The panel turned down a $2.1 million federal grant that would have fully paid for administrative costs to pave the way for Florida to receive an additional $35.7 million in federal Medicaid funding. Those dollars would pay for nursing home diversions of disabled and elderly patients over the next five years.

The money was offered this year to Florida and 12 other states as part of the federal health care overhaul law that Florida is challenging in court. They were invited to join 29 states and the District of Columbia, which already participate in the Money Follows the Person demonstration program. ...

Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich of Weston had urged the panel to accept the grant, which was expected to result in about 1,700 nursing home transfers.

The Week in Review

"The Week in Review for June 20-June 24".

"On this issue there's no use pretending"

Randy Schultz: "Last week, state legislators began pretending that they care what the voters think about how Floridians will vote for Congress and the Legislature in 2012."

Public hearings on redistricting, which happen every 10 years when the Legislature draws new congressional and legislative districts, started Monday. Members can't comment or ask questions, but that's just as well. Legislators aren't even showing proposed maps, and they will care only about themselves when drawing those maps next year.

We try to avoid cynicism in this column, but on this issue there's no use pretending. Look back at 1992 and 2002.

Scott to fight "energy efficiency rules"

"Scott wants to reduce energy efficiency rules and push cost-effective renewables".

South Floridians flop

"The House rejected separate attempts led by two South Florida members on Friday on opposite sides of a growing debate over the Libya air war." "House rejects Floridians on Libya".

Drill! Baby Drill!

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos joined the governor Friday in calling for a new state energy policy that will open the door to oil and gas drilling off Florida's coast, new nuclear power and increased investment in renewable energy." "Haridopolos joins Gov. Rick Scott in calling for energy policy allowing Florida offshore drilling".

"Fire rangers insulted by pension law"

"Fire rangers insulted by pension law (with video)". Meanwhile, "Fallen Firefighter Honored, Laid To Rest".

"It's ironic ..."

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "State lawmakers created the Florida Commission on Capital Cases in 1997 to 'review the administration of justice' in death-penalty cases. But late in this year's legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill, with little deliberation, that eliminated the commission to save $400,000 a year. Earlier this month, Scott signed the bill into law."

It's ironic that lawmakers would shut down this judicial panel to save $400,000, when they came close to approving a plan to split the Supreme Court that might have cost at least $17 million.

As if a city full of GOPers wasn't bad enuf'

"Along with the crowds, Tampa 2012 GOP convention planners prepare for the possibility of a hurricane".

"The latest lawsuit"

Poor Ricky, "even after he signs a bill into law or issues an executive order, Scott is still finding roadblocks from opposition groups looking to thwart his policies through lawsuits. The latest lawsuit came Monday when the Florida Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union, filed suit over the pension reform bill Scott signed into law last month. The law requires the 655,000 state workers and other government employee members of the Florida Retirement System, about half of whom are school district employees, to contribute 3 percent of their salaries to their pensions." "Democrats Turn to Courts to Halt Florida GOP’s Agenda".

175 jobs!!!

"Biotech firm plans to add 175 high-paid jobs".

Ricky and the Legislature on the same page

"Although he vetoed a record $615 million in spending items in the state budget bill, Gov. Rick Scott has not aggressively used his veto power over other legislation." "Gov. Rick Scott isn't liberal when it comes to vetoes". See also "Scott signs major bills dealing with corporate taxes, abortion and rulemaking".

As Scott's team collapses, he picks "quintessential Tallahassee insider"

"Gov. Rick Scott continued a weeklong shakeup in his office on Friday, naming Stephen R. MacNamara his new chief of staff. ... the move signals an abrupt change for a governor who proudly wears the badge of political outsider: MacNamara is the quintessential Tallahassee insider." "Gov. Scott picks Tallahassee insider MacNamara as chief of staff". See also "Changes at the top of Scott administration made official", "Haridopolos aide MacNamara gets tapped for Scott chief of staff", "Gov. Scott names insider as new chief-of-staff" and "Gov. Rick Scott names Haridopolos staffer as new chief of staff".

"Your personal information is for sale"

"The State of Florida made nearly $63 million in the last fiscal year by selling Floridians drivers license data, according to WPTV.com. The sales brought in $62.9 million, mostly from companies buying the data to verify customers' personal information such as addresses, according to the report." "Report: State made $63M from sales of driver license data". See also "Florida made $62 million by selling Florida drivers' license information" ("Few Florida citizens realize it, but your personal information is for sale.")

Jax, of course

"Five Republican presidential contenders took part in a National Right to Life Convention forum this morning in Jacksonville. Only two (Herman Cain and Rick Santorum) appeared in person, while the other three (Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul and Tim Pawlenty) literally phoned it in — appearing at the panel via Skype." "Pawlenty, Bachmann, Cain, Santorum, Paul all take part in Jacksonville Right to Life Convention".

The best they could do

"State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City and Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, issued statements Friday responding to Democratic leader Nan Rich’s letter calling for the federal government to reject proposed changes to the state’s Medicaid program." "Negron, Gardiner respond to Rich’s criticism of Medicaid overhaul".

Medicaid deform

"Mercer Health & Benefits edges sole competitor for the contract to help the state overhaul the $22 billion Medicaid program." "AHCA signs $2 million Medicaid contract".

"Rick Scott is the Republican brand in Florida"

"Scott is re-launching his administration after six months, shedding his coterie of "outsiders" in favor of old hands in the Capitol in hopes he can reposition himself with voters."

Adviser Mary Anne Carter, the Tennessee lawyer who headed up Scott's Conservatives for Patients' Rights group that waged war against federal health-care reform and was the administration's single biggest advocate of scrapping high-speed rail, is gone. So is the chief of staff.

Scott's vitriolic communications team -- known for its combative approach and quarreling into the late hours with reporters on Twitter -- is getting a shake-up.

The re-boot is a necessity because even though Scott has delivered on many of his campaign pledges – drug-testing welfare recipients, blowing up Florida's growth-management regime, slashing government rules, selling the state planes, making state employees pay into their pensions – that hasn't yet translated into popular support.

And the presidential hopefuls set to barnstorm the nation's biggest swing state have noticed.

In 2007, John McCain and Mitt Romney were tripping over themselves to appear next to Gov. Charlie Crist and court his endorsement. None of the current presidential field has made such a gesture with Scott.

In fact, there is a media narrative right now that Scott could help re-elect the president he's spent three years bashing if he doesn't make himself less of a motivational tool for Democrats.

A poll by the Democratic-affiliated PPP firm underscored that point last week. It found that 40 percent of registered voters said Scott's actions have made them less inclined to back the GOP presidential nominee. Worse, 45 percent of the critical independent voter voter group said they were less inclined to vote Republican because of Scott.

"Rick Scott is the Republican brand in Florida. He is the titular head of the party, and we will continue to tie Republicans to him quite easily," said Scott Arceneaux, executive director of the Florida Democratic Party. "He's shown no inclination of changing his governing style. And what we'll see next session will be more of the same."

'Ya reckon?

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Public employees good at squeezing a dollar".

Vetoes "bill was extreme and an invitation to scandal"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Even for a Legislature with open contempt for open government, this bill was extreme and an invitation to scandal. Scott did the right thing by rejecting a measure that could have served as a disastrous model for other public agencies." "Scott veto strikes a blow for openness".

"Difficult to say exactly when we lost our way"

Jackie Bueno Sousa: "It’s difficult to say exactly when we lost our way with regard to Jackson Memorial Hospital, but I’m pegging it to 1945." "For poor who need healthcare, focus on people, not the place".

