Daily Clips for December 30, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Scott calls on Panhandle base for support By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov.-elect Rick Scott appealed to his Panhandle base Wednesday to keep pressure on Tallahassee insiders to reduce the size of government, slash bureaucratic regulations and produce new jobs for Florida. Grand jury calls for reform, citing pervasive government corruption By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Saying corruption is "pervasive at all levels of government,'' a statewide grand jury released a report Wednesday calling for reforms to combat "mismanagement and theft'' by public officials. 2010 election gives Fla. many new faces in office By Brendan Farrington The Associated Press Florida's representation in government underwent a huge change in 2010 and voters can either blame or thank former Sen. Mel Martinez, depending on how they feel about it. Jeb Bush's Influence on Education Policy Spreads By Sean Cavanagh Education Week Three years ago, Jeb Bush left the Florida governor’s office with a legacy of having brought sweeping changes to his state’s education system, through hard-edged policies that gave parents and students more choices and demanded more of schools. BEST OF THE BLOGS As Transparent as Corporate America By Jake Rantings from Florida Government in the Sunshine. The concept is at the core of Florida government perhaps more than any other single philosophy, and something which has historically made us the pride of the nation among open records advocates. When The Goin’ Gets Tough, The GOP…Go To Disney World! By Inkberries Beach Peanuts If you’ve just been elected as Governor of a state that has an unemployment rate of 12% and state revenues $3.5 billion less than last year’s $70 billion budget, what is the first thing you would do before being sworn into office? Good and Bad in DJJ Transition Report, Part 1 By Bruce Seaman Daily Marion The 200+ page report from the Scott Transition team looking at the Department of Juvenile Justice lists 20 recommendations, many of which are worthy, but can also often seem disconnected from reality, or just nit-picky. Paul Phillips on the state of the RPOF Chair race By Paul Phillips St. Petersblog 2.0 The RPOF will pick a new chairman next month and every Republican in Florida is praying we do not end up with another complete assjacket like Jim Greer – who led the RPOF into a quagmire of money laundering, fraud, theft, and enough lawsuits to employ several attorneys for years. FLORIDA POLITICS Economy, missteps sank Crist's political career By Brendan Farrington The Associated Press Outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist will linger in some short-term memories for his failed independent Senate run and his pardon of singer Jim Morrison. Grand jury: Get tougher with crooked elected officials and government workers By Paula McMahon South Florida Sun-Sentinel A statewide grand jury investigating public corruption in Florida issued its first report late Wednesday, calling for tougher punishments and better laws to crack down on crooked elected officials and government employees. Gov.-elect Rick Scott gets a hero's welcome in the Panhandle By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott returned to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs Wednesday: the staunchly Republican Panhandle that played a important role in his winning election as Florida's next governor. Gov.-elect Scott vows to streamline regulations The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Gov.-elect Rick Scott told supporters Wednesday that if they support his agenda to create a more business-friendly climate in Florida, then they can't just wait until the next election to let people know. Crist's Future By Tom Jensen Public Policy Polling There hasn't been a lot of good news for Charlie Crist this year but as he prepares to leave office here's a little piece of it: he's actually finishing up with the best approval numbers PPP has found for him all year. Poll: Scott ‘the most unpopular newly elected Governor in the country’ By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Public Policy Polling released a new survey showing that Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s favorability numbers remain in the low 30s, though fewer view him unfavorably. Bondi Names Ex-Hillsborough Prosecutor Nick Cox To Be Statewide Prosecutor By Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida Incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi has tapped a former co-worker at the Hillsborough state attorney's office to be the next statewide prosecutor. Bill would reduce Florida's contribution to elected officials' retirement funds By Keona Gardner TC Palm Florida taxpayers could be spending less money on elected officials' retirement funds, if a state senator has his way. Haridopolos' judgement Editorial Orlando Sentinel What on Earth was Senate President Mike Haridopolos thinking when he hired a firm with ties to a legally compromised consultant — to advise him no less on reforming the Florida Retirement System? ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Rig owner refuses to honor oil spill subpoenas By Harry R. Weber The Associated Press Related: BP will survive the oil spill The owner of the rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico is refusing to honor subpoenas from a federal board that has challenged the company's involvement in monitoring the testing of a key piece of equipment that failed to stop the oil spill disaster. Where Things Stand: Gulf Oil Spill Claims By Sasha Chavkin ProPublica After the blowout of the Deepwater Horizon well triggered the largest oil spill in United States history, BP vowed to “Make it Right” for Gulf Coast residents affected by the spill. Fuel efficiency is the common-sense solution to oil addiction By Sarah Bucci Tampa Tribune Looking to Florida for a quick and easy fix is as old a scheme as the Fountain of Youth. FPL sued over program aimed at saving energy By Julie Patel South Florida Sun-Sentinel Florida Power & Light reimbursed contractors to paint thousands of homeowners' asphalt shingle roofs white to reflect sunlight – against the advice of the federal government and major roofing manufacturers. Keep pushing to clean up Everglades Editorial St. Petersburg Times The effort to restore the Florida Everglades is closing out the year with a flourish. EDUCATION A look back gives insight for future of Florida education news By Jeff Solochek St. Petersburg Times Some say the past is preview and prologue for the future. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Where Things Stand: Foreclosure Paperwork Scandal By Marian Wang ProPublica Some struggling homeowners are currently getting a temporary reprieve from foreclosure sales and evictions during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean all foreclosure cases have stopped moving through the courts — and it doesn’t mean we’re done covering the developments in the foreclosure scandal either. Florida is No. 3 in nation for slow pace of foreclosing on delinquent homeowners By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post The average Florida homeowner who went into foreclosure in November hadn't paid his mortgage in 10 months. Freeze Brings Growers Challenges By Kevin Bouffard Lakeland Ledger Agricultural producers won't know for weeks the full extent of their damage, but some, particularly citrus growers and tropical fish farmers, already worry about the long-term battering their industries may sustain following two major freezes this month. Florida's insurance pain set to deepen By Paige St. John Sarasota Herald-Tribune Florida homeowners' insurance woes are poised for a further upset. As gas prices go up, so does unease By Yvonne ayala McClellan Ft. Myers News-Press Gas prices keep climbing at a rapid rate and the sting is already being felt in Southwest Florida. HEALTH AND SENIORS Huckabee aligns with scam artist on ‘Repeal it Now’ anti-health care reform campaign By Brett Ader Florida Independent Think Progress has discovered that recent television commercials featuring Florida resident and former Gov. Mike Huckabee rallying viewers to sign a repeal petition against Obama’s health care reform measures are part of a campaign managed by 949 Media Group, a firm run by a notorious scam artist known for bilking struggling homeowners seeking to renegotiate their mortgages. Ruling may hinder pain clinic prosecutions By Bob LaMendola South Florida Sun-Sentinel An appeals court has thrown out drug trafficking charges against two Broward County men who obtained excessive amounts of pain pills by visiting multiple doctors, a ruling that law enforcement says may hinder the battle against rogue pain clinics. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida again among top five states for law enforcement fatalities By Robert Napper Florida Independent Florida has the dubious distinction of being among the top five states in the nation for the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty for the third year in a row.

