Legislature to "Kill growth management"

Joel Engelhardt: "In the name of economic stimulus, the Legislature is about to do what it couldn't do under eight years of Gov. Jeb Bush: Kill growth management." "Doing a job on growth controls".

The Tampa Trib editors: "A proposed roll-back of Florida's growth-management rules wrongly assumes that more houses and apartments are all the state's urban areas need to become better places to live. City residents don't have to worry about how to pay for more roads or transit, according to the Community Renewal Act." "Calling Farms 'Urban Land' Would Be Costly Mistake".

Yee Haw!

"Crist optimistic about Florida budget".

Meantime, "Food stamps in large demand in Florida".

'Ya gotta problem' wit dat?

"Private Super Bowl suite for public officials doesn't sit well with legislators".

Just don't use it to buy riot gear

"Manny Diaz, other mayors to spend stimulus wisely The nation's mayors -- including Miami's Manny Diaz -- promised transparency and no political pork after meeting Friday with President Barack Obama, who warned he would 'call them out' if they waste the federal stimulus dollars they've eagerly sought." "Obama urges Manny Diaz, other mayors to spend stimulus wisely".

Score one for the bunny rabbit

"Fla. man on rabbit hunting trip accidentally shot".

Why can't Charlie be like the Excorcist

The wingnuts that soil the RPOF in the wake of 8 years of Bushco ain't pleased with Charlie taking federal stim cash. They want Charlie to be like that excorcist guy, or Haley or Mark and Sarah, and the rest of them ...

Anthony Man: "Broward County Click here for restaurant inspection reports's state Republican committeeman, Ed Kennedy, isn't at all reticent" about Charlie's failure to toe the Rush Limbaugh line on the stim package:

"What that was, was an embarrassment to the governor himself, an embarrassment to the state and an embarrassment to the Republican Party. It was terrible," he said.

Kennedy said there's growing discontent among Republicans, but most aren't willing to speak about it publicly. "There's major grumbling within the party [but] because he is a powerful individual they're reluctant to express it publicly — yet."

Broward Republican Chairman Chip LaMarca also said he's heard "from numerous people who are very upset."

Hillsborough: the gift that never stops giving

"You would think a public official who got caught using campaign money to buy Italian suits and who is fending off a lawsuit that he sexually harassed a secretary would be dialing down the bad press in his run-up for re-election. But Kevin White is in a league of his own." "He has no room for complaint".

Letting them off the hook

Here it comes, courtesy of the The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Flexibility needed on class size cap".

Whatever

"Lawmakers react to budget proposal".

"Bobby and the Chimps"

Not exactly "Inherit the Wind": "Intelligent Design Play Causes A Stir At USF".

$100 million ... who knew?

Scott Randolph to the Tampa Trib editors: ""

In response to your Feb. 16 editorial ("State Lawmaker's Bark Aimed At Wrong Tree"), you failed to realize the huge costs that euthanizing dogs and cats have on local governments.

Each year, cities and counties in Florida euthanize nearly 300,000 dogs and cats at a cost to taxpayers of nearly $100 million.

Rail

"The high-speed train that was supposed to race through Orlando might be back on track, even though it was stopped nearly five years ago by then-Gov. Jeb Bush." "Orlando might see high-speed rail after all as new idea plows ahead".

Not so "fierce"

"Rep. Stearns, fierce foe of stimulus, now fights for Florida dollars".

"A fine line"

"Election chiefs in Florida walk a fine line between politics and the oath of office."

On one hand, the state's supervisors of elections take a constitutional pledge to remain impartial when it comes to running local elections and overseeing voter registration.

On the other, like county commissioners, tax collectors and property appraisers, they run for the office under a partisan banner, and often depend upon support from major parties to help bankroll their campaigns and gain face and name recognition with the electorate.

Legislation filed by Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg, and working its way to the Senate for a vote would make county election supervisors nonpartisan jobs, prohibiting political parties or groups from endorsing or supporting candidates in their campaigns.

"Too bad"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Too bad the foreclosure prevention plan of 2009 wasn't the foreclosure prevention plan of 2008."

It's not as if the need for help was a secret. In 2008, Florida had more than 360,000 foreclosure filings, a 130 percent increase over 2007. The country as a whole had an 82 percent increase, to more than 3 million. So the plan President Obama announced Wednesday will help the country crawl out of a foreclosure hole that's deeper than it needed to be.

Mr. Obama's plan is both generous and tough. Through incentives and rule changes, it can lower the principal owed as well as interest rates, saving thousands in mortgage payments each year. That's the generous part. The tough - and necessary - part is that the mortgage adjustments have to result in a reasonable chance that the family can make its payments. So people who have been laid off and can't find a job won't benefit. The plan isn't for speculators.

Florida has more than its share of speculators, so that could slow the help here. Snowbirds won't get help on a second home. If Florida wants to help them, the state could further reform Save Our Homes to reduce the snowbird tax penalty. Still, as The Post reported Thursday, in the past eight weeks there have been 6,630 foreclosure filings in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties representing properties worth $708 million. So all help will be appreciated.

"A handful of gimme and a mouthful of much obliged"

"Crist released a proposal [yesterday] afternoon that relies on billions of federal stimulus dollars to boost state spending by $1 billion next fiscal year." "Crist Budget Relies On Stimulus Money To Plug Shortfall". See also "Crist: Let's tap fees, gambling, federal aid", "Stimulus The Key In Crist's Budget", "Crist's proposed $66.5 billion budget relies on federal stimulus", "Crist leans heavily on federal stimulus money for proposed $66.5 billion state budget" and "Crist's budget plan relies on stimulus".

While relying on a federal subsidy to paper over Florida's irresponsible system of public finance, Crist, at the same time "threw his support behind four more tax relief proposals Friday to follow up on measures passed in 2007 and 2008."

Those two pieces of legislation - a law and a state constitutional amendment - helped reduce property taxes an average of 3 percent annually after a steady stream of increases averaging 10 percent. Falling property values also contributed to those drops.

Florida Association of Counties spokeswoman Cragin Mosteller said putting spending caps on local governments could make the recession in Florida worse.

"When it comes to caps, we've seen in other states, particularly Colorado, where that has just failed miserably and totally devastated their economy," she said.

Mosteller said it would result in more layoffs and less spending on economic stimulus projects such as road building and other public works.

Wayne Blanton, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association, said it's hypocritical to cut property taxes while accepting federal stimulus money.

Southern states have been benefiting from Northern taxes for years. If they start another War Between the States, the Federal gravy train might suddenly stop at the Mason-Dixon line.

Studies by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation have consistently shown that these Senators' states receive far more from the Federal government than they pay back in taxes. That's an irony that could lead to some Blue State bitterness: They love to preach about fiscal responsibility and lower taxes, but they keep dipping their beak into the Federal trough.

