Gingrich also spoke at length to hordes of reporters and released a detailed plan on cracking-down on Raul Castro's regime in Cuba — an issue that Romney didn't discuss in-depth during his Miami stop in November when he avoided talking to local reporters.

But Romney doesn't need to talk to the press. He's getting more than a third of the Republican vote, while Gingrich barely cracks 25 percent in polls.

Romney has also blanketed the airwaves and mailboxes with his message as more than 107,000 Republicans have cast mail-in ballots.

Is it too late for Gingrich, who has yet to send mail or advertise on TV?

"No," Gingrich said.

"Why might Latinos not like Republicans"

"Why oh why might Latinos not like Republicans?".

"Latest Scott reform effort"

Aaron Deslatte: "Now that Gov. Rick Scott has passed his first year as governor, it's time to start giving him some serious job evaluations. But it is impossible to evaluate his performance without something to measure." "'Accountability budgeting' is latest Scott reform effort".

From the "values" crowd

"There isn’t likely to be any new money for school construction and maintenance for the next few years, Florida economists said Friday."

That’s because state officials expect to receive less revenue next year from the Gross Receipts Tax, a tax on electric, telephone and cable bills that supports the Public Education Capital Outlay, or PECO, fund.

Adding to the problem, the state will no longer be able to sell a $250 million bond issue – and will have to pay down existing projects out of a cash account, said Amy Baker, director of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research.

Money well spent

"Prison privatization plan resurfaces in Florida Senate". See also "Senate will try again to privatize prisons".

Genting gets aggressive

"The New York Times ... on Genting's aggressive approach in entering the New York market and notes its similar strategy in Florida." "NY Times: Genting -- an instant force in gambling".

GOPers rake in "$7.5 million in the final three months 2011 alone"

"The Republican Party of Florida was the leading recipient of donations from big donors during the last six months before the start of the 2012 legislative session. ... [It] received $7.5 million in the final three months 2011 alone — its biggest off-year quarter in the past 15 years. The Florida Democratic Party received $1.8 million in the same period." "Casino gambling debate money boosts state fundraising totals".

Santorum's Florida team

"Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who was only eight votes away from defeating former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts to win the Iowa caucus, unveiled his campaign team for Florida on Friday. The Florida primary will be held on Jan. 31, 10 days after South Carolina Republicans hold their own primary." "Rick Santorum Unveils His Florida Campaign Team". See also "Santorum Florida leadership team includes personhood leader, Buchanan associate".

"Senate wants a session break"

"With updated revenue numbers that offered no relief from deep budget cuts, a bipartisan majority of the Florida Senate wants to cut short the regular session in February and come back later in the spring when lawmakers hope to have a rosier revenue forecast that will avoid some of the $2 billion in projected cuts." "Senate wants a session break — to wait for revenues and avoid cuts". See also "Senators Give Haridopolos Discretion to Delay Budget".

"Jeb got it wrong on higher education"

Randy Schultz: "Last week, the House Education Committee began hearings on the university system, with the presidents of the University of Florida and Florida State leading off."

The chairman is Rep. William Proctor, R-St. Augustine. He is a former college president. Of course, it was Flagler College, which is private.

What's funny is to hear State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan ask for time to "make sure it gets done right." Ten years ago, as lieutenant governor, Mr. Brogan was part of the Jeb Bush administration that got it wrong on higher education and embraced the "reform" that has resulted in a "discordant, competing group of fiefdoms."

Key legislators were mad that the Board of Regents, which then ran higher education from a statewide perspective, kept rejecting unneeded, expensive graduate programs at their universities. So in 2000, those legislators led the push to abolish the regents and create the loose system of a semi-powerful Board of Governors and a set of trustees for each university.

Though Rep. Cannon acknowledged the Legislature's role in creating this mess, he doesn't envision a new system of "governance." In fact, only a return to the old "governance," along with new efficiencies and an emphasis on certain degrees, will solve the problem. Without it, Florida higher education won't be racing to the middle. It will be racing to the bottom.

Jobs, jobs, jobs

"Is Tampa the 'strip club capital of the world'?"

"And it appears to be okay"

"Dennis Jones has spent more than 30 years as a Pinellas County lawmaker, the last nine as a state senator representing the county's beach communities."

But for tax purposes, Jones' home is now more than 100 miles to the northeast in the rural hamlet of Dunnellon.

And it appears to be okay.

Privatization 'ho asks "What happens if I say your daughter is a prostitute?"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "North Miami mayor right to apologize".

"It should not be a witch hunt"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Floridians deserve to know how the state's special taxing districts are spending public money. The review ordered Thursday by Gov. Rick Scott can be a learning experience, but it should not be a witch hunt aimed at gutting their effectiveness or their missions." "Don't gut local control of taxes".

"Scott’s plan ... will deliver a near knockout blow to the poorest and neediest"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Scott’s plan to fix the state’s budget by cutting Medicaid spending will deliver a near knockout blow to Miami-Dade County’s public hospital, the Jackson Health System, as well as others that assist the poorest and neediest."

Reeling from a $110 billion cut in Medicaid funding this fiscal year and facing an $86 million shortfall, Jackson is in a terrible fiscal bind. Now Gov. Scott proposes a formula for Medicaid reimbursement that subtracts another $200 million or more for Jackson Memorial Hospital in the next fiscal year.

This one really hurts, and it’s not just Jackson that’s affected. Miami-Dade County’s hospitals would lose some $400 million in revenue.

Broward hospitals stand to lose $200 million or more. For South Florida, the net loss is more than half a billion dollars at a time when money is scarce and jobs are hard to find.

In such tough times, more people go without insurance. That’s about 3 million people in Florida, with another 2.5 million low-income families, elderly or disabled patients in the Medicaid program who need a higher level of care than the amount reimbursed by the state. It’s a big reason for the soaring costs of Medicaid and treating the uninsured.

Taxpayers absorb unreimbursed costs in public hospitals. (Private hospitals must eat the difference or pass on those costs to patients — who can’t afford it.)

Yost staffer goes public

"In an exclusive interview with The Florida Independent, a former campaign staffer for congressional candidate Mike Yost say that the Jacksonville-based Republican squandered campaign funds on personal expenses, refused to listen to his campaign managers and still owes ex-staffers large sums of money." "Former staffer accuses congressional candidate of hypocrisy, improper campaign expenditures".

