After more than a decade of rather heavy-handed speakers such as Tom Feeney, Johnnie Byrd and Marco Rubio — all of whom excelled at laying down the law and ensuring members were ideologically in lockstep — the anointing of Rep. Larry Cretul as speaker Monday night suggests a new, if brief, era of understatement.

He emphasized that his primary focus will be the state budget crisis, and he said Floridians should not expect "hair-raising speeches" or "knee-jerk reactions'' from him. There are plenty of those in Tallahassee already. The low-key, little-known legislator said he has no higher political ambitions and has not promised anyone anything in return for support. Those could turn out to be strengths as he inherits a leadership team assembled by Sansom. Such an unencumbered House speaker should see the state's problems more clearly and be able to deal with them more honestly.

Charlie delaying Senate announcement until after the Session

"Crist put the political rumor mill in overdrive Tuesday when he gave the strongest indication yet that he is considering a run for the U.S. Senate." "Crist coy about possibility he will run for U.S. Senate in 2010". See also "Crist to decide on Senate run in May".

"Crist confirmed he is mulling over a potential bid and will make a decision sometime after the 60-day spring legislative session slated to start March 3. Crist has been heavily courted by Washington Republicans to get into the race, with his stratospheric approval ratings and transformative centrist politics." "Crist confirms he might run for U.S. Senate". Speaking of "stratospheric" - "Poll: 73% dig Charlie Crist".

"Crist said Tuesday he's waiting until after Florida's legislative session ends in May to announce whether he will enter the U.S. Senate race, a statement that suggested to several political insiders that he's inclined to run." "Crist's Coyness Hints At Senate Race". But Tally begs to differ.

Barack, Mel and Charlie ...

"The White House on Tuesday amped up the pressure to speedily pass a giant economic-stimulus package, with President Barack Obama dialing three Republican governors -- including Florida's Charlie Crist -- to thank them for backing the measure. But even as Obama spoke with Crist -- along with Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and M. Jodi Rell of Connecticut -- Republican senators, including Florida's Mel Martinez, rolled out an alternative plan that narrows spending and focuses on tax breaks." "Obama thanks Crist for support of stimulus plan".

Sugar deal souring

"A Florida Senate panel today skewered state officials who put together Gov. Charlie Crist's deal to purchase U.S. Sugar, signaling a potentially tough road for the project in the upcoming legislative session." "State lawmakers skewer U.S. Sugar deal".

Laff riot

"Martinez presents his stimulus plan". More funnies: "Campaign aims to strengthen marriages, reduce divorce rate in Florida" and "Bilirakis Is Homeland Security Watchdog".

Jerk

"Eight years after he and four of his U.S. Supreme Court colleagues effectively decided the 2000 presidential election, Justice Antonin Scalia visited this hotbed of recount passion Tuesday and was asked to reflect on the momentous Bush vs. Gore decision." "Scalia on 2000: 'Get over it'".

As Charlie flirts with Obama ...

"Property values are plummeting across Central Florida -- by double digits in many areas -- leaving school districts and local governments bracing for service cuts and tax-rate hikes in the next budget year." "Tax hikes: Another bitter pill for Central Florida homeowners".

Buddy

"Auditors say former Hillsborough Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson mishandled grant money, failed to properly oversee finances within his office and broke state law by overspending his budget." "Audit faults Buddy Johnson". Background: "Buddy Johnson's troubles".

Privatization follies

"The GEO Group Inc. said in a statement Tuesday that inmates in two of the Reeves County Detention Center's three units remain under staff view in a central area of the complex. The Boca Raton, Fla.-based company says inmates remain 'cooperative and compliant.'" "Company says Texas prison's damage 'significant'".

Saved from ourselves?

"The U.S. Senate could spare Florida from losing $3.5 billion in education funding that was at risk when House lawmakers wrote their version of a massive economic-stimulus bill. A draft version of the Senate bill includes a provision that would allow the education secretary to waive a rule that would penalize states that didn't meet funding requirements. This clause could have cost Florida $3.5 billion because its education funding has dropped in recent years. According to one lawmaker, the state budget already is short about $600 million in K-12 education.""

Neither of Florida's two senators knew who inserted the new language ... .

"The court rejected lawmakers' limp arguments"

The Tampa Trib editors write that "it was good news last week when the Florida Supreme Court ruled initiatives to prevent favoritism in legislative and congressional redistricting could be placed on the ballot in 2010 if the amendments' sponsor, FairDistrictsFlorida.org, can collect enough signatures from the state's voters."

To make the ballot, each amendment will need 676,811 signatures. These are petitions worth signing.

"The overall goal of the proposed amendments is to require the Legislature to redistrict in a manner that prohibits favoritism or discrimination, while respecting geographical considerations," wrote Justice Fred Lewis for the court.

The proposed amendments would require that districts be compact and respect community boundaries. The districts should be as equal in population as feasible and should not discriminate on the basis of race or language.

Approving these standards will improve the process. Wedges should not be driven between communities, counties and voters, yet that's what politically driven redistricting does. Removing selfish political motives from the process is the main goal of FairDistrictsFlorida.

