The lawsuit filed late last week by two groups and five individuals who oppose the Hillsborough County Commission moving a Confederate monument says that the relocations violates the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment because it denies equal protection to Civil War veterans.
The Central Florida citrus industry appears to be coming out in full force to support Sen. Denise Grimsley’s bid for Agriculture Commissioner. Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception Florida’s Natural Grove House in Lake Wales on Feb. 28. While the invitation notes a host committee is still being formed, the backers listed on the invitations reads like a who’s who of the Central Florida agriculture and political leaders. Among Grimsley’s supporters: Bob Behr, the former commissioner and CEO…
More than 5,400 tickets were sold for the Cross-Bay Ferry between Tampa and St. Petersburg in December, organizers said on Wednesday. That’s up from the 4,700 tickets sold in its inaugural month of November. The six-month pilot project is a collaboration between four local governments: the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, along with Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. All four contributed $350,000 to pay for the cost of the pilot, which was spearheaded by former Hillsborough County Commissioner Ed Turanchik, and…
Southern Strategy Group remains one of the top government affairs firms in the Sunshine State. The Tallahassee-based firm reported second quarter median compensation of more than $2.1 million for its legislative services. Those median earnings mean the firm will once again be among the Top 3 earners in the state. Firms must file compensation reports each quarter, and the most recent reports were due Sunday. The reports list a firm’s clients, and typically include compensation ranges. One of the firm’s…
Whether it’s at the ballpark or the beach, setting off fireworks or firing up the grill, Floridians will celebrate the July 4th holiday in style. The National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend $71.34 per household on average on food for barbecues. The organization — which has conducted its annual Independence Day survey since 2003 — estimates 65 percent of Americans plan to attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic this holiday weekend. Hosting the barbecue this weekend? Then you better stock up…
Efforts to expand telehealth options in Florida are moving through the state Legislature, and the state Senate on Tuesday approved a measure (SB 1686) aimed at improving access. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, defines telehealth, creates a telehealth task force, and authorizes healthcare practitioners in Florida to participate in telehealth. The measure passed the Senate health policy committee 9-0. Dominic Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, said in a statement: “We are extremely pleased that the Legislature…
Power Design, Inc., a family-owned electrical contracting business, is expanding its national headquarters in St. Petersburg. The $3 million move will bring 60 new jobs to the region, as well as maintaining 196 jobs. Gov. Rick Scott called the expansion “great news for families” in St. Petersburg. “Thanks to companies like Power Design who continue to grow and invest in Florida, businesses have created more than 841,000 private-sector jobs since December of 2010,” Scott said in a statement. “We are…