Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 15, 2017

Addressing what he called the “obvious elephant in the room,” Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson criticized Florida House members who backed an effort to end economic incentive programs, calling the move political. “I want to be blunt for a few minutes,” said Wilson. “This is not a Legislature trying to seek how to diversify the […]

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 11, 2017

A Florida House subcommittee took its first stab at addressing economic incentives during a panel discussion Wednesday. While the two-hour House Careers & Competition Subcommittee meeting gave experts a chance to weigh-in on economic incentives, the crux of the discussion centered around a single question from Rep. Halsey Beshears, the committee’s chairman. Beshears asked the […]

Jim RosicaDecember 27, 2016

Enterprise Florida (EFI) would have to hire outside auditors “to verify compliance” of businesses getting incentive money under legislation filed Tuesday. New state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Miami-Dade Democrat, filed the bill (SB 216) on the state’s public-private economic development organization. The legislation, which does not yet have a House companion, would require the organization to then […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 30, 2016

A former state lawmaker has been selected to lead Enterprise Florida, a decision that comes as proponents gear up for what could be another difficult year for the public-private economic development agency. The Enterprise Florida Board of Directors on Wednesday voted unanimously to hire Chris Hart IV as the CEO of Enterprise Florida. Hart, the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 5, 2016

Get ready to spend some time talking about education this summer. Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday he will host a two-day education summit in Orlando this month. The Degrees to Jobs Summit is expected to focus on higher education, and will bring together Florida’s business leaders and education officials to help connect students with jobs […]

Tag: Chris Hart IV

Mark Wilson calls House push to eliminate Enterprise Florida ‘a political conversation about ideology’

Professional services firm announces HQ relocation to Tampa from North Carolina

House panel begins discussions about economic incentives

Jose Javier Rodriguez files Enterprise Florida reform legislation

Chris Hart IV selected as Enterprise Florida CEO

Rick Scott, Florida Chamber Foundation host education summits