The fast-rising Republican from Florida acknowledged he got the year wrong for when his parents arrived in the United States from Cuba. They arrived in 1956, not "following Fidel Castro's takeover" in 1959, as his Senate website stated.

Rubio sees no distinction to whether they came before Castro took over or after.

Politifact: Rubio's claim is "False"

"U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio sold his American success story as he stumped across Florida two years ago."

His parents left Havana in 1959, he told a Panhandle audience, inferring, at least, that they fled Fidel Castro's communist revolution.

Now records show that they left in 1956, while Castro still plotted in Mexico — and that even when Rubio doubted his dates, he didn't correct the record.

In 2009 and 2010, Rubio told three different TV audiences that his parents came from Cuba at the end of the 1950s. "In 1959," he told Fox 13 and Fox Business. "In '58, '59," he said to Fox News.

But interviews, documents and news articles in September and October raised doubts.

Several times during his race for U.S. Senate, Rubio told reporters and voters his parents left Cuba in 1959, suggesting they had fled Castro's rule. In his campaign biography, and later in his official Senate biography, he said his parents "came to America following Fidel Castro's takeover."

Even after he stumbled over dates with a Miami Herald reporter and acknowledged his parents left before the revolution, his official Web bio stayed the same. The day after two news organizations reported his parents moved to the United States in 1956, his spokesman acknowledged that the bio was wrong, which was updated.

"Marco was born in Miami in 1971 to Cuban exiles who first arrived in the United States in 1956," the updated website now says. That puts everyone in agreement: The original statement is False.

Florida Occupations going strong

"Occupy Orlando uses 'community effort' to sustain demonstration". See also "Orlando police arrest Occupy Wall St. protesters".

Limo rentals through the roof

"GOP convention already bringing business to Tampa Bay area".

Race to the bottom

"Florida is among the states most likely to get a boost from free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama that President Barack Obama signed into law Friday."

However,

Some Democrats and U.S. labor unions argued the deals would help some companies by lowering the cost of their exports. But a flood of cheaper products imported into the United States could lead to layoffs of American workers, they said.

The nonpartisan Economic Strategy Institute points out that South Korea is a major exporter of textiles, steel and semiconductors.

"The truth is, I think this is going to cost us jobs," Clyde Prestowitz, the institute's founder and a former Reagan administration official, told the Washington Post.

State employees likely to take another hit

"With the state again facing another budget shortfall in the range of $2 billion for next year, there is increasing pressure on the state health insurance program, which provides coverage for some 150,000 active and retired state workers." "State employees' benefit costs could rise".

Nice to call them "tent dwellers"

"For tent dwellers in Miami, a sense of family and purpose".

"Misinformed rhetoric divides"

"A state senator is drawing fire over his comments about a proposal to draw a heavily Hispanic congressional district in the Orlando area. At a Senate Reapportionment Committee meeting this week, Sen. Alan Hays said lawmakers should make sure Hispanic residents are citizens before drawing up such districts." "Fla. lawmaker draws fire over Hispanic comments".

Fabiola Santiago: "Ignorance and prejudice are first cousins."

And here they dwell in perfect union on the lips of one of our state’s elected officials, Republican Sen. Alan Hays from the Central Florida town of Umatilla: “We all know there are many Hispanic-speaking people in Florida that are not legal.”

Oh, senator, the language you’re referencing is Spanish, the one in which your home state was named way back in the 1500s.

Hispanic is an ethnic designation, an umbrella term created by the U.S. government to refer to people who come from Spanish-speaking countries, or people born in the United States who claim that heritage.

And while we’re at the point of basic lessons, let me just fix that sentence for you. The correct use of the English language to deliver your poison would be: “We all know there are many Spanish-speaking people in Florida who are not documented.” The term “legal” refers to actions or objects, like drugs and guns, not people. Cocaine is illegal. José, the landscaper, is undocumented. ...

And don’t think South Florida is immune.

If you were part of the redistricting hearing held in Miami in August, you heard the man who used up all his time before the visiting committee to complain about people around him speaking Spanish when he had learned Portuguese when he moved to Brazil and lived there for four years. And blah, blah, blah…. As is now the case with Hays, this was an attempt to confuse, divide and turn an information-gathering meeting into a hate party by tapping into those first cousins, ignorance and prejudice.

That’s why people like Alan Hays are dangerous.

They add fuel to the worst feelings in people.

They give policy stature to prejudice.

They don’t care if their misinformed rhetoric divides us as Americans as long as they retain supremacy in areas they really care about: real estate, power, and politics.

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for Oct. 17 to Oct. 21".

"Scott needs a dose of negative capability"

Fred Grimm: "If anthropology fails the cost-benefit test our governor intends to apply to higher education, one can only imagine his chagrin as Florida State University students file into Barbara Hamby’s class. Poetry, sadly, has not been one of the great economic engines in the state of Florida. ... Hamby added, 'We just finished reading Keats’s letters about negative capability, that is when a person is ‘capable of being in uncertainties, Mysteries, doubts without any irritable reaching after fact & reason.’ I think Governor Scott needs a dose of negative capability.'" "Here’s an economic engine, Gov. Scott: Poetry".

Perry gives private speech to secretive "Christian" groups in Orlando

"A California-based Christian activist group sponsored a meeting of Florida pastors in Orlando this week featuring private speeches from Republican presidential candidates Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich and production of a political-activism video."

Participants in the meeting Thursday and Friday disclosed little about the event or the group behind it, United in Purpose. The group's spokesman was not available.

The appearances by candidates at the event, dubbed The Florida Renewal Project, also were shrouded in secrecy.

One local participating group, the Orlando-based Florida Family Policy Council, announced Perry's and Gingrich's commitments in a press release two weeks ago, but neither candidate's staff would comment in advance.

Perry's staff even denied he would attend. Gingrich's staff confirmed his appearance but would not return phone calls to discuss it.

Unemployment dips .1%, Ricky dances in Rio, GOPers attack Nelson

"Florida unemployment rate dips slightly to 10.6 percent". See also "Florida Unemployment Hits Lowest Point in Two Years, Scott Announces". See also "Florida's unemployment inches down to 10.6 percent in September" and "Scott praises job gains, but 1 million in Fla. out of work".

As Ricky gesticulates, we learn that the job "growth" was "in the accommodation and food service sector, which workers say features low pay and unhealthy working conditions." "State unemployment rate dips slightly; growth in ‘lower wage industries’".