The Republican-dominated Legislature, of course, fought the ballot initiatives, arguing the language is misleading and violates the single-subject rule. But the court rejected lawmakers' limp arguments.

"'Without the arts in our country . . . well, we wouldn't have a country'"

"Scott Maxwell: We need to trim luxuries - but the arts are a necessity".

Whoopee!

"Crist spent the morning touting the state's $36 billion sports industry, an economic engine that continues to hum despite the worst recession since World War II." "Florida's sports industry thriving during recession".

One man's "'impressive'"

"Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith said Tuesday that Florida needs to make sure the dismal economy does not undercut its 'impressive' academic progress during the past decade." "School funding 'a real concern,' Florida's schools chief says".

CSX deal

"Dockery pleads with Crist to redo CSX deal".

Ain't goin' to Disneyland (or World ... or whatever)

"Parks and resorts reported revenue of $2.67 billion, down 4 percent." "Disney profits down 32 percent".

Whatever

"Manny Diaz to make it to the White House".

Ponzi schemer

"Miami Beach concert promoter Jack Utsick has rejected court orders to return to Miami, where he is under investigation by the FBI for allegedly fleecing his investors out of millions." "Feds want promoter Jack Utsick in Miami for Ponzi case".

Outa here

"State Farm defends decision to leave Florida".

Guns, guns ...

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "We don't intend to reargue the Second Amendment. "

The Supreme Court decided that in a way that most gun-rights groups and President Obama say they can live with: Americans can own firearms, but government can restrict that ownership.

Still, the fatal shooting of one child by another west of Lake Worth shows that with the constitutional right of gun ownership comes the societal responsibility of gun ownership. A 9-year-old boy is not able to point a .40-caliber pistol at his 11-year-old friend and fire, never thinking that the gun was loaded, unless adults fail in their responsibility.

"U-turn"

"After complaints from advocates, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said Tuesday that it will modify its policy for issuing drivers licenses to immigrant crime victims." "Florida's DMV does a U-turn on policy for immigrant crime victims".

Subsidy

"Delta Air Lines, the world's largest airline, may get a government subsidy to resume nonstop flights this year between Tallahassee and three Florida cities, including Fort Lauderdale." "Your tax dollars may subsidize Delta flights to Tallahassee, other Florida cities". See also "Tax dollars may subsidize nonstop flights to Tallahassee".

Fire fee

"It was 2007 when City Commissioners first began talking about a special assessment district, which assesses charges against a property to pay for things such as road improvements. In Deltona's case, it was to fund fire services and an activity center -- a 900-acre area the city is planning to develop near Interstate 4. The issue created such a public outcry that leaders killed it. Now another proposal laying the groundwork for a fee to pay for fire services is on the agenda for tonight's 6:30 commission meeting." "Deltona rethinks charge for fire service".

Local school districts said they're working with Gov. Charlie Crist's office and members of Congress for a fix. ...

Florida Sen. Mel Martinez will push his proposal to address the issue this week. A spokesman for the Republican said he planned to reach out to other states that may be in similar circumstances.

No Republicans in the House voted for the bill when it cleared the chamber last week, and Martinez has not yet decided whether he supports it, spokesman Ken Lundberg said.

That was the case before the economic crisis, which made matters worse. The $819 billion economic recovery bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week and scheduled for a Senate vote this week includes billions in aid to the states. It should help Floridians, but it won't help them nearly as much as it could because Florida legislators refuse either to provide adequate services or fund them at levels that would draw down Floridians' deserved share in federal dollars.

"State should stop cruel and unusual punishment"

"When federal Judge Timothy J. Corrigan ruled three weeks ago that spraying mentally ill inmates with skin-blistering chemicals violates the Constitution's ban against cruel and unusual punishment, it seemed that Florida might finally put an end to a horrible, unnecessary practice. Instead, the state is fighting the ruling." "Sick policy: Gassing mentally ill inmates".

Like rats on a sinking ship


"Three days after announcing he was temporarily stepping aside as speaker of the Florida House, Ray Sansom will be forced tonight to fully give up the job." "GOP moves to oust Sansom".

It seems "Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom's unprecedented and 'temporary' transfer of power couldn't survive the weekend."

House Republicans plan to caucus this evening in Tallahassee to name a new GOP leader under party rules -- the first move in an effort to permanently severe Sansom's grip on the speakership, according to numerous GOP legislators involved in the negotiations.

"Over the weekend, people have raised questions, and that made us stop and think," said Rep. Dean Cannon, a Winter Park Republican who is slated to be speaker in 2010 and was involved in the negotiations.

The leading candidate to permanently fill the office for the next two years remains Rep. Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, the speaker pro tem whom Sansom tapped Friday to temporarily fill in while Sansom's legal problems played out.

Stop the madness

Bill Cotterell: "With the Convergys contract running out in 2011, the Legislature directed OPPAGA to contract with some outside consultants to advise DMS on what to do for an encore. Should they bring personnel back 'in house?' Find another company? Maybe some combination of in-housing and out-sourcing?

OPPAGA hired EquaTerra, an expert on such stuff. That was kind of cool — they outsourced the study of the outsourcing.

the briefcase brigade recommends that DMS keep Convergys, with some pricing and service improvements, but also have a Plan B ready in case the company balks at what the state wants — and what it's willing to pay for it.

