Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 16, 2018

When it comes to fundraising, state Sen. Dana Young continues to outperform her Democratic opponent in the race for the Senate District 18 seat in Tampa. Young has raised about $2.6 million between her political committee and general campaign fund, $1.6 million more than outgoing House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz. Young raised $70,000 for her general campaign […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 15, 2018

Tampa philanthropist David Straz nabbed four endorsements from a business group and three workers unions, the Tampa Mayoral candidate announced Monday. The Northwest Florida Chapter of Black Women in Construction, United Food and Commercial Workers 1625, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 487, District 925 and Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 123 have all offered […]

Danny McAuliffeOctober 15, 2018

A steep staircase leads to Dana Young’s quaint Hyde Park campaign office. The space isn’t striking, but it doesn’t need to be. She points out that call station cubicles had been installed by the previous tenant, an added bonus for the temporary investment. Young, a Republican state Senator seeking re-election in 2018, says she wasn’t […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 4, 2018

Candidates to replace Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn next year. Six of eight candidates running to succeed the two-term mayor faced off in the election’s first debate Wednesday night at Hillsborough Community College. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate and Politifact Executive Director Aaron Shockman moderated. Attendees included former Tampa Police Chief Jane […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 2, 2018

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is the center of the latest Janet Cruz television ad that will be featured on broadcast and cable channels throughout the coming weeks. The ad launched Tuesday. It shows the two-term mayor in black and white, standing in a bare room. “My friend Janet Cruz embodies what it means to be […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorSeptember 27, 2018

Critics of state Rep. Janet Cruz are accusing the longtime lawmaker of not living in the urban Tampa district she represents. An anonymous tipster claiming not to oppose Cruz’s bid for state Senate raised the question in an email pointing to Cruz’s husband, Stephen Rifkin, who owns a waterfront mansion in a different House district — […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorSeptember 26, 2018

By a unanimous vote, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is endorsing the All or Transportation campaign to improve both transit and transportation in Hillsborough County. “We have been working for some time to address the many transportation needs in Hillsborough County,” said Steve Bernstein, current Tampa Chamber chair. “Voters will have the opportunity to improve safety […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorSeptember 21, 2018

The Tampa area continued its streak of being the second highest job-creation center in the state, Gov. Rick Scott announced Friday. Trailing behind only Orlando in jobs created, the Tampa area added 34,600 private sector jobs over the past year. Statewide, private businesses created 20,000 jobs in August. Tampa’s unemployment in August was 3.6 percent, lower than […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorSeptember 21, 2018

Commuter passes will be available for high-speed rail travel between Tampa and Orlando if the route comes to fruition. Brightline Vice President of Government Affairs Bob O’Malley said the private company would consider monthly packages similar to what it offers in South Florida, which cost $300 a month for unlimited rides. Such a transit amenity […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorSeptember 18, 2018

South Tampa’s historic Henry B. Plant High School has giant yellow tubes protruding from several second story windows. The tubes are pumping clean air into the school that has been experiencing issues with mold. That was the backdrop for Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Chris King’s message on education Tuesday. “When people ask me if we […]

Tag: Tampa

Dana Young’s fundraising lead grows to $1.6 million over Janet Cruz

David Straz comes out with four early endorsements for Tampa Mayor

Dana Young bets on personal touch to keep swing seat

The first Tampa mayoral debate: Five take-aways

Bob Buckhorn stars in Janet Cruz TV ad

Is this not my beautiful house? Questions linger on Janet Cruz residency

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce backs transportation tax

Still hiring: Tampa Bay tops state in job demand

On the right track? Brightline could create Tampa/Orlando super region

Readin’, writin’, … air tubes? In Tampa, Chris King stumps for education spending