Ever since I acquired the rights to the perfect domain for my efforts — FloridaPolitics.com — I knew that one day, this website would have to be put out to pasture.
Well, after more than 51,000 posts, this is the final one.
Going forward, I am devoting my full energies to the Florida Politics brand, whether it be the website, email programs like “Sunburn” and “Last Call,” or our gorgeous, award-winning INFLUENCE Magazine. Keep Reading
Two days after the St. Petersburg City Council passed an ordinance limiting campaign contributions, which is expected to be legally challenged, Council Chair Darden Rice was still exulting. A former president of the League of Women Voters in St. Pete, Rice was an early champion of the just passed measure that … Keep Reading
Four of the top five teams in the country kicked off their games at noon Eastern on Saturday, which suggests that all were expected to roll. No. 2 Clemson, No. 4 Penn State and No. 5 Georgia all did just that. Then there was No. 3 Oklahoma. The Sooners and Iowa … Keep Reading
After hours of debate, the St. Petersburg City Council approved a campaign-finance reform measure Thursday, which could have national implications. The final vote was 6-2, with Council members Ed Montanari and Jim Kennedy dissenting. Once the final vote became clear, the crowd in city chambers erupted with cheers. … Keep Reading
If there was any doubt about the interest level in the ‘battle of the two Ricks,’ check the latest campaign finance reports for Rick Kriseman and Rick Baker, both of whom raised substantial money during the last two weeks of September. … Keep Reading
The sister of a close friend says she received a call this week from Republican polling firm The Tarrance Group asking questions about the St. Petersburg mayor’s race. The woman who answered this poll was struck by how detailed and extensive the interview was; based on the questions she said they asked, I’d estimate the poll cost at least 10K. Most of the questions were framed around Deveron Gibbons, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the poll is being conducted by…
Dear Friend:During the last few weeks, I have evaluated the opportunity to run for Mayor of St. Petersburg this year. I am thankful and humbled by your support, encouragement and counsel, and I am confident that with your support we could wage a compelling campaign to lead St. Petersburg. However, the true measure of leadership is not competition for competition’s sake, but choosing the path that is in the best interest of the community. During this process of reflection and…
“An opportunity like this doesn’t come along often, and as I’m always thinking of how best to serve my community, I simply couldn’t just rule it out. Also, because such a decision for me is personal, and not political, it hasn’t come easily or swiftly. After having given this decision the thought and attention it deserves, I now know this: I do not intend to run for mayor in 2009.” I’ve been saying for weeks that Rep. Kriseman couldn’t and…
Owners of a proposed German-style deli and tavern won initial approval from the city council Thursday to sell beer and wine. A final vote is scheduled Feb. 5. Veronica and John Vellines have a contract to buy a 1935 masonry building, 5016 N. Florida Ave., from owner James Ciaccio, pending final approval of alcohol sales. Ciaccio remodeled the former gas station several years ago and opened Van Gogh Signs Displays and Graphics. The tavern would be similar to The Independent…
From PoHo: With the simple and unelaborated headline “Running for Mayor” on his personal website, the legislator shakes up the field draws some attention for St. Petersburg’s mayoral election later this year. Will Rick Kriseman announce he is running, after seeming like he wasn’t while awaiting a Ken Welch candidacy? Or is the headline prelude to his explanation that he won’t run? UPDATE: It’s the second scenario from above. A source with knowledge of Kriseman’s decision says the representative is…
I first wrote about this issue here after talking with Karl Nurse about this problem. There will be a council workshop to discuss the matter on February 12. From this article in the Times: Install surveillance cameras and a recording system inside the store — and make sure they work. Clear away signs and anything else that might keep the register from being seen from the outside. Police say that is what owners need to do to fortify their stores…
Florida State University wide receiver Preston Parker was released Saturday from the Leon County Jail after posting bail of $500. Tallahassee police arrested Parker on Saturday morning at the McDonald’s on West Tennessee Street after officers said they found him passed out in his red Dodge Charger. – Breath-test results showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.054, which is below the legal limit in Florida of 0.08. A urine test was presumptive positive for marijuana. The test will be analyzed by…
