Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2016

Despite major turnover in the Duval County legislative delegation, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry‘s priorities are largely unchanged. Money for public safety. Money for infrastructure, such as the city’s ongoing septic tank removal project. And one big ask: Curry wants $50 million in state money for Hart Expressway ramp modifications, noting the current setup has outmoded designs and creates […]

Jim RosicaNovember 15, 2016

The latest lobbyist compensation reports may have readers think they’re seeing in triple vision. For the third quarter, the Top 5 earners in registered legislative lobbying, in order, were Ballard Partners, Ron Book, Southern Strategy Group, Capital City Consulting, and Greenberg Traurig. Look familiar? That’s because that was the same Top 5 for the second quarter, though in a […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2016

Six firms are in the running to be St. Petersburg’s lobbyist in Tallahassee. The contract, worth $50,000 last year, belonged to Peebles and Smith from Tallahassee. Its contract with the city expired Sept. 30 and the group has submitted a proposal to continue representing St. Pete. The five other firms who have responded to the city’s […]

Peter SchorschOctober 30, 2016

The witching hour is upon us. Ghosts and ghouls fill the streets. Zombies walk side-by-side with princesses and superheroes. Their mission the same: Spook and scare their neighbors in hopes of scoring enough candy to sustain them for the next year. Total spending for Halloween is expected to reach $8.2 billion in 2016, according to […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 28, 2016

Ending a period of two months without contributions, the political committee of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry broke that dormancy during the most recent reporting period. “Build Something That Lasts” collected $8,500 from Oct. 15 to Oct. 21; all contributions were made on Oct. 20. Among the contributors: US Assure — an insurance company helmed by Ty Petway, one of the […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 13, 2016

In a significant “get” for the state’s largest government affairs firm, Southern Strategy Group (SSG) will rep global ride-hailing service Uber for its local-level needs. The deal comes as ridesharing services heat up the news again. Most recently, in Tampa Bay, House Republican Leader Dana Young demanded in a letter that local regulators scuttle proposed rules that […]

Staff ReportsAugust 2, 2016

Stacy Arias, a state government veteran, is joining the Southern Strategy Group lobbying firm in Tallahassee. The firm announced the hire Monday. Arias, who has logged more than 23 years in government, started at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in 1993. She ultimately became the department’s chief of staff, “responsible for oversight of all […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 13, 2016

On Tuesday evening, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry pitched young professionals on the pension-tax referendum slated for Aug. 30. The event took place in Shad Khan’s suite at EverBank Field. Matt Brockelman, the event organizer from sponsor Southern Strategy Group, said around 60 people attended and approximately $10,000 was raised for the “Yes for Jacksonville” political committee, […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 12, 2016

After getting rebuffed in another attempt to secure state incentive money for improvements at its historic track, the Daytona International Speedway has signed on two new lobbying teams with the start of another state fiscal year. The speedway has hired Johnson & Blanton and Southern Strategy Group to represent its interests in Tallahassee. The speedway, […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 11, 2016

On Tuesday, “young professionals” are invited to Shad Khan‘s suite at EverBank Field for a fundraiser just for them to support “Yes for Jacksonville,” the political committee marketing the pension tax referendum. Mayor Lenny Curry will be on hand to address the crowd and answer the tough questions about the pension tax referendum. The suggested minimum donation […]

Tag: Southern Strategy Group
Uloma Ekpete Kama. Image via campaign site.

Jacksonville wants $50M to remove, replace Hart Bridge ramps at sports complex

Déjà vu all over again in lobbyist compensation reports

Six firms vie for City of St. Pete’s lobbying contract

Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Lenny Curry political committee takes in $8,500 in last reporting period

Southern Strategy Group snags Uber’s local lobbying contract

Personnel note: Stacy Arias joins Southern Strategy Group

Lenny Curry pitches pension-tax to young professionals

Daytona International Speedway revs up lobbying efforts by hiring Johnson & Blanton, SSG

‘Yes for Jacksonville’ Tuesday fundraiser targets young professionals