Mitch Perry, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryFebruary 20, 2018

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A controversial omnibus education bill made its first appearance Tuesday in the Florida Senate, where Port Orange Republican Dorothy Hukill unveiled a strike-all amendment to the legislation before the Education Committee. The bill (HB 7055) ultimately was approved, although without a provision that organized labor said was designed to gut the state’s “right to work” laws. The Senate bill […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 20, 2018

There will not be a rehearing in the case that could have cost Pinellas County taxpayers $16.5 million over a Safety Harbor apartment complex that the County Commission rejected five years ago. The 2nd District Court of Appeals in Lakeland denied a request for rehearing by the Richman Group of Florida. The court originally ruled […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 20, 2018

When Democrat Heather Kenyon Stahl entered the House District 47 race last month, seeking the seat currently held by Republican Jamie Grant, her emphasis was on education, transportation and health care. While those issues remain at the forefront of her campaign, another subject emerged — gun control — which few Democrats hoping to make it to the Legislature […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

As a consequence of funding issues, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) made sweeping changes to its bus system last fall, cutting nearly 20 percent of all routes.The decision alienated some County Commissioners, unhappy with the level of service reductions in their districts. HART staff heard those objections loud and clear, saying they intended […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman announced Monday morning his administration is renaming the city’s main library after former President Barack Obama. Not everyone was pleased. Kriseman made the announcement on Presidents Day in front of the library at 3745 9th Avenue North. The renaming is to coincide with the library’s planned $6 million in renovations, using funds from […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

For Presidents Day, activists in downtown St. Petersburg rallied to criticize congressional Republicans who they say have been silent or actively working to end special counsel Robert Mueller‘s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Mueller laid out charges Friday against 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities in a sweeping indictment describing in […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

On Monday, Al Hoffman repeated his claim on CNN that he will withhold raising any more money for Republican candidates or committees unless they embrace a ban on the sale of assault weapons to civilians. For several years, the top GOP fundraiser had helped collect large financial donations for Republicans in both Florida and presidential […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

On Sunday, Miami U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo called on GOP congressional leaders to introduce gun control measures for consideration by the House and Senate. “What we need is congressional leaders, specifically in my party, to allow some of these bills to come to the floor for debate,” Curbelo said on ABC’s This Week. He was referring to […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

For years, the Hillsborough GOP dominated local politics. However, over the past few years, their grip has begun to loosen. Long known as a bellwether in presidential elections, Hillsborough went big for Hillary Clinton in 2016, while the rest of the state went for Donald Trump. And while local Republicans won all of the county’s legislative elections, former federal […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 18, 2018

Charlie Crist hopes things will be different this time around. Before a public appearance at Williams Park Saturday, the St. Petersburg Democrat said he was still unconvinced the Republican-led Congress will support gun control legislation, even after 17 people were massacred last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Several hundred people gathered in downtown St. […]

Mitch Perry

Senate panel clears contentious omnibus education bill

Court denies rehearing for developer in $16.5 million Pinellas zoning case

For Democrat Heather Stahl, gun control is now top issue in HD 64 race

Hillsborough lawmakers pleased with changes to HART routes

Rick Kriseman to name St. Pete library after Barack Obama, some take issue

Activists call out Donald Trump’s ‘Cover up Caucus’ on Russian investigation

Support builds for Florida GOP mega-donor’s ultimatum on assault weapon ban

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell says fighting for gun control is personal for her

Hillsborough Republicans choose new chair Tuesday

At St. Pete vigil for Parkland shooting, calls for political action