I believe the applicable Southern phrase is "a handful of gimme and a mouthful of much obliged."

Foreclosures

"Open most any urban newspaper to the foreclosure notices, and you'll find the list heavy with Hispanic names. Times are tough for Americans of every demographic, but for Latinos they are grimmer still." "Helping Hispanics keep their homes".

The "journalists" at the Zell Corporation ...

... share the latest Chamber of Commerce press release with us in the form of an "editroial": "Union elections without secret ballots are bad for workers and management".

The editors would argue that this editorial was no mere "knee-jerk opinion"; they Sentinel's past editorial page editor grandly describes how editorial decisions are arrived it:

The Sentinel's editorials are decided by the newspaper's 12-member editorial board. Their backgrounds, detailed above, are diverse, as are their opinions. The newspaper's editor and publisher are on the board, too, but usually participate only in broad, philosophical discussions.

The board meets each weekday to thrash out the issues of the day. Generally, an editorial writer proposes a stand, which should reflect thorough research and weighing of the facts.

The board then debates the issue before nailing down a position. After hearing all sides of the issue, the board always should be asking itself: "What is in the community's best interest?" ...

The daily discussions also reflect broad, philosophical positions that we have arrived at in earlier discussions. For instance, we don't debate anew each day whether we want to protect the Everglades or raise the standards in our schools.

Congress is considering legislation that would allow workers to unionize by signing a card or petition instead of holding formal elections.

The proposed state constitutional amendment (HJR 1013) would require secret ballot elections - favored by businesses - in Florida.

Sponsors include House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. The Delray Beach Republican said elections would prevent harassment and intimidation.

Another fine Jebacy

"Floridians are applying for food stamps at record-breaking rates, and the Department of Children and Families needs more money for more workers to keep up with the pace." "Food stamps in large demand in Florida". See also "Lawmakers spar over union ballots".

"Very serious lip-pursing by the likes of Grover Norquist"

"Oh the ignominious shame of it all!"

One minute you're Gov. Charlie Crist, bopping along, singing a song basking in the glow of loving approval ratings from the citizenry — and before you can say "Barack Obama," you find yourself cast as the Tokyo Rose of the Potomac.

Because Crist had the crazy, wacky, insane temerity of bipartisanship to publicly suggest this stimulus package thing being promoted by the president of the United States might not result in a plague of locusts, festering boils and the arrival of the angel of death, the governor has found himself on the receiving end of — cue the Jaws theme — some very serious lip-pursing by the likes of Grover Norquist.

Grover? Norquist?

Head's up, Charlie

"Spain's King, Queen Open Visit To Florida". See also "King of Spain, governor attend business forum".

Hopefully Charlie won't embarrass Florida like Jebbie did: "The U.S. president's brother Jeb Bush has sparked criticism after mistakenly referring to Spain as a republic in a speech to Spanish business leaders during a trip to Madrid to discuss business opportunities."

Florida Governor Jeb Bush's blunder was reminiscent of President George W. Bush's past slip-ups which have included pronouncing Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's name incorrectly.

Spanish historian Juan Pablo Fusi said the error by Bush was "foolish and grotesque."

Who would have thought that Jeb Bush, the president's brother, was a closet supporter of the leftwingers who fought against Franco in the Spanish civil war? But this week the governor of Florida has caused ripples by referring to Spain as the "republic" it was then rather than as the monarchy it is now.

Mr Bush was in Madrid on a trade mission when, paying tribute to Jose Maria Aznar, the prime minister, he said: "I would like to finish by thanking the president of the Republic of Spain for his friendship with the United States."

But Spain ceased being a republic when General Franco defeated the Republican side and became dictator. The constitutional monarchy was restored under Juan Carlos I in 1975, after Franco's death.

Mr Bush, who owes his office in part to the financial support of rightwing Cuban exiles, would not normally be associated with the Spanish Republican cause. ...

the historian Juan Pablo Fusi, called the error as "an offence to Spain and its democratic monarchy."

"Clear conscience"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "This time, Charlie Crist can take the money with a clear conscience." "Crist's new, clear conscience".

"Dream on"

"Bill Cotterell: Redistricting without politics? Dream on".

Concurrency fix

"A state planning requirement to provide ample road or other transportation capacity before new development can take place was designed to stop urban sprawl, but it's had the opposite effect."

A bill that would exempt certain dense urban areas from that constraint and make other changes to Florida's growth management laws won unanimous approval Thursday from the Senate Transportation Committee — although some members still had qualms about the details.

Planners have found to their dismay that the capacity requirement, known as "transportation concurrency," has pushed growth, particularly residential development, out of urban centers into outlying and rural areas because roads there are less traveled and cheaper to build.

A Local thing

"Included in that overturned law, along with the criminalization of homosexuality, was the prohibition of bestiality. Lawmakers never got around to fixing it. Now state Sen. Nan Rich, a Democrat from Sunrise, is back with a bill to make sex with animals a felony. The idea didn't go anywhere last year. On Tuesday, the Senate's Criminal Justice Committee passed SB 448 unanimously." "Paul Flemming: There ought to be a law (soon there may be)".

Last time the Legislature tried to prohibit sex with animals, there was a "backlash" from a certain part of the state. See "Can't we at least agree on this?" (scroll down).

As the "values" crowd in Tally whines ...

"Miami-Dade, Broward to receive federal funds for homeless".

"Murky future"

"Space Florida's much-heralded plans to build a complex for commercial-rocket launches at Cape Canaveral are facing a murky future." "Lawmakers to Space Florida: $43M request won't fly".

FloBama

"Obama enjoys lofty job approval among Floridians".

Brilliant

"For hundreds of thousands of workers losing their jobs, there's a new twist to their financial pain: Even when they're collecting unemployment benefits, they're paying the bank just to get the money -- or even to call customer service to complain about it. ... 10 states -- including the unemployment hot spots of California, Florida and South Carolina -- are considering such programs or have signed contracts." "Banks nickel-and-dime users of unemployment debit cards".

"Has Deltona's City Commission lost its mind?"

"In a breathtaking moment of official arrogance, the mayor convinced his colleagues Monday night to approve a motion that seems aimed at nothing less sacred than the right to free speech. Mayor Dennis Mulder and three commissioners voted to approve a motion -- offered by Mr. Mulder himself, without a public hearing -- that allows the mayor to authorize using money from the city treasury to bankroll libel or slander lawsuits brought by city commissioners or rank-and-file employees." "Democracy took a bullet when Deltona opened the door to suing critics".

Very scary

"Are Democrats trying to hush Rush?".

"Too late"?

"President Obama intends his $275 billion homeowner rescue plan to be a lifeline to millions of families struggling to keep their homes and a stabilizing influence on the housing market. The president’s bold move injects resources where they are desperately needed — but it may not be bold enough."

In places like Tampa Bay where housing values have plunged as much as 42 percent in the last two years, the plan leaves out homeowners who owe significantly more than their homes are worth.

