School Board Flip Flops on Testing

"Lee School Board reverses decision to opt out of state testing."

The Tampa Trib editors argue that "the board acted more rationally this week when voting to reverse course and overturn the testing ban." "Lee County schools vote shines light on testing burden."




"Plenty of bad news for Crist"

"This week’s Tampa Bay Times poll contained plenty of bad news for Charlie Crist, outside of trailing Rick Scott, revealing why the Democrat simply isn’t living up to expectations as the general election season gets into full swing."

Crist started his campaign with Florida voters seeing him as charming, charismatic and as somebody who cares about everyday people. Scott and his allies have been pelting Crist for months in attack ads running across Florida. But these attacks wouldn’t have had much impact if they were baseless. Crist has only himself to blame for his evaporating big lead over Scott in the polls.

"Rick Scott Beats Charlie Crist on Ethics, Catches him on Empathy."




“Fight for $15”

"Hundreds of workers from McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and other fast-food chains are expected to walk off their jobs today, according to labor organizers of the latest national protest to push the companies to pay their employees at least $15 an hour." "Fast-food workers protest today for higher wages." See also "Fast-food worker protests planned for more than 150 U.S. cities."




The best he could do?

"Potential 2016 Presidential Hopeful Martin O'Malley Ready to Campaign for Charlie Crist."




Amendment 2

"Amendment 2, a proposed state constitutional amendment expanding the use of medical marijuana in Florida, continues to draw supporters and opponents as the Sunshine State heads into the general election."

The proposal has won the support of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), a group of more than 150,000 supporters across the nation. LEAP came out strongly behind Amendment 2 and pushed back against criticism of the proposal from the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA).

"Amendment 2 on Medical Marijuana Gets More Support and Opposition." See also "Medical Marijuana Poll."




Seeking clarity on low-THC rule

"A legislative panel that plays a key role in overseeing state agencies has joined the chorus of critics seeking changes to a proposed soup-to-nuts rule setting up Florida’s new medical-marijuana industry." "Legislative panel seeks clarity on low-THC pot rule." See also "Legislative Panel Questions Proposed Pot Rule."

Meanwhile, "Anti-medical marijuana campaign blasts Morgan bar speech." Related: "Medical pot supporters low on funds."




Jack Nicklaus shows his creepy side

"Campaigning with golf legend Jack Nicklaus at his side, Gov. Rick Scott made stops in Wellington and Boca Raton on Wednesday to tout a two-year, $1 billion tax-cut plan and hammer Democratic rival Charlie Crist." "Scott campaign tour picks up Jack Nicklaus; hits Wellington, Boca."




Scott strides national stage, embarrasses himself

"After Sotloff murder, Scott says Obama must ‘start showing up and acting like a president’."




Poof . . . the problem has disappeared

"Sarasota city officials are backing a plan to offer transportation out of town to some of the people living on the streets." "Sarasota considers sending homeless out of town."




Rubio still thinks his parents were exiles

Alex Leary: Mailbox pieces "featuring Sen. Marco Rubio started hitting mailboxes in Florida today. The Republican wastes no time going after now-Democrat Charlie Crist, calling him a 'fraud' a 'liberal' and blasting him for supporting lifting the Cuban embargo." "Rubio helping RPOF raise money to defeat 'fraud' Crist."