Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonJuly 2, 2018

For decades, Hillsborough County’s idea of a local transportation fix has been basically to fill existing potholes (sort of) and take years to build more streets and roads that are outdated before they open. The only thing everyone seems to agree with is that the community has never the will to pay for a comprehensive […]

Peter SchorschJune 29, 2018

A grassroots effort backing a one-cent sales tax increase to fund Hillsborough County transportation filed a monster campaign finance report Friday. The group, All for Transportation, reports receiving five contributions in its first week, and included among those were six-figure checks from Water Street Tampa developer and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik as well […]

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 […]

Tag: Jeff Vinik
This exhibit celebrates late-blooming artistry, proving it’s never too late for bold creativity.

Joe Henderson: Will this time be the charm for Hillsborough transportation tax?

Tampa transportation initiative gets $300K boost, collects 5K signatures

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