Death politics

"Convicted killer Marvin Johnson spent 21 years on Florida's death row, then suffered a fatal heart attack. Cancer claimed Charles Globe, a half-dozen years into his wait to be executed." "Justice denied? On Florida's death row, many lives end - but not by execution".

Big of 'em

"Two legislators Wednesday called for uniform statewide rules to protect construction workers at job sites using large cranes. " "Lawmakers call for safer construction sites".

Here's another idea - stop hiring half-trained rats from South Carolina to operate heavy equipment.

More privatization stupidity

"The agency in charge of putting jobless folks back to work needs more people to answer their phone calls. Today, it got permission to spend $6.2 million to hire a private vendor instead of adding to the 500 agency employees already doing the job."

Agency spokesman Robbie Cunningham said he didn't know whether the private vendor would create jobs to fulfill the call center contract, which has already been put out for bid.

Gambling

"A majority of Florida voters wants the Legislature to approve a gambling agreement that expands games but they don't want a university tuition hike, according to a new poll from Quinnipiac University." "Poll: Floridians back gambling expansion to avoid budget cuts".

Lay down with dogs

"Many Republicans say the legislation was rushed through Congress with wasteful spending that will not create jobs. A few GOP governors are even considering refusing the money. Although elected officials typically flock to appearances with the popular governor, state Sen. Jeff Atwater and state Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff -- Republicans who represent the neighborhood that hosted the meeting -- did not attend." "Crist defends support of stimulus package".

Yesterday's Q poll

"Florida voters want Charlie Crist to remain governor instead of going to the U.S. Senate, but he is a strong contender for either race, new poll results show. Though no Democratic contenders for the Senate slot are obvious front-runners, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio leads the pack." "Poll: Crist, Iorio Lead Packs In Senate Race". See also "Poll: Florida voters would support Crist for US Senate run".

Much more here: "Q poll details" (scroll down).

Luv them sky boxes with the catered food

The Tampa Trib editors: "It's understandable that Florida lawmakers, facing a $5 billion deficit, would want to scrutinize every public expenditure. But it's baffling that some would not quickly recognize the value of the Florida Sports Foundation, which helps local communities land major sporting events." "Florida Sports Foundation Scores For State Economy".

Believe it or not

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board:

The motion [the Mayor] presented called for the city to provide his and other commissioners' legal fund whenever they choose to sue individuals over "slanderous or libelous comments or claims, or unsubstantiated allegations, past, present and future," or whenever "the mayor feels is necessary."

The vote was 4-3 in favor. And just like that, Mulder turned Deltona's city government into his personal attack dog, funded at public expense.

Perhaps Tallahassee will do something?

"Obama mortgage plan won't help Fla. much, analysts say".

Ponzi scheme at an end?

"Theories abound on why people are finding Florida less attractive."

The recession. The awful housing market. Hurricanes. High insurance costs. Battered retirement funds. And, perhaps, the end of the "9-11 effect," which demographer Jan Vink said caused more people to move out of New York to Florida after the terrorism attacks in 2001. That migration spike peaked in 2005, but Vink isn't sure what has caused it to taper off.

"Were houses getting too expensive?" said Vink, who works for Cornell University's Program on Applied Demographics in New York. "Did people start to feel nervous about the downturn in the economy?"

Florida appears to be suffering more than other states that have lured large numbers of newcomers in recent years.

Enticed by subtropical weather and relatively inexpensive housing, new Florida residents bought homes, added to the tax base and created demand for new shopping malls, schools and other development.

While annual population growth for the past decade ran between 2 percent and 2.5 percent, it dropped to 0.7 percent in 2008. Florida now has its highest unemployment rate in 16 years - 8.1 percent in December - and one of the nation's highest home foreclosure rates. With thousands leaving the state almost as fast as others arrived, Florida's population increased by only about 127,000 last year.

SunRail

"The $1.2 billion SunRail transit deal to bring commuter trains to Central Florida cleared its first legislative stop Wednesday, over objections that it was a poor investment in the midst of a recession. Although unions, other groups and a few legislators teed off on the deal between the state and CSX Corp., it passed its only House committee hearing by a 14-3 vote."

But not all of the plan's critics have gone away. The council defeated an amendment offered by Rep. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, to try to protect the jobs of union members working for CSX.

"We believe the specifics of this are irresponsible," said Florida AFL-CIO President Cynthia Hall, who along with other union representatives has said the commuter expansion would cost unionized signalmen their jobs.

"They're the best-trained workers," Hall said. "They're the ones who keep the trains from crashing."

Under the deal, the state would buy 61 miles of freight line running through downtown Orlando, which would be shared by commuter and CSX trains. SunRail could hire nonunion signalmen to dispatch the trains.

But a nonunion SunRail rocks, according to the Zell Corp.

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Obama shouldn't pour more taxpayer cash into GM and Chrysler".

Shell games

"A political committee controlled in part by Rep. Ray Sansom that received $100,000 from the developer in the Sansom controversy has closed down."

Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, on Feb. 6 disbanded the Leadership for Florida's Future, a committee formed in June "to promote strong leadership in Florida," according to its Web site.

Dozens of similar committees are controlled by individual legislators and can legally accept contributions in any amounts, while donations given directly to candidates are capped $500.

The committee raised $378,000, including $100,000 in one check from Crystal Beach Development of Destin, owned by Sansom's friend Jay Odom.

The last check, for $30,000, came from AT&T Services on Jan. 5. The committee Web site is www.leadershipforfloridasfuture.org.

Cannon, who's in line to become House speaker in 2010, controlled the fund's money along with Sansom and Rep. Will Weatherford of Wesley Chapel, who is in line to become speaker in 2012.

Redistricting

"State economists have revised financial statements for two proposed state constitutional amendments on legislative and congressional redistricting." The Florida Supreme Court "rejected financial statements predicting the amendments would cost Floridians "'millions of dollars,' calling that forecast vague and misleading."

The economists Wednesday submitted new statements saying costs cannot be precisely determined but that they could go up if the amendments cause more litigation than usual over redistricting.

Hispanic roots

"Hispanics' roots run deep across Florida".

Water

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The state has virtually no choice but to impose the most severe watering restrictions in history to help the parched Tampa Bay region muddle through until the rainy season. The drought is severe, and the lack of rain has left the region’s sustainable water supply projects without the resources they need to function. The alternative to further restrictions — pumping even more from the aquifer — makes no financial or environmental sense. Residents need to conserve more, but area water managers need to realize that credibly pushing conservation goes hand in hand with accountability." "Save water, add credibility".

Woo hoo!

"Boca lawmaker suggests bio-copter tour for big investors".

"Don't blame Florida"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Florida is prepared to let State Farm drop all of its 1.2 million property insurance policies. If that happens, however, don't blame Florida." "State made right calls in State Farm showdown".

