Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 3, 2015

Yesterday was quite a day news wise. But before we talk City Council races, how about that Hillsborough County School District Board? They did it again yesterday – going against the sentiments of the editorial writers and newspaper columnists who demanded they take on a national search to succeed MaryEllen Elia as the district’s superintendent. Instead, on […]

Mitch PerryMarch 3, 2015

Yesterday was quite a day news wise. But before we talk City Council races, how about that Hillsborough County School District Board? They did it again yesterday – going against the sentiments of the editorial writers and newspaper columnists who demanded they take on a national search to succeed MaryEllen Elia as the district’s superintendent. Instead, on […]

Mitch PerryMarch 3, 2015

Admitting that it hasn’t exactly been a very exciting campaign, Bob Buckhorn said today’s municipal election in Tampa is still very important. “Everyone has an obligation to vote,” he said while coming out of a polling place at the Sandy Freedman Tennis Courts center on Davis Island this morning. “If you don’t vote, don’t complain.” […]

Mitch PerryMarch 3, 2015

The most lackluster campaign that this reporter has covered in his 15 years living in Tampa comes to a conclusion tonight — at least for most of the candidates vying to win the five Tampa City Council seats up for election. There’s not much drama. Though there has been a lot of coverage of the […]

James CallMarch 2, 2015

Marijuana, gambling and a big party were on the state capitol agenda Monday indicating that prohibitionists may find it difficult to be heard during the 2015 Florida Legislative Session. Session begins Tuesday morning at 9:30 when the Florida House of Representatives convenes but the week began with a hearing on a proposed rule for the […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

In a conservative donors preview last weekend, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio unveiled a tax reform plan he intends to introduce soon with Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee. The Florida senator, who has indicated he will likely run for re-election rather than the presidency president instead of reelection to the Senate, told attendees at the Club […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

A Senate bill filed Monday seeks to protect the privacy of Florida motorists by blocking the release of email addresses accumulated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Filed by the Senate Transportation Committee, SPB 7040 would create public-record law exemptions for email addresses received by the department while collecting vehicle records and […]

James CallMarch 2, 2015

Don Clifford’s vision is getting closer to becoming a reality. He leads a group of investors who’ve put up $7 million to build the world’s largest in-door marijuana cultivation facility. Monday he was in Tallahassee for a hearing on a proposed rule for Florida’s Charlotte’s Web law. Regulators and stakeholders have been meeting since August […]

James CallMarch 2, 2015

House Majority Leader Dana Young made the opening bid Monday on expanding gambling operations in Florida. The Gaming Control Act of 2015 provides for up to two destination resorts in Florida, a constitutional amendment to lift a moratorium on further expansion, decoupling of greyhound racing from other gaming opportunities, and the reversion to the state […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2015

The newest chapter of the “4th Floor Files” features lobbyist Darrick McGhee of Johnson & Blanton. McGhee, with more than 13 years of experience in government, was the former Director of Legislative Affairs in the Executive Office of Gov. Rick Scott. Significant other? Children? Grandkids? Happily married to Tikia McGhee (12 years); Two children: Darrick […]

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Mitch Perry Report for 3.4.15- Hillsborough School board defies the critics (again) & goes with Eakins

Mitch Perry Report for 3.4.15- Hillsborough School board defies the critics (again) & goes with Eakins

Bob Buckhorn says he wants to see Charlie Miranda elected in District 2 race

Mitch Perry Report for 3.3.15 — Democracy now in Tampa

The Day That Was In Florida Politics – March 2

Marco Rubio floats trial balloon on tax reform at donor meeting

Senate bill seeks to prevent release of DMV email addresses

Delayed medical marijuana draft rule goes through new public hearing

Dana Young makes opening move on expanded gambling

4th Floor Files talks to Darrick McGhee about marriage, less government and fiscal conservatism