Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryFebruary 4, 2017

Although St. Petersburg isn’t officially classified as a sanctuary city, Mayor Rick Kriseman all but declared that’s exactly what his town is on Saturday. And if the Trump administration wants to deny the city federal funds because of that stance, the mayor’s response is essentially, ‘We’ll see you in court.’ “While our county sheriff’s office is ultimately responsible […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 25, 2017

The former Colorado marijuana czar encouraged Florida lawmakers to invest in public education as they begin discussions about implementing Amendment 2. Andrew Freedman, the former director of marijuana coordination in Colorado, told the House Quality Subcommittee that the state should consider investing in public education, even before tax dollars derived from the medical marijuana industry […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 23, 2017

A bill to set up a civil citation program for juveniles statewide advanced Monday through a Florida Senate committee. However, questions about removing officer discretion may need to be addressed before the proposal gets widespread support from lawmakers later this Session. Miami Republican Senator Anitere Flores’ bill (SB 196) would mandate law enforcement officers to offer a civil citation […]

Anne LindbergNovember 8, 2016

Democrat Charlie Justice faced down a challenge from first-time candidate Mike Mikurak to win a second term on the Pinellas County Commission. Justice took the lead early in the evening with about 53. 5 percent of the vote and never looked back. Voters were treated to two distinctly different styles in the race for the […]

Peter SchorschJune 4, 2016

At first glance, the invitation to the June 17 fundraiser for David Jolly‘s U.S. Senate campaign doesn’t look much different than so many previous ones. However, upon closer examination of who exactly is on the host committee, the invitation is noteworthy to those who follow Pinellas County politics. Jack Latvala. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and his wife, Lauralee Westine. Rep. Chris Latvala. […]

Anne LindbergApril 30, 2016

Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch took a field trip Friday to the cemetery pond where three teenage girls drowned in a stolen car. The drowning happened about 3:50 a.m. March 31. The girls, who were being followed by Pinellas sheriff’s deputies, turned into Royal Palm North Cemetery, 2600 Gandy Blvd. and drove into a pond. […]

Anne LindbergApril 29, 2016

A small group of activists gathered at the Pinellas County Courthouse Friday afternoon to protest the deaths of three black teenage girls who drowned last month in a stolen car. The mixed-race group shouted slogans that included “Jail the killer cops!” and demanded reparations for the girls and other African-American teens that, they said, died […]

Mitch PerryApril 20, 2016

It was on May 8, 2008, after the returns from Democratic primary results from North Carolina and Indiana had come in, when the late Tim Russert told viewers that the intense battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton was over. “We now know who the Democratic nominee’s going to be, and no one’s going to […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 25, 2016

An amended bill that would reshape the way civil forfeiture works in Florida passed the House Judiciary Committee Thursday. Under current law, law enforcement can seize a person’s property, including cash, if they suspect it is being used to commit a crime or is the proceed from crime. Under that scenario, no charges have to […]

Mitch PerryDecember 15, 2015

After the third GOP presidential debate in late October, I wrote in this space after Marco Rubio received plaudits for his effort if it would translate into votes. A couple of weeks later, after the fourth debate in Milwaukee, the conventional wisdom from pundits was that it was time that Rubio and Ted Cruz were […]

Tag: Bob Gualtieri
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Rick Kriseman declares St. Petersburg a ‘sanctuary from harmful immigration laws’

House Health Quality panel hears from former Colorado pot czar

Bill to expand juvenile civil citations raises questions on officer discretion

Charlie Justice wins second term on Pinellas County Commission

Pinellas fundraising event for David Jolly shows how time heals all wounds

Ken Welch: Sheriff not at fault for drowning deaths of 3 teen girls

Activists protest ‘police murder’ at Pinellas Courthouse over death of 3 teen girls

Mitch Perry Report for 4.20.16 — Bernie’s chances may have just faded away, but how does Clinton handle him going forward?

Lawmakers reach agreement with law enforcement groups over civil forfeiture bill

Mitch Perry Report for 12.15.15 – Vegas, baby, Vegas!