Elevator pitch

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 AmmannApril 28, 2017

Readers have likely noticed our deep-dive coverage of the Corrine Brown trial this week. As the trial moves into its evidentiary phase, it would be easy to forget Wednesday’s opening statements. That would be ill-advised, as those statements represent the crux of the disagreement between the government and Brown. The Feds maintain Brown orchestrated the […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2017

Book lovers and supporters of shopping locally can fuel their passions Saturday during National Independent Bookstore Day. Midtown Reader, Tallahassee’s newest and hottest independent bookstore, is taking part in the third annual nationwide event, held on the last Saturday in April, with hourly specials from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Founded by influential political adviser […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2017

Florida lawmakers are seeking to rename a section of Alternate U.S. 19 in northern Pinellas County after a Tarpon Springs police officer killed in the line of duty in 2014. On Thursday, the Florida Senate unanimously approved changing the name of a stretch between Tarpon Avenue and the Pasco County line to the Officer Charles […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2017

Two health insurer regulations passed the Senate floor unanimously Thursday, while similar House measures stall in committee. LobbyTools reports that Senators passed SB 102, which prohibit health insurers and health maintenance organizations from retroactive claim denial after verifying the eligibility of a patient, which usually occurs during a post-payment audit. Members also passed SB 182, […]

Phil AmmannApril 26, 2017

Several Florida counties, including those in the Tampa Bay area, are now under a Phase I water shortage, which comes with the possibility of future watering restrictions. During its board meeting Tuesday, the Southwest Florida Water Management District announced 16 counties affected by a Phase I water shortage. The counties are Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, […]

Phil Ammann
Linda McMahon. Image via AP.

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

Jacksonville Bold for 4.28.17 — Lyin’, Cheatin’, Stealin’

Midtown Reader to share love of reading, community on Indie Bookstore Day

Legislature renaming part of U.S. 19 to honor Tarpon Springs officer killed on duty

Senate passes health insurer regulations, while House stalls

Tampa Bay region under Phase I water shortage alert