Emails & Opinions

Phil AmmannFebruary 22, 2016

One of the most talked-about narratives in U.S. politics is that Democrats have an inherent advantage to digital campaigning over Republicans. It’s a story validated not just by the age demographics and tech sophistication of Democrats as a whole, but by digital missteps of Republican candidates on a national stage. That narrative may have played […]

Blake DowlingFebruary 22, 2016

As we navigate the world of technology as professionals, we must remember that cyber threats are around every corner. The threats are real, and at the heart of these threats are the hackers themselves. What motivates someone to become a “hacker”? Money usually, but other hackers are out there as modern-day Robin Hoods trying to […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 22, 2016

Last week, the Republican Party of Pinellas County emailed an announcement for the Donald Trump South Carolina Primary Watch Party. The event was to be held Saturday in Pinellas Park at Quaker Steak and Lube on 49th Street. Theresa and I decided to drop by. We arrived about 6:30 p.m. and the organizers were already setting […]

Florence SnyderFebruary 22, 2016

If it weren’t so sick, twisted and perverted, the “security concerns” exemptions to Florida’s public records law would be downright hilarious. Consider the case of Steven Zerbe‘s mom. Bonnie’s Zerbe‘s 37-year-old son was sent to Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in 2013. He soon began to tell prison officials, and his mother, that he had been […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2016

Friday marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed 17-year-old African-American youth shot by George Zimmerman during a neighborhood watch in Sanford. This week, the House Judiciary Committee is likely to take up SB 344, which attempts to loosen the state’s “Stand Your Ground” self-defense laws. The bill is from Orange Park […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2016

Have you heard the rumor about Melissa Sellers leaving her position as Rick Scott‘s Chief of Staff? Of course you have, because we all have heard the same rumor. It’s basically the same rumor about Sellers we’ve been hearing for more than a year. “Melissa’s leaving.” “Melissa’s leaving soon.” “Melissa’s leaving NOW.” Yawn. Probably the only […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2016

While watching the Florida Legislature debate regulation of services like Uber and Lyft statewide, I couldn’t help but think of a pair of quotes discovered as I was looking up something else. The first quote, from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, came as the House displayed leadership and vision in approving its version of a bill […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2016

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A concept of “deal” implies that each side gets “something.” Not so with Uber and the taxi industry. So far, in all negotiations, Uber has stuck to everything they want, yet offering little (or nothing) in return. From the onset, Uber’s arrival in Florida quickly became a matter of ignoring the existing rules, beginning with […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 22, 2016

Sorry, GOP Establishment, but Ben Carson and John Kasich aren’t shutting down their campaigns. Those rallying around Marco Rubio Monday morning are hoping they would, two days after Donald Trump‘s decisive victory Saturday night in South Carolina forced Jeb Bush out of the race. Rubio says it’s a three-man race between himself, Trump and Ted […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2016

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Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry, Ryan Ray, and Jim Rosica. THE FINAL RESULTS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA: 1. Donald Trump 32.5 percent; 2. Marco Rubio 22.5 percent; 3. Ted Cruz 22.3 percent; 4. Jeb Bush 7.8 percent; 5. John Kasich 7.6 percent; 6. Ben Carson 7.2 percent AFTER SOUTH CAROLINA, IT’S DONALD TRUMP’S […]

Emails & Opinions

Joe Clements and Matt Farrar: Why Republicans now have advantage in digital campaigns

Blake Dowling: Stay vigilant, hackers aim to crack your computers

Observations from a Donald Trump election results watch party

Florence Snyder: Prisons use “security concerns” to hide abuse

Gun safety advocates still don’t like Senate bill loosening Stand Your Ground laws

On the rumor about Melissa Sellers’ departure

The case for why there should be a legislative deal for Uber & Lyft

The case for the taxis not making a legislative deal with Uber & Lyft

Mitch Perry Report for 2.22.16 – Rubio’s narrow pathway

Sunburn for February 22 – Requieum