"Soon after Gov. Rick Scott announced that the unemployment rate dropped from 10.7 percent in Florida in August to 10.6 percent in September -- the first time it fell in four months -- former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, now in a crowded Republican primary for the U.S. Senate election in 2012, took aim at Obama and Nelson. ... American Crossroads, a conservative political organization with ties to many prominent Republican leaders including legendary strategist Karl Rove, also looked to link Obama and Nelson to Florida’s continuing high unemployment rate." "GOP Takes Aim at Obama and Bill Nelson on Florida Unemployment Rate".

"Orlando worst economic climate in country for young adults"

"According to a Daily Beast ranking, Orlando has the worst economic climate in the country for young adults. Using data from the U.S. Census and the credit reporting company Experian, the website set out to discern where young adults 'had it the worst.' Orlando topped the bunch." "Orlando worst for young adults, says Daily Beast survey".

"Blinded by promises of big cash in a bad economy"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Like carnival hawkers, the casino industry can spot a sucker even from a world away."

That explains the welcome reception for Genting Malaysia and Sands Las Vegas in Tallahassee, where formerly antigambling, family-value Republicans are poised to consider the biggest expansion of gambling in Florida's history. Blinded by promises of big cash in a bad economy, lawmakers desperate to create jobs, revenue and excitement are poised to bet the state's reputation and quality of life. It's a terrible gamble.

Scott conceals names of "companies paid $38 million despite not creating any jobs"

Aaron Deslatte: "Information is power in the framing of politics and policy, and Gov. Rick Scott's administration is working hard to tightly control what comes out."

Look at his office's decision to release the salaries of thousands of public university employees on the eve of his push for substantial higher education reforms next year. Critics are calling it an attempt to undermine traditional enclaves of liberal intellectualism, though it turns out Florida's faculty at research universities are underpaid compared to their peers. ...

At the same time, though, Scott's office delayed for weeks the release of companies that got taxpayer money over the last decade to create jobs that never materialized. Although the names and amounts are public record, the governor's new Department of Economic Opportunity claimed some of the data was confidential.

But that isn't the only holdup.

Department of Economic Opportunity head Douglas Darling said requests for the names of six companies paid $38 million despite not creating any jobs posed a "quandary" for him. Scott's office doesn't want to embarrass them by releasing their names and claims to be "re-negotiating" their tax-incentive contracts in order to avoid asking for the money back.

Florida's "baby bust"

"The economic hard times are creating a 'baby bust' in South Florida and across the state: New statistics show Florida's birth rate has dipped since the recession began nearly four years ago. According to the state's Office of Vital Statistics, 24,635 fewer babies were born in in Florida last year than in 2007. That's about the population of Cooper City. The number of babies born in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties dropped almost 10 percent. In Broward, the drop was 7 percent." "Florida experiencing a 'baby bust'; experts blame economy".

Hasner goes off deep end

"GOP Senate hopeful Adam Hasner called Occupy Wall Street supporters all over the country 'anarchists,' 'extremists' and 'thugs' in an email to supporters". "Senate candidate calls Occupy Wall Street supporters ‘thugs,’ ‘anarchists,’ ‘extremists’" ("Hasner’s 'good friend' Tom Trento, a right-wing activist in Florida, recently claimed that the Muslim Brotherhood had ties to an Occupy Wall Street rally in Orlando this past weekend.")

Michelle Obama to visit Broward County next week

"Michelle Obama makes her first visit as first lady to Broward County next week. She’ll be raising money for her husband’s re-election effort." "Michelle Obama to visit Broward to raise money for president’s re-election".

Florida's Republi-baggers won't like this one

"Proposed legislation would let U.S. citizens whose parents are illegal immigrants qualify for in-state university tuition if they are Florida residents. State Rep. Reggie Fullwood filed the bill Friday, two days after the state was sued over the issue." "Bill aimed at ending Fla. tuition discrimination".

Florida a top exporter ... of crime

"Florida a top source of guns linked to out-of-state crimes".

Oh yeah ... and there's the part where he's an empty suit

"The GOP's obsession with Rubio is unprecedented. ... But some political experts, not just Democrats, raise questions about how much Rubio would help the GOP 2012 ticket."

But Rubio's own electoral record and job approval ratings don't suggest he could single-handedly swing Florida and create a national GOP Hispanic win.

And drawn rightward by the tea party, Rubio has taken stances on some immigration-related issues that don't please some of his own Hispanic constituents.

His appeal may have taken a hit last week with revelations that Rubio hasn't been completely accurate in his frequent, dramatic descriptions of his family's history as exiles from Castro's Cuba. His parents left Cuba before Castro took power.

"What's important to Hispanic voters is who the Republican Party nominates for president," said Emilio Perez of Orlando, former president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida.

"Yes, Rubio will help with Latino outreach – but if the nominee is an extremist, somebody no one likes, at the end of the day it might hurt Rubio" rather than helping the presidential nominee, said Perez, who like a growing number of Central Florida Puerto Ricans describes himself as a no-party swing voter.

Jacksonville-based tea party leader Marianne Moran said Rubio is the party's best choice "for three reasons – Florida, Florida and Florida."

A recent Sunshine State News poll showed him with 38 percent favorable and 34 percent unfavorable views among Florida voters. A Public Policy Polling survey showed him with 44 percent job approval and 39 percent disapproval, up from 31 percent in March.

In that poll, 30 percent of respondents said they'd be more likely to vote for a ticket with Rubio, but 34 percent said it would make no difference and 36 percent said they'd be less likely.

Republicans acknowledge a major problem with Hispanic voters – President Barack Obama won in 2008 with a huge Hispanic win nationally, and a substantial one in Florida.

Today, GOP candidates catering to the tea party are taking strong stances on illegal immigration that could alienate Hispanic voters.

"Business groups clash"

"The fight between the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Florida Chamber of Commerce centers on how much sales tax online travel companies should pay for the rooms they sell in the state." "Business groups clash over online travel sales tax, unite to fight casinos".

Economist Amy Baker told the Senate Budget Committee that Florida's recovery is being slowed by the European debt crisis, the likelihood of default by Greece and a lack of consumer confidence in America. Closer to home, Baker said, Medicaid and court costs are rising, and a gross receipts tax that pays for school and university construction is generating less money than projected.

