Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

The numbers are out. Registered legislative lobbying firms reported median earnings of more than $35.7 million in the first quarter of 2017. The Top 5 earners during the three-month period were Ballard Partners, Southern Strategy Group, Ronald L. Book PA, Capital City Consulting, and Greenberg Traurig. If those rankings look familiar, there’s a reason for […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2017

Veteran lawmaker and lobbyist Dale Patchett is joining the Johnson & Blanton lobbying firm. “Dale Patchett brings an incredible history and perspective to our firm,” firm founder Jon Johnson said. “He has seen government operate from every angle as both an elected legislator and appointed official. He was Republican in Florida before it was fashionable […]

Peter SchorschDecember 23, 2016

The holidays are here. That means carols and cookies, brightly lit Christmas trees and twinkling menorahs, and nip of eggnog (or whatever seasonal cocktail tickles your fancy) to keep you warm at night. But the festive holiday season is also a chance for people to spend time with their family and friends, make resolutions for […]

Peter SchorschOctober 30, 2016

The witching hour is upon us. Ghosts and ghouls fill the streets. Zombies walk side-by-side with princesses and superheroes. Their mission the same: Spook and scare their neighbors in hopes of scoring enough candy to sustain them for the next year. Total spending for Halloween is expected to reach $8.2 billion in 2016, according to […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 12, 2016

After getting rebuffed in another attempt to secure state incentive money for improvements at its historic track, the Daytona International Speedway has signed on two new lobbying teams with the start of another state fiscal year. The speedway has hired Johnson & Blanton and Southern Strategy Group to represent its interests in Tallahassee. The speedway, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 21, 2016

Kim McDougal is no stranger to Tallahassee. She’s spent years in the capital city, working for governors, the Legislature and the Department of Education. She’s been described as a policy wonk fiercely loyal to Gov. Rick Scott. And, after nearly 30 years in state government, she can add chief of staff to her long list […]

Peter SchorschNovember 26, 2015

corbellaWith all the talk of beleaguered immigrants seeking refuge in America, the true meaning of Thanksgiving is all too poignant this year. We’ve all seen the words “turkey” and “lobbyist” in the same sentence before. But, more than likely, this referred to the role of special interests in securing political pork for clients. Indeed, Florida’s […]

Jim RosicaOctober 22, 2015

It’s been a busy year for Sara Johnson. Since joining the anti-gambling expansion No Casinos team in early January, Johnson has spoken to more than 35 civic groups, radio shows and political clubs, along with a bevy of community leaders. The 21-year-old got an early introduction to hectic paces. At 14, she attended her first TeenPact Leadership class and learned […]

Peter SchorschMay 27, 2015

Registered governmental affairs firms, representing virtually every industry in Florida, reported earning slightly more than $35 million from January 1 to March 31 of this year to lobby the Florida Legislature. FloridaPolitics.com previously reported which firms made what, with Southern Strategy Group leading all firms with $2.25 million in Q1 compensation. Crunching the numbers, here are a […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

The newest chapter of the “4th Floor Files” features lobbyist Darrick McGhee of Johnson & Blanton. McGhee, with more than 13 years of experience in government, was the former Director of Legislative Affairs in the Executive Office of Gov. Rick Scott. Significant other? Children? Grandkids? Happily married to Tikia McGhee (12 years); Two children: Darrick […]

Tag: Johnson & Blanton
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Lobby firms bring in more than $35.7M in first quarter to lobby Legislature

Personnel note: Dale Patchett moves to Johnson & Blanton

This holiday season brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Daytona International Speedway revs up lobbying efforts by hiring Johnson & Blanton, SSG

Capitol veteran Kim McDougal selected as Rick Scott’s next chief of staff

Thanksgiving, as brought to you by these lobbyists and political associations

Meet Sara Johnson, one of the “30 Under 30” rising stars of Florida politics

Crunching the numbers from the most recent lobbying compensation reports

4th Floor Files talks to Darrick McGhee about marriage, less government and fiscal conservatism