Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJanuary 2, 2018

The two longest-serving members of the St. Petersburg City Council, Jim Kennedy and Karl Nurse, appeared on the dais for the last time Tuesday, giving the reins of power to newcomers Brandi Gabbard and Gina Driscoll, who are taking their spots for Districts 2 and 6, respectively. While a member of the St. Pete board can only […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 2, 2018

After they were sworn into office Tuesday morning, there were several allusions on the dais to the fact that with Brandi Gabbard‘s and Gina Driscoll‘s victories in their respective St. Petersburg City Council races last fall, the eight-member Council is now dominantly female. Gabbard easily defeated Barclay Harless in November for the northern St. Pete District 2 […]

Drew WilsonDecember 29, 2017

House District 69 candidate Jennifer Webb announced in a Thursday email that she had earned endorsements from 20 local Democratic leaders in her campaign to take over for exiting Republican Rep. Kathleen Peters. “Today I’m proud to announce that I have received 20 endorsements from some of my favorite people representing our beautiful community,” she […]

Mitch PerryNovember 7, 2017

Realtor Brandi Gabbard has won a seat on the St. Petersburg City Council, defeating banker Barclay Harless 61 percent to 39 percent. The contest featured two candidates with distinctive backgrounds and policy prescriptions who competed all year long to succeed Jim Kennedy. He served on the board for 10 years, making him the longest-serving current council […]

Mitch PerryOctober 17, 2017

Add a firefighters union to the list of those endorsing Justin Bean in the St. Petersburg City Council District 6 race. On Friday, the 30-year-old businessman received the backing of the St. Petersburg Association of Firefighters Local 747. “We feel Justin Bean best understands the current and future needs of the Firefighters and Paramedics of St. […]

Mitch PerryOctober 9, 2017

Justin Bean is finished talking about his past. Less than one day after opponent Gina Driscoll called on the 30-year-old businessman to apologize to St. Petersburg voters and release his full criminal record, the St. Pete City Council District 6 candidate blasted her for focusing excessively on his background and not the issues facing the city. “I […]

Staff ReportsApril 3, 2017

Add a dozen more local government officials to the list of Floridians backing Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum for governor. Gillum’s campaign announced 12 new local endorsements, bringing the total number of endorsements to nearly 20 in the month since he announced his 2018 gubernatorial bid. In a joint statement released by the Gillum campaign, elected […]

Guest AuthorMarch 30, 2017

Among Thomas Jefferson’s many famous sayings is this: “The government closest to the people, serves the people best.” Across our state and nation, that sentiment holds true for all who favor local control, whenever possible. But it seems as though our state lawmakers have forgotten this. For the past few years, state legislators in Tallahassee […]

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

Karl Nurse, Jim Kennedy say goodbye to St. Pete City Council

Gina Driscoll, Brandi Gabbard become newest St. Pete City Council members

Jennifer Webb touts 20 local endorsements in HD 69 race

Brandi Gabbard defeats Barclay Harless in St. Pete City Council District 2

Justin Bean wins backing from firefighters union

Justin Bean says opponent Gina Driscoll should stick to the issues

Andrew Gillum announces a dozen endorsements from local leaders

Andrew Gillum, Mayors: State preemption hurts local values