Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsDecember 12, 2018

An Inaugural Ball will end two days of activities surrounding the Jan. 8 swearing-in of Republican Ron DeSantis as the next Governor. His Inaugural Planning Committee, chaired by lobbyist Brian Ballard, released a list of events on Wednesday. They include breakfasts, a first-ever “Legislative Luncheon,” and an appreciation of “veterans, military members, first responders and […]

Jim RosicaNovember 29, 2018

For Ron DeSantis, the future’s only getting “brighter.” The Governor-elect and his running mate, Lt. Gov.-elect Jeanette Nuñez, on Thursday released the theme of their 2019 Inauguration: a “Bold Vision for a Brighter Future.” “This election was about the future of our state, how we can build on our success, and address the challenges that lie ahead,” […]

Drew WilsonNovember 27, 2018

Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis will be getting his economic policy advice from former House Speaker Will Weatherford and GrayRobinson lobbyist Chris Spencer as he makes the transition to the Governor’s mansion. “Your support for the incoming administration and your assistance on these important policy issues will help shape the future of Florida,” transition team head James […]

Jim RosicaNovember 27, 2018

Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis and incoming First Lady Casey DeSantis on Tuesday announced the leadership for their 2019 Inaugural Committee. Heading the list is top Florida and Washington, D.C. lobbyist Brian Ballard and his wife Kathryn Ballard of Tallahassee, who are chairs. Co-chairs are longtime Republican Party fundraisers Stanley and Gay Hart Gaines of Palm Beach, and lobbyist […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2018

At least four people are in the running to become Ron DeSantis‘ chief of staff: Kathy Mears, Scott Ross, Scott Parkinson, and Shane Strum, according to sources familiar with the interview process. DeSantis “has discussed the position with all four,” one source said during an interview in Orlando where dozens of Adams Streeters are meeting for […]

Drew WilsonOctober 31, 2018

The witching hour is upon us. Ghosts and ghouls fill the streets. Zombies walk side-by-side with princesses and superheroes. Their mission the same: Spook and scare their neighbors in hopes of scoring enough candy to sustain them for the next year. Florida Retailers are expecting their tills to be flush thanks to the most frightening […]

Staff ReportsOctober 17, 2018

AshBritt Environmental, a “rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor” in Deerfield Beach, has hired Ballard Partners‘ namesake Brian Ballard and its Christina Daly Brodeur. Veteran influencer Ron Book also remains the company’s lobbyist, according to lobbying registration records accessed Wednesday. Daly Brodeur, formerly Secretary of Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice under Gov. Rick Scott, joined Ballard’s firm last month. The […]

Peter SchorschOctober 3, 2018

Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party signed a $1.1 million per year contract with the Washington D.C. branch of Ballard Partners last month, adding to the Tallahassee-based lobbying group’s expansive roster of foreign clients since it expanded to the nation’s capital. The contract, worth $90,000 a month, went into effect on Sept. 21. The deal will see […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 13, 2018

As many of you know, Brian Ballard topped off his empire with an impressive new “castle” in downtown Tallahassee. There are plenty of beautiful new features to the building, but with Hurricane Florence bearing down on the Southeast and several other storms brewing in the Atlantic, I find myself thinking about one feature in particular […]

Drew WilsonAugust 31, 2018

Lobbying compensation reports are in for the second quarter, and the usual rankings have been shaken up among the state’s top-earning lobby firms. After several quarters leading the pack, Ballard Partners has slipped to second place in legislative lobbying compensation while Southern Strategy Group ascended to the top spot. It doesn’t hurt that the firm […]

Tag: Brian Ballard
The Orlando Economic Partnership's Public Leadership Institute (OEP)

Ron DeSantis announces 2019 Inaugural events

Ron DeSantis reveals his inaugural theme

Will Weatherford, Chris Spencer to advise Ron DeSantis on economic policy

Ron DeSantis names star-studded Inaugural Committee

Ron DeSantis vetting chief of staff candidates, including some familiar names

Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Lobby Up: Hurricane cleanup firm AshBritt Environmental hires Ballard Partners

Nigerian political party retains Ballard Partners

Ballard Partners WeatherSTEM casting watchful eye on Tallahassee storms … of all types

Southern Strategy Group’s legislative lobbying boosts it to No. 1 in Q2 revenue