Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

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

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

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