Florida Blog » beach

Tuesday Morning Reads: Guns in hospitals, Evelynn Lynn and redistricting

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:09:25 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and welcome to this edition of the morning reads. It's a full day today in Tallahassee with the Senate looking at redistricting on the floor today. So to get you read, here are five stories you should be reading this morning. * The Orlando Sentinel writes that the Legislature's redistricting work is likely headed to the courts. From the story: After more than two years of bickering over reforms meant to curb political abuses, the Florida Senate on Tuesday plans to debate maps for congressional and legislative districts that preserve Republican majorities and, its authors say, meet legal muster with Fair Districts. But it will be far from the final word. * Should guns be allowed in hospitals? The Miami Herald reports that the South Florida hospital association is asking the Legislature to ban them. From the story: In Florida, it’s against the law to carry a gun into a school, an athletic event, a jail, a police station or a local government meeting. Not so with hospitals, where it remains perfectly legal to pack heat. For years, Linda Quick of the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association has wanted to change that. Just before each session of the Legislature, when her group publishes its agenda, it includes a talking point: “Add ‘licensed hospitals and nursing homes’ to the Safety Zone provisions of the Concealed Weapons Law.” * The Daytona Beach News-Journal has a profile on state Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach. From the story: Lynn, who turns 82 next month, has been an integral part of a Republican-dominated Legislature for so long, it's easy to forget that it wasn't always this way. But before she was the undefeated dean of Volusia County lawmakers and a standard-bearer for women in Florida's Republican Party, Lynn was an upstart city commissioner who was given almost no chance of becoming the first woman to be elected to state office from Volusia County. * The Republican presidential primary is overshadowing the state Senate race, AP writes. From the story: Republicans say their top two goals this year are defeating President Barack Obama and defeating Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. But until Florida goes to the polls Jan. 31 for the presidential primary, the Senate race is an afterthought. Former Sen. George LeMieux and former state Rep. Adam Hasner acknowledged it's hard to break through to voters while they're focused on picking a presidential nominee. * The Tampa Bay Times has a story on Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam's entrance into the debate over energy policy. From the story: Putnam is pushing 11 proposals that he says will start the state on a path to energy diversity by reducing its dependency on natural gas. But he's moving with caution. The last person to push for energy reform in Florida was former Gov. Charlie Crist. Crist called for sweeping reform in 2007 when attacking climate change was more politically popular. A year after he left office, Crist's policies lie dormant in statutes or have been repealed. Bonus Blogs * Maps of new districts could reshape Broward legislative districts * If Reagan doesn't, Bennett says he'll run for elections post

Romney, Gingrich Looking For Florida Prize

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:13:18 +0000

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney shakes hands with supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Jan.

Read the original:
Read More

Friday Morning Reads: Caylee’s law, prison closures and slots

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:35:45 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- It's the end of the first week of session, and the week concludes with a meeting on potential higher education reforms. But yesterday brought plenty of news from the state capitol, including the news that the state would be closing seven prisons. To catch up on anything you may have missed yesterday, here are five stories you should be reading this morning. * The Sun-Sentinel reports that the Broward Correctional Institute, which once housed Aileen Wournos is slated for closure, along with six other prisons. From the story: Before she was sent upstate to be executed, notorious murderer Aileen Wuornos lived on death row at the Broward Correctional Institution. Killer Judy "Black Widow" Buenoano also did hard time there before she, too, was executed at Florida State Prison in Starke. State corrections officials announced Thursday the 35-year-old prison where 300 people work on Sheridan Street near State Road 27 and that holds 624 female inmates will close May 1, one of seven to shut down in 2012. * The Palm Beach Post reports that Caylee's law got its first committee approval in the Senate. From the story: A bill prompted by Casey Anthony's acquittal last year of murdering her two-year-old daughter Caylee received unanimous support from a Senate committee this morning. The measure (SB 858) would make it a third-degree felony for parents or guardians to lie to law enforcement officials during an investigation when a child under the age of 16 is missing and is seriously injured or dies. * The Orlando Sentinel writes that Gov. Rick Scott's proposed $1 billion bump in education is less than meets the eye. From the story: But Scott's education policy chief conceded Thursday what most in the Capitol and education circles already knew: most of the $1 billion isn't exactly new money but replaces current-year dollars that are going away. Under questioning by Democrats on the House PreK-12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Scott Kittel , Scott's education policy coordinator, acknowledged that only $381 million of the money will actually add to per-student spending totals. * The Sun-Sentinel reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi has waded further into the gambling debate, issuing an opinion that says slot licenses cannot be issued to parimutuels outside of Miami-Dade and Broward even with voter approval. From the story: State law does not allow machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday, an opinion that will let the state clamp down on efforts to expand gambling to Palm Beach County. Bondi released a formal opinion without comment at the request of the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation on whether the state could issue slot licenses for parimutuel facilities, such as the Palm Beach Kennel Club, even if voters approved slot machines in a countywide referendum. In short, her answer was no. * The Florida Current writes that the House and Senate are at odds over legislation affecting the sale or lease of public hospitals. From the story: Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater or a circuit court judge? A series of bills filed in the Legislature would have one of the two reviewing the sale or lease of a public hospitals. The House Health and Human Services Quality Subcommittee on Thursday passed HB 711, which would have a circuit court judge review the terms and conditions and determine fair market value before a sale or lease can be finalized. Bonus Blogs * School prayer debate returns to the capitol * Detert's bill banning texting while driving advances

