Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJune 28, 2016

The NFL is getting the money it wants to bring the Pro Bowl All-Star Game to Orlando in 2017, ’18 and ’19. The Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to approve spending $1 million a year in tourism development tax to bring the Pro Bowl to Camping World Stadium. The board also approved $137,000 a year […]

Scott PowersJune 22, 2016

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said Wednesday she plans to move forward in proposing a county ordinance to set rules on future uses for tourist tax money. Her statement comes a day after the Orange County Charter Review Commission reversed course Tuesday, and decided to not send a similar proposal to voters as a charter amendment. […]

Associated PressMay 2, 2016

It’s a crowded world after all – at least in Orlando’s hotels and theme parks. Tourism officials announced Monday that the number of visitors coming to Orlando last year jumped 5.5 percent to more than 66 million visitors. That figure sets a record for tourists in Orlando and helps the central Florida city hang onto […]

Mitch PerryApril 12, 2016

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is scheduled to give his State of the City this morning. Here are some things to look for in his speech. Transportation – In his 2014 speech, Buckhorn called for a funding referendum to support expanded bus service and light rail in Tampa, saying that the goal should be a referendum in the […]

Phil AmmannMarch 7, 2016

When people think of Florida, they picture the Florida Keys with its clear water, warm sand and the quintessential laid-back lifestyle. But, the Keys are much more than that, as it is home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef, a national marine sanctuary, national and state parks, wildlife refuges, state aquatic preserves, and unique marine […]

Associated PressFebruary 18, 2016

The number of tourists flocking to Florida keeps growing to record numbers. And this time it’s a big one. Gov. Rick Scott will announce Thursday during a visit to Disney World that 105 million tourists made their way to Florida last year. That’s according to preliminary estimates prepared by Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing […]

Associated PressDecember 1, 2015

Orlando’s hope of having the world’s tallest roller coaster is one step closer to becoming reality. Orange County’s board of commissioners granted zoning approval Tuesday night for the $500 million Skyplex Orlando project. The unanimous vote means that developer Joshua Wallack and his family can go forward with plans to build the 570-foot “Skyscraper” coaster […]

Phil AmmannOctober 27, 2015

Florida’s economy is expected to remain strong for the next three years, boosted by steady population growth and healthy tourism. The good economic news for the Sunshine State came through its annual financial checkup Tuesday morning at the Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit taking place in Orlando. Providing the update was a presentation by […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 23, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott has certainly been proactive when it comes to criss-crossing the globe in his efforts to relocate businesses and resulting jobs to Florida. But because millions of taxpayer dollars are spent annually to lure various corporations to the Sunshine State through agencies such as Enterprise Florida, it’s hard to fathom why our elected […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 7, 2015

As we join family and friends at barbeques, pool parties, and picnics this weekend, it is worth reflecting on Florida’s remarkable economic turnaround. This Labor Day, Florida’s workforce is presented with pathways to prosperity that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The Great Recession hit Florida hard. Our unemployment rate skyrocketed to 11.2 percent, […]

Tag: tourism
Laurel Lee and Ashley Moody. Image via X.

Orange County approves Pro Bowl money

Teresa Jacobs plans to move forward on tourist tax ordinance

The Might of Mickey: Orlando still top U.S. destination

5 things to look for in Bob Buckhorn’s State of Tampa address

Anitere Flores and Holly Raschein: Legislature must provide money to protect The Florida Keys

Sun, sand & theme parks bring record number of tourists

Board approves plan for world’s tallest coaster in Orlando

Florida Chamber Summit forecasts state’s economy to remain strong for next three years

Bill White: Florida could “decouple” horse racing, breeding right out of business

Jesse Panuccio: Florida workers have much to celebrate this Labor Day