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for Jan. 9 to Jan. 13".

Filling the hole "Jeb!" left

Nearly a decade ago, one of Florida's right-wing pundits had to admit that, there was

always room for tax cuts from Jeb & Co. Somehow, living "within our means" becomes a grab-bag of possibilities for the clients of high-power lobbyists knocking on legislators' doors.

Hand back millions of dollars to a few by cutting yet again the intangibles tax that favors well-off Floridians?

Done, Jeb says.

lawmakers ha[d] approved tax cuts totaling more than $14 billion. ...

A review of tax cuts enacted during Bush's terms show the bulk of the cuts have aided businesses or investors, with cuts on estate taxes and investments accounting for nearly half of the tax cuts and cuts for businesses also well into the billions of dollars.

Sanitation workers in danger from infected needles

"Florida law bans needle-exchange programs, putting sanitation workers and the general public in danger from infected needles, a new study says." "Drug-users’ needles endanger public, study shows".

Fiscal projections

"Under the new estimates released Thursday, the Revenue Estimating Conference projected revenue would grow slightly on the whole, at a rate about $46 million faster than the earlier projection for the current fiscal year, and $19.9 million lower than the earlier projections for the upcoming fiscal year. The revisions represent changes of a fraction of 1 percent." "State revenue growth changes little in updated forecast".

Will Scott testify?

"Senator announces details of voting rights hearing, invites Scott to testify".

Slots

"The attorney general says that a state law passed in 2009 does not allow slot machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties without legislation from lawmakers specifically authorizing a referendum in a given county." "Bondi opinion could render slot referendums moot".

Bill would prohibit taking pictures of farming operations

"An omnibus agriculture bill containing a provision written to stop animal rights activists and food justice advocates from taking pictures of farming operations in Florida passed through an agriculture committee this week." "‘Ag Gag’ passes through committee".

Who needs regulation?

"A massive fish kill at a Florida Power & Light Co. nuclear power plant — including tons of protected goliath grouper initially reported as an 'unknown' amount of 'unidentified' fish — has prompted Florida wildlife officials to create a protocol for gathering information about fish kills at power plants." "Nuke plant fish kill leads to improved reporting procedures".

Blame the unions

In yet another laffer of a column, Myriam Marquez drools on about them evil unions, writing that "in an election year, the unions (particularly the powerful police union) seem to matter more than common sense governance and saving jobs." "Latest budget fight in Miami-Dade a tragic comedy of political manipulation".

Lazy teachers

"Pennsylvania school district runs out of money to pay teachers, but they keep teaching".

"No consensus on car insurance reform"

"What happens after you get into a car accident, and who pays the bills, could be changing."

State lawmakers are wrestling with ways to reform the state’s no-fault auto insurance law. The law requires drivers carry $10,000 worth of coverage and forces insurance companies to pay out regardless of who caused the accident.

The system is rife with abuse, lawmakers say — an estimated $1 billion in fraud this year.

But there is no simple fix, and several competing proposals are being floated by Republicans in Tallahassee.

One tightens procedures for licensing medical clinics and creates a task force to help stamp out abuse. Another requires car accident victims to seek initial treatment at emergency rooms and limits the type of medical services that are covered. A third measure repeals the law entirely and replaces it with a system where the person who caused the crash pays.

But barely a day into the legislative session, some lawmakers don’t want Miami-Dade to have a say-so. Wednesday, most of the members of the House community and military affairs subcommittee, doing the bidding of their deep-pocketed “patrons” — the Florida Retail Federation among them — approved HB 609 to override Miami-Dade’s ordinance.

HB 609 not only ignores Miami-Dade County’s home-rule charter, it would eliminate a program that has secured almost $1 million in wages for nearly 1,000 aggrieved workers since November 2010. The committee approved this terrible bill by a strict party-line vote. Republican Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, subcommittee vice chair — and vice chair of the Miami-Dade delegation — gave the bill a thumb’s-up. Democrats Daphne Campbell and John Patrick Julien voted against. They seem to understand the facts on the ground. Should this bill — there is a Senate companion — become law, it would have a devastating effect beyond hurting an unpaid worker’s ability to keep the lights on and put food on the table.

And, since when is this a partisan issue? Rather it’s an issue of fairness, of good business, of boosting Miami-Dade’s economy and of a higher quality of life — things all lawmakers say they value when they’re stumping for reelection. ...

The Florida Retail Federation says that, though wage theft indeed should be rooted out, it wants a statewide law, not a patchwork of local laws. It’s a responsible stand; however, there is no crazy quilt of county ordinances. Miami-Dade’s is the only one in Florida, though Palm Beach County is considering following suit.

The thing is, at Wednesday’s committee meeting, lawmakers who voted to gut Miami-Dade’s ordinance swore up and down that they could most definitely support a uniform state law. Then they hypocritically voted down a Republican colleague’s motion to allow lawmakers to add statewide language to the bill.

More power for Scott?

"House lawmakers are advancing a response to the Florida Supreme Court ruling last summer that Gov. Rick Scott overstepped his bounds by creating a new rules office and freezing agency rulemaking on his first day in office." "House bill gives governor new power over agency rules".

Raw political courage

"Florida, a key cog in an expanding global human-trafficking network, is looking to crack down on the $32 billion industry, starting with a vote on anti-racketeering legislation Thursday." "Florida Aims Anti-Racketeering Bill at Human Traffickers, Sex Trade".

Romney, Paul working hard for Florida's absentee voters

"Voting is already well under way even though Florida doesn't hold its GOP nominating contest until Jan. 31. And both Mitt Romney, coming off of back-to-back victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, and Ron Paul are aggressively reaching out to voters who have requested ballots. None of their competitors has been nearly as active even though the victor in Florida would get a huge boost of momentum and all of the state's 50 delegates to the national nominating convention." "Romney and Paul get jump on Florida absentee voters". But see "Despite Iowa, N.H., successes, Ron Paul may not campaign heavily in Florida".

No comment

"Local governments throughout the Sunshine State, with its open records law, moved closer to being required to hear from their residents before voting on any topic." "Senate Committee Supports Requiring Public Comment at County, District Meetings".

