Tampa Bay

Drew WilsonMarch 13, 2018

House District 37 frontrunner Ardian Zika picked up an endorsement Tuesday from St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. “Ardian Zika is a conservative Republican who knows what it takes to build a business, make payroll and grow our economy,” Brandes said in a press release. “Ardian’s story – how he left a civil war-torn country […]

Staff ReportsMarch 13, 2018

Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed a complaint against the non-profit charged “with renovating and operating The Ritz Theatre in downtown Winter Haven,” her office said in a press release Tuesday. The Ritz Theatre 100, Inc. was named as defendant, as was Stella C. Heath, its executive director. “The complaint alleges that misconduct and mismanagement by the […]

Drew WilsonMarch 13, 2018

Republican Jeremy Bailie picked up an endorsement for his House District 69 campaign from Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri on Monday. “I’m pleased to offer my support for Jeremy Bailie in his campaign for the Florida State House of Representatives, District 69,” Gualtieri said. “I’ve seen the dedication that he has to protect our community, […]

Drew WilsonMarch 13, 2018

Republican Nick DiCeglie was the top fundraiser in the House District 66 field last month with $10,560 raised. The February report brings the Pinellas County businessman’s campaign total to $90,354, with $72,216 on hand. The new money came in across 29 contributions, including a half dozen for the primary campaign maximum of $1,000. Max donors […]

Drew WilsonMarch 12, 2018

The Fraternal Order of Police announced on Monday endorsed Republican Mike Moore for re-election to the Pasco County Commission. William Lawless, president of Pasco County FOP Lodge 29 Labor Unit, said it gave him “great pleasure” to endorse Moore, who is running for second term on the commission. “We are grateful for your support of […]

Staff ReportsMarch 12, 2018

Sen. Jeff Brandes promised criminal justice reforms, a sweeping transportation bill, banning fees on consumer report security freezes and “merlot-to-go,” but only half of those came true by the time the 2018 Legislative Session wrapped up. As the process moved toward the 60-day finish line, the Pinellas County Republican was optimistic about his bold proposals. […]

Ana CeballosMarch 12, 2018

The superintendent for Pinellas County public schools is slamming the proposed state budget that lawmakers are poised to pass Sunday because he says it will leave his school district with a nearly $3 million funding deficit. “It’s clear that the additional safe schools and mental health funding has come on the backs of teachers and […]

Joe HendersonMarch 9, 2018

Republican Ronda Storms, whose controversial career has included two terms each in the Florida Senate and Hillsborough County Commission, has decided to attempt a political comeback. Storms announced Friday on her Facebook page that she will run for HD 59, a seat currently held by Ross Spano, who is running for the Republican nomination for Attorney […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2018

Aakash Patel kept his foot on the pedal last month, tacking on nearly $25,000 for his Hillsborough County Commission campaign. “I am extremely humbled by the outpouring of support and I am very excited about moving forward as our outreach to donors continues to bring diverse participation from our community,” Patel said. “It is an […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2018

Akile Anai learned Monday she would be going to court March 27 on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence. Better known as Eritha “Akile” Cainion, Anai had recently run under the Uhuru banner for St. Petersburg City Council District 6 last summer. On December 20, 2017, the 21-year-old former candidate was arrested in front of her house […]

Tampa Bay
Gov. Ron DeSantis in Wauchula. Screenshot via Florida Channel.

Jeff Brandes backs Ardian Zika for state House

Pam Bondi to fight for Winter Haven’s Ritz Theatre

Bob Gualtieri endorses Jeremy Bailie for HD 69

Nick DiCeglie adds $10K for HD 66 campaign in February

Pasco police back Mike Moore’s county commission bid

Jeff Brandes loses a couple of priorities, but brings home other wins

Pinellas schools superintendent slams proposed funding for public education

Ronda Storms announces HD 59 bid

Aakash Patel adds another $25K in Hillsborough Commission race

Former St. Pete City Council candidate going to court on resisting arrest charge