Daily Clips for December 29, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Scott names two state agency heads By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov.-elect Rick Scott chose two newcomers Tuesday as his first selections of state agency heads, hiring a prisons director away from Indiana and putting a Wal-Mart planner in charge of emergency preparations. Gov.-elect Rick Scott meets with Tampa Bay legislators By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times A week before he will be sworn in as Florida's 45th governor, Rick Scott brought his boardroom brand of politics here Tuesday during a meeting with 16 lawmakers from the Tampa Bay area. FLORIDA POLITICS Scott hires outsiders to run prison system, emergency management By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Gov.-elect Rick Scott looked outside Florida to hire the first two agency heads in his new administration. Legislators share ideas with Scott in Tampa By Rachel Pleasant Tampa Tribune Gov.-elect Rick Scott was in Tampa on Tuesday on an information-gathering mission, listening as legislators talked about their goals for his upcoming term. Governor-elect to make Panhandle tour The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Governor-elect Rick Scott plans stops in Fort Walton Beach and Panama City as part of his inaugural appreciation tour. New Lt. Guv to be Sunshine State’s economic ambassador By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Most lieutenant governor’s fade out of the spotlight once they’ve taken office, but expect Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll to turn that tradition upside down. Big plans, but how doable? By Mark Lane Daytona Beach News-Journal Rick Scott's transition team is issuing stacks of proposals that are nothing if not bold. Sen. LeMieux plans to returns to law firm The Associated Press Tampa Tribune U.S. Sen. George LeMieux will return to Gunster law firm after leaving office. POLITICAL RACES Huckabee leads Florida in early 2012 poll By Patrick Caldwell Florida Independent Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has opened a lead in his current home state among 2012 Republican presidential candidates. Republicans want Jeb in 2012 -- for U.S. Senate By Doug Lyons South Florida Sun-Sentinel 72 Percent of Republicans in Florida want Jeb Bush to run against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida's senior senator and the last Democrat standing in a prominent statewide post. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Lawsuits piling up for EPA By Fred Hiers Ocala Star-Banner The lawsuits being filed against the Environmental Protection Agency are piling up, and more are likely to come following the agency’s decision to set nutrient pollution limits for Florida’s waters. Kelter again attacks EPA water quality rules By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent After coming under fire for lobbying to block EPA water quality standards and fueling a war of words with the St. Johns Riverkeeper in The Florida Times-Union, Clay County Councilman Mike Kelter is again blasting a set of water pollution standards he says are the result of “capricious and arbitrary lawsuits filed by environmental lobbyists.” Feinberg announces firms chosen to help with oil spill claims By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Oil spill claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg today announced the appointment of several law firms and companies specializing in claims processing to assist oil spill claimants in the busiest offices run by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Record-setting freeze wallop Florida farmers By Kevin Bouffard Lakeland Ledger Florida's tropical fish farmers lost most of their stocks to the mid-December freeze -- the second devastating freeze in 2010 -- and they may have been wiped out by the latest freeze on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Florida's consumer confidence level remains unchanged in December By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Florida's consumer confidence level was unchanged in December, but researchers noted a clear shift in some of the five components used to measure confidence. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Numerous states look to Arizona’s S.B. 1070 as a model for new immigration legislation By Luke Johnson Florida Independent The Saturday after the November elections that brought 680 Republican state legislators into office throughout the country, Texas Rep. Debbie Riddle started camping outside the Texas Capitol in Austin to be the first to file voter-I.D. legislation and an Arizona-style immigration bill for Texas. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida lawmakers send plea to parole board for dying HIV-positive woman By Todd A. Heywood Florida Independent View Comments Share7Florida lawmakers responding to reports on The Michigan Messenger, The Florida Independent and Bilerico have intervened in the case of Betsie Gallardo.

