Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Anne LindbergAugust 16, 2016

Listen to Augie Ribeiro talk, hear his ads or read his campaign literature and two themes stand out: Ribeiro is an attorney who fights for the little guy and he’s the only “true Democrat” in the race for state Senate District 19. But a flyer that landed in Democratic mailboxes Monday — the first day […]

Peter SchorschAugust 7, 2016

Pinellas County Republicans who gathered at a “Victory Picnic” mostly avoided talking about their candidate at the top of the ballot this November and focused instead on the importance of keeping Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate and winning local races. “Donald Trump was not my first, second or third choice,” said state Rep. Chris Latvala about his presidential candidate […]

Jim RosicaAugust 4, 2016

Using a favorite joke, state Sen. Jeff Brandes said he had brought together “the Baptists and the bootleggers” in support of his proposed solar-energy constitutional amendment. Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, led a news conference Thursday at Tallahassee’s Florida Press Center. “This is something Republicans and Democrats have come together on,” he told reporters. “It’s about […]

Mitch PerryAugust 3, 2016

An initiative that would give a property tax break for renewable energy to residents and businesses, is getting strong support heading into the Aug. 30 primary election in Florida. A St. Pete Polls survey released Wednesday shows Amendment 4 is garnering 56 percent in support to 16 percent against, with 27 percent undecided. Florida hasn’t had a constitutional […]

Mitch PerryAugust 2, 2016

A constitutional amendment on this month’s primary ballot, which would give commercial property owners a tax break when they install renewable energy devices, has not faced any opposition to date. Until now. Conservative activist Jason Hoyt announced the creation of “Stop Playing Favorites Political Action Committee “(Stop Playing Favorites PAC) on Monday, which he brands […]

Mitch PerryJuly 14, 2016

The League of Women Voters in Florida is going big on solar power this year. They’re putting their political muscle behind supporting one solar constitutional amendment on the ballot next month, while opposing another such measure in November. And somewhat outside their normal lane, they’re also going to organize solar co-ops to negotiate steep discounts on rooftop solar for homeowners across the state. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJuly 14, 2016

The number of advanced energy jobs is on the rise in Florida, and experts said the industry could add more than 5,000 new jobs by the end of the year. A new report from the Advanced Energy Economy Institute found there were more than 140,000 advanced energy jobs in the state in 2015. The industry […]

Peter SchorschJuly 12, 2016

‘Tis the season. It’s that most wonderful time of the year when candidates running in this fall’s elections begin to make the rounds at candidate forums, hob nobs, straw polls and Tiger Bay debates. It’s at these events candidates can begin to distinguish themselves from their opponents with a quick retort — or a regrettable gaffe. […]

Mitch PerryJuly 12, 2016

While there should be smiles in Portsmouth, New Hampshire later today when Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have their unity rally, some things to contemplate about Clinton, a week after the FBI announced they will not indict her in the investigation of her email server while serving as secretary of state. A majority of Americans […]

Mitch PerryJuly 11, 2016

The Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission is poised to begin increasing fines on Uber and Lyft drivers soon, and that’s not going down well with one of the agency’s biggest critics, state Sen. Jeff Brandes. The St. Petersburg Republican has frequently criticized the PTC over the years for their confrontational stance towards the two ridesharing companies, […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes

Direct mail round-up: Flyer says Augie Ribeiro not a true Democrat, has no Florida law license

Tidbits from the Pinellas GOP’s ‘Victory Picnic’

Amendment 4 backers want voters to see the light

New survey shows Amendment 4 solar initiative getting 56 percent support

New group emerges to oppose Amendment 4 solar measure on this month’s ballot

League of Women Voters going all in on solar power in Florida this year

Advanced energy fields in Florida poised for growth

5 reasons I’m looking forward to tonight’s “Popcorn & Politics” event

Mitch Perry Report for 7.12.16 — Will the FBI open another investigation into Hillary Clinton?

Hillsborough County PTC is raising fines on ridesharing drivers, and Jeff Brandes doesn’t like it