Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayNovember 13, 2015

Gunster Yoakley & Stewart — Florida’s law firm for business — was paid an estimated $425,000 in lobbying fees during the third quarter according to recently submitted compensation reports. The firm’s biggest spenders for legislative advocacy include the Coalition of Affordable Housing Providers, Florida Goodwill Association, RAI Services, and Realauction.com, contributing a combined total of around $100,000. […]

Associated PressNovember 8, 2015

When the Wallack family announced plans last year to construct the world’s tallest roller coaster as the centerpiece of a $500 million entertainment complex on Orlando’s International Drive, their vision was praised by business owners hoping it would help draw tourist dollars to an aging strip between Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. More than a year […]

Gary FineoutOctober 16, 2015

A tussle over the website used by the Florida Department of Education has resulted in the ouster of an agency employee and an animal rights group’s questioning whether state education officials are buckling under pressure from one of the state’s theme park operators. The department this month pushed out its deputy communications director after Jennifer […]

Associated PressAugust 23, 2015

SeaWorld’s spending on federal lobbying has surged in the face of bad publicity and calls for tougher restrictions on marine parks and aquariums. The Orlando-based company spent nearly a half-million dollars lobbying the federal government from January through June, records show, up 68 percent over the same period last year. Meantime, SeaWorld has also started […]

Ryan RayAugust 14, 2015

With just two lobbyists in the Cocoa, Fla.-based shop, Spearman Management brought in an estimated $630,000 in governmental consulting fees between April 1 and June 30, according to recently submitted compensation reports. Lobbyist Erin Hellkemp joined firm owner Guy Spearman, III to earn about $370,000 in legislative lobbying fees and $260,000 in executive branch lobbying fees. […]

Tag: SeaWorld

Gunster collects $425K in third quarter lobbying fees

Future of Orlando roller coaster is in doubt

State fires employee for scrubbing SeaWorld from website at PETA’s request

SeaWorld spends more on lobbying in face of bad publicity

Guy Spearman’s shop takes home $630K in second-quarter lobbying fees