A glimmer of hope in Baker's report is that economists forecast slow but steady improvement in state revenue growth in future years — 6 percent in 2013 and 2014 and 5 percent in 2015, based on the expectation that consumers who now live in Florida will start buying the cars, furniture and appliances that generate needed sales tax revenue.

Little Marco not really "son of exiles" as he claims

"During his rise to political prominence, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) frequently repeated a compelling version of his family's history -- that he was the "son of exiles," forced out of Cuba after Fidel Castro took power."

But a review by The Washington Post of documents -- including naturalization papers and other official records -- reveals that Rubio's dramatic account of his family saga embellishes the facts. The documents show that Rubio's parents came to the United States and were admitted for permanent residence more than 2-1/2 years before Castro's forces overthrew the Cuban government and took power on New Year's Day 1959, according to the Post's story.

Combo from hell

Matt Towery: "According to three Insider Advantage polls released this week, the combined support for Gingrich and Cain leaves all other Republican candidates in the dust." "Wanna Know a Secret? When 'Melrose Place' Meets Politics".

RPOFer "rekindles divisive debate over illegal immigration"

"A state senator's comments ignited a fierce rebuke from his colleagues Thursday when he said that voters should be screened for citizenship before legislators draw a congressional district to favor Hispanics."

Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, rekindled the divisive debate over illegal immigration when he told the Senate committee reviewing a series of congressional redistricting plans that "before we design a district anywhere in the state of Florida for Hispanic voters, we need to ascertain that they are citizens of the United States. ...

Florida will receive two additional congressional seats because of its population growth in the last 10 years that, according to U.S. census data, was largely fueled by the surge in the state's Hispanic population. Hays made the comments in response to a proposal being considered by the Senate Reapportionment Committee that would create a Hispanic-majority district in Central Florida, where the Puerto Rican population has exploded.

Chamber pushes Charters

"The Florida Chamber of Commerce today released its 2012 legislative agenda, which includes support for education changes that strengthen charter schools, expand the use of public funds for virtual/private schools and broaden the use of technology in the classroom." "Florida Chamber of Commerce wants more public funds for private schools".

"Awake the State"

"Awake the State is organizing and mobilizing Floridians who are against Gov. Rick Scott and the GOP-led state Legislature during a summit in Orlando this weekend. Organizers are describing the event as a 'gathering of both organizers and supporters collaborating to build a stronger movement.'" "Progressives gather this weekend at Awake the State Summit to plan for legislative session".

DCCC targets

"DCCC chairman discusses Rivera, Buchanan, other targets".

While the rest of us were sleepin'

"Firefighters battle blaze".

Haridopolos' no-new-tax pledge trumps taxes on online sales

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Thursday that even though Florida is facing a potential $2 billion budget shortfall next year, the state won't attempt to plug the gap by imposing taxes on online sales. ... Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said collecting those taxes without 'off-setting' the revenue by cutting taxes elsewhere would violate the Republican-controlled Legislature's no-new-tax pledge. " "Senate president: No tax on Internet sales". See also "Chamber Backs Online Tax Collection, Education Reforms in 2012 Agenda".

Florida political pros don't see Cain going the distance

"Herman Cain is at the top of national and early state presidential primary polls, and yet it’s hard to find political professionals who see him going the distance."

Why? Look no further than Florida, where die-hard Cain fans can’t find campaign staffers to contact, where prominent Republicans can’t get calls to the campaign returned and where some people describe themselves as the campaign’s Florida leaders while others say the same people are well-meaning but overzealous volunteers.

“I see absolutely nothing from them in Florida,” said Gainesville-based Republican consultant Alex Patton, recounting two prominent Republican activist friends who struggled to get campaign calls returned. “It’s very hard for me to get behind that guy because I don’t take him seriously. I don’t care what the polls show and what the focus groups show. It’s got to translate into fundraising, and it’s got to translate into structure, and I don’t see either.”

Cain allies say some top-tier political professionals are poised to join the skeletal Cain operation in Florida within days. By some accounts that can’t happen soon enough if the former Godfather’s Pizza chief executive is to capitalize on his momentum with only 10 weeks before absentee voting starts in Florida.

Sarasota County resists right wing pension attacks

"Sarasota's failed attempt to drastically pare pensions for police officers this week should serve as a warning to other cities looking to cut costs." "How police pensions defied the Sarasota ax".

Salaries of Florida professors $6,000 below national average

"The average salaries of full-time professors at public universities in Florida offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees fall about $6,000 below the national average, said John W. Curtis, director of research and public policy with the American Association of University Professors." "Florida professors earn below national average, data show".

"Possible because of investments Florida taxpayers"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The 280 high-paying jobs a New York biotech firm promised as it announced Thursday it is relocating to St. Petersburg is the exact kind of job growth Florida needs. But the full lesson of wooing IRX Therapeutics Inc. — which is developing a new drug for mouth and throat cancers — is that this success is possible because of investments Florida taxpayers have been making for decades in higher education. It is a reminder that our state's future is limited only by our ambition and willingness to financially commit to it." "Commit, invest, and jobs follow". See also "Biotech Firm IRX Returning to Tampa Bay Area With 280 Jobs Over Five Years".

Lawsuit over Florida tuition for children of undocumented immigrants

"Attorneys filed a federal suit arguing that scores of American students — who were born in the United States as children of undocumented immigrants — are being wrongly denied the right to pay in-state tuition at Florida’s colleges and universities." "U.S. citizens denied right to in-state tuition".

Have Floridians been duped by sky-high promises?

"Floridians have been duped by sky-high promises from the gambling industry in the past, says No Casinos. And that's why residents should be wary of any promises related to a new proposal for a massive casino in downtown Miami, suggests the group."

No Casinos claimed that slot proponents promised the voters $500 million per year for schools and have generated a "paltry 20 percent of that figure." ...

In reality, the amount of projected revenue at the time was more complicated and depended upon how many facilities added slots and whether it was in one or two counties and the rules set by the Legislature -- and proponents certainly didn't make those caveats clear in the ads we viewed although they did couch it with "could." The amount of revenue generated is about 20 percent a year of the $500 million. We rate this claim Mostly True.

State's September unemployment numbers released today

"As Gov. Rick Scott jets into Brazil on a weeklong trade mission, Florida labor officials are preparing to release the state's unemployment numbers for September."

Florida's unemployment rate has stagnated at 10.7 percent for the past three months and remains well above the national average of 9.1 percent. Florida is one of nine states that reported double-digit unemployment in August.

