Politics

After 7 years on the West Palm Beach Commission, Christina Lambert launches bid for Mayor

Published

2 weeks ago

January 14, 2025

Christina Lambert has spent the better part of a decade serving West Palm Beach residents on the City Commission. She now wants to take her talents to the municipality’s highest local office.

Lambert just launched a campaign to succeed term-limited West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James in March 2027.

She’ll have company. Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, whose term ends in 2026, confirmed he’s also seeking the job.

Lambert announced her candidacy during a Tuesday press conference at The Park golf course. More than 140 local residents and government, business, nonprofit, advocacy and faith leaders joined her to show their support, a press note from her campaign said.

Some are already endorsing her, including James, the West Palm Beach Firefighters Association and Fraternal Order of Police — West Palm Beach.

“For the last 7 years, I have had the honor and privilege to serve the residents of West Palm Beach as City Commissioner,” Lambert said in a prepared statement.

“When I think about serving my community, it rests on the foundation that I have made it my life’s mission to help others. To advocate for those who need a voice. To push for ideas that elevate others. And to fight for our community so that no one gets left behind.”

Lambert’s campaign priorities include keeping West Palm Beach safe and ensuring a diverse local economy that supports small businesses and local job creators. She vowed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship so that Palm Beach County’s most populous city is a leader in tech, health care, finance and other booming industries.

She wants to protect West Palm Beach’s open spaces and parks, address the city’s traffic issues, support its schools and increase government transparency. Ensuring that the city is welcoming to people of all demographic backgrounds is also on her to-do list.

Lambert said she hopes to set an example and open doors for women in the community.

“I am going to ensure that women have a seat at the head of the table, a voice in our community, and can accomplish their dreams,” she said.

James called Lambert “the best choice” for the city’s next Mayor.

“She has put in the time to understand our issues, our processes and our vision for the future,” he said in a prepared statement. “Christina understands that our city’s strength lies in its people, and she is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, and every need is met.”

Brian Lamb, President of the West Palm Beach Firefighters Association, said Lambert has the understanding of public safety necessary to lead the city.

“Our residents count on us to show up, and we count on leaders like Christina to give us what we need to save lives,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are proud to endorse her for Mayor of West Palm Beach.”

Adam Myers, President of the Fraternal Order of Police — West Palm Beach, said Lambert has displayed “unwavering commitment to public safety, community engagement, and the well-being of every resident in this city.”

“She understands the challenges we face on the front lines and (has) a clear vision for addressing crime, ensuring accountability, and fostering trust between our officers and the communities we serve,” he said. “This isn’t just about backing someone who supports us as police officers; it’s about choosing a leader who prioritizes a safer, stronger, and more united West Palm Beach.”

Lambert has led two large local nonprofits: Leadership Palm Beach County, where she worked as Executive Director; and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, where she served as CEO.

Since December 2021, she has worked as Chief Administrative Officer for Gordon & Partners, a personal injury law firm headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens.

Weiss, a retired business executive from California who won the County Commission’s District 2 seat in 2018, also listed traffic and government transparency as priorities. His goal, he said, is to “make West Palm Beach a city that works for everyone.”

Lambert may have an early edge in funding. A state-level political committee called Friends of Christina Lambert launched last month with a $252,000 donation from Citizens for Law Order and Ethics.

Both entities are controlled by Cornerstone Solutions founder and President Rick Asnani, who previously helped Lambert’s City Commission campaign efforts.

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Politics

Scott Franklin to head House Environment Subcommittee

Published

2 hours ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

Another Florida lawmaker will have a gavel for one of the U.S. House science subcommittees

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, will chair the House Environment Subcommittee.

House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chair Brian Babin, a Texas Republican, picked the Florida lawmaker for his expertise in the fields and the role the subcommittee would play on policy affecting the Sunshine State.

“I’m excited about our SST Committee assignments for this Congress,” Babin said. “The valuable expertise and diverse backgrounds that each member brings will be instrumental in strengthening U.S. leadership and competitiveness in science, space, and technology. We have a full agenda ahead that will prioritize advancing critical scientific research, fostering technological innovation, leading the world in space exploration, addressing regulatory burdens across industries, and more. Through our shared efforts, I am confident we can achieve our objectives and drive meaningful progress in our scientific endeavors. Let’s get to work!”

Franklin said he was enthusiastic about the assignment.

