Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannApril 6, 2016

A glance at the March jobs numbers released last week suggests that the national economy is doing fairly well. Over 200,000 jobs were created and the unemployment rate was virtually unchanged at 5 percent. The numbers look even better for Florida, whose state unemployment rate has fallen below 5 percent and which has created nearly […]

Phil AmmannApril 5, 2016

During a visit to a Starbucks in downtown Gainesville, Gov. Rick Scott got an earful from an angry woman over his refusal to expand Medicaid to low-income Floridians. “You cut Medicaid so I couldn’t get Obamacare,” the woman, identified as former Lake Worth City Commissioner Cara Jennings, yells at Scott. “You’re an asshole. You don’t care about […]

Phil AmmannApril 5, 2016

A state auditor general’s report found Florida’s Department of Corrections failed to enforce monitoring provisions outlined in contracts with private health care providers. According to LobbyTools, the supervisory failure resulted in the state incurring more than $1 million in additional costs by undercharging vendors. The DOC “did not timely conduct monitoring of inmate health care […]

Phil AmmannApril 4, 2016

There’s a new reality show in America generating ratings and rave reviews before an audience that had been waiting a long time for it to begin. It’s called “The New American Transformers,” but unlike the “Transformer” movies this series does not revolve around a galactic battle but something much more down to Earth. It is […]

Phil AmmannApril 4, 2016

With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Matthew Yost is no longer legislative assistant for Hillsborough County Republican Rep. Ross Spano. Off: Tradrick McCoy is no longer legislative assistant for Palm Beach Shores Democratic Rep. Bobby Powell. Off: David Zaret is […]

Phil AmmannApril 3, 2016

A roundup of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers: Tampa Bay Times — Pinellas sheriff offers smart pre-arrest diversion proposal Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has proposed a promising alternative to arresting individuals for minor crimes and creating criminal records that make it harder for them to get jobs and participate in community life. Instead […]

Phil AmmannApril 1, 2016

All Aboard Florida has sunk more than $3 million into state lobbying fees and campaign contributions to clear the tracks for commuter rail through Central Florida. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If AAF fails to secure even one of the 17 permits needed from six state agencies, some Treasure Coast officials say it could derail […]

Phil AmmannApril 1, 2016

I don’t know if it will be cold or raining, and I’m not sure how many people will be there, but I know I won’t be alone. On the morning of April 2, I’ll be in Philadelphia, more specifically, at the Liberty Bell, preparing for the first leg of a 140-mile walk to the nation’s […]

Phil AmmannApril 1, 2016

Every day in Florida, volunteers serve at schools, senior centers, state parks, and non-profits. They mentor and tutor vulnerable students, restore Florida’s precious natural resources, provide meals to homebound individuals, and work with those with unique abilities. They make our communities safer, stronger and healthier. Volunteer Florida is proud to recognize April as Florida Volunteer […]

Phil AmmannMarch 31, 2016

After more than four decades working with the Pinellas County Tax Collector’s office, Diane Nelson is calling it quits. Nelson – the first woman to head the Tax Collector’s Office – announced Wednesday she will not seek a fifth term and will retire at the end of this year. “It has been a difficult decision […]

Phil Ammann

Alfredo Ortiz: Helping small businesses will get Florida’s economy rolling

Rick Scott gets earful from angry Florida woman at Gainesville Starbucks

Failure to monitor prison healthcare providers cost Florida $1.2M in undercharges, new audit shows

Adam Goodman: Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders are the ‘New American Transformers’

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

A roundup of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers

All Aboard Florida spends $3M in lobbying, contributions to clear tracks for rail project

Paul Heroux: One man’s walk to save democracy

Chester W. Spellman: April is ‘Florida Volunteer Month’

Diane Nelson announces retirement as Pinellas County Tax Collector