Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

Whip out those checkbooks, Tallahassee lobbyists and PAC chairs, as the clock ticks down on pre-session legislative fundraisers. Florida law prohibits legislators from raising money during session, so the final hours before the 2015 Legislative Session – which starts Tuesday – means a last-minute whirl of fundraising receptions, many of which in the shadow of […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

An old brewers’ adage: “Five ingredients for excellent beer: malt, hops, water, yeast, and friends.” As Tallahassee lurches into the 60-day 2015 Legislative Session on Tuesday, state Sen. Jack Latvala and Rep. Dana Young fired another salvo in the developing growler debate. In December, the two Tampa Bay Republicans announced the creation of the Brewing […]

Phil AmmannMarch 1, 2015

Before the gavel falls on Tuesday to open Florida’s 2015 Legislative Session, before Gov. Rick Scott gives his annual State of the State missive, there is a final blast from the Tallahassee “river of green.” “Old Corruptible” makes its last hurrah, before falling silent for the next 60 days. Today, editorial cartoonist Bill Day casts […]

Phil AmmannMarch 1, 2015

Before the gavel falls on Tuesday to open Florida’s 2015 Legislative Session, before Gov. Rick Scott gives his annual State of the State missive, there is a final blast from the Tallahassee “river of green.” “Old Corruptible” makes its last hurrah, before falling silent for the next 60 days. Today, editorial cartoonist Bill Day casts […]

Phil AmmannMarch 1, 2015

Political Connections, the Tampa Bay area’s version of Meet The Press, has featured Tampa Bay Times Political Editor Adam Smith as its co-host along with Al Reuschel since 2006. But that relationship will end after the March 8 broadcast. Smith’s name has already been removed from the program’s website. That news was omitted on Thursday when […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 27, 2015

As Gov. Rick Scott seeks to replace Florida insurance regulator Kevin McCarty, the Office of Insurance Regulation has announced several strategic moves. Although staff changes have been forthcoming for a while, Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times reports they are unrelated to McCarty’s standing with the Governor and the Cabinet. Rebecca Matthews, McCarty’s chief […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 27, 2015

Richard Swarttz will continue in his role as chief financial officer of the Republican Party of Florida, Chairman Blaise Ingoglia said Friday. In a statement, Ingoglia also identified Nancy Watkins and her firm, Robert Watkins & Co. as outside compliance accounting consultants for the party. “I am pleased to announce that Richard will continue to […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 27, 2015

Blaise Ingoglia, newly elected Republican Party of Florida chairman, has a question for state Democrats: “Are you ready for Hillary Clinton, as foreign governments seem to be?” Ingoglia refers to statements made by several leading Republicans saying the William J. Clinton Foundation took donations from foreign governments, even while Hillary — the prospective Democratic presidential candidate for […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 27, 2015

Blaise Ingoglia, newly elected Republican Party of Florida chairman, has a question for state Democrats: “Are you ready for Hillary Clinton, as foreign governments seem to be?” Ingoglia refers to statements made by several leading Republicans saying the William J. Clinton Foundation took donations from foreign governments, even while Hillary — the prospective Democratic presidential candidate for […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 27, 2015

On the eve of the 2015 Legislative Session, Gov. Rick and First Lady Ann Scott will host a State of the State Reception at the Governor’s Mansion. Scott gives his annual address to the joint chamber of the Florida Legislature to open the 2015 session the following day. The reception begins Monday at 6 p.m. […]

Phil Ammann

Get your checkbooks ready this week for pre-session political fundraisers

Brewing Liberty Caucus takes first steps towards victory in growler debate

Bill Day's latest: Old Corruptible

Bill Day’s latest: Old Corruptible

Adam Smith no longer to be part of Bay News 9’s Political Connections after next week

Office of Insurance Regulation announces high-level changes

RPOF keeps Richard Swarttz as CFO, names Nancy Watkins compliance officer

Blaise Ingoglia asks whether Florida Democrats are really "Ready for Hillary"

Blaise Ingoglia asks whether Florida Democrats are really “Ready for Hillary”

Rick Scott to hold State of the State reception on Monday