so far, a pair of Democratic candidates -- Bill McManus, a former state legislator from Massachusetts, and Darren Soto, a commercial and civil-rights lawyer -- said they plan to run to succeed Quinones. Republican Anthony Suarez, who served in the Florida House as a Democrat before later switching parties, Friday announced his bid for the seat.

Charlie's Budget

"Teacher and state employee pay raises [2.4 percent for most state workers], stem cell research, quicker mental health treatment for jail inmates and replacement of touch-screen voting machines are part of the state spending plan proposed Friday by Gov. Charlie Crist." "Crist budget proposal stresses education, criminal justice". See also "Crist's budget big on schools, environment", "Education top priority in Crist's new budget", "Spending plan accents education", "Crist's budget boosts spending for schools", "Crist budget stresses education and justice", "Crist's $71-billion wish list", "Crist unveils proposed state budget" and "Crist budget true to promises". More detail: "Crist's main budget proposals".

And, despite the fanfare, "Florida's teachers' union was less [than] impressed when the governor offered to fund bonuses without fully addressing low wages." "Crist releases $71.2 billion state budget". See also "Gov. proposes pay increase" ("State employees would get a 2.44-percent pay raise on Oct. 1 and could compete for merit increases of up to 10 percent") and "Democrats on Crist's budget".

But overall the budget reflects more flip-flopping by Crist: "Crist's Budget Proposal Parts Ways With Bush".

State of Emergency

"Crist declared an emergency in four Central Florida counties and state disaster responders went on full alert for the storms and tornadoes that caused death and destruction early Friday morning." "Crist declares an emergency". See also "Crist declares state of emergency after fatal Central Fla. storm".

And, as emergency workers and residents do the heavy lifting, the editorial boards - in a demonstration of abject irrelevance - are already declaring that Charlie's meaningless press conferences just might be as good as Jebbie's meaningless press conferences were during the hurricanes:

this is Crist's first natural disaster as governor, and he appropriately dropped everything to be on the scene to show his commitment to help fellow residents deal with the trauma and rebuild their lives. He should not hesitate to follow the standards set by his predecessor. Former Gov. Jeb Bush was at his best following storms, providing leadership, getting Washington's attention and still leaving room for professionals to do their jobs.

One Man's Terrorist ...

"A federal judge on Friday denied a challenge from the American Civil Liberties Union of a Florida law banning state-paid travel by students, professors and researchers to Cuba and four other nations labeled terrorist states by the U.S. government."

The measure, signed into law May 30 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush, prohibits professors, students and researchers from using money administered by a public university or college — federal or state funds and even private foundation grants — to travel to any country listed as a terrorist state by the U.S. State Department. Besides Cuba, the list includes Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.

The Bush family connections go back to 1984 when Jeb Bush began a close association with Camilo Padreda, a former intelligence officer with the Batista dictatorship overthrown by Fidel Castro. ...

Most controversially, at the request of Jeb, Mr Bush Sr intervened to release the convicted Cuban terrorist Orlando Bosch from prison and then granted him US residency.

According to the justice department in George Bush Sr's administration, Bosch had participated in more than 30 terrorist acts. ["Attorney General Dick Thornburgh called [Bosch] an 'unrepentant terrorist.'"] He was convicted of firing a rocket into a Polish ship which was on passage to Cuba. He was also implicated in the 1976 blowing-up of a Cubana plane flying to Havana from Venezuela in which all 73 civilians on board were killed.

CIA memorandums strongly suggest, according to Bardach's book, that Bosch was one of the conspirators, and quotes the then secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, as writing that the "US government had been planning to suggest Bosch's deportation before Cubana airlines crash took place for his suspected involvement in other terrorist acts and violation of his parole". ...

Bosch's release, often referred to in the US media as a pardon, was the result of pressure brought by hardline Cubans in Miami, with Jeb Bush serving as their point man. Bosch now lives in Miami and remains unrepentant about his militant activities, according to Bardach. ...

Jeb Bush nominated Raoul Cantero, the grandson of Batista, as a Florida supreme court judge despite his lack of experience. Mr Cantero had previously represented Bosch and acted as his spokesman, once describing Bosch on Miami radio as a "great Cuban patriot".

Will Charlie Crack a Book?

Despite Scott Maxwell's misgivings (will Charlie "crack open a budget book to make sure he really understands what he's proposing?"), one hopes Charlie takes the time to read this report:

A new state report has bad news for one of the key tax reform proposals being discussed by lawmakers this year.

Allowing Florida residents to carry the Save Our Homes property assessment cap from home to home is probably unconstitutional, and it could cost the state millions, if not billions, of dollars if it wer

Outa Here

"At least three insurers plan to restrict or stop writing policies in Florida in reaction to new legislation, an emergency order freezing rates and cancellations, and the general risk of hurricane losses." "Some insurers plan to stop doing business in Florida". See also "Insurers Re-Evaluating In Face Of Reform Law".

Underwater

"If you believe that global warming is really not your concern - too complicated, too distant - consider this:"

If sea levels rise 3 feet, as a 2004 University of Arizona computer model projected, much of Florida's coastal development will be submerged or uninhabitable.

Eighty percent of Floridians live within 20 miles of the coast.

A 6-foot rise - a catastrophe almost beyond imagination - would submerge a large part of our state.

Get the picture?

Ahem ... "Civil societies don't rejoice at deaths"

The Sun-Sentinel editors write that City of Miami's official "planned festivity [celebrating Castro's impending expiration] that was in the works was wholly unacceptable."

Civil societies don't rejoice at deaths, regardless of how unpopular the deceased person was. If Miami officials want to mark Castro's passing, a more solemn gathering that reflects on the past and offers hope for future reconciliation and democracy would be more appropriate.

Jennings to Chamber

"Reliable sources say that Toni Jennings has lined up her next high-profile gig -- becoming chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce." "Jennings new job".

Pennies from Heaven

"The nation's minimum wage is inching closer to its first major increase in years, but few Florida workers will see it affect their paychecks."

The legislation, which still needs to be reconciled with the House version, would raise the minimum wage in three steps.

It would go to $5.85 an hour upon taking effect 60 days after the president signs it into law, then to $6.55 an hour a year later, and to $7.25 an hour a year after that.

Today, an estimated 400,000 of Florida's 8.8 million workers are paid at the state's minimum: $6.67 an hour. That would revert to the federal rate only when it surpasses the state wage, May said.

A majority of states have a minimum at or above the federal wage. Eight states have a minimum wage above the proposed $7.25-an-hour rate.

"And there is still a lot more money to spend"

"Since resigning in late September amid allegations that he made inappropriate advances toward teenage interns, Foley has paid his sister more than $14,000 to run his campaign, almost $2,000 to lease a Volkswagen for the bygone campaign and an additional $50,000 to hire prominent criminal defense attorneys. And there is still a lot more money to spend." "Foley's money keeps flowing".

