Ryan Ray, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMarch 30, 2016

Heated exchanges between Mary Thomas and Neal Dunn punctuated a Republican Veterans of Florida event Tuesday night, as GOP primary foes seeking to succeed Democrat U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham in the 2nd Congressional District squared off in Panama City. Thomas went after Dunn directly and repeatedly, even as the solidly Republican crowd booed her first attempt to pin a supposedly “liberal” record on […]

Ryan RayMarch 29, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order Tuesday afternoon suspending Eatonville Mayor Anthony Grant over alleged violation of state election laws. In Executive Order 16-88, Scott cited Grant’s recent indictment by an Orange County grand jury over allegations the mayor conspired to commit election fraud by intimidating voters and fraudulently handling six absentee ballots. Grant, the chief municipal figure […]

Ryan RayMarch 29, 2016

Several of Tampa Bay’s most prominent fine arts institutions found success in the Legislature’s budget for 2016-17, navigating the delicate appropriations process and escaping Gov. Rick Scott‘s veto pen. Lawmakers approved $2 million for Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, frequently home to performances by The Florida Orchestra and national touring acts. Katie Pedretty, Director of Public Relations, said the money will go toward renovating the 33-year-old building […]

Ryan RayMarch 29, 2016

The Donald Trump campaign issued a swift response to the criminal charges that came down on campaign manager Corey Lewandowski on Monday, saying he is “absolutely innocent” of misdemeanor battery. Police say Lewandowski grabbed former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields at a press conference in Florida this month after Fields attempted to ask Trump a question. According to first-hand accounts of the incident, Fields […]

Ryan RayMarch 28, 2016

The pro-business Florida Chamber announced a new “educational partnership” with Brian Lapointe of Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute on Monday. The longstanding Tallahassee advocacy group said it will work with Lapointe in order to develop “strong, science-based water quality standards” as Florida population continues toward an estimated 26 million by 2030. That growth will bring […]

Ryan RayMarch 28, 2016

Much was made of Jeb Bush‘s relentless maneuvering when it came to early fundraising, but the actual dark money pioneer of 2016 may well be U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. As Shane Goldmacher writes in POLITICO, the Florida senator’s top moneymen allies at Conservative Solutions Project managed to stake out a novel arrangement that will allow the sources of more than $10 million […]

Ryan RayMarch 24, 2016

A day after signing nine bills into law on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott gave final approval to 33 bills passed during the 2016 Legislative Session late Thursday morning. The raft of newly enacted legislation includes HB 93 by Democratic Rep. Shevrin Jones, which requires Florida law enforcement agencies to “establish policies and procedures regarding the use” of police body cameras. […]

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

Former Governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham will endorse Democratic HD 72 candidate Edward James on a conference call with reporters Thursday morning. James hopes the endorsement of perhaps Florida’s best-loved living pol will give his campaign a boost. “Governor Bob Graham has long been one of my heroes. He exemplifies what it truly means to be a […]

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

The future of Florida’s aviation fuel taxation regime is set for a major overhaul on July 1, if Gov. Rick Scott signs an omnibus tax bill into law as expected. For the state’s largest air carriers, that’s a good thing indeed. The bill removes exemptions to the state’s jet fuel tax, which currently apply to once-upstart carriers like Southwest […]

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott continued a flurry of post-Legislative Session activity Wednesday morning, signing nine bills passed during the 2016 lawmaking period into state law. The highest-profile bills meeting the governor’s approval include a requirement that Florida law enforcement test all rape kits within 120 days of their submission, the creation of a needle exchange pilot program in […]

Ryan Ray
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

Barbs, jeers fly as Republican CD 2 candidates square off in Panama City

Rick Scott suspends Eatonville Mayor Anthony Grant

Tampa Bay area arts, cultural institutions fared well in Legislature’s budget

Donald Trump campaign says manager “absolutely innocent” of assaulting reporter

Florida Chamber to partner with FAU research professor on water policy

Marco Rubio donors to remain secret indefinitely

Rick Scott signs raft of 33 bills into law

Bob Graham to endorse Edward James in HD 72 race

Jet fuel tax changes set to become law July 1, barring unlikely veto

Rick Scott signs 9 bills into law