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Janelle Irwin - page 166

Janelle Irwin has 1517 articles published.

Janelle Irwin has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in the Tampa Bay area since 2003. She also hosts a weekly political talk show on WMNF Community radio. Janelle formerly served as the sole staff reporter for WMNF News and previously covered news for Patch.com and various local neighborhood newsletters. Her work has been featured in the New York Daily News, Free Speech Radio News and Florida Public Radio and she's been interviewed by radio stations across the nation for her coverage of the 2012 Republican National Convention. Janelle is a diehard news junkie who isn't afraid to take on big names in local politics including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the dirty business of trash and recycling in St. Pete and the ongoing Pier debacle. Her work as a reporter and radio host has earned her two WMNF awards including News Volunteer of the Year and Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year. Janelle is also the devoted mother to three brilliant and beautiful daughters who are a constant source of inspiration and occasional blogging fodder. To contact, email [email protected].

House subcommittee passes drone bill limiting surveillance

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The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee passed a bill that would limit the use of drones for surveillance throughout the state. A bill passed two years ago was a first step in targeting the burgeoning technology and limited use of drones by law enforcement to gather evidence or intel and required a warrant. This bill would build on that foundation by banning any person, state agency or political subdivision from recording any “image of privately owned or occupied real property or…

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Gallup: Favorability for both major political parties continues to dip

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For the first time since they began tracking political party favorability, a Gallup Poll shows fewer than 40 percent of voters view either party favorably. That means more than 60 percent view the parties as unfavorable. It’s just a touch worse for Republicans. Only 37 percent of people polled view them as favorable. Two percent more view Democrats as favorable. Despite the slight advantage in numbers for Democrats, the poll doesn’t show much good for either party. Democrats are lingering at…

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Looks like the Times really doesn’t like Destination St. Pete Pier

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

The Tampa Bay Times is not siding with St. Pete residents on its choice for a new pier. During recent online voting that concluded earlier this week, Destination St. Pete Pier, the design most resembling the current inverted pyramid, emerged as a clear leader among residents. Of nearly 10,000 residents who participated, more than 6,000 of them selected that design as a favorite. The Times chose three designs that would “hold the most potential” and Destination St. Pete Pier is…

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More than 6,000 manatees counted in Florida waters this year

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Volunteers from 11 different agencies counted more than 6,000 manatees in Florida waters last month. That’s nearly 1,000 more than were counted five years ago the last time such a high count was conducted. The 20 volunteer observers counted 3,333 manatees along the Atlantic coast and 2,730 in the Gulf of Mexico. Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission attribute this year’s success with warm temperatures and sunny days. “Manatees used warm-water sites and other winter habitat areas…

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International business expo registration opens today

in The Bay and the 'Burg by

Registration for the 2015 International Town Hall in St. Pete this May opens today. The $45 event takes a look at what drives international business growth in Tampa Bay. The town hall on May 8 from 7:30-11:30 a.m. will feature a variety of business speakers at the St. Petersburg Hilton Carillon. The airline company Lufthansa will deliver a keynote presentation and likely include information regarding its new direct flights from Tampa to Germany. Those flights are set to begin later…

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Clearwater Beach in running for USA Today’s best Florida Beach

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Clearwater Beach is raking in the votes for Best Florida Beach by USA Tody’s 10-best list series. As of right now, it’s the top-ranked beach in the Tampa Bay area. Out of 20 beaches, Clearwater is joined in the vote by its neighbor to the north, Caladesi Island State Park, at number 6. Pass-a-Grille Beach sits at number 5 and Fort de Soto is at number 8. The only beach currently beating Clearwater is Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola.…

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Email insights: Opponents look to rally against guns on campuses bill

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Florida’s controversial gun bill that would allow guns on college campuses has already passed one committee and will be heard in another next week. The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus is asking for help defeating the measure. “The vast majority of Florida’s students and faculty don’t want guns in their classrooms or other buildings on campus,” wrote state director Kathryn Grant in an email. “We can defeat S.B. 176, but will need your help to fight the powerful and…

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