Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannMay 8, 2017

Local control, the notion that communities should have a certain degree of “home rule” in managing its own affairs, has become one of the hot-button issues in both Florida and across the country. As part of the “ban the bag” movement, however, the rallying cry of “local control” is in danger of trivialization, made almost […]

Phil AmmannMay 5, 2017

Working toward a final Florida state budget, news of a skirmish between the Senate and House emerges. A war of words appears to have broken out between House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Latvala ended budget negotiations after Corcoran “changed the deal” by insisting the final agreement link […]

Phil AmmannMay 5, 2017

Florida senators, including some reluctant Democrats, voted to expanded two of Florida’s de facto education voucher programs that aid low-income students and those with disabilities. The Tampa Bay Times reports HB 15 passed 27-11 Friday morning, on a vote where four Democrats joined Republicans. The bill returns to the House this afternoon for final approval […]

Phil AmmannMay 5, 2017

This week, our Northeast Florida correspondent has been ensconced in the Corrine Brown trial. The trial is finally moving into defense testimony after a blistering week of witnesses for the prosecution saying that Brown knew “One Door for Education” was one big scam. However, here’s the rub: Donors didn’t care. They didn’t really vet the […]

Phil AmmannMay 3, 2017

As Ileana Ros-Lehtinen retires from the U.S. House when her term ends after next year, she is leaving behind an impressive tenure. To put context on Ros-Lehtinen’s lengthy time in office, Eric Ostermeier of Smart Politics examined how the Miami Republican compared to female colleagues and predecessors over the decades in Congress. When Ros-Lehtinen exits […]

Phil AmmannMay 1, 2017

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Ed Hooper, the former Republican State Representative and Clearwater City Commissioner, will be featured at a high-profile fundraiser Wednesday in his bid for Florida Senate. Hooper is seeking to succeed term-limited Jack Latvala in Senate District 16, which covers much of north Pinellas County. A reception will begin 5 PM at Mugs ‘N Jugs, 40737 […]

Phil AmmannMay 1, 2017

Florida legislators are considering another public meeting on the state’s budget language before finalizing the agreement Tuesday. Lobby Tools is reporting Monday that Senate budget chief Jack Latvala and Carlos Trujillo, his House counterpart, said that the joint appropriations committee would not meet again, so it’s not clear who will be involved in the meeting, […]

Phil AmmannMay 1, 2017

Tallahassee city officials are considering overnight towing bans, targeting tow trucks drivers praying on bar-goers who leave cars behind when they are too drunk to drive. According to WTSP, the push to prevent so-called “roam towing” is an idea gaining support in Florida’s Capitol. After a 10Investigates series examining the benefits of overnight towing bans […]

Phil AmmannMay 1, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Charlotte Jones has replaced Roshanda Jackson as district secretary for Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Kimberly Daniels. On: Joshua Winograd is a new legislative assistant for Delray Beach Democratic Rep. Emily Slosberg. Off: Karol Molinares is no longer […]

Phil AmmannApril 29, 2017

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Budget language filed in the Florida House Saturday morning would OK a controversial state audit of Tampa International Airport. As reported by Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida, Brandon Republican Sen. Tom Lee unexpectedly filed an amendment last week on the Senate floor, which proposes an audit of TIA’s renovation master plan. Lee’s amendment raised concern […]

Phil Ammann
Image via AP.

Surfrider’s passion for ‘local control’ in ban the bag debate rings false, is opportunistic spin

Jack Latvala blames final budget stalemate on Richard Corcoran’s ‘last-minute switcheroo’

Senate advances voucher expansion bill, goes to House for final vote

Jacksonville Bold for 5.5.17 — No one left to lie to

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to exit Congress as sixth all-time tenure for female House members

Ed Hooper to host major Tarpon Springs fundraiser Wednesday

Lawmakers consider one more public budget meeting

Tallahassee seeks to end ‘roam towing,’ OKs overnight towing bans

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

House considers contentious Tampa International Airport audit