"AARP of Florida called the veto 'baffling'"

"AARP of Florida and Meals on Wheels expressed dismay on Friday that Gov. Rick Scott has vetoed legislation that would have made it easier for volunteers to work with senior citizens by easing background screening requirements. ... Some organizations have complained that the screenings are too expensive, making it harder to attract volunteers. Other groups are trying to cover the cost of screenings for their volunteers, but say the financial burden is a strain during tough economic times." "Seniors' agencies upset over Scott's veto of bill to ease background checks".

"Hysteria over illegal immigration"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The mysterious detention of U.S. citizen Christopher Zambrano as he was bicycling across the 79th Street Causeway recently is a perfect illustration of the damage done by the hysteria over illegal immigration and what happens when overzealous enforcers decide they can round up anyone who, in their expert opinion, so much as looks suspicious." "Bicycling while Hispanic".

Robaina gets "Christian Family Coalition" endorsement

"In their final debate before Tuesday’s election, the two men who want to be Miami-Dade’s mayor split over the future of domestic benefits." "Robaina, Gimenez debate for the last time". See also "Read the Christian Family Coalition endorsement of Julio Robaina". See also "Florida anti-abortion group endorses Robaina for Miami-Dade mayor".

"Developed countries dedicate significantly more time and resources ..."

School counselor Roslyn "Wagner has to register 600 freshmen in this high school in a suburb north of Miami for their next year's classes, and help another 200 12th grade students through college applications and graduation. There are recommendation letters to write, crises to handle. On the one hand, she must monitor low performing students; on the other, she must shepherd a bevy of meticulous students at this A-rated school vying to get into the nation's most prestigious colleges."

Researchers think these high counselor-to-student ratios are partially to blame for why more students don't go on to graduate from college. A recent study from Harvard University, for example, cited the nation's weak guidance counseling system as one of the reasons why more students aren't making a smoother transition into post-secondary education and careers, and noted that many other developed countries dedicate significantly more time and resources to counseling.

The wildcard, however, is Jeb Bush. If he were in the race, Romney drops to second place. Bush was favored by 27 percent of those polled, compared to 17 percent for Romney, 14 percent for Palin and 12 percent for both Bachmann and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

That may be a reflection of Bush's high favorability ratings [among the TeaBaggers], according to the poll, with 75 percent favorable, 17 percent unfavorable. Palin comes in second with 67 percent favorable, 27 percent unfavorable. Romney has 56 percent favorable, 30 percent unfavorable rating.

Where does former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich stand in the poll? PPP's March poll showed him tied for the lead with Romney and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has since dropped out, all with 18 percent.

Welcome to RPOF-world

"15 percent tuition increase locked in for Florida’s state universities".

More bills

"Bills limiting lawsuits against automakers and giving the state's agriculture commissioner authority over school food programs became law Thursday with Gov. Rick Scott's signature." "Scott signs Florida bills on lawsuits, school food".

"Broke" in more ways than one

"Fireworks erupted at an otherwise perfunctory meeting of the Miami-Dade Republican Party this week when a committeeman raised his hand and asked, 'Are we broke, basically?'" "Miami-Dade GOP faces financial woes". See also "" and "".

Huntsman moves to Florida

"Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman opened his national presidential campaign headquarters in Orlando Thursday, promising the Sunshine State will be top priority for winning the GOP presidential nomination."

An automated Public Policy Polling survey released Thursday found only two percent of Republican Florida primary voters backed Huntsman, compared to 27 percent for Romney, 17 percent for U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Sarah Palin, 10 percent for businessman and talk radio host Herman Cain, 8 percent for Newt Gingrich, 7 percent for U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas and 4 percent for former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

But Huntsman said he plans to spend a lot of time in Florida and will have plenty of surrogates working the state for him.

His wife, Mary Kaye Huntsman, grew up in Orlando and one of his five children, Abigail, is married to a former Dunedin resident and Palm Harbor University High School graduate, Jeff Livingston.

Romney may be the frontrunner, but unlike 2008, he is spending few resources campaigning in Florida. Four years ago, he hired some of Florida top Republican operatives, include longtime Jeb Bush adviser Sally Bradshaw, while this year he has only one nonfundraising staffer in Florida.

"The hiring freeze that never was"

"On the same day Miami commissioners tightened the rules for severance payouts, they learned the city’s expected shortfall for 2012 had soared, and that a hiring freeze in place for two years hadn’t prevented 200 hires." "Miami’s double-whammy: $54M shortfall, hiring freeze that never was".

"Hugo Chavez isn't this egocentric"

Daniel Ruth: "It's probably an unfortunate indication you have all the grass roots support of Hosni Mubarak attempting a leisurely stroll through Tahrir Square when you are reduced to writing yourself your own fan letter."

But that didn't stop Florida Gov. Rick Scott, R-Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, from crafting a love letter to himself, praising his brilliant performance so far in office, his visionary leadership, his courage of a thousand lions and, of course, a degree of honesty that would make Diogenes look like Jack Nicholson in The Departed.

In a delusional public relations stunt rivaling the LeBron James move to Miami ESPN fiasco, the governor recently posted on his website an effusively glowing form letter about the Camelot-meets-Brigadoon glory months of his administration. He requested his supporters essentially plagiarize the wording as their own and send the letter to various newspapers around the state.

After that Medicare fraud business while running Columbia/HCA, what's a bit of small-potatoes cribbing? ...

No doubt teachers, union members and state employees who have been treated by the governor as if they were enemies of the state would not view Scott, R-I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty, as a "refreshing" public servant. ...

Hugo Chavez isn't this egocentric.

Just who these evil "special interests" are isn't exactly clear, unless the governor is referring to all those aforementioned commie teachers, the fifth-column unionists, those ungrateful layabout civil servants who spend the day smoking pot and complaining about having to take a pay cut and the anarchist tree huggers who can't see the forest for the cement.

And, yes, it is entirely possible that Scott, R-the Dorian Gray of Tallahassee, might include the dreaded newspapers on his list of "special interests" since they keep quoting him and reporting on his efforts to turn the state into Potemkin Village of asphalt.

The governor urged his minions to dash off their pre-prepared letters of undying love and affection for him to newspapers around the state that he won't talk to.

"Republicans, find themselves in unusual spot"

"On one side, Democrats who support the effort (or at least are unwilling to buck the president) are positioned with Republican hawks. On the other, fiscally conservative Republicans who were elected last November and who hold rigid constitutional views find themselves aligned with anti-war Democrats."

"My overriding concern is that a president, any president, be checked by the legislative branch before he commits America to war," said Castor, who voted for a June 3 resolution that demanded an end to the U.S. involvement.

She was joined by fellow Democrat Alcee Hastings of Miramar and 11 of Florida's 19 Republicans, who found themselves in the unusual spot of backing a bill by one of the most liberal members of Congress, Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich.

Funerals for firefighters killed combating Florida blaze"

"Funerals set for two firefighters killed while combating North Florida blaze". "Florida Fires Continue to Rage as Officials Mourn Loss of Firefighters".

Rubio charms anti-choice

"The National Right-to-Life Committee (NRLC), the nation’s largest organization opposing abortion, opened its annual convention in Jacksonville on Thursday, encouraged by recent electoral successes and cheering encouraging news across the nation."

In a videotaped greeting to the convention, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a rising star for conservatives and Republicans, praised the group for its commitment to fighting for life.

“Our rights come from God, our Creator,” said Rubio who referred to the Declaration of Independence. Florida’s new senator encouraged the pro-life activists to continue their efforts. “That’s what you’re doing -- fighting for the rights of unborn people.”

