Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschFebruary 14, 2017

Lost in the rush to get the “whiskey and Wheaties” bill over the finish line this year is the incredible toll it might take on independently-owned liquor stores. The Senate bill (SB 106) that would tear down the “wall of separation” between hard liquor and other retail goods already zoomed through its committees and is now […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 26, 2017

Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO Julio Fuentes attempted to undermine the reputation of the company my family and thousands of employees have worked hard to build for more than 80 years. I wish to set the record straight about safety for minors and our role in making the shopping experience convenient. Let me […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2017

For the fourth year in a row, lawmakers will try to tear down the wall that separates tequila from tangelos. Senate President pro tem Anitere Flores has a bill (SB 106) to repeal the Prohibition-era state law requiring businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box retailers, to have separate stores to sell liquor. State Rep. Bryan Avila, a Hialeah Republican, filed a […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 17, 2017

After opening to much fanfare three years ago, Wal-Mart is shuttering its Neighborhood Market in the Midtown section of St. Petersburg. First reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the retail giant announced it will close the store at 1794 22nd St. S March 3; its pharmacy will close Feb. 1. The store was formerly […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 11, 2017

Florida lawmakers are likely to face another campaign to repeal state law requiring the wall of separation between liquor and grocery stores. Despite good intentions behind such an effort, walls are there for a reason. Consider the case of Lake Mary teen Shellby Conder. After drinking five beers in a Villages Wal-Mart, Conder was arrested last […]

Associated PressJanuary 10, 2017

Law enforcement officers in Orlando were engaged in a massive manhunt early Tuesday for a man accused of fatally shooting a police officer who approached him outside a Wal-Mart. The manhunt itself has led to the death of a sheriff’s deputy in a traffic accident and the injury of another officer. Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, […]

Peter SchorschDecember 23, 2016

The holidays are here. That means carols and cookies, brightly lit Christmas trees and twinkling menorahs, and nip of eggnog (or whatever seasonal cocktail tickles your fancy) to keep you warm at night. But the festive holiday season is also a chance for people to spend time with their family and friends, make resolutions for […]

Peter SchorschDecember 16, 2016

Chinese philosopher-general Sun Tzu once wrote: “Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.” This could also be valuable advice for Florida unions and Democrats — pick your battles wisely. The recent dust-up between unions and Wal-Mart over outsourcing security in Florida could impact another upcoming fight in the […]

Peter SchorschDecember 12, 2016

One charity in Florida might be feeling a bit of winter chill, as people in the Tampa Bay area are keeping wallets and purses closed at iconic Salvation Army Red Kettles this season. As the holidays approach, Salvation Army donations are down by more than 12 percent across the Tampa Bay Area, according to Capt. Andrew […]

Drew WilsonAugust 19, 2016

The political committee backing Gov. Rick Scott has raised $135,000 in the second week of August, according to newly filed reports. Since Aug. 6, “Let’s Get to Work” brought in $50,000 apiece from Sovereign Healthcare Disbursements and Wal-Mart, with an additional $25,000 coming from the Florida Retail Federation and $10,000 coming from Bradenton-based BI Services. […]

Tag: wal mart

State could wed whiskey and Wheaties, but at what cost?

Charles Bailes: Separation of liquor, groceries keeps communities safe

Why I have second thoughts about tearing down the wall between the whiskey and the Wheaties

Wal-Mart to close Midtown St. Pete Neighborhood Market March 3

Drunk teen in Wal-Mart shows why we need wall between liquor, grocery stores

Orlando mourns deaths of 2 law enforcement officers

This holiday season brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Wal-Mart outsourcing security issue could make Democrats ‘natural allies’ in whiskey and Wheaties fight

Salvation Army feeling chill at Red Kettles, donations down this Christmas

Retailers, health care gives Rick Scott committee big boost in August