"Raising the ire of commercial real estate groups"

"A decision by the Florida Department of Revenue to study how taxes are paid on business leases has raised the ire of commercial real estate groups."

By even studying the issue, the groups fear a tax will be imposed on renovations done after business owners sign leases to rent commercial space. Real estate experts believe any new tax will stymie job growth in Florida.

Not so fast, said Marshall Stranburg, general counsel for the Florida Department of Revenue. The agency, he said, needs to make sure the proper taxes are paid as more complex leases are used. The study is not being done to simply raise revenue, he said.

Birther wingnuts go after Rubio, Baggers give him a pass

Birther wingnuts are now going after Little Marco - they

are not challenging whether Rubio was born in Miami. Rather, they say Rubio is ineligible under Article 2 of the Constitution which says “no person except a natural born citizen … shall be eligible to the Office of President.”

The rub is that “natural born citizen” was never defined.

The birthers rely on writings at the time of the formation of the republic and references in court cases since then to contend that “natural born” means a person born to U.S. citizens. Rubio was born in 1971 at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, his office said, but his parents did not become citizens until 1975[*].

“Marco Rubio was born a Cuban citizen via his parents,” screams a headline on a blog by birther Charles Kerchner, who obtained copies of the naturalization petitions by Rubio’s parents in May, igniting talk that is spreading across the Web.

Kerchner said Rubio is no different from Obama, who even though he was born in Hawaii (which he doubts), was not born to two U.S. citizens. Obama’s father was a Kenyan national. The birthers say Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, whose parents are from India and were not citizens at the time of his birth, is also unqualified.

A Hialeah thing

"Martinez emphasizes past success in latest run for Hialeah mayor".

has launched an investigation into Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. Buchanan has long been plagued with rumors that he violated campaign finance laws, but a former business partner and a car dealership the two once co-owned, however, took the brunt of those claims — eventually being fined nearly $68,000 for what the FEC called an “extensive and ongoing scheme.”

West fights for America's wealthiest 1 percent

"U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, told a town hall audience Tuesday that he stands with Occupy Wall Street protesters in opposing corporate bailouts, but he disputed the movement's claim that America's wealthiest 1 percent aren't paying their fair share of taxes." "West disputes Occupy movement's '1 percent' claim as group protests in Palm Beach".

"Recognizing the extraordinary nature of police service"

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune editorial board: "In voting to stick with police pensions, Sarasota city commissioners chose the right path Monday. Their decision — after a long, dramatic night of testimony and months of union impasse — is a reasonable compromise. It recognizes the extraordinary nature of police service yet saves money." "Protection for the police".

Wingnuts run wild in Jax

"Promoting state sovereignty, a convention of 10th Amendment advocates will gather on Jacksonville's riverfront Saturday with a simple but radical message: 'Nullify Now!'"

More fundamentally libertarian and anti-establishment than the "Occupy" movement that hit town last week, the "Nullify Now!" tour challenges what organizers assail as "federal overreach."

“We’ve got exploding debt, war without end, government demanding we purchase health insurance on its terms and federal agents raiding business for the heinous crime of selling whole milk,” said Michael Maharrey, spokesman for the 10th Amendment Center.

"Florida is among those chiseling — even hacking — away at voter protections"

The Miami Herald editors: "At this point in American history, imposing poll taxes and literacy tests would be a too-obvious attempt to suppress the voting rights of African Americans and other minorities. Not that anyone should want to in this, the land of the free."

But as Republican-controlled legislatures have taken the reins across the country, there has been a disturbing trend in laws being enacted that place unnecessary hurdles between the voting booth and minorities, young voters and seniors. Democrats fret that the laws will discourage or prevent eligible voters in those categories — who tend to vote for them — from going to the polls.

Florida, to its shame, remains among very few states in which ex-felons are not automatically eligible to vote again upon their release from prison. Where there was a brief respite of common sense under the administration of Gov. Charlie Crist, who relaxed the stringent rules under which ex-cons could see their civil rights restored, the Scott administration has resurrected the arbitrarily long period of time before one can even seek rights-restoration.

Now, state lawmakers and the administration appear to have many other Floridians in their sights.

Big of him

"Gov. Rick Scott released a new executive order that requires his Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulation Reform to abide by a recent Supreme Court ruling that said his decision to freeze all new rules was unconstitutional." "Scott orders office to comply with Supreme Court ruling". See also "Scott grudgingly complies with Fla. court ruling".

Bill would permit three resort casinos in South Florida

"The bill, which has been expected for several weeks, has been delayed while its authors say they have attempted to cover every nuance in the legislation that would allow up to three resort casinos in South Florida and create a state gaming commission to regulate it and all forms of gaming in the state." "After holdup, resort casino bill to be filed this week".

Redistricting update

"Florida senators charged with drawing legislative and congressional districts said preserving minority representation should be a top priority Tuesday, as they began examining potential maps for the central and northeastern parts of the state. " "Redistricting efforts to prioritize preserving minority districts". See also "‘Racial protection ‘paramount’ in new maps, panel says" and "Round-up of media coverage of redistricting for 10/19".

Romney gets Atwater

"Mitt Romney Gets the Backing of Jeff Atwater".

"The economic clouds are darker in Florida"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board:

Orlando is under water. Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami are nearly submerged. Of the 10 worst cities in the country when the size of mortgage debt is compared with property value, five are in Florida. That puts the challenge facing this state in stark perspective.

Now where is the life preserver from President Barack Obama or Gov. Rick Scott to help drowning homeowners?

If it looks like the economic clouds are darker in Florida, they are. The state's unemployment rate remains higher than the nation's. A record number of home foreclosures are still working through the system. The go-go days of growth are long gone. Homeowners who owe more on their houses than they are worth cut their spending, which reduces consumer demand, which lowers income for businesses, which results in too little job creation to turn things around.

Florida may reject a $100 million federal early learning grant

"Florida will reject a federal early learning grant of up to $100 million if it comes with strings attached including any requirement for state funding, Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday. Scott's warning coincided with the state's application for the grant offered through President Barack Obama's Race to the Top program. It is part of the federal stimulus program that Scott has criticized in the past." "Scott: Fla. will reject grant if strings attached". See also "Scott wants the feds' school cash, but not their two cents". Related: "Florida Seeks Race to the Top Funding; Tea Party Sees Trouble Ahead".

