Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Phil AmmannJune 16, 2017

Republican state Rep. Shawn Harrison is holding a campaign kickoff party later this month to launch his re-election bid in House District 63. The event, hosted by House Majority 2016 and featuring special guest Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, is Thursday, June 29, beginning 5 p.m. at the historic Tampa Theater, 711 N. Franklin St. Included […]

Jim RosicaDecember 6, 2016

Sydney Ridley, former right-hand woman to lawmaker Dana Young, is joining Southern Strategy Group‘s Tampa office. The top-tier lobbying firm announced the move Monday. “Sydney represents the future of the lobbying business,” said Seth McKeel, managing partner of SSG’s Tampa Bay office and a former House member. “She’s sharp, respected, energetic, and she’s very excited about […]

Phil AmmannMarch 28, 2016

Quorum, the occasional not-too-political happy hour, returns to St. Petersburg Friday, April 15. As one of Tampa Bay’s premier casual networking events, Quorum features candidates, operatives, media and political enthusiasts of all stripes. The get-together will start with 5 p.m. hors d’oeuvres at its customary location: Cassis American Brasserie on Beach Drive. Sponsors of the […]

Peter SchorschNovember 18, 2015

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House Republican Majority Leader Dana Young will raise money for her re-election with a major event Dec. 2 in Tampa. Cabinet members Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi and Adam Putnam, as well as House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran, headline the invitation for Young’s fundraiser at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. Honorary hosts […]

Peter SchorschJune 30, 2015

Last year, Southern Strategy Group picked up former Florida House Appropriations Chairman Seth McKeel, and he has been busily building a powerful lobbying presence in the lucrative Tampa Bay market. SSG’s Georgia office apparently took note, because this week their Atlanta-based office announced they are hiring longtime Georgia lawmaker and former House Appropriations Chairman Ben […]

Tag: Seth McKeel

#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

Shawn Harrison kicks off HD 63 re-election bid at Tampa Theater June 29

Personnel note: Sydney Ridley joins Southern Strategy Group

Quorum — Tampa Bay’s not-too-political happy hour — returns Friday, April 15

Dana Young plans major re-election fundraiser Dec. 2

Southern Strategy Group adds another appropriations chairman — this time in Georgia