Tampa Bay

Drew WilsonJuly 2, 2018

On Monday, the Florida Retail Federation endorsed Republican Sen. Dana Young for a second term in Tampa-based Senate District 18. “Senator Young has supported and sponsored legislation that has helped to modernize the retail industry in Florida,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We’re proud to support her campaign and look forward to working with […]

Drew WilsonJune 29, 2018

Florida Democrats say Senate District 24 is one of their top targets in the fall, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. Democratic candidate Carrie Pilon narrowly outraised incumbent Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes in April, but followed that up with an underwhelming performance in May. Her newest report, which covers the first three weeks of […]

Drew WilsonJune 29, 2018

The National Rifle Association on Friday endorsed Bartow Republican Jeff Mann in the race to succeed term-limited Rep. Ben Albritton in House District 56. “I am honored to have the support and endorsement of the National Rifle Association. Since 1871, the NRA has fought to protect the 2nd Amendment rights of all Americans” Mann said. “Marion Hammer […]

Drew WilsonJune 29, 2018

Three weeks into her campaign for House District 62, Susan Valdes is still playing defense. A video of the 14-year Hillsborough School Board member saying she was open to campaign contributions from charter school companies made waves in education circles, and Valdes is now changing course with a pledge to reject charter school donations. “As […]

Bill RuftyJune 29, 2018

Lakeland attorney Kristen Carlson entered the Democratic primary for Florida’s 15th Congressional District only two days before the deadline, but a poll released by her staff shows her ahead of her two opponents, each of whom has been running for the spot for a year or more. The poll’s frequency count shows Carlson ahead with […]

Peter SchorschJune 29, 2018

A grassroots effort backing a one-cent sales tax increase to fund Hillsborough County transportation filed a monster campaign finance report Friday. The group, All for Transportation, reports receiving five contributions in its first week, and included among those were six-figure checks from Water Street Tampa developer and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik as well […]

Peter SchorschJune 29, 2018

The actions of two Bay-area men last week saved drivers from a potential financial headache. WTSP investigative journalist Noah Pransky uncovered a system maintenance issue with Florida’s tolling system, or SunPass. The estimated time to complete the toll maintenance project took longer than expected, and Pransky pointed out that Floridians could not see older transactions […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is endorsing businessman Steve Cona for Hillsborough County School Board District 1 seat. “I believe that Steve is the best candidate for School Board District 1,” Buckhorn said Thursday. “For years, he has dedicated himself to his community and helped strengthen Hillsborough County. Steve will continue to fight to ensure that our students […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

The developer behind Water Street Tampa unveiled its plan for the project’s public spaces Thursday, saying that once complete the historic area “will be reborn as the heart and spine of the community.” Strategic Property Partners has in the past touted the nearly 9 million square feet of indoor space in the $3 billion development, […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

The Florida Education Association and the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association are backing Democrat Mike Alvarez in the Democratic primary for House District 62. “Hillsborough teachers stand with Mike,” said Rob Kriete, President of the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association. “We’ve seen what happens when dysfunction, threats, and corruption infect our local government. Mike is an ethical […]

Tampa Bay
Wekiva High School Winners and Florida ProStart Leaders Celebrate Fourth Place Win on stage. Image via Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation.

Florida Retailers back Dana Young for SD 18

Carrie Pilon craters in SD 24 money race

NRA endorses Jeff Mann for HD 56

Susan Valdes lashes out after ‘gotcha’ video

Internal poll gives Kristen Carlson lead among CD 15 Dems

Tampa transportation initiative gets $300K boost, collects 5K signatures

Not Just A Body Of Water for 6.29.18 — A newsletter about Tampa Bay politics

Bob Buckhorn endorses Steve Cona for Hillsborough School Board

Development firm sheds light on Water Street Tampa’s public spaces

Teacher unions back Mike Alvarez for HD 62