Daily Clips for December 8, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Rick Scott's jobs tour has a public and private face By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Gov.-elect Rick Scott seems to be on two jobs tours at the same time. Budget shortfall grows as Florida's fiscal picture darkens By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A slump in sales tax collections and a spike in Medicaid costs is prompting state economists to forecast an even bigger budget shortfall for next year of $3 billion or more. Fla. Attorney General cites state's rights in suing feds over stricter water rules By Adam Playford Palm Beach Post Citing state's rights, Florida is suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency to block stricter water quality standards, Attorney General Bill McCollum announced Tuesday. Fla. Sen. Fasano: Offer new 1st DCA building to other tenants By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News The $49 million 1st District Court of Appeal continued to get bashed Tuesday and a state Senate committee chairman said he'd offer the new building to other tenants. Florida high school grades best ever By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel Florida high schools posted their best ever school grades in 2010 under a new system that for the first time judged schools on more than just FCAT scores. FLORIDA POLITICS Scott endorses Arizona immigration law for Florida By Luke Johnson Florida Independent In an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott endorsed bringing an S.B. 1070-style immigration enforcement law to Florida. Secret meetings & public officials a bad mix By Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel While you've been focused on turkey and Christmas shopping, politicians in Tallahassee have been focused on their own festivities — like secret meetings. House speaker announces subcommittee chair, vice chair appointments By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times House speaker Dean Cannon today announced committee vice chair, subcommittee chair, and subcommittee vice chair appointments. Fla.'s LeMieux says farewell to Senate in speech By Brendan Farrington The Associated Press Republican Sen. George LeMieux gave a stern warning to his colleagues Tuesday during a farewell speech: if you don't stop out-of-control spending, you will ruin this nation. Huckabee comes to sell books, test political waters By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune President Barack Obama is not even halfway through his term in office, but the race to replace him is already well under way. Fla. clemency board on brink of pardoning Doors' Morrison for 1969 exposure conviction By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Time to break on through to the other side? Hang on, rockers. Local Democrats in disarray By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News After dumping their chairman Monday, Leon County Democrats want to run off Democratic National Committeeman Jon Ausman for taking sides in party primaries. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Sink takes swipe at BP claims czar in last Cabinet meeting for her, Crist, Bronson, McCollum By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Ace, the state's gas-sniffing hero of a dog, made his good-byes as a state employee today in the basement of the Capitol. UWF economist: BP low-balling oil spill impact By Jim Ash Florida Capital News It's too early to calculate all the losses, but the BP oil spill was more damaging to Northwest Florida than the oil giant is so far willing to admit, a University of West Florida economist suggested to a Senate panel on Tuesday. Biomass plant clears hurdle By Chad Smith Gainesville Sun Gainesville's proposed biomass plant cleared one of its last hurdles Tuesday afternoon after the governor and Florida Cabinet unanimously signed off on the project, all but setting the stage for the city and its contractor to build one of the largest wood-burning power plants in the country. State transfers 30,000 acres of Big Cypress Preserve to National Park Service The Associated Press Naples Daily News Gov. Charlie Crist and three other independently elected statewide officials met for the final time Tuesday in their capacity as governor and the Cabinet. LGBT Palm Beach County group wants Rick Scott to ban anti-gay discrimination in state employment By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel The gay rights group Palm Beach County Human Rights Council said Tuesday it wants Gov.-elect Rick Scott's first order of business when he takes office to be issuing an executive order banning discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in state employment. EDUCATION High school grades rise statewide By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Related editorial: Schools improve, but more work to be done High school grades rose dramatically this year, thanks in part to a new grading formula that for the first time included other factors besides the FCAT. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Economist: Florida's budget shortfall could top $3 billion By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel As Gov.-elect Rick Scott led a business-financed jobs tour and huddled privately with corporate executives throughout the state, the Legislature's chief economist Tuesday delivered a sobering refresher to state lawmakers on Florida's bleak revenue and jobs pictures. Scramble on to fix unemployment compensation tax hike By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Florida lawmakers are scrambling again to try to ward off looming tax hikes needed fix the state's battered safety net for laid off workers. Wholesale price of green beans doubles in wake of Glades freeze By Susan Salisbury Palm Beach Post Farmers reported temperatures as low as 26 degrees Tuesday morning in western Palm Beach County, as they began to count their losses in vegetable fields burned by frost. NASA budget funds third shuttle launch By Mark K. Matthews Orlando Sentinel For weeks, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida and other lawmakers have warned that budget hawks in Congress were looking to slash NASA's funding next year -- a move that would imperil plans to add a third space shuttle flight to the two remaining missions. Fla. A.G.: Bank of America rigged municipal bond bids By Robert Napper Florida Independent Bank of America has agreed to a $67 million settlement with several states including Florida amid an investigation into allegations members of the bank took part in a scheme involving bids on municipal bond derivatives. Thousands of Fla. mortgage brokers may lose jobs The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Thousands of Florida mortgage brokers will be out of work after Dec. 31. HEALTH AND SENIORS Report: Florida drops in national health ranking By Linda Shrieves Orlando Sentinel In a new health ranking, Florida ranks 37th in the country, down from 35th last year. New health budget chairman wants to pay doctors more By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Doctors could be in for a fee increase for treating Medicaid patients under a plan that Sen. Joe Negron says he will champion. Statewide health insurance pool for school districts? By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Teachers and other school district employees could find themselves purchasing health, hospital and accidental insurance through a statewide alliance which would seek coverage from insurance companies willing to negotiate. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Jeb Bush bucks Ariz.-style immigration law By Sara Kennedy Bradenton Herald Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has expressed opposition to Arizona’s controversial immigration law, saying his children might look suspicious to police, according to news reports. Civil Rights Association, Rep. Brown up in arms over ‘SWAT-like’ barbershop raids By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent The Florida Civil Rights Association is asking Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate a series of raids on barbershops owned by African-Americans and Latinos, and an influential African-American congresswoman is joining the fight.