Lawmakers sponsor citizen-veto amendment

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:56:12 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- It's a novel expression of the pitfalls of representative democracy. Sen. Paula Dockery , R-Lakeland, and Rep. Richard Steinberg , D-Miami Beach, are sponsoring legislation to allow voters to "veto" legislation that is passed in Tallahassee. The veto power of citizens wouldn't extend to spending bills or emergency laws, and is mirrored after similar provisions in other states. But, they argue, it would provide an additional check on lawmakers. "Like many states, Florida should afford its citizens the opportunity to reject legislation that they deem detrimental to the State," Steinberg said in the press release. "In a democracy, it is the citizens who should have the final word on whether to accept or reject a law." The citizen veto amendment to the constitution (SJR 1490 and HJR 1231) would itself have to be approved by voters, and it seems like a diffcult sell in the GOP-dominated Legislature. "Constituents reach out to me on a daily basis expressing frustration with the maze that is the legislative process," Dockery said in the statement. "In this political climate, the bulk of the power is held by wealthy special interests. This joint resolution would place that power where it rightly belongs: into the hands of the citizens."

Wednesday Morning Reads: Prison time for Mendelsohn, fines for ex-DJJ Secretary and maybe no hospital changes for Scott

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:19:56 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and welcome to this edition of the morning reads. We're less than a week out to the legislative session and while the capital city is still relatively quiet, plenty is going on elsewhere around the state as lawmakers prepare for the 60-day sprint. * The Sun-Sentinel reports that former Tallahassee power broker Alan Mendelsohn can delay no more and must report to prison by noon Friday. From the story: Mendelsohn, a former political fundraiser and lobbyist, had already received a seven-month delay before starting to serve his four-year prison term, U.S. District Judge William Zloch wrote in an order. The Hollywood eye doctor pleaded guilty to conspiracy in December 2010. He admitted to tax evasion, wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents. * The Tampa Bay Times writes that ex- state representative and former Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman face a $5,000 fine for travel abuses. From the story: Nearly two years after the former St. Petersburg lawmaker reimbursed taxpayers for dozens of questionable trips between the state capital and his home in Pinellas County, Peterman faces more problems. A state hearing officer is recommending Peterman pay a fine of $5,000 and be censured and reprimanded for what the judge called "excessive" travel during his term as secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice in 2008 and 2009. * Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff , R-Fort Lauderdale, told the Florida Current that the Senate Regulated Industries may hold off on a vote of her newly revamped destination casino bill that was originally scheduled for Monday. From the story: Because of the significant changes to the bill, however, the anticipated vote on the bill at the committee’s next meeting on Monday may be postponed. Bogdanoff said she may ask the panel’s chairman, Sen. Dennis Jones , R-Seminole, to hold a workshop discussion on the new version of the bill to give members time to review it, instead of voting on the bill right away. * Republican officials say new voting registrations forecast a big turnout in the state's GOP presidential primary, writes the Palm Beach Post . From the story: Final numbers may not be available for several days. But Florida GOP spokesman Brian Hughes said the state party has been flooded with absentee ballot requests from those seeking to take part in the biggest of the early state contests. "Anecdotal evidence points to the possibility that this may be a record-setting Republican turnout for a presidential preference primary," said Hughes, adding that close to 400,000 ballot requests have been submitted. * The News Service of Florida writes that it's still unclear whether lawmakers will do anything with recommendations for public hospitals that a panel commissioned by Gov. Rick Scott produced. From the story: So far, lawmakers have filed few bills that are similar to the recommendations. Those bills deal with requiring more oversight of the sales or leases of public hospitals, a touchy political issue that also was debated during the 2011 session. But the Scott-appointed Commission on Review of Taxpayer Funded Hospital Districts wants more far-reaching changes, such as holding periodic local referendums about whether some districts should have the power to continue levying property taxes. Bonus Blogs * Romney launches TV ad in Florida * Ashton makes state attorney bid official

Budget situation prompts Pafford to hit the bottle

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:47:07 +0000

TALLAHASSEE — Rep. Mark Pafford , D-West Palm Beach, wanted to give people a visual for discussing the budget. So, he hit the bottle. Enjoy!

