Russia’s “Window on the West” glitters with spectacular cathedrals, world-renowned museums, and romantic canals.

Crist and an entourage of 90 business, academic and government officials are spending $254,918 in public money on a 12-day state trip through Europe

While Crist was touring a nuclear plant in France and meeting with aerospace firms and Prince Charles in London, Florida's job loss numbers were moving to the front of the pack nationally.

Home foreclosures ranked second in the country last month. Population growth has slowed, from 500,000 a year two years ago to a projected 117,000 this year.

Florida led the nation with a loss of 78,100 jobs over the last 12 months, figures released Friday show ...

The numbers are so dire Crist may have to further cut state spending this fall, even though lawmakers already slashed $6 billion from the budget that took effect this month. ...

State Farm announced it can't keep insuring homes in Florida without raising rates 47.1 percent.

Water Crisis Mortgage Fraud Political Dysfunction Algae Polluted Beaches Declining Crops Failing Public Schools Foreclosures ...

Rumor has it that Charlie and his babe shared a lovely dinner (including brioche) at the Eiffel Tower, followed by a cruise on the Seine River, followed by the fabulous show "Feerie" with its famous "French Can-Can" at the Moulin Rouge.

We've got a water crisis, insurance crisis, environmental crisis and budget crisis to go with our housing crisis. We're first in the nation in mortgage fraud, second in foreclosures, last in high school graduation rates.

Our consumer confidence just hit an all-time low, and our icons are in trouble--the citrus industry, battered by freezes and diseases; the Florida panther, displaced by highways and driveways; the space shuttle, approaching its final countdown.

New research suggests that the Everglades is collapsing, that our barrier beaches could be under water within decades, that a major hurricane could cost us $150 billion. ...

But now the financial and environmental bill for a century of runaway growth and exploitation is coming due. The housing bust has exposed a human pyramid scheme--an economy that relied on a thousand newcomers a day, too many of them construction workers, mortgage bankers, real estate agents and others whose livelihoods depended on importing a thousand more newcomers the next day.

And the elaborate water-management scheme that made southern Florida habitable has been stretched beyond capacity, yo-yoing between brutal droughts and floods, converting the Everglades into a tinderbox and a sewer, ravaging the beaches, bays, lakes and reefs that made the region so alluring in the first place.

Crist's office refused to reveal any details of the meeting with Prince Charles. But the governor also met this week with Charles' brother, Prince Andrew, to discuss ways to improve Florida-Britain trade relations.

Drilling

"Could we ever see oil rigs off the World's Most Famous Beach?" "Drilling bans may end".

ACORN hates America

The Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee Tampa Tribune editorial board whines today about "the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN)" saying that

Florida is not doing enough to help low-income residents register to vote when they apply for public aid. ACORN's Florida organizer, Brian Kettenring, told Tribune reporter Catherine Dolinski the state is even violating the civil rights of some residents.

This is nonsense, of course. The state, especially through its motor vehicles department, has done about all that government can do. Voting is a right that carries responsibility on the prospective voter's part. The state cannot force someone to register if they are not interested.

If ACORN wants to fight voter disenfranchisement, it should target the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which prohibits nonpartisan groups from holding voter-registration drives at its hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and offices. Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning has joined the chorus of criticism about this slap in the face to veterans.

What is it with Orlando?

First this: "Vandals in Orlando spray-paint cars with anti-Obama messages.", now this: "Noose delivered to Orlando Commisioner Lynum's office".

Reconsider?

"Crist on Friday asked the Florida Supreme Court to reconsider its decision striking down a gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe." "Crist asks court to reconsider gaming ruling".

Not just Allstate

"More insurance rate hike requests predicted".

Retaliation?

"Republican officials are targeting Democratic state Sen. Dave Aronberg in retaliation for Democrats' once-high-profile race against incoming Senate President Jeff Atwater." "Revenge sparks GOP attack ads, Democrats say".

"Governor Crist discusses climate change with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales," headlined the news release from the governor's office. It was one of three distributed Wednesday with Internet links to pictures of Crist enjoying a midsummer visit to four European nations.

In Tallahassee, economists predicted Florida's economy will keep tanking until at least the first half of 2010 (when Crist runs for re-election).

Taking stock of it all, one wonders if we've reached a pivot point in Crist's term, a moment when voters will look back six or eight months from now and realize that what looked like optimism was in fact cluelessness.

This is the week that Time magazine chronicled the litany of all that's gone wrong in the Sunshine State.

Water Crisis Mortgage Fraud Political Dysfunction Algae Polluted Beaches Declining Crops Failing Public Schools Foreclosures

Jebbite retribution

The Jebbites may have to bide their time, but they always get their payback: "The state official whose critical report halted expansion of Florida's Medicaid changes has been fired by her boss, a former legislator who helped write the law implementing the changes."