Why do people need guns at child care facilities?

"State Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, and Rep. Lori Berman, D-Delray Beach, announced a new bill in a press conference at the capitol today that would outlaw concealed weapons in child care facilities and government buildings." "Legislators announce gun ban for child care facilities and government buildings".

Browning quits

"Secretary of State Kurt Browning steps down as Florida's chief elections official and cultural affairs officer, making him the second agency head to resign during Gov. Rick Scott's young administration." "Browning quits as secretary of state". See also "Secretary of State Kurt Browning to step down".

"Capitol Buzz"

"Scott’s cost-saving measures in his budget proposal includes shutting six prisons because of a drop in the inmate population. That’s one of the five essentials to watch for Thursday."

• The big question is, which prisons? ...

• Also Thursday, state economists will revisit the state’s revenue picture and update it for lawmakers in a process known as a revenue estimating conference. If the latest projection is not rosy, that’s bad news for health care and education programs.

• Several of Scott’s agency heads face confirmation hearings in the Senate, including corrections chief Ken Tucker and elder affairs secretary Charles Corley.

Redistricting

"A Senate committee approved two maps as Democrats divided over an 11th hour submission aimed at creating more competitive districts." "Senate committee finalizes redistricting maps as Democrats split". See also "Democrats prepare for partisan redistricting debate", "Senate redistricting committee okays new maps" and "Committee redrafts congressional and Florida Senate district lines".

Lobbyists fork over nearly $20M "for lawmakers to go their way"

"Lobbying interests forked over nearly $20 million worth of reasons for lawmakers to go their way leading up to the 2012 legislative session." "Casino gambling debate money boosts state fundraising totals".

"Casino bill stalled"

"Destination gaming could face a quick end in the House after the first committee workshop on the controversial proposal to set up a statewide gaming commission and allow three casino resorts. Members of the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee gave no direction on how to proceed with the bill after nearly two hours of comments and presentations from gaming interests and opponents on Wednesday." "House Subcommittee Not Showing its Cards on Casino Bill". See also "Casino bill still stalled in Florida House".

Scott "robbing Peter to pay Paul"

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "Scott's "state of the state" address reiterated 2-for-1 deal in his proposed budget: Make $2 billion in Medicaid cuts in order to pump $1 billion in 'new' money into public education."

This "robbing Peter to pay Paul" scenario is indicative of the budget problems in Florida: The state is still reeling from precipitous, recession-related declines in revenues; costs for Medicaid, which provides limited health care for low-income Floridians and pays most nursing home bills, have increased dramatically; federal stimulus funding is ending; voters and their elected officials have been loath to raise taxes or even consider tax reform.

Education funding would still be low

The governor said education funding has been a recurring theme in his meetings with Floridians. It's no wonder: Per-student funding has diminished since 2007-08 and fell precipitously during this academic year.

Even if the Legislature endorses Scott's proposal, total funding in 2012-13 would be, according to the governor's online budget documents, nearly $1 billion less than in 2010-11 — with per-student funding at $6,372, compared with $6,897 two years ago.

School prayer bill denounced

"A bill that would allow prayer in schools during school events is set to make a stop at a state Senate Judiciary committee meeting today. The American Civil Liberties of Florida sent out a release yesterday, warning that the bill would 'skirt the Constitutional protections of religious liberty.'" "ACLU of Florida denounces school prayer bill ahead of committee stop".

SunRail

"SunRail needs help to soar, U.S. Rep. John Mica says".

Just starve 'em

"Bill adding barrier to welfare, food assistance for people with drug-related felonies moves along".

"The citizens of Florida elected him governor, not God"

Joe Henderson: "It took him long enough, but Rick Scott appears to finally understand the citizens of Florida elected him governor, not God." "Scott figures out he's in a messy business".

"Adding insult to the injury"

"Second-class hotel rooms. A poor view on the Republican National Convention floor in Tampa. A loss of VIP passes."

Florida Republicans had to swallow these penalties Wednesday when the Republican National Committee's rules panel approved the punishments because the state bucked the party by holding an early primary on Jan. 31.

Florida already lost half of its 100 delegates — the people who technically cast votes for the party nominee at the convention.

Adding insult to the injury: The convention will be held in Tampa this August, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Meanwhile, Florida still irrelevant

"With his money, organization and the accidental help of his own opponents, Mitt Romney is getting close to walking away with the nomination even before the Jan. 31 Florida primary." "Romney close to securing nomination even before Florida primary". See also "Romney heads south with money, momentum".

Addressing a packed House chamber and live TV audience in a halting delivery, Scott struck a cooperative tone and mostly played it safe with his priorities. The Republican governor demanded that lawmakers spend $1 billion more for schools after a $1.3 billion school budget cut last year, an about-face Democrats later mocked as shallow and poll-driven. ...

The call for additional education funding was one of the few policy specifics in Scott's 33-minute talk. A key Republican, Senate Budget Committee Chairman JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said legislators will find the money.

"I think it's an important priority and one that I believe the Senate supports," Alexander said.

House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, raised a different issue on Opening Day. Cannon, a former University of Florida student body president, wants to "start a dialogue" about reducing parochialism and political game-playing that he says undermines the quality of the state university system.

No mention of his Medicaid reform plan, for instance, though the governor’s budget proposal would require cutting almost $2 billion from the state’s $21 billion Medicaid program that serves three million poor Floridians, mostly children and the elderly. It’s an overhaul that will hit the already struggling Jackson Health System particularly hard.

No mention of Everglades clean-up programs, which were stripped last year when the Legislature gutted funding from water-management districts throughout the state and eviscerated the state’s growth-management law.

No mention of the biggest game changer facing Florida: an expansion into destination-resort gambling that could result in three full-fledged casinos in the state — and, based on the Senate bill that passed its first committee, would open the door for every parimutuel already operating to have casino games like blackjack without ever investing a penny into those locales or putting the screws on suspect video machines, AKA maquinitas. Does the governor agree? ...

The governor’s solution to Florida’s ills seems to be a pledge for cutting more taxes and “slashing red tape.”

