Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannOctober 4, 2017

Ed Hooper, in his bid to return to Tallahassee, picked up a major endorsement Wednesday from Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. Fasano, a former Republican state lawmaker, has been a longtime political force in West Pasco County. Hooper, who served in the House from 2006 to 2014, is running in Senate District 16, covering […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 5, 2017

Former House Speaker Will Weatherford is backing Ed Hooper for the state senate seat being vacated by Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala, who terms out in 2018. “Ed Hooper was an important member of my leadership team when I was Speaker of the Florida House, I could always rely on him for good counsel,” Weatherford said, […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 5, 2017

Republican Attorney General candidate Ashley Moody picked up an endorsement from Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar, her campaign announced Tuesday. “It’s more important than ever that we elect an Attorney General who possesses the necessary experience to tackle the increasing threats to our safety and security. Ashley Moody has spent her entire professional career […]

Mitch PerryAugust 22, 2017

Bob Gualtieri is growing frustrated with the federal government’s slow progress on illegal immigration. After the Pinellas County Sheriff spent months working with members of the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security on a plan that would allow sheriff departments to detain undocumented immigrants legally for deportation, Gualtieri says no program has yet […]

Staff ReportsJune 29, 2017

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Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is throwing his support behind Ed Hooper. Gualtieri announced Thursday he was endorsing Hooper in the race to replace Sen. Jack Latvala in Senate District 16. Gualtieri said Hooper’s “real-world, first-hand insight” will serve him — and Florida voters — well in the Florida Senate. “For as long as I’ve known […]

Staff ReportsJune 19, 2017

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Sheriff Chris Nocco of Pasco County are endorsing former Circuit Court Judge Ashley Moody for Attorney General. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Attorney General Pam Bondi during my tenure as Sheriff. Her commitment to protecting our state from pill mills, drug traffickers, and those who prey on […]

Phil AmmannMay 1, 2017

Ed Hooper, the former Republican State Representative and Clearwater City Commissioner, will be featured at a high-profile fundraiser Wednesday in his bid for Florida Senate. Hooper is seeking to succeed term-limited Jack Latvala in Senate District 16, which covers much of north Pinellas County. A reception will begin 5 PM at Mugs ‘N Jugs, 40737 […]

Mitch PerryApril 20, 2017

Over the past month, juvenile justice bills moving through the Florida Legislature this spring have veered off in different directions. On Thursday, the House version (HB 205), sponsored by Seminole Republican Larry Ahern, changed again in the House Judiciary Committee. Ahern’s bill would expunge the arrests of juveniles for certain first-time misdemeanor crimes. That differs significantly […]

Mitch PerryApril 10, 2017

Reacting to the Donald Trump administration’s hardline policy on immigration — which has included threats to withhold federal grants from jurisdictions that act as “sanctuaries” — more than 100 mayors from around the country signed onto a letter to Congress calling on it to revisit and pass comprehensive reform legislation. Among those signing the letter are Tallahassee […]

Mitch PerryMarch 15, 2017

There are a number of bills floating in the Florida Legislature this year that deal with criminal justice reform, but one that has law enforcement completely flummoxed is a bill that would remove their discretion to charge a minor regarding a variety of first-time offenses. Miami Republican Senator Anitere Flores‘ bill (SB 196) requires a law enforcement […]

Tag: Bob Gualtieri
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Ed Hooper nabs Mike Fasano endorsement for SD 16

Will Weatherford endorses Ed Hooper for state Senate

Indian River Sheriff backs Ashley Moody for Attorney General

Bob Gualtieri ‘very frustrated’ by federal foot-dragging on undocumented immigrants

Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri backs Ed Hooper in SD 16

Bob Gualtieri, Chris Nocco endorse Ashley Moody for Attorney General

Ed Hooper to host major Tarpon Springs fundraiser Wednesday

House advances juvenile justice bill, adding adult diversion program

Bob Buckhorn, Andrew Gillum among the 100 mayors calling on Congress to fix immigration system

Law enforcement says Anitere Flores’ civil citations proposal still ‘a non-starter’