Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 3, 2018

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority won another $1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase two new electric buses for the agency’s fleet, St. Petersburg Congressman Charlie Crist announced Wednesday. The grant and purchase will bring PSTA’s fleet of all-electric buses to six by 2020. The announcement came during a ceremony on the […]

Kate BradshawJune 12, 2018

Since taking office after her 2012 election, Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long has been a potent force at the dais. She’s never been afraid to speak her mind or temper her criticisms when she thinks someone is full of B.S. That said, she’s also been a key proponent of collaboration among all of Tampa Bay’s local governments […]

Drew WilsonMay 19, 2018

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson will speak alongside Pinellas County Commissioner Pat Gerard, Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos and Sierra Club Florida Director Frank Jackalone at an event to oppose offshore drilling in Saturday morning. The event, “Hands Across the Sand in Clearwater,” will begin at 11:30 am outside of the Palms Pavillion in Clearwater Beach. It […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 2, 2018

Plans for a new veterans memorial near Clearwater were revealed Friday, but potential visitors will need an oxygen tank to get there. Called “Circle of Heroes,” the memorial aims to be the nation’s first underwater dive memorial and will be situated roughly 10 miles off the Pinellas County shore. The site will be about 40-feet […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 7, 2018

Tampa Bay is more than a body of water — so much more. To start, an admission: I really missed writing about Tampa Bay, particularly its politics. With all that is going on in the region surrounding my beloved St. Petersburg, it was tough to resist being drawn back into the fray. And in the […]

Mitch PerryAugust 10, 2017

While the U.S. Senate is officially in recess, Bill Nelson brought a bit of Washington D.C. to St. Petersburg. On the USFSP campus Thursday, the Florida Democrat hosted a meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which focused on the threats to the state’s tourism-driven economy. Last year, Florida attracted 112 million visitors, generating […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala has filed legislation (SB 1672) that would create the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, consisting of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties, The board would consist of 13 members, three of whom would be selected by the Governor. The Senate President and Speaker of the House would get two selections. The four counties would select […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 13, 2017

One of Charlie Crist’s best traits is his likability. He can be a candle-in-the-wind on issues, depending on his audience. Changing parties infuriated Republicans and made Democrats skeptical. And once he gets a job, he tends to get wandering eyes for his next gig. But damn, he is a really nice guy. Despite his baggage, […]

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 […]

Mitch PerryNovember 1, 2016

The Tampa Bay area gets one last, large dose of Bill and Hillary Clinton today. Hillary makes her first campaign appearance in what used to be considered a crucial bellwether — Pasco County, for an appearance this afternoon at Pasco-Hernando State College. Bill Clinton, meanwhile, makes his second appearance in the past 14 days in Pinellas County, […]

Tag: Janet Long
Image via Senate office.

St. Pete and PSTA unveil first electric bus in Tampa Bay

#19 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Janet Long

Bill Nelson heading to Clearwater for anti-drilling event

First underwater veterans memorial coming to Pinellas County waters

Not Just A Body Of Water — 1.7.18

At Senate Commerce hearing in St. Pete, Bill Nelson vows to keep oil drilling moratorium

Jack Latvala files bill to create regional transit authority for Tampa Bay

Charlie Crist may be likable, but how soon before he eyes a new gig?

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

Mitch Perry Report for 11.1.16 — Russian ‘involvement’ in presidential election still a mystery