Rubio also praised the NRLC for selecting the conservative First Coast to hold its convention. “It has constantly stood for the rights of the unborn,” said Rubio.

While Rubio spoke by recorded message, three prominent Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives were in attendance -- Larry Ahern of St. Petersburg, Dennis Baxley of Ocala and Charles Van Zant of Palatka.

No comparison

"Gov. Scott kills insurance rate comparison website".

Medicaid deform

"The top Democrat in the Florida Senate today called for the federal government to reject a proposed overhaul of the state’s Medicaid system, citing public outcry at recent meetings hosted by the Agency for Health Care Administration." "Rich calls on feds to reject Medicaid overhaul".

Always an entrepreneur

"Former madam charged in South Florida stock fraud".

Robaina's salary

"Ad criticizing Julio Robaina's salary judged half true".

Ricky late to the game

"After remaining on the sidelines on energy issues since taking office, Gov. Rick Scott is entering the fray, ordering up renewable energy legislation, demanding that utility regulators lower energy-efficiency standards and preparing a new energy plan, the governor's top policy advisers said Thursday." "Gov. Scott to propose energy legislation, conscious on cost".

Scott Chief-of-Staff Mike Prendergast, a retired Army colonel, was officially moved Wednesday to executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, taking with him his $150,000 salary and becoming one of the governor's best-paid agency heads.

The move came a day after Mary Anne Carter, a top Scott adviser, announced she will leave at the end of the month. Carter guided Scott's campaign last summer, helping the former health care executive win his first run for elected office -- powered by spending $73 million of his own cash.

Meanwhile, Senate President Mike Haridopolos' chief-of-staff, Steve MacNamara, is considered a likely successor to Prendergast. ...

While high-profile staff changes are not unusual, Scott's recent predecessors, former Govs. Charlie Crist and Jeb Bush, managed to get through at least the first year without an overhaul.

Liberal commentator Rachel Maddow devoted a sizeable segment of her MSNBC program this week to Scott - saying he "has been digging a new basement at the bottom of 'my constituents hate me' list."

Sensing trouble, the Florida Republican Party has sent out three rounds of automated phone calls to voters, touting Scott's budget-signing, demand for drug testing of welfare recipients and the state's declining unemployment numbers.

The party also is managing an online letters-to-the-editor campaign, urging supporters to write their local papers to "spread the word of the governor's accomplishments." The party's Rick Scott for Governor website features a suggested form letter and addresses for the editorial pages of seven major newspapers, excluding The Palm Beach Post and St. Petersburg Times.

"Bleak, and increasingly scary, SunRail financials "

"A 'no-bailout tour' by the head of the state Department of Transportation next week is expected to highlight the bleak, and increasingly scary, financials of the planned SunRail project." "FDOT's 'No-Bailout Tour' No Comfort to SunRail Foes".

Hasner establishes wingnut bona fides

"Former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner continues to garner support from nationally prominent figures affiliated with the conservative movement in his bid to win the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in the 2012 U.S. Senate race. The latest conservative to bestow his blessing on Hasner is radio host and longtime media figure Hugh Hewitt." "Adam Hasner Wins Backing of Prominent Conservative Hugh Hewitt".

Funerals scheduled for firemen killed battling blaze

"Funerals to be held this weekend for firefighters killed battling fires in N. Fla." See also "".

"Sniping" in Hawkes case

"The attorney who led the investigation into Judge Paul Hawkes fires back at attempts to have him thrown off the ethics case. A hearing has been scheduled on July 15 to consider motions to dismiss the case and disqualify the lead prosecutor." "More sniping in case involving Taj Mahal judge".

"According to a conservative group ..."

"A congressional ethics panel is looking into allegations that Rep. Alcee Hastings sexually harassed a former staffer, according to a conservative group that first aired the accusations."

Hastings' attorney, Tonya Robinson, said Wednesday that Hastings was "deeply disturbed" by the allegations and "in the strongest terms denies the charges. Mr. Hastings has stated unequivocally that the plaintiff's claims are untruthful and without merit."

Robinson said Packer's charges "already have been the subject of extensive counseling and mediation, as the plaintiff acknowledges in her complaint. In that context, the plaintiff's allegations were fully aired and found to be meritless, and will be shown to be meritless in court as well."

Federal judge strikes down Florida's death penalty

"U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez ruled that juries, not judges, should be the ones to determine ‘aggravating factors’ in sentencing criminals to die." "Miami federal judge rules Florida’s death penalty unconstitutional". "In a decision hailed by defense attorneys and civil libertarians, a federal judge in Miami has struck down Florida's death penalty saying the way it is applied flies in the face of the U.S. Constitution."

The decision shouldn't spark a pro- or anti-death penalty debate, he said. "The issue is that before we give a person the ultimate penalty, unless you're absolutely certain beyond a reasonable doubt that they deserve it, we shouldn't be doing it."

Further, Florida is an outlier. Alabama is the only other state that doesn't require jurors to agree on the aggravating factors that prompted their death penalty recommendation, said retired 18th Judicial Circuit Judge O.H. "Bill" Eaton, a capital punishment expert. But even Alabama requires a jury to reach a decision by a super majority vote. In Florida, if six of the 12 jurors agree, they may recommend death. A judge uses the recommendation to make the final decision.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi disagreed with the ruling and said she will ask Martinez to reconsider it. That is the first step in an appeal to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Most agree the case will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Chance that wells will become contaminated"

"This year’s drought has parched the water conservation areas south of Lake Okeechobee, raising the chance that wells near South Florida’s coast will become contaminated." "With wetlands drying up, saltwater threatens wells".

Veterans cringing

"Scott adviser is now head of Veterans Affairs".

GOP Medicaid plan slams Florida

"Republican-proposed cuts to Medicaid would deprive Florida of $566 million of health-care funds for the poor in fiscal year 2013 and lead to lost jobs, according to a report compiled by Families USA." "Report says Medicaid cuts would pinch Florida".

Don't expect much ... Scott handpicked Robinson

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Five months after Gov. Rick Scott took office, the Board of Education has hired a new education commissioner of his choosing, Virginia Education Secretary Gerard Robinson."

Robinson clearly shares Scott's support for school vouchers, charter schools and basing teacher pay on students' performance. But he acknowledges that his new job involves overseeing education for the vast majority of students who deserve to be taught in well-run public schools. He now needs to deliver that pragmatism on the job in the face of an education system constantly buffeted by political tides. ...

This week, with the education board's acquiescence, Scott handpicked Robinson for a job far larger than his current one [of merely] advising Virginia's governor on education policy. ...

Robinson will assume the helm at a moment of dramatic change, with more on the horizon. By this fall, state law requires school districts to begin implementing a system to evaluate teachers based on students' performance on standardized tests — many of which have yet to be developed or tested. The system is supposed to lay the groundwork for a merit-based teacher pay system by 2014. ...

It will be up to Robinson to speak truthfully to Scott and legislative leaders about what is and isn't working — not just what the latest reform movement claims is the answer. It will also be his job, as legislators push once again for private school vouchers and more charter schools, to ensure such efforts don't drain resources from the greater number of students in traditional public schools.

June 30 hearing on FRS lawsuit

"The Florida Education Association’s request for a temporary injunction blocking enforcement of a new law requiring public employees to contribute 3 percent of salaries to their retirement has been set for 7:30 a.m. on June 30, the day before the bill be comes law." "Hearing on FEA pension contribution challenge set for June 30".

"How to carve up the panhandle?"

"From the redistricting hearings: How to carve up the panhandle?".

