Tampa Bay

Mitch PerryFebruary 20, 2018

When Democrat Heather Kenyon Stahl entered the House District 47 race last month, seeking the seat currently held by Republican Jamie Grant, her emphasis was on education, transportation and health care. While those issues remain at the forefront of her campaign, another subject emerged — gun control — which few Democrats hoping to make it to the Legislature […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 19, 2018

Republican Jeremy Bailie announced Monday that Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni endorsed his bid to replace exiting Rep. Kathleen Peters in House District 69. “Jeremy Bailie has impressed me with his knowledge of the issues, devotion to our community, and willingness to work hard for our community. I know what it takes to be an […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

As a consequence of funding issues, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) made sweeping changes to its bus system last fall, cutting nearly 20 percent of all routes.The decision alienated some County Commissioners, unhappy with the level of service reductions in their districts. HART staff heard those objections loud and clear, saying they intended […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman announced Monday morning his administration is renaming the city’s main library after former President Barack Obama. Not everyone was pleased. Kriseman made the announcement on Presidents Day in front of the library at 3745 9th Avenue North. The renaming is to coincide with the library’s planned $6 million in renovations, using funds from […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2018

For years, the Hillsborough GOP dominated local politics. However, over the past few years, their grip has begun to loosen. Long known as a bellwether in presidential elections, Hillsborough went big for Hillary Clinton in 2016, while the rest of the state went for Donald Trump. And while local Republicans won all of the county’s legislative elections, former federal […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 18, 2018

Charlie Crist hopes things will be different this time around. Before a public appearance at Williams Park Saturday, the St. Petersburg Democrat said he was still unconvinced the Republican-led Congress will support gun control legislation, even after 17 people were massacred last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Several hundred people gathered in downtown St. […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 16, 2018

House District 69 Democrat Jennifer Webb unveiled a new list of endorsements on Friday in her bid to win a south Pinellas County legislative seat. Webb was the 2016 Democratic nominee in the district and is giving it another go in 2018. She faces attorney Javier Centonzio in the Democratic primary, while Ray Blacklidge and […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 16, 2018

Democrat Chris Hunter is holding a fundraiser in Tampa next week for his campaign against Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis in Florida’s 12th Congressional District. The Feb. 23 event is slated to run from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at The Tampa Club, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd, and the host committee includes Joseph Swanson, Erin […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 16, 2018

There are a lot of issues in the Tampa Bay area, but it’s almost universally accepted that lack of transportation options is the dominant one for 2018. A 41-mile Bus Rapid Transit plan running from Wesley Chapel to St. Petersburg was introduced to the public last month to decidedly mixed reviews. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Republicans in Tallahassee […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 16, 2018

For Sarasota-area Democrats, hope springs eternal. Tuesday night, Margaret Good won a decisive seven-point victory over Republican James Buchanan in the House District 72 special election. Now Democrats are eyeing much bigger prey — Florida’s 16th Congressional District held by Vern Buchanan, who made millions owning car dealership before turning to politics in 2006, winning a hugely controversial victory over Democrat Christine Jennings. […]

Tampa Bay
Paula Stark is hosting Buenaventura Lakes' 'first-ever' event to honor veterans.

For Democrat Heather Stahl, gun control is now top issue in HD 64 race

John Morroni is backing Jeremy Bailie in HD 69 race

Hillsborough lawmakers pleased with changes to HART routes

Rick Kriseman to name St. Pete library after Barack Obama, some take issue

Hillsborough Republicans choose new chair Tuesday

At St. Pete vigil for Parkland shooting, calls for political action

Jennifer Webb rolls out new list of community members backing her HD 69 campaign

Chris Hunter fundraiser set for Feb. 23 in Tampa

Business leader pitches Tampa Bay light rail, but not on backs of local taxpayers

An early look at the Vern Buchanan-David Shapiro CD 16 showdown