Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ana CeballosNovember 20, 2017

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, there’s one more thing people can be thankful for this year: the price of a Thanksgiving meal is the most affordable it’s been in five years. This year’s meal will cost below $5 per person, considering the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is estimated at $49.12, […]

Ana CeballosNovember 20, 2017

Even as some Floridians cut back on spending this holiday season because of unforeseen costs brought by Hurricane Irma, overall holiday spending across the state is expected to increase, according to an annual study conducted by the Florida Retail Federation. Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $967 on gifts, breaking down to people […]

Mitch PerryNovember 20, 2017

Terrie Rizzo has announced her bid for Florida Democratic Party chair. “If elected to serve, I will work tirelessly and lead with unparalleled motivation to achieve the goals of our party to ensure the inclusion of those who have been left behind, protect every voter’s rights, lift up new leaders, and grow our Democratic base,” […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 20, 2017

Even as President Donald Trump and many Congressional Republicans seek to scuttle the Affordable Care Act, Democratic Gubernatorial hopeful Gwen Graham asserts that Medicaid expansion is the way forward for Florida. “Medicaid expansion is critical to our state. As governor, I will work with the Legislature to expand health care — and if they won’t, I will […]

Mitch PerryNovember 20, 2017

When the Hillsborough County Republican Party began promoting its Reagan Day BBQ weeks ago, attendees were promised appearances by Adam Putnam, Richard Corcoran and Jack Latvala. Instead, they got Baxter Troutman and Bob White. Many statewide and Hillsborough County-based Republicans were running in 2018 who put in some time at the cattle-call-style event on Sunday […]

Staff ReportsNovember 20, 2017

Florida gas prices dropped by an average of 3 cents during the last four days, AAA–The Auto Club Group said in a news release. And gas prices “should decline 5-10 cents through Thanksgiving weekend,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. “Although gasoline demand will be high this week, it will be cheaper for gas stations to purchase their fuel than […]

Ana CeballosNovember 20, 2017

Judy Mount, who was tapped to temporarily serve as chair for the Florida Democratic Party following Stephen Bittel‘s abrupt departure, had eyed a run to be the permanent chair but on Monday she said she reconsidered and won’t be seeking that post. “I have always supported the Florida Democratic Party, its candidates and the causes […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 20, 2017

This weekend on Tampa Bay’s TV program Political Connections, Sen. Jack Latvala reiterated a categorical denial of the sexual harassment charges swirling around him. Latvala, accused by multiple women as having been sexually inappropriate, has already relinquished the Senate Appropriations Chair; as the Senate investigates. his candidacy for Governor is in mortal peril. Yet he continues to maintain he did nothing […]

Mitch PerryNovember 20, 2017

Alan Clendenin will not run in the race to succeed Stephen Bittel as chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, the Hillsborough Democrat confirmed to Florida Politics on Monday. Bittel stepped down Friday following a POLITICO Florida report of anonymous allegations of sexually charged, inappropriate behavior. He made his announcement after all four Democratic Party gubernatorial nominees called […]

Ana CeballosNovember 20, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday a state tourism record, attributing it in part to the “aggressive marketing efforts” of VISIT FLORIDA, which has been entangled in a political fight for its existence, largely funded by taxpayers. Scott said the state welcomed 88.2 million tourists in the first nine months of the year, which is a […]

Headlines

Cost of Thanksgiving dinner hits lowest point in five years

In spite of Hurricane Irma, robust holiday spending is expected

Terrie Rizzo to run for Florida Democratic Party chair — will Alma Gonzalez be next?

Gwen Graham throws down gauntlet on Medicaid expansion

Ashley Moody, meet Ross Spano: Notes from Reagan Day BBQ

AAA: Thanksgiving table set … for lower gas prices

Judy Mount will not run to be Florida Democratic Party chair

Jack Latvala reiterates denial of sexual harassment claims

Alan Clendenin won’t run for Florida Democratic Party chair

Visit Florida reports record nine-month tourism numbers