Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschApril 9, 2018

It’s your move, House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz. She’s term-limited in the House this year, and is – for now – set to run for a seat on the Hillsborough County Commission. But there’s word she will drop her bid for county commission and run for state Senate District 18. That would mean, assuming she clears […]

Peter SchorschApril 6, 2018

I subscribe to a service called “Baylawsuits,” which provides tip sheets on the most newsworthy lawsuits coming out of the Pinellas and Hillsborough county courthouses. Last week, a tip came in that read “Police seized guns from two men last month.” Because of all the attention surrounding the gun-control debate after the massacre in Parkland, this […]

Peter SchorschApril 4, 2018

It raised more than a few eyebrows when former state Rep. Ray Pilon endorsed fellow Republican Jeff Brandes in Senate District 24. That’s because his daughter-in-law Carrie Pilon, a Democrat, entered the race this week. Now, however, we know what’s going on. Chad Pilon (Ray’s son) explained on Facebook: “Actually, not much of an option for […]

Peter SchorschMarch 29, 2018

The response to the first two editions of “Not Just A Body of Water” has been so phenomenal, we worked hard to get one more edition out before the Easter holiday. No Spring Break here. If there’s one theme that’s dominating the local political scene, it’s chessboarding. Candidates are either getting ready to jump into […]

Peter SchorschMarch 26, 2018

While many students (and their parents) throughout Tampa Bay are enjoying a Spring Break, there’s no break in the news for local political aficionados. In fact, the next few weeks will see a flurry of activity as incumbent lawmakers make the rounds at legislative wrap-up events (like the one hosted by the Greater Tampa Chamber […]

Peter SchorschMarch 22, 2018

After a brief hiatus, “Not Just A Body of Water” is returning with a streamlined format — different in style from our other email products — that is a better fit for what we describe internally as “Ninja Bow.” We plan to deliver NJABW more frequently than once a week because there is just so […]

Phil AmmannMarch 21, 2018

Americans for Prosperity-Florida will be running a new digital ad in the Tampa Bay region warning against using public money to build a new Rays baseball stadium — either in St. Petersburg or Ybor City. Unveiled Wednesday, the 30-second animated ad, produced by the activist group founded by the billionaire conservative brothers Charles and David […]

Staff ReportsMarch 14, 2018

Survivors, advocates, elected officials and law enforcement turned out in St. Petersburg Wednesday to rally for an end to sexual abuse, taking added significance in light of the growing #MeToo movement. Hosted by the nonprofit Lauren’s Kids, the rally was part of the 8th Annual Walk in My Shoes, a 13-day Tallahassee-to-Key-West advocacy event led […]

Ana CeballosMarch 14, 2018

After years of being a persistent—sometimes annoying—presence in committee rooms across the Capitol, only one thing was able to make Tallahassee’s best-known gadfly hang up his corduroy jacket: a snowball of scandals. “Latvala, Clemens, Artiles—all this happened in one year. In one year! No, that is not acceptable and it was too much. It was […]

Staff ReportsMarch 12, 2018

Sen. Jeff Brandes promised criminal justice reforms, a sweeping transportation bill, banning fees on consumer report security freezes and “merlot-to-go,” but only half of those came true by the time the 2018 Legislative Session wrapped up. As the process moved toward the 60-day finish line, the Pinellas County Republican was optimistic about his bold proposals. […]

Tag: St. Petersburg

Not Just A Body Of Water — A newsletter about Tampa Bay politics — 4.9.18

The close-to-home reason why I support the new gun laws passed by the Florida Legislature

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing on Tampa Bay politics — 4.4.18

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 3.29.18

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing on Tampa Bay politics — 3.26.18

Not Just A Body Of Water — A newsletter about Tampa Bay politics — 3.22.18

Americans for Prosperity warns ‘taxpayers lose’ with Tampa Bay stadium

Lauren Book’s ‘Walk in My Shoes’ takes to the streets of St. Pete

‘It was time for a sabbatical’: Scandals drive Brian Pitts away

Jeff Brandes loses a couple of priorities, but brings home other wins