Jay Collins Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

Complaint filed against James Fishback says he’s not eligible to run for governor in Florida

The complaint says Fishback has not resided in Florida for seven years, one of the legal criteria in the Florida Constitution to run for governor.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 29, 2026June 29, 2026

Florida Lt. Gov. and Republican gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins has filed a complaint challenging the eligibility of one of his opponents, investment firm CEO James Fishback. Collins contends Fishback has not resided in Florida for seven years, one of the legal criteria in the Florida Constitution to run for governor. Collins says that, according to […]

Jay Collins insists he isn’t dropping out of Florida governor race, accuses Byron Donalds of selling ‘drugs’ to kids

The Donalds campaign brushed off Collins’ comments Monday.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix April 21, 2026April 21, 2026

Five adults pose together outdoors at a festival or parade, smiling toward the camera. Four wear colorful pirate-style costumes with hats, beads, and decorative jackets, while one stands at center in a blue suit with a red tie. Buildings and trees are visible in the background, suggesting a lively street-festival setting.

Tampa’s Jay Collins finally decides to run for governor

Gov. Ron DeSantis has wavered on whether he’ll get involved in the Republican race to succeed him.

By Liv Caputo / Florida PhoenixJanuary 13, 2026January 13, 2026

Tampa Republican Jay Collins says he’ll decide on running for governor in the coming weeks

Those hoping for ‘carnage’ between Trump and DeSantis will be disappointed, he said.

By Livia Caputo/Florida PhoenixOctober 13, 2025October 13, 2025

Vaccines and guns: DeSantis gives a sneak peek at 2026 legislative agenda [PHOTOS]

He’s going for open carry again.

by Mitch Perry, Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix September 8, 2025September 9, 2025

DeSantis appoints Tampa Sen. Jay Collins, as Lt. Governor

DeSantis called Collins “the Chuck Norris of Florida politics.” Collins called him the GOAT.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix August 12, 2025August 16, 2025

15 of the dumbest things Florida legislators have done so far this year

by Orlando Weekly staff August 10, 2025

Tampa’s Jay Collins, a potential candidate, says Florida governor’s race needs ‘competition’

The Hillsborough state Sen. won’t say if he’s entering the GOP race.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix August 4, 2025August 18, 2025

At forum, Hillsborough Republicans are spared questions about immigration and the rift between DeSantis and fellow GOP lawmakers

They also didn’t touch the topic of Hope Florida.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix July 9, 2025July 23, 2025

Florida child labor bill with ties to DeSantis fails to pass

The bill with ties to Tampa lawmaker Jay Collins sought to roll back certain child labor protections.

by McKenna Schueler May 5, 2025July 16, 2025

Florida Senate panel gives initial approval to further relax child labor laws

SB 918 is sponsored by Tampa Republican Jay Collins.

by Dara Kam and News Service of Florida March 25, 2025July 13, 2025

Tampa Bay Republican Jay Collins files bill that would allow teens to buy rifles

The House last year passed a bill that would have repealed the law, but the Senate did not approve it.

by News Service of Florida February 21, 2025June 12, 2025

Tampa Bay Republican Jay Collins wants to remove working caps, mandatory breaks for minors

. There is no House counterpart yet.

by Jackie Llanos and Florida Phoenix February 20, 2025July 21, 2025

Tampa Republican Jay Collins’ bill to teach kindergarteners about communism advances

Criticisms of the bill have largely centered on it potentially putting communism-related lessons in front of young students.

by News Service of Florida February 28, 2024July 11, 2024

Florida bill to teach kindergarteners about threats of communism gets Senate approval

Bill sponsor Jay Collins, R-Tampa, and other supporters have warned that young people are increasingly viewing communism in a positive light

by Ryan Dailey and News Service of Florida February 21, 2024July 2, 2025

Tampa Republican Jay Collins wants to overhaul Florida’s energy laws to scrub any mention of greenhouse gas emissions

The bills would also ban offshore wind turbines in Florida-controlled waters and on property within one mile of coastlines.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida February 20, 2024March 7, 2025

Florida bill would give DeSantis power to allow pre-game prayers at school sporting events

Bill sponsor Jay Collins, R-Tampa, said the bill is intended to provide state “oversight” of the athletics board.

by Ryan Dailey and News Service of Florida March 7, 2023August 18, 2024

Tampa Republican files bill that could open door to pre-game prayers at high school sporting events

Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, included the proposal in a broader bill (SB 308) dealing with high-school sports.

by News Service of Florida January 23, 2023March 3, 2024

Tampa Sen. Janet Cruz’s re-election PAC collected $139k last week

Cruz is hoping to fend off Republican Jay Collins.

by News Service of Florida October 20, 2022October 19, 2023

Music

Concert review: Gregg Allman, a new lease on life – and music.

The rock legend struts his rejuvenated self at Ruth Eckerd Hall Tuesday night.

by Eric Snider and Rod Millington January 9, 2014October 2, 2024