Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMay 11, 2015

Now that Lake Worth state Sen. Jeff Clemens is reportedly the favorite to become the leader of Florida’s Senate Democrats and has received national press attention for provoking officials in the Gov. Rick Scott administration, it’s easy to forget Clemens’ path to the Senate in the first place. He won a 17-vote nail-biter of a Democratic primary in […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 11, 2015

Less than a year ago, conservative Republicans Jay Fant and Paul Renner fought a bitter primary battle in House District 15. Fant was ahead big in the polls at first, but Renner went on the attack and came within three votes of closing the gap. Now both men share at least two new commonalities: Both are House incumbents, […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 11, 2015

District 8 Councilwoman E. Denise Lee has been making news lately with lacerating criticisms of the Alvin Brown campaign outreach to the African-American community. Recently, Neil Henrichsen, the chair of the Duval County Democratic Party, said Lee has not been active in the Democratic Party in years. His comments took Lee by surprise and she responded that “he has never […]

Associated PressMay 11, 2015

A raucous spring break that made unwanted national headlines has Bay County officials looking to restore the Panhandle community’s image. After a season where a house party dissolved into gunfire and a beach gathering resulted in a videotaped sexual assault, Bay County is negotiating a contract for a new marketing strategy to boost public perception. […]

Melissa RossMay 11, 2015

The Rev. Gene Youngblood, father of Jacksonville City Council At-Large Group 3 candidate Geoff Youngblood, says a message posted on the marquee outside his First Conservative Baptist Church is “reacting to current events” and corresponds to Scripture. The sign reads “Homosexuals must repent or go to Hell.” It has sparked a petition response at the website […]

Associated PressMay 11, 2015

Hillsborough County officials are using high-definition aerial photographs to crack down on residents who made additions or installed swimming pools without permits. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office has spotted changes to more than 10,000 properties in the past 10 months, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Revised property values have led to adjustments that have […]

Mitch PerryMay 11, 2015

Although Tom Kean has strong ties to the Bush family, he’s not about to endorse Jeb Bush for president – not this early, anyway. The former New Jersey governor, 80, is perhaps best known nationally as the co-chair of the 9/11 Commission that was charged with providing the American people the fullest possible account of the […]

Mitch PerryMay 11, 2015

There were two events in Tampa that took place this weekend worth noting. Let’s start with the local NFL franchise and the off-field drama that won’t be going away anytime soon. “We do not think it will be a problem for Jameis to be focused on playing football here,” Tampa Bay Buc head coach Lovie Smith […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 11, 2015

The Jacksonville election takes place in less than two weeks, and one trend that has emerged is infighting between the Duval Democratic Party and African-American Democrats, who have salient criticisms of how party business is conducted. Exhibit A: Denise Lee‘s critique of the latest doorknocker from the Alvin Brown campaign escaped official comment from the Brown campaign. […]

Bruce RitchieMay 10, 2015

A group calling itself ACF Stakeholders was formed in 2010 with great promise in trying to create consensus among the various user groups along the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee and Flint (ACF) rivers. But when the group meets in Florida next week, it should vote to disband. Because the river system and the people who depend on […]

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Jeff Clemens draws primary challenger for Palm Beach Senate seat

Former rivals Jay Fant, Paul Renner come together for Lenny Curry

Duval Democrats challenge Denise Lee; Lee fires back

Bay County pursues plan to improve its Spring Break image

Minister, father of Jax City Council candidate, defends “homophobic” sign

Officials use aerial photos to reap more property taxes

Tom Kean says it’s still too early to count Chris Christie out

Mitch Perry Report for 5.11.15 — Weekend tales in Tampa

Denise Lee speaks out; Fissures show in Duval Democratic Party

Bruce Ritchie: Enough secrecy! After voting on water plan, tri-state rivers group should vote to disband