Mica "turns back the clock on clean water safeguards"

"The 'Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011' sponsored by Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today in a 35-20 vote. Environmental law firm Earthjustice argues that the bill is misleading in name, and would do little more than 'turn back the clock on existing clean water safeguards.'" "Mica-sponsored water bill passes House Committee".

Florida independents don't like Teabaggers

"An internal Republican poll shows that the tea party, while popular among the GOP faithful, is a turnoff to many other Florida voters."

Beware, Florida Republicans: The tea party movement that swept you into office in 2010 could cost you the next election.

That’s the takeaway message from Republican pollster and consultant Alex Patton, who conducted a recent survey showing that, by a 2:1 ratio, registered Florida voters said the tea party movement did not represent their views.

The sentiment against the tea party is significantly higher among self-described independent voters, who swing elections in Florida and who looked unfavorably on the tea party by 3-to-1, the poll showed. Only Republican voters favored the tea party movement, with 68 percent in support and less than 20 percent opposed.

Scott takes private plane to celebrate firings and 50 cent tax cut

"Scott was harshly criticized for being insensitive Wednesday after he traveled to the South Florida Water Management District to sign a bill that will cut $128 million from the district budget and cost many of its workers their jobs."

"We can agree to disagree on the merits of the bill the governor signed, but to come to Palm Beach County and rub salt in the wounds of people who will soon go home to their families unemployed is insulting and unnecessarily cruel," said State Rep. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth. "Can you imagine the governor showing up to celebrate your unemployment?"

Speaking before a sparse crowd, the Republican governor said the bill fulfilled his campaign promise to cut taxes, streamline government and hold agencies responsible for spending. ...

Kirk Fordham, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, questioned whether the tax cuts, which he estimates to be $25 a year per household, are worth the resulting cuts to Everglades restoration and water supply projects.

"It is a bit of an insult to the people of South Florida for the governor to fly down on his private plane to offer the average homeowner a tax cut that amounts to less than 50 cents a week," Fordham said. "I'm not certain that gutting the agency in the midst of a massive water crisis is either smart politics or very good policy."

GOP hopefuls head to Florida

"GOP presidential hopefuls gearing up in Florida for grueling race". See also "Huntsman to open presidential campaign headquarters in Orlando" and "Jon Huntsman, Florida candidate?"

Speaking of "dips---s"

"Brian Burgess, the man charged with shaping Gov. Rick Scott's image and message, got his start working with reporters on behalf of a Kansas district attorney best known for prosecuting an abortion provider."

"I really don't miss some of you dips---s at all," Burgess e-mailed a Kansas reporter in 2008, after he left to work with a conservative public relations firm in Virginia. "Have fun in your world of make-believe."

The line is vintage Burgess, the most combative communications director for a Florida governor in many years.

By its nature, the job stirs tension between reporters hunting for news and press staffers concerned about the governor's image. But Burgess' public hostility toward the traditional press corps reaches a level rarely seen.

Burgess, a father of three who earns $110,000 annually, is not operating on an island. The testy, us-versus-them mentality is part of a culture instilled by Scott and his top advisers. They tend to view most reporters as liberal, biased enemies to be avoided.

Scott, a political rookie, says he does not read Florida newspapers and became the first governor who refused to meet with editorial boards while campaigning. Scott narrowly won after spending more than $70 million of his own money on TV commercials.

Yaaawwwnnn

"Florida lawmakers react to President Obama's speech on Afghanistan". See also "South Florida congressmen split on Afghanistan withdrawal".

Florida Teabaggers merely a GOP front group

"When South Florida Tea Party Chairman Everett Wilkinson slammed a GOP Medicare overhaul plan as a 'public policy nightmare,' Democrats gleefully circulated his remarks while many Florida tea party activists shook their heads at Wilkinson's latest clash with others in the fiscally conservative movement." "South Florida Tea Party Chairman takes heat for views GOP Medicare plan".

The best medical care in the world?

Some "hospitals are protesting — not just the publication of their return rates, but data that they say don't match their internal numbers." "Orlando-area hospitals among worst in state for hospital readmissions, Medicare says".

Wishful thinking

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The last shuttle launch does not mean the aerospace industry is a lost industry for Volusia and Brevard counties. Skilled space workers will adapt to the change, and we must help ensure they do not have to leave Florida to do so." "As shuttle program ends, new opportunities emerge".

But Carter, who served as the governor's transition director and as executive director of Scott's Conservatives for Patients' Rights before he ran for governor last year, was thought to be his most influential staffer. ...

Carter's and Prendergast's departures come at the six-month mark in the new governor's term. Though he had a relatively successful legislative session, Scott's poll numbers sagged. A Quinnipiac University poll pegged his approval rating in May at just 29 percent, though a survey released Tuesday by a Republican polling shop put that rating at 45 percent.

Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, noted that staff shakeups are a frequent response to low poll ratings.

Florida firemen killed fighting fire identified

"Two Florida forest rangers were killed when a small, smoldering wildfire flared up and trapped them, state officials said Tuesday. Two comrades trying to rescue them also were injured."

Forestry officials and the local sheriff's office are investigating exactly how the fire killed 31-year-old Josh Burch of Lake City and 52-year-old Brett Fulton of White Springs, authorities said. ...

Both of the deceased rangers were married. Fulton had two grown children and Burch had young two sons, ages 4 and 5, Ivey said. Burch had been with the department's Division of Forestry for ten years and Fulton for 12 years.

"'Power grab' by Scott"

"A June 16 memo from DEP special counsel Jon Steverson directed the districts to cut regulatory staff, trim salaries and stop buying public lands in response to state budget constraints. While one environmental critic said the memo represents a 'power grab' by Gov. Rick Scott and DEP, a department spokeswoman said the governor wants clear, coherent and consistent statewide water policies." "DEP says memo to water districts is part of a larger strategy".

Money for nuthin'

"The Department of Management Services has agreed to settle a lawsuit with a vendor by paying off two disputed monthly bills plus interest. The lawsuit was first filed against the state in December 2004." "State will pay nearly $500,000 to end long-running contract dispute".

Non-teacher, Jeb poodle selected education commissioner

"Gerard Robinson, Virginia's secretary of education, was tapped this morning to be Florida's next education commissioner."

"Before his appointment in Virginia worked for a group that advocates for school choices outside traditional public schools."

Robinson has limited experience in public education, teaching only one year in a fifth-grade classroom. ...

[Robinson] is part of the Chiefs for Change group, created by former Gov. Jeb Bush's educational foundation. The group of state leaders "share a zeal for education reform."

Shortly after his nomination to the Virginia post in January, 2010, Robinson told the Associated Press that while he is viewed as a "charter school guy," he is a supporter of public education, including traditional public schools.

But in his job at the Black Alliance, Robinson was a strong advocate for what he called a "new kind of educational freedom in America."

Members Roberto Martinez and Akshay Desai said they got calls from the governor asking that they vote for Robinson and indicating he was reaching out to the entire board.

Tuesday morning, without discussing other candidates, the board endorsed Robinson unanimously.

Another Miami-Dade car

In the Miami-Dade car dealer fueled election, "a third-party group is trying to tie Carlos Gimenez to Carlos Alvarez over a car deal." "PolitiFact: Alvarez-Gimenez car comparison is ruled only half true".

Mack, Buchanan dumped BP stock

"A recent report by OpenSecrets shows that several high-profile lawmakers (including GOP Reps. Vern Buchanan and Connie Mack of Florida) dumped their stock in BP and Transocean following last year’s massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Both Republicans and Democrats gave up significant portions of their holdings in the companies, according to the analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics." "Mack, Buchanan among legislators who sold BP and Transocean stocks following spill".

