Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannJuly 14, 2017

As the Jacksonville City Council wraps up its two-week break, Councilmembers will get a first peek at Mayor Lenny Curry’s budget Monday. They already know at least some of what to expect: a $100 million capital improvement budget and $8.4 million for Edward Waters College. Now the question is: Will everyone play ball? A.G. Gancarski […]

Phil AmmannJuly 7, 2017

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State Attorney Brian Haas is endorsing Republican Ben Albritton in the Florida Senate District 26 seat now held by Denise Grimsley, who is forgoing re-election for an Agriculture Commissioner bid. “Ben has the right convictions and values to serve our area well,” said Haas, who serves the 10th Judicial Circuit covering Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties. “He […]

Phil AmmannJuly 7, 2017

Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine visits Florida this month for a fundraiser in support his 2018 re-election bid. Kaine will hold a cocktail reception beginning 5 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at The Francis, a special event venue in downtown Sarasota. Tickets for the cocktail reception start at a suggested contribution of $250, going up to […]

Phil AmmannJuly 6, 2017

Progress Florida is one of the organizations and leaders opposing a plan to use seismic airgun testing for oil and gas exploration off the state’s Atlantic coast. The progressive nonprofit organization says the procedure threatens marine wildlife and coastal economies as well as Florida’s tourism and fishing industries. “The noise from seismic airgun blasts is […]

Phil AmmannJuly 5, 2017

Florida health officials have announced new statewide medical marijuana rules. Lobby Tools reports Monday that the newly renamed Office of Medical Marijuana Use at the Florida Department of Health published its Notice of Adoption to carry out legislation passed during the 2017 special session. The emergency rulemaking process was authorized under SB 8A, which sought […]

Phil AmmannJuly 3, 2017

With Independence Day arriving Tuesday, retailers expect a surge in one of the things Americans do best – eat. The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) predicts Americans will spend more than $7.1 billion for Independence Day weekend on food items for picnics, barbecues and other celebrations. That’s an increase of about $2 in per-person spending over […]

Phil AmmannJuly 3, 2017

Sen. Bill Nelson visits Tampa Monday for a roundtable discussion with those “hardest hit” by the latest attempt from Senate Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The Democratic senator will speak with residents on Medicaid as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions. Nelson is back in town during Congress’ weeklong July Fourth […]

Phil AmmannJune 30, 2017

Summer doldrums, finally, in Jacksonville City Hall for the next couple of weeks … until the Mayor introduces his budget to Council July 17. The installation of a new Council President, supplanting old power dynamics with a new hierarchy. And there are questions. Will institutional knowledge still be there? Will the budget go as smoothly […]

Phil AmmannJune 29, 2017

While kickoff of the 2017 NFL season is still months away, Florida is already looking toward the Super Bowl — in 2020 and 2021. The biggest game in professional sports will be back-to-back in Miami Gardens in 2020 and Tampa in 2021 — thanks to a construction delay in Los Angeles — and no matter […]

Phil AmmannJune 24, 2017

This fall, a group of Florida’s professional business women will gather in Tampa to discuss and learn ways to take on strong leadership opportunities. The 2017 Women’s Conference of Florida, now in its second year as the state’s premier professional symposium, is set for Oct. 26-27 at the Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina in Tampa. […]

Phil Ammann
Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Jacksonville Bold for 7.14.17 — Playtime is over

State Attorney Brian Haas endorses Ben Albritton in SD 26

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine to hold re-election fundraiser in Sarasota July 23

Progress Florida joins thousands opposing Trump’s plan for seismic airgun testing off Florida coast

Florida Department of Health files rules for new medical marijuana law

Increased food spending, lower gas prices give Florida retailers boost for Independence Day

Bill Nelson hosting health care roundtable in Tampa

Jacksonville Bold for 6.30.17 — City Hall Confidential

Aviat helping host cities prepare for NFL love, Super Bowls in 2020-21

Women’s Conference of Florida to hold leadership symposium in October