Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryNovember 18, 2015

The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee in the Florida Legislature on Wednesday barely passed a controversial bill that would allow people with a concealed weapons and firearms license to carry a gun openly. House Bill 163 is being sponsored in the House by Fort Walton Beach Republican Matt Gaetz. It passed with Pinellas County Republicans Chris […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 8, 2015

While the August special session stymied fundraising efforts last month, new fundraising reports for a trio of Pinellas County state house races show incumbent Republicans are well prepared for 2016. St. Petersburg Republican Rep. Larry Ahern brought in $10,100 in August for his District 66 reelection effort, his second best month since launching the campaign. About half of Ahern’s […]

Ryan RayMay 21, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday afternoon granted final approval to a measure sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes aimed at increasing flexibility and lowering premiums on flood insurance. SB 1094 was co-sponsored by Brandes’ fellow Pinellas County Republican Rep. Larry Ahern. Brandes and Ahern both represent moderate coastal districts where flood insurance is among voters’ highest priorities. Brandes has […]

Phil AmmannMay 12, 2015

Voting in Florida state races is now just under 18 months away, with a June special session and the 2016 Regular Session thrown in for good measure. Nevertheless, political campaigns statewide are starting to gear up, as the campaign cash begins to flow in earnest. Here’s where things stand through April 30 in fundraising races […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2015

A measure sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes aimed at increasing flexibility and lowering premiums on insurance premiums has made it as far as the governor’s office, where it sits pending his approval. SB 1094 replaced the House version sponsored by fellow Pinellas County Republican Rep. Larry Ahern. Brandes and Ahern both represent moderate coastal districts where […]

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2015

While the Florida Legislature debates health care on many fronts, an important health care measure that has been in the works for several years and takes significant steps to better protect one of Florida’s most vulnerable populations, our state’s seniors, is now ready for final passage. That measure is assisted living reform. The assisted living […]

Ryan RayApril 24, 2015

A pair of Pinellas County Republicans passed legislation this week that would create a new insurance product designed to keep down rising flood insurance rates, a crucial issue in the Tampa Bay Area they represent. SB 1094 by Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg was approved on the House floor today by a vote of […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 26, 2015

Although last November Florida earned the dubious distinction of being the first state in the country to reject medical marijuana at the ballot box (it received over 57 percent of the vote, but needed 60 percent for passage), the momentum for medical pot remains strong. State Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) announced today he will […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 23, 2015

The Hillsborough County School Board’s unceremonious dumping of Superintendent MaryEllen Elia reverberates three days after the fact. In today’s Times, Ernest Hooper bemoans the fact that Sally Harris, the swing vote that went against Elia on Tuesday night leading to her ouster, beat big-time establishment pick Michelle Shimberg in the District 2 race last November, and […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 23, 2015

The Hillsborough County School Board’s unceremonious dumping of Superintendent MaryEllen Elia reverberates three days after the fact. In today’s Times, Ernest Hooper bemoans the fact that Sally Harris, the swing vote that went against Elia on Tuesday night leading to her ouster, beat big-time establishment pick Michelle Shimberg in the District 2 race last November, and […]

Tag: Larry Ahern

Open carry weapons bill advances in House

Pinellas Republicans rake in August campaign cash

Rick Scott signs flood insurance flexibility bill into law

Where fundraising races stand in Tampa Bay area 2016 contests

Flood insurance flexibility bill goes to Rick Scott for likely approval

Gail Matillo: Legislature finally could OK needed assisted living facilities reform

Flood insurance reform bill passes both legislative chambers

Drugged driving summit in Tampa addresses the reality of more stoned drivers on the road

Mitch Perry Report for 1.23.15 — Popular (if not elite) opinion on MaryEllen Elia’s ouster isn’t monolithic

Mitch Perry Report for 1.23.15 — Popular (if not elite) opinion on MaryEllen Elia's ouster isn't monolithic