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Florida Economists: Revenue Up, Forecast Remains Weak

July 26, 2012 - 6:00pm

Florida pulled in $407 million in revenue above predictions for the end of the recently completed fiscal year.

But dont call it a windfall. Economists point out that most of the money was either one-time dollars or simply a trick of the calendar on accounting books.

Sales tax did account for a little more than $150 million of the total -- a good sign that people were dipping into their wallets heading into a period that economists forecast will see a downturn in spending.

HD 27: Interesting Battle Shaping Up for Open Seat Representing Volusia County

Kevin Derby

July 26, 2012 - 6:00pm

With Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, facing term limits and running for a seat in the Florida Senate, an interesting battle is developing to see who will represent the southern part of Volusia County in the Florida House of Representatives.

Two candidates are battling for the Republican nomination in the Aug. 14 primary in HD 27 and David Santiago, an Army veteran and a former Deltona city commissioner, has a solid lead in the money chase.

Pam Bondi Seeks Slogan to Highlight Prescription Drug Impact on Newborns

Submitted by Anonymous on July 27, 2012 - 11:32am

In order to raise awareness of her crusade against the impact of prescription drug abuse on newborns, Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking suggestions on how to market the effort.

Bondis office announced Friday they are seeking a slogan to help the campaign.

Raising awareness about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs while pregnant is a crucial component of preventing neonatal abstinence syndrome, Attorney General Pam Bondi, who chairs the Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns, stated in a release.

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This Federal Legislation Will Hurt Floridians

Tom Feeney

July 26, 2012 - 6:00pm

While Citizens Property Insurance Corp. continues to be a topic of interestfor Floridians across the state, including how policyholders in certain areaswill be able to afford potential, future rate hikes, some members of Congresshave proposed federal legislation that is also cause for concern.

Hearing Set for Lawsuit to Block Supreme Court Justices’ Retention

Submitted by Anonymous on July 27, 2012 - 9:04am

Oral arguments have been set for Aug. 8 in Leon County Court in the effort by the Southeastern Legal Foundation to block the states three Supreme Court justices up for merit retention from having their names on the November ballot.

Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince and R. Fred Lewis have already filed a motion asking a Leon County judge to block the discovery phase from starting until their motion can be heard to dismiss the lawsuit.

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Unions Force City of Miami to Weigh Declaration of 'Financial Urgency'

Submitted by Nancy Smith on July 27, 2012 - 12:54am

Miami officials said on Thursday that if the unions don't give in on $40 million in concessions, they will be forced to declare "financial urgency," an action that would allow the city to unilaterally alter contracts.

According to a Reuters story, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado was quoted as saying the declaration would be issued by the city manager because the savings are needed to balance the city's $485 million operating budget for the next fiscal year.

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FEMA Specialists in Suwannee, Hernando to Talk TS Debby

Submitted by Anonymous on July 26, 2012 - 10:25pm

Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists will be in Suwannee County on Friday and Hernando County on Saturday to discuss disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild after Tropical Storm Debby.

The specialists will attend the Smokin' on the Suwannee BBQ at 13944 48th St. in Live Oak from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

On Saturday, they will be at the Hernando County Farmers Market in Spring Hill at 2450 U.S. 19 (Commercial Way) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Jeff Atwater, DMS at Odds Over Paying for Appeals Court Art

Jim Saunders News Service of Florida

July 26, 2012 - 6:00pm

In the latest twist in the saga of the 1st District Court of Appeal, the Florida Department of Management Services and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater are sparring legally about whether the state should pay for historical photographs at the opulent new courthouse.

Historic Preservation for the Miami Herald? It's a Politically Perfect Anti-Casino Strategy

Nancy Smith

July 26, 2012 - 6:00pm

The Biscayne Bayfront Miami Herald building could go down in history as Florida's most lavishly-funded historic preservation project. And some would argue -- myself among them -- its most unworthy and possibly its most shameful.

In the Long Run, Is the GOP Dead?

Pat Buchanan

July 26, 2012 - 6:00pm

Since 1928, only Dwight Eisenhower and George W. Bush have won the presidency while capturing both houses of Congress for the GOP.

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