Linda Keen had served as inspector general of the Agency for Health Care Administration. Her report in September cited major problems with a pilot program championed by former Gov. Jeb Bush to privatize Medicaid services. She cited a rushed implementation and a lack of data to determine whether the program saved any money.

Keen was dismissed earlier this month by AHCA Secretary Holly Benson, a former Pensacola lawmaker whom Gov. Charlie Crist appointed in February. Benson said Keen's findings played no role in her dismissal.

Allen gets a pass

"A judicial panel has recommended that First District Court of Appeal Judge Michael Allen be reprimanded for a written opinion that suggested a colleague improperly voted to acquit former Senate President W.D. Childers of Pensacola of bribery charges."

The review panel found that Allen's written opinion was "reckless" and "had no objectively reasonable factual basis."

However, the panel cleared Allen of charges that he deliberately misled investigators and recommended a relatively light punishment.

"Pollution-fueled algae blooms"

"Five environmentalist organizations sued the federal government Thursday, demanding new measurable standards for pollution-fueled algae blooms in Florida waterways." "Environmental groups file suit against EPA".

"Use It or Lose It"

"The U.S. House of Representatives killed a bill Thursday that Democrats, including Kathy Castor, had pushed as a way to spur drilling on 68 million acres of government land already leased by oil and gas companies in Alaska, the West and the western Gulf of Mexico."

The measure was a response to Republican calls to lift a long-standing drilling ban on most offshore U.S. waters, including off Florida's coasts.

Opposition to that idea has put Democrats who control the House on the defensive as gas prices remain above $4 a gallon.

To counter that, the bill sponsored Thursday by West Virginia Democratic Rep. Nick Rahall contained what Democrats called "Use It or Lose It" legislation, requiring oil producers to drill on the leases they have or relinquish them.

Tampa Rep. Kathy Castor was one of 18 Democrats to co-sponsor the measure and the only Floridian to do so.

Fat kids

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board:

A year ago Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law a requirement that children in elementary school get at least 30 minutes a day of physical education, five days a week. He and the Legislature were responding to an alarming trend. Children are getting fatter, fast. The percentage of boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 19 who are overweight has tripled since 1980, according to the 2006 "Shape of the Nation" report by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

The trend isn't improving.

Broward

"With help from shills in the audience who asked questions about controversial aspects of individual candidates' backgrounds, some of the candidates attacked each other. The mudslinging shows that the Democrats -- none of whom are well known countywide nor have served elected office in Broward -- are eager to differentiate themselves in a crowded field." "Mud flies as Dem hopefuls for Broward sheriff debate".

Evaporating

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "The euphoria over Florida's proposed $1.75 billion deal to buy U.S. Sugar Corp. land for Everglades restoration is evaporating as hard realities become apparent." "Consider tax increase with U.S. Sugar deal".

"Florida could save about $1 billion within five years"

"For every dollar invested to keep people fit and healthy in Florida, nearly $7 could be saved within a decade."

A new report Thursday estimates that Florida could save about $1 billion within five years even after investing $173 million annually into programs to prevent disease.

The root of all evil

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board wants you to know that it is always about spineless politicians seeking "to mollify the police union." "Tampa police gas bills out of line".

In the fight

"Obama not giving up on Florida".

More

"It's likely that State Farm won't be the last property insurer to ask Florida for a new rate hike, an industry spokesman said Thursday." "More insurance rate hike requests predicted".

"Obama a feminist"

"Barack Obama's half-sister is campaigning for the Democratic presidential hopeful for the first time in Florida, hoping to persuade Hillary Clinton supporters to switch their allegiance." "Obama a feminist, his half-sister tells women".

"They've got things backward"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "They've got things backward at the St. Johns River Water Management District. Managers there are charged by law to determine the minimum water levels in rivers and lakes, below which the fragile ecosystems around them would suffer. Those levels are supposed to then guide the managers in determining whether it's safe for them to hand out permits to governments and others wanting to draw down the waterways." "Before allowing withdrawals, water managers must ensure they're safe".

Varn out

"Without comment, an appeals court today upheld the removal of former School Board member Fred Varn from the ballot for a seat in the Florida House."

Florida gold

"In the presidential race for campaign cash, Florida was especially generous to John McCain last month and gave even more to Barack Obama." "Florida a multimillion-dollar gold mine for presidential hopefuls".

"Grim"

"With unemployment rising and incomes falling more than expected, Florida's slowdown is here to stay for another full year, the state's top analysts reported Wednesday in their gloomiest report yet." "Outlook Grim For Fla. Economy".

