Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJanuary 22, 2015

Marc Caputo, arguably the best political reporter in Florida, is leaving the Miami Herald to go work for Politico. That news came this morning via Politico’s Mike Allen in his Playbook column. Quoting from an email from editor Susan Glasser, Caputo will write a daily Florida Playbook, “as well as leveraging his unique knowledge and […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 22, 2015

It’s been almost impossible to go to any public event in Tampa over the past year when you haven’t heard Bob Buckhorn, Sandy Murman or Tampa/Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. CEO Rick Homans crow about how bad ass Tampa/Hillsborough is doing these days on the economic front. Whether it’s the airport, the port, the EDC, the […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 21, 2015

State Rep. Doc Renuart has some big shoes to fill in Tallahassee, says the Florida Times-Union. Renuart, who vacated House District 17, has his own large loafers to fill, running for John Thrasher’s Senate District 6 seat. Impressing the Times-Union Editorial Board was longtime St. Johns County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson, who provided questionnaire answers that […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 21, 2015

Lobbyists for Miami-Dade County recently asked commissioners to entertain an unusual request: Would the county allow one of its lobbying firms to represent Uber, the controversial ridesharing tech service. Yes, Uber is the company currently operating illegally in Miami-Dade County, notes Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald. The San Francisco-based technology firm hired Ballard Partners to lobby Tallahassee […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 21, 2015

Lobbyists for Miami-Dade County recently asked commissioners to entertain an unusual request: Would the county allow one of its lobbying firms to represent Uber, the controversial ridesharing tech service. Yes, Uber is the company currently operating illegally in Miami-Dade County, notes Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald. The San Francisco-based technology firm hired Ballard Partners to lobby Tallahassee […]

James CallJanuary 21, 2015

What became clear during Tuesday’s meeting of the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee is that the debate over SB 2 is going to be a death match. The measure requires greyhound tracks to report dog injuries within seven days. With 19 greyhound racing permit holders, Florida has more greyhound racing than any state in the […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 21, 2015

As more calls for an independent investigation regarding the sacking of former FDLE chief Gerald Bailey grow, Rick Scott tried to stay on message today during an appearance in Tampa. After making an announcement regarding new funding for STEM education at Chromalloy, a global technology company located in Tampa’s Sabal Park just east from the […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 21, 2015

With revenues finally pouring into state coffers after the lengthy recession and its hangover, Gov. Rick Scott made frequent appearances in the Tampa Bay area in 2014, often promoting tax-cut plans or new government spending on education, transportation or the environment. Critics alleged the largesse was due to his trying to curry favor with the […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 21, 2015

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Will Weatherford, in an increasingly active post-legislative career, has taken on a new role at the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The former Florida House speaker, now a principal of the newly launched Weatherford Partners, has joined the Florida Chamber’s board of directors. “The Florida Chamber is pleased to welcome Will Weatherford to the Board of […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 21, 2015

I will never, ever underestimate Sally Harris again. Harris is one of the two freshly minted members on the Hillsborough County School Board who was fated with deciding the fate of Superintendent MaryEllen Elia at last night’s board meeting. Last week I predicted that with the collective establishment in Tampa (including the editorial boards of both of the dailies, […]

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The Miami Herald's Marc Caputo moves to Politico

Mitch Perry Report for 1.22.15 – Hillsborough loses some of its swagger

Florida Times-Union endorses Cyndi Stevenson for HD 17

Miami-Dade tells Ballard Partners: ‘No, you cannot also lobby for Uber’

Miami-Dade tells Ballard Partners: 'No, you cannot also lobby for Uber'

Eleanor Sobel wants to see greyhound racing at the finish line

In Tampa, Rick Scott feels the heat as the Gerald Bailey controversy grows

Rick Scott pledges $1 million to STEM teachers for summer intern program

Former Speaker Will Weatherford joins Florida Chamber board

Mitch Perry Report for 1.21.15 — Hillsborough County will survive MaryEllen Elia’s exit