Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsDecember 17, 2015

Florida TaxWatch says it’s launching a research internship program for college students, who will assist on projects from “taxation and budgets to education and corrections.” The nonprofit watchdog, based in Tallahassee, received a $25,000 contribution from AT&T to pay stipends to those who are accepted into the program. The internships will be named after the late […]

Phil AmmannNovember 24, 2015

Ten firms from the Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce Coalition received a perfect score this week on the annual Human Rights Campaign ranking of workplace equality. In an announcement Tuesday, the corporations scoring a 100 percent rating on the 2016 Corporate Equity Index include such Florida-based companies as Akerman LLP, AT&T, Florida Blue, Carlton […]

Ryan RayNovember 16, 2015

Ramba Consulting Group brought in an estimated total of $270,000 during the third quarter of 2015, according to recently submitted compensation reports. The group’s legislative work, which took in about $225,000, accounts for the majority of earnings and boasts 27 clients. Florida Optometry Eye Health Fund, the firm’s largest contributor, spent between $20,000 and $29,000 for […]

Phil AmmannNovember 15, 2015

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium “hauled in” a $25,000 contribution this week to help underserviced local students. The donation from telecommunications giant AT&T will go toward afterschool programs that give 11- to 14-year-old students hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). A presentation ceremony Friday included a boat ride in Clearwater Bay pulling a net […]

Ryan RayNovember 13, 2015

Capital City Consulting, consistently ranking as one of top four governmental affairs firms in Florida, maintained its position during the third quarter of this year, collecting about $1,656,000 between July and the end of September, according to recently filed state lobbying compensation reports. Among CCC’s most substantial accounts were health insurance company Aetna, which paid an estimated […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2015

The Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition is coming off a very good month. “Drumbeat Report,” a video compilation hosted by campaign manager Patrick Slevin, discussed the organization’s recent successes, including such support from Fortune 500 companies and major Florida employers. The three-minute video reveals the group as “off and running” with what organizers […]

Phil AmmannOctober 5, 2015

Accenture, the multinational management consulting and technology services firm, is the latest organization to join the Florida Technology Council (FTC), considered the voice of the state’s technology industry. “With its experience across multiple verticals, Accenture will play a vital role in the upcoming committee weeks and the 2016 Session,” said FTC Executive Director James Taylor. […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 29, 2015

Telecom giant AT&T started offering its fiber optic “GigaPower” internet service in a handful of cities across the country Tuesday, with Orlando and some pockets of Orange County making the list. “We’re excited to officially launch our ultra-high-speed AT&T GigaPower network to Orlando. Residents and small businesses want the latest technologies and AT&T is delivering,” said Joe York, president of AT&T […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2015

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Uber, the hired-car company seeking to secure its presence in Florida, has taken on former Florida-based lobbyist Stephanie Smith to oversee its public policy initiatives in the Sunshine State. Smith will leave her Atlanta-based post as AT&T’s director of public affairs for Florida and Georgia. As part of her job, she’ll have a hand in Uber’s media and public relations […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 13, 2015

Two telecommunications companies contend in a new lawsuit that the administration of Gov. Rick Scott is flouting the state’s public records law. The lawsuit is an outgrowth of a dispute over a nearly $400 million state contract the Scott administration recently awarded to a subsidiary of Florida-based Harris Corp. AT&T and a contractor working with […]

Tag: AT&T

New TaxWatch internship program honors Ken Plante

10 Florida employers recognized as national Best Places to Work for LGBT employees

David Ramba’s firm pulls down $270K in Q3 lobbying earnings

Clearwater Marine Aquarium “hauls in” big AT&T check for afterschool STEM programs

Capital City Consulting commands $1.7 million in Q3 lobbying fees

Florida Competitive Workforce video talks successes, plans for 2016

Accenture latest major firm to join Florida Technology Council

AT&T rolls out “GigaPower” internet service in Orange County

Stephanie Smith to join Uber in Florida

Florida sued once again over handling of public records