Tampa Bay

Bill RuftyAugust 3, 2018

Republican Agriculture Commissioner candidate Baxter Troutman and his wife Becky are taking to the airwaves (and Internet) to criticize one reporter’s characterization of attendees at the Donald Trump rally Tuesday in Tampa as “hillbillies.” The former state Representative from Winter Haven posted a Facebook video decrying the situation and suggesting more civility from the news […]

Staff ReportsAugust 2, 2018

Gallito, a twist on Mexican street food, is the latest addition to Sparkman Wharf, an expansive waterfront retail, dining and recreation center at the center of the billion-dollar Water Street Tampa project. The modern taqueria concept is the creation of chef Ferrell Alvarez and restaurateur Ty Rodriguez. Alvarez, a 2017 James Beard Best Chef South […]

Bill RuftyAugust 2, 2018

As primary day nears, the race for Florida Agriculture Commissioner heats up on the airwaves, as two of four Republicans running are out with new campaign ads this week. Former state Rep. Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven is launching a new ad in the district of state Rep. Matt Caldwell, who is also seeking the […]

Drew WilsonAugust 2, 2018

Tampa businessman Aakash Patel added another high-profile endorsement in his bid to become the Republican nominee for the District 7 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission. Lining up behind Patel on Thursday was George LeMieux, who served as a U.S. Senator from 2009 through 2011 and is now working as the chairman for Florida-based corporate […]

Drew WilsonAugust 2, 2018

Tampa Democrat Mike Alvarez landed a major backer Thursday as his chief rival in the three-way Democratic primary for House District 62, School Board member Susan Valdes, notched another campaign gaffe. The new endorsement came in from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who represents Florida’s 14th Congressional District, a territory that includes the Tampa-based state House […]

Drew WilsonAugust 1, 2018

Democratic Rep. Sean Shaw weighed in on the contest for the Florida House seat he’s giving up to run for Attorney General, announcing Wednesday that Tampa lawyer Karen Skyers is his pick to succeed him in Hillsborough County’s House District 61. “Karen Skyers is the right choice to build upon the progress that we have achieved […]

Drew WilsonAugust 1, 2018

Land O’ Lakes Republican Ardian Zika is rolling out a new ad touting an endorsement from Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco in the Republican primary for House District 37. “I’m Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and in this election, I’m standing with Ardian Zika for state representative,” Nocco says in the ad. “Ardian stands with […]

Drew WilsonAugust 1, 2018

Republican Ray Blacklidge announced Tuesday that he’d picked up an endorsement for his House District 69 bid from the statewide Fraternal Order of Police. The Florida State Lodge of the FOP represents has been representing Florida law enforcement officers for more than 60 years and counts more than 20,000 members among its ranks. “I am […]

Drew WilsonJuly 31, 2018

Lithia Republican Mike Beltran is starting to gain some traction in his bid to succeed Republican Rep. Jake Raburn in Hillsborough County’s House District 57. The attorney and father of two entered the race for HD 57 a day before the end of the candidate qualifying period and has since piled on endorsements from staunch […]

Drew WilsonJuly 31, 2018

The Clearwater branch of the NAACP on Tuesday repeated its call for an arrest in the recent fatal shooting of Markeis McGlockton and said that it has also sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asking for an investigation. The statement from Clearwater/Upper Pinellas County NAACP chair Marva McWhite came after the group […]

Tampa Bay

Baxter Troutman, wife bash ‘liberal’ media coverage of Trump rally

Modern taqueria concept from Rooster & Till owners latest in Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf

GOP Agriculture Commissioner race heats up on the air

George LeMieux endorses Aakash Patel for Hillsborough Commission

Kathy Castor backs Mike Alvarez, admonishes Susan Valdes in HD 62

Sean Shaw endorses Karen Skyers as his successor in HD 61

Chris Nocco gives full endorsement of Ardian Zika in new ad

Police union backs Ray Blacklidge for HD 69

Mike Beltran gaining traction in HD 57 race

NAACP calls on DOJ to investigate Clearwater ‘Stand Your Ground’ case