Tampa Bay

Drew WilsonOctober 8, 2018

St. Pete Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes is sitting pretty a month out from Election Day according to a new poll of his contest against Democratic nominee Lindsay Cross. A new St. Pete Polls survey, commissioned by Florida Politics, found the longtime lawmaker with an 11-point lead over Cross, 52-41 percent with the remaining 7 percent […]

Drew WilsonOctober 8, 2018

The political committee opposing a constitutional amendment to limit gambling expansion in the Sunshine State raised more than $1.45 million between Sept. 22 and Sept. 28 with the help of a $500,000 infusion from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The committee, known as Citizens for the Truth About Amendment 3, tacked on $1.45 million during the late-September […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 6, 2018

The All for Transportation campaign raised more than $1 million during the second half of September, according to campaign finance documents filed with Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. All three of the region’s major league sports teams — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Rays — contributed to the […]

Jacob OglesOctober 6, 2018

A new poll shows Democrat Janet Cruz defeating Republican incumbent state Sen. Dana Young in a Tampa Bay district that historically leans right. A Public Policy Polling survey of voters in state Senate District 18 shows Cruz winning 42 percent of the vote compared to 39 percent who favor Young. Partisanship in the district plays […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 5, 2018

Americans for Prosperity-Florida launched 15-second television and radio ads Friday calling on Hillsborough County voters to reject a 1 percent sales tax increase for transportation and transit projects. Americans for Prosperity is a nationwide tax watchdog group that has chapters throughout the country. “Plans for a $230 million tax increase would give Hillsborough County the […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 4, 2018

Ron DeSantis painted a grim picture of Florida’s future if voters don’t put him in the Governor’s mansion this November. The former North Florida congressman made his pitch to a group of about 150 supporters Thursday at the Italian Club in Ybor City. The rally featured live music from a Wayne Newton look-alike. DeSantis’s first-grade teacher […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 4, 2018

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The All for Transportation campaign launched its first television commercial Thursday, asking voters to approve Hillsborough County Referendum No. 2 raising sales tax 1 percent to fund billions in transportation and transit improvements. The ad highlights all the benefits and, in a strategic move, doesn’t mention the tax increase. The referendum would raise about $280 […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 4, 2018

Candidates to replace Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn next year. Six of eight candidates running to succeed the two-term mayor faced off in the election’s first debate Wednesday night at Hillsborough Community College. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate and Politifact Executive Director Aaron Shockman moderated. Attendees included former Tampa Police Chief Jane […]

Jacob OglesOctober 4, 2018

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Democratic state Senate candidate Kathy Lewis says it stunned her to see Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller on a host committee for her opponent, incumbent Tom Lee. “It’s one thing to not be for me,” Lewis said, “but he’s actively working against another person in his own party.” For his part, Miller says his relationship […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 4, 2018

Ross Spano, the Republican candidate for Florida’s 15th Congressional District, is calling out his opponent for hypocrisy in her latest campaign ad. In the ad released Wednesday, Kirsten Carlson touts her record fighting against crime and corruption and willingness to stand up to special interests. One of her talking points — that she fought out-of-state orange juice […]

Tampa Bay

Jeff Brandes still up double digits in SD 24 re-election battle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers top $1.4M report for anti-Amendment 3 committee

Hillsborough transportation initiative rakes in $1 million as pro sports teams go all-in

New PPP survey shows Janet Cruz with 3-point lead over Dana Young

AFP Florida fires salvo at Hillsborough transportation referendum

In Tampa, Ron DeSantis blasts Andrew Gillum for ‘liberal agenda’

More taxes? Shhh: All for Transportation launches first TV ad

The first Tampa mayoral debate: Five take-aways

Kathy Lewis irked at Les Miller for promoting Tom Lee’s campaign

Fresh squeezed controversy: Ross Spano spills on Kristen Carlson’s orange juice advocacy