More here:
Read More

Monday Morning Reads: Slots, Marco Rubio and FAMU

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:30:00 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- It's less than a week before Christmas and Hannukah starts tomorrow, so the capital city is filled with the holiday spirit and its stores are filled with sales. And while one would think that state policy makers would be quieting down and there would be little news from the politics and government realm, December has been quite a busy month. So without further rambling from me, here are the top five stories you should be reading this morning. * The Sun-Sentinel reports that the Palm Beach County Commission is set to vote Tuesday on a slot machine referendum. From the story: Palm Beach County gambling supporters are betting that slot machines offer a way into South Florida's proposed casino gold rush. Broward and Miami-Dade counties are asking the Legislature for the chance to build Las Vegas-style casinos, and Palm Beach County business and political leaders worry they could lose out on the tourism, jobs and tax revenues expected to follow expanded gambling. To stay competitive, Palm Beach County gambling proponents want to at least get slot machines at their only existing parimutuel facility, the Palm Beach Kennel Club. * The Orlando Sentinel/Sun-Sentinel Washington bureau has a write-up on Marco Rubio's first year in the Senate and the freshman senator's take on the political culture. From the story: Marco Rubio's first year in the nation's capital has made him a deeply frustrated senator. Florida's rising political star — full of expectations after a productive stint in the state Legislature and a come-from-behind victory in his 2010 U.S. Senate race — ends a bruising year in Washington with little sense of accomplishment and a dismal outlook. "I can't think of a single real high point," Rubio said during an interview in his Senate office, talking a mile a minute while tapping his foot with nervous energy. * The St. Petersburg TImes writes that critics of Florida's charter schools say operators are too cozy with lawmakers. From the story: The number of charter schools is exploding across the country, with Florida leading the way. And the relationships that some state lawmakers have with them are raising hackles, especially as they play key roles in making it easier for charters to operate here. "There's a growing frustration with elected leaders that the code of ethics appears to apply to everyone but themselves," said Lynne Webb, teachers union president in Legg's home county. "I liken it to insider trading." * The AP reports on past claims bills that have been revived for the upcoming legislative session. From the story: Emotion-packed bills that would compensate two men whose lives were turned upside down by governmental mistakes will get another chance during Florida's 2012 legislative session after the measures died in the frantic final hours of the 2011 session. They are among several high-profile claims bills lawmakers will consider in the session that begins Jan. 10. * The Sun-Sentinel reports on the number of property tax bills being floated in the Legislature as it prepares for its upcoming 60-day legislative session. From the story: A proposed constitutional amendment that would cap the amount of taxes virtually all property owners pay is quickly gaining traction in Tallahassee. For most homeowners with homestead, it would mean a super exemption on top of current exemptions, ranging from 15 to 30 percent of their property's fair market value of between $75,000 and $400,000. The exception: Those whose Save Our Homes benefit exceeds the super-exemption. For snowbirds and other non-homesteaded owners, there would be a 7 percent cap – instead of the current 10 percent --in how much taxes can rise. Bonus Blogs * FAMU Alumni to Scott: Back off * Winner and loser of the week

South Florida same-sex couples tying knot in other states

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 11:18:15 +0000

Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz were married in New York in July. They’ve been partners for 36 years and live in West Palm Beach.

