FEATURED STORIES
Bill to transform rail policy in Florida passes Senate 27-10, goes to governor
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Related column: No logical explanation for state's rail deal with CSX
A deal Tuesday between the AFL-CIO, state transportation officials and Tri-Rail paved the way for a rail bill to cruise to an easy 27-10 vote in the Senate ahead of schedule.
Donations to Sen. LeMieux's PAC feather his temporary job
By Alex Leary
St. Petersburg Times
The political transformation of George LeMieux took another turn Tuesday as lobbyists and corporate interests lined up to fill his newly created political action committee with donations.
Sink loses push for more pension-fund oversight
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
In a starkly partisan vote that split two candidates for governor, the board managing Florida's pension fund and treasury investments punted to the Republican-run Legislature on Tuesday on proposed changes to oversight of how the taxpayers' money is managed.
Florida's Turf War Over Fertilizer Pollution Heats Up
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
The turf war over fertilizer use is heating up in Hillsborough County this week. On Wednesday, the county commission, in its dual role as the Environmental Protection Commission, considers limiting fertilizer pollution in area waterways.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Commuter rail bill criticized as CSX 'sweetheart deal'
By Brandon Larrabee
Florida Times-Union
The Senate overwhelmingly approved a commuter-rail measure Tuesday despite criticism from some that it would clear the way for a "sweetheart deal" for Jacksonville-based CSX Corp.
New bill revives call to deregulate private homeowners insurers
By John Frank and Shannon Colavecchio
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Lawmakers are again pushing to deregulate the state's property insurance market, a move that could increase rates for most policyholders.
Haridopolis elected senate president-designate
By Michael Peltier
TC Palm
Sen. Mike Haridopolos will lead the Florida Senate in 2010 if Republicans retain control of the chamber in November after he was elected Senate president-designate by his GOP peers Tuesday.
Next Senate President: Bring back leadership funds
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, will be officially designated on Tuesday by the Republican Caucus to become the next Senate president starting after the 2010 elections.
Florida's corruption probe: Grand jury can be useful but empower Ethics Commission
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
After three tries, the Florida Supreme Court finally granted Gov. Charlie Crist's request for a far-flung statewide grand jury investigation of corruption and ethics violations in local and state governments.
2010 RACES
Ferre, Meek at odds on Afghan plan
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Seeking a foothold in the U.S. Senate race, long-shot Democratic contender Maurice Ferre on Tuesday sided with his party's most liberal wing and said he opposes President Barack Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan.
Which is it, Marco?
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
As speaker of the Florida House last year, Marco Rubio supported rail as an economic investment.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Protecting students: Don't give back hard-won gains from Florida's class-size amendment
Editorial
Florida Today
In 2002, Florida residents fed up with poorly funded, overcrowded schools spoke out to force lawmakers to support public education.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
UF panel emphasizes impact of sit-ins in fight for civil rights
By Nathan Crabbe
Gainesville Sun
As a civil rights organizer in the 1960s, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons worked for more than a year in the Klu Klux Klan hotbed of Laurel, Miss.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Governors to meet over tri-state water dispute
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
The governors of Alabama, Florida and Georgia likely won't have a proposed water-sharing agreement in hand next week when they meet to discuss the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system, a Florida official said today.
Cabinet rejects county landowners' efforts to intensify developments
By Jennifer Sorentrue and Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet today unanimously ordered Palm Beach County to rescind a pair of growth plan amendments that would have expanded development density for two property owners.
Ten years after
Editorial
Gainesville Sun
It's been 10 years since the EPA was petitioned to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Florida's space economy threatened by shuttle's end
By Michael Connor
Reuters
At El Leoncita Cuban & Mexican Restaurant near the Kennedy Space Center on Florida's "space" coast, a bar sign says it all: "No happy hour on launch days."
EDUCATION
Barron to be FSU president
By Doug Blackburn
Tallahassee Democrat
Eric Barron, hired Tuesday to be Florida State University's 14th president, is a highly regarded climatologist with a gift for fundraising.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
GOP: Extend FL shield to all
By Carol Gentry
Health News Florida
A cushion for 800,000 Florida seniors against steep cuts to Medicare Advantage plans under the pending Senate health bill would be extended to all beneficiaries enrolled in the plans under an amendment introduced Monday afternoon by Republican Sen. John McCain.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Scott Rothstein partner denies earning $6M
By Amy Sherman
Miami Herald
Stuart Rosenfeldt's attorney said Monday that Scott Rothstein did not pay Rosenfeldt $6 million last year, despite that salary being listed in a court filing last week.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Daily Clips for December 8, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Rail bill, after sailing through Florida House, faces Senate fight
By Steve Bousquet, Shannon Colavecchio and Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Related editorial: Senate's turn to improve rail bill
A bill fast-tracking Florida rail projects raced out of the House with strong support Monday but slowed to a crawl in the Senate, barely surviving a 5-4 committee vote.
Dockery rails on stimulus issue, hoping to step off at governor's mansion
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Could a special session bill that few people can easily explain help launch a gubernatorial campaign?
FLORIDA POLITICS
Florida House votes 84-25 to send comprehensive rail package to Senate
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
Three and half-hours ahead of schedule, the House this morning voted 84-25 to send a comprehensive rail package to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.
West Tampa Democrat surfacing as likely successor to Scionti
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Within minutes of Tampa state Rep. Michael Scionti announcing his resignation to take a position with the Obama administration, a West Tampa activist has emerged as his possible successor.
Fund-raiser says her event sought money for Miami Rep. Rivera during session
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Florida House budget Chairman David Rivera may have violated a fund-raising ban during a legislative session by passing out envelopes with suggestions for donations Friday at a campaign event.
2010 RACES
Rubio straddles the middle on rail issue
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
As speaker of the Florida House, Marco Rubio voted for a similarly controversial SunRail commuter rail project and published a book of policy ideas touting investments in rail, highways and transit as huge job creators.
Lawson won't enter race for CFO
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
State Sen. Al Lawson, Florida's longest-serving legislator, said Monday he is not interested in switching his political sights to a race for chief financial officer next year.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Transgender teen: McDonald's refused to hire me
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
A transgender teen in Orlando has filed a discrimination complaint against a McDonald's restaurant whose managers refused to interview her for a job.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
New Coalition Could Mean 10.5 Billion Dollar Restoration to Florida Everglades
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
In a move that could bring billions of dollars to Florida, four of the state's environmental groups joined forces with nearly 30 other organizations this week to form the "America's Great Waters Coalition."
FL Could Benefit From Climate Summit Treaty
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
Florida's hopes for a clean energy economy are running high as leaders from nearly 200 nations meet in Copenhagen, Denmark, today through Dec. 18 in an attempt to reach an international treaty to combat global warming.
Nutrient overload: Cleaning polluted surface waters no 'burden' to Florida
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Too few Floridians are aware of the deadly nutrient overloads in Florida's surface waters.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Bennett proposing change to homeowners' insurance
By Sara Kennedy
Bradenton Herald
Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton. is again proposing what he calls the "Consumer Choice" bill, which he asserts would allow consumers to decide for themselves if they prefer a private home insurer offering market-based rates.
Farm workers protest Publix Lakeland
By Glenn Pendergrass
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
A group of Florida farm workers took their demand for a wage increase directly to the state's biggest grocery chain on Sunday.
Houses Ruined by Chinese Drywall
By Kyle Kennedy
Lakeland Ledger
Two years ago, Ron Maness bought a new investment home in the gated Lake Ashton golf community in Lake Wales.
EDUCATION
Pasco High student's graduation problem merits swift action in Tallahassee
By Jeffrey S. Solochek
St. Petersburg Times
Hakeeme Ishmar owes Pasco High principal Pat Reedy a special thanks.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Attorneys: Fla. officials lamented Medicaid delays
By Kelli Kennedy
The Associated Press
Doctors and advocates suing the state used Florida officials' own words against them during opening arguments of a trial Monday by playing video clips of top health officials lamenting health care delays for Medicaid patients.
State keeps close watch over local shellfish industry
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
Since 2005, companies that process shellfish in Bay, Franklin and Gulf counties have been sent nearly 80 letters from the state warning that they were in violation of various industry standards.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
U.S. Supreme Court hears Tampa case on Miranda rights
By John Frank
St. Petersburg Times
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday pointedly questioned why police in a Tampa criminal case didn't explicitly tell a suspect of his right to an attorney during an interrogation.
Rail bill, after sailing through Florida House, faces Senate fight
By Steve Bousquet, Shannon Colavecchio and Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Related editorial: Senate's turn to improve rail bill
A bill fast-tracking Florida rail projects raced out of the House with strong support Monday but slowed to a crawl in the Senate, barely surviving a 5-4 committee vote.
Dockery rails on stimulus issue, hoping to step off at governor's mansion
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Could a special session bill that few people can easily explain help launch a gubernatorial campaign?
FLORIDA POLITICS
Florida House votes 84-25 to send comprehensive rail package to Senate
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
Three and half-hours ahead of schedule, the House this morning voted 84-25 to send a comprehensive rail package to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.
West Tampa Democrat surfacing as likely successor to Scionti
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Within minutes of Tampa state Rep. Michael Scionti announcing his resignation to take a position with the Obama administration, a West Tampa activist has emerged as his possible successor.
