Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 18, 2016

In a major announcement, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Inc. said Thursday it will stop breeding captive killer whales. On the company’s blog, the company said it’s phasing out over the next three years theatrical performances featuring orcas. “We will introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters rather than theatrical shows, as part of our ongoing commitment to education, marine […]

Scott PowersMarch 17, 2016

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Three years of pounding bad publicity about its orca programs have led SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Wednesday morning to announce the end of the theme park company’s iconic but controversial killer whale breeding program. The company announced early Wednesday that it would end the program and that the whales it has in captivity now would be its last. That […]

Associated PressFebruary 25, 2016

SeaWorld acknowledged that it sent its own workers to infiltrate an animal rights group which opposed the practices of the theme park. The development comes months after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals accused a SeaWorld employee of trying to incite violence while posing as a fellow animal rights activist. SeaWorld Entertainment CEO Joel […]

Scott PowersFebruary 16, 2016

Orlando’s theme park behemoths – mostly Walt Disney companies – have already poured $2.77 million into campaign and political committees and parties for this election cycle so far, preferring Republicans by almost 3 to 1 over Democrats. Disney, as usual, leads the way, with a combination of cash and in-kind services (typically providing tickets or […]

Mike SchneiderDecember 29, 2015

A federal judge in San Diego has dismissed a class-action lawsuit brought by SeaWorld patrons who claimed they were deceived about how the marine park treats orcas and wanted refunds. The federal judge last week said that the plaintiffs didn’t have standing to bring the lawsuit on behalf of patrons of SeaWorld parks in San […]

Associated PressDecember 17, 2015

With the nation increasingly concerned about safety in public, three major theme parks announced Thursday that they are adding security measures including metal detectors ahead of the busy holiday season. Officials at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld’s Florida theme parks said all three parks will be using metal detector screening for guests as they enter. In […]

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 […]

Tag: SeaWorld

Mitch Perry Report for 3.17.16 – SeaWorld takes seminal step for animal rights

SeaWorld ending orca breeding program; current killer whales will be its last

SeaWorld acknowledges planting worker in animal rights group

Orlando’s theme park companies pour at least $2.77 million into state politics

Judge dismisses lawsuit brought by SeaWorld patrons

Disney, other parks add metal detectors for the holidays

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