Daily Clips for December 28, 2010

FEATURED STORIES

Jetting through turbulent times, Gov.-elect Scott stays sunny and promises work on job front
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Gov.-elect Rick Scott started his new job a week before officially taking office, with an inaugural road show starting in his Naples hometown and winding up with a down-home barbecue in Clewiston.

Scott's tour stresses his campaign promises
By Bill Cotterell
Florida Capital News
Gov.-elect Rick Scott began his roll toward inauguration Monday with a tour to emphasize campaign promises.

Gov.-elect Scott eyes cuts for business power bills
By John Kennedy
News Service of Florida
With Gov.-elect Rick Scott promising to save businesses a stunning $3.2 billion on their electric bills, consumer groups are bracing for a fight, fearing his plan will push higher costs onto residential customers.

Florida job market to pick up a little in 2011, forecasters say
By Marcia Heroux Pounds
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Florida's job market will improve here and there, but a full recovery is still far away, according to a new economic forecast.

FLORIDA POLITICS

Old DUI case surfaces in contest to be head of Florida Republican party
By Janet Zink
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Deborah Cox-Roush has been on the defensive for weeks in her bid to become head of the state Republican Party, and now finds herself explaining an old driving-under-the-influence charge.

Enjoy the reprieve from political ads — it won't last
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
There's a legal battle raging across the country over whether to further de-regulate political advertising in the name of free speech, potentially opening the floodgates to more of the most utilized — some would say, annoying — form of communication with voters: the 30-second TV ad.

Don't sugarcoat reform
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
Even before Adam Putnam is sworn in, the incoming state agriculture commissioner has alerted Floridians there's a new sheriff in town.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Editors: BP oil spill top Fla. news story of 2010
By Terry Spencer
The Associated Press
The BP oil spill, which fouled Panhandle beaches and hurt tourism statewide as visitors feared their seaside vacations could be ruined, was Florida's top story in 2010, according to an Associated Press poll of the state's newspaper and broadcast editors.

Florida officials maintain pressure on Feinberg during transition
By Travis Pillow
Florida Independent
As a new cabinet prepares to take over the state’s executive branch, Florida officials are waging a multi-pronged campaign to appeal to oil spill claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg.

Regulator who partied with FPL officials now pushing utility-backed legislation
By Julie Patel
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Public Service Commission's former governmental affairs director, Ryder Rudd, who resigned after attending a Kentucky Derby party at the home of a Florida Power & Light executive last year, is now pushing for renewable energy legislation backed by the utility.

Scientists: 29 Fla. panther kittens born in 2010
The Associated Press
Palm Beach Post
State wildlife officials say there were 29 documented Florida panther kittens born in 2010, and another 30 to 40 likely were born to unmonitored panthers.

Home builder must pay $460,000 for wetlands violations
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
When one of South Florida's largest home builders received a federal permit seven years ago for a development called Doral, the approval came with some conditions.

EDUCATION

Proposed vouchers will break public education
By Barbara Brenner
Florida Times-Union
I am disturbed that our new governor, not even in office yet, has already proposed a framework to his "team" for radical changes which could make a troubled educational system into a failed one.

White kids leaving Florida public schools, more minorities signing up
By Denise-Marie Balona
Orlando Sentinel
I was taking a closer look this afternoon at the new enrollment figures that the state released for public schools this month.

JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY

Problems with foreclosure notices loom as next flaw in process
By Kimberly Miller
Palm Beach Post
Improperly served foreclosure notices may be the mortgage industry's next roadblock to repossessing homes.

Deadly December for Crops
By Whitney Ray
Capitol News Service
In just this month alone, Florida farmers have suffered 114 million dollars in crop damage due to the cold weather.

Can NASA compete with SpaceX?
By Robert Block
Orlando Sentinel
Early this month, a private company called SpaceX launched an unmanned version of its Dragon capsule into orbit, took it for a few spins around Earth, and then brought it home with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Holiday Retail Sales Rebound in Florida
By Scott Finn
WUSF Public Radio Tampa
If you thought the mall was a little crowded this holiday season, you’re right. This could be the best Christmas Florida retailers have seen in four years, according to Rick McAllister, president of the Florida Retail Federation.

Florida Betting on Casinos with No-Maximum Poker Rules
By Thomas R. Collins
Time Magazine
Live rock music pummels the air, martinis flow, and the slot machines and blackjack tables are jammed with hopeful gamblers.

HEALTH AND SENIORS

Medicare to Pay for End-of-Life Counseling After All
By Scott Finn
WUSF Public Radio Tampa
A new Medicare rule goes into effect January first that allows doctors to be reimbursed for talking with patients about end-of-life care.

Bill would criminalize the sale of fake pot in Florida
By Matt Dixon
Florida Times-Union
Identical bills filed by two Jacksonville-area lawmakers would make the sale of synthetic marijuana illegal in Florida.

