Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Kate BradshawJune 15, 2018

As any observer of Florida politics will tell you, this 34-year-old Palm Harbor Republican is on the move. First elected to House District 65 over Democratic incumbent Carl Zimmerman in 2014, Chris Sprowls had little difficulty getting re-elected in 2016 against Democrat Bernie Fensterwald. At this point, 2018 appears to be shaping up the same way. Sprowls currently serves as […]

Jim RosicaJune 14, 2018

Screen-Shot-2017-08-02-at-11.40.09-AM-e1501688497817.png

Veteran lobbyist Jonathan Kilman has finally realized a “long term dream of starting (his) own firm” with the creation of Converge Government Affairs, with offices in Miami, Orlando and Tallahassee. Kilman, formerly with the Foley & Lardner law firm, announced the new concern this week in a LinkedIn post. (An earlier story is here.) The announcement, […]

Guest AuthorMay 7, 2018

Several months behind schedule and more than $1 billion later, the shiny new rental car facility at Tampa International Airport opened earlier this year to decidedly mixed reviews. For the amount of money taxpayers have ponied up, I think we’re all hoping the experience is better than what we’ve gotten on our taxpayer-subsidized sports stadiums. […]

Jim RosicaDecember 26, 2017

Spoiler alert: If you’re a regular of this site, and reading this story, you can guess what the #1 pick is. Otherwise, 2017 still offered a bounty of material to Tallahassee’s reporting ranks. We still chuckle at the uninitiated who ask, “What do you write about when the Legislature isn’t in session?” Without further ado, […]

Mitch PerryNovember 27, 2017

Cynthia Oster, who has been serving as the in-house attorney for the soon-to-be dismantled Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission, has been named by Gov. Rick Scott to serve as a judge in Hillsborough County Court. The 47-year-old Oster’s official position, which she has held for the past 17 years, was Senior Assistant County Attorney in Hillsborough. […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2017

There’s nothing more aggravating than seeing the Legislature finally do the right thing, only to see local authorities attempt to undermine that progress. Take, for instance, the maddening example of Florida airports and the extra fees they tack on when travelers try to leave the airport property. Since the Legislature passed uniform regulations for ridesharing […]

Mitch PerryOctober 6, 2017

Soon, a lot more electric vehicles will be on Florida roads. Jeff Brandes wants the state to get ready. At least seven electric cars are coming to market by 2020, according to Business Insider, with several considered to be relatively affordable. That will make a total of 39 different models of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and 44 […]

Phil AmmannAugust 7, 2017

Tampa International Airport is preparing for the future, moving ahead with a multibillion-dollar expansion project while setting new passenger records in 2017. However, Noah Pransky of WTSP found that TIA appears hesitant to embrace the latest transportation disruptor: ridesharing technology companies Uber and Lyft. With significant ridership increases, Uber and Lyft have impacted airport revenues […]

Mitch PerryJune 7, 2017

Among the bills Governor Rick Scott signed into law on Tuesday is HB 647, which eliminates of the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission by December 31 of this year. The agency, originally created by a special act of the Florida Legislature in the 1970’s and the only one of its kind in the state, has been […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 10, 2017

google-to-offer-ride-sharing-service-to-compete-with-uber-1102870-TwoByOne-1024x1024.jpg

Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday a bill that creates statewide regulations for ride-booking companies, like Uber and Lyft. “I’m proud to sign this legislation today to make it easier for ridesharing companies to thrive in Florida and help ensure the safety of our families,” said Scott in a statement. “Florida is one of […]

Tag: Lyft
Las Vegas Strip transforms into a Grand Prix.

#1 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Chris Sprowls

Dream realized: Jonathan Kilman opens his own influence firm

Chris Hudson: Tampa airport ignores ride-sharing trend, taxpayers beware

Jim Rosica’s review of top state government stories of 2017

Hillsborough PTC attorney Cindy Oster named to county court

Ridesharing legislation is bringing us to the future, so why are airports still stuck in the past?

Jeff Brandes wants Florida to prepare for future wave of electric cars

Is Tampa airport expansion ‘betting big’ on old tech over distuptors like ridesharing?

Rick Scott signs death warrant for Hillsborough Public Transportation Commission

Governor signs landmark ride-sharing legislation into law