Wicked ways

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "From its reputation as a difficult place to do business, to its failure to provide sufficient educational opportunities, to its lengthening list of corrupt politicians, Palm Beach County must change its ways"

'Ya reckon? Consider this brilliant idea:

The report, by Market Street Services of Atlanta, sets out clear goals based on research. Efforts to recruit nurses are hampered by a chronic lack of nursing instructors. Why aren't there enough instructors? Because the pay is too low.

Laff riot

"Florida lawmakers hunt for ways to spur revenue growth".

Past his prime

The The Tallahassee Democrat finds it necessary to print these unhelpful words of Reaganite dead ender Grover Norquist: "On the heels of President Obama's 61-cent increase in the federal cigarette tax, Florida legislators are considering a $1-per-pack increase in the state's cigarette tax when they return in March. The bill's sponsor, state Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek, has been getting support for his proposal by floating the tax hike as a 'user fee' and a quick fix for the state's budget problems. On both of these points, he is unmistakably wrong." "Cigarette tax is not a magic cure".

Nelson says no thanks

"Sen. Bill Nelson plans to donate to charity the campaign contributions he received from donors under investigation for mishandling money, his office said Wednesday." "Nelson to give contributions to charity".

Adult supervision needed

"When Gov. Charlie Crist unveils his budget Friday, the numbers are sure to be rose colored. Crist has the luxury of basing his figures on November revenue-estimates that are sure to be wrong when state economists meet again in March to estimate the state's revenues, which have declined precipitously."

So Senate budget chief and leading Republican Crist-nemesis JD Alexander has a solution: "I would expect we would ask him to come back and update his budget," Alexander said. "If we were $100 million off, it would be one thing. If we were off a couple billion, it would be another... given the revised estimates what would he do?"

Revolving door

"State Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, has opened a campaign account to begin raising money for her 2010 re-election bid. But she also has filed paperwork indicating she will run in 2012 for the state Senate. Hukill wants to try to replace Sen. Evelyn Lynn, an Ormond Beach Republican who will be forced to leave office in 2012 because of term limits." "Hukill files for 2012 state Senate bid".

The $789 billion stimulus package that President Obama signed Tuesday is slated to send more than $3 billion to Florida's K-12 public schools over two years, including hundreds of millions of dollars that may patch massive holes in district budgets next year.

Florida certainly qualifies. With a fiscal structure based on sales taxes and an economy highly sensitive to construction, the recession has created a more "precipitous decline" here than in many other states. The "maintenance of effort" makes sense on one level. Washington shouldn't reward states that balanced their budgets on the back of education. But there's a basic problem: A rule meant to punish politicians would end up punishing students whose schools already have had budgets cut.

Gov. Crist is optimistic that Florida will get a waiver. Sens. Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez have written Education Secretary Arne Duncan, asking him to help Florida out. There's more than a little irony in the request; Sen. Martinez voted against the stimulus, and not a single member of Gov. Crist's party voted for it in the House.

Even before he knows that the federal government will grant a waiver and let education money flow to Florida, Gov. Crist is putting his budget in turnaround before releasing it Friday. Out will be any serious budget cuts. Out will be any discussion of new revenue. In will be the lyrics to Happy Days Are Here Again, and talk of a new tax-cut proposal in 2010, when the governor is on the ballot for reelection or election to the Senate.

Q poll details

"The survey by Quinnipiac (Conn.) University released Wednesday showed two-thirds approved of the way Crist is handling his job as governor in the face of a sour economy and nearly twice as many wanted him to seek re-election." "Poll shows public wants Crist to seek re-election".

More from Quinnipiac:

Florida voters support 59 - 36 percent additional legalized gambling to finance education and to avoid additional budget cuts, with support across the political spectrum.

By a larger 63 - 33 percent margin voters want the State legislature to approve a deal between Crist and the Seminole Indian tribe for Las Vegas style casinos that would reap money for the state treasury.

"Gov. Crist has effectively frozen both the Governor's race and the Senate race. All Republicans are standing back and waiting to see which office he will seek before deciding about their candidacies since no one in their right mind will want to take him on," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"On the Democratic side, those who jumped into the Senate race assuming Crist would seek a second term in Tallahassee are getting nervous," Brown added.

"If Crist runs for re-election, Connie Mack is way ahead of the rest of the field for the Republican Senate nomination. The Democratic field is much more muddled. What's surprising is that Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio is in the running. Much of her support comes from widespread name recognition in the Tampa Bay area, but she may also benefit from being the only woman potentially in the race. Interestingly, her 16 percent in the Democratic primary is almost exactly what Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink received in a Quinnipiac University poll January 21."

In the GOP primary matchup without Crist, Mack leads with 34 percent, three times the 11 percent for U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. Former State House Speakers Marco Rubio and Allan Bense get 6 and 4 percent respectively.

See 'ya

"President Barack Obama has vowed to change the harsh partisan tone of Washington, but some Florida Republicans are planning their exit strategies."

- "Adam Putnam, a political wunderkind elected in 2001 at 26 who stepped off the leadership path and launched a bid this month for state agriculture commissioner. The son of central Florida citrus and cattle farmers says farming is in his blood, though he acknowledged the frustrations of toiling in the minority on Capitol Hill. "

- "Sen. Mel Martinez is quitting after only one term, a rare short-timer in a chamber that often serves as a lifetime perch. With only six years of seniority between them, U.S. Reps. Connie Mack and Vern Buchanan are prepared to risk losing their southwest Florida districts for the chance to wield more power from Martinez's Senate seat."

"They can’t say the 
T-word"

"They can’t say the 
T-word in the 2009 legislative session, but two top Democratic and Republican Senate leaders agreed Tuesday on a polite euphemism for taxes as Florida lawmakers search for solutions to the state’s revenue shortages. " "Florida lawmakers hunt for ways to spur revenue growth".

Sore losers

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board nails Florida's brain dead RPOFers in DC: "The nation faces its most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression, and Florida has been hit particularly hard. The state's unemployment rate, at more than 8 percent and rising, is higher than the nation's. We trail only California in the rate of home foreclosures. And Florida's state budget shortfall is more than $5 billion. Yet Tampa Bay's Republican U.S. House members have not come to the rescue."

U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis of Palm Harbor, Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville, Adam Putnam of Bartow and C.W. Bill Young of Indian Shores are good at voting no. ... (Democrat Kathy Castor of Tampa voted for all of the relief packages except for the original TARP bill).

Where are the Republicans' proposals? Can they offer anything beyond more tax cuts? Will Tampa Bay Republicans in Congress be part of the solution in Washington and help Floridians struggling to hold on to their homes and jobs, or will they just keep saying no?

Tuition increase

"Some public university students could see their tuition more than double by 2013 if a proposal to be discussed Wednesday by a Florida Senate committee passes legislative muster."