But wait. Florida already is a low-tax state for business, and the “red tape” he mentioned has long been gone from key oversight agencies — with life-threatening consequences. The Herald’s “Neglected to Death” series exposed the flaws of weak regulations and poor oversight by the state’s agency in charge of licensing assisted living facilities for the frail elderly or mentally or physically disabled.

Should Floridians look forward to more such red-tape slashing? We hope not, governor.

Obama, Romney neck-and-neck in Florida

"Florida voters disapprove of President Barack Obama's job performance, say he doesn't deserve to be reelected and narrowly prefer[*] Republican Mitt Romney in a theoretical matchup, according to a new poll."

Romney would get 46 percent of the Florida vote to Obama's 43 percent if the election were held today, Quinnipiac University's latest poll of Florida finds. The poll also shows that incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson is essentially tied with U.S. Rep. Connie Mack in a theoretical matchup, with Nelson earning 41 percent of the vote and Mack 40 percent.

This isn't the only bad news for Democrats in the poll. It also continues to show that Republicans are far more excited than Democrats about voting this year. More than half of Republicans describe themselves as enthusiastic about casting ballots. Only 29 percent of Democrats feel that way.

Obama's problems are particularly striking. The economy is showing more signs of improvement. And Republicans are starting to savage each other in the GOP primary.

But voters seem unimpressed. Even the Republican polling in third place this primary season, Rick Santorum, is in a statistical tie with Obama, the poll shows. Chances are, Obama would face Romney, who's the GOP frontrunner.

Obama's greatest strengths: black voters — who favor him 92-4 over Romney — and young voters, who side with Obama over Romney by a 51-39 percent spread. Independent voters, who tend to call elections in Florida, also favor Obama over Romney, 47-39.

But Hispanic voters are almost evenly split between the two. White voters, who outnumber black voters in Florida, favor Romney by 21 percentage points. And older than 49 are in Romney's camp right now by relatively significant margins.

Session opens amid budget concerns, redistricting

"Florida lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott christened an election-year legislative session Tuesday with the potentially conflicting goals of cutting spending, boosting aid to classrooms, and crafting new political lines that could decide who returns to the Capitol next year." "Florida Legislature opens session amid budget concerns". More: "Florida legislative session will kick off with redistricting, budget battles".

Haridopolos suggests that Senate "wait" on the budget

"The leaders of the two state legislative chambers continued to offer different views on how to handle the budget process they will oversee in the next 60 days. House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, in his opening remarks expressed confidence that the budget would be completed within the scheduled timeframe. ... Meanwhile, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, a few moments later, addressing his chamber, asked his members if they would be willing to focus first on the required once-a-decade redistricting and 'wait' on the budget." "Senate President Suggests Waiting Until After Session to Complete Budget". See also "Governor, legislative leaders lay out budget priorities at start of session".

Last look at redistricting

"Senate panel takes last look at Florida redistricting".

Latino evangelical voter drive

"While pushing for immigration reform, a national Latino evangelical group launched a voter registration drive in Florida on Tuesday as part of a campaign to influence this year’s elections." "Latino evangelicals launch voter drive in Florida". See also "Young Hispanics urged at get-out-the-vote rally to get engaged about issues".

"Progressives rally at capitol"

"Progressives rally at the capitol on first day of session (Updated)". Related: "Protestors left and right as session opens in Tallahassee", "100 at West Palm rally blast Florida's GOP-controlled legislature as session opens" and "Occupy Group Barred from State Senate Gallery".

Browning to quit

Steve Bousquet writes that Secretary of State Kurt "Browning's resignation as the state's top elections official is anticipated this week, and [a] meeting [this morning] is a signal that it's imminent." "Capitol Buzz: 5 things to watch today in Tallahassee".

Solar rebate program

"Bills would provide $26 million toward solar rebate program that ended in 2010".

"Tea Parties Split Over E-Verify"

"Dozens of tea parties, including the state's largest, say they will support an E-Verify immigration bill at the 2012 Legislature. But with some libertarian-leaning conservatives balking at the issue, the path to passage looks more precarious than ever." "Tea Parties Split Over E-Verify, Diluting Prospects for Passage".

Q Poll: Floridians like casinos, oppose medicare cuts and give Scott a negative 38 - 50 percent rating

"By a slim 48 - 43 percent margin, Florida voters support the creation of Las Vegas style gambling casinos, but by a larger 61 - 33 percent margin, they believe casinos would be good for the state's economy, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today."

Florida voters oppose by an overwhelming 67 - 24 percent the idea of cutting Medicaid spending in order to free up state funding for education, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh- pe-ack) University poll finds.

Gov. Rick Scott has a negative 38 - 50 percent job approval rating, compared to his previous high score, a negative 37 - 50 percent score last September 11, still one of the lowest job approval ratings of any governor in the seven states in which Quinnipiac University conducts surveys.

By 34 - 16 percent, voters say Florida's economy is worse rather than better since Scott took office, with 45 percent saying it is about the same. Those who say it has improved credit Scott 81 - 13 percent rather than President Barack Obama for the improvement. Those who say it has declined, however, blame the governor rather than the president 65 - 19 percent.

"Rules for shackling pregnant women"

"A bill that would create uniform and humane rules for the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women passed the state Senate unanimously today." "Anti-shackling bill passes unanimously in state Senate".

Claims bills move

"Senate passes Dillon and Brody claims bill". See also "Senate passes two claims bills on first day of session".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"The head of a local Muslim organization, Hassan Shibly, found himself fielding questions about two radically different events Tuesday."

On Monday, with the aid of Shibly and local Muslims, the FBI arrested a local man suspected of terrorism.

Later that day, Shibly and the Hillsborough County school district came under fire from David Caton and his American Family Association for a high school program on Islam.

Graham says "no" to run against Scott

"Bob Graham Shuts the Door on Rumored 2014 Run for Governor".

Proposed overhaul to state's no-fault insurance laws

"Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, has proposed a "comprehensive" overhaul to the state's no-fault insurance laws." "Insurance overhaul in bill".

Chamber, AIF ad duel over casinos

"Another sign that the high-intensity fight over expanding casino gambling in Florida: practically back-to-back television ads during the BCS Championship. The Florida Chamber of Commerce's 'Bad Bet for Florida' features a classroom of kids and is running in Tallahassee and another market. Meanwhile, Associated Industries of Florida's ad features American actor, writer, lawyer and commentator Ben Stein promoting the gambling venues as a jobs creator." "TV ads for, against gambling". See also "VIDEO: Supporters, opponents of Florida casino bill face off in the media".