Something rotten in Denmark ...

"Appraisers at Florida's top environmental agency raised sharp questions late last year about the logic behind the $1.34 billion price attached to Gov. Charlie Crist's mammoth land deal with U.S. Sugar Corp."

But it's unclear whether the appraisers at the Department of Environmental Protection ever got satisfactory answers, according to a Palm Beach Post review of more than 2,000 internal e-mails at the agency. In some cases, the questions paralleled objections of critics who say the public is paying an inflated price for the 180,000-acre deal, a keystone of Crist's vision for Everglades restoration.

"Price-gouging"

"More than 10,000 Floridians complained to state agencies about steep increases in the price of gasoline after Hurricane Ike last year. At least two retail stations in North and Central Florida have agreed to settlements of price-gouging allegations for about $6,000. A grab bag of such settlements with small-scale businesses is typical after a disaster." "State probe of gas hikes targets Morgan Stanley over claims of gouging".

Ileana sent her flowers

"U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, has been selected a vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. She was one of four vice presidents selected at the DNC's recent winter meeting. Wasserman Schultz is a rising Democratic star in Congress." "Wasserman Schultz gets national Democratic post [Broward Politics]".

RPOFers stepping aside for Charlie

There's a reason the doltish Mack is the only RPOFer in the race, and that reason has a happy face. For more, see yesterday's "Charlie 'freezing the field'". dKos ran the numbers the other day, and here they are: "FL-Sen: Most candidates unknown; if Crist runs, he wins".

Bill Cotterell shares his thoughts on the Senate race, or lack thereof:

First, Jeb Bush decided not to run, preferring to work with his foundation in Miami on education reform and to help reconstruct the Florida Republican Party in the Obama era. Then, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink disappointed Democrats by saying she wouldn't go for it. Last week, Attorney General Bill McCollum and U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello, bowed out within a half-hour of each other — saying, like Sink, that they will seek re-election to their current jobs next year.

That leaves Gov. Charlie Crist — with his 67-percent approval ratings, his new bride, his disarming "Hi, I'm Charlie" manner and his reputation for using one job as a springboard upward. National party leaders, needing to keep the Florida seat to deny Obama a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority in the Senate, have been pushing Crist to run but the governor has neither filed his re-election papers nor shown an interest in anything else.

"I'm focused on Florida," is the most Crist will say about his present or future plans.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, have announced their candidacies. No major Republican has announced, and, with Bush and McCollum out, the putative GOP frontrunner is a case of mistaken identity — U.S. Rep. Connie Mack of Naples, who inherits statewide name recognition and a conservative Republican pedigree from his father, the two-term U.S. Senator.

Gambling deal

"The Seminole Tribe of Florida will defend its gambling deal with the state before a House panel today." "Seminole Tribe to defend gambling deal Monday at House panel hearing".

Cuba policy change

Obama's "campaign pledges have Lee and Collier counties' Cuban population - a combined 27,000, according to the U.S. Census - anxious to see if Obama's presidency alters U.S.-Cuban policy." "For Cubans in SW Fla., Obama may mean hope".

"Just a marketing facade"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida talks a great game about its government basking in the sunshine when it comes to making public records available. But that's just a marketing facade." "Follow-through is needed to make public meetings, records more accessible".

Other people's money

"With tough economic times putting the brakes on local developers' desire to expand, international investors could help prop up South Florida's commercial real estate market."

Nakheel Hotels, managed by the Dubai government, bought 50 percent of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel for $375 million. A subsidiary of Japanese investment firm Sumitomo paid $260 million for the Miami Center office tower. Hong Kong-based Swire Properties, which developed most of Brickell Key, paid $41.3 million for 5.5 vacant acres just off Brickell Avenue. And a Mexican company affiliated with the Jose Cuervo Group became partners in 396 Alhambra, a planned $130 million office project in Coral Gables.

"Florida's immigrants"

"Although some groups in Florida -- such as undocumented agricultural workers, students and Haitian refugees -- would be satisfied with piecemeal legislation on visa programs that would help them, they unanimously support a comprehensive legalization program. The pro-immigrant coalition has the support of large Hispanic advocacy groups and community organizers at the grass-roots level. In addition, it has earned the backing of labor unions and businesses." "Florida's immigrants pin hopes on Obama".

Meantime, and "as the economy collapsed last year and many financial workers found themselves unemployed, the dozen U.S. banks now receiving the biggest rescue packages requested visas for tens of thousands of foreign workers to fill high-paying jobs, according to an Associated Press review of visa applications."

The major banks, which have received $150 billion in bailout funds, requested visas for more than 21,800 foreign workers over the past six years for senior vice presidents, corporate lawyers, junior investment analysts and human resources specialists. The average annual salary for those jobs was $90,721, nearly twice the median income for all American households.