Daily Clips for December 7, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Ledger sheet shows a shortage of scruples By Daniel Ruth St. Petersburg Times There's a Greek word, sometimes heard with regularity in our household, that would seem to apply to Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, a man in full of himself: buffo. Showdown looming over Florida's pension plan By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Florida lawmakers this week will begin their first steps in reforming the state’s massive pension plan, a move that could yield tremendous savings yet also trigger a potentially politically explosive showdown with teachers, firefighters and police officers from across the state. Florida Republicans continue fight against Affordable Health Care act By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolis, R-Merritt Island, who announced he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2012, last week filed a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would “prohibit laws or rules from compelling any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system.” Scott starts Back to Work tour By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov.-elect Rick Scott began a five-day, 10-city jobs tour Monday by meeting with military commanders and said impending cuts in the nation's space exploration budget should be seen as "an opportunity" rather than a setback for Florida's economy. Sen. Mike Fasano irked during tour of grandiose courthouse By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Sen. Mike Fasano imagined the opulence of the new courthouse that's been branded a "Taj Mahal.' FLORIDA POLITICS Military matters dominate Rick Scott's first stop on statewide jobs tour By Janet Zink and Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Gov.-elect Rick Scott met with defense contractors and military leaders Monday as he kicked off a five-day, 10-city tour of the state's major job producers. Rick Scott raises $1 million for inauguration By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times Gov.-elect Rick Scott now has $1.1 million for his inauguration, according to fund-raising records released tonight. Fasano: Domestic violence law should include pet abuse By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Little Horatio still wears the evidence of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his former owner's son five years ago. Rep. Buchanan included in watchdog group’s list of ‘most embarrassing re-elects’ By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent In a report issued today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (aka CREW) lists the 11 “most embarrassing re-elections of 2010,” naming Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, among them and citing a long list of allegations of campaign finance violations as evidence. Crist, Cabinet meet final time as executive branch The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Gov. Charlie Crist and three other independently elected statewide officials will meet Tuesday for the final time in their role as governor and the Cabinet. Restore the public's trust Editorial Orlando Sentinel An important sale's about to get under way in Tallahassee, where in the coming weeks the state's Ethics Commission will begin pitching its plans to strengthen Florida laws governing the behavior of its public officials. POLITICAL RACES LeMieux on 2012: No Senate run if ‘a Jeb Bush, for example’ gets in race By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Republican U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, whose 16-month appointment ends next month, told a Forum Club of the Palm Beaches lunch he’ll decide “pretty soon” whether or not he’s running in 2012, when Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson is up for reelection. Dems kick Haridopolos’ U.S. Sen bid right out of the gate By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee didn’t waste any time slamming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, a GOP U.S. Senate hopeful who’s just taken over the helm of his chamber. D.C. firm sues ex-Senate candidate Jeff Greene By Paul Brinkmann South Florida Business Journal Washington political consulting firm Devine Mulvey filed suit in Miami on Friday against former Democratic Senate candidate Jeff Greene, alleging he owes $394,000 for last-ditch media efforts to save his campaign. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Landmark biomass electric plant seeking approval from lame-duck Cabinet By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune A proposed woody biomass electric plant that would be one of the largest of its kind in the nation could move a step closer to reality with a Cabinet vote on Tuesday. Key oil spill panel nears final stretch of probe By Harry R. Weber The Associated Press A key federal investigative panel is nearing the final stretch in its quest to assign blame for the Gulf of Mexico rig explosion and worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history. LGBT Televised gay marriage hearing attracts audience By Paul Elias and Lisa Leff The Associated Press The legal fight over California's gay marriage ban went before a federal appeals court Monday in a hearing that reached a nationwide TV audience anxious for a final decision on whether the measure violates the U.S. Constitution. EDUCATION Michelle Rhee not heading to any state, district By Jennifer Epstein Politico Former D.C. schools chief Michelle Rhee on Monday launched a national educational reform group that, she said, will be her full-time job to lead, tamping down speculation that she is considering a position as Florida’s schools commissioner or another city- or state-based role. Study: Grad rates between blacks, whites widening The Associated Press Gainesville Sun The disparity between graduation rates for white and black players at schools headed to bowl games grew again this year even as overall academic progress increased for both, a study released Monday found. State to release high school grades By Jackie Alexander Gainesville Sun High school grades will be released today, according to the state Department of Education, delayed in part by late FCAT scores and a new formula. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Budget shortfall grows as property values keep dropping By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Florida's budget gap for 2011 appears to be growing again. The Progressive Plan For Deficit Reduction The Progress Report Think Progress Last week, President Obama's debt commission released its final report, but failed to find the required 14 votes to advance the proposal to Congress. HEALTH AND SENIORS Hospitals discourage elective early deliveries of babies By Richard Martin St. Petersburg Times In the final weeks of pregnancy, doctors say, a lot of women are eager to give birth. Supreme Court takes up complicated medical malpractice case By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune The Florida Supreme Court on Monday heard oral arguments on a case that, if upheld, could broadly expand the scope of a statewide no-fault fund for brain and spinal cord injured children. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Hard-hit Madoff investors cry foul as trustee demands repayment By Jane Musgrave Palm Beach Post Two years after his life savings were obliterated by Bernard Madoff's epic Ponzi scheme, retired ophthalmologist Gerald Blumenthal thought he had endured the worst of the financial upheaval.