Fund-raiser says her event sought money for Miami Rep. Rivera during session
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Florida House budget Chairman David Rivera may have violated a fund-raising ban during a legislative session by passing out envelopes with suggestions for donations Friday at a campaign event.
2010 RACES
Rubio straddles the middle on rail issue
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
As speaker of the Florida House, Marco Rubio voted for a similarly controversial SunRail commuter rail project and published a book of policy ideas touting investments in rail, highways and transit as huge job creators.
Lawson won't enter race for CFO
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
State Sen. Al Lawson, Florida's longest-serving legislator, said Monday he is not interested in switching his political sights to a race for chief financial officer next year.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Transgender teen: McDonald's refused to hire me
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
A transgender teen in Orlando has filed a discrimination complaint against a McDonald's restaurant whose managers refused to interview her for a job.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
New Coalition Could Mean 10.5 Billion Dollar Restoration to Florida Everglades
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
In a move that could bring billions of dollars to Florida, four of the state's environmental groups joined forces with nearly 30 other organizations this week to form the "America's Great Waters Coalition."
FL Could Benefit From Climate Summit Treaty
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
Florida's hopes for a clean energy economy are running high as leaders from nearly 200 nations meet in Copenhagen, Denmark, today through Dec. 18 in an attempt to reach an international treaty to combat global warming.
Nutrient overload: Cleaning polluted surface waters no 'burden' to Florida
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Too few Floridians are aware of the deadly nutrient overloads in Florida's surface waters.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Bennett proposing change to homeowners' insurance
By Sara Kennedy
Bradenton Herald
Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton. is again proposing what he calls the "Consumer Choice" bill, which he asserts would allow consumers to decide for themselves if they prefer a private home insurer offering market-based rates.
Farm workers protest Publix Lakeland
By Glenn Pendergrass
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
A group of Florida farm workers took their demand for a wage increase directly to the state's biggest grocery chain on Sunday.
Houses Ruined by Chinese Drywall
By Kyle Kennedy
Lakeland Ledger
Two years ago, Ron Maness bought a new investment home in the gated Lake Ashton golf community in Lake Wales.
EDUCATION
Pasco High student's graduation problem merits swift action in Tallahassee
By Jeffrey S. Solochek
St. Petersburg Times
Hakeeme Ishmar owes Pasco High principal Pat Reedy a special thanks.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Attorneys: Fla. officials lamented Medicaid delays
By Kelli Kennedy
The Associated Press
Doctors and advocates suing the state used Florida officials' own words against them during opening arguments of a trial Monday by playing video clips of top health officials lamenting health care delays for Medicaid patients.
State keeps close watch over local shellfish industry
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
Since 2005, companies that process shellfish in Bay, Franklin and Gulf counties have been sent nearly 80 letters from the state warning that they were in violation of various industry standards.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
U.S. Supreme Court hears Tampa case on Miranda rights
By John Frank
St. Petersburg Times
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday pointedly questioned why police in a Tampa criminal case didn't explicitly tell a suspect of his right to an attorney during an interrogation.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Daily Clips for December 7, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Haridopolos planning for a conservative 'New Senate'
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
In a spacious, glass-enclosed office where an autographed photo of President Barack Obama sits on the coffee table, future state Senate President Mike Haridopolos prepares lesson plans, grades papers -- and plots the next conservative movement in Florida.
Federal stimulus money: Many spending critics back a bill seeking billions for a bullet train
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul called lawmakers to the Capitol last week to clear a path for high-speed rail.
Success of rail deal is far from certain
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
With the House poised next week for a floor vote, most of the real work in a special session on rail issues disappeared Friday behind closed doors.
Analysis: With election near, Gov. Crist changes
By Brendan Farrington
The Associated Press
A sure sign that an election is a year away: Gov. Charlie Crist is changing again.
Near-Shore Oil Drilling: Slick Technology Sham
Editorial
Lakeland Ledger
Floridians and their legislators have had many reasons to be skeptical since proposals surfaced rapidly to open near-shore waters to exploration and drilling for oil.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Union issue, South Florida Democrats' ambitions in SunRail spotlight
By Josh Hafenbrack and Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
With billions in federal transportation money at stake, the Legislature returns to the Capitol on Monday for the homestretch of a special lawmaking session with heavy scrutiny on an unlikely group: a half-dozen Senate Democrats from South Florida.
Job axe doesn't seem to be falling on lobbyists
By Lloyd Dunkelberger
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Lobbyists in Tallahassee still don't appear to be all that affected by the Great Recession.
State fails to verify lobbyists' pay
By Gary Fineout
Ocala Star-Banner
Florida's efforts to track how much money is flowing into the state capital to influence state laws and other public business is missing a major step: verification.
Panel dismisses ethics claims against Kottkamp, McCollum, Sink for use of state planes
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
The state Commission on Ethics on Friday dismissed complaints against three high-ranking elected officials over their frequent use of state airplanes, including trips involving family members and political activities.
Before Sansom's college hire, exec given 'phased departure'
By Tom McLaughlin
Panama City News Herald
Jim Chitwood, the man state Rep. Ray Sansom replaced at Northwest Florida State College, insists he wasn't pushed into retirement by former college President Bob Richburg.
Money ties Florida's Great Northwest to public entities
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
Records of 1,600 checks released by the nonprofit Florida's Great Northwest show the group has given millions of dollars to taxpayer-funded schools and economic development groups in the past two years -- an indication of the close relationship between the group and those entities.
Grayson finds fault with Obama
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Congressman Alan Grayson has risen to national prominence by blasting Republicans and mocking their legislative ideas.
Fla. may ban texting while driving
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Stop clicking and drive. Or the law might come after you.
Florida's ex-Sen. Paula Hawkins shook up 'boys club'
By Mark Schlueb
Orlando Sentinel
Paula Hawkins, the self-styled "battling Maitland housewife" who elbowed her way through a good ol' boys club to become the first Florida woman elected to the U.S. Senate, died early Friday morning.
2010 RACES
Republicans struggle for soul of their party: Crist-Rubio contest is national flashpoint
By Anthony Man
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
For Republicans, the picture is a political Rorschach test.
Crist: Federal spending bad except when it's good
By Ron Littlepage
Florida Times-Union
Not that long ago - in fact it was just last October - Gov. Charlie Crist ran his first radio ads in his campaign for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.
Rubio says legislators should be wary of rail deal but Crist camp says "talk is easy"
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
After being asked about it former House Speaker Marco Rubio has weighed in on the ongoing special session.
Bondi campaign videos draw fire from opponents
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Two campaign videos Pam Bondi posted on the internet Wednesday just after she filed to run for attorney general are drawing fire from her Republican primary opponents.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Foes target growth laws months before session
By Jane Healy
Orlando Sentinel
As legislators prepare for next year's session, those in favor of weakening growth laws have started lurking the halls.
Fla. delegation weighs in on EPA water standards
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Twenty-five members of Florida's congressional delegation have signed a letter urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to work closely with state officials and industry in setting limits for nutrients in Florida waterways.
Everglades restoration advocates hail beginning of Tamiami Trail bridge
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
Related editorial: One big leap for Everglades restoration
How big was Friday's Tamiami Trail bridge ground-breaking for Everglades restoration advocates and managers?
Recreational Fishing Alliance challenges red snapper closure
By Jim Sutton
Florida Times-Union
The Recreational Fishing Alliance wasted no time in mounting a legal challenge to an interim red snapper closure, announced Thursday by the federal government and entered into the Federal Registry on Friday.
Interior Secretary pledges to protect lagoon
By Megan Downs
Florida Today
Ken Salazar, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, visited the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Saturday morning, pledging to protect the national parks and fight global warming at the worldwide conference
Seize the moment on climate change
Editorial
Miami Herald
Today 56 newspapers in 45 countries take the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial. We do so because humanity faces a profound emergency.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
State Revenue Prediction Offers Hope
By Lloyd Dunkelberger
Lakeland Ledger
In one of the most hopeful signs since the state's economy began its deep slide three years ago, Florida economists said Friday that sales taxes and other revenue that support government services will expand this fiscal year and grow even more next year.
In Florida workplace, more pain, then gain
By Jim Wyss
Miami Herald
The national unemployment rate took an unexpected dip in November as companies slashed dramatically fewer jobs than at any other point since the recession began.
80,000 Floridians still waiting for jobless checks
By Jim Stratton
Orlando Sentinel
The first checks from an emergency unemployment extension have started going out, but about 80,000 Floridians may not see any money for another two to three weeks.
EDUCATION
Sunshine State slowdown: Fewer students, poor economy spell pain for Florida schools
By Leslie Postal
Orlando Sentinel
In its early life, Camelot Elementary was Central Florida's poster child for runaway school growth.
Florida, Tampa Bay area see boost in high school graduation rates
By Stephen Nohlgren
St. Petersburg Times
Florida's high school graduation rate continued to climb last year, even after state officials dropped students with GED degrees from their count.
Poorly funded schools are struggling to fulfill mission
By C.T. Bowen
St. Petersburg Times
The kids at Pasco Middle School are locked out of the computer labs this month.
Parents put Facebook to work against school districts
By Marc Freeman and Kathy Bushouse
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
They started with e-mails. Then they created Facebook pages. Then came a website.
