Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonMarch 7, 2017

The Hillsborough County public school district has straightforward rules in its student handbook about religion. It says students can talk about religion, practice their religion, can be excused to observe a religious holiday, and – most important for the context of our discussion today – decide for themselves whether they want to participate in things […]

Erin ClarkMarch 3, 2017

As Florida legislators consider ways to get more high-achieving charter schools into the state, school districts have another concern: getting more teachers into the state. The national teacher shortage is hitting Florida hard. Hillsborough County alone could use another 500 teachers. Advocacy group Teachers of Tomorrow identifies Florida as one of the top five states […]

Les NeuhausMarch 1, 2017

A 2-year-old boy died after his half-sister left him in a hot car parked outside a Tampa-area day care for several hours while the girl was working, a law enforcement spokesman said Wednesday. Hillsborough County Sheriff deputies were called to the Oak Park Shopping Center Tuesday at 2:40 p.m. at the corner of W. Lumsden […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 8, 2017

In 2012, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan went on a personal crusade to convince Bass Pro Shops to build a store in Brandon. Hagan’s aim was to create jobs as the county struggled to recover from the Great Recession. He proposed an “incentive” package that was about $15 million of taxpayer money, arguing that it […]

Peter SchorschDecember 27, 2016

As 2016 draws to a close, more Tampa Bay area residents than ever will turn to Uber for safe, affordable rides to and from New Year’s Eve celebrations. Once again, Uber is partnering with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), to provide area residents and visitors a […]

Scott PowersDecember 21, 2016

Airbnb has reached an agreement Wednesday with the Hillsborough County Tax Collector Office, in a deal that could immediately add thousands of dollars in county revenue. Home hosts in Hillsborough will begin paying bed taxes for overnight guests, which is estimated at about one-quarter million dollars a year. Airbnb will collect and remit taxes from 838 […]

Joe HendersonOctober 28, 2016

Since Bob Henriquez took over as Hillsborough County’s property appraiser four years ago, he has taken several steps to modernize the office. There are nine fewer employees than the office had before Henriquez arrived, and the department’s budget is lower. Most important, though — Henriquez hasn’t had a batch of negative headlines. That’s no small matter. […]

Joe HendersonOctober 27, 2016

Earlier this week, NBC political chief Chuck Todd was chatting with Republican strategist Jeff Roe, picking out three places around the country where election geeks should focus special attention. Hillsborough County topped the list. Are we surprised? Todd noted that Roe considered it “the bellwether county in the country” and added, “you could make that […]

Joe HendersonOctober 6, 2016

Although Hurricane Matthew is not projected to strike Hillsborough County, public school classes are canceled for Friday so multiple buildings can be used to shelter evacuees from other areas. Designated evacuation centers include Brandon, Strawberry Crest, and Riverview high schools; along with Summerfield Crossing Elementary in Riverview; Pizzo Elementary near the University of South Florida, […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 26, 2016

Bob Buesing is going on the air with his first TV ad in the Senate District 18 race. “Table” is biographical spot introducing Buesing, his wife, Karen and three of six “Bonus Kids” to the people of Hillsborough County. Then 30-second ad is available on YouTube. The ad focuses on Buesings’ belief that every child […]

Tag: Hillsborough County

Just imagine huge can of worms opened by religious liberty bill

Florida needs teachers, but high schoolers aren’t interested

Toddler dies after hours in hot car parked outside Tampa day care

On Rick Scott/Richard Corcoran feud; ‘incentives’ not needed to draw business to Florida

Uber, MADD, Hillsborough County want New Year’s Eve celebrants to #LeaveTheKeys for safety

Airbnb reaches agreement with Hillsborough County over tourist taxes

Joe Henderson: Bob Henriquez, Todd Jones spar over issues in Hillsborough property appraiser race

Joe Henderson: Buckle up, Hillsborough, you’re the big political prize

Hillsborough schools cancel classes to be shelters for Matthew evacuees

Bob Buesing introduces ‘bonus kids’ in 1st SD 18 TV ad