Family Research Council jumps on "fetal personhood" amendment

"Personhood Florida received a major endorsement this week from the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins. The announcement is significant for the Florida affiliate of Personhood USA, which wants to place a 'fetal personhood' amendment on the Sunshine State’s 2014 ballot." "Family Research Council gets behind Personhood Florida".

"Primary date could move again"

"The Florida Legislature is considering a bill that would move back the date of the statewide primary election a week, from Aug. 14 to Aug. 21. The legislation (SB 7042) is scheduled to be considered at Wednesday's meeting of the Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections chaired by Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, a Miami Republican." "Primary date could move again".

Cain to endorse Miller?

"Herman Cain will appear Thursday with Florida Republican U.S. Senate candidate Craig Miller for a 'major announcement.' Sure sounds like an endorsement, and we hear Cain will drop in for a fundraiser with Miller after the event in Winter Park." "Herman Cain to appear with Senate candidate Craig Miller".

Will dogs kill casinos?

"The push to bring mega-casinos to South Florida faces a host of unknowns: would local voters approve the proposal in a public referendum? Will state lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott even allow the issue to get that far? But another, quite-crucial question also needs to be asked: Will horse and dog tracks just kill the entire thing?" "Will horse and dog tracks kill push for mega-casinos in Florida?".

With the exception of a proposed casino expansion and an attempt to cut down on fraud in the state's auto insurance laws, legislators plan to steer clear of as much controversy this year as possible as every incumbent prepares to run in newly drawn legislative districts.

The agenda, however, belies the worst economic crisis facing Floridians in decades. Democrats say legislators want to avoid tackling the toughest issues in an election year. But Republican leaders say they accomplished so many reforms last year — from reforming Medicaid to limiting teacher tenure, cutting state employee benefits, privatizing prisons and balancing the budget that legislators are weary.

Scott's second State of the State

"Scott plans to present a theme of cooperation during his second State of the State address Tuesday, but will say there's one issue that's non-negotiable: raising education spending by $1 billion." "Gov. Rick Scott to stress cooperation in State of State".

Contracting out

"Among other changes, the bill would shift the power to supervise state purchasing from the Department of Management Services to the Department of Financial Services and require the CFO sign off on major contracts before they take effect. The department would be tasked with creating uniform rules that govern contracting by state agencies." "Bill would put CFO in charge of policing state contracts".

Polluters have rights too

"State officials, industry and utility groups press case in federal court against water rules".

"Rush for campaign cash"

"Florida lawmakers rushed to pull in campaign checks from lobbyists before a deadline today turned off the spigot." "Florida lawmakers make last-minute rush for campaign cash".

PIP collision

"Senate and House PIP proposals could be on a collision course".

"Measuring Florida's economic progress is tricky"

"It's fitting to take a look at how Florida's economy is doing on the same day that Florida Gov. Rick Scott offers his State of the State address in Tallahassee."

Truth is, much of the improvement in Florida occurred without Tallahassee's help. Just as the national jobless rate has now dropped to 8.5 percent, nearly a three-year low, Florida is enjoying some of the same uptick in job growth coming out of the Great Recession.

Measuring Florida's economic progress is tricky.

A glut of studies in the past year pegged the Sunshine State as near the top of the country for its business climate.

Just as many reports plopped Florida right in the so-so middle of the pack of business performance.

In 2011, for example, a national poll of CEOs by Chief Executive magazine lionized Florida as the nation's third-best state for business behind North Carolina and No. 1 Texas.

Another annual ranking by Site Selection magazine used different measures but named Florida the country's 10th best state for business climate. Again, Texas came in No. 1, followed by Georgia and North Carolina.

But another 2011 analysis called "Enterprising States" from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and co-authored by regional economics expert Joel Kotkin ranked only the top 10 states for low business taxes and regulations.

Surely Florida, fixated as it is on these two exact priorities, would excel?

Sadly, Florida did not make the top 10.

No. 1 was Tennessee followed by South Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, Indiana, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, North Dakota and Utah.

As the top 10 list shows, the winners were not found on the East Coast or West Coast, and only Texas was among the nation's most populous places.

In the same U.S. chamber study, Florida also did not rank high for growth, entrepreneurship and innovation, infrastructure or exports.

"Tea party groups face an uphill fight"

"Tea party groups face an uphill fight against an eclectic combination of business and religious groups. Last year, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida were joined by a phalanx of pastors preaching 'social justice' in assailing E-Verify." "Tea Parties Split Over E-Verify, Diluting Prospects for Passage".

"That should cull the herd"

Fred Grimm: "Children, in addition to a propensity to whoop in restaurants, pee in swimming pools and clog up the lines at Expedition Everest, have become Florida’s great budget busters. No other segment of the state population, with a possible exception of Tallahassee’s cadre of lobbyists, suck so much out of our faltering state economy."

Scott wants to hack a couple of billion out of the Medicaid budget. That should cull the herd. But the governor also wants to take a billion of that savings and tack it onto the education budget, bringing Florida’s per pupil outlay to $6,372 a student. That would still be one of the lower per capita spending rates in the nation, but for true fiscal conservatives, that’s just waste, considering the employment opportunities awaiting youngsters in the Florida workforce. How much schooling does a kid need to deal blackjack?

Besides, an outright ban means the governor could fulfill the ultimate Republican fantasy and fire the state’s public school teachers en masse.

Chamber has its hands out for federal cash

"Since 2005, the partnership between Workforce Central Florida, the region's taxpayer-funded, nonprofit jobs agency, and the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce has proved to be quite lucrative — for the chamber."

Workforce has given chamber-related groups more than $300,000 over that time, possibly in violation of federal rules and, in one instance, skirting a state directive.

The money went to a series of chamber projects designed to promote the Central Florida business community. On several initiatives, Workforce was a major contributor, providing more than a quarter of all sponsorship money.

Workforce justified the payments as "public outreach," but it's not clear the payments met federal requirements. Those regulations forbid spending federal grant money on certain "public relations" costs, including some "meetings, conventions, convocations, or other events." ...

