Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryFebruary 27, 2018

Ever since legislation calling for consolidating the University of South Florida System was unveiled in mid-January, officials from the St. Petersburg community have raised serious objections. The bill, sponsored by Estero Republican Ray Rodrigues (HB 423), would make USF St. Petersburg and USF Sarasota-Manatee operate separately from the main campus in Tampa under its own accreditation. […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 26, 2018

Republican Nick DiCeglie announced Monday that Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Ken Burke has endorsed his campaign for House District 66. “Nick has all the qualities to make for an outstanding legislator,” Burke said. “He is a leader in his community and church. He is a good father and husband. He […]

Ana CeballosFebruary 26, 2018

The Florida Legislature is considering sweeping criminal justice reform measures that have come under fire by the bail bond industry, but the sponsor of one of the bills said Sunday that he is “not in the business of making bail bondsmen money.” “They are in the business of writing bonds, and their business will go […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 14, 2018

Kathleen Peters is leading the pack in fundraising among three Republicans running for District 6 of the Pinellas County Commission. In January, the Republican lawmaker from South Pasadena raised $9,505, taking in $85,519 overall since announcing she would be stepping down from her House District 69 seat to run for the county board. More than $55,000 […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 7, 2018

Teachers union Florida Education Association has more than a few gripes with the omnibus education bill being fast tracked by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, and it’s going after a long list of Republican representatives to put a stop to it. “This monstrosity is a clear attempt to destroy our public schools while telling professional educators […]

Ana CeballosFebruary 6, 2018

Pinellas County lawmakers are hoping to implement a pre-arrest diversion program in their county across the state, but on Tuesday some lawmakers in the House opposed the measure because they fear violent offenders may slip through the cracks. “If there’s an Achilles’ heel with the bill it could be the notion that violent offenders could […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 5, 2018

Republican state Rep. Matt Caldwell announced another block endorsement for his Agriculture Commissioner campaign from colleagues in the Florida House Monday, this time mostly from the Tampa Bay area. “I am proud to receive the endorsements from my colleagues. I will continue to work hard to earn support from Floridians across the Sunshine State, who […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 31, 2018

A trio of alcoholic beverage-related bills moved through a House panel Tuesday: — Beer advertisements in theme parks would be allowed under a bill approved by the Careers and Competition Subcommittee. That measure (HB 669) was approved 13-2, with chair Halsey Beshears, a Monticello Republican, and Rep. Larry Ahern, a Seminole Republican, casting ‘no’ votes. […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 16, 2018

House District 66 candidate Nick DiCeglie picked up a pair of endorsements Tuesday from Largo Mayor Woody Brown and Commissioner Curtis Holmes. “I seldom voluntarily endorse any candidate but there are occasions when the qualifications displayed by a would be leader are so outstanding that it’s warranted and that is why I wholeheartedly endorse Nick […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

The Tampa Bay area will have three Senate seats and 14 House seats on the 2018 ballot; while most of the Pinellas and Hillsborough delegations will be the same when the 2019 Legislative Session rolls around, a few races are starting to heat up. First, the sure things. Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young is still […]

Tag: Larry Ahern

Last-hour effort to delay USF System consolidation fails

Pinellas County clerk endorses Nick DiCeglie for HD 66

Bail bond industry, Jeff Brandes spar over sweeping justice reform bill

Kathleen Peters widens fundraising lead in race for Pinellas Commission

Teachers union asks if Republicans are ‘too cowardly’ to stand up to Richard Corcoran

Pre-arrest diversion program bill clears House panel with lingering concerns

Matt Caldwell announces ‘seventh wave’ of endorsements for Ag Commissioner bid

Bottoms up: Booze bills moving in House

Nick DiCeglie adds endorsements from Largo elected officials

Here’s where Tampa Bay legislative races stand heading into the 2018 Legislative Session