Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannApril 30, 2015

As a proposed solar energy initiative gains steam in Florida, an interesting rhetorical battle is also heating up: Americans For Prosperity (AFP) against the Tea Party fringe. The latest bombast comes from Debbie Dooley, described by American Spectator columnist Jon Cassidy as a “Tea Party eccentric and advocate for solar energy.” Dooley is the outspoken […]

Phil AmmannApril 29, 2015

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for championing business growth and jobs policies during the 113th Congress. This is the 26th year the Chamber formally recognized a select group of lawmakers. Ross, the Lakeland Republican representing Florida’s 15th Congressional District, is Senior Deputy Majority Whip. […]

Phil AmmannApril 29, 2015

Tampa Bay Times pop culture reporter Sean Daly is leaving print media to return to television full time. In an announcement, Daly – who also is features reporter for Tampa ABC affiliate WFTS-TV – gave few details about the move to television, but did say it would put him in “96 million homes.” Daly has […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

A University of Florida fraternity chapter is shutting down after reports that some members recently harassed a group of wounded military veterans on vacation in Panama City Beach. The University of Florida and the national organization of Zeta Beta Tau announced it would close its UF chapter effective immediately, a result of misconduct allegations after the […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

Florida lawmakers approved a medication that could save lives during a drug overdose, with a bill now awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature. On Tuesday, the Legislature passed SB 758/HB 751, known as the Emergency Treatment for Opioid Overdose Act, which increases availability of Naloxone, a drug that immediately reverses effects of opioids — prescription painkillers, […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is the special guest tonight at a Tallahassee fundraiser for the conservative Maverick PAC USA. The event begins 5:30 p.m. in the offices of Florida Realtors, 200 South Monroe St. in Tallahassee. Hosts include Florida co-chairs Slayter Bayless and Jeb Bush Jr., as well as Tallahassee co-chairs Amanda Bevis, Brandi Brown, […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

Jim Greer is once again grappling with financial problems. Last month, the disgraced former Florida GOP chair filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in federal court, with records showing liabilities at more than three times listed assets. Elyssa Cherney of the Orlando Sentinel reports that between Greer, 52, and his wife, Lisa, the pair owes […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2015

Tampa Bay Times staff writer Ivan Penn is leaving St. Petersburg for California, to take a position as energy reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Penn said he would make the move this summer. The Washington, D.C., native has reported on utilities and energy issues at the Times since July 2006. Prior to that, he […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2015

A Lakeland hospice forced to close by the state over a paperwork error is near reopening by way of a bill passed last week by the Legislature. On Friday, both the Senate and House passed HB 441, giving Compassionate Care Hospice (CCH) on Drane Field Road access to an expedited process to reapply for its license. […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2015

GOPAC, the Republican state and local political training organization, named state Sen. Rob Bradley as one of its annual Emerging Leaders list for 2015. The Orange Park Republican represents Senate District 7, which covers Alachua, Bradford and Clay Counties. Bradley is one of 22 Republican state legislators nationwide included in the yearlong GOPAC program that identifies those […]

Phil Ammann

Florida solar battle heats up: Tea Party’s Debbie Dooley takes on Americans for Prosperity

U.S. Chamber picks Dennis Ross for Spirit of Enterprise Award

Sean Daly to leave Tampa Bay Times for full-time TV gig

UF fraternity to close after charges of harassing veterans

Florida Legislature passes expanded access to overdose treatment drug

Adam Putnam to headline Maverick PAC Tally fundraiser

Jim Greer again faces money problems, files bankruptcy

Reporter Ivan Penn leaving Tampa Bay Times for Los Angeles

Bill to reopen Lakeland hospice goes to governor’s desk

GOPAC names Rob Bradley to 2015 class of Emerging Leaders