Tampa Bay

Peter SchorschMay 21, 2018

Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni finally succumbed to one of the cancers he has battled for nearly a decade, passing away Sunday night at the age of 63. With a quarter century of public service, Morroni was the rare modern politician who enjoyed support from both sides of the political spectrum. As news of Morroni’s […]

Peter SchorschMay 21, 2018

John Morroni, a veteran Republican politician who had served on both the Pinellas County Commission and in the Florida House of Representatives, has died after a decade-long fight against a barrage of cancers. Morroni’s final days were spent at the Suncoast Hospice facility in Pinellas Park. He died Sunday evening, peacefully and surrounded by his […]

Bill RuftyMay 21, 2018

Many political junkies are questioning whether two different entities that support the same goal — a Democrat in Florida’s 15th Congressional District — are backing two different candidates in the primary. Andrew Learned of Valrico has been a candidate for the post since June 23, 2017, and has the advice and help from the Democratic […]

Peter SchorschMay 20, 2018

Hundreds of people – including U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Congressman Charlie Crist – held hands on Florida beaches Saturday in protest of proposed nearshore oil drilling. “Hands Across the Sand” was held in Pinellas County, one of nearly 120 events taking place on beaches nationwide. The annual protest first started during the Deepwater Horizon […]

Staff ReportsMay 20, 2018

Hundreds of opponents of offshore oil drilling gathered at Florida beaches and held hands. The Tampa Bay Times reported Saturday that the protest at Clearwater Beach drew local and state elected officials including U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. There were also protests held at other beaches throughout Pinellas County. The “Hands Across the Sand” demonstration has […]

Drew WilsonMay 19, 2018

After two waves of Polk County endorsements for his Congressional campaign, Auburndale Republican Neil Combee is announced some Lake County supporters Friday. Joining the dozen or so backers already lined up behind the former state representative were Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker, Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks and state […]

Drew WilsonMay 19, 2018

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson will speak alongside Pinellas County Commissioner Pat Gerard, Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos and Sierra Club Florida Director Frank Jackalone at an event to oppose offshore drilling in Saturday morning. The event, “Hands Across the Sand in Clearwater,” will begin at 11:30 am outside of the Palms Pavillion in Clearwater Beach. It […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

Republican Tommy Gregory announced Thursday that former Manatee Sherriff Brad Steube has endorsed his campaign to replace Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Tommy Gregory’s character and values will make him a very effective legislator,” Steube said. “His military career demonstrates his commitment to public service, and I believe he will bring the same […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

Three members of the Indian Rocks Beach City Commission announced Thursday that they are backing Belleair Bluffs businessman Nick DiCeglie in the Republican Primary for House District 66, currently held by termed-out Rep. Larry Ahern. The endorsements came in from Commissioners Phil Hannah, Ed Hoofnagle and Nick Palomba. “It is my honor, and without reservation, […]

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2018

Money talks, and for candidates just a few months away from the primary and general elections, it can speak volumes. This edition brings you up to speed on state House candidate money chases in the Bay area. It’s early yet, but monthly fundraising hauls — and spends — provide valuable insights into how things might […]

Tampa Bay

Florida politicians react to the news of John Morroni’s passing

Affable pol John Morroni, who staved off cancer for nearly a decade, has passed away

Two progressive organizations, but different candidates?

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 5.20.18

Hundreds of Floridians show up for offshore drilling protest

Neil Combee adds Lake County support for CD 15 campaign

Bill Nelson heading to Clearwater for anti-drilling event

Tommy Gregory endorsed by former Manatee Sheriff

Indian Rocks Beach commissioners back Nick DiCeglie for House District 66

Ninja Bow — Tampa Bay campaign finance roundup — April 2018