Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryApril 11, 2016

Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman has decided to stay put after all, and will not run challenge Dana Young in the newly created state Senate 18 seat. That information was first published by the Tampa Bay Times. Murman, who was in the state Legislature from 1996 to 2004, has been on the Board of County […]

Mitch PerryApril 8, 2016

A mentally ill inmate who was in protective custody was found dead at the Columbia Correctional Institution on Tuesday, a day after a corrections officer was hospitalized in an attack. It’s yet another black mark on Florida’s prison system, one that many say is overcrowded and underfunded. The Department of Corrections, though, insists those issues had nothing […]

Jim RosicaApril 5, 2016

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A group of Florida Senate Republicans, including two future presidents of that chamber, on Tuesday endorsed state Rep. Dana Young‘s run for an open Tampa seat, according to a news release. Young, the outgoing House Republican leader, was endorsed by Senate President-designate Joe Negron of Stuart, Senate Republican Leader Bill Galvano of Bradenton (expected to succeed Negron as president), […]

Mitch PerryMarch 30, 2016

Back in 2009-2010, the folks behind the Moving Hillsborough Forward brought Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory to Tampa on three different occasions to advise local officials on how to pass the one-cent sales tax referendum for transit on the November 2010 ballot in Hillsborough County. As we all remember, the measure went down to a resounding […]

Ryan RayMarch 29, 2016

Several of Tampa Bay’s most prominent fine arts institutions found success in the Legislature’s budget for 2016-17, navigating the delicate appropriations process and escaping Gov. Rick Scott‘s veto pen. Lawmakers approved $2 million for Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, frequently home to performances by The Florida Orchestra and national touring acts. Katie Pedretty, Director of Public Relations, said the money will go toward renovating the 33-year-old building […]

Mitch PerryMarch 29, 2016

For decades, aspiring restaurateurs in Tampa and Hillsborough County have had to contend with regulations unlike those in any other part of Florida. State law requires that any restaurant that serves alcohol must be at least 2,500 square feet in size. However, in Hillsborough County, state law dictated that restaurants that sell booze must be at least 4,000 square feet. No longer. […]

Mitch PerryMarch 18, 2016

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Florida Gulf Coast Chapter is endorsing Rebecca Smith for the House District 60 seat in Hillsborough County. “Today, we are pleased to offer our endorsement of Rebecca Smith to become the District 60 Representative to the Florida State Legislature,” said Steve P. Cona III, president and CEO of the group. “Rebecca has been […]

Ryan RayMarch 8, 2016

The House on Tuesday passed a bill designed to stop thieves from using “skimmers,” devices that steal consumer’s credit card information when they swipe their cards to pay for gas at the pump. The measure – SB 912 – was top priority this Session for Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, and he expressed his gratitude to sponsor Sen. Anitere […]

Jim RosicaMarch 4, 2016

A legislative leader ultimately backed down Friday on his attempt to tack language legalizing fantasy sports play in Florida on a regulatory-related bill. State Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Fort Walton Beach Republican who chairs the Finance and Tax Committee, tried to amend a House bill (HB 1187) making changes to the state’s Department of Business […]

Mitch PerryMarch 3, 2016

Tampa businesswoman Rebecca Smith announced on Thursday that she is now a candidate for the Hillsborough County area House District 60 seat. The seat is currently occupied by Dana Young, but she will vacate it this fall, as she attempts to advance to the state Senate District 18 seat recently created due to redistricting. “Over […]

Tag: Dana Young

Sandy Murman opts out of run for Florida Senate

Jeff Brandes say his next focus will be on reforming Florida prison system

Senate leaders endorse Dana Young for SD 18

Mitch Perry Report for 3.30.16 – What happened to the moderate, affable Pat McCrory?

Tampa Bay area arts, cultural institutions fared well in Legislature’s budget

New law brings Hillsborough County in line with rest of Florida regarding restaurant size to sell alcohol

Contractors group endorses HD 60 GOP candidate Rebecca Smith

Adam Putnam thanks lawmakers for helping crack down on gas pump “skimmers”

Fantasy sports bill fumbles in Florida House

Rebecca Smith enters HD 60 race