Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonJanuary 5, 2017

Mitch Perry’s story Tuesday on FloridaPolitics.com about the bill filed by state Sen. Tom Lee to dismantle state’s Sports Development Program triggered an instant thought: Well, forget about a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. I followed up with a call to Lee, a Republican from Brandon, and asked if my thought about the […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 3, 2017

Less than three years after Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation providing for state revenues to go toward constructing or improving professional sports franchise facilities, state Sen. Tom Lee wants to eliminate the program created to distribute those funds. “The Sports Development Program was ill-conceived and based on the false premise that these capital improvements are a boon for economic development,” the Brandon Republican said […]

Mitch PerryNovember 28, 2016

Two weeks ago, Republican Jack Latvala posted a statement on his Facebook page blasting Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Mike Evans for choosing to sit on the bench during the playing of the national anthem. A day later, after being barraged with a firestorm of criticism, Evans said he would no longer do so. Now, the Clearwater state Senator […]

Mitch PerryNovember 15, 2016

After igniting a firestorm of criticism for his decision to sit down during the playing of the national anthem Sunday to protest Donald Trump’s election, Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Mike Evans said on Tuesday that going forward he will focus on “more effective ways to communicate my message,” and will stand with his teammates once again this coming Sunday. […]

Mitch PerryNovember 15, 2016

Mike Evans is feeling the heat today — and so is his employer, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Evans decision to sit during the playing of the national anthem before Sunday’s game at Raymond James Stadium versus the Chicago Bears to protest the election of Donald Trump as president is predictably receiving negative reviews in Tampa — the […]

Mitch PerryOctober 31, 2016

Edward Glazer, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-chairman and part-owner, has donated the maximum individual allowable contribution of $5,400 to the campaigns of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton this year. However, if one were to guess who he really supports, it should be noted Glazer also has contributed $50,000 to the Trump Victory joint fundraising committee. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) also reports that Glazer’s […]

Mitch PerryJune 1, 2016

Americans for Prosperity-Florida is calling on lawmakers from both sides of Tampa Bay not to use public taxpayer dollars in the financing of any potential new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. “As the Rays search for a potential new sandlot to call home, their focus should steer clear of calling on taxpayers to sacrifice […]

Associated PressFebruary 1, 2016

The Florida Legislature is being asked to give tens of millions to help sports teams in Jacksonville and Miami and Daytona International Speedway. The state’s economic development agency on Monday forwarded three sports applications to state lawmakers to review. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity did not rank the applications but suggested that all three […]

Phil AmmannDecember 30, 2015

In the opening weeks of 2016, Florida’s three professional football stadiums and Daytona International Speedway will each vie for taxpayer funds to help pay for upgrades, many already in progress. Ranking the applicants — Jacksonville Jaguars, Daytona International Speedway (DIS), Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins — will be the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, […]

Mitch PerryDecember 16, 2015

They’re not using general revenue tax dollars! That was the message that six of the seven members of the Hillsborough County Commission emphasized on Wednesday in voting to approve a deal that will send $29 million in taxpayer money to the Tampa Sports Authority to make improvements on an estimated $87 million plan for Raymond […]

Tag: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Uloma Ekpete Kama. Image via campaign site.

Pro sports franchises: Build your own stadium, ballpark, or arena

Tom Lee wants to eliminate program designed to use taxpayers funds on sports facilities

Jack Latvala still upset about NFL players sitting during national anthem

Jack Latvala message heard: Bucs Mike Evans to resume standing for anthem

Mitch Perry Report for 11.15.16 — The non-voters speak out

Mitch Perry Report for 10.31.16 —Tampa Bay Bucs owner bets big on Donald Trump

AFP-Florida warns Tampa Bay lawmakers to not use taxpayers $ for potential Rays stadium

Legislature asked to consider money for sports teams

Daytona International Speedway a perfect fit for Florida Sports Development Program

Hillsborough BOCC approves stadium improvement deal with Tampa Bay Bucs