Scott signs scores of bills

"Scott signs scores of bills into law".

Where "Christian radio portends the Second Coming"

"On the home turf of the state Senate's redistricting chairman, Christian radio portends the Second Coming, politicians refer to the 'Yellow River Code' of being true to your word, and the age-old tension between city and countryside dominates talk of redrawing political lines."

As Florida lawmakers convened their second redistricting hearing a few miles from the Alabama line Tuesday, they listened to a steady stream of contradictory pleas.

There was Brett Ward of the local Florida Farm Bureau, which represents Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, who urged maintaining the line that now divides three western counties along Interstate 10 in order to keep the coastal communities on one side and the inland farm communities on the other.

Country clubbers urged to cease exploiting foreign workers

"Members of Congress serving Palm Beach County on Tuesday pressed employers in the local hospitality and country club industry to import fewer foreign workers and insisted that unemployed Americans can fill those positions." "Florida legislators on guest worker program: Give locals dibs on hospitality jobs".

Background: "Palm Beach County employers not seriously seeking local labor, activists charge" and "Use of guest workers in Palm Beach County draws fire".

Rubio heads to the fringes

"Marco Rubio Takes the Lead in Defending Parental Notification Laws". See also "Rubio introduces ‘Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act’".

What if a Legislator asks "Where's my check?"

Daniel Ruth shares his thoughts about redistricting: "Being the dedicated public servants of the people that they are, members of the Florida Legislature have begun a grand tour of the state to gauge the hearts and minds of the citizenry, which, of course, they treasure about as much as the CIA seeking out the advice of the Pakistanis on how to track down terrorists."

The purpose of the road show is to gather public input on redrawing the district maps for state and congressional legislative seats. This means some people will gain power, while others lose some juice. It also means the elected folks in charge of this process will embrace it with all the fervor of contemplating a bowl of cold peas.

But not to worry about your voice being heard. Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Marcel Marceau, who will become speaker of the House after the 2012 elections after serving for all of 20 minutes in Tallahassee, insists everyone's vote is of incredible value, especially on Republican ballots.

That probably explains why your voice may be the only thing that's heard, since current House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Emmett Kelly, and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Be Vewry, Vewry Quiet, have ordered their members to take a vow of silence during the public redistricting hearings. ...

Whew, for a minute there one might have suspected these glad-handers were trying to cook the books.

The gag order on the legislators is predicated on fears if they say anything at all, such as: "Where's my check?" or perhaps even nod in the general direction of a constituent, the remark will only fuel the expected legal challenges to the new maps.

Opt-out provision for MediCaid providers?

"Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (aka AHCA) is finishing proposals for the state’s Medicaid overhaul to send to the federal government for approval. Among the contentious provisions is one that allows Medicaid providers to opt out of providing family planning services on 'moral or religious grounds.'" "Legality of family planning opt-out for Florida Medicaid providers still in question". Related: "Planned Parenthood will petition AHCA, feds to remove family planning opt-out from Medicaid reform".

FlaDems urge rejection of election law deforms

"State House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders and Democratic Speaker-Designate Perry Thurston have joined the ACLU and the NAACP in calling for the federal Justice Department to reject proposed changes to Florida elections laws contained in House Bill 1355." "State House Democratic leaders call on Justice Department to reject election law changes".

"Religious Freedom" amendment debate heats up

"Set to appear on Florida’s 2012 ballot: an amendment that would repeal language in the state constitution that bans using public money to fund religious organizations. Opponents of the amendment say it would break down an important wall between church and state. Proponents such as Thomas Wenski, the archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami, claim the Legislature is ending a law that discriminates against Catholics." "Archbishop of Miami defends ‘Religious Freedom’ amendment".

Alleged harassment

"The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings , D- Miramar, is being investigated by a congressional ethics panel because of a sexual harassment allegation by a member of his staff." "Report: Congressman Alcee Hastings facing ethics review over sexual harassment allegation".

Too busy Teabagging

Scott Maxwell writes that "some politicians — including Attorney General Pam Bondi — have talked a good game about tackling" Florida's wrongful conviction problem.

Bondi's office said Tuesday that she has appointed a deputy attorney general to look into the cases.

That sounded promising. But, in talking with the office, the goal of this inquiry seemed vague. In fact, no one could even guarantee the in-house investigation would even yield a written report.

That's not good enough.

A proper vetting means reviewing every single case in which Preston testified and determining whether his testimony was key to the conviction.

Bondi's office says it already found more than 30 such cases. A final report should explain why each and every one of those convictions was just — or worthy of further investigation.

The stakes are too high to do anything less.

Wingnuts whine about FEA lawsuit

"Conservatives and taxpayer groups are lashing back at a teachers' union lawsuit challenging Florida's new pension law."

"They should count their blessings, and realize that the world has changed, even if the retirement system has not," Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro said of public employees who will be required to make a 3 percent contribution toward their pensions.

Calling the state's current noncontributory system "so out of whack, so unlike the way the governed live," Calabro derided the legal challenge by the Florida Education Association and other public-employee unions. ...

Bob McClure, president of the [union hating] conservative James Madison Institute, said that school employees, who constitute roughly half of the 655,000 active employees in the Florida Retirement System, should take a hard look at their union brass.

"One way to ensure that teachers have greater take-home pay after these retirement changes go into effect is for the Florida Education Association to lower its dues -- and the salaries it pays union officials," McClure said.

GOP poll shows Floridians think Scott is fabulous

Aaron Deslatte: "A Republican polling shop released a survey Tuesday that suggests Gov. Rick Scott isn't nearly as unpopular with likely Florida voters as some previous surveys have found."

The "Viewpoint Florida" survey found Scott sitting at 45 percent approval among "likely 2012 general election voters," while 51 percent disapproved, cutting largely along party and gender lines.

Teachers sue over pension changes, seek injunction

A "lawsuit by the teachers union, join by unions for police and state workers, says the state violated its contractual obligation when it cut 3 percent of their salaries and shifted the money into the Florida Retirement System. " "Teachers sue Scott over pension".

"Before state and local governments take the first dime from the paychecks of teachers, police and state workers to put in the state pension plan, three unions filed suit Monday against Gov. Rick Scott and other trustees of the state retirement plan, alleging the move is an unconstitutional violation and a taking of their personal property." "Teachers sue state over ‘unconstitutional’ pay cut to balance the budget". See also "FEA files suit to block state from requiring employees to pay into pensions" and "Florida unions fight pension reform". See also "Union files lawsuit to block state pension overhaul" and "Public employee pension 'contributions' are unconstitutional". More: "Teachers' Union Sues State Over Pension Reforms" and "PBA supporting FEA suit against Scott, state on pension changes".

FEA president Andy Ford explains "Why the FEA is suing the State of Florida".

Gimenez bags further debates

"Saying he wants to spend the last week of the campaign meeting voters, Miami-Dade mayoral hopeful Carlos Gimenez has pulled out of debates scheduled this week against rival Julio Robaina." "Gimenez withdraws from remaining mayoral debates". See also "Teachers union sues state over new pension law". Meanwhile, "Miami-Dade voters: Ousting Alvarez was worth it".

New education commissioner

Update: "FL Board picks Robinson for education commissioner".

"The five finalists to become Florida's next education commissioner pitched themselves to the State Board of Education on Monday during a five-hour meeting at the Tampa Airport Marriott."

The finalists are:

• Loretta Costin, Florida chancellor of career and adult education.

• Thomas P. Jandris, dean, Concordia University Chicago.

• Gerard Robinson, Virginia secretary of education.