“I’m eager to tackle environmental research related to weather forecasting and ensuring disaster readiness,” Franklin said. “I thank Chairman Babin for this opportunity and look forward to advancing America First policy priorities to remain at the forefront of innovation and boost job growth.”

Babin praised Franklin’s conservative record on business issues.

“I’m confident Congressman Franklin will provide strong leadership for our Environment Subcommittee this Congress,” Babin said. “He has been a steadfast advocate against burdensome government regulations that stifle innovation and fail to address states’ needs. His perspective will be critical as we consider key weather legislation in the months ahead. I look forward to working with him to advance commonsense environmental policies and legislation.”

The same day, Babin assigned Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Harbor Beach Republican, to head the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommitee.

“Since the earliest days of our space program, Florida’s Space Coast has been the launchpad for America’s journey to the stars,” Haridopolos said. “From the Apollo missions that first carried Americans to the Moon to today’s groundbreaking private sector launches, our skies have always been at the forefront of space exploration. Space is central to our district’s identity and economy, providing countless high-paying jobs and opportunities.”

He praised Haridopolos’ knowledge of the Space Program.

“Over the past several years, the SST Committee has diligently worked to support and advance our nation’s space endeavors,” Babin said. “As the representative of Florida’s Space Coast, the Congressman brings valuable expertise and leadership that will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to keep America at the forefront of exploration and development. I am excited to work alongside him to propel our space agenda forward.”

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Politics

Disney plans to convert Star Wars hotel into Imagineers’ offices

Published

3 hours ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

It’s going to be an office far, far, away.

Disney World is converting the shuttered Star Wars hotel into office space for the famous Imagineers who will be designing new lands and projects at the theme parks.

The hotel’s update was reported by The Wrap and confirmed by other media outlets.

Disney closed the hotel September 2023 less than two years after it opened. The company had said it took a $300 million tax write off for shutting down the hotel after it reportedly had low occupancy.

At the hotel near Hollywood Studios, guests who were willing to pay nearly $5,000 for a two-night stay could pretend to be in their own Star Wars story at the hotel. Lightsabers included.

“Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms,” Disney said in a statement when it announced it was closing.

Why did it fail?

YouTuber Jenny Nicholson explained the list of reasons in a four-hour video called “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel” which captured 11 million views. The cost, the marketing, and not fully embracing the cosplay concept all likely hurt the hotel, she said.

The Wrap reported Disney had been considering using the empty hotel for a dinner theater-type experience but Disney ultimately settled on keeping the space closed to the public.

The Imagineers’ new office space comes as Disney World is starting a major expansion across several of its Orlando theme parks. Disney plans to build a Villains land and add “Cars” attractions at the Magic Kingdom as well as “Encanto” and Indiana Jones to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and “A Monsters, Inc.” land at Hollywood Studios. Disney is closing several longtime attractions in the process.

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Politics

Holland & Knight launches National Security & Defense Industry Group

Published

4 hours ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

D.C.-based partner Jason Klitenic will lead the 100-person team.

Holland & Knight is launching a National Security & Defense Industry Group led by D.C.-based partner Jason Klitenic.

The multinational law firm headquartered in Tampa said it’s taking on the new endeavor due to clients’ increasing demands amidst a complex national security landscape and rising global defense investments.

H&K expects the new practice will benefit from its already-established expertise in the defense, aerospace, cybersecurity and technology sectors. The 100-person team of practitioners led by Klitenic will cater to security and defense clients based the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

“To confront emerging global threats, our clients are continuing to create and fund the development of innovative defense solutions that support the U.S. and its allies around the world,” Klitenic said. “… Our team’s deep government connections in the U.S. and abroad, coupled with our firm’s established reputation for collaborating with government policymakers and operators on meaningful issues, enables us to advise clients on the full spectrum of legal, political and operational issues in this space.”

Klitenic’s background includes serving as General Counsel to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The Industry Group will also include former U.S. Intelligence Community members, high-ranking law enforcement officials and military veterans — Holland & Knight said the team’s diverse expertise will allow it to effectively navigate the intricacies of the national security landscape.

“In the many years that we have represented companies in the national defense and security sectors, we have built a substantial bench of premier practitioners across our geographic platform,” said Holland & Knight Chair and CEO Bob Grammig.

“We are excited to bring all of our global resources — comprising a unique mix of first-rate legal capabilities, a robust public policy and federal lobbying practice, and trusted relationships with U.S. government officials and foreign partners — under the umbrella of this new group. Together, this multidisciplinary team will continue to help our clients advance their strategic objectives.”

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