Daily Clips for December 6, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Gov.-elect Rick Scott's 'outsider' role shaping his transition in Tallahassee By Mary Ellen Klas, Michael C. Bender and Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida's new governor has yet to name a single person to his administrative team, four weeks after the election. School reform at top of Scott's list By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune Gov.-elect Rick Scott has proclaimed that his No. 1 goal is creating jobs. New leaders may roll back enviro, health regulations By Zac Anderson Sarasota Herald-Tribune In their quest to reduce regulations, particularly on businesses, Gov.-elect Rick Scott and Florida's new legislative leaders are taking aim at a whole range of environmental protection efforts. Wealthy donors lining up to help Scott celebrate inauguration in style By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Well-heeled donors are lining up to make sure that Gov.-elect Rick Scott, the political newcomer who promised no more politics as usual, will celebrate his Jan. 4 inauguration in style. Haridopolos admits failure to disclose finances violated ethics law By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos admitted he made an ''embarrassing'' mistake when he repeatedly failed to properly fill out financial disclosure forms. A political approach on reforming schools Editorial St. Petersburg Times Contrary to what is best for students, Florida Republicans are once again drawing battle lines over education reform. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Chan Lowe South Florida Sun-Sentinel Read the artist’s commentary here. FLORIDA POLITICS Caucus calls for black Democratic Party chairman, laments lack of election input By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The head of Florida's black legislative caucus is complaining to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson that the mostly white Florida Democratic Party elite is ignoring African-Americans and has all but crowned a new leader without their input. South Florida senator becomes voice of opposition in Tallahassee By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel As a new era of conservative dominance begins in Tallahassee, an unabashed South Florida liberal becomes the most prominent voice of the opposition. Gov. Crist content, optimistic for future By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News His term has been one of the most turbulent in Florida history, but Gov. Charlie Crist leaves office content with his accomplishments and optimistic about his future in or out of politics. Crist Couldn't Have Foreseen His Four Tough Years By John Kennedy News Service of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist stepped onto the Old Capitol stage at his January 2007 inauguration to the strains of Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for a Common Man," promising a bipartisan and open state government, with property-tax cuts to ease the effects of a red-hot housing market. Crist Sought Plain-Language Govt. By Lloyd Dunkelberger Lakeland Ledger Among a myriad of initiatives launched in his first year as governor, Charlie Crist had a rather simple idea. Scott's CEO past will determine future By Lloyd Dunkelberger Gainesville Sun As a hard-charging CEO, Rick Scott had his way in the corporate world. Scott meets with Panhandle lawmakers By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News On the eve of a five-day "Let's Get to Work" tour to explore Florida's economic-development prospects, Gov.-elect Rick Scott told Panhandle legislators Sunday night he will personally phone anybody they think can help bring jobs to the state. Rick Scott should avoid knee-jerk reactions By Ron Littlepage Florida Times-Union Now I understand that Rick Scott is a relative newcomer to Florida and that he doesn’t know a whole lot about the state. Governor-elect big on sound bites, short on details By Michael Mayo South Florida Sun-Sentinel The conference room was small, and Rick Scott listened intently as five South Florida legislators — all Democrats — gave little spiels about their priorities. Big GOP tent?: Party working hard to expand base By Kingsley Guy South Florida Sun-Sentinel Demographic trends demand that the Republican Party do all that it can to reach out to Americans of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Enough with anonymous attacks in politics (and everywhere else) By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times I got home the other day and found a political brochure in the mail. Sheesh, I thought, don't they know the election is over? POLITICAL RACES Several Republicans may vie to take on Bill Nelson in 2012 By William March Tampa Tribune After the Nov. 2 Republican sweep, Bill Nelson is once again Florida's lone Democratic statewide officeholder, and a flock of big-name GOP candidates are lining up for a primary battle to take him on. Haridopolos plans run for US Senate By Bill Cotterell Florida Today Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos is ready to run for the U.S. Senate. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY GOP leaders won't revisit oil drilling issue in state waters By Ray Reyes Tampa Tribune Republican leaders in Florida have criticized the Obama administration's decision to extend a ban on new oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico for the next seven years, saying the moratorium impedes economic growth and keeps the nation dependent on foreign oil. New Senate environmental chairman wants to repeal septic tank inspections By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The new chairman of the Senate's environmental committee has introduced a bill that would repeal a new requirement that septic tanks be inspected every five years. Department of Environmental Protection and Georgia-Pacific face off over Rice Creek pipeline By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Paper giant Georgia-Pacific and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection traded heated letters last week, as the two sides debated the details of the construction of a controversial pipeline that will reroute much of Georgia-Pacific’s effluent from Rice Creek into the much larger St. Johns River. EPA Inaction on Water: Get the Lead Out Editorial Lakeland Ledger Why can't the EPA do its job without being prodded by a lawsuit? The real jobs killer in the gulf Editorial St. Petersburg Times The partisan rhetoric from Florida Republicans criticizing President Barack Obama's rational decision to reverse his oil drilling plan for the eastern Gulf of Mexico was predictable — and downright wrong. EDUCATION Legislator aims to ease class-size law, reduce fines By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel On their big class-size test, many of Florida's school districts got failing marks this week and now owe some $38 million in potential fines — money that would be painful to hand over in another bleak budget year. Legislators to watch ‘Waiting for Superman’ By John Kennedy The News Service of Florida Florida lawmakers will host a private screening on Tuesday of the film Waiting for Superman, the pro-charter school documentary that blames teachers' unions for much of education's woes. Scott transition chairwoman praises Rhee Leslie Postal and Denise-Marie Balona Orlando Sentinel Gov.-elect Rick Scott's decision to tap Michelle Rhee for his education transition team signals his interest in pushing hard for education reform — and quickly. Tougher Florida graduation rules on the way By Jennifer Edwards Florida Times-Union High school students are in for big changes over the next couple of years that will affect most of them in many ways and may prevent some from graduating. Sansom isn't the leader at-risk students need By Wendy Victora Northwest Florida Daily News Fourteen years ago, when I moved here to cover education for the Northwest Florida Daily News, Terri Roberts was the local school district’s chief financial officer. Counterproductive fine Editorial Pensacola News Journal It is counterproductive for the state of Florida to fine the Santa Rosa County School District — or any other district — for failing to meet class size requirements. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY GOP plans changes to help insurers By Gary Fineout Gainesville Sun Despite five straight years without a hurricane hitting Florida, the Republican-controlled Legislature is set to move quickly to enact a host of changes to help insurance companies. Bill Cotterell: State severs OPS from Social Security By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Social Security reform is called "the third rail" of politics because, as every subway rider knows, if you touch the line carrying the current, you die. Stimulus pumped $14.8 million into transportation projects By Christopher Curry Gainesville Sun When President Barack Obama signed the federal stimulus bill early last year, he announced it would represent the largest investment in the nation's infrastructure since the development of the interstate system in the 1950s. HEALTH AND SENIORS Scott cashes in with health industry By Jim Saunders Health News Florida As Rick Scott's campaign for governor gained momentum this year, optometrists started writing checks. So did nursing-home executives and hospital administrators. Death of woman after placement in ‘bed cage’ highlights controversial medical practice By Tristram Korten Florida Independent On May 18, 97-year-old Rose Strobel , who lived alone and was proudly self-sufficient, took an ambulance to Sarasota’s Doctors Hospital complaining of back pain. Tussle starts over $20 million health contract By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune The state may have to defend its choice to award a $20 million health information technology contract to a Melbourne based company after AT&T said on Friday it intends to mount a challenge. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Jeb Bush on tough immigration laws: ‘My children could be picked up just because of the way they look’ By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 Jeb Bush said today that if his children walked the streets of Phoenix they might look awfully suspicious to police. His wife Columba is from Mexico. Push to restore Fla. felons' rights renewed The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Several groups are renewing a push to automatically restore the voting and other civil rights of former Florida felons who have completed their sentences for nonviolent crimes. Report: Hate crimes in Florida dropped significantly in ’09 By Robert Napper Florida Independent Reported hate crimes dropped to the lowest levels in Florida since 1990 last year, according to a report released by the Florida Attorney General’s Office. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida lawsuit critics eager for their day in court By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union In 2003, Gov. Jeb Bush tried to push an expansive package of civil-justice changes through the Florida Legislature.