Daily Clips for December 27, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Rick Scott must sell, not order, many ideas on his list of proposals By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Gov.-elect Rick Scott says it won't be business as usual when he takes the reins of the state's highest office on Jan. 4, and if he adopts the giant to-do list from the six groups on his transition team, there may be no doubt he has kept his promise. Scott's environment team says goal is to 'help make … development happen' By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times They were told to be bold. They were told to come up with something dramatic to shrink state government and create jobs. Gov-elect Rick Scott's team bucks GOP ideology, urges easing prison policy to cut costs By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Conservatives have been known to be tough on crime. Haridopolos fires pension consultant tied to Alabama banking scandal By Aaron Deslatte South Florida Sun-Sentinel Senate President Mike Haridopolos abruptly fired on Friday a consultant tied to an Alabama banking scandal, one day after the Orlando Sentinel disclosed the existence of the $90,000 contract. It paid to know Florida's pension fund boss; firm got deal despite red flags. By Sydney P. Freedberg St. Petersburg Times Related: Documents show how Florida pension fund money was steered to Bayview In the mortgage business, Bayview Financial Holdings is known as a "scratch and dent'' company. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Jeff Parker Florida Today Artist's commentary: Let The Turf Wars Begin FLORIDA POLITICS For changed Crist, ‘it was a difficult time to govern’ By Steve Bousquet Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau He rode a wave of optimism into office four years ago, but Gov. Charlie Crist leaves behind a very different Florida when his term expires next week. Alex Sink glances back at loss of governor's race, looks ahead By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Stung by a narrow defeat in a governor's race she says she never expected to lose, Alex Sink is retiring from public office, but not from public view. Wallets open to toast Scott By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune Governor-elect Rick Scott plans to mark his ascension to the most powerful post in the state with a black-tie inaugural ball, a candlelight dinner with donors, a parade and barbecues and breakfasts with supporters across the state. Florida Gov.-elect Scott's inaugural celebrations begin Monday around the state Staff Report Palm Beach Post Events for Gov.-elect Rick Scott's inauguration begin Monday and continue through his inauguration day, Jan. 4. State senator: Make 'Merry Christmas' official greeting The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A Florida lawmaker doesn't want to hear "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" on Dec. 25 — just "Merry Christmas." Congressional boost piques local interest By Sara Kennedy Bradenton Herald The addition of two new Florida congressional seats from a higher census count could set off a scramble in Manatee-Sarasota. POLITICAL RACES Commissioners will discuss Alvarez recall Staff Report Miami Herald Miami-Dade County commissioners have scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday to consider when to hold a recall election involving county Mayor Carlos Alvarez. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY To fix Gulf's woes, think years and billions of dollars By Kevin Spear Orlando Sentinel Related: BP oil spill hit Florida hard, but claimants remain frustrated John Hankinson Jr., a veteran of many of Florida's biggest environmental battles, is now the federal government's point man for one of the nation's most pressing challenges: cleaning up the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. Oil debris still washing up on Panhandle beaches The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Bits of oil are still washing up on some Florida Panhandle beaches, months after BP's leaking undersea well was plugged. Scott appointments could affect U.S. Sugar options, water district’s future By Eric Staats Naples Daily News On the campaign trail this summer, Rick Scott stood outside the South Florida Water Management District offices in West Palm Beach at a tea party rally and protested the district’s plan to buy U.S. Sugar land for Everglades restoration. Tallahassee responds to report claiming toxic chromium-6 in city tap water By Brett Ader Miami Herald Officials from the City of Tallahassee today issued a statement responding to a report released earlier this week that identifies Florida’s capital, along with Miami, as one of 31 U.S. cities with municipal water supplies that contain hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing carcinogen. Stunting growth oversight Editorial Orlando Sentinel It's appalling how Gov.