Faced with the potential loss of millions of dollars and Floridas sand-between your toes reputation, Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday hed consider calling lawmakers back to put an offshore drilling ban into the Florida Constitution.

Several Democratic lawmakers and Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink called for the ban, saying the timing may be right to pass what even a few weeks ago was unthinkable, a ban on offshore drilling etched in constitutional stone.

It's no secret that the legislative session is among the busiest times of year for local businesses. So what happens when the session ends and lawmakers head home?

Adams Street power lunches become less common, and downtown roads are more apt to be crowded with college students in shorts than lobbyists in suits. Still, local businesses forge on, offering promotions and upping their services to keep customers interested during the summer dry spell.

"It's a drastic drop-off for us," said Jack Penrod, general manager of the downtown Andrew's restaurants.

"(Law enforcement) interviewed Mr. Shahzad ... under the public safety exception to the Miranda rule. ... He was eventually ... Mirandized and continued talking."
-- John Pistole, FBI deputy director, May 4

While Congressman Allen Boyd faces a primary fight with Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, the veteran congressman has also drawn a host of challengers from the right.

With Boyd voting for President Barack Obamas health-care legislation in a district that backed his opponent, Sen. John McCain, in 2008, a field of Republicans and conservatives believe the time is ripe to knock Boyd out of Congress.

Just win, baby. That's Gov. Charlie Crist's tune, and the Democratic Party may be humming along with him.

An unconfirmed report from Washington says that Crist and Democrats are engaged in conversations about the party supporting the former Republican's independent U.S. Senate bid.

That would mean the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee quietly pulling, or withholding, resources from the party's nominee in favor of Crist.

OK, so it's not exactly Miami or Tampa. Heck, it isn't even St. Petersburg, but Tallahassee still offers its own brand of charm.

If you're spending your summer in the city, check out our list of local activities to help you pass the long, hot days ahead.

Former Leon County Democratic Party chairman Rick Minor is posing a serious primary challenge to Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, and is making her support for offshore drilling one of the central issues of the campaign.

Video Transcript:

The Florida Republican Party stepped-up pressure Wednesday on breakaway Gov. Charlie Crist, with contributors demanding refunds from his U.S. Senate campaign and GOP leaders even hinting he derailed an eBay auction of his portrait.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush also officially weighed in Wednesday. As expected, Bush endorsed Crists Republican rival, Marco Rubio, underscoring what emerged as the days theme: the allegation that the governor is a liar and maybe even a thief.