"'You Can't Get There from Here'"

"Broward County legislators are used to feeling a little left out as an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in the GOP-dominated Legislature, but now some say the feeling starts before they arrive at the Capitol. Ever since Delta stopped offering direct flights between Florida's capital and its second-largest county, lawmakers and lobbyists have lamented that the Fort Lauderdale-to-Tallahassee travel motto could be 'You Can't Get There from Here' -- at least not without taking a 19-seat propeller plane, making a seven-hour drive, flying directly from Miami or connecting in Atlanta." "Broward lawmakers lament loss of air bridge".

"Mysterious signs"

"Mysterious signs suggesting that Oakland Park should oust City Manager John Stunson have been appearing along the roadside lately." "Signs call for ouster of Oakland Park city manager".

"Dining, dancing and disclosing"

George Bennett: "All those federal corruption takedowns have heightened Palm Beach County commissioners' awareness of the state's gift-disclosure law. But commissioners still lag far behind the dining, dancing and disclosing pace set by former Boca Raton mayor and current commission applicant Steven Abrams." "Abrams' gifts give disclosure new meaning".

'Glades

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "When the state's top economic development official visits Clewiston and the Glades region for three days of tours and meetings this week, he shouldn't be surprised if he finds some skepticism and outright hostility mixed with the courtesy the region is famous for delivering." "Glades finally gets a visit, but will Glades get help?".

Off topic

"Fla. co. finds legendary British warship sunk in 1744".

"Few new shopping centers"

"Few new shopping centers while economy's dropping".

Fort Lauderdale

"With two seats open and two other contested races, the face of the Fort Lauderdale commission will soon change." "Plenty of commission candidates but few specifics".

Nearly 200 jobs by 2016

"The La Jolla, Calif.-based Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies opened the doors Saturday to its chemistry and biology laboratories in Port St. Lucie. Scientists there will study a variety of medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and AIDS. Officials say the facility is expected to employ nearly 200 people by 2016." "Biotech research institute opens in Florida".

From the "values" crowd

"Florida's jobless rate topped 8 percent in December, the highest level in 16 years. Despite a growing number of people out of work, the state's unemployment trust fund has $1.1 billion in it as of mid-January, and unemployed Floridians' jobless benefits are among the lowest in the nation. By comparison, as unemployment rises nationwide, five states' funds are insolvent, and 13 are at risk." "Florida's meager unemployment benefits squeezing families, state economy".

"Who's in charge over there?"

"The half-step departure Ray Sansom engineered from his role as House Speaker spread unease instead of calm Saturday, leading some top Republicans to consider permanently replacing him."

The development came toward the end of a day of questions about who is running the House, if Sansom's ''recusal'' from his duties is allowed by the rules, and how long his temporary successor, Rep. Larry Cretul of Ocala, can properly hold the position.

''Who's in charge over there? Who's steering the ship? This is strange,'' said Miami Republican Sen. Alex Villalobos, echoing a broad array of legislators.

Charlie "freezing the field"

"Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio faces a tough political task if she decides to run for the U.S. Senate: build a local political base into a statewide campaign in one of the nation's largest states."

So far, her political career has taken place in a single county, with limited fundraising experience and statewide exposure. She'll also have less history of involvement in partisan politics than most of the other candidates.

But that apolitical reputation could be an advantage in a general election.

Here's what Crist said last week when asked -- for at least the 87th time since December -- whether he was giving some thought to seeking the Senate in 2010.

"No. I'm not really thinking about politics. I'm thinking about our budget . . . .

We've got a regular session coming up. That's my focus right now."

That kind of bobbing has become an instant tradition in Tallahassee. And political operatives and fundraisers who would otherwise be organizing for other candidates are, for the moment, treading water.

"He is definitely freezing the field," University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett said.

The "Peoples Governor"

"We don't know what he shoots, but Florida's governor is set to hit the tees later this month to raise some coin from prominent Republicans. He is hosting the first-ever "Driving to Victory" Annual Charlie Crist Golf Tournament at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens this Saturday. To play, the minimum contribution to the state GOP is $5,000. Lunch is $2,500. The event will be chaired by newly minted Republican Party of Florida finance chairman John Rood, and the host committee includes Tallahassee superlobbyist Brian Ballard, former finance chairman Harry Sargeant and other GOP check-writers and bundlers." "Crist will hit the tees".

"Florida education too poor to get help"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The stimulus bill passed in Congress on Wednesday was just being dissected on Thursday, when the ugly discovery was made that Florida's education system doesn't have a seat at the table."

Language in the bill "will stop Florida from receiving stabilization fund dollars for education," Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Daytona Beach, wrote in a letter to presidents of all 11 public universities.

And the reason, in a nutshell, is that the Florida Legislature has reduced all public education budgets so drastically that schools from kindergarten through college can't meet this critical requirement: that only states that can fund schools for the next two years at the levels they had in the 2005-06 school year are eligible.

That would not include Florida's 11 public universities, which FSU President T.K. Wetherell described wearily as "being so underfunded they're giving us up for dead."

Laff riot

"Greer said he backed Steele in hope of moving the party in the same nonideological, pragmatic direction he and Crist have for Florida's GOP." "RNC Race Is Win For Florida GOP Boss".

What rules?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Under state law, [County] commissioners and senior staff can accept gifts worth more than $100 if they are not from a lobbyist or developer who has appeared before them in the previous 12 months. But those gifts must be publicly reported. They have not been [by PBC Commissioners]" "And cut off political treats".