Barron front-runner for FSU president
By Doug Blackburn
Tallahassee Democrat
Florida State University may have a new president as early as Tuesday.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senate set to confront abortion in health care debate
The Associated Press
Ft. Myers News-Press
Buoyed by a presidential pep talk and intense rounds of negotiations, Senate Democrats hope to move closer to embracing a major health care bill this week by tackling the nettlesome issue of abortion.
Nelson Ready To Bust Pharma Deal: 'They Need 60 Votes, Don't They?'
By Ryan Grim
Huffington Post
Sen. Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat, said on Sunday that if leadership doesn't work with him on his amendment that would break the White House deal with Big Pharma, he won't be there to support the bill.
Congresswoman Kathy Castor on Healthcare (audio story)
By Arielle Stevenson
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
Today in Tampa, Congresswoman Kathy Castor spoke with WMNF on the overall status of health care reform and what she anticipates happening in the Senate.
Fat-cat politicians like health care just the way it is
By Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
Florida is full of pandering politicians who are trashing Congress' plan for health-care reform.
Federal trial will decide changes in Florida's child Medicaid program
By Carol Marbin Miller
Miami Herald
A federal trial that begins in Miami on Monday could effect the medical care of 1.4 million Florida children.
Medicare tall tales
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
Arizona Sen. John McCain should know better. So should Florida Sen. George LeMieux and Gov. Charlie Crist.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein's aura of wealth, power fed ego and scheme
By Jay Weaver and Amy Sherman
Miami Herald
Scott Israel, the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Broward County sheriff last year, won't ever forget his first encounter with lawyer Scott Rothstein, the big-time GOP fundraiser.
U.S. Supreme Court to decide: Were Tampa police clear about suspect's Miranda rights?
By John Frank
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Inside a small interview room at the Tampa Police Department in August 2004, an officer read Kevin Dewayne Powell his rights.
Political intrigue slows U.S. attorney pick
By Paul Pinkham
Florida Times-Union
Five months after former State Attorney Harry Shorstein of Jacksonville and two other prosecutors were named as finalists for U.S. attorney, there has been no nomination by the White House.
Haridopolos planning for a conservative 'New Senate'
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
In a spacious, glass-enclosed office where an autographed photo of President Barack Obama sits on the coffee table, future state Senate President Mike Haridopolos prepares lesson plans, grades papers -- and plots the next conservative movement in Florida.
Federal stimulus money: Many spending critics back a bill seeking billions for a bullet train
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul called lawmakers to the Capitol last week to clear a path for high-speed rail.
Success of rail deal is far from certain
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
With the House poised next week for a floor vote, most of the real work in a special session on rail issues disappeared Friday behind closed doors.
Analysis: With election near, Gov. Crist changes
By Brendan Farrington
The Associated Press
A sure sign that an election is a year away: Gov. Charlie Crist is changing again.
Near-Shore Oil Drilling: Slick Technology Sham
Editorial
Lakeland Ledger
Floridians and their legislators have had many reasons to be skeptical since proposals surfaced rapidly to open near-shore waters to exploration and drilling for oil.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Union issue, South Florida Democrats' ambitions in SunRail spotlight
By Josh Hafenbrack and Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
With billions in federal transportation money at stake, the Legislature returns to the Capitol on Monday for the homestretch of a special lawmaking session with heavy scrutiny on an unlikely group: a half-dozen Senate Democrats from South Florida.
Job axe doesn't seem to be falling on lobbyists
By Lloyd Dunkelberger
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Lobbyists in Tallahassee still don't appear to be all that affected by the Great Recession.
State fails to verify lobbyists' pay
By Gary Fineout
Ocala Star-Banner
Florida's efforts to track how much money is flowing into the state capital to influence state laws and other public business is missing a major step: verification.
Panel dismisses ethics claims against Kottkamp, McCollum, Sink for use of state planes
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
The state Commission on Ethics on Friday dismissed complaints against three high-ranking elected officials over their frequent use of state airplanes, including trips involving family members and political activities.
Before Sansom's college hire, exec given 'phased departure'
By Tom McLaughlin
Panama City News Herald
Jim Chitwood, the man state Rep. Ray Sansom replaced at Northwest Florida State College, insists he wasn't pushed into retirement by former college President Bob Richburg.
Money ties Florida's Great Northwest to public entities
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
Records of 1,600 checks released by the nonprofit Florida's Great Northwest show the group has given millions of dollars to taxpayer-funded schools and economic development groups in the past two years -- an indication of the close relationship between the group and those entities.
Grayson finds fault with Obama
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Congressman Alan Grayson has risen to national prominence by blasting Republicans and mocking their legislative ideas.
Fla. may ban texting while driving
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Stop clicking and drive. Or the law might come after you.
Florida's ex-Sen. Paula Hawkins shook up 'boys club'
By Mark Schlueb
Orlando Sentinel
Paula Hawkins, the self-styled "battling Maitland housewife" who elbowed her way through a good ol' boys club to become the first Florida woman elected to the U.S. Senate, died early Friday morning.
2010 RACES
Republicans struggle for soul of their party: Crist-Rubio contest is national flashpoint
By Anthony Man
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
For Republicans, the picture is a political Rorschach test.
Crist: Federal spending bad except when it's good
By Ron Littlepage
Florida Times-Union
Not that long ago - in fact it was just last October - Gov. Charlie Crist ran his first radio ads in his campaign for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.
Rubio says legislators should be wary of rail deal but Crist camp says "talk is easy"
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
After being asked about it former House Speaker Marco Rubio has weighed in on the ongoing special session.
Bondi campaign videos draw fire from opponents
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Two campaign videos Pam Bondi posted on the internet Wednesday just after she filed to run for attorney general are drawing fire from her Republican primary opponents.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Foes target growth laws months before session
By Jane Healy
Orlando Sentinel
As legislators prepare for next year's session, those in favor of weakening growth laws have started lurking the halls.
Fla. delegation weighs in on EPA water standards
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Twenty-five members of Florida's congressional delegation have signed a letter urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to work closely with state officials and industry in setting limits for nutrients in Florida waterways.
Everglades restoration advocates hail beginning of Tamiami Trail bridge
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
Related editorial: One big leap for Everglades restoration
How big was Friday's Tamiami Trail bridge ground-breaking for Everglades restoration advocates and managers?
Recreational Fishing Alliance challenges red snapper closure
By Jim Sutton
Florida Times-Union
The Recreational Fishing Alliance wasted no time in mounting a legal challenge to an interim red snapper closure, announced Thursday by the federal government and entered into the Federal Registry on Friday.
Interior Secretary pledges to protect lagoon
By Megan Downs
Florida Today
Ken Salazar, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, visited the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Saturday morning, pledging to protect the national parks and fight global warming at the worldwide conference
Seize the moment on climate change
Editorial
Miami Herald
Today 56 newspapers in 45 countries take the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial. We do so because humanity faces a profound emergency.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
State Revenue Prediction Offers Hope
By Lloyd Dunkelberger
Lakeland Ledger
In one of the most hopeful signs since the state's economy began its deep slide three years ago, Florida economists said Friday that sales taxes and other revenue that support government services will expand this fiscal year and grow even more next year.
In Florida workplace, more pain, then gain
By Jim Wyss
Miami Herald
The national unemployment rate took an unexpected dip in November as companies slashed dramatically fewer jobs than at any other point since the recession began.
80,000 Floridians still waiting for jobless checks
By Jim Stratton
Orlando Sentinel
The first checks from an emergency unemployment extension have started going out, but about 80,000 Floridians may not see any money for another two to three weeks.
EDUCATION
Sunshine State slowdown: Fewer students, poor economy spell pain for Florida schools
By Leslie Postal
Orlando Sentinel
In its early life, Camelot Elementary was Central Florida's poster child for runaway school growth.
Florida, Tampa Bay area see boost in high school graduation rates
By Stephen Nohlgren
St. Petersburg Times
Florida's high school graduation rate continued to climb last year, even after state officials dropped students with GED degrees from their count.
Poorly funded schools are struggling to fulfill mission
By C.T. Bowen
St. Petersburg Times
The kids at Pasco Middle School are locked out of the computer labs this month.
Parents put Facebook to work against school districts
By Marc Freeman and Kathy Bushouse
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
They started with e-mails. Then they created Facebook pages. Then came a website.
Barron front-runner for FSU president
By Doug Blackburn
Tallahassee Democrat
Florida State University may have a new president as early as Tuesday.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senate set to confront abortion in health care debate
The Associated Press
Ft. Myers News-Press
Buoyed by a presidential pep talk and intense rounds of negotiations, Senate Democrats hope to move closer to embracing a major health care bill this week by tackling the nettlesome issue of abortion.
Nelson Ready To Bust Pharma Deal: 'They Need 60 Votes, Don't They?'
By Ryan Grim
Huffington Post
Sen. Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat, said on Sunday that if leadership doesn't work with him on his amendment that would break the White House deal with Big Pharma, he won't be there to support the bill.
Congresswoman Kathy Castor on Healthcare (audio story)
By Arielle Stevenson
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
Today in Tampa, Congresswoman Kathy Castor spoke with WMNF on the overall status of health care reform and what she anticipates happening in the Senate.
Fat-cat politicians like health care just the way it is
By Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
Florida is full of pandering politicians who are trashing Congress' plan for health-care reform.
