After 10 Glorious Years, Sunshine State News and I Are Passing the Baton

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater says Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's manner of speaking to individual entrepreneurs is the right approach for Florida. I think last nights kickoff was extraordinarily strong, so I think were off to a good start, Atwater said while on FOX Business News early Wednesday. Atwater, a surrogate for the Romney campaign, defended the messages delivered by Ann Romney and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday night.

Gov. Rick Scott has activated the states disaster fund to provide assistance for those impacted by tropical storms Debby and now Isaac. In a release from the governors office, the fund, Neighbors to the Rescue -- managed by the nonprofit, Floridas Foundation -- will help direct long-term recovery to organizations within the affected communities.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has been teasing the media and delegates all week that Florida would be a big day at his final Fresh From Florida hosted breakfast that will serve as a runup to the last night of the Republican National Convention. His announced lineup: U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens; U.S. Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers; former United National Ambassador John Bolton; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich; and, hot of his convention address Tuesday night, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Az., U.S. Sen, Rand Paul, R-Ky., Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez are part of the Wednesday night warm up acts at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. The night builds to vice president nominee, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., who is to take the stage after 10 p.m. The Republican National Committee sent out the revised schedule -- due to Hurricane Isaac -- Tuesday afternoon.