The resident undergraduate tuition base cost is $82 per credit, or about $2,460 for a full 30-credit year.

That could increase to $211 or more per credit -- $6,323 for a full year -- by 2013, according to a Senate analysis of the proposed tuition plan released Tuesday.

Under the plan, lawmakers would still set base tuition increases, but individual university boards of trustees could increase that by as much as 15 percent annually until they reach the national average of resident tuition.

"FairDistrictsFlorida.org"

FairDistrictsFlorida.org "has launched a petition drive to amend the state constitution and prohibit the drawing of districts that 'favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.' The petitions require legislative and congressional districts to be compact and contiguous, using existing city, county and geographic boundaries whenever feasible. They also have language that protects minority representation." "Need for fair districts transcends partisanship"

"Quirk"

"State Sen. Mike Fasano wants to eliminate a quirk in state law that can cause property taxes to rise even as home values drop. The Save Our Homes program keeps taxes low on primary homes by keeping tax assessments of those properties from rising more than 3 percent annually. That's a bonus for homeowners during boom years when property values can experience double-digit increases. Here's the rub: The program guarantees a rise in assessments, even when the market value of a home falls." "Crist, Fasano: Property Tax System Flawed".

"An e-mail some considered racist"? "Some"?

"Former Hillsborough County Republican Party official Carol Carter apologized to the party in a brief speech Tuesday night for sending an e-mail some considered racist. ... Even as she apologized, Carter put part of the blame for the incident on local Republicans who forwarded the e-mail to reporters. ... Others defend Carter, a veteran party worker and donor, saying she should not leave her post over what they call a minor matter."

And to top off the meeting, "some 200 party members heard a presentation by John Davis, director of minority outreach for the state Republican Party, who said his job is to help the party 'become more diverse, get more minorities involved.'" "County GOP Gets Apology".

Embarrassing

"Opening statements are scheduled for the third trial of six Miami men accused of plotting to destroy Chicago's Sears Tower and bomb FBI offices. The so-called 'Liberty City Six' are accused of plotting terror attacks with an FBI informant they thought was an al-Qaida operative. Two trials ended in hung juries, with a seventh man acquitted after the first trial. " "Opening statements set for terror retrial".

Background: "After All, He Is Black".

Stanford cash

"A company run by R. Allen Stanford gave U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., nearly $46,000 in campaign contributions through its political-action committee and employees -- the highest total of any member of Congress, according to a new watchdog report."

Other Florida lawmakers benefited from Stanford Financial Group, including U.S. Reps. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami ($3,500); Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota ($2,500); Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton ($2,500); Adam Putnam, R-Bartow ($2,500); and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami ($2,000).

'Glades

"A Tampa Bay area lawmaker has filed legislation that could stall or even stop Florida from sealing its historic deal with U.S. Sugar to purchase the Everglades for restoration."

Gov. Charlie Crist heavily promoted the $1.35 billion purchase of 180,000 acres in the Everglades, which would open the way to massive ecological restoration of the area.

The deal-in-progress often is described in shorthand as a state purchase. In reality, the South Florida Water Management District is buying the land, using property tax dollars from residents under the district's jurisdiction.

State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, said he wants to let affected taxpayers decide whether the district can spend their tax dollars on the Everglades purchase. An outspoken critic of the deal's terms, he said the proposal convinced him that all such deals by water management districts ought to go to local referendum, which is what his bill would require.

"Should Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio run for Senate?"

Adam Smith: "She's a popular big-city mayor from Florida's most important political region. But she can't stand partisan politics and is a stranger to most Floridians."

Smith gives several reasons she should run:

1. Tampa Bay. Never underestimate the importance of running from the Tampa Bay area, home to nearly one in four votes in both the Democratic primary and the general election. Just being well-known in Florida's biggest media market automatically gives Iorio, 49, a name recognition advantage worth millions of dollars.

2. The field. The race features no political giant in either party (though speculation is growing that Charlie Crist may run). ...

3. Profile. She's smart, funny and exudes competence. And she's a woman. "The reason Pam Iorio should run is because she'd win,'' said Derek Newton, a Democratic consultant in Miami. ...

4. Timing. A public servant since 1985, Iorio will be out of a job in 2011 because of term limits. Open U.S. Senate seats tend to be once in a lifetime opportunities, especially a race with a relatively weak field like this one may have.

1. The daunting campaign. Iorio was 26 the last time she had a seriously tough campaign. She has never shown a stomach for a bruising partisan race. ...

2. No network. Iorio's nonpartisanship may be admirable and helpful in a general election, but it won't help in the primary that she has rarely lifted a finger to help other Democrats.

She never gave money to Kathy Castor, Alex Sink, Bill McBride, John Kerry, Bill Nelson or Barack Obama. She has never courted Democratic activists in South Florida or interest groups in Tallahassee, and she knows few significant Democratic fundraisers.

Launching a statewide campaign when almost no party insiders and activists know you, and still fewer owe you any favors, is no easy task. ...

4. Wrong job. Iorio is by nature a chief executive, not a legislator.

Florida Foreclosures

"Broward ranks fifth nationwide in the number of people facing foreclosure, with 25.12 percent of mortgage debt either delinquent or near default, according to fourth-quarter 2008 data from Moody's Economy.com. Palm Beach County is 19th at 18.34 percent." "South Florida at forefront of foreclosure crisis".

Whatever

"An advisory council of local businesses will be established to offer advice on how the recession is affecting them and to report on whether federal aid is reaching them, U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, announced Monday." "Rep. Ron Klein wants to form local business council".

We can do better than this

"The base has been singled out by PETA for using live animals when training medics for traumatic combat injuries." "PETA takes on Hurlburt".

"Bright spot"

"Hurricanes, drought, crop diseases and hard times have cut farm earnings nearly in half, but agriculture remains a bright spot in Florida's economic outlook, Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said Tuesday." "Bronson: Agriculture economic 'bright spot'".

No L ... T?

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Put aside politics, put aside the personalities and simply ask what's best for the state. If you do, you'll find yourself asking if Florida really needs the lieutenant governor post — or at least at its present price tag.". "No need for Lt. Governor in Florida".

119 problems

"Technology leaps beyond Florida public records laws".

A slow start

"Rep. Scott Plakon wants to make your gun-shaped cigarette lighter illegal. The Longwood Republican, a freshman, is pushing to ban novelty lighters that resemble guns, toys, cartoon characters, musical instruments or even Coke cans. His intent: to keep them out of the hands of young children who might accidentally start fires." "Lighters shouldn't look like toys, lawmaker proposes".

The other Crist

"Republican state Sen. Victor Crist, who has represented northern Hillsborough County in the Legislature for nearly 17 years, says he is running to represent the same area on the county commission. But Crist doesn't know yet whether he will run in 2010 or have to wait until 2012. He is seeking the District 2 seat currently held by Commission Chairman Ken Hagan." "Sen. Crist To Run For Hagan's County Commission Seat".

