Floridas unemployment rate is hovering at around 12 percent, but a group of retailers predicts that holiday shoppers will bring peace on the economy and good will toward sales.

With two months left as governor, Charlie Crist can still leave a lasting legacy with his remaining judicial, board and commission appointments.

Class was in session at the Capitol building Wednesday in Tallahassee, as newly-elected legislators attended Special Session 101.

Gov. Charlie Crist, flanked by Attorney General Bill McCollum, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson, presided over one of the last meetings of the Florida Cabinet Tuesday, tackling a jump in sinkhole claims and a proposed development in Polk County that led to a small flap with the Department of Community Affairs.

Though U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, was elected commissioner of agriculture and consumer services last week, he isnt new to Tallahassee.

Gov. Charlie Crist said he isn't quite ready to hand Florida's reins over to his successor. Nevertheless, he and Gov.-elect Rick Scott engaged in their first conversation Tuesday in an effort to smooth the transition between the two administrations.

Florida homeowners are likely breathing a sigh of relief now that another hurricane season has nearly come and gone without a major storm hitting the state, but some property insurance policyholders could see their wind protection swept away next year.

Senate President-elect Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, will have his hands full in the coming legislative session, making good on Republican promises to cut spending, create jobs, and tackle controversial bills dealing with teacher compensation, immigration and abortion.

Senate President-elect Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and incoming House Speaker-elect Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, are not wasting any time.

Florida businesses have bemoaned the national Democratic policies they think constrain growth, but business leaders had no complaints after the midterm election results came in Tuesday night.