FlaDems "Relevant Again"?

"With Jeb Bush out and Charlie Crist in, Democrats have returned from their legislative Siberia. They're relevant again, and politics in the capital is more interesting as a result." "Democrats regain clout with Jeb's departure".

Early (Very Early) Sink Speculation

"Alex Sink may be planning to stick around and run for governor. Jim Cassady, the former Bank of America executive and longtime associate of Sink's, seemed to be confirming the speculation Friday as he spoke to Capital Tiger Bay." "Alex Sink for Gov?"

"Better Ballot"

"The optical scanners sought by Crist -- and approved by Sarasota County voters in November -- probably won't cure all election woes. But they likely would prevent an undervote mystery because the paper ballots are marked directly by voters, without intervening software that may garble voter intent. The ballot itself stands as evidence for reviewing and recounts, if necessary." "Toward a better ballot".

DCF

"An appellate court Friday ordered the Department of Children and Families to release records to the attorney of five Brevard County children suspected of being abused." "Court: DCF must turn over files to family's attorney".

Convicts

"Convicts released from Florida prisons are supposed to get $100 and a bus ticket home, but that's not nearly enough to help them reintegrate themselves back into society." "A safety net".

Tampa

"Fundraising For District 4 Seat Outpaces Mayoral Race".

Gas Bagging

The Buzz reports that "Roll Call's Lou Jacobson wrote up his recent lunchtime chat with assorted Fl reporters, political consultants and political scientists about the political climate in Florida."

Save the Manatees

Patrick Rose, an aquatic biologist, and executive director of Save the Manatee Club, argues that the "Level of manatee deaths unacceptable".

South Florida Water Management District

The Palm Beach Post editors on the South Florida Water Management District Board:

For nearly a decade, the board has been without advocates for the environment. This board oversees management of Lake Okeechobee and restoration of the Everglades and the Kissimmee River. Under Gov. Bush, lake cleanup was not a priority until last year. Everglades restoration suffered as Gov. Bush sacrificed true partnership with the federal government. He also bowed to pressure from the sugar industry to allow polluted water to be pumped into the Everglades until 2016, 10 years longer than the previous deadline. The district demoted, transferred and cut the pay of a scientist directing Kissimmee River restoration, which finally seems to be back on track.

The district has been on the wrong side of water-quality issues, too often abetted by the Department of Environmental Protection. A tough board conscious of environmental issues should make the district a leader on all these matters.

Kevin McCarty reportedly wants to remain on the board, and he has the political connections that could keep him there. Mr. McCarty is married to Palm Beach County Commissioner Mary McCarty, whose brother, Brian Ballard, was Gov. Crist's biggest fund-raiser. Here's a perfect opportunity for Gov. Crist to show his independence again, not only from former Gov. Bush's administration but from all political cronyism.

Collateral Damage

"Central Florida storms kill flock of endangered whooping cranes".

Adios Touch Screens?

"Crist on Thursday moved to delete the controversial touch-screen voting machines from Florida's political memory, as he endorsed a $32.5 million plan to convert all of the state's counties to a paper-based voting system." "Governor's paper-trail plan gets mostly good reviews". "Crist to seek millions for voting machines that leave paper trail". See also "House Speaker backs Crist plan to scrap touch-screen voting", "Goodbye to most touch screens?", "Gov. Crist wants paper trail in time for 2008 presidential vote" and "Crist's paper trail plan draws raves".

The St. Pete Times joins the Palm Beach Post ("Dump the touch screens? Problems won't go away") in urging caution: "We understand Crist's sense of urgency in getting a recent vote-counting controversy in Sarasota County behind him, and maybe paper ballots are the way to go. But he should have given this matter a little more thought and consulted the experts more thoroughly before sending the state off on another elections adventure." "Crist casts a ballot for trouble".

Moving on Up?

"As state lawmakers consider moving up Florida's presidential primary, they have company: Other states are considering earlier primaries, too." "Florida working to move up primary voting".

"With both parties' nominations in play this year, leaders in Florida -- and many other states -- are eyeing earlier primaries. Their eagerness is understandable. As the fourth-largest state, Florida deserves some say in the selection of nominees. But if Florida, California and Texas push their primaries forward, other states are likely to keep leapfrogging to maintain position. Where does it end, primaries the day after a presidential election?" "Leapfrog primaries conflict with orderly elections".

FCAT Follies

"Crist says he wants to look beyond FCAT scores when rewarding Florida's top teachers under a new, controversial merit-pay plan. Some hope he will also look beyond test scores when grading public schools. But those familiar with his thinking say the new governor is most likely to propose tweaks -- not major overhauls -- to Florida's school-accountability system." "Crist likely to tweak FCAT, schools".

Privatization Scandal

"Corrections Corporation of America, one of two private prison contractors that state auditors say were overpaid $12.7 million, did nothing wrong, a spokeswoman said a day after Gov. Charlie Crist ordered an investigation." "Private prison firm says it did nothing wrong". See also "Corrections company will cooperate with investigation".

And isn't this a nice touch:

Private prisons operating under lease-purchase agreements with the state will remain exempt from paying millions of dollars in local property taxes after the Florida Supreme Court reversed course Thursday and let stand an appellate decision.

Mahoney's Money

"In the days after Mark Foley resigned from Congress in disgrace, the political money floodgates opened for his challenger, Tim Mahoney." "PACs put big bucks behind Mahoney".

Don't Get Vern Wrong

Vern Buchanan has moved quickly to dispel any concern that he was motivated by the plight of low wage workers in voting to increase the minimum wage:

Although the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups opposed the increase, Buchanan told the pro-business crowd Thursday morning that he voted for it for competitive reasons.

"If were wearing my chamber hat I probably wouldn’t have" said Buchanan, former president of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and of the Florida Chamber.
Buchanan said since Georgia still has a lower minimum wage, he feared Georgia businesses would have an unfair advantage over Florida businesses that are required already to pay over $6 an hour because of a state constitutional amendment that passed in Florida.

Over the next few years, the state minimum wage will be close to $7.25 an hour. Buchanan said if Florida is already going to have the higher wage, he wants to make sure surrounding states have the same wage.

Property Taxes

"Lawmakers will gather in Tallahassee on March 6, and reforming the way cities, counties and special districts hit up homeowners is now their top priority." "Property Taxes Targeted".

Pamela Hasterok writes that the "Tax cuts will hurt cities, you":

So where else could cities and counties find the money to keep providing services, reporters asked him at a Wednesday press conference.

Where else? Growth.

If the other answers were little white lies, the last was a big, fat canard. Crist expanded the growth-will-pay-for-itself mantra to the growth-will-pay-for-everything promise. But it's hard to fathom how cities and counties that don't have enough money to serve current residents will be helped by acquiring new ones.