In fact, the group's original slogan — "Let's get to work" — was the same one Scott used on the campaign trail.

RNC considering additional penalties against Florida

"Tampa is hosting the Republican National Convention, but Florida delegates will get inconvenient hotel spots, poor seating and lose guest passes, according to proposed sanctions the national GOP will vote on this week."

Florida's delegate count will be slashed from 99 to 50. RNC officials have indicated the state will remain winner-take-all, rather than a proportional allocation that would make the state a smaller prize for the winner.

Someone could still contest the delegate allocation ....

Never mind

"State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has halted his effort to ask voters if they want to select the education commissioner and make the post once again part of the Florida Cabinet. Instead, Negron said he wants to pursue a different constitutional amendment, this one to abolish the once-a-generation constitutional revision and the taxation and budget reform commissions." "Negron Closes the Book on Asking Voters to Elect Education Commissioner".

Fla-baggery in action

"Conservative Group Posts State and Local Government Spending Watchdog Website". See also "Right-wing think tank releases salaries of public employees via new website".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Alleging that campus visits by a Muslim activist are 'tantamount to advocating overturning the Constitution in favor of Sharia Law,' a conservative coalition on Monday demanded that the Hillsborough County School District "sever all connections" to the Council on American-Islamic Relations." "Coalition Demands Hillsborough Schools Cut Off 'Hamas Entity'".

Opting out

"Teachers, parents meet in Miami to discuss opting out of standardized testing".

Committee votes to bring casinos to Florida

"With a standing-room-only crowd of lobbyists watching, a Senate committee voted Monday to bring destination resort casinos to Florida, but only after allowing competing parimutuels to operate as full casinos with no additional investment or voter approval." "Senate panel amends casino gambling bill to give parimutuels piece of the action". See also "Gambling bill gets initial OK, but faces uphill legislative battle" and "Odds Grow Against Casino Bill Even as Bill Succeeds in Committee".

Related: "Q-Poll: Voters barely support gambling expansion".

Fla-GOPers like their absentee ballots

"Florida's Republican presidential primary is still three weeks away, but Sunshine State voters have already requested 413,000 absentee ballots -- a total that should exceed the number of votes cast in last week's Iowa caucuses and Tuesday's New Hampshire primary combined." "With eyes on New Hampshire, Florida GOP voters not sure who they like best".

Central Florida child homelessness increases by 79%

"Central Florida child homelessness has increased 79 percent since 2009".

"A highly unpredictable business"

"The redrawing of Florida's political boundaries is a highly unpredictable business." "Redistricting lines don't always work out as hoped". See also "House GOP advances three congressional options".

Gasparilla invaders of a different kind

"This year, Florida's Republican presidential primary comes three days after Gasparilla, creating the chance that Tampa's annual booze-soaked pirate festival will see invaders of a different kind. Candidates." "Gasparilla ripe for invasion of GOP presidential candidates before Florida primary".

"$2 billion projected budget shortfall"

"When the Florida Legislature convenes for its annual 60-day session on Tuesday, a $2 billion projected budget shortfall and the redrawing of political districts will dominate." "State lawmakers open session facing $2 billion budget shortfall".

"Scott once again making travel plans"

"Scott is once again making travel plans. This time the destination is Spain, Florida’s 34th largest trading partner. The excursion would mix business development with possible tourist development tied to the pending quincentennial of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon y Figueroa’s first expedition to Florida. A spokeswoman for the governor’s office called the plans preliminary and deferred comment to Enterprise Florida." "Scott Sets Sights on Travel to Spain as Florida Approaches its Quincentennial".

Perhaps we'll see another embarrassment like this from our latest anti-intellectual Republican Governor:

The U.S. president's brother Jeb Bush has sparked criticism after mistakenly referring to Spain as a republic in a speech to Spanish business leaders during a trip to Madrid to discuss business opportunities.

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

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

"It's an offence to Spain and its democratic monarchy," Fusi told Reuters. "It further ridicules the Bushes in general."

Spain has not been a republic since the late 1930s, when General Francisco Franco crushed Republican troops in the Civil War.

Franco's nationalist dictatorship lasted until his death in 1975, when Spain became a constitutional monarchy. King Juan Carlos I is now the head of state.

His older brother President Bush once referred to Aznar as "Anzar" ahead of his first visit to Spain as U.S. president in 2001.

President Bush, accused by opponents of having a shaky grasp on geography, has also famously referred to Greeks as Grecians.

Thank you, Mr. Obama ... but will Fla-Baggers "derail it with shortsighted gimmicks"?

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "There are encouraging signs, however small, that Florida is on the rebound from the Great Recession. Statistics trickling in last week from 2011 find bankruptcy filings down and fewer state banks failing. For the first time in six years, more moving vans headed into Florida than out."

This news comes after several months of slowly descending unemployment rates that still remain at 10 percent. Now the challenge for Florida leaders is to build on that momentum, not derail it with poor policy decisions or shortsighted gimmicks.

Florida, of course, isn't alone in this recovery. Bankruptcy filings are down across the country, for example, and the nation's unemployment rate dropped to 8.5 percent in December, the lowest in nearly three years. Florida, a state so dependent on development and growth, will take longer to pull out of this crisis than most.

"Florida's Top 10 fact-checks of 2011"

"PolitiFact Florida's Top 10 fact-checks of 2011".

"FlaDems see hope in 201"

Jeremy Wallace: "The more the economy shows signs of recovery the more Rod Smith’s optimism for 2012 grows."

If so, Smith said not only will Florida be a win for Obama in 2012, but Democrats will pick up seats in Congress from Florida.

Smith said one of the keys for Democrats will be to compare the direction of the economy now, with where it was heading when Obama took office. He said if Democrats can communicate that, 2012 will be a good for the party.

"Romney wins here in a cakewalk if ..."

Carl Hiaasen: "Florida is being overrun by pundits and pollsters in advance of the upcoming Republican presidential primary."

That’s because (a) everyone is sick of Des Moines and Manchester in the winter, and (b) the Florida primary is actually important, unlike the Iowa caucuses or the balloting in puny New Hampshire, which barely has half the population of Miami-Dade County.