"EPA intervention welcome to rescue Florida waters "

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Let the bureaucrats spin this any way they want, the truth is, Florida's performance in preventing nutrient pollution of its surface waters is so bad that even the Bush administration -- no champion of environmental protection -- could no longer let it slide. Citing the state's failure to meet Clean Water Act requirements and the likelihood that pollution will worsen without federal intervention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 14 announced that it will establish water-quality standards for all lakes, rivers and estuaries in Florida during the next two years.". "Nutrient overload".

They said it

The Tampa Trib editors:

The New York Times is not just a company, but an institution. It is a major player in American democracy. It should not fall into the hands of a capitalist with loyalties to a foreign state.

"Bad neighbor"

Randy Schultz asks: "Does Florida intend to let private property insurers cripple this state?" "Like a bad neighbor ...".

Off topic

"Report: Michael Phelps photographed smoking pot?".

No tax cap

"The Florida Supreme Court has knocked a proposal for a property tax cap off the 2010 ballot. The proposal is a citizen initiative that would cap property taxes at 1.35 percent of the highest taxable value of a home, business or other real estate, although voters could approve exceptions. ... In an opinion posted Friday, five justices said the proposal was exempt from the single-subject requirement, but its ballot summary was misleading." "Fla. Supreme Court knocks tax cap from 2010 ballot".

Naugle

"Fort Lauderdale mayor's gay comments haunt new campaign".

Updike

Tristam on Updike: "Metaphors fusty, still Updike kept writing". Maxwell: "Updike brutally honest on race".

Shush!

"Lawmakers may help shield health insurance data".

Cuba

"Fidel Castro on Thursday threw his first punch at President Barack Obama after several weeks of praise for the new leader, demanding the U.S. return Guantanamo Bay military base to Cuba and criticizing the U.S. defense of Israel. " "Ailing Castro throws first punch at Obama".

Ritter

"A vote by Stacy Ritter and her colleagues left the Panthers arena underinsured and benefited a firm that paid her husband at least $50,000 in fees." "Broward mayor's vote aided lobbyist husband's client".

Sounds of silence

"For a place that once pulsed with music, Overtown is eerily quiet. There are more vacant lots than buildings on the stretch of Northwest Second Avenue that gleamed with lights and life when it was Miami's Little Broadway 50 years ago. Now, if you stand in the cavernous tunnels under the highways that devastated the neighborhood, the only sound is the whoosh of cars overhead." "Bygone musical days: The sweet sound of Miami's Overtown".

Off the attack?

"A recurring theme at a conference of campaign professionals, political scientists and journalists Friday was how ineffective many attack ads proved in Florida and elsewhere in 2008." "Expert says attack ads are losing traction".

Who cares?

"What would Jeb say?" (scroll down).

Gross

"Jeb Bush hobnobs at dinner with Obama, Palin".

Kosmas

"Winning the campaign to represent Florida's 24th congressional district marked only the beginning. Suzanne Kosmas -- the first Volusia County resident to be elected to Congress in nearly two decades -- went to Washington amid the pomp of the inauguration of the first black president in the nation's history and the controversy over how to combat the worst economy since the Great Depression." "Kosmas 'honored, humbled' by Congress challenge".

Sea cows

"A tubby, slow-moving airship ascended over South Florida to track tubby, slow-moving marine mammals as state biologists rode the Goodyear blimp to count manatees." "S. Fla. power plant upgrades could endanger manatees".

Property insurance

Michael Mayo: "Time to cure Fla.'s sick property insurance system".

Marlins new home in jeopardy

"Miami-Dade counts on future boom tourism years to pay for a $609 million stadium. Declining hotel-tax revenue will test that optimism." "Tax revenue for Florida Marlins stadium falling short?".

Progress?

"Scott Maxwell: Is Progress Energy's rate hike justified? Face it: Power company wins, you lose". But see this, from the Maitland Housewife: "Pay a little now - or pay big-time later".

Florida being "bilked"?

"Counties and cities all over Florida are waging a war against online hotel-booking companies like Priceline and Expedia, alleging the companies are bilking them out of millions in tax dollars. In January, Broward County became the latest Florida government embroiled in a legal battle over whether online hotel-booking companies owe tourism taxes. As much as $200 million could be at stake statewide, according to Broward's attorney in the case." "Florida counties battle online companies over bed taxes".

Fewer?

"Budget cuts means less substitute teachers".

Can't get their acts straight

"Florida Gov. Charlie Crist worked the phones last week with members of his state's congressional delegation, including House Republicans. Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas, the Republican vice chairman of the National Governors Association, planned to be in Washington on Monday to urge the Senate to approve the plan." "GOP governors press Congress to pass stimulus bill".

did little to settle nerves.

"It would make a lot of the members feel a little bit more comfortable if they had the ability to conference," said Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Oviedo. "Don't get me wrong. Larry Cretul is a good man. I trust him. But I still believe there's a need for a conference.

"This has all just come out," Adams said. "People are looking at the (House) rules and saying, 'Where does this put us?'"

