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

Drew WilsonMay 19, 2016

The Florida Retail Federation will name a Tallahassee businesswoman the “2016 Florida Retailer of the Year” during an awards luncheon June 9 in St. Petersburg. Lisa Mergel, owner of Kanvas Spa & Boutique, will be presented with the award at the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel next month, and businesswomen Kristen Keen of Jacksonville and Debbie Farah […]

Drew WilsonMay 19, 2016

Florida taxpayers could save millions and live in a safer state if lawmakers make smart criminal justice reforms, nonpartisan watchdog group Florida TaxWatch said in a new report. “Lower Costs & Less Crime: Criminal Juvenile Justice Reform Options for Florida,” released this week, recommends changes to sentencing laws on low-level crimes, and expanding programs that help inmates […]

Drew WilsonMay 18, 2016

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Small-business group NFIB/Florida named St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes a “Guardian of Small Business” during a luncheon Wednesday. “As a small-business owner, I have seen firsthand the impact of burdensome government regulations,” Brandes said after accepting the award. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community. We should cut taxes and eliminate unnecessary red […]

Drew WilsonMay 18, 2016

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced Wednesday that she brought in a new office manager and made other staffing changes in her Tampa district office. “Every year, my Tampa office handles hundreds of constituent services cases to assist individuals, businesses and organizations as they try to navigate the various federal agencies,” the Tampa Democrat said. “From […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2016

Republican House District 27 frontrunner William McBride announced Tuesday that Deltona Mayor John Masiarczyk is backing his bid to take over for Rep. David Santiago in the Volusia County seat. “Will McBride is a real conservative. He will be a great champion for Deltona and all of District 27,” Masiarczyk said. “As the mayor of Deltona, we need […]

Drew WilsonMay 12, 2016

A Polk County Democrat announced this week that she will run against Lakeland Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel in the newly redrawn Senate District 22. Former Polk County School Board member Debra Wright made the announcement Monday during the Open House at the Democratic Headquarters in Haines City, During the same meeting she earned the support […]

Drew WilsonMay 11, 2016

Florida added 9,500 private sector jobs last month according to new employment data released by payroll company ADP. The new jobs mainly headed to the service industry, which saw a gain of 10,100 jobs, including 2,400 new positions in the trade, transportation and utilities sector and 1,400 in the professional and business services industry. The […]

Drew WilsonMay 11, 2016

Vero Beach Republican Rep. Debbie Mayfield topped her competition to stay on top in the Senate District 17 race last month with $32,090 in contributions. Mayfield took in 84 contributions in April, including 11 checks for the maximum contribution of $1,000, but spent nearly as much as she brought in, leaving her with $196,617 in […]

Drew WilsonMay 10, 2016

Republican Rep. Bob Cortes picked up an endorsement from the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Central Florida wing in his re-election bid, his campaign announced Tuesday. “I am honored to have this vote of confidence from ABC,” Cortes said. “I look forward to continuing to work with them on policies to lower taxes and get rid […]

Drew WilsonMay 10, 2016

Republican Peter Vivaldi announced Tuesday that eight Central Florida lawmakers are backing his bid for the District 15 seat in the Florida Senate. “I am very honored and encouraged to have the support of so many members of our area’s delegation,” Vivaldi said. “They are all great conservative leaders, and I look forward to working […]

Drew Wilson

Florida Retail Federation to honor Retailer of the Year June 9 in St. Pete

TaxWatch: Smart criminal justice reforms could save millions

Independent business group honors Jeff Brandes as ‘Guardian of Small Business’

Personnel note: Kathy Castor adds new office manager, Tampa office changes

Deltona mayor backs William McBride in HD 27

Kelli Stargel draws Polk County Democrat challenger in SD 22 race

Florida adds 9,500 private-sector jobs in April, ADP survey shows

Debbie Mayfield tops competition in April to keep SD 17 money lead

Associated Builders and Contractors endorse Bob Cortes for HD 30 re-election

Central Florida lawmakers back Peter Vivaldi in SD 15 race