Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryOctober 9, 2017

Justin Bean is finished talking about his past. Less than one day after opponent Gina Driscoll called on the 30-year-old businessman to apologize to St. Petersburg voters and release his full criminal record, the St. Pete City Council District 6 candidate blasted her for focusing excessively on his background and not the issues facing the city. “I […]

Mitch PerryMay 23, 2017

Three prominent Tampa Bay-area Democrats are lining up behind Gwen Graham in her bid for Florida governor. St. Petersburg-based state Sen. Darryl Rouson, St. Petersburg City Council Chair Darden Rice and Tampa City Councilman Mike Suarez are endorsing the former congresswoman, the Graham campaign announced Tuesday. “I’m honored to have the support of these Tampa and St. Petersburg […]

Mitch PerryMay 15, 2017

Near the end of Rick Baker‘s 36-minute speech announcing a re-election challenge to Mayor Rick Kriseman, the former two-term mayor invoked his mantra of St. Petersburg being a “seamless city” — and that includes the LGBT community. “A lot has been said about me and the LGBT community by my opponent and by others,” he said on the […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2017

As coy as he has been with the local media and as busy as he is promoting the Rowdies referendum, Rick Baker is almost certain to run for St. Petersburg mayor this year. Last week, Baker was in Tallahassee for a series of not-exactly-clandestine meetings with top Republican donors like Brian Ballard and Nick Iarossi. […]

Les NeuhausMarch 28, 2017

Two key first responders’ groups are giving support to St. Petersburg City Council Chair Darden Rice in her bid for re-election to the city body, according to a press release Tuesday. The Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association and the St. Petersburg Association of Firefighters issued a joint statement praising Rice’s commitment to the city. “I’m […]

Mitch PerryMarch 28, 2017

John Johnson, a research administrator at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, is the latest candidate to file in the crowded St. Petersburg City Council District 6 contest. The 46-year-old native Ohio resident calls himself a policy wonk, not a politician. “My background is education, so I’m a strong believer in education, and what it can do at […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 26, 2017

Rick Kriseman says he ran for Mayor four years ago because he felt that the big issues in St. Petersburg weren’t being addressed. Kicking off his re-election campaign Wednesday night, he said, “It’s so important to keep our foot on the gas pedal.” “This is a time that’s really important for the city of St. Petersburg,” Kriseman told a […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 3, 2017

Just as how the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day, officials at St. Petersburg’s City Hall are deferring taking any regulatory action against ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. City Councilmember Darden Rice told Janelle Irwin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal that all parties involved “are ever closer to an agreement to present to Council that […]

Mitch PerryNovember 30, 2016

In Washington today, House Democrats are expected to reaffirm Nancy Pelosi as their leader for the 115th Congress today, where she is being opposed by Ohio Representative Tim Ryan. However, because the vote will be held on a secret ballot, there is a though that the vote could be a lot closer than what is expected. […]

Anne LindbergNovember 29, 2016

When the dust cleared in Tallahassee on Tuesday, one thing was clear: Pinellas was on top when it comes to the state’s funds. Republican Sens. Jack Latvala and Jeff Brandes, who represent parts of Pinellas, landed some plum appointments. Latvala will be the chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and alt. chair of the Joint […]

Tag: Darden Rice
Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Image via Visit Florida.

Justin Bean says opponent Gina Driscoll should stick to the issues

Three Tampa Bay Democratic lawmakers line up behind Gwen Graham for governor

Rick Baker recognizes previous stances on LGBT community will be campaign issue; Will it make a difference?

The case against Rick Baker running for St. Petersburg mayor

Police and firefighter organizations give nod to Darden Rice

‘Policy wonk’ John Johnson plans listening tour for St. Pete City Council bid

In campaign kickoff speech, Rick Kriseman aims to take St. Petersburg to next level

Upon second thought, City of St. Pete defers vote to regulate Uber and Lyft

Mitch Perry Report for 11.30.16 – How many votes will Tim Ryan get today?

Jack Latvala, Jeff Brandes will help control the purse strings in Tallahassee next year