Blood in the water

The Palm Beach Post editorial board argues that "Sansom not gone enough"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board:

Florida will be better off with someone other than Ray Sansom as House speaker, someone who can devote their full attention to the state’s pressing issues. But the Destin Republican’s announcement on Friday that he is temporarily giving up one of the state’s most powerful political offices as he faces a state grand jury investigation does not go far enough. Now Republicans must move quickly to select a permanent replacement to ensure that the House has clear leadership and that Sansom cannot pull any strings.

"An unassuming real estate agent "

"A conservative who serves as a deacon in his Baptist church, Cretul is expected to continue the House's right-of-center approach to issues such as gambling and fiscal policy. He has kept a such a low-profile that many members say they know little about him." "New speaker a quiet conservative". See also "Sansom's departure thrusts House Speaker Larry Cretul into spotlight", "Speaker pro tem takes the reins with a 'steady hand'" and "Who's in charge of the House?".

"Nest-feathering was finally called to account"

Scott Maxwell writes that, "in a state where political profiteering had become so commonplace that it almost seemed acceptable, Ray Sansom reminded us there are lines you cannot cross." Maxwell continues, asserting that

no matter what else Sansom said in his own defense, the facts showed two things: 1) He helped funnel millions of dollars to a small college; and 2) The college then offered him a $110,000-a-year paycheck.

That's why he had to give up his speakership -- and why he needs to give up any delusions of returning to the post.

Because it doesn't matter what else a grand jury or ethics commission find. Those two facts will remain the same. And Sansom will remain too tainted to serve as leader of the Florida House.

It's worth taking a moment to look back at how we got here.

in recent years some of the financial arrangements have been brazen.

Sen. Mike Haridopolos, a Merritt Island Republican slated to become Senate president, earned $38,000 a year from Brevard Community, where he did not have to teach but only produce a book on the Legislature.

He has since got himself a nifty $75,000-a-year job at the University of Florida as a part-time lecturer.

Former House Speaker Marco Rubio of West Miami took a part-time job at Florida International University for $69,000.

And Sen. Evelyn Lynn of Ormond Beach helped create a reading center at Florida State University, and then took a $120,000-a-year job overseeing it, which she gave up once her employment hit the newspapers.

"The online tourism-tax debate"

"Counties and cities all over Florida are waging a war against online hotel-booking companies like Priceline and Expedia, alleging the companies are bilking them out of millions in tax dollars. In January, Broward County became the latest Florida government embroiled in a legal battle over whether online hotel-booking companies owe tourism taxes. As much as $200 million could be at stake statewide, according to Broward's attorney in the case." "Florida counties battle online companies over bed taxes".

Voucher fraud

"Academy High in Coral Springs claimed the right to taxpayer money for students with disabilities who had already graduated or withdrawn, the state said." "Coral Springs school accused of fraud over vouchers".

Supreme Court

"A diverse group of four nominees was chosen from eight applicants interviewed Friday for a fourth Florida Supreme Court vacancy in less than a year. The panel recommended Circuit Judges James Perry and Debra Steinberg Nelson of Sanford, Judge Alan Lawson with the 5th District Court of Appeals in Daytona Beach and Dan Gerber, an Orlando attorney, to Gov. Charlie Crist, who is seeking a replacement for Justice Charles Wells, who is retiring in March." "Panel chooses 4 applicants for Fla. Supreme Court".

Bailout blather

The St. Petersburg Times Dan DeWitt: "generally, too much money seems to be going to existing government programs Democrats have long backed, and not enough to building the foundation for a new economy, which I thought this bill was supposed to be all about. It was almost as disappointing as seeing Republicans sideline themselves with their intractable demands for lower taxes — and watching Brown-Waite join them." "Brown-Waite makes good points against the bailout".

Nah ... only real estate agents need apply

"Can a teacher be a mayor?".

"Proteacher, promilitary and proenvironment"

Steve Bousquet wants you to know that Charlie is a "deft" fellow:

Crist now leaves behind a state budget document that has one number written all over it. The number is 2010, when Crist would be up for re-election as governor as the guy who "saved" teacher bonus pay, body armor for Florida National Guard troops, and the Florida Forever land-preservation program.

By erasing just those three cuts, Crist can clearly be seen as building a political foundation to lay claim to being proteacher, promilitary and proenvironment.

"It's easy to go out and demagogue these issues and pander to folks. But the Senate and House are constitutionally required to make this work," said Sen. J.D. Alexander, the Lake Wales Republican and chief budget writer in the Senate.

Alexander considers himself and fellow senators as friends of the environment. They decided a one-year moratorium on Florida Forever purchases was prudent in a recession and felt they had a deal with Crist's staff.

"We don't do deals," Crist said.

Miami

"Miami Commissioner Spence-Jones announces reelection run".

Madoff

"A local accountant who collected tens of millions of dollars from friends, colleagues and fellow church members and invested it with Bernie Madoff tried explaining what went wrong Friday afternoon. " "How to waste $1 million".

"Not in the public interest"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida has a proud history of strong open-government laws. But they haven't always kept pace with progress. Consider, for example, the city council members who text or e-mail each other during meetings to skirt open communication. That's not in the public interest." "Digital age Sunshine".

