Terry Roen, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Terry RoenDecember 1, 2016

Two Orlando-based attractions are dealing with the aftermath Thursday of a wildfire that spread through Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Employees from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa were forced to evacuate Monday night when high winds sent the fire through the resort area. Both attractions have headquarters in Orlando. Ripley employees […]

Terry RoenNovember 29, 2016

Bioluminescence, the sparkly glow that lights up the ocean and local rivers, is coming to a theme park near you. Both Walt Disney World and SeaWorld have unveiled plans to use technology to create nature’s glittery display. Walt Disney World will offer a ride down a river in a bioluminescent rain forest called the Na’vi […]

Terry RoenNovember 28, 2016

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute claims that it does not owe half of the $155 million it received as an incentive to move to Florida, while the state has not backed down on its demand for a payback. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) still wants the Lake Nona research facility to return […]

Terry RoenNovember 16, 2016

Nine miles of aisles of rocking rides, super-sized inflatables, and a preview of the future through virtual reality goggles are just some of the enticements at the 98th annual Attractions Expo. More than 30,000 buyers and engineers from amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, and resorts jammed the International Association […]

Terry RoenNovember 15, 2016

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Forecasters are predicting a robust holiday shopping season for Florida retailers. The Florida Retail Federation, the trade association representing the state’s retailers, is predicting a 4 percent increase in sales for Sunshine State retailers, expected to outpace the national average of between 3.3 and 3.5 percent. Florida benefits from 100 million tourists visiting the state […]

Terry RoenNovember 15, 2016

Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit government watchdog, has urged state leaders to hold Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute accountable for the $155 million in tax incentives they received to move to Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Development (DEO) asked Sanford Burnham last month to return half, or $77 million in taxpayer money, if it […]

Terry RoenNovember 14, 2016

Guest spending at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts helped boost fourth quarter earnings for the Walt Disney Company by 6 percent to a record $55.6 billion. Higher average ticket prices and room rates, along with increased food and beverage spending caused Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ revenue to increase 5 percent to a record $17 […]

Terry RoenNovember 8, 2016

Incumbent Republican state Rep. Bob Cortes won another two years in House District 30 by defeating political newcomer Ryan Yadav. Cortes gathered 39,304 votes, or 53 percent, ahead of Democrat Yadav’s 34,324, or 47 percent of the vote. “This is the culmination of two years of hard work,” said Cortes. “I knew it was going to […]

Terry RoenNovember 8, 2016

Residents of Key Haven voted decisively against a referendum to allow genetically modified mosquitoes to be released in a test to control the spread of Zika virus, while residents of Monroe County voted to approve the test. The vote is non-binding and the district’s board of commissioners will have the final say on the test. Key […]

Terry RoenNovember 8, 2016

Republicans won handily two Brevard County races for state House seats. House District 51 Republican Tom Goodson won the HD 51 seat in Brevard County. He received 50,163 votes, or 60 percent, over Democrat Mike Blake’s 33,971, or 40 percent of the vote. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, who currently represents District 51, could not seek re-election […]

Terry Roen
Images via Palm Beach Democratic Party.

Orlando-based attractions in Tennessee recover after devastating wildfire

Theme parks mimic nature’s bioluminescent glow

State wants money back from research institute

Attractions Expo gives a glimpse of the future of entertainment

Holiday retail forecast bright

Florida TaxWatch blasts Sanford Burnham’s escape plan

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts reports fourth quarter earnings up 6 percent

Bob Cortes wins Seminole County’s House District 30

Key Haven residents vote against mosquito test

Republicans win two Brevard County races