Florida university salaries online

"Gov. Rick Scott wants Florida universities to list what graduates earn". On a separate subject, "DATA MINE: Search Florida university salaries online".

Hialeah mayoral race

"With just a few months in office as mayor of Hialeah, Carlos Hernandez has managed to quickly build his own record and show he can play politics like a veteran — all in the hopes of holding on to power in a Nov. 1 special election. ... In the race to keep his title as strong mayor, Hernandez faces seasoned opponents: long-time former Mayor Raul Martinez and former state Rep. Rudy Garcia. Political newcomer George Castro is also running." "Hialeah mayor fights to keep job in November’s election".

The haul came almost exclusively from more than 11,000 small donors nationwide who responded to Grayson — and his populist campaign letters that targeted everything from the Tea Party to the War on Terror (which he calls the War on Error).

"The Bumpkin Entertainment Preservation Act"

Daniel Ruth writes that, "This has probably happened to you. ... At last a bully idea alights. You turn to your significant enabler, Betty Sue Betty Bob Betty Jo, and you say: 'Hey, Sweetums! I got a great idea. Let's head over to Hector's House of Half-Wits and do some dwarf tossing tonight!'"

Alas, back in 1989, those fuddy-duddies in the Florida Legislature banned the tossing of dwarves, a gross injustice and threat to individual liberty that has remained on the books ever since, no doubt leaving tens of thousands of dwarves without the opportunity to be tossed, not to mention the legions of patrons yearning to breathe free in the quest to toss as many dwarves as humanly possible.

What might we call Workman's landmark legislation? "The Bumpkin Entertainment Preservation Act"?

Workman, R-Oz, is of the opinion that there are simply too many restraints on our independence. What better example of that than the police state-like ban on hurling people of modest physical stature as far as possible?

Florida unions support occupy movement

"Occupy Miami garnered public support from local unions .... South Florida Jobs for Justice, together with local labor unions, held a press conference this morning announcing their support for Occupy Miami." "Occupy Miami picks up union support".

Limit puzzle

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editorial board: "The term-limits puzzle".

One trick pony

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "After being told last week that state revenues may end up short by up to $1.7 billion over the next two years, Scott insisted he would push forward with a plan to cut corporate tax rates to help create jobs." "Scott must face tough economic climate".

Tampa loosens rules in advance of Republican Convention

"City officials are reworking Tampa's permit process to accommodate the tens of thousands of protestors expected to descend on the city next August for the Republican National Convention. The proposed changes focus on streamlining the process by removing provisions – such as insurance requirements and a 60 day waiting period to get a special use permit – that have caused confusion and resulted in litigation against previous convention host cities." "Tampa reworking permit rules ahead of RNC convention".

Another Scott yawner

"Scott dings anthropology, showcases local manufacturing".

"Jeb!" can't go away

"Jeb Bush promotes education agenda on Spanish-language TV".

Wingnut claims "Muslim Brotherhood is behind Occupy Orlando"

"In a video clip and blog post published [yesterday], a right-wing activist with ties to GOP Senate candidate Adam Hasner alleges that Occupy Orlando, a Central Florida group that has sprung up in solidarity with the New York-based Occupy Wall Street movement, has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood."

How much more?

"Florida's average unemployment tax rate is among the nation's lowest. So are Florida's benefits."

That apparently is not enough for the Chamber of Commerce:

Starting Jan. 1, Florida will cut the 26-week maximum benefit period.

Redistricting update

"Members of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee favored county lines as the first place to put down new boundary lines for Florida’s growing federal seats. Meanwhile, the number of public submissions to remap Florida under the voter-approved Fair Districts measure is approaching 100, with two weeks until the deadline to get them in." "County Lines Favored for Florida's Redrawn Congressional Districts". Related: "Tampa Bay hearings will highlight difficult moves in urban areas".

Bill Clinton in Tampa

"The former president, who routinely earns more than $100,000 per speech, has been keeping a busy schedule with the William J. Clinton Foundation pursuing assorted global initiatives partnering with governments and businesses on everything from economic development to treating and combatting disease." "Former President Bill Clinton to speak at Tampa's Straz Center on March 21".

LeMieux finds some friends

"Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux announced on Monday that he had won the backing of three Republican members of the Florida House of Representatives in his bid to challenge Democrat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012. LeMieux unveiled the backing of Rep. Rachel Burgin of Riverview, Rep. Debbie Mayfield of Vero Beach and Rep. Larry Metz of Eustis." "Senate Hopeful George LeMieux Gets Three More Backers in Florida House".

"They were spectacularly wrong"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The utility's misjudgments are resulting in repair costs that will reach at least $2.5 billion, and utility customers could be billed for about a quarter of that. The Florida Public Service Commission should thoroughly examine the situation at Crystal River and ensure that Progress Energy and its insurance carrier — not consumers — cover all repair or replacement costs."

Public records filed with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the PSC, and depositions conducted by the Florida Office of Public Counsel, show that in-house staff thought they had the expertise to properly handle cutting into the reactor containment wall — something no other nuclear plant had attempted. They were spectacularly wrong.

Putnam gets more work

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture formally signed off on a plan to transfer public school food and nutrition programs in Florida to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services." "Federal government signs off on Florida's school lunch shift".

"Florida's once-exploding Medicaid program is slowing"

"State economists said growth in Florida's once-exploding Medicaid program is slowing and predicted Medicaid spending will increase by a relatively modest $1.3 billion, or 6.3 percent, next fiscal year. Economists estimated the state and federal government will spend $20.2 billion in the current fiscal year on the jointly funded program and nearly $21.5 billion in 2012-13. The state, though, would be affected by the spending increase more than the federal government. That's due mainly to the expiration of temporary federal assistance of nearly $550 million." "Fla. economists predict modest Medicaid growth". See also "Good News!? Florida Medicaid Deficit to Rise Only $65.8 Million".

Southwestern Miami-Dade County land war

"A land war is simmering in southwestern Miami-Dade County."

Owners of small agricultural tracts claim local officials are running them out of business. The landholders -- many of them first- and second-generation Cuban immigrants -- say the government's tactics remind them of how Fidel Castro seized property and power in Cuba.

Officials at Miami-Dade's Department of Environmental Resource Management say local and state laws require protection of the area's wetlands.

But landholders are angry over what they see as a powerful county bureaucracy imposing onerous fines and arbitrary restrictions in an 8.5-square-mile area designated for "wetlands mitigation."