-elect Rick Scott and legislative leaders have vilified the Department of Community Affairs — the state's invaluable growth management arm — as a prelude to dismantling it. LGBT Vice President Joe Biden sees gay marriage consensus By David Lightman McClatchy News Service Attitudes toward same-sex marriage are “evolving,” and a national consensus for gay marriage is inevitable, Vice President Joe Biden said Friday. EDUCATION Teachers give higher grade to merit pay By Kathleen McGrory Miami Herald The teacher pay debate that rocked Tallahassee last spring is back. Local leaders question governor-elect's school-voucher reform plan By Linda Trimble Daytona Beach News-Journal Vouchers for all students. Merit pay for teachers, but no tenure for new hires. Do voucher advocates really want vouchers for everybody? By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Some do. Some don't. And where the fault lines surface in Florida, especially among Republican lawmakers, may be key as Gov.-elect Rick Scott's proposal for universal vouchers ("education savings accounts") gets consideration in coming months. For-profit colleges face new rules in Florida By Scott Travis South Florida Sun-Sentinel For-profit colleges are ending a tumultuous year with more regulation in Florida and more battles against critics in Washington, D.C. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY No hurricanes, but bigger insurance bills on the way By Paige St. John Sarasota Herald-Tribune More than 4 million Florida homeowners, battered by property insurance rate hikes and disappearing coverage, are about to get hit again. State official's profitable deal with Office Depot may cost governments and nonprofits nationally By Matt Clark Naples Daily News The oft-criticized and outgoing head of the state agency in charge of purchasing has handed a profitable deal to a Florida business at the potential cost of government agencies and nonprofit organizations across the country, an ongoing Daily News investigation found. Novice Florida lawyers draw suspicion in foreclosure mess By Christine Stapleton and Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Recently out of law school and looking for work, scores of young Florida attorneys found steady paychecks in burgeoning firms whose business is based on repossessing the American dream. Farmworkers struggle to eat, pay bills after Florida freezes By Katy Bishop Naples Daily News Since freezes began decimating Florida crops, life has been a struggle for Maria Gabriela Chaires and her family. Tampa Bay residents support high-speed train, but not light rail By David DeCamp and Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times At 74, Mike Suhoza wants a high-speed train to run from Tampa to Orlando. Throwing money down the drain Editorial Ocala Star-Banner Faced with at least a $3.5 billion budget shortfall, maybe Florida’s legislators will finally be pushed into closing one of the biggest sales-tax loopholes around. HEALTH AND SENIORS Next agriculture chief stops state's push to bar flavored milk in schools By Denise-Marie Balona Orlando Sentinel Adam Putnam, who will soon take over as Florida's agriculture commissioner, has put a halt to the state's effort to ban chocolate milk and most other high-sugar drinks in Florida schools. Medicaid tightens its grip on funding By Mackenzie Ryan Florida Today On a recent morning, Tony Lento turns toward his grandmother Ann DeMaria, who is raising him. His grin widens when she says his name. State's war on pain clinics sidetracked By Scott Hiaasen Miami Herald Over the past two years, Florida lawmakers have waged war on storefront pain clinics, passing a succession of laws to rein in a rogue industry feeding a black market in prescription painkillers. Don't deny Floridians benefits of health reform Editorial St. Petersburg Times Health care reform is about to deliver to consumers one of its most valuable benefits so far. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Dream Act's immigrant supporters awaken to loss, but vow to press GOP for path to citizenship By John Lantigua Palm Beach Post When the Senate refused to pass the immigration bill known as the Dream Act last week, a bunch of undocumented young people in South Florida found themselves on the wrong side of the nation's contentious political divide. Activists beg U.S. to allow faster entry for Haitians By John Lantigua Palm Beach Post South Florida Haitian community leader Marlene Bastien is hoping for a big Christmas present this season from President Obama. Educating or fear-mongering? The controversy over ACT! By Deirdre Conner Florida Times-Union When ACT! for America's Jacksonville chapter began attacking a local Muslim scholar this year, it might have appeared to be the isolated action of a fringe group. Arizona-like immigration bill a distraction for Florida Editorial South Florida Sun-Sentinel With as much as they have on their plate, it makes no sense for lawmakers in Tallahassee to distract and divide themselves with an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS State expands foreclosure probe By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post The Florida Attorney General's Office has expanded its investigation of alleged foreclosure misconduct by law firms, adding companies to its initial list of four, according to an attorney for one of the original firms.