• Bret Schundler, former New Jersey education commissioner.

• Stacia Smith, superintendent of the Clark County, Ohio, Educational Service Center.

Tuff crowd

"Hard to say whether the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club is drawing ever more Democratic members or if its membership has just become fed up with Tallahassee politicians. Maybe both."

The club has skewed Democratic in recent years, but it's striking just how overtly hostile members have been lately to Republican state legislators.

State Rep. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, found a tough crowd when he appeared recently, and Republican Pinellas members repeated groans and scoffs last week from the crowd.

County Commissioner Ken Welch asked a good question: Grade the performance of the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott.

Among the Republicans, state Reps. Larry Ahern of St. Petersburg gave both A's, prompting astonished groans from the crowd. Jim Frishe gave the Legislature a B, and passed on the governor. Ed Hooper gave the Legislature a C and Scott an incomplete, since he's only been in office six months. ("Too long!" someone shouted.) Peter Nehr gave the Legislature an A for fiscal discipline. And state Sen. Jack Latvala graded the Legislature "below average," Scott "improving."

Among the Democrats, state Reps. Rick Kriseman and Darryl Rouson both gave the Legislature and governor F's.

Ricky's plays on astroturf

Scott Maxwell: "For a guy who claims not read newspapers — or care what the polls say or the public thinks — Rick Scott sure is putting a lot of effort into trying to score some good publicity. In fact, if regular old rank-and-file Floridians won’t write nice things about him in letters to the editor, Scott has decided to write the words for them." "Rick Scott pre-writes letters of praise".

Fred Grimm: "Starting a fake fan-letter campaign, of course, would represent a pathetic turn in character" for Rick Scott.

[However, a] website provides convenient links that whisk letters to The Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Orlando Sentinel, Tallahassee Democrat and the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. With a blank for the writer’s name. If enough editorial page editors publish wavering and enthusiastic letters celebrating Rick Scott, they’ll create an illusionary groundswell. Unless somebody notices all that unwavering support has been expressed in identical language.

Back when he ran for office, Scott was the only serious gubernatorial candidate in memory who refused to meet with the editorial boards of the state’s major newspapers, so I suppose it’s encouraging that his operatives now reach out to the editorial pages, however obliquely.

Savvy political consultants often orchestrate mendacious grassroots campaigns featuring work-a-day folks, many of them also named Sally, rising up from the boonies in spontaneous support for something or someone with as much actual popular support as the 1985 Yugo. (Rick Scott’s poll numbers, lately, have been Yugoesque.) Grassroots fakery, known as Astroturfing, shows up as faux folks sending thousands of identical letters to politicians and newspapers. In South Florida, lobbyists herd Astroturf crowds into city and county commission meetings, often in identical T-shirts, to demonstrate passionate grassroots support for overwrought projects despised by everyone not on the developers’ payroll.

Not "Jim Crow"

"Reasonable people can disagree about the wisdom of the new laws, but they would not return the United States to Jim Crow. Saying so offers more heat than light. And that's why PolitiFact rated her claim False." "Do voter laws bring back Jim Crow?".

VRA challenge

"The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the Florida NAACP have both filed public comments with the U.S. Department of Justice asking them to reject a new state law overhauling state elections, alleging that the new law is discriminatory." "ACLU, NAACP file objections with feds over voting law".

Scott shakes up his staff

"Scott begins shakeup of administration". See also "Mike Prendergast Out as Rick Scott's Chief of Staff, Heads to VA".

Florida Supreme Court attacked

"A study criticizing a series of closely contested decisions by the Florida Supreme Court is boosting a campaign to oppose three high court justices in the 2012 election. 'The 'Activist' Journey of the Florida Supreme Court,' by Colleen Pero of the American Justice Partnership, declares:"

"Nowhere is [the] pattern of judicial activism more prevalent than in the state of Florida. Examples of the Florida Supreme Court making law can be found as early as 30 years ago, but over the past six to eight years, the court has increasingly ventured into areas commonly considered to be within the exclusive purview of the Legislature."

Pero, writing for the conservative Lansing, Mich.-based AJP, examined and commented on several high court rulings, including:

Hoffman v. Jones (1973). "The adoption of comparative negligence over contributory negligence by judicial fiat."

Armstrong v. Harris (2000). "By adding an 'accuracy requirement' to the Florida Constitution, the Florida Supreme Court declared a constitutional amendment passed by 72.8 percent of the voting public unconstitutional." The amendment dealt with death-penalty issues.

Delgado v. State (2000). "Adding the word 'surreptitiously' to the burglary statute resulting in the setting aside of two murder convictions."

D’Amario v. Ford Motor Co. (2001) (joined with General Motors Corp. v. Nash). "Comparative negligence applies in product liability cases, yet not in crashworthiness cases."

Bush v. Holmes (2006). "By creating a new constitutional mandate, the court held invalid a scholarship program allowing students in chronically failing public schools an opportunity to either attend a better performing public school or receive a voucher to attend a private school."

Applying a set of "activist indicators," such as "the use of vague or general constitutional language to defeat the clear will of the voters or acts of the Legislature," Pero's study blisters the court.

Luvin' Mr. West

"Broward County Mayor Sue Gunzburger said she didn't expect to like Broward's new congressman, U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation. But she does. A lot." "Broward's liberal Gunzburger gushes over tea party-ist Congressman West".

"Hostility and distrust"

"Florida legislators were greeted with both hostility and distrust Monday as they opened the first of 26 redistricting hearings in the state’s capital, a company town where Republicans control government but Democratic voters are a majority." "Florida redistricting meeting draws fire". See also "Critics bash Florida lawmakers' redistricting process", "At first redistricting hearing, lawmakers hear the cons", "Lawmakers Kick Off Lengthy Redistricting Process" and "Legislative leaders get earful in first redistricting public hearing".

In the meantime, "Tea Parties Drawing New District Maps for Legislature, Congress".

"Threats of deep cuts"

"In the midst of a record-breaking drought, the agency responsible for South Florida's water supply also was hit last week by threats of deep cuts to its management force and drastic directives from top environmental officials in Tallahassee." "South Florida water district's management staff to be cut by 61 percent".

"No connection between drug use and financial need"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "What's not debatable is the order for so-called 'suspicion-less' drug testing of all state employees is offensive, and ripe for legal challenge. ... Also, previous research by the state of Florida found no connection between drug use and financial need, a fact which didn't seem to matter to Gov. Scott. The governor, who seems to have a fixation with drug testing for no logical reason whatsoever, would do well to suspend the mandatory drug tests for welfare recipients, before the courts tell him to do it." "Scott needs to end all needless drug tests"

DEP cuts

"DEP tells districts they must examine their structure and activities to ensure they are meeting their 'core mission responsibilities.' But Audubon of Florida's Eric Draper said the directive represents a "power grab" by the governor and DEP from the five water management districts that were established by the Legislature." "DEP tells water management districts to cut staff, stop buying land".

"Jeb!" 2016!

BBC: "Jeb Bush is the son who was groomed for the presidency. He was the one most Republicans expected to succeed his father into the Oval Office. And today, looking at their, let's be frank, lacklustre field, many Republicans still wish he would do just that." "Jeb Bush: No run in 2012, but I don't rule out 2016".

A lotta GOPers

"The 2012 Republican National Convention is still more than a year away, but even early preparations suggest its sheer scale and complexity. With each television network and 13,000 to 15,000 journalists in attendance, it is expected to use more cables and fiber connections and draw more electricity than anything ever held in Florida." "2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa prepares for surge of power and press".

