Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerrySeptember 7, 2016

Who knew Hillary Clinton was a fan of the University of South Florida Bulls? “Hello, Tampa! Hello, USF! I know I’m only the second-most exciting thing that’s happened here in the last few days. Your big win to open your football season got some attention,” the Democratic presidential nominee said to the audience who gathered […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 2, 2016

They did it last night. After nearly four hours of discussion, the Tampa City Council voted 4-2 to support the biggest infusion of taxpayer dollars ever to attempt to improve the city’s stormwater infrastructure, which for decades has been a major problem in the city. Mike Suarez, Lisa Montelione, Harry Cohen and swing vote Guido Maniscalco opted to support Mayor Bob Buckhorn‘s proposal, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 18, 2016

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If partnerships are key to the future of public transportation, three Florida communities are already ahead of the curve. Officials with Altamonte Springs, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit authority highlighted their efforts to partner with private transportation companies during the 2016 Building Florida’s Future symposium Thursday. The partnerships, with both Uber […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 18, 2016

The future of transportation is autonomous. It’s electric. It’s shared and on demand. And it will be here sooner than you think. “The message today is it’s right around the corner,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. The St. Petersburg Republican laid out his prediction for the future of transportation during […]

Mitch PerryAugust 18, 2016

There’s more news about the Affordable Care Act this week, and it ain’t that good. Aetna announced Tuesday it would be pulling out of Florida and 10 other states next year, giving those on the government plan less options for choice here in the Sunshine State. There have always been problems with the ACA, and […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 16, 2016

Boutique firms did big business in the second quarter of 2016. Smaller firms posted strong earnings during the three-month reporting period. Firms are required to file compensation reports each quarter, and the most recent reports were due Aug. 14. The reports typically include compensation ranges. Adams St. Advocates reported earning at least $100,000 for legislative […]

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 […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 5, 2016

Even in the annals of unproductive Jacksonville City Council committees, the Vehicles for Hire committee held pride of place for its intoxicating blend of overheated lobbyist rhetoric, committee members who seemed to be in the tank for one side or another, and, in the end, a lack of meaningful consensus on workable regulations for Uber, Lyft, […]

Mitch PerryAugust 4, 2016

Well, so much for the free flow of ideas inside the Florida Democratic Party. Patrick Murphy announced yesterday he would not engage in any debates with Alan Grayson or Pam Keith in advance of the Aug. 30 Senate primary election, citing allegations of domestic abuse charged by Grayson’s ex-wife last week. “Over the last week, I have heard from many […]

Mitch PerryAugust 3, 2016

Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman said Wednesday she doesn’t want the Public Transportation Commission to raise the penalties on ridesharing drivers from $700 to $900. “I think their fines are high enough,” she told her colleagues on the county commission at the end of their regular meeting. “If the fines are being raised to control a certain […]

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Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Mitch Perry Report for 9.7.16 — Pam Bondi’s reluctance to investigate Trump University resurfaces on the campaign trail

Mitch Perry Report for 9.2.16 — Tampa City Council approves $251 million to improve stormwater system

Partnerships with Uber, others could be future of public transportation

Jeff Brandes: The future of transportation is ‘right around the corner’

Mitch Perry Report for 8.18.16 — The Affordable Care Act is getting less affordable

Boutique lobbying firms report healthy Q2 earnings

Lobbying firms focused on Tampa Bay report substantial Q2 earnings

Final Jax ‘vehicles for hire’ committee report says taxis are over-regulated

Mitch Perry Report for 8.4.16 — Patrick Murphy shuts down the debate

Sandy Murman doesn’t want Hillsborough PTC to raise penalties on ridesharing drivers