Tampa Bay

Peter SchorschApril 4, 2018

It raised more than a few eyebrows when former state Rep. Ray Pilon endorsed fellow Republican Jeff Brandes in Senate District 24. That’s because his daughter-in-law Carrie Pilon, a Democrat, entered the race this week. Now, however, we know what’s going on. Chad Pilon (Ray’s son) explained on Facebook: “Actually, not much of an option for […]

Drew WilsonApril 4, 2018

Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young could see one re-election challenger swapped for another, according to sources close to the Florida Democratic Party’s Senate campaign arm. Young currently faces Tampa attorney Bob Buesing, who finished second in the four-way race for Senate District 18 in the 2016 cycle, and there are rumors he’s agreed to step […]

Drew WilsonApril 4, 2018

March was another successful month for candidate Aakash Patel, who raised another $25,500 for his Hillsborough County Commission campaign. “I am extremely excited about the continued momentum of our campaign. I am so honored by the support of my contributors and the endorsements I have received from Speaker Weatherford, Congressman Matt Gaetz and Representative Joe […]

Peter SchorschApril 4, 2018

St. Petersburg City Council Chair Lisa Wheeler-Bowman faced more than a dozen state election code violations, according to an order of probable cause filed in December by the Florida Elections Commission. Wheeler-Bowman, who defeated Will Newton for the District 7 seat in 2015, is in her first year as chair after serving as vice chair […]

Drew WilsonApril 4, 2018

Republican Berny Jacques announced Tuesday that he raised $21,140 last month for his campaign to succeed term limited Rep. Larry Ahern in House District 66. The St. Petersburg attorney raised $16,000 of the new money through his campaign account and another $5,140 through his political committee, Protect Pinellas. “Our campaign’s message of consistent, principled conservatism […]

Drew WilsonApril 3, 2018

Former public defender and lobbyist Karen Skyers announced via Twitter Tuesday that she is entering the race for Hillsborough-based House District 61. Skyers, a Democrat, joins Sharon Carter, Norman Harris, Dianne Hart and Byron Henry in the primary race. HD 61 is opening up in the fall due to Tampa Democratic Rep. Sean Shaw foregoing […]

Drew WilsonApril 3, 2018

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s re-election campaign said Tuesday that its first campaign finance report of 2018 will show $470,000 raised during the first three months of the year. “Vern’s independence and record of bipartisan accomplishments fighting for seniors, children, veterans and middle-class families are why so many in Southwest Florida are proud to call him […]

Drew WilsonApril 2, 2018

Republican Tommy Gregory announced Thursday that Lakewood Ranch Republican Club President Steve Vernon endorsed his campaign to replace Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Tommy Gregory is a patriot and a true conservative. He understands how our economy works and how important it is to keep taxes low and government regulations to a minimum,” […]

Drew WilsonApril 2, 2018

Democrat Carrie Pilon announced Monday that she’s filed to run for the Senate District 24 seat currently held by St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. Florida Politics previously reported Pilon, a former prosecutor who now runs an injury law firm, was planning a run for the Pinellas County district. “I’m running for the State Senate because […]

Staff ReportsApril 2, 2018

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Gov. Rick Scott visited USAA in Tampa on Monday “to highlight $180 million in total funding in his Securing Florida’s Future Budget to support active military, veterans, and their families.” The Governor’s Office announced the event in a press release. He also signed HB 29, which will “increase opportunities and reduce fees for Florida military, […]

Tampa Bay
Images via Florida Politics.

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing on Tampa Bay politics — 4.4.18

No change of plans (yet) from Bob Buesing

Aakash Patel raises $25K in March for Hillsborough Commission bid

St. Pete City Council chair was charged with 15 state election code violations

Berny Jacques adds $21K for HD 66 campaign

Karen Skyers enters race to succeed Sean Shaw in HD 61

Vern Buchanan adds $470K for CD 16 re-election

Tommy Gregory endorsed by Steve Vernon in HD 73 race

Trial lawyer Carrie Pilon files for state Senate

Rick Scott highlights money for military, veterans in Tampa