"Letting probation officers handle minor violations"

"Prison officials say a key factor was letting probation officers handle minor violations without sending probationers back into custody." "Fewer Florida ex-convicts returning to prison".

"It was the sop lawmakers tossed to Floridians"

Fred Grimm: "Money to alleviate gambling dependency is disappearing even as the state’s dependency on the gambling industry escalates. A proposal for three big Vegas-style resort casinos in South Florida has support in Tallahassee. Which has set off a clamor for more games and less taxes from South Florida racinos and for video gambling terminals for the state’s other pari-mutuels. Meanwhile, a thousand utterly unregulated gambling arcades have been allowed to flourish in neighborhood strip malls." "Florida shortchanges treatment for gambling addic...".

'Good news for Florida budget writers"

"Amid the gloomy outlook a bit of good news surfaces for Florida budget writers".

"Still fighting to pass the ERA"

"[S]ome Democratic lawmakers are still fighting to pass the ERA. They will launch the latest effort with a rally Tuesday at the Old Capitol, and though they won't say it aloud, they know their cause doesn't stand a chance." "An era later, some Florida legislators still pushing for ERA".

"Inconsistent math"

"At two stops Monday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott was asked about the things that have come to dominate his public schedule: his plan for the 2012 legislative session, his belief that the state doesn't need more anthropology majors and his inconsistent math when it comes to creating 700,000 private-sector jobs in the state." "Scott visits the Tampa Bay area".

Fla-baggers in a dither

"Starting January 1, employers in Florida must pay workers $7.67 an hour, up from $7.31. The new rates will mean an extra $14.40 per week for someone who works 40 hours." "Florida's minimum wage will rise to $7.67 on Jan. 1".

Regulating debit card fees

"A House Democrat disgusted by big banks and their new monthly fees for using debit cards proposed on Monday to make those charges illegal for Florida customers." "Bill would prohibit debit card fees". See also "Hate the new bank fees? Florida lawmaker wants to make them illegal".

But see: "Banks Fire Back Against Bill to Ban ATM-Card Fee".

"Massive bill to bring resort casinos to South Florida"

"If Florida is going to be home to Las Vegas-style casinos, it has also got to have Las Vegas-style regulations, say the authors of a massive bill to bring resort casinos to South Florida."

That includes creation of a state gaming commission and a rule that casino operators give the state access to almost everything — from bank accounts to marital records, safe-deposit boxes, computers and even their homes.

But, as with every element of this high-stakes debate, a tug-of-war has ensued between the two most powerful international players, Las Vegas Sands and Genting Malaysia. Each wants to use the Florida regulations to put the other at a disadvantage, and each wants to distance itself from the organized-crime elements of the Chinese casinos to keep its regulatory record clean. ...

The result is a hybrid of Nevada’s and New Jersey’s regulations, she said. Both states are considered the strongest in the nation, and use a two-tired system, with an independent gaming commission to license casinos and set policy and a separate division to enforce and investigate. Both states ban gaming commission members from being involved in political campaigns or contributions.

The Nevada process is so intense that casino applicants “refer to the investigation as the most trying experience of their lives,” said Robert Faiss and Gregory Gemignani, authors of a new paper from the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas .

Casino applicants in Nevada must agree to waive some legal rights, the report says. They are asked to disclose personal, financial, marital, legal, and criminal information, and to sign a release that says they won’t sue state regulators because of conflicts arising out of the application process. They also must reveal assets, liabilities, tax information, business experience and bankruptcy history, and disclose where they are getting their investment money.

'Glades

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Talks to jump start Everglades cleanup are just that, a start".

"Monday Morning Reads"

"Week Ahead for Oct. 17-Oct. 23". See also "Monday Morning Reads: Money, pain clinics, and lawyers".

Scott was first to propose elimination of ban on "dwarf tossing"

"State Rep. Ritch Workman has earned national notoriety for his idea to scrap a 22-year-old law that bans dwarf tossing in bars."

"Is this what Republicans mean when they say they want smaller government?" quipped late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel before unveiling a parody slogan for Workman's re-election campaign video: "He believes dwarves can fly. He believes they can touch the sky."

Before national media homed in on Workman, Scott was leading his own charge to repeal 1,000 state rules and change more than 1,200 others.

He quietly targeted two agency rules related to dwarf tossing, including one that defines dwarfism and another about penalties already covered in law.

If Workman's dwarf-tossing repeal passes, the accompanying rules disappear, too, saving Scott's team some trouble. Workman insists there was no cooperation with Scott's office.

"15 super PACs from Florida have submitted paperwork"

"During the 2010 election, so-called "super PACs" — political groups that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money — left a big footprint, spending at least $4 million to elect candidates in Florida, including now-U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio."

And if early filings are any indication, this amount likely will be dwarfed in 2012 as the newly empowered super PACs fight in Florida for the presidency, a competitive U.S. Senate seat and 27 races for the U.S. House.

Already, at least 15 super PACs from Florida have submitted paperwork to the Federal Election Commission, and the number registered nationally has nearly doubled, from 84 during the 2010 cycle to 155 now, according to watchdog groups.

Who are these Orlando occupiers?



"Marchers stretch half-mile through downtown; protest to continue overnight". "Occupy Orlando demonstrators continued protest overnight at park". "Snare drums banged. The voice of a fed-up grandmother cackled through a megaphone. And 72-year-old Bill Schikora took it all in. Schikora is a Lexus-driving retired insurance salesman who owns two homes and three golf carts. He's not exactly the posterchild of the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement."

Now, you probably won't see much of Schikora on the evening news. He's not nearly as titillating as the tattoo-covered 22-year-old who's raging against capitalism and better fits the stereotype.

Yet, as I looked around the Occupy Orlando movement, I saw a diverse crowd that, in many ways, resembled the Tea Party — people of different backgrounds there for very different reasons.

Most were opposing corporate greed and control over America's political system — the notion at the heart of this movement.

But there were also people upset about everything from racism to white-collar crime.

Many were not liberals. There was a large contingency of Ron Paul supporters. And many were fed up with President Barack Obama for continuing to coddle corporate insiders.