Nor does the governor give local governments credit for picking up more of the tab for state programs like public schools, juvenile justice and health care. Much of the gains in education money in recent years came from requiring homeowners to kick in more. The state used to get 30 percent of its school budget from local taxpayers -- now it gets 40 percent.

So how do you cut property taxes for homeowners, businesses and landlords and not bankrupt cities and counties?

South Florida Under Water

If the GOP keeps its head in the sand about global warming, they are definitely going to lose the (South) Florida vote.

"A much-debated U.N. report on climate change to be released today raises the specter of rising sea levels and hurricanes that could eventually swamp much of South Florida."

Specifically, experts are looking at predictions of sea level rise over the next 50 years from 2 feet to 10 feet.

A rise of 10 feet could swamp the state's highly populated coastline and send salt water spilling into the freshwater Everglades, said a leading South Florida-based scientist.

"It's an outlying estimate, but a 10-foot rise is within the realm of possibility," said Stephen P. Leatherman, director of the International Hurricane Research Center at Florida International University. "If that happens, not only do you have rising water to the east, but you have saltwater encroachment in the Everglades. It essentially becomes part of the ocean to the west of us.

"At that point, forget about Everglades restoration ... Most of this area is maybe 10 feet above sea level, so if you're talking about a 10-foot rise, and rising tide on top of that, then it's all over."

DCF

"The situation with mentally incompetent inmates being kept in jail beyond the 15 days allowed by law had reach a crisis level. Under Lucy Hadi, DCF's previous head, there were hundreds of mentally ill inmates being held in local jails for months beyond the legal limit." "From court fight to caring".

Whatever

The Díaz-Balarts speak:

Two of South Florida's Cuban-American members of Congress called on Democrats to push for a comprehensive immigration overhaul and for the Bush administration to grant temporary protected status to Haitians in a program that already benefits people from several Central American countries.

''We're concerned because the Democrats . . . have given no signs of giving any importance or priority to immigration,'' said U.S. Rep. Lincoln Díaz-Balart, a Miami Republican. "It's time for the Democratic leadership to put up or shut up.''

Rolling the Dice

"As bad as Florida's insurance market is, at least one company is willing to enter it." "Regulators approve new insurer".

Loopholes

"Crist said Thursday he was concerned about lawbreakers who are licensed to carry guns in Florida and was planning to meet with the commissioner in charge of issuing the licenses to discuss the problem." "Gov. Crist calls for meeting on gun loopholes".

Barreto

"Crist has reappointed Miami businessman Rodney Barreto to the state's wildlife commission. Barreto, a real estate investor and founding partner in an influential lobbying firm, was among 283 people whose appointments by former Gov. Jeb Bush to state boards were canceled by Crist when he took his place in office last month." "Crist keeps Bush's pick for wildlife commission".

Tampa

"Register By Monday To Vote In March 6 Tampa Election".

Mel Not Wingnutty Enough?

Check out this site, brought to our attention via the Q's "Go Home Mel Martinez".

Butterworth Says

"Who is the 'Brightest' member of the Legislature?"

Who You Callin' An "Inept Political Hack"?

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits "accuses commissioners of trying to detract attention from a 'culture of corruption' in their offices, even suggesting some of them would do better to find criminal defense attorneys than 'pick a fight' with him. ... The ugliness didn't end there, either. Nikolits took potshots at Parrish, too, implying she's an inept political hack who's running afoul of the law and the state constitution." "Property Taxes".

Another "Jeb!" Legacy

Strange that this Tampa Trib editorial fails to mention who presided over this disaster: "What a shame that Florida will lose out on $20 million from the federal government this year to provide health insurance for children of the working poor."

Florida doesn't spend enough to earn the full federal match, so Washington sends the money to states more strongly committed to giving low-income children their best shot at a healthy life. Since 1998, Florida has lost out on $140 million in federal money. ...

[W]ith as many as 750,000 uninsured children in Florida, the state has a moral obligation to enroll as many as possible.

"Tallahassee's meddling"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board remids us that "a new report by the Pappas Consulting Group, part of the Board of Governors' effort to spark a statewide dialogue (www.flbog.org), underscores that the way to make UF a national powerhouse in a strong state university system has been lost on the Legislature. Tallahassee's meddling has contributed to the inefficiency of the system." "Taking care of business".

Good Bye Miss Ivins

"She said of a certain beloved former president while he was in office that 'if you put his brains in a bee, it would fly backwards' and that 'if he gets even more sedate, we will have to water him twice a week.'" "She served outrage with a scoop of joy".

What A Mess

"Floridians who have received notices that their residential-property insurance policies aren't being renewed have flooded state phone lines and made angry inquiries with insurance agents this week to learn whether a new state-ordered freeze on cancellations applies to them."

Insurance regulators hope to have the answers as early as today. But it's clear that an emergency order that Gov. Charlie Crist's aides drafted last weekend has created a consumer frenzy.

The rule that Crist and the Florida Cabinet approved Tuesday, coupled with just-passed insurance legislation, is intended to have the combined effect of preventing insurers from dropping any Florida homeowners until hurricane season ends in November.

But the rule did not specifically state how to deal with policyholders who were told they wouldn't be renewed before the emergency order was signed. Lawyers for the state are now trying to sort it out.

Bringing RPOF Business Principles to State Government

This strange case is mentioned in an article today about private prisons avoiding taxation:

the Supreme Court in November reinstated a suit by the department seeking to overturn the auctioning of the Lake City Correctional Facility for failure to pay property taxes in Columbia County.

A trial judge had upheld the tax deed sale because the state missed a filing deadline, but the Supreme Court reversed. The justices ruled the state is exempt from a law that requires "taxpayers" to challenge assessments within 60 days after they are certified.

A couple and their two daughters had paid $132,313 for a tax deed to the multi-million-dollar prison.

Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday that he wants the state to spend $20 million on stem-cell research -- but not on the kind that destroys embryos.

While campaigning last summer, Crist said he supported embryonic stem-cell research and said he opposed President Bush's veto of federal legislation that would have paid for it. Backers of embryonic stem-cell research contend that it could lead to cures for such diseases as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Calling himself ''pragmatic,'' Crist retreated from his campaign position Wednesday, instead proposing a grant program that would offer up money for other types of stem-cell research, including the use of adult, umbilical and amniotic cells. Crist conceded he took his position based on likely opposition to embryonic stem-cell research in the GOP-controlled Legislature.

Proponents of embryonic stem-cell research, including leading Democrats in the Legislature and prominent backers of the science, criticized the Republican governor's stand. They said Crist is backing away from a campaign promise to support the most controversial kind of stem-cell research -- the type that involves the destruction of human embryos.