Daily Clips for December 3, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Health law fight starts over By Jim Saunders Health News Florida New Senate President Mike Haridopolos isn't wasting any time in his attack on the federal health-care overhaul. GOP chairman John Thrasher addresses federal subpoena questions By Marc Caputo, Adam C. Smith and Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida GOP leader John Thrasher engaged in damage control Thursday when he hosted a conference call with top Republican Party officials to explain why he didn't promptly inform them of a federal subpoena seeking party financial records. Gov.-elect Rick Scott gets an earful on Washington, D.C., trip By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Gov.-elect Rick Scott met with members of Florida's congressional delegation in Washington on Tuesday and heard a litany of concerns: jobs, Medicaid funding, foreclosures and the BP oil spill. Rod Smith will be next Florida Democratic Party chairman By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Related: Gillum drops bid for Dems' party chair It looks like Gainesville attorney Rod Smith has wrapped up enough votes to become chairman of the Florida Democratic Party. Oil drilling off Florida: Put cap on partisanship Editorial Palm Beach Post Memo to Gov.-elect Rick Scott and Senate President Mike Haridopolos: Opposition to offshore drilling closer to Florida is bipartisan. BEST OF THE BLOGS Rick Scott Oversteps On Obama’s Oil Drilling Ban By Inkberries Beach Peanuts Rick Scott is not happy about the offshore oil drilling ban reimposed today by the Obama Administration. Secret Schooling Of State Representatives By Daniel Tilson The Examiner The Republican Party of Florida hit the ground running coming out of Thanksgiving weekend with an intensive 2-day seminar for its incoming class of 2010-2012 State Representatives, led by new House Speaker Dean Cannon. Here's to you, Alan Grayson--A liberal turns her lonely eyes to you By Deborah Newell Tornello Litbrit I know I'm not alone in hoping that Florida Congressman Alan Grayson returns to Washington soon. Florida Woman Dies After Medicaid Program Outsourced To Private Insurers Denies Her Liver Transplant By Zaid Jalani Think Progress One of the most destructive practices of private health insurance companies is the practice of denying care to customers for frivolous reasons. “Florida, Inc.” Rick Scott’s Secret Company By Inkberries Beach Peanuts Shortly after he was elected Governor, Rick Scott proclaimed that Florida was “open for business.” He wasn’t kidding. FLORIDA POLITICS Fla. ethics committee to weigh Haridopolos' apology By Jeff Schweers Florida Today Senate President Mike Haridopolos will find out today whether the Florida Commission on Ethics will accept his mea culpa for failing to properly fill out his financial disclosure forms five years in a row and put this episode behind him. Gov. Crist proud, sunny as he prepares to leave glare of public office By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Once a shining star on the state and national political stage, Gov. Charlie Crist is leaving his public role for the private sector for the first time in more than a decade. Crist plans to return to St. Pete, reflects on his time in office By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune With his term as governor winding down to its final month, Charlie Crist says he looks forward to stepping into private life in St. Petersburg with his wife Carole. Rod Smith gains momentum in bid for state Democratic chairmanship By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Former lieutenant governor candidate Rod Smith appears to have locked up the votes to become the next chairman of Florida's beleaguered Democratic Party. GOP spells Latino outreach J-E-B By Carrie Budoff Brown Politico Alarmed by the GOP’s alienation of Hispanic voters, a group of operatives and former elected officials has launched a bid to wrestle the party’s image back from illegal immigration foes – and it’s led by a Republican named Bush. Frederica Wilson bows to House rules and doffs her trademark hat By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Mortified by the media storm over her desire to keep wearing her signature hats, incoming U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson says she's ready to come to the Capitol sans chapeau. Rep.-elect Allen West taps Beltway insider for chief of staff By George Bennett Palm Beach Post After his way-outside-the-Beltway shock pick of conservative radio talker Joyce Kaufman for chief of staff didn’t work out, Republican U.S. Rep.-elect Allen West today announced his top aide will be Jonathan Blyth, a former chief of staff to two House members and a veteran of more than 20 years in Washington. POLITICAL RACES Another GOP Senate Showdown Brewing in Florida By Erin McPike Real Clear Politics After witnessing Florida Republican Sen.-elect Marco Rubio's landslide win in this year's open race, about half a dozen rising Republicans already are jockeying to take on Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012 in what the Florida GOP says will be a spirited primary. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Nestle draws fire for plans to pump more water from North Florida springs By Brett Ader Florida Independent Citizens in North Florida are gearing up for what many foresee as a drawn-out battle with Nestle Waters North America, the country’s largest water bottler, which recently completed test wells in Jefferson County as part of its process to determine whether to apply for a permit to begin withdrawing spring water from sites along the Wacissa River. Septic Tank Inspections By Whitney Ray Capitol News Service There are concerns tonight over Florida’s 2.7 million septic tanks many of which are more than 30 years old. Mercury makes ibises gay, study says By Curtis Morgan The Miami Herald Scientists have long suspected high mercury levels in the Everglades might be crimping the breeding efforts of wading birds. LGBT Army, Marine chiefs cast doubt on gay service, providing ammunition for McCain, Republicans By Anne Flaherty The Associated Press The top uniformed officers of the Army and the Marines say letting gays serve openly in the military at a time of war would be divisive and difficult, sharply challenging a new Pentagon study that calculates the risk as low. EDUCATION Scott names controversial school reformer Michelle Rhee to education team By Tonya Alanez South Florida Sun-Sentinel With a controversial, hard-charging school reformer's name topping the list of Gov.-elect Rick Scott's Education Transition Team, South Florida teachers' union officials braced themselves Thursday for an assault on teacher tenure and a radical restructuring of the education system. Gov.-elect Rick Scott names his education transition team By Jeff Solochek St. Petersburg Times Related: Hillsborough schools chief named to Rick Scott's education transition team Some interesting names here, including many with ties to Jeb Bush. Others are notably absent. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Scott's challenge? Spending. By John Kennedy News Service of Florida Republican Rick Scott got plenty of political mileage during the governor's race ridiculing the Obama administration for running up the federal deficit. Legislative changes may favor insurers By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune Despite five straight years without a hurricane hitting Florida, the Republican-controlled Legislature is set to move quickly to enact a host of changes to help insurance companies. Republicans hold middle America hostage to demands of rich Editorial St. Petersburg Times Nothing is more important to U.S. Senate Republicans than extending the Bush-era tax cuts for the nation's wealthiest households. HEALTH AND SENIORS Fla. officials say prescription pill abuse rivals ’80s crack cocaine epidemic By Robert Napper Florida Independent Florida law enforcement and drug officials Thursday compared a spike in deaths associated with prescription drug abuse during the first half of this year to the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s. New state-ordered inspections of pain clinics delayed, inspectors may be scarce at $100 an hour By Jonathan Mattise TC Palm State Department of Health inspections of pain clinics were delayed last week after a new Florida law passed, and that legislation could inadvertently keep the rules necessary to start inspections from taking effect until spring. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Proposed state House, Senate immigration enforcement bills share similar language By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent State Sen. Mike Bennett’s proposed immigration enforcement law (Senate Bill 136) shares a lot of language with the Federal Immigration Enforcement Act announced earlier this year by state Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, but it lacks that bill’s most controversial provision.

