Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 26, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott pulled in some serious cash for his Senate bid last month according to newly filed finance reports for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, a fundraising arm supporting Republican campaigns for the U.S. Senate. The NRSC pulled in $5.4 million last month according to its June filing, and a dive into its report […]

Drew WilsonMay 24, 2018

Hopping Green & Sams reeled in up to $300,000 in lobbying pay during the first quarter of 2018, keeping pace with its earnings during the same three-month stretch in 2017. The full-service law firm reported earning up to $250,000 for its legislative efforts and up to $50,000 for executive branch work. Median compensation estimates peg […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

With no debate, the House on Monday approved a proposal to create a special district to fund some features of a proposed $3 billion development in the city’s Channelside neighborhood. The vote was 113-1, sending it to the Senate. There is no companion measure there, House records show. The lone ‘no’ vote in the House […]

Mitch PerryDecember 15, 2017

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Like most of his colleagues, Mike Suarez will soon be heading into his final year on the Tampa City Council—he’s term-limited in 2019. But the 54-year-old West Tampa native and District 1 councilman is considered to be set on staying in city government once his term ends. How? By becoming the next mayor, succeeding a similarly term-limited […]

Mitch PerryNovember 7, 2017

These are good times at the University of South Florida. USF President Judy Genshaft announced in September that for the first time, USF reached “pre-eminence” status, which will grant the university an additional $5 million to $15 million in state funding. The longtime school leader (in charge since 2001) also announced that the USF System set a […]

Mitch PerryNovember 6, 2017

A local bill that would make the Jeff Vinik-led Water Street Tampa development a “stewardship district” was passed by the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation at its meeting Friday in Plant City. But first, state Sen. Tom Lee said the bill needed additional vetting before becoming law. Such special districts aren’t out of the ordinary; the Legislature […]

Peter SchorschJuly 14, 2017

Responding to columns and questions from Florida Politics and other local media, Jeff Vinik confirmed Friday that he is, indeed, one of four “secret lenders” who provided a $12 million loan to the Tampa Bay Times. “I am happy to confirm that I am part of the investor group, FBN Partners, which recently formed to […]

Mitch PerryMay 3, 2017

The final budget offered by the Florida Legislature provides the University of South Florida with $12 million for its new downtown Tampa medical education and research center which is expected to begin construction this fall. That’s less than the $14 million that was listed on Monday, and $5 million less than USF officials had requested from the Legislature. “We would be very […]

Peter SchorschApril 25, 2017

Tampa Electric Co. is adding five prominent Florida business and community leaders to its board of directors, including developer and Tampa Bay Lighting owner Jeff Vinik, former House Speaker Will Weatherford and former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. In an announcement Tuesday, TECO parent company Emera Inc., the Nova Scotia-based energy conglomerate, said the new members are as part of […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 1, 2017

Tampa Bay’s Legislative Delegation, with state lawmakers representing the area’s eight counties, spent two hours Wednesday in Clearwater discussing how to begin addressing the region’s myriad transportation issues. According to a new white paper prepared by the D.C.-based Enos Center for Transportation for the Tampa Bay Partnership, a regional structure for transportation planning, operations and decision-making is […]

Tag: Jeff Vinik
Laurel Lee seeks to block the prison contraband pipeline.

Rick Scott, NRSC team up for $670K raised in May

First quarter brings Hopping Green & Sams up to $300K

House passes Water Street Tampa development measure

Mike Suarez talks Tampa—but not own political future

USF promises to do better by black-owned businesses

Tom Lee wants to know more about local bill for Water Street Tampa

Jeff Vinik confirms he’s one of four ‘secret lenders’ to Tampa Bay Times

USF’s downtown Tampa medical school takes a $2 million haircut in final budget offer

Jeff Vinik, Will Weatherford, Pam Iorio named to TECO board of directors

Tampa Bay Legislative Delegation attempts to find answers for regional transportation fix