Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Blake DowlingMarch 24, 2018

Legislation, innovation and deployment of autonomous vehicles hit a significant roadblock this week. A very tragic incident in Arizona involving a self-driving Uber vehicle and a pedestrian killed the pedestrian. The goal of self-driving vehicles is to make our lives easier and roads safer. Self-driving cars do not get drunk or speed, so the 40,000 […]

Ana CeballosMarch 11, 2018

The lobbying powerhouse Ballard Partners swayed lawmakers to add a new section to the state’s labor law that mirrors the exact business model of one of its online-based clients. Handy Technologies, Inc., which hired Ballard Partners, will directly benefit from a last-minute add on to the tax cut package championed by Senate Budget Chair Rob […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 28, 2018

A raft of House bills related to alcoholic beverages, including one dealing with booze-delivery apps, were discussed Wednesday and set up for votes. Among them, one (HB 667) would expressly allow Floridians to use a smartphone app to order alcoholic beverages for home delivery. It’s supported by Uber, among others. Delivery through apps such as Drizly and Shipt is […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 10, 2018

In the wake of recent high-profile data breaches compromising the information of thousands of Floridians, legislators and cabinet members on Wednesday advocated for two bills that would eliminate credit report freeze fees for consumers. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam are backing two measures proposed in the Legislature, which they say […]

Phil AmmannDecember 28, 2017

With New Year’s Eve only a couple of days away, Uber is reminding users that the best ridesharing customers are living ridesharing customers. In a new email, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is joining Uber to call on users to “commit to being a #DesignatedRider by planning ahead to avoid drinking and driving.” Nearly 29 people in […]

Jim RosicaDecember 26, 2017

Spoiler alert: If you’re a regular of this site, and reading this story, you can guess what the #1 pick is. Otherwise, 2017 still offered a bounty of material to Tallahassee’s reporting ranks. We still chuckle at the uninitiated who ask, “What do you write about when the Legislature isn’t in session?” Without further ado, […]

Ana CeballosNovember 28, 2017

As Uber faces regulatory scrutiny over a massive data breach that impacted the information of 57 million people worldwide, it maintains one of the largest lobbying footprints in Florida. Along with its two in-house lobbyists, Stephanie Smith and Cesar Fernandez, the company retains six firms and spent up to $392,993 in the first two quarters of this […]

Mitch PerryNovember 27, 2017

Cynthia Oster, who has been serving as the in-house attorney for the soon-to-be dismantled Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission, has been named by Gov. Rick Scott to serve as a judge in Hillsborough County Court. The 47-year-old Oster’s official position, which she has held for the past 17 years, was Senior Assistant County Attorney in Hillsborough. […]

Blake DowlingNovember 22, 2017

A local TV station just called to ask our take on the Uber breach. When they call, it’s a good cue to write something about the topic. It also means I must stop thinking about turkey, IPA and college football. Rivalry weekend is something to be cherished indeed. What went wrong? A company that has […]

Blake DowlingNovember 18, 2017

Chip Kelly to Florida as head coach; Jimbo Fischer pursued by Texas A&M. Kevin Spacey is a predator; UCLA Hoops players shoplift in China (way to go, guys, making America look great. (Isn’t there another U.S. athlete still in jail in China?) A mistrial for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, Roy Moore, etc. … crazy, sad, […]

Tag: Uber

Blake Dowling: After Uber tragedy, safety is job one for self-driving cars

Ballard Partners snags last-minute tax package tweak to help web-based client

Bottoms up: Bevy of booze bills ready for vote in House

After high-profile data breaches, legislators want to toss credit freeze fees

Email insights: Uber, MADD offer tips for a happy, safe New Year’s Eve

Jim Rosica’s review of top state government stories of 2017

Under the national spotlight, a look at Uber’s Florida lobbying team

Hillsborough PTC attorney Cindy Oster named to county court

Blake Dowling: Uber troubles

Blake Dowling: Flying taxis for you and me!