Daily Clips for December 24, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Study shows immigrants, legal and otherwise, helped state win seats in Congress By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times This week's announcement that Florida will pick up two congressional seats and a pair of electoral votes certainly enhances the state's clout in Washington. More power for parents is at the heart of Scott's education team proposals By Ron Matus and Jeffrey S. Solochek St. Petersburg Times Related: Rick Scott's gunning for collective bargaining That theme echoes throughout the 20 sprawling pages of reform ideas that Gov.-elect Rick Scott's education team unveiled this week. Researcher: Scott transition team misused my work By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel The transition team for Gov.-elect Rick Scott wants to overhaul Florida's unemployment system, but an economist cited in the team's just-released report says his work has been misused and misinterpreted. Haridopolos hires consultant tied to Alabama bribes-for-bonds scheme By Aaron Delatte Orlando Sentinel Senate President Mike Haridopolos has hired a consultant connected to a massive federal public corruption investigation in Alabama to advise him on the best ways to squeeze savings out of the Florida Retirement System. Scott's irresponsible stand on regulation Editorial St. Petersburg Times Incoming Gov. Rick Scott's disdain for government regulation appears to be absolute — and absolutely irresponsible. BEST OF THE BLOGS After Taking Big Sugar Money, Florida Ag. Commissioner Adam Putnam Seeks To Halt Soda Ban In Schools By Scott Keyes Think Progress Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) has yet to take office in his new role as Florida Agriculture Commissioner, but he’s already making his Big Sugar contributors smile. Florida’s Redistricting Timeline Appears To Be the Worst in the Nation By Kenneth Quinnell Florida Progressive Coalition As previously reported Florida’s deadline for redistricting is June 18, 2012. “Great Scott!” He’s Off To A Bad Start By Inkberries Beach Peanuts He hasn’t even been sworn in yet, and already Rick Scott’s administration is stalled. Who's Actually Running Redistricting By Ray Seaman Progress Florida Florida will gain two new congressional districts as a result of the census. FLORIDA POLITICS After productive lame-duck session, Obama’s numbers up in Florida By Luke Johnson Florida Independent President Obama’s approval ratings have rebounded somewhat since the midterm elections in Florida, according to a Public Policy Polling survey released Wednesday. Scott inaugural tour to visit 7 Fla. cities The Associated Press Miami Herald Governor-elect Rick Scott plans to visit seven Florida cities on an inaugural appreciation tour next week. 'Tallahassee Taj Mahal' is where Scott can make first appeal for 'change' By Randy Schultz Palm Beach Post Given his comments, Gov.-elect Rick Scott wants to change Tallahassee right down to the toilet paper. Charlie Crist's last act of defiance By Gary Fineout The Fine Print Lost in the swirl of the holidays - and the impending arrival of Governor-elect Rick Scott - is that the outgoing governor late last Friday used his executive power for one final time in a way that goes beyond the way it has traditionally been used. Will Buchanan campaign lawsuit tarnish former manager’s bid to run the state GOP? By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent On Monday, The Florida Independent reported on a lawsuit filed by the Federal Election Commission, alleging campaign fraud during Rep. Vern Buchanan‘s 2006 and 2008 congressional campaigns. Three-agency merger a bad idea built on a myth Editorial Palm Beach Post Imagine combining an Italian restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and an Indian restaurant, then telling them to work out a joint menu. Manicotti Moo Shu Tandoori anyone? A harmful Bill of Rights: Mike Haridopolos' hypocritical legislation would tie the hands of elected local governments Editorial Orlando Sentinel Florida's legislators want voters to judge them on how they manage to create jobs. POLITICAL RACES 2012 GOP hopefuls skip Hispanic Leadership Conference being held in Coral Gables By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Politico reports that a number of presumed 2012 GOP hopefuls are not attending an inaugural conference by a new group of Hispanic Republicans that co-chair Jeb Bush termed “an exciting new opportunity to engage with an important and fast-growing community.” BALLOT INITIATIVES American Life League unsure about collaborating with Personhood Florida By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent The American Life League, a national anti-abortion group that has supported fetal personhood amendments in the past, tells The Florida Independent it is not sure how extensively it will involve itself in the campaign being mounted now by Personhood Florida. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Fed board: Keep companies from oil spill evidence By Harry R. Weber The Associated Press The credibility of the investigation into the Gulf oil spill is being undermined because representatives of companies that made or maintained a key piece of evidence - the blowout preventer - have had too much access to it as it is being analyzed, a federal board says. EDUCATION Rick Scott's education team urges giving parents more choices By Tonya Alanez and Rafael A. Olmeda South Florida Sun-Sentinel Families would have more educational choices while teachers would face radical changes in pay and job security under a package of recommendations presented this week to Gov.-elect Rick Scott by his education transition team. Education folly: Scott's voucher plan doesn't jibe By Stephen Goldstein South Florida Sun-Sentinel Our I-can't-believe-he-was elected governor, Rick Scott, has gotten a bum steer. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Scott team generates worries on electric rates By John Kennedy News Service of Florida With Gov.-elect Rick Scott promising to save businesses $3.2 billion on their electric bills, consumer groups are bracing for a fight, fearing his plan will push higher costs onto residential customers. Transition team wants Florida to boost business By Bill Kaczor Associated Press President Calvin Coolidge once said "the chief business of the American people is business." Rick Scott: Is Florida Ready For Its "Open For Business" Governor? By Tim Padgett Time Magazine Florida has some of the broadest open-government laws in the country. HEALTH AND SENIORS Activists decry Gov.-elect Rick Scott's plan to close Office of Drug Control By Leonora LaPeter Anton St. Petersburg Times Lynn Locascio voted for Rick Scott. But when she learned he plans to close the governor's Office of Drug Control, she started writing letters to everyone she knows. Inhaler drug: South Florida Medicare fraud cost taxpayers nearly $30 million, investigators say By Kelli Kennedy The Associated Press A scam tricked Medicare into paying for nearly 10 times more units of an inhaler drug than were available in South Florida, costing taxpayers millions, according to a federal investigation released Wednesday. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Smart Justice: Rick Scott wants 'bold' ideas, so end capital punishment Editorial Palm Beach Post Gov.-elect Rick Scott's transition team has proposed some terrific ideas for shifting the focus of Florida's criminal justice system to rehabilitation, not just incarceration.

