Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannSeptember 16, 2015

Florida State University named Sarasota Republican Joe Gruters as chairman of the Business, Finance, and Audit Committee this week. FSU Chairman Ed Burr selected Gruters, a longtime Certified Public Accountant who’s vice chair and head of fundraising for the Republican Party of Florida, to the post. Burr is the new owner of the Quay property […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 15, 2015

As the Florida House officially installs state Rep. Richard Corcoran as Speaker, the Land O’Lakes Republican certainly faces a daunting quest. Through the pen of Bill Day, Corcoran’s mission – against special interests, which is seen as a blight on Florida politics – is positively quixotic. Day casts the new Speaker as Don Quixote de la Mancha, the iconic […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 15, 2015

On Tuesday, Republican Mike Twitty received the backing of two leading Pinellas County political figures in his bid to become the county’s next property appraiser. The 48-year-old professional real estate appraiser announced endorsements from state Senator Jeff Brandes and St. Petersburg Councilman-elect Ed Montanari. Twitty faces former state Rep. Jim Frishe in the race to […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 15, 2015

Lobbying firm Wilson & Associates LLC is reinforcing its governmental affairs team with the addition of state legislative and appropriations veteran Julie Fess. Fess, with two decades of experience, joins the Tallahassee firm specializing in energy, infrastructure, construction, regulated industries and defense. Hailing from the Orlando area, Fess offers longstanding political connections, serving in the offices […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 14, 2015

State Rep. Matt Gaetz is leading the latest attempt to pass an “open carry” gun law in Florida. The Shalimar Republican filed HB 163 on Monday; in part, the bill would allow a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm or weapon to “also openly carry such firearm or weapon.” In a Facebook post in […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 14, 2015

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With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Luke Strickland is a new legislative assistant in the Senate Majority Office. Off: Christine DonFrancesco is no longer a legislative assistant for Wellington Democrat Sen. Joseph Abruzzo. Off: Katie Martin is no longer […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 13, 2015

A round-up of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers: Tampa Bay Times — St. Petersburg should nurture IndyCar race Imagine this. For a modest investment of $150,000, the city of St. Petersburg draws 160,000 race fans to its downtown waterfront. Tampa Bay gets tens of thousands of hotel nights, millions in economic impact and hours […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 12, 2015

Laura Bush, one of the most popular members of the Bush family, will be hitting the fundraising trail for her brother-in-law next month. The former First Lady hosts a luncheon reception for the Jeb Bush campaign on Thursday, October 8. Bush’s event, which begins 12:30 p.m., is at the home of former Florida U.S. Senator Mel […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 12, 2015

Marco Rubio brings his vision of a “New American Century” to Texas next week with a high-profile fundraiser reception in the exclusive Dallas suburb of Highland Park. Real-estate investor Harlan Crow and his wife Kathy will present the $2,000-per-couple event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 22. Host reception begins at 6:30 p.m.; general reception is at […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 12, 2015

Marco Rubio goes interactive in his latest fundraising pitch, letting supporters choose the ending to his next campaign video. Visitors to MarcoRubio.com will have the privilege – for a $5 donation – to select the last half-minute of “Marco Unedited,” the upcoming digital ad from the Republican presidential hopeful. The video with the most votes […]

Phil Ammann

Joe Gruters named chair of FSU Finance Committee

Bill Day’s latest: New Speaker Richard Corcoran’s quixotic quest

Jeff Brandes, Ed Montanari endorse Mike Twitty for Pinellas Property Appraiser

Personnel note: Legislative veteran Julie Fess joins Wilson & Associates

Matt Gaetz files ‘open carry’ gun bill

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

A round-up of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers

Laura Bush makes rare fundraising appearance in Orlando on Oct. 8 to support brother-in-law

Marco Rubio to hold major fundraiser Sept. 22 in affluent Dallas suburb

Marco Rubio asks supporters to vote on next “Unedited” campaign ad