Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2015

Somebody has to be first, right? Last month, Florida Politics reported on the surge of Kratom, a plant-based product used as a homeopathic medicine that has begun to concern Florida authorities. Traditionally, Kratom leaves — indigenous to Thailand and Malaysia — are chewed to treat a variety of ailments: reducing pain, an anti-diarrheal, and to reduce […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 22, 2015

Jeb Bush brings his all-but-certain presidential campaign to Tampa Bay this week, in the form of a high-profile fundraiser supporting the Right to Rise Super PAC. The $1,000-a-ticket event is set for Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt, 2900 Bayport Drive. A VIP Reception begins at 5 p.m.; the general reception starts at 5:30 p.m. The former […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 16, 2015

Democrats with an extra twenty bucks (and change) can support Hillary Clinton’s not-yet-announced presidential run in Tampa next week. Ready for Hillary, the Super PAC backing the nascent campaign of the former First Lady and Secretary of State, is holding a “low dollar” reception on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Mise en Place, 442 West Kennedy […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 16, 2015

Democrats with an extra twenty bucks (and change) can support Hillary Clinton’s not-yet-announced presidential run in Tampa next week. Ready for Hillary, the Super PAC backing the nascent campaign of the former First Lady and Secretary of State, is holding a “low dollar” reception on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Mise en Place, 442 West Kennedy […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 10, 2015

Jeb Bush takes his not-quite-yet presidential campaign through Florida with the announcement of an epic Republican fundraiser in Tampa this month. The $1,000-a-ticket event, supporting the Right to Rise Super PAC, will be Feb. 24 at the Grand Hyatt, 2900 Bayport Drive. A VIP reception begins at 5 p.m.; the general reception starts at 5:30 […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 2, 2015

David Shepp, a former legislative aide to Adam Putnam with nearly two decades of political experience, is joining Southern Strategy Group. Shepp brings more than 18 years of Polk County and Florida legislative experience, including serving four years as legislative assistant to then-state Rep. Adam Putnam. After managing Putnam’s successful campaign in Florida’s 12th Congressional […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 23, 2015

Three Tampa Bay municipal leaders will join a coalition of businesses next week to discuss strategies for extending health-care coverage for uninsured Floridians. “Cover the Bay” 2015 Bay Area Mayors Conference is January 28 and features A Healthy Florida Works along with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, and Clearwater Mayor George […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJanuary 6, 2015

Fundraising numbers are in for the month of December in Tampa City Council races. With more than $6,000 rolling in around the Holidays, District 6 candidate Jackie Toledo grew her commanding fundraising lead over challengers Guido Maniscalco and AC company owner Thomas Clark Castellano. Toledo has raised more than $87,000. Castellano trails her with $26,340. […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 6, 2015

After years of a struggling economy, Tampa’s “swagger” has returned, says the first digital ad for Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s re-election effort. The 60-second spot – appropriately called “Swagger” – will hit the airwaves starting Tuesday, offering some of Buckhorn’s successes, but also a few hints of something more. It is an energetic, boastful message from a […]

Tag: The Bay and the ‘Burg
Image via Florida A&M University.

Tampa Bay Times finally arrives at the Kratom party

Jeb Bush brings all-but-certain prez campaign to Tampa on Tuesday

Ready for Hillary to hold “low dollar” fundraiser in Tampa Feb. 24

Ready for Hillary to hold "low dollar" fundraiser in Tampa Feb. 24

Jeb Bush to hold fundraiser in Tampa on Feb. 24

Personnel note: David Shepp moves to Southern Strategy Group

Tampa Bay mayors to lead uninsured health-care policy conference Jan. 28

Tampa City Council candidate Jackie Toledo grows funding lead in three-way race

Bob Buckhorn’s first re-election campaign ad; glimpse of something more?