The Florida Progressive Coalition's "15 Stories to Read". Our rev

"Democrats continue to chalk up surprising victories in Sarasota County, further eroding the area's reputation as a Republican stronghold."

On Tuesday, the Democratic tide rolled into the most unlikely of places: Venice.

While the nonpartisan race hinged heavily on the direction of growth and development, both parties say it was still significant that the winning candidates were all Democrats.

"The Democrats have a reason to crow," Sarasota Republican Party Chairman Eric Robinson said. "They won. The county is becoming more liberal."

Although Democrats have been riding a two-year wave that has brought them electoral success in northern Sarasota County, Venice and the rest of South County always presented a more daunting challenge. All seven City Council members are registered Republicans and almost two-thirds of the city's voters are Republicans.

But then Tuesday came.

"Victories show Democrats' progress".




See 'Ya

"Barry Millman, an aide for Rep. Paige V. Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, resigned Friday after he was caught using his state office and equipment to further Kreegel's re-election campaign."

The action came after House staffers found Millman guilty of "dishonesty" and recommended he be fired.

"Legislative aide quits under fire". See also "Legislative aide quits under fire".




Allen Update

He's guilty: see "He Musta Fit, They Didn't Acquit" and for background see "If he doesn't fit, you must acquit".




"Herbert Hoover" says it all

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released yet another study of the Herbert Hoover Dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee. The review, by independent experts whom the corps chose, agrees with previous studies: The 143-mile dike leaks and needs repairs. But the corps' plan to fix the dike, now considered a dam, has leaks of its own." "Repair dike the right way".




This is not a joke

"Nelson, Martinez, Keller seek wider search for stray bombs".




"'Crisis mode'"

The St Pete Times editorial board: "Butterworth has taken the first step, which is to end the state's contract with the Sarasota Family YMCA in Pinellas and Pasco counties. The YMCA stepped in to fill a void left three years ago by the financial failure of the Family Continuity Programs in Pinellas, but not much has improved. A task force appointed to look at all five counties under the YMCA's contract described Pinellas as 'in crisis mode,' with caseworker turnover at 70 percent and caseloads exceeding 40 children." "A foster care challenge".




If all politics is local ... heaven help us

"Former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez maintains that he and his protege, current Mayor Julio Robaina, ''absolutely'' remain friends -- even if the two haven't seen eye to eye lately." "Are political differences driving apart old allies?". See also "Góngora won't fight election loss" ("Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora conceded defeat in his reelection bid Friday rather than filing a lawsuit challenging his loss to Ed Tobin.")




Charlie in over his head

"Crist raised no objections last week when appearing at a Washington news conference where the Army Corps of Engineers announced a plan that would reduce water flow into Florida's Apalachicola River. On Friday, however, Michael Sole, secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said the state opposes the plan, which the corps proposed as a way to restock drought-stricken Atlanta's water supply." "Crist Opposes River Water-Sharing Plan, Officials Say". See also "Governor backs away from water war deal" and "Florida pulls out of deal on water".




'Ya think?

"Congress Right To Revive Funding For Everglades, Other Projects".




From the "values" crowd

"Much-desired staples including rice, pasta, milk and peanut butter are showing up less in food bags for the needy as federal aid has sunk to food banks nationwide." "Federal aid to South Florida food banks dwindles".




Good luck

"Florida firms hold out for Cuba trade".




League to fight "reform"

"The Florida League of Cities, wrapping up an annual legislative conference in Orlando, decided today to fight a $12 billion property tax relief package that lawmakers placed on the Jan. 29 ballot." "League of Cities to fight tax reform".




"Or else"

"The clock is really ticking now that federal officials have put the state of Florida on notice that it must complete a deal on expanded gambling with the Seminole Tribe, or else. Unfortunately, the "or else" option — the feds imposing their own arrangement, leaving Florida empty-handed— isn't troubling enough to some critical people." "Legal threats raise the ante on gambling compact with Seminoles".




Cat fund

"Shared risk: Federal plan moves forward".