South Florida races heat up

"Democrats for the second fundraising period in a row have outpaced Miami's three Republican members of Congress, suggesting an increasingly competitive challenge for the incumbents." "Miami GOP congressional incumbents outraised again".

"Expensive showdown"

"Democrats Alan Grayson and Charlie Stuart are headed for an expensive showdown in their congressional primary next month. They raised a combined $761,000 this spring -- but in vastly different ways, election records show." "Grayson, Stuart fill election coffers".

"Crushing workload"

"Citing deep budget cuts and a crushing workload, Miami's public defender wants to turn away thousands of poor people accused of crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery because his attorneys can't properly represent them in court." "Public defenders make drastic proposals amid cuts".

Dubya's "passion for empty symbolism"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Despite President Bush's less-than-subtle jab this week, Florida is not the reason why gas prices are more than $4 per gallon. On Monday, Mr. Bush indulged his passion for empty symbolism by lifting a presidential ban on offshore oil and gas drilling, a ban his father established. The gesture is symbolic because Congress would have to go along, and Congress won't, primarily because Democrats won't." "Bush hitting dry holes in energy blame game".

Fool

"Jeb Bush told the Keynoter this week that if he'd known while he was Florida's governor that oil would spike above $4.30 a gallon in the Keys, he would have been in favor of drilling for oil off Florida's coast." "Keysnoter: Jeb Bush: Hindsight on oil drilling is 20/20".

"Polluting Florida's waterways"

"Five environmental groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, claiming the federal government is violating the Clean Water Act by failing to set standards for farm and urban runoff that is polluting Florida's waterways." "Environmentalists sue EPA for cleaner water rules".

Florida Greens "shocked and I'm suspicious"

"The Green Party doesn't know five candidates who filed at the last minute in five legislative races. All changed their affiliations, and some their addresses, before or shortly after qualifying in June."

"I'm shocked and I'm suspicious," said Echo Steiner of Lake Worth, the state co-chair of the Green Party.

Party officials have sent certified letters, e-mails and even tried knocking on doors so they can vet the candidates and officially endorse them. The candidates have until July 21 to fill out a questionnaire.

Democrats, who often lose votes to third-party candidates in competitive races, are accusing Republicans of being responsible.

"If it's true, this will be the first time in history that a state party has had a coordinated effort to put sham candidates on a ballot to manipulate an election," said Aronberg, D-Greenacres.

Corporate welfare now for "high paying jobs" in 2017?

"Under the proposed deal, Charles Stark Draper Laboratories of Cambridge would open satellite offices in St. Petersburg and at the University of South Florida in Tampa, creating at least 165 high-paying jobs plus $50-million in new research grants for the university."

Good luck in trying to enforce this:

... Draper must reach its 100-job quota by 2017.

Is this "insurance"?

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "This year, Gov. Charlie Crist rolled out his "Cover Florida" plan, which promises bare-bones insurance for a premium of $150 a month. Employers with fewer than 50 workers will also be eligible for new stripped-down policies through Health Choices. Both programs promise prices sure to be attractive to many of the state's employers who currently offer coverage. But both will also deny employees the benefit of more than 50 state laws that require coverage for pregnancy, mammograms and well-baby care -- raising the question of whether the new policies can be termed 'insurance' in its commonly understood meaning." "America uncovered".

Parking spot

"A new survey finds Tampa has the most expensive parking of Florida's big cities." "Tampa takes state title for parking costs".

Alligator eggs

"Annual alligator egg collection under way in Fla.".

Another privatization flop

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: For "six years Pinellas County contracted with WellCare Health Plans Inc. of Tampa, a private managed-care company to handle delivery of medical care to the county's poor."

When that didn't work, and, "after months of study and negotiation by local public health experts, [the County has been able] to cobble together a network of clinics that would provide a 'medical home' for regular checkups, immunizations and the like for adults ages 18 to 64 who have no money, no insurance, and no access regular medical care. The program will use existing medical facilities: three state-operated Pinellas County Health Department locations, and the five clinics operated by nonprofit Community Health Centers of Pinellas Inc. Officials say doctors and nurses will be added at those locations, if necessary, to serve the new clients. A case manager also will be provided to ensure clients get their medical needs met." "Medical care for poor gets healthy boost".

Marlins need love

"Poll of Miami-Dade voters shows lack of support for Marlins ballpark".

You were warned ...

Mike Thomas: "Anyone remember this quote from Florida TaxWatch, the government-watchdog group, that I ran in this column before the January vote?"

"The proposal does not restrict local governments' ability to increase millage rates to recoup revenue losses, thereby lessening the savings for some and shifting more tax burden to others."

Translation: Suckers!

Flip floppery

A half-dozen "prominent" Republican lawmakers "told the St. Petersburg Times they would support offshore drilling with safeguards."

