Tampa Bay

Drew WilsonJuly 18, 2018

Hot off the heels of a campaign ad touting his work as a prosecutor, Seminole Republican Berny Jacques announced that his Florida House bid has landed an endorsement from one of the state’s largest police unions. “The Fraternal Order Of Police have endorsed Berny Jacques and feel that he is the best choice of candidate […]

Drew WilsonJuly 18, 2018

Former Clearwater Rep. Ed Hooper added another backer for his state Senate bid Wednesday, landing the support of the political arm of the Florida Medical Association. “The FMA PAC is proud to endorse Ed Hooper for Senate District 16. During his time in the House, the FMA worked very closely with him and he was a […]

Drew WilsonJuly 17, 2018

Just days after his Republican primary rival hit the airwaves, Berny Jacques is rolling out his own TV ad in the race to succeed term-limited state Rep. Larry Ahern in House District 66. “For over a year now, our campaign has been talking directly with the voters of Pinellas, spreading our message of principled conservatism […]

Staff ReportsJuly 17, 2018

Another election cycle, another edition of Politics in Pinellas. The event, hosted biennially by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, is set to draw at least 10 candidates for offices ranging from Pinellas School Board to state Senator. “Are they running for office for the first time or up for re-election? This is your opportunity […]

Drew WilsonJuly 17, 2018

Republican Aakash Patel announced Tuesday that the first TV ad backing his Hillsborough County Commission campaign is already hitting the airwaves. The 30-second spot, entitled “A Better Hillsborough,” features a half dozen Hillsborough residents saying what they are looking for out of the next commissioner to hold the countywide District 7 seat. “My county commissioner […]

Drew WilsonJuly 17, 2018

Florida’s 15th Congressional District is a safe Republican seat by nearly every metric, but that didn’t stop Lakeland Democrat Kristen Carlson from outraising the 10 other candidates vying to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross. Carlson, a former prosecutor and former general counsel to the Florida Department of Citrus, raised just shy of $250,000 during […]

Drew WilsonJuly 17, 2018

Land O’ Lakes Republican Ardian Zika announced Monday that two chapters of the Florida Police Benevolent Association have endorsed his bid to succeed House Speaker Richard Corcoran in Pasco County’s House District 37. “The West Central Florida Political Benevolent Association and the Tampa Police Benevolent Association is proud to inform you of our endorsement for […]

Drew WilsonJuly 16, 2018

Two firefighter unions announced Monday that they were backing Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young in her re-election bid for Senate District 18. The Florida Professional Firefighters and Tampa Firefighters Local 754 are the latest first responder groups to endorse Young, who had previously earned the support of several other first responder groups, including five police […]

Staff ReportsJuly 14, 2018

A faith-based social services provider says a prominent Treasure Island developer stiffed the organization on a $2-million loan while serving as vice president. Bridge Hope Stabilization Programs says William Karns, of William Karns Enterprises, pulled a $2 million line of credit in May 2016, about a month after taking on the role of vice president. […]

Jacob OglesJuly 14, 2018

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis brought in more than $350,000 during the second quarter of 2018, boasting more than 90 percent of that money came from Florida sources. “I am thrilled to receive such strong support from the people here at home,” said the New Port Richey Republican. “I believe it shows that they appreciate how […]

Tampa Bay
Image via AP.

Berny Jacques gets police backing in HD 66

Florida Medical Association recommends Ed Hooper for SD 16

Berny Jacques tees up first TV ad for HD 66 bid

Candidates sign up for ‘Politics in Pinellas’

Aakash Patel rolls out first ad for Hillsborough Commission bid

Kristen Carlson tops CD 15 field in Q2 fundraising while Ross Spano goes on spending spree

Two more police unions back Ardian Zika for HD 37

Dana Young lands firefighter support in SD 18

Bridge Hope says Williams Karns stiffed them on $2M loan

Gus Bilirakis posts strong Q2 fundraising report