"Miller on Main Street"

"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Craig Miller will spend a day working at a Lake County tire shop next week. Craig, who is vying for the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla), will spend a 'work day' at Lake Tire & Auto in Tavares from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. Craig was originally supposed to spend the day working at the shop last month, but canceled it because he was recovering from a motorcycle accident in Altamonte Springs where he had minor injuries." "U.S. Senate candidate Craig Miller to spend day working at Lake County tire shop".

Ricky "let a sacred cow out of the barn"

Nancy Smith thinks "It's about time somebody had the cojones to challenge the liberal arts crowd on the veracity of degrees that aren't working in the 21st century workplace."

And wouldn't you know, that somebody would be Rick Scott. Whatever you say about our governor, the man knows how to let a sacred cow out of the barn.

"How many more jobs do you think there are in anthropology in this state?" Scott asked a gathering of businessmen at a luncheon last week. "Do we need to use your tax dollars to educate more people who can't get jobs in anthropology? I don't. I want to make sure we spend our money where people can get jobs when they get out."

Attack liberal arts degrees? Oh, my, how dare he?

Disney snaps its fingers ...

And The Orlando Sentinel editorial board jumps: "Allowing casinos in metro Orlando would severely undermine the family brand that makes the region an economic powerhouse. Disney and dice don't mix. Disney understands that, which is why its cruise ships are among the few without casinos." "State casino expansion must bypass Orlando".

Connie's Penny Plan

"This week, Florida Republican Congressman Connie Mack brought to the attention of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction his plan to reduce the size and scope of the federal government and balance the budget by 2019." "Connie Mack Pitches Penny Plan to Committee Studying Deficit Reduction".

"A radical idea?"

Beth Kassab: "If Doug Darling, the state's new 'economic opportunity' director, really wants to get aggressive when it comes to holding accountable companies that accept public incentive dollars, there's an easy way to do it. Make the information public. A radical idea? No, but it's one Florida has simply shrugged at for decades." "State should make incentive data public". Related: "Jackson Lab mystery" ("When Gov. Scott met with the Herald-Tribune Editorial Board last week, we hoped to hear why he or his staff didn't support a state investment in Jackson Lab — or what lessons Sarasota County and the community could learn from the experience. The response was disappointing.")

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Give the public its payoff".

Desai saddles up with Perry

RPOFer bundler A.K. Desai is infatuated with the swaggering and sometimes tongue-tied Texan Rick Perry:

Florida has dozens of Republican fundraisers who bundle individual contributions to raise tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for candidates, and this year most are helping Romney. As one of the first — and relatively few — elite Florida fundraisers to embrace Perry, Desai's political profile has risen considerably.

The expansion had significant bumps. In 2007, state regulators called for liquidating the company unless it shored up reserves by more than $150 million. Universal was drawing a slew of consumer complaints for poor customer service, denial of treatment and aggressive marketing. ...

In addition to the money Desai has bundled from other contributors, he, his wife and his corporation have donated at least $735,000 to state and federal campaign organizations, including about $480,000 to the Florida GOP and $140,000 to the Republican National Committee.

Gov. Bush appointed Desai to several state education policy boards starting in 1999, and in 2005 he tapped him for the Board of Governors, which oversees the state university system.

Get the courts to end the federal process in Florida that could prevent the changes from taking effect in Hillsborough and four other counties. A three-judge court in the District of Columbia should not fall for the misdirection play, and it should not approve the discriminatory voting practices embraced by the governor and the Legislature.

The state needs federal preclearance before the changes can take effect in five counties, including Hillsborough. Those five were found in 1975 to have had racial conditions that could have undermined implementation of the Voting Rights Act. It is bad enough the state did a last-minute end run around the Justice Department in search of a more sympathetic venue. But rather than pin all of its hopes on a direct decision, Scott's elections chief, the formerly well respected Secretary of State Kurt Browning, went a step further last week by challenging the federal government's underlying authority to preapprove elections changes in Florida.

It sounds cynical, but it is what Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning is doing. In court papers filed this week with a Washington federal court, Mr. Browning's office contends that a provision in the Voting Rights Act that lets the federal government screen proposed voting-law changes violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ...

The 1960s are a half-century gone, but these legal arguments echo the states' rights battle cry. Mr. Browning's call to end these federal safeguards shows why they must remain.

Occupy Florida

"More than a thousand people have turned up at 'Occupy Wall Street'-style rallies throughout Central Florida this weekend." "'Occupy' Florida protesters march in Central Florida".

"Hundreds of demonstrators marched through downtown Saturday rallying against bank bailouts, government corruption and corporate greed. Middle-aged homeowners, retired veterans, men with dreadlocks, women holding megaphones, tattooed punks and college students drowning in debt walked in solidarity along Orange Avenue, chanting in unison as drums pounded in the distance." "Occupy Orlando demonstrators plan to resume today". See also: "Protesters join ‘Occupy Miami’ demonstration", "'Occupy' rallies gain momentum in Palm Beach County".

Nelson receives Theodore Roosevelt Award

Senator Bill "Nelson has found a real identity with environmental issues. He emerged as perhaps the most out-spoken critic of BP and federal oversight of Gulf oil drilling after the epic spill and over the years has ushered many a D.C. politician into the Everglades and fought for funding. This weekend, Audubon of Florida is giving him its Theodore Roosevelt Award, which goes to lawmakers who champion green causes. Roosevelt was a founder of the Florida Audubon Society and established the first National Wildlife Refuge at Pelican Island." "Nelson recognized with wildlife award".

"'Shadow inventory' of homes"

"South Florida, with some 200,000 homes either already owned by lenders or headed for foreclosure, has one of the nation’s largest collections of unseen inventory. The number of shadow homes dwarfs the 30,000 or so that are listed on the active market. Even as prices have shown signs of stability this year, an impending wave of foreclosures threatens to keep real estate values deflated in South Florida and across the country." "‘Shadow inventory’ of homes could topple real-estate recovery".

Fla-baggers like their Koch

Last week, "a poll of 600 likely Florida Republican voters showed Cain leading Mitt Romney 34 percent to 28 percent." "Cain jumps ahead of Romney in Florida poll".

Why are the Fla-baggers in a dither about Cain? It seems "Cain's economic ideas, support and organization have close ties to two billionaire brothers who bankroll right-leaning causes through their group Americans for Prosperity." "Extensive ties to a powerful Koch group boost Cain".

Leonard Pitts Jr.'s column today is for "those who keep asking what I think of Herman Cain. In particular, it’s for those who want to know what the tea party’s embrace of this black businessman turned presidential candidate says about my claim that the tea party is racist."

