A couple looking to build an $800,000 waterfront Gulfport home had their plans thwarted when it was discovered they did not actually own the seawall, which was purchased in 1921 by a now-defunct company.
Florida’s economy is in its best shape since the Great Recession, and Florida Tax Watch predicts it will be more robust in 2016. The latest edition of Florida TaxWatch’s Economic Commentary says the Real Gross State Product is expected to grow 3.1 percent in 2016, higher than the national rate. Additionally, job growth is expected to continue to improve, with most experts predicting a 2.2 to 2.9 percent job growth in 2016. “Looking back at where the state was during the…
The two-lobbyist governmental relations firm William J. Peebles, PA, operated by the firm’s namesake along with John Wayne Smith, reported earning more than $300,000 during the second quarter of 2015, according to recently submitted compensation reports. The boutique shop’s list of clients heavily tilted toward local government clients: nearly all of the Peeble’s 22 legislative and 21 executive lobbying clients were municipalities or related entities. The City of Tampa and Florida Municipal Insurance Trust were the highest-paying of the firm’s legislative clients, contributing between $20,000-$29,999…
The latest chapter of “4th Floor Files” talks with Mario Bailey, a lobbyist with the Becker & Poliakoff firm. Bailey represents clients from a variety of sectors including government -– he has six Florida governments including Cape Coral, Hollywood and Lauderdale Lakes, education -– Bethune Cookman, Florida Memorial University and Miami-Dade Schools and businesses –- the Florida Independent Spirits Association, The Safety-Net Hospital Alliance and American Traffic Solutions. Prior to joining Becker & Poliakoff, Bailey served as the chief legislative aide…
In late March the two Democratic candidates for attorney general joined us. Now it’s the Republicans’ turn, and all four announced candidates will converge on the Tigers’ Den for a debate/joint appearance. They are (in alphabetical order): Holly Benson, a three-term legislator from Pensacola and twice an agency head in the Crist administration. Pam Bondi, an assistant state attorney and criminal prosecutor in Tampa. Her high-profile cases have made her a frequent guest on cable television, and she is known…
Daily Kos weighs in: Dan Gelber is well positioned in his bid to become Florida Attorney General. A Federal Prosecutor who is strong on White Colllar Crime and Public Corruption, Gelber has served as the Minority House Leader and has proven to be one of the most ardent supporters of Education. After announcing his intention to run, Gelber swiftly racked up a number of endorsements from FL-Dems and posted impressive Fundraising. Gelber’s opponent, Dave Aronberg has been bogged down. Starting…
