Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJuly 17, 2015

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced late Friday the appointment of Kevin Stork as Jacksonville comptroller. Stork returns to a role he held during two Republican administrations between 1999 and 2011, at an annual salary of a little more than $131,000. “Kevin Stork will bring his keen financial acumen back to City Hall and I am excited […]

Mitch PerryJuly 17, 2015

In Oklahoma this week, President Barack Obama announced a new joint effort with local communities, the federal government and the private sector to expand high-speed broadband to over 275,000 low-income households around the nation — with Tampa being one of the 27 cities and on tribal nation participating. The program is called ConnectHome, an extension of Obama’s ConnectEd program, […]

Mitch PerryJuly 17, 2015

Charlie Crist. Darden Rice. Ken Welch. Dwight Dudley. There are some prominent Democrats whose names have been floated as possibilities to run in the 13th Congressional District race next year, now that the district is likely to be much more advantageous for the party after the Florida Legislature redraws the district in advance of next […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 17, 2015

As the Jacksonville media digests and reports on Lenny Curry’s inaugural budget, most of us are struck by how positive the initial reaction to it has been, and so we write positive pieces. WJXT had one such piece: “Police, fire leaders like mayor’s budget proposal.” The story had positive comments from Randy Wyse and Sheriff Mike Williams, and Council […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 17, 2015

Florida Politics has covered the Lenny Curry transition subcommittees as thoroughly as any Jacksonville outlet, and as we review the subcommittee reports (in draft form), a holistic vision is emerging in both the budget early-stage actions by Curry and the organizational structure. The A Safer Jacksonville subcommittee recommended new fire stations and some relocations of fire stations […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 17, 2015

Republican State Sen. Jeff Brandes recently sent a letter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement asking for an investigation into RedFlex Traffic Systems. Apparently, there’s an issue with fraud? “The admission of bribery by (former RedFlex CEO) Karen Finley illustrates the extent to which these providers will go in order to profit off the backs […]

Phil AmmannJuly 17, 2015

For those wanting a good real estate investment, the owners of the building where Lakeland’s Ledger newspaper is headquartered have put the building up for sale. As of Friday, the 181,720-sq. ft. office building lists with the Mansour Group of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, one of the county’s largest real estate investment services firms. Located on West […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 17, 2015

Jacksonville is known for its discussion of art in public places. From former Council President Clay Yarborough‘s exquisite pearl clutching over an exhibit in MOCA that dared to show bare breasts to Chip Southworth and the furor he created as Keith Haring’s Ghost, Jacksonville has spirited discussions with strong opinions on both sides. (Let’s leave aside, for a […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 17, 2015

The Jacksonville City Council has set its 2015/2016 finance budget hearing meeting dates for Lenny Curry’s first budget. Fans of municipal budget hearings can look forward to seven daylong meetings over the course of 15 days. The meetings will take place Aug. 13 and 14. Then, a break until Aug. 20 and 21. Finally, the cycle […]

Mitch PerryJuly 17, 2015

“I love America.” Those were the first words out of Scott Walker’s mouth Monday night when he announced from Waukesha, Wis., that he’s now the 15th official candidate in the GOP 2016 presidential sweepstakes. Since the campaign began in earnest earlier this year, Walker has been considered in the top tier of candidates who could […]

Uncategorized

Kevin Stork returns as Jax comptroller

Tampa to be part of public-private effort to close digital divide

Eric Lynn says he’s in CD 13 race to stay

Sam Mousa laments “inaccuracies and falsies”

Lenny Curry transition subcommittee reports show holistic vision

Will Times-Union now recant its pro red-light camera stance?

Lakeland’s Ledger’s main office building up for sale

Controversial Falun Dafa exhibit debuts in Jacksonville City Hall

Jax City Council Finance Committee sets budget hearing dates

Mitch Perry Report for 7.17.15 — In N.H., Scott Walker boldly declares, “I’m an American”