Brain drain

"The cost of college just went up by an unexpected $1,500 for some of Florida’s top students." "Scholarship cut for 1,400 of Florida’s top students".

The problem with many of these special interest awards or grades is that they are most often based how a legislator voted on a handful of bills during a session in which hundreds of bills were considered and voted on.

It doesn't give a true picture of a legislator's performance except in a very narrow area.

Two Democrats did get Bush A's: Sen. Gary Siplin of Orlando and Rep. Leonard Bembry of Greenville, who voted for most of the education issues that Bush wanted.

Certainly, special interest groups have a right to let their members know their friends and foes on issues important to their membership. But let's be honest. Instead of making their award or "A" report card look like they're chosen for their overall knowledge or effectiveness in all issues, just come right out and say it: "These folks agree with me and these folks don't."

$500 a "big teacher raise"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "With Tallahassee pummeling teachers, even a small raise would boost morale. But it's not clear that the Palm Beach County School District can afford even the $500 across-the-board raise the teachers union proposed last week." "Big teacher raises: too risky".

Glowing question

Beth Kassab: "Could Crystal River nuke plant shut down?".

Even the Tribune Company understands

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Why Gov. Scott suspended the drug tests for state employees — whether it was concern over a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, or whether he just realized the foolishness of the crusade — is open for debate. What's not debatable is the order for so-called "suspicion-less" drug testing of all state employees is offensive, and ripe for legal challenge." "Scott needs to end all needless drug tests".

Redistricting accessible online

"As Florida legislators carve up the state's political boundaries, they are armed with a data mine that includes the voting patterns of every household in Florida, the demographics of every city, county and census block and powerful computer programs. And they are handing over the same information and software to the public." "Public gets an inside look at redistricting".

Jeb Bush Jr. and David Cardenas work Hispanic outreach

"Some political observers are calculating that as the Hispanic vote goes, so goes Florida; and as Florida goes, so goes the 2012 presidential election."

Republicans also see the Hispanic vote as key to the presidential election.

Jeb Bush Jr., son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, 27, and David Cardenas, son of former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Al Cardenas, 26, are together hoping to be Obama's worst nightmare.

The two young men recently helped launch Florida Hispanic Outreach, or SunPac, a group that attempts to take the GOP's message to Hispanic voters in Florida.

"It's a critical demographic, not only to Florida, but to the rest of the country," Bush said.

The state adds two congressional districts and two electoral votes ahead of the 2012 election, meaning Florida’s 29 votes in the Electoral College could make all the difference in the race to 270 electoral votes that win the presidency.

Those districts were gained partly due to the increase in Florida’s Hispanic population. Hispanics made up 57 percent of the 2.8 million residents Florida added over the last decade, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Hispanics’ share of the state population rose from 16.8 percent in 2000 to 22.5 percent in 2010.

"It's not OK"

Nancy Smith writes that "something scary is happening in Florida, a state with one of the longest and proudest traditions of open government and public records in the United States. Some offices in the state capital believe the government belongs not to the people, but to themselves -- as if they elected themselves and needn't follow either the spirit or the letter of the laws that govern the office. It's not OK to sit until June on a public records request made in April. I admit, I'm talking specifcally about the governor's office now."

"Florida Becomes 'Sanctuary'"?

Kenric Ward: "While Florida failed to approve an E-Verify bill this year, all of its neighboring states and even Congress are moving forward with immigration laws." "As Neighbors Crack Down on Illegals, Florida Becomes 'Sanctuary'".

Meanwhile, his 3% wage cut is in the mail

"Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Deputy Mike Musto Sr., 62, said it was a hard choice to make, whether to let go as the motorcyclist he was hanging onto accelerated to 40 mph. ... Musto, a member of the Sheriff's Office Traffic Division, caught up with a white motorcycle on the Gateway Boulevard exit ramp on March 29, after it sped by him in the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 at 112 mph." "PBSO deputy hangs on to motorcyclist who took off".

Wildfires scorching 333,000 acres across Florida

"The smoke from 400-plus brush fires scorching 333,000 acres across Florida led Palm Beach County health officials Thursday to declare the county's air quality 'unhealthy' for residents with asthma or other respiratory conditions."

How bad is it? By Thursday afternoon, West Palm Beach had the worst air quality in the nation, according to the Air Quality Index issued by AIRNow, which collects data from state and local monitoring agencies.

Gimenez holds lead in Miami-Dade

"A poll conducted last week for The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald by Bendixen & Amandi International showed Gimenez with an 11-point lead over Robaina heading into the waning days of the campaign. Robaina held a slight lead over Gimenez among absentee ballot voters, suggesting the election will come down to which candidate can get more supporters out to the polls this week and on Election Day." "In debates, Miami-Dade mayoral hopefuls trade barbs".

The Democratic Party, relegated to a back-bench distraction in Tallahassee, threw its full-throated support behind Fair Districts last year in hopes of winning a chance to draw more-competitive seats. Republicans outnumber Democrats 81 to 39 in the Florida House and 28 to 12 in the Senate, even though registered Democrats outnumber GOP voters. Democrats failed to even field candidates in dozens of legislative races last year.

In addition, Florida will pick up two new congressional seats in 2012 — Republicans now control the delegation, 19 to 6 — and with the U.S. House narrowly divided, pressure will come from the national political parties to draw partisan-tilted districts.

Florida House and Senate leaders have already instructed their members to zip their lips during public hearings this summer. House Redistricting Committee Chairman Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, told lawmakers last month not to ask questions about their own districts during their statewide round of public hearings for fear of creating fodder for lawsuits.

Be afraid ... very afraid

Gary Fineout: "In the next few weeks, Gov. Rick Scott will make a series of key decisions that could affect his sometimes tense relationship with the Legislature, his standing with political and business leaders, and ultimately his low public approval ratings. His moves could signal whether Scott intends to keep the damn-the-torpedoes, outsider style that has won him staunch support from many tea party activists or if the governor is willing to become more pragmatic." "Some key decisions ahead for Gov. Scott".

TeaBagger a Dem target

"Democrats have launched an aggressive campaign against West, believing they’ve got a potent weapon in their signature campaign against Republicans: his support for a controversial House budget plan that would remake Medicare. Future beneficiaries — those 55 and under — would get a government subsidy to purchase private health insurance."

The chances for Democrats may largely hinge on how the district is redrawn. It now has the seventh-highest number of seniors in the country and Democrats have already put up radio ads and robocalls excoriating West for the Medicare vote.

West’s two opponents: former West Palm Beach mayor and state legislator Lois Frankel and Patrick Murphy, a 28-year-old businessman, have begun raising money and campaigning.

Murphy, who switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party a few months ago, isn’t well-known. But he still has raised about $350,000 during the first quarter — $100,000 more than Frankel.

And though Frankel is the more seasoned candidate, her lengthy political tenure could provide fodder to the GOP.

She’s already suggesting that her line of attack will include West’s Medicare vote.

“He can’t just run on being a tea party star, a talk show star,” Frankel says. “He has to run on his real record — wanting to take away Medicare, not focusing on jobs. That’s his record."

On the backs of public employees and their families

"Almost all local governments will use their pension-saving windfall next year to fill budget holes." "Budgets to get pension savings".

"Concerns about the water supply are growing rampant"

"Florida is in the midst of an abnormally difficult drought. With the majority of the problems situated in South Florida, concerns about the water supply, tourism and what less water could mean for the environment are growing rampant there." "Water woes rampant in South Florida".

