Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Brendan FarringtonJanuary 15, 2017

The state Republican and Democratic parties met two miles from each other Saturday, their first meetings since Donald Trump carried Florida in November’s election, but the atmosphere and enthusiasm were worlds apart. As both parties chose their leaders, it was easy to see which has more confidence heading into an election cycle when the governor’s […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 13, 2017

BlueLine Associates, a professional services firm, is relocating its global headquarters from Cary, North Carolina to Tampa. For the move., BlueLine expects to invest more than $2 million in the local economy, and create 150 new jobs, paying an average wage of $71,909. While the firm currently has offices in Tampa, the relocation of its […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 5, 2017

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is fighting for local rights, announcing this week he’s launched a statewide campaign to “defend local solutions.” A rising star in the Democratic Party, Gillum has been mentioned as possible 2018 gubernatorial contender. He announced today he’s launched the Campaign to Defend Local Solutions, a nonpartisan, grassroots effort aimed at bringing […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 4, 2017

Over the weekend, the Times’ Rick Danielson and Sue Carlton shared a byline online where they essentially discussed the Bob Buckhorn Experience in Tampa, close to six years after he was elected mayor. Although the initial thrust of the story was how the Mayor wasn’t above looking a little silly on occasions to sell a particular program or […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 31, 2016

Everyone expected Florida to play an important role in politics this year. And why wouldn’t they? Presidential hopefuls hailed from here; the state’s electoral votes were coveted; and its Senate race could have determined control of the U.S. Senate. But just like many predictions in 2016, some of the prophecies for Florida’s outsized role on […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 28, 2016

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam raised more than $2 million in 2016, boosting his war chest ahead of a likely 2018 gubernatorial bid. State records show Florida Grown, Putnam’s political committee, raised more than $2.3 million through Nov. 30. The committee has raised more than $6.3 million since February 2015, according to state campaign finance records. […]

Joe HendersonDecember 22, 2016

I think Will Weatherford’s just-announced decision not to run for governor in 2018 merely delays the inevitable. I believe he will be Florida’s governor eventually, and that will be a good thing. Weatherford, the Land O’Lakes Republican, is a smart, articulate, center-right conservative in the Jeb Bush tradition. He has a strong legislative resume, including […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 22, 2016

Will Weatherford is taking a pass on 2018. The former House Speaker said Thursday he won’t run for governor in two years, saying his role in the 2018 gubernatorial election “should be as a private citizen and not as a candidate.” “My focus right now is on raising my family, living out my faith, and […]

Scott PowersDecember 21, 2016

Airbnb has reached an agreement Wednesday with the Hillsborough County Tax Collector Office, in a deal that could immediately add thousands of dollars in county revenue. Home hosts in Hillsborough will begin paying bed taxes for overnight guests, which is estimated at about one-quarter million dollars a year. Airbnb will collect and remit taxes from 838 […]

Mitch PerryDecember 20, 2016

Two weeks ago, it appeared that Alan Clendenin‘s hopes for becoming state chair of the Florida Democratic Party died after falling twelve votes short of being re-elected as Hillsborough County’s state committeeman. That position is one of just a handful in local Democratic Party politics that would qualify a candidate to run for state party chair. But in a stunning development, the DNC Committeeman […]

Tag: Bob Buckhorn

Tale of 2 parties: Florida GOP high, Dems low ahead of 2018

Professional services firm announces HQ relocation to Tampa from North Carolina

Andrew Gillum, possible 2018 governor candidate, launches ‘Campaign to Defend Local Solutions’

Mitch Perry Report for 1.4.17 — Waitin’ on the man

Infamous dates: The moments that shaped Florida politics in 2016

Adam Putnam political committee brings in more than $2.3 million in 2016

Will Weatherford’s decision enhances, not removes, future options

Will Weatherford opts out of 2018 gubernatorial bid

Airbnb reaches agreement with Hillsborough County over tourist taxes

Alan Clendenin moves to Bradford County, becomes state committeeman, now running for Florida Democratic Party Chair