Left behind

"Three Miami-Dade schools labor unions are voicing opposition to a bill that would require Florida school districts to pay teachers first. Their qualm: The proposed legislation ignores 'essential' school-district employees, including bus drivers, maintenance workers, police officers, accountants and technical staff." "Dade schools works outraged over 'Pay Teachers First' bill".

State farm

"State Farm's threat would hurt 800 agents".

"The Legislature and the governor and the country seem to be for cleaner energy, and you can't say clean energy and - because you don't like nuclear - exclude it from the discussion," said commission member Nancy Argenziano, a former legislator. "I am in favor of sending it over to the Legislature. That is their policy call. Not ours."

She's wrong. Booting this question to the Legislature will enmesh it in politics. When Gov. Crist asked the PSC to create Florida's energy portfolio, it became their policy call. They should have made it by declaring that nuclear is not renewable and recommending to what extent, if any, it could be considered clean.

"Hey, guess what, Charlie?"

Scott Maxwell: "Did you see what Charlie Crist said of the federal stimulus money he wants?"

"I'm not a big-government fan, but there are times when government needs to help." Hey, guess what, Charlie? That position makes you pretty much like every other schmoe in America. Nobody likes government -- until they need it. (Kind of like lawyers.) Crist isn't alone. In fact, it's amazing how many blowhard politicians and business execs -- who used to blather on about personal responsibility and the evils of government handouts -- now have their own hands out in Washington.

Laff riot

"Tribune: Greer, Crist Try To Bring Moderate Tone To National Party".

Geniuses

"Florida leaders counting on more than $3.5 billion from a massive federal stimulus package to shore up the state's education budget learned Thursday there could be a catch."

The state may not qualify for the money because the Legislature has cut its schools budget too much.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an $819 billion economic-recovery plan Wednesday. Under that bill, money in a special "state stabilization fund" would go only to states that could fund schools for the next two years at the levels they had in the 2005-06 school year.

But the state is below that threshold. In fact, school funding coming directly from the state is now lower than it was in the 2004-05 school year. With Florida's budget shortfall for next year ballooning toward $4 billion, it's not clear it could meet that requirement.

Sansom death spiral

"Updated: Ray Sansom stepping down as Florida House speaker".

"Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom, who has been attacked for taking a job a state college after getting it extra millions in funding, said Friday he's temporarily leaving the post to focus on his legal issues." "Fla. Speaker Sansom temporarily quits post". See also "Sansom out as House speaker", "Embattled Florida House Speaker Steps Down", "Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom quits post under pressure", "Sansom out" and "Amid criminal probe, Florida House speaker quits -- for now".

More: "Read the announcement from Rep. Ray Sansom (.pdf)", "Hangar was key for developer's jet business", "Gaetz: Sansom 'apologized for any pain'", "Sansom: I will be cleared", "Gaetz: Sorry for 'Boy Scout' Sansom" and "Fla. House Speaker Ray Sansom steps aside".

Stoopid

"ACORN calls Florida Chamber leader's comments "silly partisan fabrications"".

Depends on what you mean by "top-tier"

"Maybe Mel Martinez's Senate seat is radioactive. How else do you explain why so many top-tier candidates — Jeb Bush, Alex Sink, Bill McCollum — are taking a pass on the extraordinary opportunity of an open U.S. Senate seat?" "Uncertain times, wild card Crist keep Senate seat cold".

Jebbie's privatization flop

"A Medicaid privatization program former Gov. Jeb Bush touted as a national model for improving care while limiting state costs is foundering, with nearly a quarter of the participating doctors leaving over payments and the inability to treat patients as they see fit." "AP: 25 percent of doctors leave FL Medicaid pilot".

The "Obama effect"

Beth Reinhard:

Political blogger Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post also sees an ''Obama effect.'' He recently included Kendrick Meek, the black Miami-Dade congressman who boldly entered Florida's Senate race, in a list of younger politicians with if-he-can-do-it-why-can't-I ambitions.

Obama's presidency changes everything. And nothing. Walking down to the National Mall before the inauguration, I passed a black man in ratty clothes, pressed up against a doorway. He was urinating on the sidewalk.

In Florida, the latest report by the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys found that the unemployment rate among black men was twice the rate for their white counterparts and that black males were twice as likely to drop out of high school.

The council's chairman, Christopher Norwood, wrote: ``The crisis of African American males in Florida is imminent; we cannot dispute the alarming rates of avoidable health diseases, high incarceration rates, low educational performance, rates of child abuse and neglect, low economic opportunities and many other negative outcomes. It is depressing at best.''

T. Willard ["I love 'Jeb!'"] Fair, of the Urban League of Greater Miami, said he worries too much is being made about Obama's potential impact on the black community.

Failed policies

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board writes today that: "The 2008 election was a popular repudiation of failed policies. Wednesday's vote in the House is the first of what ought to be a series of legislative repudiations." And then there's the Zell corporation: "The Senate must do better than the House's irresponsible stimulus plan".

At last

"You would think a City Council seat that pays $3,000 a year would be a footnote to an historic election year like 2008."