Federal trial will decide changes in Florida's child Medicaid program
By Carol Marbin Miller
Miami Herald
A federal trial that begins in Miami on Monday could effect the medical care of 1.4 million Florida children.
Medicare tall tales
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
Arizona Sen. John McCain should know better. So should Florida Sen. George LeMieux and Gov. Charlie Crist.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein's aura of wealth, power fed ego and scheme
By Jay Weaver and Amy Sherman
Miami Herald
Scott Israel, the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Broward County sheriff last year, won't ever forget his first encounter with lawyer Scott Rothstein, the big-time GOP fundraiser.
U.S. Supreme Court to decide: Were Tampa police clear about suspect's Miranda rights?
By John Frank
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Inside a small interview room at the Tampa Police Department in August 2004, an officer read Kevin Dewayne Powell his rights.
Political intrigue slows U.S. attorney pick
By Paul Pinkham
Florida Times-Union
Five months after former State Attorney Harry Shorstein of Jacksonville and two other prosecutors were named as finalists for U.S. attorney, there has been no nomination by the White House.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Daily Clips for December 4, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Legislative session on rail opens with defections, polarized debate
By Steve Bousquet, Marc Caputo and Shannon Colavecchio
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
A special lawmaking session on passenger rail projects opened Thursday with a Republican senator abandoning his support and critics firing off objections that could foreshadow more trouble ahead.
New report says oil drilling will harm Florida coasts (includes audio)
By Lauren Martinez
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
The 3 to 10 miles the Florida Legislature controls off the state's coastline has caught the attention of oil lobbyists who want to remove the drilling ban.
Florida senators split on Medicare
By Bart Jansen
Ft. Myers News-Press
Related: Drugmakers must contribute more, Nelson says
Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida voted Thursday against a proposal to send a landmark health care reform bill back to committee over provisions that would cut Medicare spending.
BEST OF THE BLOGS
Setting Energy Efficiency Goals: A Message to Florida Public Service Commission
By Gimleteye
Eye on Miami
In this economy, it's more important than ever to try to reduce expenses.
Big Oil's Claims About Safe, "Invisible" Drilling Are Declared Bunk
By Ray Seaman
Progress Florida
This should come as no surprise to anyone, but Big Oil has been caught lying again.
Crystal River Nuke Crack
By Bill Newton
Florida Consumer Action Network blog
Today's St. Petersburg Times explains what's going on with the crack in the 42 inch thick containment wall of Progress Energy's Crystal River Nuclear Plant.
FLORIDA POLITICS
SunRail vexes foes of federal stimulus
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
The special session launched Thursday to back commuter rail has put Republican lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist in something of a political fix as they defend their rush to pull down $3 billion in federal stimulus funding for rail projects.
Session sees bumpy start
By Jim Ash and Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
A special session on rail issues got off to a bumpy start Thursday, with the high-profile defection of a former Senate transportation chairman.
How Rothstein bought himself priceless pals
By Fred Grimm
Miami Herald
The feds seized Scott Rothstein's gaudiest assets, allegedly purchased with purloined money. The governor was not among them.
State government run like a Ponzi scheme
By Stephen Goldstein
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In recent days, the biggest names in big Florida Ponzi schemes have been Madoff and Rothstein.
The bench is no place for politics
By Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
It's great that Gov. Charlie Crist got his wish for a grand jury to look into public corruption in this state.
2010 RACES
Crist speaks to local GOP
By Thyrie Bland
Pensacola News Journal
Twitter Gov. Charlie Crist left his pinstripe jacket on his chair when he walked to the podium Thursday night.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Tax break for working waterfronts still unclear
By Grace Gagliano
Bradenton Herald
Florida voters were clear in November 2008 when they overwhelmingly approved Amendment 6.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Backers of 'Confederate Heritage' specialty plate win round in court
By John Frank
St. Petersburg Times
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is trumpeting a federal judge's ruling as a major victory in its efforts to get the rebel battle flag on a specialty license plate in Florida.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Fed rule halts red snapper fishing
By Jim Waymer
Florida Today
Come Jan. 4, better throw back that red snapper, at least in federal waters. Having one onboard will be illegal.
Local elected officials urge opposition to drilling in gulf
By Sara Kennedy
Bradenton Herald
In an effort to counter proposals to allow oil and gas drilling as close as three miles from shore, Manatee County commissioners have written a letter opposing drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, officials said.
Boss: FPL's image has suffered
By Mary Ellen Klas
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Florida Power & Light chief Armando Olivera said Thursday that he was embarrassed to learn earlier this year that his top officials sent personal Blackberry messages and socialized with staff at the Public Service Commission, tarnishing the company's image as it awaits a ruling on its $1.3 billion rate increase request.
State considers protection for lemon sharks
By David Fleshler
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
They are the lords of the reefs, powerful 10-foot sharks that prowl shallow coastal waters, snatching stingrays, crabs and mullet.
Florida's gulf drilling debate
Editorial
Northwest Florida Daily News
In a few months, the Florida Legislature will debate whether to allow drilling for oil and natural gas as close as three miles from Gulf Coast beaches.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
State economists updating Fla. revenue estimate
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
State economists are updating their estimate of Florida's general revenue.
Chinese drywall victims could get big tax breaks
By Isaac Wolf
Naples News
Homeowners stuck with tainted Chinese drywall could be eligible for big tax breaks.
EDUCATION
Class sizes grow amid state's fiscal woe
By Leslie Postal
Orlando Sentinel
Class sizes in Florida's public schools crept upward this year for the first time since 2002, a reversal fueled by Florida's worsening budget crisis.
Florida education commissioner hears plenty of ideas for school issues in Pasco visit
By Jeffrey S. Solochek
St. Petersburg Times
Florida education commissioner Eric J. Smith gets to hear from lawmakers and state officials any time he wants.
Fewer tests, more teaching
By Andrew Spar
Orlando Sentinel
Teachers in our schools are feeling more stress and pressure than ever before.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Bills add residency slots for FL
By Christine Jordan Sexton
Health News Florida
Florida's lagging physician workforce could get a shot in the arm under versions of the health care reform bill being debated in Washington.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Fla. atty's 20 main creditors total $1.2 billion
The Associated Press
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The 20 largest creditors in the fraud case of disbarred Florida attorney Scott Rothstein's defunct firm have filed nearly $1.2 billion in claims.
Behind-the-scenes fight affects U.S. Attorney nomination
By Lucy Morgan
St. Petersburg Times
A bitter and personal war of words is dominating the search for a new U.S. Attorney for Florida's Middle District, which stretches across 34 counties, including the Tampa Bay area.
Legislative session on rail opens with defections, polarized debate
By Steve Bousquet, Marc Caputo and Shannon Colavecchio
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
A special lawmaking session on passenger rail projects opened Thursday with a Republican senator abandoning his support and critics firing off objections that could foreshadow more trouble ahead.
New report says oil drilling will harm Florida coasts (includes audio)
By Lauren Martinez
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
The 3 to 10 miles the Florida Legislature controls off the state's coastline has caught the attention of oil lobbyists who want to remove the drilling ban.
Florida senators split on Medicare
By Bart Jansen
Ft. Myers News-Press
Related: Drugmakers must contribute more, Nelson says
Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida voted Thursday against a proposal to send a landmark health care reform bill back to committee over provisions that would cut Medicare spending.
BEST OF THE BLOGS
Setting Energy Efficiency Goals: A Message to Florida Public Service Commission
By Gimleteye
Eye on Miami
In this economy, it's more important than ever to try to reduce expenses.
Big Oil's Claims About Safe, "Invisible" Drilling Are Declared Bunk
By Ray Seaman
Progress Florida
This should come as no surprise to anyone, but Big Oil has been caught lying again.
Crystal River Nuke Crack
By Bill Newton
Florida Consumer Action Network blog
Today's St. Petersburg Times explains what's going on with the crack in the 42 inch thick containment wall of Progress Energy's Crystal River Nuclear Plant.
FLORIDA POLITICS
SunRail vexes foes of federal stimulus
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
The special session launched Thursday to back commuter rail has put Republican lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist in something of a political fix as they defend their rush to pull down $3 billion in federal stimulus funding for rail projects.
Session sees bumpy start
By Jim Ash and Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
A special session on rail issues got off to a bumpy start Thursday, with the high-profile defection of a former Senate transportation chairman.
How Rothstein bought himself priceless pals
By Fred Grimm
Miami Herald
The feds seized Scott Rothstein's gaudiest assets, allegedly purchased with purloined money. The governor was not among them.
State government run like a Ponzi scheme
By Stephen Goldstein
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In recent days, the biggest names in big Florida Ponzi schemes have been Madoff and Rothstein.
The bench is no place for politics
By Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
It's great that Gov. Charlie Crist got his wish for a grand jury to look into public corruption in this state.
2010 RACES
Crist speaks to local GOP
By Thyrie Bland
Pensacola News Journal
Twitter Gov. Charlie Crist left his pinstripe jacket on his chair when he walked to the podium Thursday night.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Tax break for working waterfronts still unclear
By Grace Gagliano
Bradenton Herald
Florida voters were clear in November 2008 when they overwhelmingly approved Amendment 6.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Backers of 'Confederate Heritage' specialty plate win round in court
By John Frank
St. Petersburg Times
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is trumpeting a federal judge's ruling as a major victory in its efforts to get the rebel battle flag on a specialty license plate in Florida.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Fed rule halts red snapper fishing
By Jim Waymer
Florida Today
Come Jan. 4, better throw back that red snapper, at least in federal waters. Having one onboard will be illegal.
