Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryOctober 13, 2017

In one of the highest profile appearances since her election in July as chair the Hillsborough County NAACP, Yvette Lewis took a shot at some of the most prominent establishment names in Tampa. During Friday’s Cafe Con Tampa at the Oxford Exchange, Lewis shared brutally honest thoughts on several topics: A lack of diversity at the University […]

Mitch PerryAugust 15, 2017

Retired judge Dick Greco Jr. says he is still considering running for Tampa mayor in 2019. “I’ve been talking to some friends and family, and quite flattered, was very flattered that some people were asking me if I would be interested, so I’m just looking at all my options and that type of thing now,” Greco […]

Mitch PerryJune 4, 2017

After the bloody assault at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando nearly a year ago resulted in the deaths of 49 people, 13 members of the Florida Legislature — 12 Democrats and Miami GOP state Sen. Anitere Flores — were on the losing side of a request to hold a special session on gun regulations. Despite that attitude at the Capitol, Michelle Gajda, the […]

Mitch PerryOctober 12, 2015

For several years, it’s been a given that Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn would try to take his brand of leadership to a new level in 2018 by seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. Facing just token opposition in his re-election bid, Buckhorn won with nearly 96 percent of the vote in March, setting himself up […]

Mitch PerryAugust 5, 2015

Two years ago, officials at California State University-Fullerton produced a comprehensive report on police civilian oversight boards. Among their findings was that obstacles to creating a successful agency included politicians who have a “law and order” agenda not conducive to oversight. Plus, if such a board is created, the power that lawmakers have to limit their oversight is through […]

Mitch PerryMay 22, 2015

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to you all, which by the way, is the earliest we can ever have such a holiday, with this Monday only being May 25. Incidentally, Labor Day will take place as late as it can this year (Sept. 7), which will actually be a factor in delaying the NFL season by […]

Mitch PerryMay 21, 2015

Although he’s been on the job for nearly two weeks, Eric Ward didn’t officially become the new Tampa police chief until Thursday morning, when the city council unanimously confirmed his appointment. It came while dozens of his fellow TPD officers crammed into the council’s intimate chambers to part of the occasion. Ward, 48, grew up […]

Mitch PerryMay 1, 2015

Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller said Friday he thinks the Tampa Police Department’s policies on bicycle infractions, which disproportionately singled out blacks in the city, is wrong and should be discontinued until the Justice Department concludes its review of the policy. However, he doesn’t think it should hold up the confirmation of newly appointed police Chief […]

Mitch PerryMay 1, 2015

If you were growing weary of reading Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota every day in your local sports pages for the past four months, Buc fans, congrats. Now you’ll just be reading about Winston every day up until football season begins. Let’s just hope for all concerned it’s only in the sports pages. Thursday night […]

Mitch PerryApril 30, 2015

Newly tapped Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward said Thursday during his introduction to the city that black bicyclists have “absolutely not” been unfairly targeted by the department that he’ll take over next week. Activists have said they want a time-out on the bike citations, but when asked by a reporter about the issue Ward didn’t […]

Tag: Jane Castor

Hillsborough NAACP head Yvette Lewis takes on the establishment at Cafe Con Tampa

Dick Greco Jr. still considering a Tampa mayoral run in 2019

In Tampa, public officials call for common sense solutions to end gun violence epidemic

Bob Buckhorn still considering 2018 run for governor

Tampa residents to call for civilian review board to monitor police

Mitch Perry Report for 5.22.15 — On Donald Trump, James Harden & what local taxpayers should pay for

Eric Ward confirmed by Tampa City Council as new police chief

Les Miller: Suspend TPD bike policy but confirm new chief

Mitch Perry Report for 5.1.15 — On the so-called Fight of the Century

New Tampa police chief says he’ll keep bike citation policy