Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerrySeptember 16, 2015

Sam Rashid is still a member of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, despite that by doing so, he is directly snubbing Gov. Rick Scott, the man who appointed him to the agency last year and is now calling on him to resign from the board. “Governor Scott expects him to resign and […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 14, 2015

Earlier this year, a national organization rated the Tampa Bay area as 11th in the nation for traffic congestion. Obviously, the region has problems with traffic, which is perhaps why St. Petersburg state Senator Jeff Brandes called it a “game-changer” today in describing what could be a $17 million contract that the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) was awarded by […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 9, 2015

Rumor du jour is that there will be another candidate getting into the wide open countywide Hillsborough County District 6 seat, but it’s not a Republican taking on Jim Norman. The rumor that percolated over the Labor Day weekend is John Dicks, the 62-year-old former Plant City Mayor and Commissioner, is contemplating entering the Democratic […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 4, 2015

It was famed actor, celebrity and humanitarian George Clooney who once said that he doesn’t tweet. “Just because, I like to have a drink at night. I could easily say something stupid, and I also don’t think you need to be that available.” But there are lots of folks who just can’t help expressing themselves via the tools of […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 1, 2015

Like so many other Democrats who are coming out in support of the P+5 nuclear deal with Iraq, Delaware Senator Chris Coons said yesterday that while “it was a very hard choice,” he was going to back Barack Obama in the most important foreign policy accord of his presidency. “I will support this agreement because it […]

Mitch PerryAugust 12, 2015

Last month marked the 30th anniversary of the legendary Live-Aid concerts that took place in Philadelphia and London. One of the breakout stars of that historic occasion, Boy George, apparently will be in the Tampa Bay area this weekend. That’s right: Culture Club is headlining a group of ’80s and ’90s bands that will be […]

Mitch PerryAugust 11, 2015

Last month, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn told Florida Politics that he wasn’t thinking at all about his electoral future until after the 2016 election. The statement was somewhat noteworthy in that the mayor has not been shy about the fact that he is thinking of running for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018. A look […]

Mitch PerryAugust 5, 2015

Two years ago, officials at California State University-Fullerton produced a comprehensive report on police civilian oversight boards. Among their findings was that obstacles to creating a successful agency included politicians who have a “law and order” agenda not conducive to oversight. Plus, if such a board is created, the power that lawmakers have to limit their oversight is through […]

Mitch PerryAugust 3, 2015

Happy Monday, which, if you live or work in Tampa, means another perilous morning for actually driving your car, as it’s raining hard once again as I write this (6:18 a.m.). This weekend’s storms and floods indicate that Tampa may never become the major city it aspires to; though there are plans to raise taxes to pay […]

Mitch PerryJuly 23, 2015

Attitudes regarding fostering a relationship with Cuba is only of several differences between Bob Buckhorn and Rick Kriseman. Kameel Stanley in today’s Times writes about how Kriseman is hot to trot to Havana sometime this year. That’s in contrast to Buckhorn, who has been steadfast in his lack of enthusiasm for hosting a Cuban consulate in […]

Tag: Bob Buckhorn

Mitch Perry Report for 9.16.15 – Sam Rashid ignores Rick Scott’s call to step down

Tampa Expressway Authority awarded first phase of funding for connected vehicle pilot program

Mitch Perry Report for 9.9.15 – Another Democrat to enter Hillsborough County District 6 race?

Mitch Perry Report for 9.4.15 – Sam Rashid is not backing down

Mitch Perry Report for 9.2.15 – Obama getting closer to win on Iran deal

Mitch Perry Report for 8.12.15 — Hot fun in the summertime?

2018 Watch: Bob Buckhorn’s super PAC takes in modest $2,500 for July, while Adam Putnam’s raises $106,840

Tampa residents to call for civilian review board to monitor police

Mitch Perry Report for 8.3.15 – Forget Thursday – 14 GOP prez candidates debate tonight in NH

Mitch Perry Report for 7.23.15 – Cuba not only difference between Buckhorn and Kriseman