of new hires. The announcement included a promotion for William Miller, who will now serve as deputy communications director, and the addition of Guillermo Perez, who will serve as the campaign’s Hispanic media coordinator. “As our […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

First quarter reports are in for Florida’s lobby firms, and Ballard Partners again topped the list with an estimated $2.5 million in compensation for legislative lobbying during the first three months of the year. Ballard, which topped all firms in 2017 compensation, was one of six outfits reporting at least $1 million in legislative lobbying […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri wants Tampa Republican Rep. James Grant to stick around for another term. The Republican sheriff announced Wednesday that he was backing Grant in his primary race against Terry Power, an Oldsmar retirement plan consultant. “James Grant is a principled leader and dedicated advocate for law enforcement and first responders in Florida. […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

Former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor is getting her campaign to take over as Tampa Mayor rolling tonight with a with a fundraising reception at The Columbia. The event is set to run from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at the restaurant on 2117 E. 7th Ave, and the host committee alone shows it will […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

Pensacola Republican Rep. Frank White has boosted his campaign for Attorney General with another $1.25 million in self-funding according to a source close to his campaign. The cash infusion brings White’s cash on hand up to $3.3 million. That total includes $1.5 million he used to bolster his campaign shortly after it launched in October. […]

Drew WilsonMay 16, 2018

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson weighed in on the Democratic Primary in Senate District 38 Wednesday, announcing she would back incumbent Sen. Daphne Campbell in her race against insurgent challenger Jason Pizzo. “Today I formally endorse the campaign of Sen. Daphne Campbell in her re-election bid for the state Senate. As a vocal and […]

Drew WilsonMay 16, 2018

Attorney General candidate Sean Shaw announced Wednesday that three state attorneys are backing his campaign for the Cabinet post. The endorsements came in from Dave Aronberg of the 15th Circuit, Jack Campbell of the 2nd Circuit and Andrew Warren of the 13th Circuit. Each cited a different strong point in their statements backing the Tampa […]

Drew WilsonMay 16, 2018

The state’s largest teacher union announced Wednesday that it is backing House Minority Leader Janet Cruz in her bid to unseat Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young in Senate District 18. “Rep. Janet Cruz has been a tireless champion for our educators, students, and parents,” said Florida Education Association President Joanne McCall. “While Republicans, including Senator […]

Drew WilsonMay 16, 2018

Auburndale Republican Neil Combee announced another half-dozen endorsements for his campaign to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross in Florida’s 15th Congressional District, all of them from Polk County. The nods came from former lawmaker J.D. Alexander, who served in the Florida House and Senate from 1998 to 2012, former State Attorney Jerry Hill, former […]

Drew WilsonMay 16, 2018

Surterra Wellness’ newest medical marijuana treatment center will open for business in Largo Thursday morning. The new venue, located at 10761 Ulmerton Rd., is the company’s third in the Tampa Bay region and eighth in the Sunshine State. Other locations include Miami Beach, Orlando, Deltona, Pensacola and Tallahassee, with a Jacksonville location on the horizon. […]

Drew Wilson
Image via AP.

Personnel note: Philip Levine campaign building communications team

Six firms earn more than $1 million for legislative session lobbying

Big get: Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri backs Jamie Grant’s re-election to Florida House

Jane Castor kicking off mayoral campaign at The Columbia

Frank White puts another $1.25M of own money behind A.G. bid

Audrey Gibson backs Daphne Campbell over Jason Pizzo in SD 38

Sean Shaw endorsed by three state attorneys

Teacher union touts Janet Cruz as ‘tireless champion’

Neil Combee heralds second wave of Polk endorsements

Surterra Wellness setting up shop in Largo