Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryOctober 30, 2017

As Veterans Day approaches, more than 40 local members of the armed forces were honored Monday for service during the Vietnam War at a pinning ceremony at Tampa’s Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center. “Some of you were not welcomed home with open arms — many were — but if you were not … we’re going […]

Tamara LushSeptember 12, 2017

As monster Hurricane Irma buzz-sawed its way up Florida’s Gulf Coast, it looked for several hours like the heavily populated Tampa Bay area could face catastrophic wind damage and flooding from the first major storm to roar ashore there in 96 years. There was good reason to worry. Since 1921, when about 120,000 people lived […]

Guest AuthorOctober 9, 2013

Last of four parts. On Nov. 7, 1944, Floridians went to the polls. The re-election of President Franklin Roosevelt to a fourth term was the compelling headline. The race for governor, featuring Millard Caldwell against his Republican opponent Bert Leigh Acker, was not a page-one story. Florida’s Grand Old Party (GOP), still burdened by the […]

Guest AuthorOctober 8, 2013

Third of four parts. In May 1944, Floridians voted in the gubernatorial primary. Pundits predicted that the runoff would almost certainly be between Ernest Graham (Miami) and Lex Green (Starke). Millard Caldwell and Green were expected to split the North Florida vote. The Tampa Tribune, the state’s most important newspaper, printed headlines that Caldwell was […]

Guest AuthorOctober 7, 2013

Second of four parts. It was an era devoid of long and expensive political campaigns. Since Democrats enjoyed an overwhelming numerical advantage, candidates only had to win the Democratic primary. Winning the primary, so the saying went, “was tantamount to election.” The 1944 gubernatorial field was crowded. The favored candidate was Robert “Lex” Green. Born […]

Guest AuthorOctober 6, 2013

First of four parts. He was the last Florida governor born in the 19th century and the first to govern in the post-WWII era. Dashingly handsome with an aristocratic countenance, a wealthy lawyer and country gentleman, he never lost touch with the common folk, nor did he ever lose an election. He was Millard Fillmore […]

Tag: Gary Mormino

Veterans recognized at Tampa Vietnam War commemoration

After Irma, Tampa area still at risk but not fully prepared

Gary Mormino: In 1944 election, Caldwell was considered a long shot

Gary Mormino: Pundits were wrong about the Florida election of 1944

Gary Mormino: Florida’s 1944 race for governor

Gary Mormino: Remembering Florida Gov. Millard Fillmore Caldwell