Local elected officials urge opposition to drilling in gulf
By Sara Kennedy
Bradenton Herald
In an effort to counter proposals to allow oil and gas drilling as close as three miles from shore, Manatee County commissioners have written a letter opposing drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, officials said.
Boss: FPL's image has suffered
By Mary Ellen Klas
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Florida Power & Light chief Armando Olivera said Thursday that he was embarrassed to learn earlier this year that his top officials sent personal Blackberry messages and socialized with staff at the Public Service Commission, tarnishing the company's image as it awaits a ruling on its $1.3 billion rate increase request.
State considers protection for lemon sharks
By David Fleshler
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
They are the lords of the reefs, powerful 10-foot sharks that prowl shallow coastal waters, snatching stingrays, crabs and mullet.
Florida's gulf drilling debate
Editorial
Northwest Florida Daily News
In a few months, the Florida Legislature will debate whether to allow drilling for oil and natural gas as close as three miles from Gulf Coast beaches.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
State economists updating Fla. revenue estimate
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
State economists are updating their estimate of Florida's general revenue.
Chinese drywall victims could get big tax breaks
By Isaac Wolf
Naples News
Homeowners stuck with tainted Chinese drywall could be eligible for big tax breaks.
EDUCATION
Class sizes grow amid state's fiscal woe
By Leslie Postal
Orlando Sentinel
Class sizes in Florida's public schools crept upward this year for the first time since 2002, a reversal fueled by Florida's worsening budget crisis.
Florida education commissioner hears plenty of ideas for school issues in Pasco visit
By Jeffrey S. Solochek
St. Petersburg Times
Florida education commissioner Eric J. Smith gets to hear from lawmakers and state officials any time he wants.
Fewer tests, more teaching
By Andrew Spar
Orlando Sentinel
Teachers in our schools are feeling more stress and pressure than ever before.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Bills add residency slots for FL
By Christine Jordan Sexton
Health News Florida
Florida's lagging physician workforce could get a shot in the arm under versions of the health care reform bill being debated in Washington.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Fla. atty's 20 main creditors total $1.2 billion
The Associated Press
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The 20 largest creditors in the fraud case of disbarred Florida attorney Scott Rothstein's defunct firm have filed nearly $1.2 billion in claims.
Behind-the-scenes fight affects U.S. Attorney nomination
By Lucy Morgan
St. Petersburg Times
A bitter and personal war of words is dominating the search for a new U.S. Attorney for Florida's Middle District, which stretches across 34 counties, including the Tampa Bay area.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Daily Clips for December 3, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Special session kicks off
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
When lawmakers convene a special session on rail issues today, it will be a sign of how much, and how quickly, perspectives can change in Florida politics.
House GOP battle with railroad unions, Senate Democrats threatens special session bill
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
A proposal that could bring billions of federal dollars to Florida for rail projects could hinge on a small number of union jobs - an issue that threatens to derail a special session that begins Thursday.
Plunging property values will cause school funding shortfall
By Marc Caputo
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Florida's real-estate market is crumbling so badly that the taxable property value for schools statewide will tumble 9.5 percent next year, state economists said Wednesday.
Florida High Court calls Grand Jury to probe South Florida
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
The Florida Supreme Court gave Gov. Charlie Crist his statewide grand jury Wednesday, authorizing a year-long probe of corruption in South Florida.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Senator keeps up fight to halt transit proposal
By Shannon Colavecchio
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Twice in two years, proposed commuter rail in Central Florida died despite backing from powerful political and business leaders.
Fla. jury to probe corrupt politics
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
The Florida Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate political corruption at the request of Gov. Charlie Crist.
Scott Rothstein wooed politicians
By Sally Kestin, Peter Franceschina and Dana Williams
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In a New York City hotel room in late 2007, Scott Rothstein arranged to meet the Republican frontrunner for president, John McCain.
Lawmakers seek to have condo issues addressed at special legislative session
By Daniel Vasquez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Two South Florida lawmakers called upon colleagues Wednesday to add condominium issues to a special session of the Florida Legislature, pushing a bill that aims to lift the ailing housing market by helping bulk buyers of condo units.
Chances dim for Domino bill to audit $20 million grant to Port St. Lucie animation studio
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
State Rep. Carl Domino has filed a bill that would require an audit of the $20 million economic incentive package that Florida awarded to a Port St. Lucie animation company this year.
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson blasts Obama's war strategy in Afghanistan
By David Damron
Orlando Sentinel
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has stared down the Federal Reserve and taunted Republicans on the House floor for opposing health-care reforms, but now the outspoken Orlando Democrat is picking a policy fight with his own party's leader: He's blasting President Obama's basic war strategy in Afghanistan.
Photo-op corruption fight
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Florida doesn't need a statewide grand jury on political corruption, but the state could use one on political pandering. Gov. Crist would draw the first indictment.
2010 RACES
Rubio defends 'limited government' record after Crist campaign says he 'squandered' tax dollars
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post
As Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Marco Rubio spoke to Florida TaxWatch today, Gov. Charlie Crist's Senate campaign accused Rubio of being a tax hiker and pork-barrel spender when he was House speaker.
Project's OK Could Help Dockery
By Bill Rufty
Lakeland Ledger
State Sen. Paula Dockery gained statewide attention in 2008 and again this spring by putting together a coalition that stopped SunRail, a proposed Orlando-area commuter-rail system, which she argued would cost the state in purchase price and future liability.
Former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferré turns to Puerto Rico for U.S. Senate bid funds
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Struggling to raise money in Florida for his fledgling U.S. Senate campaign, former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre is looking out of state -- to Puerto Rico.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Hometown Democracy gives power back to people
By Lesley Blackner
Palm Beach Post
The 2010 election is still a year away, and yet The Post is already editorializing against Florida Hometown Democracy, on the ballot as Amendment 4.
Vote puts transit sales tax a step closer to being on ballot
By George Wilkens
Tampa Tribune
A proposed November 2010 referendum on a one penny sales tax for light rail and other transportation improvements advanced Wednesday with a 5-2 vote of the Hillsborough County Commission.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Abuse hot line will get a closer DCF review
By Carol Marbin Miller
Miami Herald
Florida social service administrators will strengthen their response to calls for help to the state's abuse hot line after The Miami Herald reported that thousands of calls each month are being "screened out'' and not forwarded for investigation.
Witness immunity sought for gay service members
By Lisa Leff
The Associated Press
Gay service members who reveal their sexual orientations during congressional testimony would be immune from forced discharges under a bill introduced Wednesday, as lawmakers prepare to consider repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
State admits violations, seeks more Everglades cleanup time
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
Water managers and environmental regulators have acknowledged the state is in violation of a landmark legal agreement requiring Florida to halt the flow of polluted water into the Everglades.
Legislators hold hearing on Everglades Restoration
The Associated Press
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
A hearing has been scheduled to discuss Everglades restoration efforts in Homestead.
Our green lawns not worth loss of sea grass beds in gulf
By Dan DeWitt
St. Petersburg Times
The Weeki Wachee River, with that spectacularly clear water and white-sand bed, is the star, the glamor-puss.
Florida delegation going to Copenhagen amid climate warnings
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
A group of 25 business and government officials is going to the United Nations climate change conference in Denmark next week to push for green jobs for Florida.
Neither utilities nor environmentalists happy with PSC goals
By Fred Hiers
Ocala Star-Banner
The Florida Public Service Commission's new 10-year energy conservation goals for the state's five investor-owned utility companies have garnered mixed reviews.
Florida wildlife officials seeking Burmese python hunters for Everglades
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
The python patrol will be back next year.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Hurricane-proofing discounts attacked by insurance industry
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
State leaders and the insurance industry have sent the message time and again to Florida homeowners.
State urged to seek biotech venture capital
By Bridget Carey
Miami Herald
Biotechnolgy research is on the rise in Florida, but the state needs to lure venture capital away from other well-known tech corridors, like Boston, Austin, Texas and the Silicon Valley in order to become an industry powerhouse.
Trade trip to Panama holds promise of jobs, mayor Rich Crotty says
By David Damron
Orlando Sentinel
When Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty flew to Spain in June, the trade trip sparked talks with an unnamed local transportation company and a Spanish construction outfit that economic development officials say could lead to new jobs in Orange County.
EDUCATION
'Brain drain' a concern to some if state's college costs keep rising
By Scott Travis
TC Palm
For many of Florida's top high school graduates, attending college in state, where tuition is cheap and financial assistance is generous, seems like a no-brainer.
Palm Beach County students retaking FCAT in October reaped higher scores than in 2008
By Kevin D. Thompson
Palm Beach Post
If at first you don't succeed, try again. That's what thousands of students did this fall in Palm Beach County, after they had failed the FCAT and faced the risk of not graduating.