Others include Sens. Mike Fasano of New Port Richey, Mike Haridopolos of Indialantic, J.D. Alexander of Lake Wales, Ronda Storms of Valrico and Rep. Will Weatherford of Wesley Chapel, a likely future House speaker.

But that view is far from universal among the Legislature's Republican majority, suggesting a tense debate should the federal government lift its offshore drilling moratorium in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and leave the issue up to individual states. Just last month Gov. Charlie Crist backed such a plan by Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumed Republican presidential nominee.

Republicans who oppose drilling include state Sens. Dennis Jones of Treasure Island, Victor Crist of Tampa, Paula Dockery of Lakeland, Alex Diaz de la Portilla of Miami, and state Rep. Ed Hooper of Clearwater. The incoming House speaker, Rep. Ray Sansom of Destin, opposes offshore drilling."

Don't forget the "for"

"The Florida Election Commission has fined two Broward County Commission candidates for misrepresenting themselves. County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion filed the complaint against two challengers, Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner John Billingsley and Rev. Allen B. Jackson, for not using the word 'for' between their names and 'County Commissioner' in campaign ads. " "Missing 'for' costs hopefuls".

Unions out of control

The Tampa Tribune editorial board says "it's nearly impossible to find a politician who's willing to guard the public's wallet when the police union calls.".

Rate hike

"Florida's second-biggest property insurer, said Wednesday that it will need to raise homeowner rates by almost 70 percent in some parts of Palm Beach County, almost 63 percent in parts of the Treasure Coast and an overall average of 47.1 percent statewide." "State Farm wants 47% home insurance rate hike for Florida". See also "Updated: State Farm seeks 47-percent rate increase; area policyholders could see more than 50-percent jump".

Bill Maxwell ...

... is trying to make a point, but I'm not sure how well he does it here: "Don't dare disagree with Obama".

"Nonpartisan Palm Beach County Voters Coalition"

"The nonpartisan Palm Beach County Voters Coalition is calling for the defeat of Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson, Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits and school board member Mark Hansen." "Palm Beach County voters coalition announces endorsements".

Labels: "Grim"

Game on

"Obama's presidential campaign is opening its Florida headquarters in Tampa. Under the leadership of state director Steven Schale, the office will coordinate volunteer efforts for the Illinois senator in the Sunshine State." "Obama campaign opens Florida headquarters".

More: "Florida Dems gain more than GOP" and "State may be getting a touch blue" ("Is Florida turning blue?")

"Like everybody else"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Florida growers have had to dump truckloads of tomatoes in waste piles or let crops die on the vine because of a salmonella outbreak that has nothing to do with Florida or tomatoes. ... It's no secret there aren't enough federal inspectors to safeguard the nation's food supply. But the least the government can do is pay for its mistakes - like everybody else." "Repay Florida's growers".

Amendment 5

"State Sen. Mike Haridopolos on Tuesday scheduled 10 public forums on a plan to abolish property taxes for school support and make legislators find billions of dollars in replacement revenues." "Amendment 5 debate intensifies".

Collateral attack

"As he heads into the final weeks of a nationally watched Republican congressional primary, Hal Valeche could find himself facing not only GOP foes Gayle Harrell and Tom Rooney but also a lawsuit from Rooney's father." "Rooney's dad dogs Valeche over letter".

"It didn't take long"

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "If anyone had doubts about the many complexities facing the state in acquiring U.S. Sugar landsto restore the Florida Everglades,"

it didn't take long for Dexter Lehtinen to bring a big one forward.The former U.S. attorney, who has represented the Miccosukee Tribe for more than a decade, has weighed in with a legal challenge. Lehtinen and the Miccosukees are understandably concerned the $1 billion-plus deal will lead to the scuttling of a reservoir project in order to save money needed to pay for the 300 square miles of coveted property. The reservoir, the Miccosukees argue, is needed to stop polluted water flowing into tribal territory.

The state has spent roughly $250 million to build a 16,700-acre reservoir along U.S. 27. Last month, water managers stopped construction, although they arestill paying $1.9 million a month to idle contractors while a final decision is made as to whether the reservoir fits in with theU.S. Sugar purchase.

And the traffic ticket had the wrong date on it

"In 2000, for reasons lost to history, the state changed the oath simply to say that it was being signed under penalty of perjury. No more witnesses. ... Federal law says such oaths must be taken "before any person duly authorized." State law has a similar requirement. Hurt's conclusion: 'The people of Florida still have criminals at the head of government, in all branches, for none of them properly qualified as candidates. They can repair that problem only with new elections.'" "Is Florida being run by utter imposters?".

Feeney flip-flops

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: ""

Bush hit another dry hole on energy policy this week when he lifted a presidential moratorium on offshore drilling and urged Congress to follow suit.