Daily Clips for December 23, 2010

FEATURED STORIES A closer look at Rick Scott's jobs plan shows his challenges By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau As CEO of the country's largest hospital chain, Rick Scott earned a reputation for setting aggressive cost-saving goals and constantly monitoring the progress. Make Floridians getting unemployment benefits work for their money, Gov.-elect Rick Scott is advised By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Paring back on library spending and forcing those receiving unemployment benefits to work for their money are among the recommendations Gov.-elect Rick Scott heard in the final briefings from his transition team on Tuesday. Scott's team ready to shake it up By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov.-elect Rick Scott's efficiency team recommended shaking up state personnel and administrative systems Wednesday to create a "high-performance culture" in Florida government similar to modern, computerized business practices of the private sector. Rick Scott moves to eliminate Florida's Office of Drug Control By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau All four full-time employees working in the governor's Office of Drug Control were told Friday by Gov.-elect Rick Scott's team that their services will no longer be needed after he takes office next month. According to docs, blocking Amendment 6 one of Brown, Diaz-Balart’s ‘official duties’ By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent Financial records for two Florida congresspeople indicate that legal expense funds associated with their offices were created in order to defray legal costs that arise “in connection with [their] official duties and position in Congress” — so why is that money being used to sue to block a Florida constitutional amendment that will handicap politicians’ ability to gerrymander districts? FLORIDA POLITICS Scott gets government advice out of the Sunshine By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Gov.-elect Rick Scott is meeting for the third and final day with his transition teams to get advice on how to revamp Florida government when he takes office on Jan. 4. Scott hearing push-back from interest groups By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Gov.-elect Rick Scott is being advised to perform radical surgery on state government, consolidating agencies tasked with overseeing everything from hospitals to highways. City expected to reap inaugural bonanza By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov.-elect Rick Scott's inaugural festivities will generate about $4.5 million in economic activity, mostly in Tallahassee, event planners estimated Wednesday. Ag. Commissioner took $61K in contributions from sugar/dairy before seeking to halt ban on sugary drinks in schools By Brett Ader Florida Independent Incoming Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam recently petitioned the State Board of Education to delay considering a ban on sugary drinks in schools, claiming the focus on soda and chocolate milk does not address the broader picture of school nutrition while insisting students will be better served once the Department of Agriculture is given authority under the president’s new child nutrition bill to establish standards for all school food offerings. Reform advocate says Florida's political map is littered with "dozens'' of gerrymandered districts: Mostly True By Laura Figueroa St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald PolitiFact Following a polarizing midterm election, and with intensifying partisan bickering over everything from taxes to health care, a group dubbing itself No Labels is hoping to start an earnest discussion about policy over politics. Florida the only state where those in retirement system aren't asked to contribute? Mostly True By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times Gov.-elect Rick Scott is taking office next month with big plans to cut state spending. Who's in, who's out in Rick Scott administration Staff Report St. Petersburg Times Last week, Gov.-elect Rick Scott revoked the pink slips for at least six of Gov. Charlie Crist's department heads and at least 400 other mid to upper-level managers while he takes his time to staff up his new administration, according to a list released by the Scott transition team Monday. Fla. governor's office takes issue with The Doors' dissing of Morrison pardon By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Jim Morrison's bandmates and family said Wednesday that Florida's recent pardon of the late rocker wasn't necessary - they contend he didn't do what he was convicted of - and an apology from the state and Miami would be more appropriate. POLITICAL RACES Youth Vote Will be Key in 2012 Presidential Election By Dennis Maley Bradenton Times Much has been made of the so called message that voters sent this November. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Expert: New Florida governor risks repeating past growth mistakes By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com A recommendation to Governor-elect Rick Scott that the state transportation, environmental and planning agencies be combined suggests a return to Florida's past growth management mistakes, a University of Florida planning expert said Tuesday. Wacissa Water War By Mike Vasilinda Capital News Service A battle is brewing just east of the state capitol in rural Jefferson County, over the rights to water from a pristine river. Record number of manatees have officials urging boaters to be cautious By Sonja Isger Palm Beach Post The holidays have seemingly cleared the highways of commuters, but manatee traffic is building to record numbers in Palm Beach County waterways, and wildlife officials are urging boaters to use caution. LGBT After repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell,' gays ousted from military now hoping to return By David Crary The Associated Press Related: Extended Pentagon video of President Obama signing repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' Joseph Rocha reported being cruelly hazed by Navy colleagues. Katherine Miller resigned from West Point halfway through, weary of concealing her sexual orientation. David Hall was outed by a fellow Air Force cadet and booted from the career he loved. A milestone, but miles to go By Michael Kenny Miami Herald Imagine runners in the New York Marathon stopping a mile into the course, sitting down and congratulating each other on a great accomplishment. EDUCATION Voucher supporter: Rick Scott's plan for universal vouchers NOT a good idea By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Related: Five interesting things about Rick Scott's education team plan Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott's plans for vouchers for all ("education savings accounts") has drawn plenty of heat from advocates of traditional public schools. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY SunRail's $173 million escrow account moves commuter rail one step closer to construction phase By Dan Tracy Orlando Sentinel The SunRail commuter train passed a major milestone Wednesday when the state placed $173 million in an escrow account to pay for the tracks the system would use. Panel proposes cutting Fla. unemployment costs The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Governor-elect Rick Scott's economic development transition team has recommended cutting off unemployment compensation for jobless Floridians who don't spend enough time looking for work. HEALTH AND SENIORS Scott advisors doubt need for public hospitals By John Dorschner Miami Herald Advisors to Governor-elect Rick Scott are questioning the need for the state's public hospitals -- a group that includes Jackson Health System and the North and South Broward hospital districts. Docs insist on lead role By Jim Saunders and Carol Gentry Health News Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott's transition team offered a controversial proposal this week to merge the Florida Department of Health and Agency for Health Care Administration. Scott-speak: New ideas, new lingo By Jim Saunders Health News Florida State employees had better develop an "entrepreneurial spirit" and a “start-up company philosophy.” State Awards Contract For Creating Patient Health Care Records By Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida A Melbourne technology giant will be paid $19 million by the state to create a network of patient health care records that can be easily accessed by health care providers. Influenza spiking early, lines short for vaccines, state says By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post Influenza is back, and it's surging about two weeks earlier than usual in Florida, health officials said today. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Rep. Snyder asks public for input on Arizona-type immigration law for Florida By Jim Turner TC Palm State Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, who is planning a bill that mirrors aspects of the Arizona illegal immigration law, will hold a public meeting to get input on his proposal Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Cummings Library. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Report: Fla. has 1,403 gangs with 56,200 members The Associated Press Palm Beach Post Florida's first gang census shows the state has 1,403 documented gangs with 56,200 members, associates and suspected members. Scott's plan for juveniles gets support By John Kennedy News Service of Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott drew some support Wednesday for what is shaping up as a plan to reduce spending in the state's Juvenile Justice Department by keeping children out of costly residential lockups.