Venezuela

The Miami Herald editorial board seems to have a problem with the democratic process: "Chávez's victory, Venezuela's loss".

Cuts

"State budget cuts may force FAU to shutter its Women's Studies Center and suspend its master's degree program in women's studies." "Women's studies could be cut at FAU".

Developers have controlled state and county governments for so long that no Plan B exists. Lost and clueless, lawmakers desperately hack away at public budgets while clinging to the hope that boom times will return.

For good reason, Florida has become the poster child for America's fiscal disintegration. We stand at the top of the leaderboard in rising unemployment, foreclosures and, of course, mortgage fraud.

Wet feet, dry feet, black feet

"U.S. immigration authorities say they've ordered 30,000 Haitians to leave the country." "30,000 Haitians ordered to leave US".

Charlie to disappear $600 million more from the state budget

"Property taxes in Florida have not dropped 'like a rock' as Gov. Charlie Crist said they would, but he's going to keep trying to make good on a promise made two years ago."

The Republican governor's goals for the spring lawmaking session include no fewer than four separate tax proposals that would go before voters on the 2010 ballot, when Crist himself would be seeking voters' favor as a candidate for reelection as governor or for the U.S. Senate.

The total taxpayer savings -- or cost to all local governments and schools statewide -- could weigh in at roughly $600 million, according to preliminary staff estimates and prior analyses of similar proposals to help homeowners, and cap and limit local-government taxation.

Brilliant

"Fundraising is already tough right now for non-profits, but it just got a little tougher for three of the state's public universities. Florida, Florida State and Florida A&M won't be receiving some $64 million in state matching grants this year. Legislators put a hold on the funds because of the budget deficit." "Florida universities lose gift matching grants".

"Financial arrogance at work"

Jane Healy: "It's bad enough when New York City bankers grouse that pay for senior executives benefiting from a government bailout shouldn't be capped at $500,000. But turns out that mentality has infected all sorts of corners in Central Florida as well. Here are just two examples of the financial arrogance at work." See what she means: "Monied arrogance spreads to Central Florida".

Stimulus chase

"States Face Competing Priorities For Stimulus Cash".

Another RPOFer Black thing

"Acknowledging that some of his supporters might feel 'uncomfortable' going public, Derek Black wants Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee members to cast secret ballots to decide whether he can join their ranks. Black, 20, is the son of former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard Don Black and a close associate of David Duke. He engineers radio broadcasts for his dad's 'White Pride World Wide' Web site and spoke at a recent conference that promoted 'the rights and heritage of European Americans.'"

"I would ask that the REC not vote him on," says county Republican Chairman Sid Dinerstein. "He doesn't share our values in any way."

Meet you at the book fire in Miami

The Miami Herald editorial board: "In July 2006, U.S. District Judge Alan Gold issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Miami-Dade County School Board from removing the book Vamos a Cuba from its libraries. At the time, we applauded this sound affirmation of First Amendment rights. Unfortunately, it wasn't the last word. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has overturned Judge Gold's injunction -- but that shouldn't be the last word, either." "Latest book ruling needs another review".

Never mind the Florida constitution

"Class-size rules could fall victim to the budget ax. The state's controversial class-size rules have been called unworkable and too costly for years, even before voters approved them in 2002. But they have remained in place, getting phased in as required and slowly reducing class sizes in schools across Florida." "Class sizes at mercy of budget cuts". See also "Cuts may violate class-size regulation".

SV Poll

"A new poll conducted by Strategic Vision shows Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio relatively weak in a Democratic primary for Mel Martinez's U.S. Senate seat against Ron Klein, Kendrick Meek and Dan Gelber. But she's the strongest of the Dems when put head to head against Republicans — including Charlie Crist." "Iorio by the numbers".

Another privatization flop

"Florida is coping with the effects of a failed and expensive food-privatization venture of former Gov. Jeb Bush."

In 2001, the state turned over most prison food operations to Aramark Corp., even after Ohio had scrapped a similar experiment, citing bad results.

After seven years marked by numerous irregularities, fines for sloppy service and a state report that flagged the vendor's ''windfall'' profits, Aramark pulled out of Florida prisons last month. The firm said it could no longer make money due to rising prices of bread, milk and other staples amid pressure from the state to cut costs.

From the "values" crowd

"Wayne LaRue Smith wanted to ensure that the foster child he was raising wouldn't be taken from him, so he sought permanent guardianship. He really wanted to adopt, but under a 32-year-old Florida law that bans adoption by gay people, that seemed out of the question."

Now, two years later, Smith faces a legal Catch-22. In August, a judge declared the state's gay adoption law unconstitutional, allowing Smith to adopt his foster son. But state child welfare administrators have declined to provide the boy a host of financial benefits available to foster kids who are adopted.

Heaven help us

"Legislator Defies Stereotypes". Actually, this Legislator appears (via the cited bio piece) to be the very personification of a sterotype.

Expect the "Legislature to do nothing"

"Legislature shows little support for strict emission rules."

A decision on whether to adopt the California regulations now goes to the Republican-controlled Legislature, which must approve a change in the state's administrative code. Environmental groups are expected to support enacting the regulations. Auto manufacturers and business groups will urge the Legislature to do nothing.

More Sore Losermen (and women)

"Venezuelans in South Florida lined up early to vote, many of them expressing sentiments against President Hugo Chávez. They appear to have been outnumbered."

Crowds of supporters chanted ''No'' when Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami, arrived at the Kendall Campus to show support to the Venezuelans who came to help decide their country's controversial referendum. ...

U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, who accompanied Ros-Lehtinen, said ...

''Our solidarity, admiration and support is with the people of Venezuela,'' said Diaz-Balart. ``Our prayers are also with them because we know Chávez is not only a thug and a gangster, but he always attempts to cheat.''

Chávez is also a good friend of Fidel Castro.

Florida International University student Che Guerra, 21, was there because she wants to visit a Venezuela without another term of Chávez. She has many relatives back home on both sides of the referendum.

She voted No.

''They have hope in the original idea he had, like helping the poor,'' Guerra said of her pro-Chávez relatives. ``My aunt in Venezuela, she's pro-Chávez. I tell her poor people never had anything. You give a little bread, water, they're going to be happy, but it doesn't mean it's good.''

Chávez won with 54 percent of the vote.

Florida wingnuts in a dither

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Crist has come under a hail of brickbats from his Republican friends for daring to show up in Ft. Myers last week to share a platform with the president of the United States."

In this instance, party loyalty as interpreted by some extreme advocates in Mr. Crist's party would have required the governor to snub President Barack Obama on his first visit to Florida following inauguration -- a calculated act of political rudeness. Mr. Crist, instead, welcomed the president in an act of political courtesy. He also thanked him for bringing a message of hope to the people of an area dubbed ``the foreclosure capital of the country.''