But on Thursday, two candidates vying for the Temple Terrace City Council found themselves in the media spotlight because they did something that Hillsborough County's Supervisor of Elections — under the management of Buddy Johnson — didn't do.

Eighty-six days after Election Day, with a clutch of reporters and TV camera operators surrounding them, Mary Jane Neale and David Penoyer counted votes.

A fine idea at the time ...

"Florida's aerospace agency flounders".

The best he could do?

"The Republican senator who chairs the committee making budget decisions says it's time to start slashing overhead. Sen. J.D. Alexander, of Winter Haven, is calling for more cuts in recurring expenses than Gov. Charlie Crist proposed in his budget recommendation last week." "Florida GOP leader says annual budget cuts needed".

Yachts

"Klein, Wasserman look to stimulate yacht-repair industry".

State farm

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Don't allow companies to cherry-pick lucrative policies " "State Farm looks to leave -- and to stay". The Tampa Trib editors add this: "State Farm Ignores Slogan". The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Florida shouldn't let State Farm walk out so easily, and state must recognize it still has insurance woes to fix".

"Simply acting as a concerned black parent"?

"A lawyer from the Florida Attorney General's Office says Orlando Commissioner Daisy Lynum misused her position and should be fined $10,000 by the Florida Ethics Commission. But Lynum's attorney said she's innocent, and was simply acting as a concerned black parent -- not a city commissioner -- when she called the police chief during a late-night traffic stop involving her son." "State seeks $10,000 ethics fine for Orlando commissioner Daisy Lynum".

Pathetic

Someone named Beth Kassab, a loyal Zell corporation employee, who is no doubt proud of her master's embarrassing history* wants you to know that: "Union proposal is bad for everyone".

- - - - - - - - - -
* See ""Where's E. W. Scripps when you need him?"", "Ignorance", "Oh ... The Horror", "Orlando Sentinel embarrasses itself", "The Orlando Sentinel editors are at it again", "Send in the scabs", "Picking scabs, part two", "Scab 30" (scroll down) and "Oh ... The Hypocrisy".

Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "When are public officials going to realize ethics are not a gray area? When are they going to realize the public doesn't want elected officials splitting hairs over what is legal and ethical and what isn't? And when are those same officials going to just realize if something doesn't pass the smell test, don't do it? Which brings us to Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter." "Old votes by Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter come back to haunt her.".

Whoopee!

"Deutch wants to take budget committee meetings to the people".

Redistricting rules

"The Florida Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for a 2010 ballot amendment designed to end political gamesmanship in drawing district boundaries, in what could be the first step to reshuffling the state's Republican-dominated political landscape." "GOP could have weaker grip on redrawing districts". See also "Florida Supreme Court OKs ballot questions to alter method for redistricting".

Stiffing taxpayers

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Broward Commission stiffs taxpayers to help bail bondsmen." "Lobbyist win is loss for public interest".

BTW

"Exxon Mobil shatters US record with $45.2 billion annual profit despite year-end oil plunge". Meantime, "Economy shrinks at 3.8 percent pace, worst showing in quarter-century". See also "Disney to cut 400 jobs at ABC" and "Florida jobless rate hits 1992 level".

Good luck

"A South Florida senator wants Florida public schools to ditch the wait-until-marriage message that's long been the basis of many sex-education classes." "Delray Beach senator wants new sex-ed policy in Florida schools".

A fine Florida export

"Ag-Mart, the Florida-based produce firm that has been charged with pesticide-related infractions in Florida and North Carolina in recent years, has now been handed a $931,000 fine by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for similar offenses." "Ag-Mart fined $931,000 in New Jersey".

'Tis the season ...

"Tax season starts now: Florida IRS offices to open".

From the "values" crowd

"The Brevard County Housing Authority board today plans to consider cutting back a housing voucher program that helps people pay their rent, as part of its effort to a solve funding shortfall." "Housing vouchers face cuts".

Out with the old ...

"The Volusia County Council broke with the past Thursday, naming a new firm for the first time in 10 years to be what one council member called the county's 'eyes and ears' on Capitol Hill. The council named Washington, D.C.-based Van Scoyoc Associates as its federal lobbying firm after hearing from six candidate firms in a five-hour hearing replete with talk about federal appropriations and first-name references to members of the Congress." "Volusia chooses federal lobbyist".

"Warehoused"

"Students at DeLand High School are being warehoused in an old gym when their teachers are absent because there is not enough money for substitutes." "In Volusia County, when teacher is out, so is class".

Daytona Beach

"Anticipating tough times ahead, officials announced priorities like fixing the city's aging underbelly and using the right tools to generate jobs at a meeting Thursday." "Daytona sets priorities".

"Uncharted territory"

"Week by week, the numbers that measure the economy get worse, heading toward uncharted territory." "Jobs, housing take more hits".

Not so super

"NFL, Tampa sell 'Super' in a recession".

Because the Zell Corporation says so

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Gary Siplin's bill would disenfranchise Orange County voters".

No friends

"Supervisor of Elections Kim Weeks enthralled Flagler County voters last fall, but she isn't making any friends at City Hall in Flagler Beach." "Election supervisor, city at odds".