Teachers want to revamp school prayer decree
By Kris Wernowsky
Pensacola News Journal
Vicki Kirsch, a third-grade teacher at Dixon Intermediate School in Milton, told a federal court Wednesday that an agreement to end officially sanctioned prayer in Santa Rosa County schools is at odds with her religious beliefs.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Heat turned up on free coverage
By Gary Fineout
Health News Florida
Confronted with a large budget deficit earlier this year, Sen. J.D. Alexander, the budget chief in the Florida Senate, floated the idea that state lawmakers and some state workers should start paying for their health insurance. It went nowhere.
Stearns, Grayson duel over health care study
By Bill Thompson
Ocala Star-Banner
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has touted a widely quoted Harvard University study of the uninsured to argue for health care reform, and to pillory Republicans for blocking access to coverage for 46 million Americans without health insurance.
Laid-off workers losing a lifeline
By Anna Scott
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
A federal program that has helped millions of laid-off workers buy health insurance began expiring this week, and local health agencies fear it will push yet another wave of people into an already overwhelmed charity network.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein trial set for January
By Robert Nolin
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
A day after disgraced lawyer Scott Rothstein's arrest, a federal judge set his trial for two weeks in January.
Supreme Court justices appear to side with Florida property owners over who owns the beach
By David G. Savage
Orlando Sentinel
Hearing arguments today in a Florida beach case, the Supreme Court justices sounded as though they agreed with property owners who said their right to a private beach could not be taken away when the state added new sand to an eroded shoreline.
Special session kicks off
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
When lawmakers convene a special session on rail issues today, it will be a sign of how much, and how quickly, perspectives can change in Florida politics.
House GOP battle with railroad unions, Senate Democrats threatens special session bill
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
A proposal that could bring billions of federal dollars to Florida for rail projects could hinge on a small number of union jobs - an issue that threatens to derail a special session that begins Thursday.
Plunging property values will cause school funding shortfall
By Marc Caputo
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Florida's real-estate market is crumbling so badly that the taxable property value for schools statewide will tumble 9.5 percent next year, state economists said Wednesday.
Florida High Court calls Grand Jury to probe South Florida
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
The Florida Supreme Court gave Gov. Charlie Crist his statewide grand jury Wednesday, authorizing a year-long probe of corruption in South Florida.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Senator keeps up fight to halt transit proposal
By Shannon Colavecchio
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Twice in two years, proposed commuter rail in Central Florida died despite backing from powerful political and business leaders.
Fla. jury to probe corrupt politics
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
The Florida Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate political corruption at the request of Gov. Charlie Crist.
Scott Rothstein wooed politicians
By Sally Kestin, Peter Franceschina and Dana Williams
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In a New York City hotel room in late 2007, Scott Rothstein arranged to meet the Republican frontrunner for president, John McCain.
Lawmakers seek to have condo issues addressed at special legislative session
By Daniel Vasquez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Two South Florida lawmakers called upon colleagues Wednesday to add condominium issues to a special session of the Florida Legislature, pushing a bill that aims to lift the ailing housing market by helping bulk buyers of condo units.
Chances dim for Domino bill to audit $20 million grant to Port St. Lucie animation studio
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
State Rep. Carl Domino has filed a bill that would require an audit of the $20 million economic incentive package that Florida awarded to a Port St. Lucie animation company this year.
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson blasts Obama's war strategy in Afghanistan
By David Damron
Orlando Sentinel
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has stared down the Federal Reserve and taunted Republicans on the House floor for opposing health-care reforms, but now the outspoken Orlando Democrat is picking a policy fight with his own party's leader: He's blasting President Obama's basic war strategy in Afghanistan.
Photo-op corruption fight
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Florida doesn't need a statewide grand jury on political corruption, but the state could use one on political pandering. Gov. Crist would draw the first indictment.
2010 RACES
Rubio defends 'limited government' record after Crist campaign says he 'squandered' tax dollars
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post
As Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Marco Rubio spoke to Florida TaxWatch today, Gov. Charlie Crist's Senate campaign accused Rubio of being a tax hiker and pork-barrel spender when he was House speaker.
Project's OK Could Help Dockery
By Bill Rufty
Lakeland Ledger
State Sen. Paula Dockery gained statewide attention in 2008 and again this spring by putting together a coalition that stopped SunRail, a proposed Orlando-area commuter-rail system, which she argued would cost the state in purchase price and future liability.
Former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferré turns to Puerto Rico for U.S. Senate bid funds
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Struggling to raise money in Florida for his fledgling U.S. Senate campaign, former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre is looking out of state -- to Puerto Rico.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Hometown Democracy gives power back to people
By Lesley Blackner
Palm Beach Post
The 2010 election is still a year away, and yet The Post is already editorializing against Florida Hometown Democracy, on the ballot as Amendment 4.
Vote puts transit sales tax a step closer to being on ballot
By George Wilkens
Tampa Tribune
A proposed November 2010 referendum on a one penny sales tax for light rail and other transportation improvements advanced Wednesday with a 5-2 vote of the Hillsborough County Commission.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Abuse hot line will get a closer DCF review
By Carol Marbin Miller
Miami Herald
Florida social service administrators will strengthen their response to calls for help to the state's abuse hot line after The Miami Herald reported that thousands of calls each month are being "screened out'' and not forwarded for investigation.
Witness immunity sought for gay service members
By Lisa Leff
The Associated Press
Gay service members who reveal their sexual orientations during congressional testimony would be immune from forced discharges under a bill introduced Wednesday, as lawmakers prepare to consider repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
State admits violations, seeks more Everglades cleanup time
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
Water managers and environmental regulators have acknowledged the state is in violation of a landmark legal agreement requiring Florida to halt the flow of polluted water into the Everglades.
Legislators hold hearing on Everglades Restoration
The Associated Press
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
A hearing has been scheduled to discuss Everglades restoration efforts in Homestead.
Our green lawns not worth loss of sea grass beds in gulf
By Dan DeWitt
St. Petersburg Times
The Weeki Wachee River, with that spectacularly clear water and white-sand bed, is the star, the glamor-puss.
Florida delegation going to Copenhagen amid climate warnings
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
A group of 25 business and government officials is going to the United Nations climate change conference in Denmark next week to push for green jobs for Florida.
Neither utilities nor environmentalists happy with PSC goals
By Fred Hiers
Ocala Star-Banner
The Florida Public Service Commission's new 10-year energy conservation goals for the state's five investor-owned utility companies have garnered mixed reviews.
Florida wildlife officials seeking Burmese python hunters for Everglades
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
The python patrol will be back next year.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Hurricane-proofing discounts attacked by insurance industry
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
State leaders and the insurance industry have sent the message time and again to Florida homeowners.
State urged to seek biotech venture capital
By Bridget Carey
Miami Herald
Biotechnolgy research is on the rise in Florida, but the state needs to lure venture capital away from other well-known tech corridors, like Boston, Austin, Texas and the Silicon Valley in order to become an industry powerhouse.
Trade trip to Panama holds promise of jobs, mayor Rich Crotty says
By David Damron
Orlando Sentinel
When Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty flew to Spain in June, the trade trip sparked talks with an unnamed local transportation company and a Spanish construction outfit that economic development officials say could lead to new jobs in Orange County.
EDUCATION
'Brain drain' a concern to some if state's college costs keep rising
By Scott Travis
TC Palm
For many of Florida's top high school graduates, attending college in state, where tuition is cheap and financial assistance is generous, seems like a no-brainer.
Palm Beach County students retaking FCAT in October reaped higher scores than in 2008
By Kevin D. Thompson
Palm Beach Post
If at first you don't succeed, try again. That's what thousands of students did this fall in Palm Beach County, after they had failed the FCAT and faced the risk of not graduating.
Teachers want to revamp school prayer decree
By Kris Wernowsky
Pensacola News Journal
Vicki Kirsch, a third-grade teacher at Dixon Intermediate School in Milton, told a federal court Wednesday that an agreement to end officially sanctioned prayer in Santa Rosa County schools is at odds with her religious beliefs.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Heat turned up on free coverage
By Gary Fineout
Health News Florida
Confronted with a large budget deficit earlier this year, Sen. J.D. Alexander, the budget chief in the Florida Senate, floated the idea that state lawmakers and some state workers should start paying for their health insurance. It went nowhere.
Stearns, Grayson duel over health care study
By Bill Thompson
Ocala Star-Banner
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has touted a widely quoted Harvard University study of the uninsured to argue for health care reform, and to pillory Republicans for blocking access to coverage for 46 million Americans without health insurance.
Laid-off workers losing a lifeline
By Anna Scott
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
A federal program that has helped millions of laid-off workers buy health insurance began expiring this week, and local health agencies fear it will push yet another wave of people into an already overwhelmed charity network.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein trial set for January
By Robert Nolin
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
A day after disgraced lawyer Scott Rothstein's arrest, a federal judge set his trial for two weeks in January.
Supreme Court justices appear to side with Florida property owners over who owns the beach
By David G. Savage
Orlando Sentinel
Hearing arguments today in a Florida beach case, the Supreme Court justices sounded as though they agreed with property owners who said their right to a private beach could not be taken away when the state added new sand to an eroded shoreline.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Daily Clips for December 2, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Session timing at odds with national meet of black legislators; GOP leaders not changing dates
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul on Tuesday refused to delay the onset of the special session slated to begin Thursday despite requests from black lawmakers and the state's top Democrat.
Is George LeMieux gearing up for 2012 Senate campaign?
