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UF, FSU Presidents: Hike Tuition on STEM Majors

January 12, 2012 - 6:00pm

With state leaders looking to overhaul education, increasing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math majors, the presidents of the University of Florida and Florida State University said the state could increase tuition for students in the STEM fields.

Bernie Machen, University of Florida president, and Eric Barron, Florida State University president, told legislators on Friday that the hike would help cover the cost for the additional faculty needed to provide more STEM courses without increasing the costs for students in other fields.

Florida's Party-Switching Law Faces Court Challenges

Kenric Ward

January 12, 2012 - 6:00pm

Legal challenges are mounting against a new state law that prevents political candidates from switching parties within 365 days of an upcoming election.

Former Public Service Commission member Nancy Argenziano is suing to run as a Democrat for Congress. Argenziano, a former Republican, was barred from running as a Democrat because she had registered as a member of the Independent Party of Florida.

"A lot of people don't know about the law. They will find out at last minute at qualifying," said Janet Ferris, Argenziano's attorney.

Newt Gingrich Promises to Fight for a 'Cuban Spring'

Submitted by Kevin Derby on January 13, 2012 - 2:03pm

Republican presidential hopeful former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich pledged on Friday to fight for a free and democratic Cuba.

Gingrich wrote to Frank Alonso of Miami, the president of Cuban Unity, and pointed to his record on Cuba.

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Lawmaker: Mosquito District Stings Taxpayers in Lee County

Kenric Ward

January 12, 2012 - 6:00pm

Gov. Rick Scott's probe into expenditures at the state's special taxing districts might want to start at Lee County Mosquito Control.

With an annual budget of $22 million, Lee's mosquito district spends more than 46 other mosquito districts -- combined.

"There's no excuse for it," says state Rep. Paige Kreegel, who has introduced legislation that could abolish the district.

Scott last week directed his Office of Policy and Budget to review and make recommendations for cutting costs at some 1,600 special districts levying more than $15 billion in taxes each year.

Rick Santorum Unveils His Florida Campaign Team

Kevin Derby

January 12, 2012 - 6:00pm

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who was only eight votes away from defeating former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts to win the Iowa caucus, unveiled his campaign team for Florida on Friday. The Florida primary will be held on Jan. 31, 10 days after South Carolina Republicans hold their own primary.

Santorums team in the Sunshine State will be chaired by Florida Republican operative and businessman Jesse Biter, president and CEO of Biter Enterprises. Biter also helped out on Mike Huckabees presidential campaign in 2008 and Rick Scotts gubernatorial bid in 2010.

GOP Big Fish Back Mitt Romney When He Hits Palm Beach County

Submitted by Kevin Derby on January 13, 2012 - 11:32am

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the leading candidate in the Republican presidential primaries, hit Palm Beach County on Thursday and raised a haul --with sources telling Sunshine State News that he gathered up more than $1.5 million.

Steven Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins, hosted a fundraiser for Romney and the likes of Pepe Fanjul of Florida Crystals and Jerry Jordan in attendance.

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Rick Santorum Staffs Up in Florida

Submitted by Kevin Derby on January 13, 2012 - 11:19am

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Mitt Romney Edging Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul for South Carolina Voters

Kevin Derby

January 12, 2012 - 6:00pm

With just more than a week until South Carolina Republicans vote in their presidential primary, former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts leads the pack of GOP hopefuls according to two polls released on Friday.

ARG Poll has Ron Paul Rising in S.C. while Rick Santorum Fades

Submitted by Kevin Derby on January 13, 2012 - 10:51am

With little more than a week until South Carolina Republicans vote in their presidential primary, former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts leads the pack of GOP hopefuls according to a poll from American Research Group released on Friday.

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UF President Supports Separate Tuition for STEM Students

Submitted by Anonymous on January 13, 2012 - 10:02am

With state leaders looking to overhaul education, increasing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math majors, the president of University of Florida, Bernie Machen, said the state could increase tuition for those in the STEM fields.

Machen told members of the House Education Committee Friday morning that the additional money would help cover the additional faculty needed to provide more STEM courses without increasing the costs for students in other fields.

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