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Lawsuits Fly over Senate Redistricting Maps

Brandon Larrabee News Service of Florida

February 8, 2012 - 6:00pm

The war over the state's political boundaries entered its next stage Thursday, as final passage of the Legislature's redistricting plan for the state's congressional delegation was met with a lawsuit backed by the Florida Democratic Party and the threat of more to come.

Within moments of the Senate approving the plan on a bipartisan, 32-5 margin, the Democratic Party announced that several voters working with the party had filed a lawsuit challenging the maps on the grounds that they violate the anti-gerrymandering Fair Districts amendments approved by voters last fall.

Obama's Trampling on God's Turf Now

Pat Buchanan

February 9, 2012 - 6:00pm

Yes, Virginia, there is a religious war going on. It is for the soul of America. And traditional Christianity is besieged.

Marco Rubio Slams Obama on Economy at CPAC

Submitted by Kevin Derby on February 9, 2012 - 5:02pm

Speaking in Washington to the Conservative Political Action Conference event hosted by the American Conservative Union on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., weighed in on a number of matters, including President Barack Obama, the role of the federal government and American exceptionalism.

Rubio hammered Obamas management of the economy in his speech.

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Scott Praised for Funneling DOT Dollars into Port of Tampa Petrol Expansion

Jim Turner

February 8, 2012 - 6:00pm

Port officials and backers are hailing Gov. Rick Scotts decision to float $22.5 million in transportation funding to pump up the petroleum capacity at the Port of Tampa.

The Florida Ports Council says the money will help Florida in its fight against other coastal states for growing international trade.

The Florida Petroleum Marketing and Convenience Store Association looks at the expansion of the ports ability to handle more petroleum as an opportunity to bulk up on supplies in a state that annually faces threats of hurricanes from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

As Republicans Jump In, CD 6 Race Gets Crowded Quickly

Kenric Ward

February 8, 2012 - 6:00pm

Two more Republicans jumped into the 6th Congressional District contest Thursday, ensuring at least a three-way GOP primary there.

Freshman state Rep. Fred Costello, R-Ormond Beach, announced his intentions a day after Rep. John Mica, R-Orlando, declared he would run for re-election in theneighboring 7th Congressional District. Mica's move sets up a primary showdown with freshman Rep. Sandy Adams there.

Hours later, former federal prosecutor Ron DeSantis joined the CD 6 race.

Businessman Craig Miller was the first to file for that contest last week.

Cheney Bros. Brings 380 Jobs to Charlotte County

Submitted by Kevin Derby on February 9, 2012 - 3:55pm

Cheney Bros., one of the largest food distributors in the world with roots in the Sunshine State since 1925, announced on Thursday that it would be creating a new center in Punta Gorda -- bringing almost 400 new jobs to Charlotte County.

Cheney Bros. growth sets the stage for positive economic effects this new distribution center will create, said Gov. Rick Scott, of the news the company would be investing almost $30 million and creating 380 new jobs in the area. This project is a business gain for Florida, as well as Charlotte County.

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House Passes $69.2 Billion Budget for 2012-13

Jim Turner

February 8, 2012 - 6:00pm

With a month left in the regular session, the Florida House approved a $69.2 billion budget Thursday that increases Pre-K-12 education by 9.5 percent while bumping up college tuition and reducing hospital payments.

Expect there to be serious conference negotiations ahead as the Senate continues to hammer out its financial plan for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, called the fiscal plan a prudent approach to funding essential government functions, including education, transportation infrastructure, public safety and economic development.

Ron Paul: Repeal Obamacare, End Planned Parenthood Funding

Submitted by Kevin Derby on February 9, 2012 - 3:42pm

Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul slammed the federal health-care law signed by President Barack Obama on Thursday, insisting that it undermines religious freedom and needs to be repealed.

Forcing private religious institutions to pay for contraception and sterilization as part of their health-care plans is a direct assault on the First Amendments guarantee of religious liberty, Paul said. On my first day as president, I will reverse this policy. Repealing the unconstitutional monstrosity known as Obamacare is a major part of my Plan to Restore America.

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Mitt Romney Calls to End Congressional Earmarks

Submitted by Kevin Derby on February 9, 2012 - 3:37pm

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney called on Thursday to end congressional earmarks.

With our national debt skyrocketing past $15 trillion, it is a moral imperative to rein in government spending, Romney said on Thursday. Passing a permanent ban on earmarks is an important step toward securing our future and restoring fiscal sanity in Washington.

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GOP Senate Primary Battle Heads to Center Stage

Kevin Derby

February 8, 2012 - 6:00pm

With their partys presidential primary in the rear view mirror, Florida Republicans are increasingly turning their attention to the contest to see who will challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in November.

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