Florida employers abuse H-2B work visas

The Palm Beach Post editorial board publishes an outstanding editorial this morning: "When your business is importing foreign workers to take restaurant and catering jobs that you claim Americans won't do themselves, you and your country-club clients are bound to take some heat. But trying to hide online?"

After last week's Post analysis showed that WorkAway International, a Palm Beach Gardens company, was responsible for nearly one of every 100 foreigners brought into the United States on temporary H-2B work visas last year, the company quickly removed from its website a list of clients that prefer hiring foreigners to looking harder for local employees. Among them: BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Gleneagles Country Club west of Delray Beach, The Club at Admirals Cove in Jupiter and Sailfish Point in Stuart.

Restaurants and diners across the country manage to find local workers, most of them legal, but to hear WorkAway International's president tell it, few Americans deign to work at his clients' lush havens. With seeming sincerity, WorkAway's president, William Mayville, told The Post's John Lantigua: "You don't see Americans wanting to get into the (hospitality) industry."

To believe that, you would have to live in a rarefied world indeed. The more likely story is that Palm Beach County's resorts and country clubs have learned that importing foreign workers is cheaper, easier and more advantageous than searching for locals, even in a region with 10 percent unemployment.

Last year, the federal government gave 86,000 H-2B work visas to foreigners to come to the United States and work in temporary, low-skilled nonagricultural jobs. More than 1,500 were for Palm Beach County employers, according to The Post's analysis. That extraordinary figure - nearly 2 percent of all such visas nationwide - is even more striking considering the unemployment rate.

Plenty. Companies save money on health care and don't have to worry about employees asking for a raise or looking for higher-paying work. The visas don't let them switch jobs, subjecting them to the whim of the companies that brought them. Many of these earnest workers relish the chance to earn U.S. dollars, and some may have paid unscrupulous third-party "recruiters" in their home countries, so they are much more pliant than Americans who know their rights and are free to quit.

Prison labor: Has it come to this?

"Misdemeanor work program saving county thousands".

"Student debt they can't handle"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Students at for-profit colleges are taking on debt they can't handle".

"Norman. How’s your revolution looking?"

Fred Grimm: "So this is how the cootchie pops. Norman Braman blows up county government and out of the smoke and wreckage emerges Uncle Luke, political powerbroker extraordinaire."

Luther Campbell, with a long and storied arrest record, supports a candidate under criminal investigation by federal prosecutors and IRS investigators for his curious $750,000 loan to a convicted Ponzi schemer.

Campbell, a Democrat whose sexually explicit, wildly misogynistic rap lyrics once earned him the denunciation of a Florida Republican governor and the fanatical pursuit of Broward’s Republican sheriff, embraces a Republican candidate to fill a mayoral vacancy engineered by Braman.

Hey, Norman. How’s your revolution looking lately?

Uncle Luke’s candidacy, according to an account in the Miami New Times, was originally concocted as a kind of snort by the editors of the alternative weekly, which features a stream-of-consciousness column by Campbell. They figured Uncle Luke could provide New Times with an off-beat, inside take on the political upheaval that began with the Braman-financed recall of Mayor Carlos Alvarez on March 15.

In the May 24 election to decide who’ll finish out the final months of Alvarez’s interrupted term, the joke candidate got 20,982 votes, a piddling total against the county’s 1.2 million registered voters, except most of those registered voters slept through the election. Campbell’s meager showing still amounted to 11 percent of the total cast, fourth place out of 11 candidates.

With 20,982 chips to barter, Uncle Luke quickly transformed himself into a sleazy, double-talking, political deal-maker of the usual kind, hardly distinguishable from low-down characters the Braman revolution was supposed to banish.

Campbell backtracked so suddenly on intimations he would throw his support to the second-place finisher that poor Carlos Gimenez must have suffered whiplash. Then he ran into the waiting arms of Julio Robaina, the Jeb Bush favorite, the former Hialeah mayor that Campbell had dubbed a “Hialeah overlord.”

At an NAACP candidates’ forum before the May 24 election, Campbell had accused this same Julio Robaina of paying two other black candidates to get into the race to dilute the black vote that rightfully belonged to Uncle Luke. "See, 'cause Mr. Robaina has a lot of money. He can buy off everybody up here but me."

In Ricky's pocket

Although Rick Scott has done nothing to create a single job, Zell Corporation employee Scott Maxwell is happy to proclaim that there is "good news for Scott" on the job front. Maxwell trumpets that

Jobs are coming back ... most of them without incentives.

Numbers released just this past Friday say Florida has gained 76,800 jobs since January.

That's according to the state's Agency for Workforce Innovation.

Now, you can argue about whether Scott really had anything to do with jobs that came as early as his first day on the job ['ya think?]. But I think fair's fair [that'll make Mr. Zell happy]. If the jobs came during his tenure, we'll count them in the jobs meter. (Scott critics would certainly count them if they were jobs leaving.)

If we keep up this pace — about 15,300 new jobs a month — Florida will generate 1.3 million jobs during seven years.

That's better than economists said the blind monkey would do — but 400,000 fewer than Scott promised.

Kingsley's pool boy

Kingsley Guy: "Marco Rubio, Florida's junior senator, is one of the brightest stars in the GOP constellation, and he could end up as president someday. For the moment, however, he seems content to consolidate his base and broaden his appeal among independent voters." "Spending habits: Rubio's idea on rejected millions makes sense".

Haridopolis "achieves a kindergarten level of literacy"

Even the overly careful Miami Herald has feels compelled to publishing Nancy Argenziano's opinion piece about "those who have hijacked the Republican Party to use it for their own selfish gain". Among many things, she writes:

I will not defend the Republican Senate President who stridently squawks for smaller government yet has taken three government salaries, tax paid, ostensibly as a professor, not to teach, but to take three years to write a book on politics, achieving a kindergarten level of literacy of which the college only had one single copy of. I have sat next to this legislator in committees when serious discussion was taking place only to watch him write greeting and birthday cards to his constituents for political purposes, totally oblivious of the discussions going on.

Florida’s energy future hobbled

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Progress Energy's long-assumed strategy for providing power for the region hangs in the balance given the uncertain future of the Crystal River nuclear plant and the continued ambiguity about whether a proposed nuclear plant will be built in Levy County." "Doubts hobble Florida’s energy future".

"Florida regulators are doing their jobs"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Finally, Florida regulators are doing their jobs to protect the most vulnerable. The Agency for Health Care Administration seems to have stepped up the state’s enforcement of assisted-living facilities that care for elderly and disabled patients. As exposed in The Miami Herald’s yearlong investigation, Neglected to Death, AHCA has long been failing in its duty to protect the frail, ill and most vulnerable of Florida residents." "Get tougher on assisted-living facilities".

Sumthin' rotten in Evers-land

"A district official with the Florida Department of Transportation made a bad decision in 2009 when permits were granted to Bill Salter Advertising of Milton, giving the company permission to clear thousands of trees on state-owned land without having to mitigate the damage, said former department Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos."

It's the first time Kopelousos, who now works as Clay County Administrator, has commented publicly about the controversy since it started making headlines in the spring.

Sen. Greg Evers, a Republican from Baker who then chaired a House transportation committee, intervened with the department to help Salter.

Evers later appeared prominently on a billboard in Northwest Florida in a promotional campaign for the National Rifle Association when he was running for the state Senate. A longtime gun-rights champion, Evers said he was asked to appear in the ads by the National Rifle Association and that the billboard was not payback from Salter or a contribution in kind to his campaign.

Appeasing the Batista crowd

"U.S. Customs and Border Protection has denied Key West International Airport’s request to accommodate passenger air service to and from Cuba." "U.S. Customs: No Key West-Cuba flights for now".