"This sort of proposal is more political cover by the governor than anything that will really advance medical research," said Bernard Siegel, a Wellington resident and vice president of Floridians for Stem Cell Research and Cures, a group seeking through a constitutional amendment state funding for embryonic stem-cell research.

These backers say research already under way at the University of Florida, the University of Miami and the University of Central Florida would be given a shot in the arm if embryonic stem-cell research, now restricted from getting federal funds, received state money. They say other venues, such as Scripps Florida Research Institute in Palm Beach County and a Burnham Institute headed to Orlando, also might be able to host the research.

VP Crist?

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Fresh from a special session that brought property insurance relief, the Legislature wants a special statewide election this year to bring property-tax relief. Let's list just a few reasons why that's a bad idea."

It's a bad idea because it is being rushed for political purposes. Legislators want to campaign in 2008 on the relief they gave, not the relief they are promising. Gov. Crist wants to look as popular as possible to any Republican presidential candidates who might want a running mate capable of delivering Florida's 27 electoral votes.

Paper Trail

"Responding to outcry from voters and advocacy groups over the problems associated with touchscreen ballots, Crist is expected today to announce a proposal to spend at least $20 million to make auditable paper trails of votes a standard feature of voting machines across the state." "Move On Paper Trail Expected". See also "Crist: Every county needs paper ballots", "Crist's plan to replace touch-screen voting machines draws some calls for caution", "Crist to detail plan for paper-trail votingCrist to detail plan for future of voting" and "The great debate: To scrap touch-screen machines or not?" ("Crist's move to scrap Florida's controversial touch-screen voting machines won't produce immediate change -- and may produce some political controversy of its own.")

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The burning question remains: Why did it take this long?" "Paper chase".

However, "Crist plan may have role for touch screens": "The paper-trail proposal that Gov. Charlie Crist will unveil today is expected to make optical-scan ballots the Election Day standard across Florida while keeping electronic touch-screen voting machines for early voting and people with disabilities."

This the Palm Beach Post editorial Board:

Crist thinks that changing from electronic voting machines to optical scan systems will assure mistake-free elections, he's wrong. ...

as a candidate last year, Gov. Crist showed that he didn't understand how touch-screen printers work. They wouldn't deliver a receipt to voters, like an automated teller machine or a gas pump. They would let voters confirm their choices, but the paper would remain untouched, to be available to decide close races.

The blank ballots cast in Sarasota County in the close District 13 House race have galvanized the touch-screen opposition. But not only are undervotes possible with optical-scan ballots, so are overvotes, the ballot-disqualifying choice of more than one candidate that cannot be made on touch screens.

Optical-scan ballots don't eliminate fears of hacking. The results are tabulated electronically and, at least in St. Lucie County, transmitted to central election headquarters by modem. Touch-screen results in Palm Beach County never are sent over phone lines.

While optical-scan systems are considered safer because ballots can be reviewed later, they also can raise questions of voter intent, which, the Supreme Court ruled in Bush vs. Gore, must be judged in a uniform way. If someone circles the candidate's name, does that count? How about scratching out a candidate's name? Does that indicate support for the opponent? Touch-screens don't allow those mistakes.

Just Like "Jeb!"

"Crist on Wednesday reappointed Debbie Sembler, co-chairman of his inaugural committee and the wife of Brent Sembler, Crist's finance chairman, to the University of South Florida board of trustees. Crist also reappointed Miami lobbyist Rodney Barreto to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission." "Crist reappoints two Bush picks".

"Lock'em up, let counties sort out costs"

"There may not be a satisfactory explanation [for the decline in the murder rate], but there's a politically opportunistic solution: Get even tougher with offenders. That's just what Gov. Charlie Crist is pushing to do, with his strikingly well-named -- but quite possibly ineffective and definitely costly -- "Anti-Murder" proposal." "Crist vs. crime".

Big of Him

"The new head of Florida's Department of Children & Families told a judge Wednesday his agency will stop fighting and start cooperating with advocates trying to end the practice of allowing mentally ill inmates to languish in jail in violation of state law." "State declares truce in battle over mentally ill inmates". See also "Judge drops charges, fine in DCF deal".

Confederate License Tags

"The Sons of Confederate Veterans wants to immortalize the flag on a Florida speciality license plate." "Confederate group seeks flag on tag".

Jebbie Let the State "Get Played"

The St. Pete Times editorial board thinks "Florida taxpayers and small businesses that compete with Office Depot should be ticked."

This sweet deal is not unique. It's part of a pattern that began to emerge in our state in the mid 1990s and grew markedly while Jeb Bush was governor, in which a select group of mostly large companies won hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks and other incentives to create or maintain jobs in the state. Often the awards were given to businesses that undoubtedly would have chosen to operate in Florida anyway. In some cases, the added jobs were so low-paying that the employees qualified for government health care. And sometimes there was little net job creation at all, with companies adding jobs in one place while cutting them in another. ...

Our former governor seemed to believe that the state's largest corporate interests should go to the front of the welfare line. Gov. Charlie Crist should take a closer look at these cozy arrangements. If nothing else, loopholes should be closed so that a company cannot claim job growth when it's cutting jobs in another location in the state. And the entire process should be open to the public so it is possible to check whether a business has made a legitimate case for the incentives.

These deals inevitably have more costs than the state is willing to let on, and the benefits seem to accrue largely to the biggest corporate players. From more than one vantage point, it seems that the state is getting played.

Gun Nuts

"Absurd, yes. That's the law in Florida. However, the absurdity shouldn't surprise anyone. This is the state where the Legislature approved a bill that makes it a crime for state agencies to sue gun-range owners to enforce environmental laws, and bars law enforcement agencies from keeping electronic databases on firearms and gun owners." "Firearms".

Chavez

"Chavez's sweeping new powers resonate in S. Florida".

Sleepy Gets Endorsements

"In the first big endorsement from the nation's biggest battleground state, Florida's three Cuban-American members of Congress announced Wednesday that they will back Republican Sen. John McCain for president."

U.S. Reps. Lincoln and Mario Díaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, all Miami Republicans, are taking sides at least one year before Florida's presidential primary. A fast-tracked bill in the state Legislature would bump the primary from March to the last Tuesday in January, possibly making Florida the first state in the South to vote.

Property Taxes

"Crist’s plan isn’t exactly a tax cut".

Who You Callin' an Idiot

"The 2007 Florida legislative session is still more than a month away, but insults already are flying between Collier commissioners and a state lawmaker." "Bennett calls Coyle 'idiot' over impact fees".

Tampa

Follow Tampa's mayoral election with the Trib's "Road to City Hall" blog.

Cuban Exodus?

"The federal government is prepared to stop a mass exodus from Cuba that could follow the death of Fidel Castro, two Florida congressmen said Wednesday after reviewing emergency plans." "Feds: U.S. Is Prepared to Stop Mass Exodus From Cuba". See also "Mica: U.S. ready for Cuban exodus".

