Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannMarch 4, 2015

In the possibility that state Rep. Dana Young’s Gaming Control Act of 2015 passes the Legislature, one thing is sure: There will be significant changes in Florida gambling, although maybe not what many expect. First, South Florida may well become a home to two destination casinos, dog tracks end live greyhound races and slot machines proliferate […]

Phil AmmannMarch 4, 2015

In the possibility that state Rep. Dana Young’s Gaming Control Act of 2015 passes the Legislature, one thing is sure: There will be significant changes in Florida gambling, although maybe not what many expect. First, South Florida may well become a home to two destination casinos, dog tracks end live greyhound races and slot machines proliferate […]

Phil AmmannMarch 3, 2015

As the Legislative Session starts, Gov. Rick Scott is pushing his priorities with a statewide TV ad blitz. Using TV makes Scott one of the first Florida governors to make use of direct television campaigns, instead of depending on earned media most elected officials rely on. Produced by his Let’s Get to Work PAC, the 30-second spot starts airing […]

Phil AmmannMarch 3, 2015

As the Legislative Session starts, Gov. Rick Scott is pushing his priorities with a statewide TV ad blitz. Using TV makes Scott one of the first Florida governors to make use of direct television campaigns, instead of depending on earned media most elected officials rely on. Produced by his Let’s Get to Work PAC, the 30-second spot starts airing […]

Phil AmmannMarch 3, 2015

Hours away from the start of the annual 60-day Legislative Session, and the Florida Democratic Party already had a prediction. For them, it is as if the next two months will never happen. “Empty words for middle class, handouts for special interests,” leads the latest FDP email blast to supporters, blowing the Democratic dog whistle […]

Phil AmmannMarch 3, 2015

With a message of hope for the next 60 days, Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli issued his official statement Tuesday morning to open the 2015 Legislative Session. Borrowing its theme from Florida’s 19th century state motto — “Leave Us Alone” — the Broward County Republican said he was glad the state turned away from its […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

In a conservative donors preview last weekend, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio unveiled a tax reform plan he intends to introduce soon with Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee. The Florida senator, who has indicated he will likely run for re-election rather than the presidency president instead of reelection to the Senate, told attendees at the Club […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

A Senate bill filed Monday seeks to protect the privacy of Florida motorists by blocking the release of email addresses accumulated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Filed by the Senate Transportation Committee, SPB 7040 would create public-record law exemptions for email addresses received by the department while collecting vehicle records and […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

The newest chapter of the “4th Floor Files” features lobbyist Darrick McGhee of Johnson & Blanton. McGhee, with more than 13 years of experience in government, was the former Director of Legislative Affairs in the Executive Office of Gov. Rick Scott. Significant other? Children? Grandkids? Happily married to Tikia McGhee (12 years); Two children: Darrick […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

Florida lobbying house Ballard Partners announced today it is adding legislative expert Jessica Baker to its team based out of Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Baker, a graduate of Florida State University College of Law, will be working out of the Jacksonville office and in Tallahassee, during the 2015 Legislative Session, which begins tomorrow. Ballard President Brian […]

Phil Ammann

Dana Young's reform bill might actually reduce gambling in Florida

Dana Young’s reform bill might actually reduce gambling in Florida

Rick Scott goes "On the Move" with statewide TV campaign for 2015 priorities

Rick Scott goes “On the Move” with statewide TV campaign for 2015 priorities

Email insights: Democrats blow the dog whistle for 2015 Session

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli issues challenge to 2015 Session

Marco Rubio floats trial balloon on tax reform at donor meeting

Senate bill seeks to prevent release of DMV email addresses

4th Floor Files talks to Darrick McGhee about marriage, less government and fiscal conservatism

Personnel note: Ballard Partners adds legislative expert Jessica Baker