Friday Morning Reads: FAMU protest, Medicaid and destination casinos

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:19:10 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Friday to you. We know you're all anxious to get on with your day so the weekend will come that much faster. So with that, here are the top five stories you should be reading this morning. * The Sun-Sentinel breaks out the potential spots for new destination casinos in South Florida. From glittering Miami Beach to the fringes of Broward's Everglades, international casino magnates are scouring South Florida looking for the perfect spot to place world-class, high-end destination casino hotels should the Florida Legislature agree to open the state to all-out Las Vegas-style gambling. That has business leaders and some county officials jumping at the chance to lure extra dollars and jobs to the region. "They're dangling that green carrot," said Nicki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Boy, you can't miss the smell of that money. It's important, and that's why everybody is coveting the opportunity to host that casino facility.'' * The Palm Beach Post writes that a recent 4th District Court of Appeal ruling may have broad ramifications for homeowners in the foreclosure crisis. From the story: Homeowners in foreclosure may have a better chance of getting a true trial, instead of a quickie judgment, following a 4th District Court of Appeal decision that requires banks to prove ownership of the note at the time they file for repossession. The ruling Wednesday in Palm Beach County was heralded by foreclosure defense attorneys who said it may even force banks to dismiss some cases and start over with new paperwork. * A new Senate report says that lawmakers need to either ban or highly regulate Internet cafes, the Florida Current reports . From the story: The confusion in the law has led to uneven enforcement across the state, as some counties choose to arrest operators and shut down the stores that offer Internet time for sweepstakes cards that are played out on computers featuring casino games. Others choose to regulate them and impose large fees and taxes. "Based upon the findings in this report, Senate professional staff recommends that the Legislature not maintain the status quo. Local governments are passing inconsistent ordinances and law enforcement is similarly handling these businesses differently across the state," the report states. * The St. Petersburg Times writes that the new head of the Florida Citrus Commission will be expected to focus on marketing Florida's orange juice. From the story: The Florida Citrus Commission is poised to choose its new executive director today from among three marketing executives. In doing so, the commission will make clear that promoting Florida orange juice around the world should be the Department of Citrus' main focus. The agency has other duties, such as regulating the industry and conducting research, but those are second-tier, Commission Chairman Marty McKenna said. * The News Service of Florida reports that the federal government has approved Florida's proposal to extend its five-county Medicaid pilot until 2014. From the story: Ending more than a year of talks, federal officials Thursday approved Florida's proposal to extend a controversial Medicaid managed-care pilot program through June 2014. The announcement renews a requirement that most Medicaid beneficiaries in five counties enroll in HMOs or other managed-care plans. Also, it means that hospitals and other health providers will continue to tap into a $1-billion-a-year program that bolsters care for low-income and uninsured patients. Bonus Blogs * Students march to governor's mansion, protest Gov. Rick Scott's call for suspension of FAMU president * Voter groups file federal suit to block new Florida voting law

Monday Morning Reads: Texting, reforming and the culture of hazing

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:35:57 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning and happy Monday to you. Florida lawmakers returned to their home districts after a hectic final committee week before the full legislative session begins that will be fraught with political fights over redistricting, gambling expansion and personal injury protection insurance. But for now, here are the top five stories you should be reading this morning. * The Orlando Sentinel reports that lawmakers may gut programs in the name of reform. From the story: It may be the most overused buzzword in the halls of the Florida Capitol: reform. But from classrooms and college campuses to unemployment lines and doctor's offices, Florida's annual financial woes have provided ammunition for Republican lawmakers who want to impose more ideological or market-based changes on Florida's massive $21 billion Medicaid program, schools and its once-heralded growth-management laws. The legislative session set to begin Jan. 10 looks like a new year, same song. * The Sun-Sentinel reports that for the upcoming legislative session, social issues are low on lawmakers' priority lists. From the story: Anti-immigration rhetoric flared up on Florida's 2010 campaign trail and became a winning wedge issue for Gov. Rick Scott, who used it to woo the tea party and help win election. But with the 2012 legislative session fast approaching, social issues such as immigration, abortion and welfare change are taking a back seat in the state capital. "I think that the top three issues will be job creation, a responsible budget that doesn't raise taxes and reapportionment," said House Speaker Dean Cannon. "And those things alone will occupy a huge amount of space during the process. Everything else — gaming, immigration, you name it — I would say is second to those three goals." * The Palm Beach Post delivers a comprehensive look at the culture of hazing in light of the hazing scandal at Florida A&M. From the story: Robert Champion should be stepping with his cherished "Marching 100" band at Florida A&M University's fall commencement on Friday. Instead, hundreds of mourners gathered on Nov. 30 in Georgia, where 26-year-old Champion was laid to rest in his school uniform, a polished baton in his hand. Champion's lifelong dream was to become a member of the university's renowned band and ascend to the elite status of drum major. That dream may have led to his death. Authorities say hazing in the band at the historically black university in Tallahassee played a role in his death, but they have not released details. FAMU President James Ammons has vowed since Champion's death to end hazing at the school. * Is this the year for banning texting while driving? Maybe, writes the St. Petersburg Times . From the story: Florida remains one of 15 states without a ban on texting while driving, even as more people admit to the habit and support a law that would deter it. There's a chance — a small one — state lawmakers will enact a ban during their 60-day legislative session that starts in January. Experts, though, are split on whether the bans make the roads safer. * The St. Petersburg Times also writes that Lieutenant Gov. Jennifer Carroll may play a more prominent role in the upcoming legislative session. From the story: Carroll was surprised her legislative experience wasn't exploited and blamed it on a Scott staff that largely has been replaced. Carroll said she'll have a more prominent role in the 2012 session that starts next month. "We'll have a different view for my role in the legislative agenda this year," Carroll said in an interview. She said she'll focus on Scott's economic development and higher education priorities. Bonus Blogs * Gingrich hires Rubio strategist * Redistricting may have Rep. Holder on the move