By Mark K. Matthews
Orlando Sentinel
U.S. Sen. George LeMieux's office is still identified by a plastic placard -- a temporary replacement for the bronze sign that read " Mel Martinez" just 11 weeks ago.
Pam Bondi enters state attorney general race
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
Shaking up an already unpredictable statewide campaign for Florida attorney general, Hillsborough prosecutor Pam Bondi jumped in the race Tuesday, touting her legal experience and status as a Tallahassee outsider.
Jailed lawyer Rothstein accused of making improper campaign contributions
By Jay Weaver, Amy Sherman and Marc Caputo
Miami Herald
Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Rothstein doled out large bonuses to his firm's lawyers, purportedly for exemplary work -- but they would receive the awards only after they made fat campaign contributions in their names to political candidates of Rothstein's choice.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Lawmakers gear up for special session
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
With a deal in hand and the votes seemingly in his pocket, Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday he was confident that a special session on rail issues would go smoothly later this week.
Special Session Train Wreck
By Whitney Ray
Capitol News Service
State lawmakers are attempting to accomplish in an eight day special session what they couldn't agree on in two previous 60 day session.
Ethics Commission may ask for more power and steeper fines
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
In the same week that Gov. Charlie Crist gets rebuffed in his bid to create a statewide grand jury to probe corruption, the state's ethics commission may do something that Crist hasn't done so far: Ask the Florida Legislature for increased investigative power, steeper fines and a different standard to prove that someone has broken the state's ethics laws.
Gaetz asks for AG opinion on Florida's Great Northwest
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
State Sen. Don Gaetz on Tuesday officially requested an attorney general opinion regarding whether or not economic development group Florida's Great Northwest falls under state Sunshine Laws.
State officials weigh in on Bowden's retirement
By Paul Flemming
Tallahassee Democrat
Elected officials with Florida State University connections Tuesday spoke fondly and respectfully of Bobby Bowden, who gave them much to brag about in a Capitol often divided not along partisan lines, but by Seminoles and Gators.
2010 RACES
Eleven candidates running for Meek's congressional seat
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek's campaign for the Senate has unleashed a torrent of candidates vying for his Miami-Dade congressional seat in 2010.
In the race for U.S. Senate, Crist should be
By Michael Putney
Miami Herald
No more Mr. Nice Guy?
Lawyer: FDLE investigating House candidate Samarrai
By Karen Voyles
Gainesville Sun
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is apparently conducting an investigation into Alachua County Republican Remzey Samarrai's campaign for the Florida House District 22 seat currently held by House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison in Skipper Murder
By Suzie Schottelkotte
Lakeland Ledger
William "Bill-Bill" Brown Jr., who was convicted last month for the March 2007 murder of a gay student in Lakeland, will spend the rest of his life in prison.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Argenziano takes helm of Public Service Commission
By Mary Ellen Klas
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Despite outside efforts to derail her appointment as the next Public Service Commission chairwoman, Nancy Argenziano won unanimous approval Tuesday to lead the utility authority for a two-year appointment beginning in January.
Fla. PSC approves renewable energy contracts
The Associated Press
Ocala Star Banner
The Public Service Commission has approved two biomass renewable energy contracts for Progress Energy Florida.
DEP delays sewage sludge action after business complains
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today delayed action on proposed stricter rules over the land disposal of sewage sludge after one disposal company said the changes could cost it more than $1,000 per day.
Push to overbuild continues
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Six months after the state turned from growth watchdog to lapdog, the fight over growth management in Florida continues.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Poll: More than 80 percent of Floridians anxious about their financial situation
By Jim Stratton
Orlando Sentinel
A new Mason-Dixon poll confirms what you've heard already from your friends and neighbors: The economy in Florida is more depressing than a Swedish film festival.
New, smaller companies pose new risks
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Before hurricanes started blowing through Florida in 2004, a few big names dominated the state's property insurance market.
Crist woos Cubs at Capitol
By Jim Ash and Glenn Miller
Tallahassee Democrat
The quest to bring the Chicago Cubs to Collier County ran through Gov.Charlie Crist's office on Tuesday, where he met with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and team president Crane Kenney.
EDUCATION
Search narrows for new FSU president
By Shannon Colavecchio
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
The search for a new president at Florida State University got rocky Tuesday, when some members of the search committee said they aren't enthusiastic about the pool of applicants and would rather appoint an interim leader while the search is extended.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senators express hope for a health reform bill
By Shailagh Murray and Lori Montgomery
Washington Post
Senators prepared to cast their first votes Wednesday on health-care reform, but even as partisan divisions hardened and contentious amendments stacked up, Democrats increasingly expressed optimism that they would succeed in passing a bill before Christmas.
Fla. Medicaid lawsuit heads to trial
By Kelli Kennedy
The Associated Press
The state has spent about $2 million defending a class-action lawsuit that claims Florida is violating federal Medicaid requirements by providing inadequate medical and dental care to more than a million children.
Registered nurse practitioners push for prescription power
By Fernando Quintero
Orlando Sentinel
Every year for the past 16 years, the Florida Nurses Association has lobbied unsuccessfully to allow its most highly trained colleagues the right to prescribe painkillers and other controlled substances.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Crist appoints David Rimmer to serve as judge
Staff Report
Pensacola News Journal
Longtime Pensacola prosecutor David Rimmer on Tuesday was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist to serve as a circuit judge.
Beachfront property dispute at Supreme Court
By Mark Sherman
The Associated Press
The Supreme Court is wading into a new property rights dispute over who owns the sand the state of Florida dumped onto a stretch of beach to control erosion.
Session timing at odds with national meet of black legislators; GOP leaders not changing dates
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul on Tuesday refused to delay the onset of the special session slated to begin Thursday despite requests from black lawmakers and the state's top Democrat.
Is George LeMieux gearing up for 2012 Senate campaign?
By Mark K. Matthews
Orlando Sentinel
U.S. Sen. George LeMieux's office is still identified by a plastic placard -- a temporary replacement for the bronze sign that read " Mel Martinez" just 11 weeks ago.
Pam Bondi enters state attorney general race
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
Shaking up an already unpredictable statewide campaign for Florida attorney general, Hillsborough prosecutor Pam Bondi jumped in the race Tuesday, touting her legal experience and status as a Tallahassee outsider.
Jailed lawyer Rothstein accused of making improper campaign contributions
By Jay Weaver, Amy Sherman and Marc Caputo
Miami Herald
Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Rothstein doled out large bonuses to his firm's lawyers, purportedly for exemplary work -- but they would receive the awards only after they made fat campaign contributions in their names to political candidates of Rothstein's choice.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Lawmakers gear up for special session
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
With a deal in hand and the votes seemingly in his pocket, Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday he was confident that a special session on rail issues would go smoothly later this week.
Special Session Train Wreck
By Whitney Ray
Capitol News Service
State lawmakers are attempting to accomplish in an eight day special session what they couldn't agree on in two previous 60 day session.
Ethics Commission may ask for more power and steeper fines
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
In the same week that Gov. Charlie Crist gets rebuffed in his bid to create a statewide grand jury to probe corruption, the state's ethics commission may do something that Crist hasn't done so far: Ask the Florida Legislature for increased investigative power, steeper fines and a different standard to prove that someone has broken the state's ethics laws.
Gaetz asks for AG opinion on Florida's Great Northwest
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
State Sen. Don Gaetz on Tuesday officially requested an attorney general opinion regarding whether or not economic development group Florida's Great Northwest falls under state Sunshine Laws.
State officials weigh in on Bowden's retirement
By Paul Flemming
Tallahassee Democrat
Elected officials with Florida State University connections Tuesday spoke fondly and respectfully of Bobby Bowden, who gave them much to brag about in a Capitol often divided not along partisan lines, but by Seminoles and Gators.
2010 RACES
Eleven candidates running for Meek's congressional seat
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek's campaign for the Senate has unleashed a torrent of candidates vying for his Miami-Dade congressional seat in 2010.
In the race for U.S. Senate, Crist should be
By Michael Putney
Miami Herald
No more Mr. Nice Guy?
Lawyer: FDLE investigating House candidate Samarrai
By Karen Voyles
Gainesville Sun
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is apparently conducting an investigation into Alachua County Republican Remzey Samarrai's campaign for the Florida House District 22 seat currently held by House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison in Skipper Murder
By Suzie Schottelkotte
Lakeland Ledger
William "Bill-Bill" Brown Jr., who was convicted last month for the March 2007 murder of a gay student in Lakeland, will spend the rest of his life in prison.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Argenziano takes helm of Public Service Commission
By Mary Ellen Klas
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Despite outside efforts to derail her appointment as the next Public Service Commission chairwoman, Nancy Argenziano won unanimous approval Tuesday to lead the utility authority for a two-year appointment beginning in January.
Fla. PSC approves renewable energy contracts
The Associated Press
Ocala Star Banner
The Public Service Commission has approved two biomass renewable energy contracts for Progress Energy Florida.
DEP delays sewage sludge action after business complains
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection today delayed action on proposed stricter rules over the land disposal of sewage sludge after one disposal company said the changes could cost it more than $1,000 per day.
