Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJanuary 14, 2016

(UPDATE) Shortly after 8:30 a.m., the Oscar nominations will be announced from Hollywood, and yes, I actually give a fig. As an inveterate moviegoer, I still get excited about what the Establishment thinks about the product it puts out every year. Interestingly, while the Oscars are still among the most viewed television broadcasts globally every year, […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 13, 2016

Will the Florida Legislature address the issue of Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft in the 2016 Session? That remains an open question this week as the Legislature returns to Tallahassee for the Regular Session. On Wednesday afternoon, the House Economic Affairs Committee will discuss legislation sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Republican Matt […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 13, 2016

It’s a new year, but the issue remains at Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission: What to do about Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Uber and Lyft that continue to operate outside of the agency’s rules. That prompted Commission Chairman Victor Crist to threaten on Wednesday a radical solution if the Legislature doesn’t act this Legislative Session. “If […]

Mitch PerryDecember 30, 2015

As first said by Greek philosopher Heraclitus, in the universe change is the only constant. Nowhere was that more applicable than in Tampa Bay during the past 12 months. From the much-ballyhooed dismissal of MaryEllen Elia as Hillsborough County School Board District superintendent to redistricting and the rising (and falling) fortunes for hizzoner Bob Buckhorn, many of the leading […]

Mitch PerryDecember 7, 2015

There’s a lot of angst in the country and political world about how we are dealing with domestic terrorism, five days after San Bernardino. Well, that’s what the media tells us. I’m not so sure. There were a lot of big football games over the weekend with sellout crowds. Restaurants and bars seemed to pretty […]

Mitch PerryDecember 4, 2015

Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission (PTC) Chairman Victor Crist says that Jeff Brandes’ recent inquiry on whether the PTC should be allowed to hire lobbyists was simply a ploy “to try to stir the pot” in advance of next week’s Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation meeting. “This is a publicity stunt by Sen. Brandes to stir […]

Phil AmmannOctober 26, 2015

Hillsborough County Commissioners Sandy Murman and Ken Hagan possibly violated Florida Sunshine Laws when they failed to produce public records requested months ago. However, after a 10 News investigation, WTSP reporter Noah Pransky says one Commissioner is apologizing while the other blames county workers. The situation stems from an inquiry into the murky relationship between […]

Mitch PerryOctober 8, 2015

(UPDATED) Last month, Florida Senate Transportation Chairman Jeff Brandes and Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commissioner (PTC) Victor Crist discussed their opinions on how to regulate Transportation Network Companies like Uber and Lyft. They met at Shula’s Steakhouse in Tampa’s Westshore district, and both have said they enjoyed themselves and came to common cause on several […]

Mitch PerryOctober 8, 2015

Watching the Hillsborough County Commission Wednesday discuss the latest with the Go Hillsborough effort was a fascinating glimpse of where this experience may be heading. The headline was that county commissioners beat back a feeble attempt to stop Sheriff David Gee‘s office from investigating the charges on how consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff received its $1.35 million contract […]

Mitch PerryOctober 2, 2015

On Thursday, Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission Chairman Victor Crist announced that his agency will temporarily postpone any work on the litigation involving the PTC and Uber until after the Florida Legislative session concludes next March. All eyes are on Tallahassee next winter to finally come up with a statewide list of rules and regulations regarding […]

Tag: Victor Crist

Mitch Perry Report for 1.14.16 — And the nominees are?

AFP backs Matt Gaetz legislation on ride-sharing

Victor Crist hints at “radical” move in Hillsborough if Legislature doesn’t act on Uber, Lyft

Mitch Perry’s Top 10 stories of 2015 in Hillsborough politics

Mitch Perry Report for 12.7.15 – Obama speaks on threat of Islamic State, GOP reacts

Tensions about Hillsborough PTC build as legislative delegation meeting approaches

After several requests, Hillsborough commissioners produce Beth Leytham emails they said didn’t exist

Hillsborough Republican lawmakers mixed on PTC future

Mitch Perry Report for 10.8.15 – Will Hillsborough commission have votes to put transportation tax on ballot?

Victor Crist and Jeff Brandes are NOT on the same page regarding the PTC’s future