The national media’s mission in the weeks ahead is to inject the Florida primary contest with high drama and suspense. In reality, the race is easy to call.

Mitt Romney wins here in a cakewalk if ...

Red-Florida

"Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich is making tentative plans to be in Sarasota County on Jan. 24 — one week before Florida’s presidential primary. Sarasota Republican Party chairman Joe Gruters said he expects as many as five of the remaining contenders to make it to Sarasota during the week before Florida votes in its pivotal primary." "Gingrich in Sarasota".

Medicaid Deform

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy: "Access to Care Plummeted In Medicaid Reform Experiment".

Romney has double-digit lead over Gingrich in Florida

"Mitt Romney has opened up a double-digit lead over Newt Gingrich in Florida’s GOP presidential race with Iowa phenom Rick Santorum rising from obscurity to third place, a new Quinnipiac University poll says." "Romney holds 36-24 lead over Gingrich in new Florida poll; Santorum surges to 16 %".

Florida panther deaths

"3 Florida panther deaths recorded so far in 2012".

Scott "works daily with the dealmakers he once condemned"

"Scott is no longer the anti-establishment Republican; instead, he embodies the Florida GOP establishment. He has shifted his top staff from outsiders to insiders, and works daily with the dealmakers he once condemned."

He has come to alignment with the party on most issues — he moderated some of his most drastic stances, and the tea party-influenced GOP has grown more conservative.

As spokesman for the state party, Scott gets warm receptions at high-profile GOP events — the national party quarterly conference in Tampa in August, and the Presidency 5 state convention in September. ...

"When you become governor of Florida … you have to be part of the establishment. You're the definition of an insider," said Brian Ballard, a Tallahassee insider who was a key Scott opponent during the campaign but is now a political ally and adviser.

One of the state's most prominent lobbyists, Ballard raises money for Scott's Let's Get to Work political action committee. ...

Scott reshuffled his top staff, replacing chief of staff Mike Prendergast of Tampa, a retired Army officer with little political or government experience, with Tallahassee insider Stephen MacNamara, the kind of person Scott had campaigned against.

MacNamara is a former high-profile legislative staff member, secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and veteran GOP political operative.

Also gone was GOP political operative Mary Ann Campbell, who had helped run Scott's personally funded advertising campaign against President Barack Obama's health care reform proposal before Scott ran for governor.

"Huge temptation for state lawmakers everywhere"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Gambling opponents in Florida were already facing a tough fight this legislative session against the well-financed push for casino resorts in South Florida. Then, from an unexpected direction, things got worse. In a quiet ruling released the Friday before the Christmas weekend, the U.S. Justice Department cracked open the door for Internet gambling, and a small crack may be all the powerful industry needs to muscle its way into homes far and wide."

Written long before the Internet, the 1961 law failed to anticipate today's wired and wireless world. It made it a crime to use wire communication to assist betting on "any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wages."

Until Dec. 23, that was interpreted to cover all interstate betting on the Internet. Now the federal interpretation is that a state may put lottery operations online within that state, because the old law was just about sporting events.

Gambling interests are celebrating because they correctly anticipate that states will be happy to exploit the Internet. Next would come networks of states, then the whole country.

Florida leaders have been talking about trying to squeeze more money out of the lottery for education. If they make the mistake of taking the lottery onto the Internet, stopping other games from following will be hard, if not impossible.

The tax revenue involved, with no need for a visible tax increase, will be a huge temptation for state lawmakers everywhere.

Political courtship for the votes of Florida's senior citizens

"A political courtship is about to unfold for the hearts, minds and votes of Florida's senior citizens. Democrats as well as Republicans are targeting older voters in Florida and other key states this year, knowing they turn out in big numbers and could sway the presidential election as well as majority control of Congress." "Florida's seniors could sway results of 2012 elections".

Expect "cuts in health and human services programs"

"By now, it's a familiar scene: As Florida lawmakers deal with a budget shortfall, hospitals, nursing homes and other health providers scramble to fend off -- or brace for -- funding cuts."

Already, Gov. Rick Scott has proposed deep cuts in Medicaid payments to hospitals, as he tries to free up money to boost spending on public schools. And while it's too early to know whether lawmakers will go along with Scott's proposal, they are almost certain to make cuts in health and human services programs.

Hospitals, nursing homes and numerous other programs say they have been hammered by cuts during the past few years. The debate during the session, which starts Tuesday, will focus on where further cuts will be made -- and by how much.

Scott has "moved the goalpost by 1 million jobs"

"A year in, Scott has kept a third of the campaign promises we track on the Scott-O-Meter. He sold the state planes. He hasn't taken the $130,000 governor's salary. He eliminated what critics call "tenure" for new K-12 teachers."

He also reached a compromise with the Republican Legislature on a plan to cut the state workforce by 5 percent (it shrunk about 3.5 percent last year) and a promise to reform Citizens Property Insurance and allow the state-run insurer to charge market-based premiums (the Legislature wasn't ready to go that far).

Of 57 promises, he's kept 19. Just a third of his promises are now rated Broken or Stalled.

But all of that is just context for the promise Scott called his "whole campaign" — his vow to create 700,000 jobs over seven years. ...

But instead of more than 20,000 new jobs each month, he's now promising just over 8,300.

He's moved the goalpost by 1 million jobs.

Already, more impoverished Floridians 65 and over, are receiving food stamps and Medicaid than ever before, according to the state's December statistics.

That may worsen with Florida having the lowest rate in the nation of workers, from 21 to 64, qualifying for a pension or saving for retirement at their jobs, according to the nonprofit Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Just 43.7 percent of the Sunshine State's full-time, full-year workers participated in an employer-based retirement plan, the institute reported last month.

Most Floridians aren't in large corporate or government jobs that offer pensions, and many others can't afford to save from their low wages for their retirement, said Craig Copeland, author of "Retirement Plan Participation Lowest in the South, West." ...

In contrast, West Virginia has the nation's highest rate of workers being part of retirement plans — nearly two thirds — thanks to the state having a large number of middle-class federal employees and trade union workers, Copeland added.

