Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiMarch 29, 2016

At the start of the year, I made 12 predictions for 2016 in Jacksonville politics. A fourth of the way through, revisiting them is useful. Some I got right. Some I got wrong. Some are still in progress. Predictions 1 and 2 revolved around the Human Rights Ordinance expansion, which was the issue du jour. […]

Rosanne DunkelbergerFebruary 18, 2016

“Sticks and bricks” were on the agenda at Tallahassee’s “Emerging Trends in Real Estate,” seminar where updates were given on seven major development efforts totaling more than $1 billion. Nearly 200 people attended, representing a variety of interests including commercial real estate, banking, engineering, city, county and state government, and construction. It was held at the University Center Club, […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 15, 2016

Ballard Partners, the Tallahassee-based firm with offices around the state, has repeated as the top paid legislative lobbying concern, reporting median compensation of $2,346,000 for the last quarter of 2015. The state released lobbying compensation data on Monday, with LobbyTools crunching the numbers. Ballard Partners, formed by Republican insider Brian Ballard, also came out on top […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 30, 2015

There’s no doubt 2015 was an amazing year in Jacksonville politics. A new mayor, 11 new members of City Council, and intrigue in Corrine Brown’s redistricting saga were among a few top-level highlights. While we have a reasonable sense of what happened in Jacksonville politics in 2015, the next question is what happens in 2016. Hence, a […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 28, 2015

David Bauerlein, in The Florida Times-Union, broke the story of Jacksonville’s lobbyists to represent the city in Tallahassee. An internal email from Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa delineates how Jacksonville’s strategy will unfold with Marty Fiorentino as the point man. “The mayor has decided to have Marty Fiorentino of the Fiorentino Group to become the lead […]

Peter SchorschDecember 28, 2015

HD-Christmas-Celebration-Lights-1366-768-99657-1024x1024.jpeg

‘Tis the season, and the Legislature’s dubious Christmas present this year was moving up the 2016 Legislative Session two months from its usual March start date. We will no doubt have many gifts in store, besides the inevitable policy food fights, such as perhaps seeing some lawmakers in their ugly holiday sweaters (the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts […]

Peter SchorschNovember 17, 2015

Ballard Partners tops the compensation list for lobbying the Florida Legislature in the third quarter of 2015, bringing in $2.22 million, according to newly released compensation reports. Registered lobbying firms took in almost $32 million in fees — $31,775,000 to be (somewhat) exact — between July and September 2015 to represent clients in front of Florida […]

Peter SchorschOctober 30, 2015

Even though classic costumes such as witches, vampires and Frankenstein’s monster may have gone out of style and been replaced by superheroes and Star Wars characters, the Halloween spirit is alive and well. The Florida Department of Health said this week that the average American will eat 3.4 pounds of candy this weekend, and many kids will eat more than […]

Peter SchorschOctober 27, 2015

Monica Rodriguez of Ballard Partners was the 2013 co-champion of TallyMadness – the online voting competition to determine Florida’s best lobbyist. Here’s the file on Monica Rodriguez: Significant other? Children? Grand kids? Danielle, 10, and Olivia, 7. In 25 words or less, explain what you do. I help clients maneuver the intricacies of state and […]

Mitch PerryOctober 23, 2015

Sarasota County GOP Chairman Joe Gruters has been selected as the state chairman of Donald Trump‘s campaign in Florida. Susan Wiles, managing partner of the Jacksonville office of the lobbying group Ballard Partners, will serve as co-chairwoman. Wiles is perhaps best known for managing Rick Scott‘s successful 2010 campaign for governor. “My message is clearly resonating […]

Tag: Ballard Partners

A.G. Gancarski: So far, so good on 2016 predictions

Wayne Tower, err, the new Ballard building highlights ULI presentation

Ballard Partners leads in top lobbying pay for Q4 2015

A.G. Gancarski’s 12 predictions in 2016 for Jacksonville politics

How the Fiorentino Group will lead Jacksonville lobbying efforts

The 12 Days of Christmas, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and politicos

Firms collect nearly $31 million during Q3 to lobby Florida Legislature

Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

4th Floor Files talks with Monica Rodriguez about capitalism, adrenaline rush and Hakuna Matata

Joe Gruters to run Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in Florida