Seth McKeel Archives

Kate BradshawJune 15, 2018

The last time anyone asked, Tampanians overwhelmingly said they approve of the job Bob Buckhorn has done as Mayor of Tampa. Back in November, some three-quarters of 350 Tampa residents surveyed said they approve of his performance, and most said the city is headed in the right direction — that was before Raybor was a thing. In […]

Kate BradshawJune 15, 2018

Given that he’s the incoming Senate President, there’s no way Bill Galvano wouldn’t have landed at or near the top of the list. The Bradenton Republican representing Senate District 21, will lead his chamber over the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions by determining legislative priorities and setting the tone of the conversations it has with the House […]

Drew WilsonJune 15, 2018

The Pinellas County Commission has selected Southern Strategy Group (SSG) to handle its lobbying needs in Tallahassee for the next two years. SSG was one of several firms to respond to the Pinellas Commission’s call for contract proposals and, as reported last week, their pitch made the shortlist alongside Dean Mead and GrayRobinson. Dean Mead had held […]

Kate BradshawJune 14, 2018

The Republican state Senator from St. Petersburg fell a few slots this year. That’s not to say Jeff Brandes doesn’t have the juice he did in prior years. And like in previous years, he had a busy 2018 Session. He sponsored some 65 bills and co-sponsored dozens more. He sat on seven committees, including as chair of […]

Kate BradshawJune 14, 2018

Darryl Rouson is known for his willingness to work with Republicans over the years as well as his passionate advocacy on behalf of his Senate District 19 constituents. A most recent example of this is his support of a proposed constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s homestead exemption, which will appear on the statewide ballot in […]

Kate BradshawJune 13, 2018

Current Hillsborough County Commission Chair Sandra Murman was first elected to her District 1 seat in 2010. Her district includes Ruskin, Gibsonton, parts of South Tampa, Town ‘n’ Country and Keystone. At the dais, Murman, a Republican, has taken some credit for steering the transit debate in 2016 after the Go Hillsborough initiative tanked — even though […]

Phil AmmannJune 7, 2018

With rebranding and a host of upgrades, Tampa’s former Lowry Park Zoo is now adding a power player as its voice in Tallahassee. The newly christened ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced it is bringing on governmental relations firm Southern Strategy Group as a strategic partner. As one of the state’s most influential lobbying shops with locations across […]

Drew WilsonMay 10, 2018

Republican Rep. Colleen Burton is kicking off her campaign for a third term in House District 40 with a fundraiser in Lakeland next week. The kick-off will be held at the Lone Palm Golf Club, 800 Lone Palm Drive, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm on May 17. The invite for the event sets the […]

Bill RuftyApril 17, 2018

Former State Rep. Neil Combee, a Polk City Republican, announced Tuesday that he will seek Florida’s 15th Congressional District seat left open by U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross. Ross, a Republican from Lakeland, announced last week he will not seek re-election to the post he has held since January 2011. Combee, 58, made his announcement at […]

Drew WilsonAugust 7, 2017

Former state Sen. Jeremy Ring headed into August with about $130,000 on hand after spending more than he raised in July for his Chief Financial Officer bid. The Margate Democrat brought in a total of $45,396 between his campaign account and his political committee, “Florida Action Fund PC.” Combined, the two entities spent $60,515, including […]

Tag: Seth McKeel

#2 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Bob Buckhorn

#3 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Bill Galvano

Southern Strategy Group lands Pinellas Co. lobbying contract

#8 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Jeff Brandes

#10 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Darryl Rouson

#13 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Sandra Murman

ZooTampa continues makeover, tapping Southern Strategy Group for lobbying assist

Colleen Burton launching HD 40 re-election May 17

Neil Combee makes it official; announces run for Dennis Ross’ seat

Jeremy Ring raised $45K in July for CFO bid, spent $60K