Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryDecember 4, 2015

Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission (PTC) Chairman Victor Crist says that Jeff Brandes’ recent inquiry on whether the PTC should be allowed to hire lobbyists was simply a ploy “to try to stir the pot” in advance of next week’s Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation meeting. “This is a publicity stunt by Sen. Brandes to stir […]

Mitch PerryOctober 2, 2015

On Thursday, Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission Chairman Victor Crist announced that his agency will temporarily postpone any work on the litigation involving the PTC and Uber until after the Florida Legislative session concludes next March. All eyes are on Tallahassee next winter to finally come up with a statewide list of rules and regulations regarding […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2015

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Uber, the hired-car company seeking to secure its presence in Florida, has taken on former Florida-based lobbyist Stephanie Smith to oversee its public policy initiatives in the Sunshine State. Smith will leave her Atlanta-based post as AT&T’s director of public affairs for Florida and Georgia. As part of her job, she’ll have a hand in Uber’s media and public relations […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 15, 2015

The Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation will consider five proposed “local bills” that touch on the operations of “transportation network companies,” such as Uber and Lyft, according to an email sent to members Tuesday. The 14-member delegation of state representatives and senators from both parties will go over the proposed legislation at its meeting next week, Senate […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 9, 2015

St.Petersburg-based state Senator Jeff Brandes has stated his opposition to the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission (PTC) for years, so you wouldn’t think that the GOP lawmaker would entertain any discussions about strengthening the besieged agency. However, PTC Chairman Victor Crist says the two have more in common than Brandes is aware of. “Senator Brandes is […]

Jim RosicaAugust 26, 2015

The Florida House of Representatives has released committee assignments for the 2016 Legislative Session, including a brand new “Select Committee on Affordable Healthcare Access” created Wednesday. “I am directing the Select Committee to explore policy options to reduce the cost of health care for consumers and improve the transparency of health care information, make recommendations for […]

Mitch PerryAugust 24, 2015

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The Florida Legislature’s failure last week to come to an agreement on redrawing the state’s congressional maps was just the latest example of state Republicans unable to come together. A battle over Medicaid expansion roiled the Legislature for most of its Regular Session this spring. Nearly everyone in the state Senate supported proposals that would have […]

Mitch PerryAugust 13, 2015

Jeff Brandes says he’s mad as hell, and doesn’t want to take it anymore. The St. Petersburg-based Republican state senator wrote on his Facebook page Thursday that he will propose legislation next year to eliminate the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission. His statement comes a day after the controversial agency said that although a Hillsborough […]

Ryan RayJuly 16, 2015

Little-known political novice Joseph Wilkinson was never much of a threat to the incumbency of Republican Rep. Jamie Grant of Tampa, but now he has completely removed himself from consideration by voters in HD 64 altogether. Wilkinson, also a Republican, had not reported raising any contributions. Grant, for his part, has raised $25 ahead of his 2016 reelection campaign. […]

Mitch PerryJuly 16, 2015

Jeb Bush is in San Francisco today, where he plans to hail an Uber to show support for the ride-sharing company. His appearance comes a day after California regulators required the company to pay a $7.3 million fine and hand over required information about safety and accessibility — or be shut down in their home state. The California […]

Tag: Jamie Grant
Image via AP.

Tensions about Hillsborough PTC build as legislative delegation meeting approaches

Victor Crist and Jeff Brandes are NOT on the same page regarding the PTC’s future

Stephanie Smith to join Uber in Florida

Uber-friendly legislation tops Hillsborough politicians’ wish list

Victor Crist wants to have a beer summit with Jeff Brandes regarding regulating Uber

House committee assignments released; new healthcare panel added

AFP airs ads thanking GOP lawmakers for refusing to expand health care in Florida

Fed-up Jeff Brandes to propose killing Hillsborough transportation board

Joseph Wilkinson, Jamie Grant’s sole opponent, drops out in HD 64

Mitch Perry Report for 7.16.15 — Jeb Bush goes to Uber