As a response to today's $4-a-gallon gasoline, additional offshore oil drilling makes no sense. The oil would take up to a decade to hit the market. The Department of Energy has projected its impact on prices would be insignificant.

Yet Florida's House Republicans have jumped on board this poll-driven policy. They've left behind their concerns about Florida's fragile coastal environment and tourism-dependent economy. Oviedo's Tom Feeney is among those now supporting more drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

"God help her"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller Sharon Bock asked for full control of a computer system to serve the county's judicial and law-enforcement agencies. God help her, she got it. Last week, the committee that for a decade has tried and failed to create such a system voted to scrap the current conglomeration - which has cost $25 million". "A $25 million debacle".

Some wage increases OK

The Palm Beach Post editorial pretty much gives this $250k salary a pass: "That additional expense is more defensible than a recent 5.8 percent raise plus a $15,000 bonus to district CEO Dwight Chenette, increasing his base salary to $250,000. Two years ago, the district raised Mr. Chenette's salary by 34 percent with a $40,000 bonus. For the average homeowner in Palm Beach County, the tax rate increase could amount to less than $10 a year. The average homeowner, though, is having a below-average year. Mr. Chenette does his job well. But the district isn't a private company. The tax increase will go down better with the public in September if the raise does, too." "Yes, it's a tax increase, but one that makes sense".

What does?

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "One doesn't need an MBA ...". "Recipe for recession".

Nukes

"State commission OKs utilities' nuclear power plans" More: "Progress Energy got a green light ... from a unanimous Public Service Commission for a $17 billion nuclear-energy project in Levy County that the regulators deemed necessary and cost" "Levy County nuclear project given the go-ahead".

Go drag your knuckles someplace else

"Ed Heeney, a Boynton Beach Republican who went on national television with an anti-gay agenda four years ago, is dropping his attempt to unseat state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres." "Anti-gay activist won't face Aronberg".

Big of him

"In the wake of a multimillion-dollar deal for Jabil Circuit, Mayor Rick Baker said Tuesday he is now open to more public scrutiny when private companies come asking for tax breaks. " "Mayor yields on incentives".

Solar power

"More solar power is headed to Florida, and it looks like Florida Power & Light Co. customers will pay its way." "FPL gets to charge for solar projects".

Off topic

"Ocala: Potential juror jailed for cursing judge".

"Which would be the better investment?"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The governor's entourage will cost taxpayers $255,000 and includes his fiancée, Carole Rome, a consultant to her family's Halloween costume business. ... Even still, the $255,000 cost of the trip would pay the salaries of seven new teachers and a part-time aide. Considering the importance of a good education (and the business community's constant reminder to leaders of that inescapable fact), which would be the better investment?" "Travels with Crist".

Dem "platform drafting committee"

"One of Sen. Barack Obama's earliest Florida supporters will play a big role in shaping the Democratic Party's presidential campaign platform. Tallahassee City Commissioner Allan Katz, a member of the Democratic National Committee, has been chosen to serve on the platform drafting committee. Katz said Monday the 15-member panel will have a public hearing in Cleveland on August 1 and will make its recommendations to the full platform committee in Pittsburgh on August 9." "DNC picks Tallahassee Commissioner Katz for platform committee".

Imagine that

"Congress' investigative arm is raising concerns about contracts awarded to local TV and radio stations that broadcast to Cuba, according to a report released Tuesday." "Report: problems with Cuba broadcast contracts".

Drilling blasted

"Environmentalists blasted an announcement today by President George W. Bush that he would lift a ban on offshore drilling in hopes of spurring Congress to do the same." "Florida critics blast president's offshore drilling plan".

"Single White Governor"

Maitland housewife makes a funny:

John McCain favored a federal gas-tax holiday.

Then Charlie Crist favored a state gas-tax holiday.

John McCain favored expanded offshore oil drilling.

Then Charlie Crist favored expanded offshore oil drilling.

John McCain married a younger, beautiful woman.

Now Charlie Crist just got engaged to a younger, beautiful woman.

I think we have a case of Single White Governor.

Bridget Fonda takes in Jennifer Jason Leigh as a roommate. Jennifer starts turning herself into Bridget. Bridget ends up having to stab her to death with a screwdriver.

In this version, McCain throws Crist out on the street and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink finishes him off in 2010.

Glowing

"Central Florida's largest power provider, Progress Energy, won approval Tuesday from a state regulatory agency to build two new nuclear power plants." "Progress Energy gets OK for Fla. nuclear plants".

No politics

"Political tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela cannot be used as a defense by a Venezuelan man accused of acting as a foreign agent in the cover up of a suitcase of cash smuggled to Argentina, a federal judge ruled Tuesday." "Judge: Fla. cash smuggling case not about politics".

