Month: November 2019
Corporate Con Artist Jeff Vinik Gets Tax Break Intended for Poor

By Jim Bleyer When Congress approved the creation of “opportunity zones” as part of Donald Trump’s 2017 tax code overhaul, it didn’t have half-billionaire Jeff Vinik in mind as the legislation’s sole beneficiary in downtown Tampa. But a cabal of enablers—Senator Rick Scott, former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, and …
Convicted Felon: Main Money Draw at Hillsborough Sheriff Fundraiser

By Tom Rask, from the Tampa Bay Guardian “There’s no media allowed, Bubba,” Anthony Pedicini told the Guardian reporter (whose name was not Bubba) after the reporter had introduced himself by name. “You want to come in, you write a check for the event,” Pedicini continued. Chronister himself attended …
Hagan Only Tip of Iceberg in FBI Probe

By Jim Bleyer The federal investigation into shady land deals in Hillsborough County includes several targets besides County Commissioner Ken Hagan and his family, Tampa Bay Beat has learned. Those being investigated include private citizens as well as other public officials, according to our source in Tallahassee. No specific …