Daily Clips for December 2, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS In Tallahassee, Democrats a rare sight By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Excerpt: "We're definitely facing somewhat of a worse-case scenario as far as the Legislature is concerned," said Mark Ferrulo, executive director of Progress Florida, a progressive organization. "The 2011 session is just going to be a special-interest feeding frenzy." FEATURED STORIES Feds subpoena finance records of Republican Party of Florida By Marc Caputo and Lucy Morgan Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Federal investigators slapped the Republican Party with a subpoena seeking financial records as part of a wide-ranging corruption probe by the FBI, IRS and U.S. Attorney's Office, the Herald/Times has learned. White House: No new drilling off Florida coast in wake of BP spill By Brendan Farrington The Associated Press The White House won't allow any new oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico for at least the next seven years because of the BP oil spill. Hispanic Help Sought for Arizona-Style Immigration Bill By Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida The lawmaker spearheading an effort to pass an Arizona-style immigration law in Florida is trying to get the state's Hispanic community on board with his plans in an attempt to dispel fears that the measure will lead to flagrant racial profiling. FLORIDA POLITICS Florida Democratic dominos falling for Rod Smith By Joy-Ann Reid The Reid Report Can Rod Smith be stopped? Can the Florida Democratic Party be dissuaded from solidifying its status as perennial losers who prefer to be led by perennial losers? Nelson: Obama administration is not 'helping' NASA By Mark K. Matthews Orlando Sentinel Tensions between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and the White House openly erupted Wednesday when the Florida Democrat used a packed Senate hearing to accuse the administration of dragging its feet on a new NASA law that Nelson had a hand in crafting. Sansom's new job at charter school stirs controversy By Tom McLaughlin Northwest Florida Daily News Once again controversy has followed Ray Sansom to the work place. Florida GOP pays Jacksonville mayor's chief of staff $42,500 for 45 days of work By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union Over a 45-day period, Mayor John Peyton’s chief of staff made $42,500 working for the Republican Party of Florida, according to expenditure reports. Property Insurance Limits Will Get Review By Michael Peltier News Service of Florida Stymied last session by an election-year veto, backers of proposals to bolster the property insurance market said Tuesday they'll return with a similar package of changes, but likely won't include sweeteners added in an unsuccessful attempt to earn Gov. Charlie Crist's support. First liability bill filed for 2011 session By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune After coming to a screeching halt in 2010 the “crashworthiness” bill pushed by automobile manufacturers is back before the Florida Legislature. Former state House Speaker Larry Cretul is back in business By Bill Thompson Gainesville Sun It didn't take long for former Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul to get back in the game. Southerland wants GOP to 'make a statement' By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Congress should extend all of the Bush Administration's tax cuts in its lame-duck session, but leave other big issues for the next year, U.S. Rep.-elect Steve Southerland said Wednesday. House freshman concedes: It's hats off By Robin Givhan Washington Post The world of hat-making is relatively small, and within that tiny universe of horsehair and feathers, Rep.-elect Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) is a glorious, bedazzled star. Washington, however, does not cotton to glitter, spangles or bright shiny objects. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Backtracking Obama administration closes eastern gulf to oil drilling By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Related editorial: Shelving expanded gulf oil drilling is responsible course Reversing plans announced only weeks before the BP oil disaster, the Obama administration said Wednesday it will maintain a ban on drilling along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico off Florida. Fla. governor-elect rips Obama ban on oil drilling The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Florida Governor-elect Rick Scott is blasting President Barack Obama's decision to ban oil drilling off the state's coast because of the BP spill. Agency withdraws proposed growth rules because of veto override By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune The Florida Department of Community Affairs has withdrawn two controversial proposed rule changes because of the Legislature's override of the governor's veto of HB 1565. LGBT Asked And Answered The Progress Report Think Progress Yesterday, after an exhaustive and at times controversial ten-month review of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen announced that the purported risk of repealing the discriminatory policy is quite low. EDUCATION Sponsors tell story of Jeb Bush ed convention By Valerie Strauss Washington Post If you have any doubt about the direction of where school reform is headed in this country, look at the sponsors of former Florida governor Jeb Bush’s two-day education conference in Washington, D.C. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Unemployment Pay Ending for 106-Thousand Floridians By Whitney Ray Capitol News Service By Saturday 106-thousand Floridians will run out of unemployment benefits. Florida consumer confidence up from last year, still 'historically low' By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Florida consumer confidence remains higher than a year ago and even last summer, but it's still in the "historically low" range as concerns over housing, jobs and tourism persist, according to a University of Florida survey released Tuesday. After election, small towns face new uncertainty over I-4 high-speed rail By Robert Napper Florida Independent Big city politics may not be the only factor in the success of a high-speed rail line planned between Tampa and Orlando, as lawmakers from smaller towns that make up the heart of the line are calling for the troubled project to come to fruition. Minority firms worry high-speed-rail project will pass them by By Dan Tracy Orlando Sentinel A half dozen African-American contractors are worried they won't be considered for a piece of the $2.6 billion high-speed train between Orlando International Airport and Tampa. HEALTH AND SENIORS Planned Parenthood: ‘Personhood’ amendment a product of ‘radical anti-choice extremists’ By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent A proposed fetal “personhood” amendment to the Florida constitution has alarmed pro-choice activists. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida deputy attorney general: Republicans need to pursue immigration reform By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Florida’s Deputy Attorney General Joseph W. Jacquot coauthored an article published in the Wall Street Journal earlier this month that calls on recently elected Republicans to tackle immigration reform, and argues against the DREAM Act. An investment in the American Dream Editorial Miami Herald They arrived in their mother's arms, or perhaps they were old enough to go to school but always too young to have a say in their family's plans. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida prison guards face felony charges over collapse of inmate By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Two state prison guards have been fired and face felony charges following the collapse of an inmate in May.

Daily Clips for December 1, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS 'No Labels' No Way to Win, Conservatives Say By Kenric Ward Sunshine State News Excerpt: "We saw a low-turnout election, and the result was that the moneyed interests largely had their way. The more people are involved, in whatever party, the better it will be for everyone," Filer said. FEATURED STORIES Fla. Sen. Mike Bennett files Arizona-style immigration bill By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Sen. Mike Bennett, a Republican from Bradenton and one of Senate President Mike Haridopolos' top lieutenants, is putting immigration reform on the front burner this spring, but he insists his Arizona-style bill will not promote racial profiling. Critics warn that new rule-making law rewards ‘bad actors’ By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Critics are arguing that the Florida legislature’s passage of a state law originally vetoed by Gov. Charlie Crist in May could spell trouble for the ecology of Florida — specifically, its waters. Rick Scott's long list of challenges By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune A beaming Governor-elect Rick Scott and his wife, Ann, showed up at the governor’s mansion on Monday night where they joined Gov. Charlie Crist and First Lady Carole Crist for a symbolic menorah lighting ceremony. Va. judge dismisses challenge to Obama health care By Larry O’Dell The Associated Press A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed Liberty University's lawsuit challenging the Obama administration's new federal health care law, declaring that a provision requiring most individuals to obtain insurance is constitutional. FLORIDA POLITICS Andrew Gillum keeps on plugging away against Rod Smith By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Most of the Florida Democratic party activists we talk to say Rod Smith already has the votes locked up to win the state party chairmanship Jan. 9. GOP likely to abandon early primary, may revive straw poll By William March Tampa Tribune Florida Republicans likely will abandon their effort to force the state into the ranks of early presidential primary states in 2012. Legislature pays down solar rebate backlog, but deficit remains By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Last week, the Florida legislature approved the use of $31 million in federal stimulus funds to pay for a portion of two energy rebate programs begun under Gov. Charlie Crist: one for rooftop solar panels and the other for energy-efficient air conditioners. Several agency heads ask to stay on with Scott administration By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Scores of top employees in the administration of Gov. Charlie Crist formally turned in their resignation letters after being ordered to do so by the governor. Jeb Bush says Obama can win again By William Gibson South Florida Sun-Sentinel Jeb Bush says President Obama could win re-election in 2012 and that Republicans have yet to offer a “compelling alternative” to current policies. The last scapegoat Editorial Gainesville Sun They won't have Tom Pelham to kick around any more. Party time, party favors Editorial Ocala Star-Banner Gov.-elect Rick Scott's decision to resurrect the inaugural ball after an eight-year hiatus has critics accusing the millionaire political newcomer of being tone-deaf to the struggles of millions of Floridians weathering some of the nation's highest unemployment and foreclosure rates. POLITICAL RACES Dick Greco files papers to run for mayor of Tampa By Janet Zink St. Petersburg Times Facing a room full of gleeful supporters, former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco on Monday evening formally announced a fifth run for mayor. Palm Beach County may ask state for more time to handle election recounts By Adam Playford and Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post The Palm Beach County Commission, burned by yet another difficult election results episode, may lobby the state for more time on vote recounts, while considering pushing for touch screen machines. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY First public meeting about spill mostly about process By Tom McLaughlin Northwest Florida Daily News State and federal officials met the public Tuesday at the Emerald Coast Conference Center to present information on plans for calculating damages suffered to public lands by the BP oil spill and seeking reimbursement. Nuclear power plant's restart delayed again By Fred Hiers Ocala Star-Banner For the third time, Progress Energy Florida has pushed back the date it will fire up its Crystal River nuclear power plant after more than a year of down time. Debates persist over ‘threatened’ species By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald After a decade of wrestling over the protected status of the manatee, Florida wildlife managers adopted a new system of assessing extinction risks last year that essentially put them out of the controversial, litigious business of declaring things “endangered.” NOAA announces Gulf of Mexico grouper fishing restrictions By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Federal fisheries managers on Tuesday announced they are imposing temporary restrictions on recreational and commercial fishing for gag and red grouper, two of the most important fishing species in the Gulf of Mexico. South Florida water manager Estenoz named U.S. Interior director for Everglades restoration By Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post Shannon Estenoz, board member of the South Florida Water Management District, today was appointed Director of Everglades Restoration Initiatives for the U.S. Department of the Interior. LGBT Pentagon study dismisses risk of openly gay troops By Anne Flaherty The Associated Press Related: Pentagon crafts 'don't ask' repeal to satisfy opponents Related: Read the report: Comprehensive Review of the Issues Associated with a Repeal of 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' The Pentagon's study on gays in the military has determined that overturning the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on serving openly might cause some disruption at first but would not create widespread or long-lasting problems. EDUCATION Jeb Bush urges education leaders to follow Florida's lead By Tom Marshall St. Petersburg Times Related: Go slow on following Florida reforms, researcher says He's still mad, pounding-on-the-table mad. Florida school districts get class size compliance notifications By Jeff Solochek St. Petersburg Times The Florida Department of Education has released its findings as to whether school districts are in compliance with the final phase of the 2002 class size amendment. 35 school districts face penalties for violating Florida's class-size law By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel More than half of Florida's school districts have not complied with the state's class-size law and now face steep penalties, the Florida Department of Education announced late Tuesday. Fla. education chief on Jeb Bush foundation panel The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Florida's Eric Smith is among education chiefs from five states on a panel created by former Gov. Jeb Bush's Foundation for Excellence in Education to push for public school policy changes. Grad rates up; Thank you, teachers By Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel I know it's not terribly popular nowadays. But I thought I'd take a moment to say thanks and congratulations to one of Florida's favorite punching bags — the public school teacher. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Property Insurance Rates By Whitney Ray Capitol News Service Today marks the end of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and another year without a hurricane hitting Florida. Senate rejects earmarks spending ban By Lesley Clark and David Goldstein Miami Herald Two weeks after extolling the benefits of earmarking, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson reversed himself, voting Tuesday for a proposal to temporarily ban the practice. NASA's human spaceflight program is 'adrift' as budget cuts may doom deal By Robert Block and Mark K. Matthews Orlando Sentinel Just seven weeks after members of Congress applauded themselves for brokering a grand compromise on the future of NASA, the new law — meant to broadly benefit the aerospace industry and key NASA states — is in deep trouble. Opposing SunRail could cost Scott By Beth Kassab Orlando Sentinel Even a multimillionaire who financed his way into the Governor's Mansion has to be thrifty when it comes to spending his political capital. Unemployed and Unnoticed The Progress Report Think Progress Today, Congress sets a new record; in the last 40 years, it has never allowed extended unemployment benefits to expire when the unemployment rate was above 7.2 percent. HEALTH AND SENIORS Florida could lose more than $500 million in Medicaid money By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Florida will have less federal money to spend on Medicaid than initially anticipated this summer under new guidelines that were posted by the federal government earlier this month. Fasano: We'll Stop the Medicaid HMO Bill By Scott Finn WUSF Public Radio Tampa A Republican state senator says he’s confident the Legislature will reject a plan by his own party leadership to shift Medicaid recipients into a Health Maintenance Organization, or HMO. Deficit Reduction Plans Would Squeeze Medicare By Mary Agnes Carey Kaiser Health News Spurred by growing concerns about the federal deficit, plans to curb Medicare spending are proliferating -- setting the stage for potentially bruising battles between seniors’ advocates and budget cutters. Food safety bill passes Senate; small producers would be exempt By Susan Salisbury Palm Beach Post The Senate passed a sweeping bill Tuesday that calls for the first overhaul of food supply safety in decades. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Advocates push bill that would legalize immigrants brought to U.S. as minors By Victor Manuel Ramos Orlando Sentinel Immigration-reform advocates in Orlando joined a national push Tuesday to grant legal status to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as minors. Jacksonville ACT! head discusses call to oust Muslim man from Human Rights Commission By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent The Florida Times-Union ran a piece this morning on a Jacksonville groups’s renewed call to oust a Muslim man from the city’s Human Rights Commission, and now a man associated with that group is speaking out. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS 2 prison guards charged in Fla. inmate collapse The Associated Press Palm Beach Post Two north Florida state prison guards are facing felony charges in the collapse of an inmate allegedly ordered to exercise in 86-degree weather without adequate water breaks.