The ire directed at Gov. Crist by some in the GOP is a reflection of a time when bipartisanship has become a four-letter word. Mr. Crist is not the governor of a party. He's the governor of Florida. He represents the hopes and dreams of 18 million people, not just those of a single political party.

Unfortunately, some regard politics as a zero-sum game. A victory for one side is a loss for the other. In this view, a vote for Mr. Obama's stimulus plan is a vote that bolsters his popularity. By extension, the success of the plan -- which, incidentally, could avert an economic disaster -- would hurt the political chances of the Republican Party.

"Caseloads climb"

"Florida probation officers who monitor felons, including sex and drug offenders, could be taking on more work as regular caseloads climb to nearly 100 per officer." "DOC probation caseloads may rise".

This just in from the Zell Corporation

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Despite its grandeur, the stimulus package falls short in key areas. Lawmakers jettisoned money for infrastructure, including for projects in Florida. They slimmed down allocations for payroll tax cuts, allowing write-offs for car loans and new home purchases."

Why were they dropped? Because our elected leaders in Washington overestimated the federal government's reach. Blame that on the ongoing deficits and the massive debt piled on since 2001.

Blame that also on decades' worth of procrastination in addressing the nearly at-hand, unaccounted expenses from Social Security and Medicare entitlements.

Feel free to fade away

The dope who left Florida in a complete mess thinks

it would be great politically for President Obama" to break with one of his party's interest groups, Mr. Bush says. "I hope it's the teachers' union. He can bring about a transformation of education" and speak "on behalf of the kids that traditionally are shut out of the learning process, and [allow] a thousand flowers to bloom, not just one prescribed from Washington."

Trib wants you to adopt a stray

The Tampa Trib editors: "Many Floridians are howling mad about legislation that would mandate sterilization of dogs and cats, and they should be." "State Lawmaker's Bark Aimed At Wrong Tree".

"Nothing to hide"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The public believes, after watching four Palm Beach County politicians go to prison and a fifth, former County Commissioner Mary McCarty, resign while awaiting sentencing, that politicians don't disclose because they have something to hide." "When in doubt, disclose".

Whatever

"Crist gets Daytona 500 rolling".

HD 60

"Republican Shawn Harrison has announced his plans to enter the race for the Florida House of Representatives District 60 seat. Republican Curtis Stokes, who heads the Hillsborough chapter of the NAACP, says he also will run for the seat. Ed Homan now holds that post, but is term-limited out of the 2010 race." "Two hats in ring for District 60 House seat".

Charlie at the trough

"Gov. Charlie Crist drew jibes from disgruntled Republicans for stumping with President Barack Obama in Fort Myers last week for his economic stimulus plan."

The governor, who's flirting with a U.S. Senate bid in 2010 that could cost upward of $30 million, better hope the critics don't stay away from his fundraisers.

Crist and state Republican Chairman Jim Greer of Oviedo were the hosts for a $5,000-per-person VIP fundraiser last week at Disney Boardwalk Inn Resort. And they'll both be back in Washington on Friday, raising cash at the offices of BGR Group, a lobbying firm whose clientele includes the University of Florida and Orlando Regional Healthcare.

Crist and the state party also plan a March fundraiser in Orlando, a Charlie Crist Fishing Tournament in Key West in May and an "American Celebration in Washington, D.C." in July.

Bingo

Randy Schultz nails it: "Gov. Crist calls the so-called 'economic stimulus' bill a 'bridge of help for Florida.'"

Unfortunately, it may turn out to be a "bridge of help" for the governor and all the legislative leaders who don't want to do the hard work of reforming the state's tax and budget system.

Next year is an election year, so nothing big will be on the agenda. Gov. Crist will be running for reelection or the Senate, so he'll just be hoping that things look a little sunnier.

If this recession has revealed serious flaws in the national economy, however, it also has revealed the serious flaws in how Florida raises and spends money. ...

Sometimes, only a crisis can force reform on uncreative, rigid politicians. After news reports, the Legislature seems persuaded that Florida's lieutenant governor doesn't need to spend $400,000 on air travel and have a security detail. Way to go. Gov. Crist and self-styled small-government legislators will accept the "economic stimulus" money from the big government in Washington. But if they don't also fix what's wrong in Florida over and above the lieutenant governor's travel, the money will be a bridge to nowhere.

GOPer Granfalloon

"Okay, this is getting confusing."

Charlie Crist backs the $789 billion stimulus package, even if he doesn't care to talk about the details. But Crist's anointed state GOP chairman, Jim Greer, after publicly chastising Republican critics of that package, issued a clarification last week to stress that he wasn't sold on the proposal yet, but loved the idea of bipartisan cooperation demonstrated by Crist.

Media company employees give Charlie the luv ...

Beth Reinhard: "Crist is rarely on the wrong side of a poll, even if it conflicts with Republican orthodoxy. He kept quiet while fellow Republicans tried to stop the husband of brain-damaged Terri Schiavo from ending her life. He extended early voting hours in the 2008 election, even though most people in line didn't favor his party's nominee. He has consistently backed a national insurance fund that could help Florida residents in the event of a devastating hurricane." "Crist reads polls well on stimulus plan".

... while Charlie gives Floridians more tax cut bimbocracy

"Crist to unveil tax cut proposals". See also "Florida's governor readies four proposals for property tax relief".

Enough with the failed Bushco programs

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Florida's Medicaid reform experiment has reduced health-care services for the poor, elderly and disabled and failed to save the state money. So, why do state officials want to expand the program to 20 more counties?"

In 2005, then-Gov. Jeb Bush promised that his plan to overhaul the state/federal program would provide more choices, better service and cost savings. It has done just the opposite.

Who lobbies for "the poor, the elderly and the very ill"?

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The state's budget picture looks grimmer at every turn. And the most likely to suffer -- Florida's children, the poor, the elderly and the very ill -- are also the most defenseless. It's an untenable situation, and one lawmakers have the power to correct." "Lawmakers target online sales".

Another reason to avoid Wal-Mart

"Man bitten by snake at Wal-Mart suing for negligence".

Oh yeah, about that "no-new-taxes pledge" ...

"Even conservative lawmakers [except our oblivious Charlie (see above)] are talking these days about making tax changes that could expand Florida's shrinking coffers."

Raising the cigarette tax. Ending sales tax breaks. Closing a loophole in the real estate transfer tax. Enforcing sales tax collection on Internet purchases. Faced with a revenue shortfall that could hit a staggering $5.7 billion by July 2010, GOP leaders in the Legislature have said that all options are on the table.

But wait - more than two dozen sitting lawmakers have signed a no-new-taxes pledge that began circulating in 1986. Can they balance that commitment now against the state's plummeting revenue?

"Topping that list is GOP Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow"

"An attempt to limit lobbyist-funded trips has prompted mixed results among the Tampa Bay area's five U.S House members and Florida's two U.S. senators."

