Gov. Rick Scott continued his school visits for a third day on Friday. On Wednesday and Thursday it was to announce his $2,500 pay hike plan for teachers. Friday was to mark the start of the University of Floridas program to assist teachers and students with algebra.

The Tallahassee Democrat reports on putatively "moderate" Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's recent endorsement of President Obama's proposed gun-control measures. Nelson is calling for a ban on so-called "assault" weapons, criminal background checks on all gun purchasers, and aban on ammunition clips that can hold more than 10 rounds.

The Florida chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a conservative political advocacy group,has issued a statement responding to Thursday's meeting of the stateSenate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, which discussed government transparency and reviewed presentations on two of the states current transparency websites.

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered U.S. and Florida flags lowered to half-staff outside the Alachua County Courthouse, Gainesville City Hall and Capitol on Friday for Army National Guard Specialist Arandall L. Shears, of Gainesville. Shears, assigned to A Company, 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 83rd Troop Command, Army National Guard, Gainesville, died in a single-car crash while driving to Guard headquarters in Jacksonville on Jan. 15.

The six Republicans and four Democrats sitting on the FloridaSenate Committee on Regulated Industries have unanimously approved a bill, filed by Sen.Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, whichcriminalizes engagement in a protest within 500 feet of the property line of any location where a funeral, burial, or memorial service is being held, and during or within one hour before or one hour after the conducting of such services.

The Florida Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling Thursday morning, in the case of Earth Trades Inc. v. T&G Corp.,clarifying that under a 2003 Florida statute, an unlicensed contractor cannot sue for breach of contract, even where they have been wronged and even when the party against whom they are seeking relief knew of their unlicensed status. More to come ...

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., has released a statement calling on President Obama to authorize the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Earlier this week, Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman approved a revised route for the pipeline to traverse his state.

U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., has issued a statement defending his Wednesday "no" vote against raising the nation's debt ceiling: I gave my constituents in Florida my word that I would bring accountability to government. I stood by my word by voting against HR 325, which ultimately raises the debt ceiling. For that reason alone, I could not support it.

State Rep. Mike Clelland, D-Lake Mary, has filed a bill, House Bill 377, to delay until the 2016-2017 school year implementation of the 2011 merit pay law for teachers that was linked to the FCAT test scores. Clellands bill ties the law to new Common Core Standards that are being implemented in place of the FCATs.

Gov. Rick Scott has added a visit to Gainesville High School this morning to announce his call to boost teacher pay by $2,500 across-the-board in Florida. Scott announced the planned funding hike will be part of his legislative agenda for the 2013 session on Wednesday at Ocoee Middle School and will repeat the call this afternoon at Twin Lakes Elementary School in Tampa, Scott will release his agenda for the session next week.

Freshman state Rep. Mike Clelland, D-Lake Mary, has filed two bills, aimed atproviding stronger public protections against corruption and legislative profiteering: HB 381 wouldallow for more public involvement in filing valid complaints and expands the scope of the Commission on Ethics, while also protecting the privacy of those who the Commission finds are innocent of wrongdoing.

The Florida Council of 100 commended Gov. Rick Scotts proposal to increase the pay of full-time teachers $2,500 in the next fiscal year. Having a quality teacher in every classroom is key to student learning, Marshall Criser III, chair of the Council of 100, stated in a release.

Many Florida businesses may still be due a piece of the BP spill settlement, Patrick Juneau, the court-appointed claims administrator for the Deepwater Horizon Claims Center, told the Florida Cabinet on Wednesday. We have already sent out $1.7 billion, Juneau said. There is not much subjectivity in what were asking for, if you give us what were asking for. If you fall within the definition of that claim, we will process your claim and see that you get paid.But you have to give us the essential documentation,

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has released a statement on the National Human Trafficking Awareness Month Resolution presented during Wednesday morning's governor and Cabinet meeting: