Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryNovember 29, 2016

At the fourth annual Florida Automated Vehicle Summit in Tampa, government officials boasted about how far ahead of the game the state is compared to the rest of the nation in being prepared for the brave new world of autonomous vehicles. And they pledged not to get in the way of the industry doing whatever they need […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 28, 2016

Sen. Jeff Brandes will once again file legislation to repeal the state’s no-fault auto insurance requirement, saying it’s time for Florida to move away from the troubled system. The St. Petersburg Republican said repealing the state’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system will be one of his top priorities during the 2017 legislative session. The decision […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2016

On Friday, candidates released their final campaign finance reports before Election Day, and reports out of Senate District 18 show Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young pressing her fundraising advantage in the race with $1.2 million in spending. Young spent more than $500,000 of campaign’s war chest in between Oct. 22 and Nov. 3, most of […]

Mitch PerryOctober 17, 2016

In the aftermath of published reports about questionable decisions made by Hillsborough County Public Transportation Executive Director Kyle Cockream over the past year, Tampa state Rep. Dana Young is calling for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to conduct an investigation into the agency. “When the line is blurred between the regulator and the entities they regulate, the […]

Mitch PerryOctober 11, 2016

Florida Republican leaders have been conspicuously quiet about where they stand on Amendment 2, the ballot initiative that would legalize medical marijuana. “I think a lot of people are being quiet about it because they assume it’s going to pass and they don’t want to be on the wrong side,” incoming Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack […]

Mitch PerryOctober 4, 2016

Since his selection to be Donald Trump’s running mate back in July, it’s been downright amusing at times to watch Mike Pence have to answer for his new boss while being asked about his latest outrageous comment. “Torturous” might be the best term to explain some of the responses he’s had to come up with to defend […]

Mitch PerryOctober 3, 2016

Jeff Brandes has won the state Senate District 24 seat. Although the 40-year-old Brandes had no Democratic opponent (or a Republican one in last month’s primary), he was facing write-in candidate Alexander Johnson in the Nov. 8 election. However, Johnson has now dropped out of the race, effectively making Brandes the winner. Brandes has been in the Florida […]

Mitch PerryOctober 3, 2016

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Last Friday, Clearwater Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala announced he would be opposing Amendment 2, the imitative calling for legalizing medical marijuana in the Sunshine State. “Amendment 2 is bad for Florida,” Latvala says in a short video on the Facebook page created for his election campaign. “The constitution is forever,” he says. “Future legislators or judges can’t change it, […]

Peter SchorschOctober 3, 2016

Hello, October. This is the final full month of the 2016 campaign cycle. In five weeks, we will know so much more about the future of the country, the state and our communities. But, no matter what, life will go on. For those in “The Process” — Florida Politics’ term for the unending legislative campaign/legislative session […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 19, 2016

Democratic uber consultant (and frequent Uber customer) Steve Schale contends in a must-read, table-setting blog post about which Florida Senate races are worth watching that “Oscar Braynon is running the best Senate political operation I’ve seen in years.” Really? Technically, Schale is absolutely right. Braynon is running the best political shop in years because, when compared to previous Democratic efforts, […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes
A sign that reads, Gaza Solidarity Encampment, is seen during the Pro-Palestinians protest at the Columbia University campus in New York, Monday April 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

At Tampa summit, officials boast about how Florida is ahead of the nation when it comes to self-driving cars

Repealing PIP, implementing Amendment 4 top priorities for Jeff Brandes in 2017

Final round-up of the money chase in Tampa Bay’s legislative races

Dana Young calls for FDLE investigation into Hillsborough County PTC

Some Florida Republicans AWOL on talking about Amendment 2

The Mitch Perry Report for 10.4.16 — And now for something completely different

Jeff Brandes wins SD 24 seat after write-in candidate drops out

Jack Latvala comes out against medical pot; the internet reacts

Here’s where stuff stands in Tampa Bay politics — the ‘it’s October’ edition

Is Oscar Braynon running the best Senate political operation in years?