Out In The Fields

"More than 170 farmworkers have sued Ag-Mart Produce Inc., one of the state’s largest vegetable growers, claiming the company altered records to avoid paying them for the hours they worked." "Farmworkers sue major Florida tomato producer for back wages".

The Pundits Heart Charlie

"Crist has done more good in a month than Bush did in eight years." "'Common Sense Charlie' puts people above party". See also "Crist a breath of fresh air for skeptical Florida voters".

Alternative Energy

"Crist pushing more alternative energy". See also "Crist ignites energy push".

The Baseball Owners Governor

"After seven years of last-minute political defeats, the plan to help the Florida Marlins build a new ballpark with the help of state funds got a major boost Wednesday when Gov. Charlie Crist announced he is a fan of using taxpayer money to subsidize sports stadiums." "Governor boosts ballpark funding formula". See also "Governor is a fan of pro sports tax break".

Privatization Scandal

"Crist ordered the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Wednesday to conduct a preliminary investigation into more than $4.5 million in alleged overpayments to two companies that operate private prisons for the state." "Crist orders investigation of prison contract settlement". See also "Governor orders investigation into prison contracts".

Funny how Attorney General Crist never found the time to look into the many privatization scams underway while Jebbie was Governor.

"Sink off to a strong start"

Alex Sink "has the opportunity to take the notion of a healthy, adversarial relationship and kick it up a notch. That ought to be her priority. It will make her a household name too."

She has already scored a victory for the people by beating back a Republican effort to put the appointed position of insurance commissioner — formerly an elected post — under the control of the governor. She somehow successfully argued that the position should be accountable to the CFO. Going further, she avows that the insurance commissioner will be an advocate for the public — so much so that the man or woman hired would become a household name.

That’s refreshing. An insurance commissioner who doesn’t work for the insurance companies.

Secret Court Records

"Secret court records are not pervasive around the state but appear isolated to certain areas, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis said Wednesday." "Chief Justice says secret court records not pervasive".

Its A Jungle Out There

"The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this month will consider rule changes that will make it tougher to buy and own pythons and other large exotic reptiles. The changes will effectively create a 'reptile registry' that requires owners to get permits to keep animals and have veterinarians insert a microchip in the animal so that its whereabouts can be tracked." "It doesn't have to be a jungle out there".

How to Get Ahead in Tally

"Gleason was a life long Democrat who switched parties last summer so she could vote for Crist in the Republican Primary." "Open Government Guru = Republican".

The key aspects of the governor's proposal: allowing homeowners to take their property tax savings with them when they move to another home anywhere in the state; doubling the homestead exemption for homeowners, and capping taxes on businesses and non-homestead residential property such as rentals.

Back to Optical-Scan?

"Gov. Charlie Crist wants to spend nearly $33 million to replace Florida's maligned ATM-style voting machines with systems that provide a clear paper trail."

The decision, if approved by state lawmakers, would end one of the most bitter election debates in Florida: whether the electronic touch-screen machines have bugs in their secret software that could make votes disappear.

Crist plans to make his announcement Thursday in Palm Beach County, home of the 2000 butterfly-ballot meltdown that led to the rise of the touch-screen machines in South Florida and other urban areas.

The governor wants to replace them with the optical-scan voting machines used in most areas of the state -- including Tallahassee's Leon County, where Elections Supervisor Ion Sancho has been a harsh critic of the touch-screen systems, used in 15 counties.

Running Government Like a Business

"In the latest lurid revelation about the state prison system, a jury has awarded nearly $1-million in damages to nurses who said a sexually hostile workplace violated their civil rights." "Prison nurses who sued get $1-million".

Speaking of "business principles", Howard Troxler weighs in on the DOC privatization scandal:

Last week, we learned that the state has negotiated a repayment from one of the companies involved, the GEO Group. (We're still negotiating with the other company.)

Here is the amount of the repayment: $402,501.

Let's review.

Overpayments, $13-million.

Settlement, $402,501.

That isn't a repayment. It's a tip.

To his limited credit, one of our state senators, Victor Crist, R-Tampa, asked for an investigation.

I give "limited" credit to Crist, because this was the fault of the Legislature in the first place.

we don't need to "run the government like a business." That is far too low a standard. We need to run the government like, you know, the government.

Housing

"The new problem for Florida is the cost of staying in a home, meaning property taxes and insurance. But counties and cities still haven't solved the old problem - the cost of getting into a home." "Match housing demand to the housing market".

Brilliant

"Florida will forfeit $20 million of federal money this fall that could have expanded a health insurance program for children, and if it does not increase spending at the state level, it could lose millions more." "Fla. To Forfeit KidCare Funds".

"Now Bush is gone"

"Though Republicans remain firmly in charge of education committees, it appears from early meetings that Democratic lawmakers will shape and shepherd major legislation, including a teacher-incentive package in the Senate."

For eight years, Bush, a policy wonk with attitude, set the state's education agenda. He pushed through a school grading system, private school vouchers and performance pay for teachers. He showed little tolerance for opposition, as evidenced by his successful drive to abolish the state Board of Regents, which for decades had operated as an independent voice on higher education.

Now Bush is gone. And so are key allies.

Phil Handy, a Bush confidante made chairman of the Board of Education, had his appointment for a second term recalled by Crist. And Education Commissioner John Winn, who Bush picked to run the Department of Education, is retiring Feb. 28, six days before the start of the legislative session.

In education circles, the collective changes have some people giddy.

Surprise!

"Florida on Tuesday ordered home insurance companies to temporarily freeze rates and halt policy cancellations, catching the state's largest private insurer in the act of shedding some 40,000 customers." "Order surprises insurers, Cabinet alike". See also "Cabinet Freezes Home Insurance Policies", "State calls for 90-day insurance rate freeze" and "Crist, Cabinet to stop insurers from leaving state".

Fraud Allegations

"State officials have accused a water quality lab manager of fraud in his tests of years of samples and are investigating whether to invalidate all his work, a move that could set back pollution cleanup efforts." "Water quality lab manager accused of fraud". Se also "State investigates water quality data, scientist accused of fraud".

Negron

"Despite published reports over the weekend that he’s preparing to run again for Congress again in 2008, former state Rep. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, just told [Jeremy Wallace] he hasn’t decided if he will." "Not ready to run yet".

Inequality

Brad DeLong in the Miami Herald today: "How much should we worry about inequality?"

Answering that question requires that we first answer another question: ''Compared to what?'' What is the alternative against which to judge the degree of inequality that we see?

Florida is a much more materially unequal society than Cuba. But the right way to look at the situation -- if Florida and Cuba are our alternatives -- is not to say that Florida has too much inequality, but that Cuba has much too much poverty.