Push to overbuild continues
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Six months after the state turned from growth watchdog to lapdog, the fight over growth management in Florida continues.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Poll: More than 80 percent of Floridians anxious about their financial situation
By Jim Stratton
Orlando Sentinel
A new Mason-Dixon poll confirms what you've heard already from your friends and neighbors: The economy in Florida is more depressing than a Swedish film festival.
New, smaller companies pose new risks
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Before hurricanes started blowing through Florida in 2004, a few big names dominated the state's property insurance market.
Crist woos Cubs at Capitol
By Jim Ash and Glenn Miller
Tallahassee Democrat
The quest to bring the Chicago Cubs to Collier County ran through Gov.Charlie Crist's office on Tuesday, where he met with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and team president Crane Kenney.
EDUCATION
Search narrows for new FSU president
By Shannon Colavecchio
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
The search for a new president at Florida State University got rocky Tuesday, when some members of the search committee said they aren't enthusiastic about the pool of applicants and would rather appoint an interim leader while the search is extended.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senators express hope for a health reform bill
By Shailagh Murray and Lori Montgomery
Washington Post
Senators prepared to cast their first votes Wednesday on health-care reform, but even as partisan divisions hardened and contentious amendments stacked up, Democrats increasingly expressed optimism that they would succeed in passing a bill before Christmas.
Fla. Medicaid lawsuit heads to trial
By Kelli Kennedy
The Associated Press
The state has spent about $2 million defending a class-action lawsuit that claims Florida is violating federal Medicaid requirements by providing inadequate medical and dental care to more than a million children.
Registered nurse practitioners push for prescription power
By Fernando Quintero
Orlando Sentinel
Every year for the past 16 years, the Florida Nurses Association has lobbied unsuccessfully to allow its most highly trained colleagues the right to prescribe painkillers and other controlled substances.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Crist appoints David Rimmer to serve as judge
Staff Report
Pensacola News Journal
Longtime Pensacola prosecutor David Rimmer on Tuesday was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist to serve as a circuit judge.
Beachfront property dispute at Supreme Court
By Mark Sherman
The Associated Press
The Supreme Court is wading into a new property rights dispute over who owns the sand the state of Florida dumped onto a stretch of beach to control erosion.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Daily Clips for December 1, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Legislature calls special session on SunRail to begin Thursday
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
Florida's hunt for a $2.5 billion federal windfall for high-speed rail lurched ahead with Monday's official call for a special legislative session to begin Thursday.
New Attempt to Pass Sunrail Bill Called "Union-busting" (includes audio)
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
The Florida legislature has announced a special session beginning Thursday, to consider the Sunrail legislation, a proposed $1.2 billion plan to bring commuter rail to greater Orlando.
Florida Supreme Court rejects Crist's petition for grand jury to investigate corruption
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Gov. Charlie Crist's call for a statewide grand jury to investigate political corruption was rejected Monday by the Florida Supreme Court as too vague, so the governor's office quickly refiled its request.
Democrat Senate hopeful visits Panhandle
By Tom McLaughlin
Northwest Florida Daily News
While two high-profile Republican candidates battle for headlines in the race for a Florida U.S. Senate seat, Democrat Kendrick Meek has the luxury of building a voter base from the ground up.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Florida lawmakers call special session to talk about rail plans
By Marc Caputo and Steve Bousquet
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Millions more dollars for commuter rail. A new agency to oversee a bullet train. An agreement to spare taxpayers from some major lawsuits.
Florida Democrat appointed ambassador to Portugal
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Allan Katz of Tallahassee, a Democratic Party activist and early supporter of President Barack Obama, has been nominated ambassador to Portugal.
Ex-Dunedin legislator will take job as PSC counsel
By Mary Ellen Klas
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
The Florida Public Service Commission picked former state senator and Tallahassee lobbyist Curt Kiser to serve as the agency's general counsel Monday, vowing to make a "clean break'' at the embattled agency.
Leaders settle on jobs, space
By Rick Neale
Florida Today
Jobs and space: Considering NASA's murky future, these should be the top priorities of the Space Coast legislative delegation this year in Tallahassee, local leaders agreed Monday.
Mary Call Darby Collins remembered as a 'great Floridian'
By Gerald Ensley and Angeline J. Taylor
Tallahassee Democrat
Mary Call Darby Collins, descendant of one Florida governor and widow of another, died Sunday after a long illness.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Dividing up fairness
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
You live in Daytona Beach near the mall. Your state senator, John Thrasher, lives in Jacksonville.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
PSC to try setting Fla. conservation goals - again
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
The Public Service Commission is taking another stab at setting energy conservation goals for Florida's major electric utilities.
Florida commission considers sewage sludge rule changes
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
The Environmental Regulation Commission on Tuesday will consider changes to regulations dealing with "biosolids."
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Lawmakers Hopeful on Economy
By Michael W. Freeman
Lakeland Ledger
Facing slumping tax revenues and an economy still mired in recession, state lawmakers need to find ways to boost revenues or face the difficult task of cutting a budget that has already been described as little more than skin and bone.
Florida still not ready for big hurricane
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
As of this morning, Florida has escaped another hurricane season.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Nothing to lose
Editorial
Gainesville Sun
Some of our top politicians in Tallahassee, including Gov. Charlie Crist, have been slamming President Barack Obama's health care reform plans.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein expected to be arrested, charged Tuesday
By Jay Weaver and Amy Sherman
Miami Herald
Scott Rothstein, the flashy Fort Lauderdale attorney who authorities say ran a $1 billion investment scam while acting like a philanthropic tycoon, is expected to be arrested Tuesday on a federal racketeering charge, sources familiar with the case said.
In major fraud hot spot, agency sets an example
By Matthew Doig
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
If there were any doubts that Miami-Dade's Mortgage Fraud Task Force filled a need, the cases that poured in upon its creation two years ago erased them.
Legislature calls special session on SunRail to begin Thursday
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
Florida's hunt for a $2.5 billion federal windfall for high-speed rail lurched ahead with Monday's official call for a special legislative session to begin Thursday.
New Attempt to Pass Sunrail Bill Called "Union-busting" (includes audio)
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
The Florida legislature has announced a special session beginning Thursday, to consider the Sunrail legislation, a proposed $1.2 billion plan to bring commuter rail to greater Orlando.
Florida Supreme Court rejects Crist's petition for grand jury to investigate corruption
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Gov. Charlie Crist's call for a statewide grand jury to investigate political corruption was rejected Monday by the Florida Supreme Court as too vague, so the governor's office quickly refiled its request.
Democrat Senate hopeful visits Panhandle
By Tom McLaughlin
Northwest Florida Daily News
While two high-profile Republican candidates battle for headlines in the race for a Florida U.S. Senate seat, Democrat Kendrick Meek has the luxury of building a voter base from the ground up.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Florida lawmakers call special session to talk about rail plans
By Marc Caputo and Steve Bousquet
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Millions more dollars for commuter rail. A new agency to oversee a bullet train. An agreement to spare taxpayers from some major lawsuits.
Florida Democrat appointed ambassador to Portugal
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Allan Katz of Tallahassee, a Democratic Party activist and early supporter of President Barack Obama, has been nominated ambassador to Portugal.
Ex-Dunedin legislator will take job as PSC counsel
By Mary Ellen Klas
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
The Florida Public Service Commission picked former state senator and Tallahassee lobbyist Curt Kiser to serve as the agency's general counsel Monday, vowing to make a "clean break'' at the embattled agency.
Leaders settle on jobs, space
By Rick Neale
Florida Today
Jobs and space: Considering NASA's murky future, these should be the top priorities of the Space Coast legislative delegation this year in Tallahassee, local leaders agreed Monday.
Mary Call Darby Collins remembered as a 'great Floridian'
By Gerald Ensley and Angeline J. Taylor
Tallahassee Democrat
Mary Call Darby Collins, descendant of one Florida governor and widow of another, died Sunday after a long illness.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Dividing up fairness
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
You live in Daytona Beach near the mall. Your state senator, John Thrasher, lives in Jacksonville.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
PSC to try setting Fla. conservation goals - again
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
The Public Service Commission is taking another stab at setting energy conservation goals for Florida's major electric utilities.
Florida commission considers sewage sludge rule changes
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
The Environmental Regulation Commission on Tuesday will consider changes to regulations dealing with "biosolids."
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Lawmakers Hopeful on Economy
By Michael W. Freeman
Lakeland Ledger
Facing slumping tax revenues and an economy still mired in recession, state lawmakers need to find ways to boost revenues or face the difficult task of cutting a budget that has already been described as little more than skin and bone.
Florida still not ready for big hurricane
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
As of this morning, Florida has escaped another hurricane season.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Nothing to lose
Editorial
Gainesville Sun
Some of our top politicians in Tallahassee, including Gov. Charlie Crist, have been slamming President Barack Obama's health care reform plans.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein expected to be arrested, charged Tuesday
By Jay Weaver and Amy Sherman
Miami Herald
Scott Rothstein, the flashy Fort Lauderdale attorney who authorities say ran a $1 billion investment scam while acting like a philanthropic tycoon, is expected to be arrested Tuesday on a federal racketeering charge, sources familiar with the case said.
In major fraud hot spot, agency sets an example
By Matthew Doig
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
If there were any doubts that Miami-Dade's Mortgage Fraud Task Force filled a need, the cases that poured in upon its creation two years ago erased them.
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