None of the area's federal lawmakers have taken more than one trip under the new rules that came out of the scandals involving former D.C. superlobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Some have not taken any trips[*].

At the same time, some have not been so shy about approving such travel by their staff.

Topping that list is GOP Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow.

Just two?

"Two Florida banks [Coral Gables-based BankUnited and Fort Lauderdale-based BankAtlantic] are joining some of the country's largest lenders in temporarily halting foreclosures as the federal government tackles the housing crisis."

Florida is one of four states - along with California, Nevada and Arizona - that accounted for nearly half the nation's 2008 foreclosures, according to RealtyTrac Inc., while comprising just a quarter of U.S. mortgages overall.

Meritocracy

Pulling themselves up by their bootstraps; "Pasco Sheriff Bob White hires Timothy Couet, Jeremiah Hawkes, Richard Corcoran".

Go slow on the glow

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "" "Progress Energy Florida's announcement last week that it wants to roll back surcharges was welcome relief for electric customers still whipsawed from January's 24 percent rate increase. The impact of the 11 percent reduction is likely temporary, as the company said it would seek a base rate increase for 2010. But the delay gives the Florida Legislature a short reprieve to recraft a controversial 2006 law that allowed utility companies to start charging their customers for new nuclear plants before the plants are built and generating power." "Rethink nuclear plant law".

Running government like a business

"In just under two years, Kottkamp has had 60 full weekdays with an entirely clear calendar, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Saturday, a time period amounting to 12 work weeks. ... On more than 40 days, his schedule said only "work and call time," which Kottkamp's staff said is used to read and review documents and make phone calls." "Newspaper finds Kottkamp schedule light many days".

Atlas shrugged

"FPL raised rates even though fuel costs fell".

The best they can do

Does South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial page editor Antonio Fins foists a brilliant TaxWatch idea on his innocent readers:

At last week's town hall meeting in Fort Myers, President Obama stated his willingness to hear other economic-boosting ideas and strategies from people just like us. Great to hear that, Mr. President — here is one.

It's a way to stimulate South Florida's economy without having to throw $1 trillion at us — and that could offer as much of a boost, if not more, than the $6.6 billion earmarked for the Sunshine State in the Senate's stimulus bill. In fact, this idea could actually save taxpayer dollars if it makes government work better for all of us.

"You don't need to spend hundreds of billions of dollars," said Dominic Calabro, the CEO and president of Florida TaxWatch. "It's a matter of thinking and acting intelligently. It's a matter of streamlining a system that once worked very well."

How 'bout retention bonuses?

"Amid nurse shortage, hospitals focus on retention".

Stop the presses!

"Jeb Bush catches some blame for Hillsborough election supervisor problems".

Must be the AFM's fault

"The Concert Association of Florida, which was responsible for bringing classical and world music to South Florida, has filed for bankruptcy. The organization's board said it could not recover from a huge drop in ticket sales and donations. The association has set aside $100,000 to refund tickets for canceled shows, but most scheduled through April will take place as planned." "Bankruptcy declared by Concert Association of Fla.".

Obama to the rescue

"Florida waits on millions in foreclosure aid". See also "".

The trickle down crowd wants its dough

Perhaps the chickens are coming home to roost for the folks who believe that tax cuts will produce road building dollars.

You see, our poor friends in bright red Jacksonville and environs are in a dither about whether they will get federal bucks:

In Northeast Florida alone, counties have identified more than $1.3 billion in projects that could begin in the next six months - if only the money was in place.

When President Obama said he wanted to rebuild the economy by rebuilding infrastructure, public officials nationwide began putting together wish lists that went heavy on roads, bridges and buildings. Northeast Florida was no different.

But infrastructure money is something critics of the package say was mostly left out.

Much of the $1.3 billion regional request comes from Jacksonville, where Mayor John Peyton has identified more than $700 million in projects.

Peyton had traveled to Washington several times to drum up support for the city. In January, city lobbyist Patton Boggs arranged a brief meeting with Obama for the mayor.

But late last week, as the legislation came closer to a final plan, Peyton wasn't optimistic.

"In reality," he said, "we don't expect to see any of it."

You go Bill ...

... just like a real AG should: "The Florida Attorney General's Office is suing an Orlando company for allegedly preying on homeowners in danger of foreclosure." "Fla. AG accuses home loan rescue company of fraud".

Black people

"Fifty years after the first lawsuit was filed to desegregate Florida's public schools, cases against more than a dozen school districts -- including Orange County's -- are still in court. Black and white students attending classes side by side might seem matter-of-fact today. But the last word has not been said on 14 of the 34 Florida school districts that were sued to force the integration they fought to avoid." "50 years later, Florida school districts still struggling with desegregation lawsuits".

Yaawwwnnn ...

"Jeb says times to turn Washington 'upside down'".

"Jeb!" disses the People's Governor

Jebbie "Bush, in a Wall Street Journal interview published Saturday, mentioned Republican governors he admires, including Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Haley Barbour of Mississippi. Hmmmm. Surely it was just an oversight that he didn't mention Florida's current governor." "Sorry, Charlie".

"Three months after Election Day, they're at it again"

"Winning a part-time job in the Florida Legislature takes lots of money, and collecting those checks has never been more of an around-the-clock activity."

In the 2008 election cycle, more than 400 legislative candidates raised more than $41 million to pay for commercials, direct-mail, political consultants and other costs of running targeted campaigns.

Three months after Election Day, they're at it again.

"The Ponzi state"

The Tampa Trib editors: "The deserted houses and heartbroken homeowners in Florida's newest suburbs are the subject of a devastating article in the current New Yorker magazine. ... Yet there is no question Florida's addiction to fast growth contributed to the state's sudden reversal of fortunes. The New Yorker calls us the Ponzi state, and the insult is correct in that the housing boom fed on itself and could not be sustained." "Recession Brings Clouds, Not An Economic Sunset".

Space money

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Lawmakers should demand more from Florida's commercial space effort". Background: "Space Florida launches lots of criticism".

Spending rules

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "If they can't have more money - or even as much money - Florida school districts should have more flexibility to spend whatever money they will get for the 2009-10 school year." "Loosen Tallahassee's rules on public school spending".

FCAT follies

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: "Largely as a legacy of the Jeb Bush era, Florida has policies and programs that encourage students to do exactly what the 85 Palm Beach County students are doing: Get a high school diploma without having to pass the FCAT." "Hypocrisy from state on FCAT".

7-year-old Baker-Acted

"The parents of a 7-year-old in Largo are outraged their child was taken out of school and hospitalized under a state mental health law. The boy spent a night at Morton Plant Hospital before being seen by a child psychologist. Under Florida's Baker act, authorities can hospitalize someone involuntarily if they're a serious threat to themselves or others." "Fla. parents upset child detained for mental tests".