Brown-Waite

"Madam Ranking Member".

McCain

"U.S. Sen. John McCain has tapped Gov. Charlie Crist's campaign coordinators in South Florida to lay the groundwork for his presidential campaign in the state. Carlos Curbelo and Danny Lopez are the managing partners of a Coral Gables-based political consulting firm shrewdly named Capitol Gains. They helped Crist gain Florida's capitol; now they are going to help McCain take the nation's. The two also have also worked for U.S. Reps. Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart." "Crist's Miami peeps sign with McCain".

Bad Timing

"On the same day that state Sen. Steve Oelrich voted in favor of overhauling the insurance industry, he wrote a letter announcing that he had a new job as an insurance agent."

Oelrich, 61, a Gainesville Republican, sent the letter to several hundred people, saying he is "eager to discuss your members' or clients' insurance needs." Some of those letters went to state lobbyists, whose job it is to persuade him to vote a certain way.

Oelrich, the former sheriff of Alachua County, just started working for Hunt Insurance Group, a Tallahassee company that, among other things, administers the Florida Sheriffs Association's self-insurance fund, which defends state sheriffs in liability cases. The insurance group didn't return calls for comment. ...

Oelrich said the letter was not intended to pressure anybody.

Rep. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, proposed spending $20-million on biomedical research projects that don't require the destruction of embryos.

Researchers hoping to treat or cure a wide array of diseases and injuries are working in several types of stem cell research. The use of stem cells culled from adults, from umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid aren't very controversial.

But many researchers say the most promising type of stem cell research involves the use of cells harvested from embryos, because they have the ability to become any tissue in the body.

Opponents say it is wrong to destroy embryos, which they consider human beings.

Last week, another Florida lawmaker, Rep. Franklin Sands, filed a bill that would earmark $20-million in state money for research on all kinds of stem cell research, including embryonic research. Sands, D-Weston, argues that other types of research won't produce as many results as could be realized with more embryonic research.

Charlie's DNA

Daniel Ruth writes that "there are few other Florida politicians whose sex lives so preoccupy the curiosity of the glad-handing/Bible-thumping/chattering classes."

Oddly enough, early in his first term of office, Jeb Bush also had to deal with libido politics, calling a press conference to deny he was fooling around.

But the very idea of Jeb Bush in flagrante dilecto was so boring, nobody much cared about the governor's sex life and the story pretty much died from disinterest.

In a sort of perverse way, you might think Gov. Crist welcomed the re-introduction of accusations a few days ago alleging he is the father of a child born out of wedlock 17 years ago.

After all, through most of his political career, Crist has had to fend off not too subtle whispering campaigns that he is gay, which the governor has steadfastly denied.

Open Seat?

"Quinones, the first Puerto Rican ever elected to the Florida Legislature, has for weeks been thinking about stepping down in order to run for a new seat on the Osceola County Commission. But the Kissimmee lawmaker said this morning that he still hasn’t decided what he’ll do. ... He said he wants to make up his mind by Wednesday."

Nevertheless, "Democrat Bill McManus, a former Massachusetts legislator with a home in Winter Garden, announced this morning that he will run in a special election to replace Republican Rep. John Quinones. ... Democratic insiders are privately touting another candidate should Quinones actually step down -- Darren Soto, a local attorney who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, last year." "Waiting for Quinones".

Rumour has it that former state rep and party-switcher Tony Suarez will jump in on the GOP side. For more on Suarez see "Allegations Of Voter Fraud Surface In Orange County".

Audit

"Officials for the Florida Department of Education failed to maintain a master list of state-issued cellphones, submitted inaccurate and incomplete travel reports and did not update certain financial records for several years, according to a report from the state auditor general. Education Commissioner John Winn, who will leave office Feb. 28, disputed some of the findings but agreed with others in the report, which was released Wednesday." "Education records lack information, report finds".

What If?

"A few worst-case scenarios are tempering some of the enthusiasm over what Crist and others bill as a bipartisan triumph:"

- What if Florida gets hit by a costly storm before it can build up a bigger, new public catastrophe fund, designed to lower premiums by relieving insurers of some risk?

- What if new rules against "cherry picking," the practice of offering the most profitable types of insurance but not property insurance, send automobile insurers packing from Florida?

- What if a bulked-up Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the public insurer of last resort that's now empowered to offer other types of insurance, steals customers from private businesses?

FCAT Follies

"Test scores of several thousand Florida kids who are taking part in the federal reading, writing and math exams that are under way in selected schools will show how the state's students stack up against others in the nation."

Florida had little improvement in reading when the tests were given two years ago, and officials hope to see better results this time. Only 30 percent of fourth-graders and a quarter of eighth-graders were proficient readers in 2005, the tests showed. ...

While the state's exam -- the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test -- has shown dramatic improvements, the federal test has not backed up the state's claims.

Based on state FCAT scores, 71 percent of fourth-graders were proficient readers in 2005, though the national test that year indicated only 30 percent of Florida's fourth-graders were proficient readers.

Tampa

"Mayor's Priorities Faulted In Debate".

"Clueless" Floridians

"It might cost $7 million to elevate and improve the teaching of civics in Florida, a small price to pay considering the cost of being clueless." "Educate Floridians To Be Better Citizens". See also "Missing lessons".

Speaking of "clueless", this Randy Schultz column the other day suggests that some angry e-mailers could have used a civics class or two. Shultz writes that "after the Legislature passed the insurance bill, it didn't take long to get the first angry e-mail complaining that the state has 'socialized' insurance."

"Socialized?" Well, yeah. As if "privatized" was working so well. ...

last week, the Legislature finally stopped placing its undying faith in a failed private market. Previously, the Legislature had bought the industry's argument that ever-higher rates - rates that even people within the industry agree are "unaffordable" for many people - eventually would bring back competition in hurricane insurance. If the industry won't look after Floridians, Floridians will have to look after Floridians. One might call it socialism. I'd call it cooperation.

Help From Washington

"Ultimately, though, the best way to spread risk and thus reduce rates would be for Congress to create a national disaster fund. That issue explains in part the eagerness of Republicans in the Legislature to move up the state's presidential primary. If political leaders in Florida make national disaster insurance a priority, the theory goes, so will presidential candidates. Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, recently told The Miami Herald that all state politicians should withhold any endorsement until a candidate supports such a program." "Insurance relief tour has a chance to go national".

Premium Freeze

"Newly elected Gov. Charlie Crist has submitted an emergency order that would prevent homeowners insurance companies from seeking new premium hikes for as much as five months. ... The emergency rule would prevent insurers from instituting premium increases before the rate rollback deadline of June 1. It would not affect more than 40 companies with pending rate-change requests. The reductions are the centerpiece of the legislature's plan, which coalesced during a special session this month, to cut premiums by an average of 22 percent statewide, except for customers of Citizens and State Farm, who will receive smaller cuts." "Crist offers freeze of new rate hikes". See also "Crist wants emergency insurance-rate freeze", "Crist proposes emergency rule so that insurance rates don't rise".

