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How did David Straz spend $5 million on his campaign? Here are his top expenses

Tampa philanthropist spent record amount on losing campaign.
 
Published April 30, 2019|Updated April 30, 2019

Between his election campaign fund and his election communications organization called Tampa’s Bright Future, David Straz Jr. spent $4.9 million, mostly his own money, in his unsuccessful bid to be Tampa mayor. (Through April 18)

Here’s a breakdown of who got most of that money. The list is headed by Fletcher Ridge and Company, a political communications strategy firm. Its owner, Bill Fletcher, ran Straz’s campaign and made decisions about how campaign funds should be spent, according to several members of the campaign team.


Bill Fletcher (left) speaks to Mark Hanisee (right) at the David Straz mayoral election watch party April 23 at Wright's Gourmet House in Tampa. Straz lost the election to former police chief Jane Castor.

1. Fletcher Ridge & Company

$2,811,047.88

The Nashville based firm owned by Bill Fletcher purchased TV, radio and digital advertisements for the Straz campaign. Campaign insiders said they were never told what percentage Fletcher’s company took for booking ads.


2. FieldWorks

$335,279.50

The Washington, D.C., canvassing firm started work on the campaign in January. Its previous clients include Hillary Clinton for President and the National Democratic Council.


3. The Tyson Organization

$267,447.98

National communication strategy firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, whose clients include former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Conducted phone banking, telephone town halls, consulting, surveys and data management for Straz.


Brock Mikosky, then-Hillsborough County Team Leader for Marco Rubio for President campaign field office speaks to supporters and volunteers in Brandon on March 3, 2016. (OCTAVIO JONES | Times)

4. Momentum Strategy Group

$230,693.60

Florida consulting firm founded by Brock Mikosky whose clients include U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover.


5. The Kitchens Group

$179,500.00

Orlando public opinion firm billed Straz for surveys, focus groups and poll tracking.


6. E Allan Brandon

$108,297.63

Tennessee firm paid for design, printing, postage.


A mailer from the David Straz campaign that arrived in mailboxes on Feb. 26, 2019.

7. Postage costs

$85,681.25


8. Gunn Printing

$72,749.70

Straz’s campaign was a windfall for this Tampa printing firm.


Jarrod Holbrook speaks after the David Straz mayoral election watch party April 23 at Wright's Gourmet House in Tampa. Straz lost the election to former police chief Jane Castor. (ALLIE GOULDING | Times)

9. Jarrod Holbrook

$60,000.00

Former local TV news reporter worked as Straz’s communications director. He was paid $10,000 per month.


Mark Hanisee at the David Straz mayoral election watch party April 23 at Wright's Gourmet House in Tampa. (ALLIE GOULDING | Times)

10. Mark Hanisee

$56,198.61

Former Hillsborough County Democratic Party executive director worked as campaign manager but said most decisions were made by Fletcher. Hanisee was paid $5,300 per month.


11. Meri Forte-Namuj

$52,455.38

Campaign deputy manager who also ran campaign office.


12. Jacqueline Frankovich

$39,900.56

Campaign director/scheduler whose experience included a brief spell on Andrew Gillum’s gubernatorial campaign.


13. Impact Politics

$37,500.00

Firm based in Weston and run by Brian Franklin was paid for advertising buys and updates to website.


Patrick Manteiga, left, a board member of the Cuban Club, takes a tour of the club with state Sen. Darryl Rouson, D- St. Petersburg on May 2, 2018. (OCTAVIO JONES | Times)

14. Political Victory Company

$37,280.52

Local political mailer firm run by La Gaceta owner and publisher Patrick Manteiga was paid for mailers, mail management and consulting.

Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections

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