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
Being rather familiar with election law violations, I can’t help but wonder whether Kathleen Ford has already violated the rules governing campaign advertising. There is a post on the Bay Buzz stating “she sent a letter to the Times earlier this week signed ‘candidate for mayor.’” When she sent that letter, she was, by definition, “furthering” her campaign, making it a political advertisement, even if the matter was inconsequential. – As it turns out, Mrs. Ford has yet to actually…
Being, the eclectic home furnishings store that has called BayWalk home for seven years, is moving to the Old Northeast neighborhood March 1. – Owner Amy Bromley, who is not renewing her lease at BayWalk, said the reason for the move wasn’t so much about the shopping complex’s rough times, but rather her own aspirations to grow her interior design consulting business. But she did say that she anticipates more foot traffic in the new space, in a historic art…
Sam Kass, a private chef for the Obamas while they were living in Chicago, is now working in the White House, Marian Burros writes on The Caucus. A spokeswoman for Michelle Obama said Mr. Kass has a particular interest in healthy food and local food. – Mr. Kass’s appointment should please chefs like Alice Waters, who have lobbied the Obamas to set an example for the rest of the country by emphasizing food that is healthy, local and sustainable. It…
After I learned that Hook had passed away, I called over to his restaurant on MLK to find out if they would still be open. You could hear the sadness in the hostess’ voice when she said ‘yes’. – I headed over to the restaurant, if nothing else than to pay homage to man whose vibrancy had lightened my life every time I had the pleasure of seeing him. The place was a madhouse, more so because it was $1…
He is the popular mayor of the fourth largest city in the fourth largest state with a proven record of achievement and yet Rick Baker may have hit the ceiling as far as his political career is concerned. With Bill McCollum announcing that he will not run for the U.S. Senate — thereby guaranteeing a bid for re-election as Florida’s attorney general — and Alex Sink’s decision to remain as CFO, Baker now founds himself without an open office for…
Here’s news about a hiring that doesn’t involve me. Evidently Scott “The Half-Million Dollar Man” Wagman has hired Toni Molinaro, the former chair of the Pinellas Democratic Executive Committee, to serve as his field director for his campaign to be mayor of St. Petersburg. “Many credit Molinaro and her allies with taking a circus of a local party and making it into a legitimate political force. The newfound discipline, cooperation and fundraising prowess was to debut in the November election.”…
ST. PETERSBURG — Hook Atsavinh, a popular area sushi chief and owner of Hook’s Sushi Bar and Thai Food, has died of unknown causes, his family said. – Atsavinh, 44, is a well known Pinellas fixture, having worked at 9 Bangkok Restaurant and Sushi Rock Grill before opening his own restaurant at 1210 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. N St. in St. Petersburg. – His family said Atsavinh had been healthy but felt inceasingly ill over the last month. He…
