Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 12, 2018

Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik took a rare step into the public and political spotlight Friday. He penned an op-ed in the Tampa Bay Times urging voters to approve Hillsborough County Referendum No. 2, the county’s transportation and transit initiative on the Nov. 6 ballot. “Having studied this issue for over three years alongside fellow […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 6, 2018

The All for Transportation campaign raised more than $1 million during the second half of September, according to campaign finance documents filed with Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. All three of the region’s major league sports teams — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Rays — contributed to the […]

Joe HendersonApril 30, 2018

Political consultant Anthony Pedicini is known in Hillsborough County political circles as someone who takes no prisoners in his drive to support the ambition of Republican candidates. He plays to win and if you are in the way, well, that’s your problem. Opponents with bloodied noses can tell you all about that. But some things […]

Mitch PerryNovember 7, 2017

She’s a Democrat, he’s a Republican, but Janet Cruz and retired U.S. Air Force Col. E.J. Otero are transcending the political divide to help the people of Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. With the vast majority of Puerto Ricans still without power and without all of the comforts that go with that […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 12, 2017

More professional sports teams are contributing to relief efforts in Florida following the destructive path of Hurricane Irma. The National Hockey League and its two Florida franchises — the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers — announced Tuesday that they are making a joint donation of $2.7 million to those affected across the state from […]

Peter SchorschJuly 14, 2017

Responding to columns and questions from Florida Politics and other local media, Jeff Vinik confirmed Friday that he is, indeed, one of four “secret lenders” who provided a $12 million loan to the Tampa Bay Times. “I am happy to confirm that I am part of the investor group, FBN Partners, which recently formed to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 15, 2016

A focus on Tampa Bay continues to be profitable for several boutique lobbying firms. Several firms with Tampa Bay interests posted healthy earnings during the second quarter of 2016. Firms are required to file compensation reports each quarter, and the most recent reports were due by Aug. 14. The reports typically include compensation ranges. Records […]

Mitch PerryMay 27, 2016

The somewhat improbable Tampa Bay Lightning run for a second straight appearance in the Stanley Cup ended last night around 11 p.m. when they lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-1. The Lightning were pretty thoroughly outplayed if you go by shots-on-goal, but the last eight minutes or so […]

Mitch PerryMay 25, 2016

Tampa Bay area sports fans were hit with a double whammy of negativity on Tuesday. I also had a poor night watching people play games for profit. First of all, the Tampa Bay Lightning blew their opportunity to close out their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and face elimination tomorrow night in […]

Mitch PerryOctober 27, 2015

Although Bill Nelson hasn’t officially come out to run for re-election in 2018, he has done nothing to indicate that he won’t be doing so, and Monday Nelson flat out said he would run again in 2018. In a statement announcing the departure of longtime chief of staff Pete Mitchell, Nelson wrote, “Pete will pursue opportunities […]

Tag: Tampa Bay Lightning

Jeff Vinik personally endorses Hillsborough transportation initiative

Hillsborough transportation initiative rakes in $1 million as pro sports teams go all-in

Joe Henderson: Anthony Pedicini’s only goal is win against cancer

Janet Cruz, E.J. Otero come together for Puerto Rico aid

Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and the NHL give $2.7 million for Irma relief

Jeff Vinik confirms he’s one of four ‘secret lenders’ to Tampa Bay Times

Lobbying firms focused on Tampa Bay report substantial Q2 earnings

Mitch Perry Report for 5.27.16 — Lightning strikes no more

Mitch Perry Report for 5.25.16 — The agony and the agony

Bill Nelson all but announces 2018 re-election bid for U.S. Senate