For Immediate Release: Chapter One, Part 1

Essays and Lessons From 30 Years in Politics and Government

Hi, and welcome to the Sun Shine Republic. I’m really glad you’re here.

This is “For Immediate Release,” my essays and stories of politics, government, and a little bit of life in between. They span 30 years, from Little Rock, Arkansas to Washington, D.C. to St. Petersburg, Florida. I’ll be sending it out chapter by chapter here on Substack over the coming days and weeks. I hope you’ll consider a paid subscription and check it out. If you are a paid subscriber, thank you very much. I couldn’t do this without you.

As always, thanks for reading.

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December 2021
St. Petersburg, Florida

The day begins three hours before sunrise. A morning reporter wants to talk to the mayor about his time in office. It’s a little early for a phone call, but I am glad they are calling nonetheless. When it comes to news from or about the City of St. Petersburg, reporters will almost always call me first. Seeking a reaction or comment from the mayor, wanting to set up an interview, or even just asking questions about city policies and functions, I will spend most of my day fielding a range of questions from media outlets around Tampa Bay, Florida – sometimes even around the world.