Elevator pitch

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 AmmannJune 23, 2017

The two most powerful people in Jacksonville politics starting in July: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Council President Anna Brosche. The two have similarities: introverted personalities, CPAs, Republicans in their mid-40s. And they have differences — which will soon need resolution. There are those who lined up with Brosche in the Council presidency race who […]

Phil AmmannJune 22, 2017

Florida Sheriffs recognized several Tampa Bay-area lawmakers Thursday for “significant contributions to and support of good public safety policies” during the 2017 Legislative Session. The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) named five legislators — including Clearwater state Sen. Jack Latvala and Reps. James Grant of Tampa and Chris Sprowls of Palm Harbor — for their “commitment […]

Phil Ammann
Image via AP

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

Jacksonville Bold for 6.23.17 — New blood rising

Florida Sheriffs name Jack Latvala, James Grant, Chris Sprowls ‘legislative champions’ for 2017