Michelle Obama

"According to the Web site barackobama.com, Michelle Obama will be in Fort Myers to speak at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre on July 24 for a breakfast fundraising reception. It is scheduled from 8:30 to 11 a.m." "Michelle Obama to stop in Fort Myers".

"Hold the line"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: " Florida’s congressional delegation should stand firm against President Bush’s increased pressure to allow offshore oil drilling. That would not immediately lower the price of gasoline or produce more oil, as even the president acknowledged Tuesday. It would jeopardize the foundation of Florida’s economy, no matter how many assurances the oil companies make about better drilling techniques and safety." "Hold line against offshore oil drilling".

"Violated over toilet paper"

"Who knew toilet paper could be a terrorist target?"

Georgia-Pacific — which churns out 39,000 cases of Angel Soft, Quilted Northern and other brands each day at its Palatka mill south of Jacksonville — is citing homeland security issues for refusing to heed a new state law allowing employees to bring guns to work and leave them in locked vehicles.

The NRA is outraged.

"The rights of over 1,000 hardworking men and women are being violated over toilet paper," the National Rifle Association's Florida lobbyist Marion Hammer screamed in an e-mail to reporters this week.

The dispute is the latest example of a company bucking the law, which the NRA worked three years to get enacted. It went into effect July 1 upon Republican Gov. Charlie Crist's signature.

.But that's not so clear anymore. Recent clashes with Gov. Charlie Crist over offshore drilling and the state's hurricane risk have raised her profile. And a recent poll suggests she could be positioned for a high-profile campaign, perhaps for the U.S. Senate.

Amid a tanking economy, continuing frustration about property insurance and rampant speculation that Crist might be on the vice presidential ticket, Sink is being more coy about her ambition.

A recent automated Public Policy poll of 732 likely Florida voters found Sink beating Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez in a matchup, 37 to 31 percent, (32 percent were undecided).

But Sink could have a long way to go. A different poll by Quinnipiac University gave her just a 33 percent job approval rating in a survey of 1,625 likely Florida voters. That's far behind Crist's 61 percent and Attorney General Bill McCollum's 52 percent.

Earmarks

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "For the second year in a row, three members representing Central Florida -- Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown, Republican Sen. Mel Martinez and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson -- refused to disclose lists of the projects for which they sought taxpayer dollars." "Nelson, Martinez should follow others in disclosing earmark requests".

Mel steps in it yet again

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board:"Three weeks ago, the Senate could have followed the House and rescinded a punitive 10.6 percent cut in payments to doctors who treat Medicare patients."

Republicans, among them Florida's Mel Martinez, blocked action, preferring to protect private providers of Medicare Advantage plans.

The GOP's move came just after the Government Accountability Office reported that those plans made $1.14 billion more in profits in 2005 than projected and spent less on treating patients. On Wednesday, Republicans tried again. Fortunately, that effort failed, 69-30. (The missing voter? John McCain.) The legislation, which the House passed last month by a 355-59 vote, goes to President Bush. He has threatened a veto, but Congress should have enough votes to override it. ...

Sen. Martinez' initial opposition showed that he valued those companies over the welfare of the 2.9 million Medicare patients in Florida. Another 691,487 active duty, reserve, and retired military members and their families are covered by TRICARE, a benefit program that ties its rates to Medicare. They, too, would have been affected.

Sen. Martinez lamented, "The underlying reason we have to act every year to stop payment cuts to doctors is because the way we pay doctors under the program is broken." In fact, the Republican attempt to privatize Medicare has made a shaky system worse. What's broken is a political system that for the past several years has valued patients and doctors less than the government-subsidized profits of private insurers.

"A time-honored tradition in Tallahassee"

"Critics may cry foul but park officials can't be faulted for following a time-honored tradition in Tallahassee: Crafting a loophole that, in this case, is big enough to drive a Monorail through. That's one clever mouse." "Disney firing sets stage for battle between gun rights and property rights".

Forever gone

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "If you scroll through the obituaries at Legacy.com, the self-described leader in online memorials, you get an image of Florida not often seen. According to the folks at Legacy, who collect obituaries like other people do baseball cards, some 214 Floridians have died in service of their country since the war on terror began." "Florida was their home".

"Awkward"

"McCain remains popular among Cuban-Americans in Miami, who tend to vote Republican and admire his military record and his support for U.S. policy toward Cuba. The campaign unveiled its Florida Hispanic steering committee last week with names of roughly 100 active Hispanic supporters from throughout the state. But a crowd of nearly 1,000 people, many of them Cuban-Americans, turned out to hear Obama speak at a private luncheon in May. An Obama campaign sticker briefly peaked out from the wall outside Little Havana's famed Versailles restaurant last month, a traditional gathering point for Republican hard-liners." "Obama, McCain and their awkward Hispanic outreach".

