The position of compact commissioner for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children might not flash across every Floridian's radar screen, but perhaps the man Gov. Rick Scott appointed for the job on Monday should.

Robert Buehn, 60, of Fleming Island, comes directly from the city of Jacksonville as its primary military liaison -- chief of military affairs.

Former Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton has said of Buehn, "His credentials and his competence should light up anybody's night sky."

Florida officials say the three trade deals currently awaiting passage by Congress could mean thousands of jobs for Florida over the next several years, and several major industries in the state are looking forward to their approval.

Gov. Rick Scott said during an Internet radio interview on Monday morning that the passage of the trade deals with Panama, Colombia and South Korea would create many jobs here, particularly in the pacts with the two countries in the Americas.

Is a religious war breaking out in the Republican Party?

Barack Obama should be careful what he wishes for in these days of rage. Heading into the 2012 election, his base is energized and mobilizing -- against him. His former foot soldiers are going AWOL.

On a hot day in mid-August, without so much as a press release to declare it, Gov. Rick Scott's office reached a considerable milestone.