Daily Clips for December 22, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Fla. gains clout: Picks up 2 House seats with 17.6 percent growth in past decade By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Florida will gain two congressional seats and become an even more coveted presidential prize with two more electoral votes as a result of new census figures released today. Scott advised to slash and merge By Mary Ellen Klas and Janet Zink Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Gov.-elect Rick Scott should arrive in the state capital with a wrecking ball to tear down a dozen state agencies and merge them together to save money and streamline services, advisors to the new governor say in a series of transition reports delivered to him this week. Scott team wants vouchers, merit pay By Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida Florida schools should enact a number of changes championed by former Gov. Jeb Bush, including expanding school choice, eliminating teacher job protection and basing educators' pay on student performance, members of Gov.-elect Rick Scott's transition team said Tuesday. Scott transition team recommends combining development, environmental agencies By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Incoming Gov. Rick Scott should fold the three agencies now overseeing environmental protection, growth management and transportation into a single agency called the Department of Growth Leadership, according to a report Monday from a transition team he appointed. Scott picks five top staffers, with Tampa Army vet as chief of staff By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Governor-elect Rick Scott on Tuesday named a one-time congressional candidate from the Tampa Bay area as his chief of staff. FLORIDA POLITICS Battle over Florida redistricting begins By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Florida legislators got the official go-ahead Tuesday to start a two-year argument over redrawing the state's congressional and legislative districts. Florida's political clout could intensify partisan wrangling By Deirdre Conner Florida Times-Union Population increases have raised the stakes in Florida's upcoming battles over redrawing congressional and state legislative districts. Senate prez promises everyone gets a voice in redistricting By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos on Florida's new congressional seats: "With today’s release of the 2010 census results, Florida’s clout among our country’s 49 other states continues to rise. Big gains for Republicans in reapportionment of congressional seats By Luke Johnson Florida Independent The Census Bureau announced the results of the decennial process of reapportioning congressional districts by state Tuesday morning, and Republicans stand to gain from the results based on growth patterns in the South and West. 'Taj Mahal' judges, officials invited to testify before Senate committee By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Two judges and other officials who participated in the planning of the new 1st District Court of Appeal building have been invited to explain the lavish courthouse at a state Senate committee meeting in January. Scott names inner circle By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Gov.-elect Rick Scott has hired a military lifer, a Jeb Bush ally, and his long-time policy adviser to serve as his chief lieutenants when he takes over on Jan. 4. Scott urged to merge state agencies, privatize hospitals and eliminate growth rules By Gary Fineout and Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Governor-elect Rick Scott was urged on Monday to make a startling overhaul of state government, as he was called on to merge state agencies, change the type of health care services the poor receive, and revamp the way the state keeps tab on its growth. Scott’s transition team: Scott should rebrand and restructure ‘the company’ By Travis Pillow Florida Independent According to slides released Monday by his transition team, Gov.-elect Rick Scott‘s efforts to overhaul Florida’s state government could be branded as an attempt to “restructure ‘the company.’” Gov.-elect Scott gives state workers pink slips for Christmas By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Scores of employees in the upper reaches of state government, including the governor's drug czar and his small staff, got pink slips during the week before Christmas. Jacksonville car dealer target of federal election donation probe By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union The Federal Election Commission is suing a now-shuttered Jacksonville car dealership and its owner because it says employees were reimbursed for nearly $68,000 in campaign contributions to a Florida congressman, a breach of federal election law. Oh, what $2 mil would buy By Russ Kesler Orlando Sentinel OK. I'll be candid here. I didn't vote for Rick Scott. I could say why, but he probably wouldn't be interested, and that's water under the bridge anyway. Florida's rising political profile Editorial St. Petersburg Times Florida's two additional congressional seats will come at an opportune time. POLITICAL RACES Dem pollster’s early line: Sen. Nelson in ‘decent shape’ for 2012 reelection By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Related: Jeb Bush only Republican to lead Bill Nelson Democratic firm Public Policy Polling says Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, who’s up for reelection in 2012, begins with “tepid” support from his own party and has failed to make an impression on a “remarkable” 31 percent of Florida voters despite being a Senator nearly 10 years. Recall vote on mayor in the clear By Matthew Haggman Miami Herald Setting the stage for a recall election of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Clerk of Courts Harvey Ruvin announced Tuesday that the necessary signatures have been legally collected to require a vote. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY When An Environmental Accident Becomes A Crime Talk of the Nation NPR The U.S. Department of Justice is suing BP and other companies associated with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. LGBT Military will write the rules on repeal of gay ban By Lolita C. Baldor The Associated Press Gays and lesbians will be treated just like any other soldiers, sailors, airmen or marines, the new rules say. EDUCATION With no government regulations, online high schools can be costly pursuits By Mc Nelly Torres Florida Center for Investigative Reporting Rodolfo M. Rodriguez, a 24-year-old cashier at a gas station in Davie, was searching online for a school that would allow him to earn a high school diploma. State Rep. Marty Kiar says teachers in Georgia earn $6,000 more than Florida: True By Amy Sherman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald PolitiFact No public school teachers in Florida expect to get rich when they start their careers, but could they earn a bigger paycheck if they moved to Georgia? After FCAT hype -- true test for success Editorial Miami Herald After the hype this month when a record number of Florida's public high schools received an A or B grade from the state, the reality has set in: Next year's measuring stick will have to be tougher. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida Among List of Fiscally Unhealthy States, but Retirees May Have Own Criteria By Robert Powell Marketwatch Plenty of folks are aware of the best states for retirees. But what are the 10 worst states in which to spend your golden years? Slow recovery will pick up pace by 2012, UCF economist says By Becky Bowers St. Petersburg Times Impatient with the climb out of Florida's economic sinkhole? HEALTH AND SENIORS Scott plans Health Department shake-up By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post State Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros, head of the Florida Department of Health, is resigning following a withering attack on her management by Gov.-elect Rick Scott's transition team. Could prison health care go private? By John Kennedy News Service of Florida One of Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s most high-profile campaign promises – to slash $1 billion from the state’s prison system – drew a powerful pushback when the union representing correctional officers aired television spots warning he would start releasing inmates to reduce spending. Medicaid battle begins: Sink report puts $69 million pricetag on giving docs immunity By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald As the Legislature and now Gov.-elect Rick Scott consider giving doctors immunity from lawsuits in return for treating Medicaid patients, a new report warns that such an arrangement would cost taxpayers at least $69 million a year. Study finds Tallahassee, Miami tap water contains cancer-causing chromium-6 By Brett Ader Florida Independent A report published Monday by the Environmental Working Group concluded that Tallahassee and Miami are among 31 U.S. cities it found to have the carcinogenic chemical chromium-6 present in its municipal tap water. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Death-penalty executions drop nationwide By Anthony Colarossi Orlando Sentinel Florida is following a national trend of executing fewer death row prisoners, according to a year-end report released today by the Death Penalty Information Center.