Don't forget the locals ... pols, that is

The St. Petersburg Times's Jennifer Liberto: "Almost every major local story in recent years has had one thing in common. The scandals and leading political decisions of the day have reflected the quality of our public officials."

Even the mundane decisions these office-holders will make in the coming years are breathtaking for their size, expense and scope: where to build landfills and incinerators, what to do about aging cities and crowding suburbs, how to provide and afford the billions of gallons in needed drinking water resources.

Solving these problems was hard enough before the housing bubble and a slowing economy raised fundamental challenges for a state with a narrow, regressive tax base. That's why voters cannot — as typically happens — allow their participation to drop as races appear further down the ballot. The stakes for now and the future are too important to give just anyone the reins of our community.

"Level-headed, fair and well-reasoned", except this time

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "For years Floridians have benefited from a state Supreme Court that has been level-headed, fair and well-reasoned, with rulings right on the mark far more often than not. The court truly is one of the best in the nation. But Thursday's decision allowing sexual deviants to possess pornography can best be summed up with one word: absurd." "State Court Bungles Porn Ruling".

"Clear as the water in the C-51 canal"

"The South Florida Water Management District is in the midst of a monumental land deal. But what that means for the 16 counties' taxpayers who bankroll the district - well, that's about as clear as the water in the C-51 canal." "Sugar deal might mire other efforts at restoration".

from punch cards in 2000 to touch screens in 2004 to optical scan ballots in 2008. And once again, elections experts are fretting over the possibility of trouble, from long lines at voting sites to a close race that would require a recount of ballots.

At voting precincts, scanning machines or "readers" will reject a ballot if a voter casts an overvote, a vote for more than one candidate in a race. But as growing numbers of Florida voters mark absentee ballots at home and return them by mail, no way exists to catch overvotes before voters submit their ballots.

By law, a candidate who loses by less than one-quarter of 1 percent is entitled to a manual recount, but the law requires only a review of overvotes and undervotes.

To Browning's frustration, the Legislature did not change the law to require a manual count of all paper ballots, even though Crist repeatedly promoted paper ballots as a way of providing "receipts" for wary voters. ...

Not only that, Browning said, but Florida is a so-called voter intent state for recount purposes. A review of overvotes will mean a return to those days of 2000 with bleary-eyed canvassers peering at mismarked ballots to determine a voter's intent as a way of ensuring that all ballots are counted.

Looking for answers

"Want to know which presidential candidate is going to win Florida's 27 electoral votes?" Adam C. Smith takes a close look at Pasco Precinct 134 for some answers. "Vital suburban voters squarely on the fence".

Does that mean those icky poor people from the library get to go?

"Florida's state parks free".

A Panama City thing

"Burnie Thompson, a conservative radio talk show host from Panama City, in a column he wrote for the Washington Times":

"In less than 18 months, Mr. Crist has socialized Florida's insurance market, hamstrung businesses with climate regulations, invigorated trial lawyers and launched costly public-works projects to stimulate the economy," Thompson wrote. "With a record like that, could a New York Times endorsement of Charlie Crist for VP be far behind?"

Florida wingnuts luv their Charlie (at least in Fla.)

"Florida conservatives seem eager to tout their ties to the governor despite his centrist leanings. 'Virtually every Republican candidate running for office is calling me for an endorsement, or to get the governor to campaign in their district,' said state GOP chief Jim Greer." "Crist becomes darling of state GOP as election nears".

"Howdy Doody Looking Nimrod" whines about Obama

To the extent anyone cares,

Obama's political strength worries U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow. No, the House GOP Conference chairman and third highest ranking Republican in the House doesn't think Obama will win Florida's 27 electoral votes, but he thinks Obama's ability to turn out African-Americans and other strong supporters could make a real difference in some congressional districts, particularly in the South.

Good luck

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "NASA celebrates its golden anniversary this month, and Florida can certainly share in the space agency's half century of triumphs. The Sunshine State, however, must also share in the anxiety over what will happen with the world's premiere space agency going forward. Florida has profited and benefited mightily from being NASA's chosen launch pad. The federal government's investment in the Cape Canaveral space center brought top-notch jobs to the state, and international focus and acclaim."

There's also a brewing race for private space travel and adventures. Florida, with its past and infrastructure, is a natural launch pad for that industry.

But other states, not to mention other nations, have also seen the possibilities, and are setting themselves up as rivals. It's here that Florida's leaders and space-related economic development entities need to brace and beef themselves up so as to dominate private space travel in the future, just as we have government-sponsored space exploration in the past.