This Legislature "could impress even skeptics"

Randy Schultz: "The 160 legislators who convene Tuesday in Tallahassee for the annual session campaigned on pledging to do the people's business. The skeptic would say that, once they get there, many worry more about doing the special interests' business. It's shocking, I know. Still, there is one issue on which, in an election year, they could impress even skeptics." "Can the Legislature dispense some common sense?".

2012 session issues

"While the budget, redistricting and gambling look certain to dominate the 2012 session, a few other issues will compete for lawmakers' attention. They include:"

- Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

- Job Creation

- 'Caylee's Law'

- Unemployment Taxes

- Claims bills

- Online taxes

36 pennies more ... oh, the outrage!

One Tamela Perdue, the "general counsel" of Associated Industries of Florida, whines that

Florida businesses brace for yet another increase in labor costs, which further erodes their ability to maintain existing jobs and create new jobs for the nearly 1 million Floridians who are out of work. Thanks to a 2004 constitutional amendment, Florida's minimum hourly wage increases each Jan. 1 to an amount commensurate with cost- of-living increases as calculated by the Consumer Price Index.

This year, that increase translates to 36 cents an hour. While that might not seem like very much when viewed from an individual perspective, the aggregate cost to Florida employers adds up to tens of millions of additional dollars this year alone.

Romney may be well positioned to win Florida's 50 delegates

Adam C. Smith: "If Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman are still campaigning after South Carolina, Romney will be well positioned to win Florida's 50 delegates and probably will be unstoppable on his march to the nomination. It could be a whole new race, however, if the field thins and somebody can consolidate the anti-Romney vote." "Romney mobilizes to squash his rivals".

Another dead firefighter won't enjoy that "lavish" pension

"A veteran South Florida firefighter has died after falling nearly 100 feet from the top of a ladder truck during a training exercise." "Fla. firefighter falls from ladder, dies".

Gingrich dead enders

"Gingrich has added a couple of big GOP names to his Florida campaign: former Attorney General and unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum and former Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty are the new co-chairmen of the state effort." "GOP heft for Gingrich".

Measures passed by the Fla-GOP last year still in court

"Several high-profile measures passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature last year are still being challenged in the courts as lawmakers get set to begin their 2012 session Tuesday."

The targets include 2011 legislation on elections, public employee pensions, prison privatization, welfare drug testing, guns and teacher pay and tenure — about a dozen bills in all.

Most are far from being resolved and some likely will end up in the Florida Supreme Court. ...

The measure drawing the most legal attention with five cases is the new election law.

Four of its provisions are being reviewed by a three-judge U.S. District Court panel in Washington, D.C.

Those sections cut the number of early voting days, put new restrictions on organizations that conduct voter registration drives, require voters who change out-of-county addresses at the polls on Election Day to cast provisional ballots and reduce the shelf life of citizen initiative petition signatures from four to two years.

Opponents, including the ACLU, League of Women Voters and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, argue the law is designed to suppress voting by minorities, the elderly and young people who tend to vote Democratic.

Republicans who backed the law say it will prevent election fraud that the critics say has been virtually nonexistent.

The court will determine whether those provisions comply with the federal Voting Rights Act. The Justice Department has cleared the rest of the law, but Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning chose to have the court, instead, rule on the most controversial provisions. Browning, a Scott appointee, said he wanted the decision to be free of "outside influence."

The court, though, is getting plenty of outside help. More than two dozen individuals and groups have intervened against the provisions. A ruling is not expected until April at the earliest.

The League of Women Voters, with an assist from the ACLU, has filed a separate federal lawsuit in Tallahassee against the voter registration provision. It says filing requirements, fines and a two-day deadline for turning in registration applications are so onerous it has suspended registration efforts in Florida. The case is set for hearing Jan. 26.

A federal judge in Miami dismissed another challenge by the ACLU but left the door open for filing it again later. ...

The outcome of the pension plan lawsuit could blow a hole in the current state budget and widen a $2 billion gap lawmakers are anticipating in spending plan for the next budget year that begins July 1.

The new law requires state and county employees, including public school teachers as well as some city workers, to contribute 3 percent of their pay to the Florida Retirement System. ...

Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford has not yet ruled, but her decision is expected to be appealed regardless.

This is apparently what passes for a "Distinguished Speaker" in Naples these days

"Although some may know him best for his dire political predictions, conservative radio talk show host Glenn Beck told a Naples audience Saturday night that the time is ripe for citizens to reclaim a sense of empowerment."

The initial speaker in this season's Naples Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series, Beck addressed a crowd of approximately 1,100 under a massive tent on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort at Tiburon in North Naples.

Rothstein's buddies brace themselves

"A lot of people who benefitted from their association with Scott Rothstein could soon face criminal charges." "Rothstein’s ex-buddies brace for criminal charges". See also "How Scott Rothstein became the toast of Fort Lauderdale".

The best the Rickster can do?

"Gov. Scott solicits business suggestions via Facebook".

"Citizens, not carpetbaggers"

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "Out-of-state businesses have benefitted for years by Florida's unfair tax policy. It's time for legislators to stand up for Florida's businesses and its citizens, not carpetbaggers." "Stand up for tax fairness".

"Not your father's (or mother's) manufacturing jobs"

"From producing diabetic testing supplies to making robotic surgical systems, South Florida manufacturers are generating jobs. But they're not your father's (or mother's) manufacturing jobs: many require highly technical training." "Skilled manufacturing jobs emerge in South Florida".

Worshiping wealthy guys

"Florida was shaped by one man’s passion for tourism".

Worst-run cities

"Miami, Hialeah listed in dubious rankings of worst-run cities".

Bogdanoff "ready to open the floodgates with her bill"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "A bad plan for casinos in Florida is getting worse. Now Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff wants to ensure every dog and horse track or jai alai fronton in the state has the ability to add slot machines, even after voters expressly chose in 2004 to limit slots to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, will have to shed any pretense she's trying to contain gambling in Florida. She's ready to open the floodgates with her bill, and the Senate Regulated Industries Committee should just say no when it hears her revised plan Monday." "Bad casinos plan only getting worse".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "New casino bill worse deal".

SoFla legislators

"Miami-Dade lawmakers will be at the center of much of the action in this year’s legislative session, particularly when it comes to gambling." "Miami-Dade lawmakers eye gambling, state funds in session". Related: "Broward lawmakers to tackle redistricting, gambling".