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Florida Set for Political Spotlight in 2012

December 28, 2011 - 6:00pm

There must be something about election years ending in 12.

As the nation entered a war with England in 1812, DeWitt Clinton offered a strong but ultimately unsuccessfulchallenge to incumbent James Madison in the presidential election. The 1912 presidential election ranks as one of the most important and colorful in American history as Democrat Woodrow Wilson beat out Bull Moose Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, while incumbent Republican William Howard Taft placed third.

UF: Florida Consumers Look to 2012 with Some Optimism

Submitted by Anonymous on December 29, 2011 - 11:54am

Florida consumers are ending 2011 with positive vibes.

A University of Florida study found Floridians may be a little wary about where their personal finances are going but are approaching 2012 more optimistically in regard to their belief in the U.S. economy than they had been a month earlier.

UFs Survey Research Center at the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, in its monthly consumer confidence report, increased its confidence level in Florida by 3 points on a scale of 100 from November.

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Rick Scott: Florida's 2011 Man for All Reasons

Nancy Smith

December 29, 2011 - 6:00pm

Bill Would Limit Barrel Racing to Oval or Straight Tracks

Submitted by Anonymous on December 29, 2011 - 9:05am

Floridas latest gaming option, barrel racing on cloverleaf patterns in Gadsden County, may be banned under a bill now before the Senate.

Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, filed SB 1376 on Wednesday to require quarter horse racing to be conducted on a straight path on a traditional oval or straight track.

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Gary Johnson Will Seek Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination

Submitted by Anonymous on December 29, 2011 - 8:41am

Saying the Republican Party's "primary process was not fair and open," Gary Johnson announced Wednesday that he will seek the Libertarian Party nomination for president.

"Frankly, I have been deeply disappointed by the treatment I received in the Republican nomination process. I had hoped to lay out a real libertarian message on all the issues in the Republican contest. The process was not fair and open," the former New Mexico governor said in a statement.

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Orlando Named One of Nine Global Places to go in 2012

Submitted by Anonymous on December 29, 2011 - 12:01am

Orlando, the entire city, is one of nine global destinations that a CNN panel of travel experts considered the hot spots of 2012.

The metropolis most people breeze by as they head to Disney World will transform into celebrity central as it hosts the 61st NBA All-Star Game in February, CNN reported.

Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet and a member of the CNN panel, advised travelers to check out the city's lakes, museums and scenic neighborhoods, including the bohemian Milk District, in the CNN piece. He also praised Orlando's food scene.

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Scott Names Two to Board of Architecture and Interior Design

Submitted by Anonymous on December 28, 2011 - 11:57pm

Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Miguel A. Rodriguez and Jonathan A. Toppe to the Board of Architecture and Interior Design.

According to a release from the governors office:

Rodriguez, 54, of Coral Gables, is the president of Rodriguez Architects. He succeeds E. Wendell Hall and is appointed for a term beginning Dec. 15, 2011, and ending Oct. 31, 2015.

Toppe, 65, of St. Petersburg, is the president of Toppe Consultants Inc. He succeeds Johnstone N. Reid and is appointed for a term beginning Dec. 15, 2011, and ending Oct. 31, 2013.

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Swindal Reappointed to Tampa Port Authority

Submitted by Anonymous on December 28, 2011 - 11:57pm

Gov. Rick Scott has reappointed Stephen Swindal, chairman of Marine Towing of Tampa, to the Tampa Port Authority.

According to a release from the governors office:

Swindal, 57, of Tampa, is the chairman of Marine Towing of Tampa and co-owner and operator of Swindal International LLC. Swindal is a member of the Propeller Club of Tampa and a board member of the Salvation Army-Tampa Chapter. He is reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 6, 2012, and ending Feb. 6, 2016.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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Jax Shootout: RPOF, CNN, HLN Debate Jan. 26 at UNF

Submitted by Nancy Smith on December 28, 2011 - 10:00am

RPOF Chairman Lenny Curry has announced that the University of North Florida in Jacksonville will serve as the venue for the Jan. 26 Republican Presidential Debate.

The debate is co-sponsored by RPOF and Hispanic Leadership Network and will air internationally on CNN.

"This is a great event for Jacksonville and for UNF," Curry said. "This venue will highlight how important Jacksonville and the First Coast region are to Florida and the nation by hosting a debate that includes our next president."

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Bondi: LCD Makers Settle with Florida Over Price-Fixing Claim

Submitted by Anonymous on December 28, 2011 - 7:22am

Florida could receive $14.7 million as part of a $538 million price-fixing settlement with makers of LCD panels.

But no refunds will be available until ongoing litigation is completed.

The attorney generals office announced the settlement Tuesday between eight states and a number of electronic manufacturers that include Hitachi, Sharp and Samsung.

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