Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMarch 11, 2018

TallyMadness is now underway, where Florida political aficionados select who is the best lobbyist out of 64 of the state’s top power brokers. Just like NCAA College Basketball “March Madness,” fans of The Process have begun voting on bracketed matchups among the leading advocates, to decide the top influencer in the Sunshine State. And right […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 28, 2018

A new compensation report from lobbying firm Johnson & Blanton shows $1.33 million in pay during the fourth quarter for a total of $5.3 million in 2017. The firm’s lobbyists include namesakes Jon Johnson and Travis Blanton as well as Melanie Brown, Diane Wagner Carr, Darrick McGhee, Sr. and R. Dale Patchett, all of whom […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 26, 2018

While you were sleeping—or watching LobbyTools for other stuff—language was put in the House’s annual tax package to, among other things, void all 58 existing puppy mill sale bans and prevent any future bans. Now that’s pre-emption. Over the past decade, 58 municipalities have passed these ordinances in the state, according to the Animal Defense […]

Staff ReportsDecember 25, 2017

The holidays have arrived. Carols and cookies, family and friends, brightly lit Christmas trees, twinkling menorahs, and a nip of eggnog from that trusty Marty Moose glass to keep you warm at night. While the festivities that come along with the holiday season are anticipated by all, the season also gives us a chance to […]

Peter SchorschNovember 23, 2017

It’s time to talk turkey. And stuffing, pie, football and 4 a.m. lines outside your favorite store. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the winter holiday season; the first stop in a month of non-stop holiday parties and celebrations. It’s also a day for Americans to reflect on what they’re grateful for, something that is especially […]

Peter SchorschOctober 31, 2017

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 $9.1 billion in 2017, according to the […]

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 SchorschNovember 23, 2016

It’s time to talk turkey. And stuffing, pie and football. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the winter holiday season; the first stop in a month of non-stop holiday parties and celebrations. It’s also a day for Americans to reflect on what they’re grateful for, something that is especially important in these tense times. But it’s […]

Peter SchorschOctober 22, 2015

The latest edition of the 4th Floor Files talks with lobbyist Shawn Foster, a government relations consultant with Sunrise Consulting Group. Foster represents about a dozen clients – mostly in the Tampa Bay area – including the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Sarasota County and the city of Brooksville. Here is the file on Shawn Foster. […]

Tag: Jon Johnson
Kristen Arrington, Anna Eskamani, Jason Brodeur, Keith Truenow, David Smith, Geraldine Thompson at Tiger Bay. Image by Jacob Ogles

Rounding out the first round of TallyMadness

Johnson & Blanton reports $1.3M in Q4, $5.3M in 2017

Could language in tax package pre-empt local bans on puppy mill sales?

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

Thanksgiving 2017, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political organizations

Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Personnel note: Dale Patchett moves to Johnson & Blanton

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

Thanksgiving 2016, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political organizations

4th Floor Files talks with Shawn Foster about fried chicken, gratitude and ballin’ with Bousquet