I might eat the plate of crow those folks proffer if I’d ever actually made that claim. What I have said, fairly consistently, is something more nuanced: racial animus is an element of tea party ideology, but not its entirety. As I once noted in this space, the tea party probably would not exist if Condoleezza Rice were president.

Modern social conservatives, in my experience, do not hate black people en masse. To the contrary, there are two kinds of blacks they love. The first is those, like Rice, who are mainly mute on the subject of race, seldom so impolite as to say or do anything that might remind people they are black. The second is those who will engage on race, but only to lecture other blacks for their failures as conservatives conceive them. And that, friends and neighbors, is Herman Cain all over. ...

In his diminution of African-American struggle, he comes across as a man profoundly at odds with the skin he’s in. He seems embarrassed he’s black.

How the mighty have fallen

"If you want to bury news, you release it Friday afternoon or evening. So presumably, Republican U.S. Senate candidate George LeMieux thought he had little to boast about with his latest fundraising quarter: $403,000 raised in the third quarter, he announced late Friday afternoon." "LeMieux lagging". Related: "Hasner out-raises LeMieux in race for Nelson's U.S. Senate seat; Nelson doubles them both".

"Bad news for opponents of national health-care reform"

The Sarasota-Herald Tribune editorial board: "Florida is among 26 states in which Republican officials have sued to invalidate the Affordable Care Act as an unconstitutional intrusion on states' and individuals' rights."

One of the main concerns is the law's mandate that, by 2014, all Americans either have health insurance or pay a tax penalty.

The mandate is the means by which some of the more expensive, and popular, elements of the plan — such as required coverage of pre-existing conditions — will be paid for.

Without the mandate, Congress would face the controversial choice of either canceling many of the law's most important benefits for finding a new way to fund them.

Would that mean a new tax? An expansion of Medicare to all citizens? A new entitlement?

We suspect that many of "Obamacare's" critics secretly hope the Supreme Court upholds the law. And that would be good news for everyone.

Choice politics

"During [the] U.S. House floor vote on an anti-abortion bill aimed at eliminating coverage of abortions nationwide through the Affordable Care Act, Florida congressional representatives split their votes down party lines."

All 19 GOP Representatives helped pass a bill that opponents say would endanger the health of women by cutting funding (even through private insurance) for medically necessary abortions. The bill also aims to expand the Hyde Amendment to private insurance plans because some could receive public dollars through the 2010 health care reform law. Women’s health advocates have said the Hyde Amendment has consistently burdened low-income women and minorities seeking legal abortions. The bill passed 251-172.

Only four out of Florida’s six Democratic representatives showed up to vote against the bill. Both Rep. Corrine Brown and Frederica Wilson were not present.

Is there a right to speak at public meetings?

"Floridians have the right to attend meetings of city councils, school boards and other such public bodies. But does state law guarantee citizens the right to speak at those meetings?"

Not according to the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, which surprised and angered open-government advocates with a ruling last year that they say gives government boards everywhere in Florida the right to tell constituents to keep their mouths shut.

Now a Central Florida case, argued last week before the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach, is considered by those advocates as the best hope yet for establishing a statewide legal precedent declaring that Florida's decades-old "Government in the Sunshine" laws not only gives citizens a seat at public meetings but a chance to have their say as well.

Is it really too much to ask?

"Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, resuscitated her proposal to prevent lawmakers from voting on legislation that benefits them, their families or business associates. It marks the fifth time she has introduced the ethics bill." "Ethics bill is back".

Can't miss that Tampa Gun Show

"Griffin Perry, 28-year-old son of the Republican presidential candidate and Texas governor, had a busy day Saturday campaigning for dad in Tampa. The schedule [included] ... the Tampa Gun Show with Pasco County state GOP committeeman Bill Bunting". "Perry's son in town".

More about Perry Junior: "Anita Perry blames Obama for son's job loss" ("Rick Perry's wife Anita said Friday that she could sympathize with the plight of the unemployed because her son was forced to resign his job to take a more active role on his father's presidential campaign.")

Et tu Charlie?

"Crist's wife, Carole, recently changed her registration from Republican to Democrat, but Crist told Buzz not to read much into it." "Crist on wife's switch".

Maddox on the move?

Scott "Maddox allies are urging him to run for an open Tallahassee City Commission seat. Others think his best move is to take on U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, the one-term Republican incumbent from Panama City. The district could get friendlier for Democrats after redistricting, the thinking goes, and Southerland did himself no favors when he recently sounded like his $174,000 congressional salary wasn't worth the hassle of security threats and other sacrifices." "Maddox mulls a move".

"All these wasted lives"

Frank Cerabino "was ready to skewer our beloved governor over his most recent attack on education. ... It ought to be obvious that a liberal arts education is its own reward, and society reaps the benefit of an educated populace. So yes, it would have been easy to mock Scott. ... It would have been too easy to point out the folly of implying that people who study nontechnical disciplines aren't worth the public money invested in them. But then I made the mistake of looking at the academic backgrounds of Florida's lawmakers. And that's when I saw the dangers of encouraging students to study the so-called soft majors."

Turns out "The Florida Legislature is riddled with nontechnical majors."

Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, majored in philosophy and English literature at the University of Miami.

Rep. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, got his journalism degree at Michigan State University, while Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg, majored in broadcasting at the University of Florida.

Rep. Gayle B. Harrell, R-Stuart, got a Spanish degree at the University of Florida.

Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, double majored at Florida State University in sociology and psychology. House Education Committee member Rep. Marti Coley, R-Mariana, was an English major at Florida State. And fellow Seminole, Rep. Clay Ingram, R-Pensacola, was a communication/political science major.

The list goes on. All these wasted lives, the products of bull-major educations at public-supported universities. Very sad.

The Rickster needs to get to work

"A publicly funded law firm that represents poor people who have been charged with crimes is in leadership limbo. Five months after a committee of top lawyers from across the state recommended three attorneys to run the West Palm Beach-based office of the Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Gov. Rick Scott asked it to start again from scratch." "State-backed law firm struggling; Gov. Scott wants to restart from scratch".

Blackout blues

"Tired of Tampa Bay Buccaneers games [played at Raymond James Stadium that was built with taxpayer dollars] being blacked out on TV because of inadequate attendance at the games? It's also bugging state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, and he's looking at doing something about it." "Fasano bugged by blackouts of Bucs games".