Obama Rising

"Barack Obama has tapped Teddy Johnston as his Florida Finance director. And with John Kerry opting out of the contest, one of Kerry's top Florida money-raisers, Miami lawyer Kirk Wagar, has jumped onto the Obama campaign." "Obama's Florida fundraising".

Lethal Injection

"Execution put under microscope". See also "State Senator May Request Audiotaping Of Executions".

At least one person doesn't see what the fuss is all about: "Warden: Inmate showed no signs of pain in botched execution".

Ghouls

"Miami is planning a big party at the Orange Bowl Stadium with a theme, T-shirts and music. No date has been set. Reason being, everybody is still waiting ... on Cuban President Fidel Castro to die. When he does, Miami will get its party on." "Ghoul Bowl". See also "Miami planning Orange Bowl party after Castro's death".

Smathers Tribute

"Former Democratic Sen. George Smathers, who served in the Senate from 1951 to 1969, was remembered as a diplomat and a family man." "300 pay tribute to U.S. senator". See also "Ex-senator's contributions recalled".

Concealed Weapons

"Florida allows 410,000 people to conceal weapons in public, but the guns themselves may not be the worst of the state's secrets. The other hidden outrage, now revealed by reporters from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, is that criminals are on the list." "Florida neglects gun threat".

"Shooting the Messenger"?

"State officials are questioning the credibility of figures documenting water pollution in South Florida for the past five years, saying that omissions in the way the data was recorded amounted to fraud."

The state investigation leading to accusations against lab manager Tom White began after a Department of Environmental Protection audit noted that codes giving additional information on data were used rarely. The codes' information could include that numbers were estimated or resulted from outdated samples.

White, though, has insisted that the data is accurate and legitimate, and shows unacceptably high levels of pollutants in rivers, canals and lakes in South Florida, said Jerry Phillips, a former DEP attorney who now directs the Florida Chapter of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

The organization, which criticized the DEP in recent years for what it has called lax efforts to enforce environmental laws, is helping White defend himself against charges of fraud and negligence.

"They're shooting the messenger," Phillips said. "They're saying that the numbers are too awful to be true."

Some Call It Terrorism

"They may be only a few hundred people in a city of almost 400,000, but they give Miami a bad name. They're the Castro-obsessed hard core of the Cuban exile community, and recently they rallied to demand the release of an anti-Castro terrorism suspect."

The object of their devotion, Luis Posada Carriles, has been accused by Cuban and Venezuelan authorities of conspiring to bomb a Cuban jetliner in Venezuela three decades ago. He has been in U.S. custody for two years on suspicion of illegally entering the country, and is now charged with naturalization fraud and six counts of lying to authorities.

Scores of people died in the bombing Posada is suspected of plotting. The U.S. government has strong evidence linking Posada to the bombing. That alone should keep him in U.S. custody even if he weren't charged with immigration violations.

The government has shown a tendency to bow to political pressure from the Cuban exile community, but why should it? Supporters of Posada and his ilk are fringe groups that operate on the margins and usually end up disgracing themselves, as they did recently. The victims of their attack should consider coming forward to press charges.

Weasels

"For years, Florida has prohibited automobile insurance companies from discriminating on the basis of race, income or other factors that have no bearing on a person's trustworthiness. For years, insurance companies have tried to weasel around those restrictions. And they've been successful -- astonishingly so, given the straightforward nature of the anti-discrimination rules." "A logical leap".

Foley Fallout

The Miami Herald editorial board: "In refusing last summer to investigate the e-mails that former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley sent to a former congressional page, the FBI ignored its own child-safety guidelines, says a report from the Justice Department's inspector general." "A missed warning".

Charlie is "Anti-Murder"

"'As the people's governor, it is my job to keep Floridians safe, and I take that responsibility very seriously,' Crist said."

The legislation would require offenders convicted of violent felonies who violate terms of their probation to return to jail until a court determines whether they pose a danger to the community.

The measure, which also gives judges more authority to impose maximum prison sentences for violators considered dangerous, is projected to require prison space for an additional 1,352 inmates and cost $161.8 million during the next three years, with the bulk of that coming in later years.

Critics said it might impose overly harsh sentences on probationers for minor violations.

Frankness

"Americans are so jaded about honesty in government that it's easy to forget that some officials still embody the ideal of public service. Hillsborough Clerk of Court Pat Frank called the media Thursday not to ballyhoo an honor or unveil a tax cut but to announce she had found a problem in her office. Clerks had fallen behind in processing real estate records and other civil deeds and the backlog had grown to 12 business days." "True public servant".

Granholm in Tampa

The Buzz: "Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is coming to Tampa Feb. 17 for - a city council candidate? Turns out Granholm is sister-in-law of Mary Mulhern, the Democrat running against well-funded Republican Shawn Harrison." "Granholm and Mulhern".

GOPers "Gone Wild"

Sorry we missed this Tom Tryon column last week: "Shocking footage from Republican Governors Gone Wild!™".

"Florida an 'early primary state.'"

"The Florida Legislature won't convene for another five weeks to consider a bill moving up the state's presidential primary, but Republican contender Sam Brownback is already calling Florida an 'early primary state.'" "Florida in the same breath as Iowa". See also "Hopefuls race for Florida cash faster than ever".

The Orlando Sentinel thinks the early primary proposal is "A bad idea".

Meanwhile, "Sen. Clinton expects many return trips to Florida, campaign official says".

KidCare

"Lawmakers should put more money into the state's KidCare subsidized health insurance program to get more children signed up, says Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who plans to make the program one of her priorities in her new job." "Debate begins again over money for KidCare, Sink to push outreach".

Early Primary a Bad Idea?

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Would you be ready to vote for president one year from today? If some Florida lawmakers have their way, the state's presidential primary will be moved up -- way up -- to a date that is seven days after the New Hampshire primary, which currently is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2008. Yet, if those crafty New Englanders see anyone getting ahead of them, they will hold theirs even earlier, which could cause Florida to move up, too." "Bad idea: Moving primary to January".

Meanwhile, "an unprecedented amount of early organizing has begun in Florida as candidates from both parties try to line up major money brokers such as Republican developer Al Austin of Tampa and Democratic trial lawyer Kirk Wagar of Coconut Grove." "Preparations for Florida's primary already begin".

Jeremy Wallace points out that "moving the primary could put it on Jan. 29, one year from today."

The Florida Legislature hasn't voted to move up the state's presidential primary yet, but Republican candidates for the White House are already spending a lot of time in the Sunshine State.

