Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2016

Republican state Rep. Shawn Harrison is holding a campaign kickoff party Thursday evening for his House District 63 re-election effort. The event begins 5:30 p.m. at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St. in Tampa. The Hillsborough County area seat is one that Florida Democrats are eyeing as a swing district they can switch in […]

Phil AmmannApril 26, 2016

Gwen Graham’s recent semi-surprise, twofer announcement has the Florida chattering classes (temporarily) taking their attention away from 2016 and toward a post-Rick Scott state Capitol. The year 2018 will mark 20 straight years in which Republicans have monopolized the Governor’s Mansion. Democrats are understandably terrified about that continued dominance, particularly when they consider the judicial […]

Phil AmmannApril 25, 2016

How much money would you risk to stand on your principles? I ask because I’ve seen criticism of some artists who have not canceled scheduled performances in North Carolina. They should cancel, say the critics, to join the boycott of a state whose legislature is anti-transgender persons. But for many artists, the decision to cancel […]

Phil AmmannApril 25, 2016

April 24-30 is National Reentry Week, which provides a prime opportunity for communities across Florida to work together to reduce recidivism. At PRIDE Enterprises, we believe it is vital to recognize this week because it aligns with our statutory missions and our role in the community. The Florida Legislature created PRIDE as a not-for-profit corporation […]

Phil AmmannApril 24, 2016

Florida legislators may have publicly backed a presidential candidate, but new research finds that several lawmakers failed to vote in the state’s primary election. Noah Pransky of WTSP reports that a number of lawmakers — just like in 2012 – simply did not take part in Florida’s March 15 presidential preference primary, including four from […]

Phil AmmannApril 24, 2016

A roundup of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers: Tampa Bay Times — DCF should reverse position on LGBT protections The Department of Children and Families was wrong to discard language in its new policy that would have protected foster children in group homes from being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender […]

Phil AmmannApril 22, 2016

Judges are needed in Pasco and Pinellas counties, says 6th Judicial Circuit Judge J. Thomas McGrady. The Pinellas-Pasco Chief Judge is calling for more magistrates to adequately serve the region, reports LobbyTools. The 6th Judicial Circuit is the third-largest in Florida. “We can build additional courtrooms but nothing’s going to happen unless we have more […]

Phil AmmannApril 21, 2016

The startling news that SeaWorld will stop breeding its captive orca whales and will phase out theatrical orca shows in favor of exhibits highlighting whales’ natural behaviors is an indicator of a broader trend in society. SeaWorld realized that making orcas do tricks in small concrete pools is no longer a sustainable business model. The company […]

Phil AmmannApril 20, 2016

Donald Trump appears to have only just realized that the GOP does not pick its nominee by a popular majority of votes. But Trump suffers from a common misunderstanding. After all, it seems only reasonable that a political party should pick its leading candidate by getting its membership to the polls, counting all their votes, […]

Phil AmmannApril 18, 2016

I am not a big fan of sports metaphors or former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, but both can be used to demonstrate the inanity and intellectual dishonesty driving the cries of unfairness coming out of the campaigns of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. Both are pushing similar messages about their respective parties’ nominating and delegate […]

Phil Ammann

Shawn Harrison to host HD 63 re-election kickoff in Tampa

Ben Pollara: Baby got bench: Florida Democrats’ 2018 field

Michele Grant: Why artists offended by N.C. transgender law might still play there

Jack Edgemon: PRIDE Enterprises takes pride in reducing recidivism

Florida lawmakers support presidential candidates, but forgot to vote in primary

A roundup of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers

More judges needed for Pinellas, Pasco says Sixth Circuit Chief Judge

Wayne Pacelle: Florida’s politicians need to embrace ‘humane economy’

Michele Grant: If you’re seeking the nomination, you should know the rules

Ben Pollara: Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders and fuzzy math