The "talent"

"In a state where Democratic presidential campaigns often rely heavily on out-of-state political talent,"

Obama is tapping lots of people with actual Florida experience. Former state House campaign director Steve Schale is leading the Florida campaign, South Florida campaign manager Ashley Walker is No. 2; former state Democratic Party communications director Mark Bubriski is now Obama's top press guy in Florida, and former state party field director Jackie Lee is leading the coordinated campaign between the Obama campaign and state party

The rental thing

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Businesses and owners of rental property are punished by Florida law, not local decision-making, when it comes to paying a higher proportion of property taxes than homeowners pay." "Millage epilogue".

McCain a comin'

"McCain is to return to Florida on Aug. 1 to address the conference of the National Urban League in Orlando." "McCain to visit Tampa Bay, Obama a maybe".

"It won't come cheap

"Faced with growing demand for electricity and worries about climate change, state leaders have moved forward with a strategy during the past two years: Build nuclear-power plants and look for alternative sources of clean energy.But for Florida homeowners and businesses, it won't come cheap." "Utility bills to reflect costs of building nuclear, solar plants".

FCAT follies

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "There's no sense celebrating a school's A grade if the grade masks the results that matter much more. That is, the individual achievements or struggles of students to whom a schoolwide grade means absolutely nothing, and on whom most of the attention, and available extra resources such as bonuses, should be focused." "FCAT highs and lows".

Florida's booming economy

"Region Needs To Wake Up To Teen Sex Trafficking".

"Scripps II"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Scripps II has a great chance to succeed, enhance the neighborhood and ignite the economic engine that makes Scripps the best hope for diversifying the economy. All of that should be on the fast track." "Potential of Scripps II justifies faster approvals".

Out here in the fields ...

It never ends:

The farmers and their Maitland-based lobbying group have refused to pass on to workers the extra penny that McDonald's, Yum! Brands and Burger King are paying. So the money -- now more than $110,000 -- piles up in escrow

Maitland housewife thinks ...

... "The Mouse outsmarted you guys. Get over it." "Blaming Disney for using gun-law loophole is off target".

Towing

Daniel Vasquez: "Crist said he was inspired to work on the legislation after his mother's car was towed improperly and ruined." "Towing legislation a long road for senator".

Tolls

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "violators of the unstaffed and ungated SunPass lanes helped cost the state agency that operates the turnpike $25.6 million in lost tolls last year. That's almost 4''percent of all tolls collected, and up from the $17 million in 2005. It's why turnpike officials should continue targeting both innocent mistakes and hard-core offenders." "Ease the toll on the state".

Raw editorial board courage

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Officials need more than benchmarks to get people to recycle".

Charlie's junket

"Crist sure knows how to wow his new fiancee. Crist and his girlfriend, Carole Rome, will meet Prince Charles and Prince Andrew during their visit to Europe this week." "Crist and his new fiancee to get the royal treatment".

"His new fiancee at his side, Gov. Charlie Crist today kicks off an 11-day mission to England, France, Spain and Russia ..."

One might suppose that it is little more than Charlie

adding depth to his [very shallow] resume as he is mentioned as a possible Republican vice presidential candidate

The trip comes as growing numbers of Floridians abandon vacations for "stay-cations" to save money. Democrats say it is ill-timed in light of record gas prices and tight government budgets.

"No responsible governor would have the audacity to spend more than $225,000 of the taxpayers' money jet-setting around Europe with his fiancee," said Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff.

Carole Rome, who accepted Crist's marriage proposal last week, was already on the travel list as a "delegate" representing her New York-based company, a wholesaler of Halloween costumes. ...

The trip will include a tour of a nuclear waste processing plant near Paris [Paris is good] as well as:

• Meetings with senior officials in the United Kingdom, France and Spain.

• Attendance at a climate change forum in London.

• A ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, where 9,387 U.S. soldiers are buried

Enterprise Florida said his trip to Brazil last fall generated more than $300-million in "actual and anticipated" sales, including a 200-job expansion plan by the Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer

"Obama is ready to fight"

Randy Schultz: "Fortunately for Floridians, Barack Obama is ready to fight for the state." He explains:

If your state is in play during a close election, candidates make many visits and spend heavily. Florida, if you haven't noticed, is having economic troubles. Tourism is coming back a little, but overall spending is down, and Florida relies most heavily on sales taxes to run government.

If Sens. McCain and Obama are here often, they'll have to talk about national disaster insurance, Medicare, Everglades restoration, the space program and other issues important to Floridians. That could make for promises to keep. The best thing for Florida would be a vote that comes up just short of a recount. Floridians can disagree about who should win on Nov. 4, but Floridians can root for an all-out fight until Nov. 4.