In the past week, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was in Sarasota; former New York Gov. George Pataki was in Fort Myers; and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney both announced they are hiring more Florida supporters for their staffs.

Florida's swing state appeal in general elections would normally be enough to draw serious interest from the candidates.

But with the Legislature vowing to move Florida's primary to within seven days of the New Hampshire primary, the candidates are making an even stronger push here.

No Free-Market Solutions This Time

"Lawmakers say the expansion of Citizens is an aberration, born of the insurance crisis. Lawmakers veered from free-market solutions." "Crisis put GOP out of its element".

FCAT Follies

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "No standardized test ever satisfies everyone's expectations. Quibbles aside, what those tests do provide is a solid diagnostic tool that allows parents and educators objectively to know where students stand in relation to expectations, and how they could improve. So the problem with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test isn't the test itself. It's how the test is being used -- not as a diagnostic tool designed primarily to help the student, but as a measure of school and school district performance, and as a tool to punish, reward, humiliate and threaten those schools and districts with ultimatums." "FCAT's failing grade".

Vision for Central Florida

"The region's population is projected to double by 2050. Developing the vision and then a blueprint for growth can, even with 7 million residents, make this a place where we and our children still would want to live." "Important next steps".

Hispanic Turnout in Osceola

"Orlando Sentinel analysis showed that regionwide, three in 10 Hispanic voters participated in the 2006 election compared with five in 10 non-Hispanic voters." "Turnout is vital".

"Off with their policies"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "There are two ways of looking at the decision last week by Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, to punish the only two - out of 160 - legislators who voted against the insurance bill."

The first is that Rep. Rubio is a hypocrite. He made a big deal during the special session of saying that he wanted ideas from everyone, including Democrats. Then he bumps Reps. Don Brown, R-Defuniak Springs, and Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, from leadership positions just because they disagreed.

The second is: Good riddance. We'll go with that view.

Last year, under a different speaker, Rep. Brown was the House point man on insurance. He is an insurance agent, but his defenders argued that he brought expertise to the issue. In fact, he brought excessive fondness for the industry that provides his living. Under Rep. Brown's expert "leadership," the Legislature produced a bill designed to push rates higher. Consumers got next to nothing. Rep. Ross, who chaired the Insurance Committee, defended the bill as "a positive first step in providing the incentives and assurance needed by private insurance companies to reenter the state and bring back a competitive, affordable marketplace."

No Embargo

The Tampa Trib argues that "the long, tight embargo of Cuba makes less and less sense with each step Fidel Castro takes toward his grave." "U.S. Must Engage Cuba Today To Foil Tomorrow's Dictator".

Hill to Visit UFCW in Naples

"The New York Democrat is trying to gain the support of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which is holding a breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Naples Grande hotel, formerly the Registry" "Sen. Clinton to make Naples campaign stop".

Gun Nuts

"Paper: Fla. gives gun permits to felons": "Hundreds of criminals were able to obtain concealed weapons permits in Florida because of loopholes, errors and miscommunication, a newspaper reported Sunday.".

"Florida's Failures" In Higher Education

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board:

Ten years ago, when former University Chancellor Charles Reed left Florida to head up California's college system, he warned of a "train wreck" unless state leaders stepped up support for higher education and the then Board of Regents steered universities toward greater collaboration.

Instead, Florida went in the other direction. Former Gov. Jeb Bush dismantled the Board of Regents and gave university oversight to the State Board of Education. That board, which focused on kindergarten-through-12th grade education, promptly pushed higher-education duties to the side. The result: Legislators were in charge -- and competition reached new levels. Ten universities sought to become top research institutions, with funding based on who won the Legislature's ear. And a new university was added. Not surprisingly, no Florida university has achieved high national distinction as a research institution.

So give credit to voters, who in 2002, had the wisdom to create a new university oversight board, the Board of Governors.

Cotterell

Bill Cotterell writes that "the just-released annual report of the Department of Corrections is an interesting model of restraint, considering the year Secretary Jim McDonough has experienced." "DOC report packs more of a punch this year".

Green

"The first statewide restrictions on fertilizing yards, parks, golf courses, sports fields, cemeteries, subdivision common areas and other nonagricultural grass areas could be adopted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in April." "State hopes rules keep lawns, not lakes, green".

Homeless

"If nothing else, a census of homeless people living on South Florida streets has for the moment brought needed attention to their plight." "Homeless".

"It's pretty bad"

"It's pretty bad when Florida, the fourth-largest state in America, ranks 39th in average voter turnout for the 2002 and 2004 general elections. Likewise when Florida ranks 49th in rates of volunteerism. It's pretty bad when in Florida, according to a poll conducted last year for the Florida Bar, only 59 percent of adults know the three branches of government, and only 46 percent know the meaning of the phrase 'separation of powers.' It's even worse among young people." "Civics".

"One race per touch-screen page"

I think lawyers call this a "subsequent remedial repair":

Voters will get printed-out screen shots in the mail before heading to the polls in March, and will see one race per touch-screen page.

The changes are in response to problems reported in the November general election, when about 18,000 voters did not register a choice in the 13th Congressional District race, and many voters said they left the polls unsure whether their votes had been counted.

The Insurance Bill

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune editors: "The reforms, however, don't overcome the conditions that have driven rates upward. Coastal development, escalating property values and vulnerability to a hyperactive pattern of hurricane activity have increased Floridians' -- and their insurers' -- exposure to damage. Building stronger and smarter needs to become part of a long-term strategy to reduce rates and risk. Nevertheless, the actions by the Legislature and Crist were warranted because Florida was spared from hurricanes last year and insurers made record profits following huge increases in premiums." "Rates lower, but risk is high". See also "More insurance reform is still needed".

Public Records Act

"Six weeks before the start of another legislative session, a state lawmaker has done the predictable: File an onerous exemption to the state's open records and public meetings law." "Public Records".

Citizens

"New Citizens bent on fixing service flaws".

Changing Direction

On the education front the Tallahassee Democrat editorial board, in "E for 'edify'", notes the following:

- "Professional educators around the state have long been urging Florida to move the pendulum back toward education's center, however - toward finding a leader who is more of a visionary and champion of teachers, students and their parents; less of a bureaucratic administrator."

- The editors "urge the Board of Education to hire a less doctrinaire education commissioner to oversee pre-K through grade 12 only, and Mr. Crist to ensure that higher-education governance is exclusive to the Board of Governors and 11 university boards of trustees."

Alvarez

"Blacks voted overwhelmingly against the strong-mayor referendum in Miami-Dade County, while Hispanics strongly supported it. White non-Hispanic voters were divide."

A Miami Herald analysis showed that heavily Democratic precincts strongly opposed the measure boosting the Republican mayor, while Republican-majority precincts favored it.

Another interesting factoid: early and absentee voters mostly favored the referendum, while the Election Day vote was split.