Joe Henderson, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonOctober 29, 2018

When Jeff Vinik decided in 2010 to buy the Tampa Bay Lightning, it changed a lot more than just the city’s sports fortunes. Vinik has become one of Tampa’s leading philanthropists, and his massive $3 billion Water Street real estate and entertainment project is taking shape to give life to the moribund Channel District. The Lightning is regarded as […]

Joe HendersonOctober 25, 2018

Remember the good old days of 2014 when the biggest dispute in the Florida Governor debate was whether Charlie Crist should be able to use a fan? Now, after two debates between current candidates Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis, it’s clear that the gulf between Florida’s major parties has never been wider and about half […]

Joe HendersonOctober 24, 2018

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It’s too soon to say if Andrew Gillum will lose the election for Governor of Florida after Tuesday’s revelation that the coveted ticket to “Hamilton” he received may have come from an undercover FBI agent, but let’s put it this way. Gillum appeared to have the wind at his back in his face against Republican […]

Joe HendersonOctober 23, 2018

No tax for tracks. No tax for anything. What else is new? The grumpy demographic in Hillsborough County has weighed in on the All For Transportation referendum and guess what? They’re agin’ it! I know you’re shocked. The first mailer appeared in my mailbox Monday. The old “No Tax For Tracks” group reformed about three […]

Joe HendersonOctober 22, 2018

If the goal of either side in the Florida Governor’s debate Sunday night between Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis was to change minds, that probably didn’t happen. During a spirited hour-long debate on CNN in which no punches were pulled, both candidates to be Florida’s governor kept their respective cool, got in their talking points […]

Joe HendersonOctober 17, 2018

Ron DeSantis hasn’t mentioned President Donald Trump much now that the general election for Florida Governor is getting closer, but that might change after Monday’s stinging slap by the Florida Supreme Court at Gov. Rick Scott. After lawsuits by the Florida League of Women Voters and Common Cause, the state’s highest court ruled that Scott cannot nominate […]

Joe HendersonOctober 16, 2018

If you see Florida CD 15 starting to turn in favor of Democrat Kristen Carlson as election results pour in on Nov. 6, better get out your rain gear because the blue wave could be coming. Carlson is the underdog against Republican Ross Spano, but three major national outlets — FiveThirtyEight.com, the Sabato Crystal Ball, and […]

Joe HendersonOctober 14, 2018

I’m going to take a guess, but it looks like Ken Hagan has made Hillsborough transportation his signature issue in what is starting to look like a lifetime term on the governing body. Take the colorful mailer that said, “Ken Hagan’s plan to invest infrastructure will create jobs, improve safety and improve our quality of […]

Joe HendersonOctober 11, 2018

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While watching the unfolding catastrophe Hurricane Michael brought to Panama City, a familiar fear crept back into my mind: What if this thing had come up the mouth of Tampa Bay instead of veering west? It’s a warning people there need to take seriously. That in no way minimizes what the people of Panama City […]

Joe HendersonOctober 10, 2018

Politics seems so trivial in times like the Florida Panhandle is about to experience with Hurricane Michael. Petty red and blue arguments are out of place when a storm like this threatens everything and everyone in its path. If you’re a Democrat and intend to vote with vigor for Bill Nelson to the U.S. Senate, […]

Joe Henderson
Image via OIC-SFL.

Joe Henderson: Jeff Vinik’s support key to Tampa transportation issue

Joe Henderson: Wow, was that a Florida Governor debate or Hamilton duel?

Joe Henderson: Andrew Gillum suddenly playing defense down the stretch

Joe Henderson: No tax for tracks, or anything else in Hillsborough

Joe Henderson: Lively Florida gubernatorial debate probably didn’t change minds

Joe Henderson: Supreme Court ruling brings out Mini-Me in Ron DeSantis

Joe Henderson: If Florida CD 15 flips, blue wave could be coming

Joe Henderson: Hey, guess what? Hillsborough transportation is an issue!

Joe Henderson: Michael’s wrath the latest warning to Tampa Bay

Joe Henderson: No time for politics with Hurricane Michael on its way