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Adam Hasner Takes Aim at Barack Obama and Bill Nelson on Economy

Submitted by Kevin Derby on October 21, 2011 - 11:45am

With news breaking on Friday that the unemployment rate in Florida dropped to 10.6 percent, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, now in a crowded Republican primary for the U.S. Senate election in 2012, took aim at President Barack Obama and the man he wants to replace -- Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

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PSC Set to OK $337 Million Rate Hike For New Nuclear Plants, Upgrades

Kenric Ward

October 20, 2011 - 6:00pm

Despite critics' cries of "nuclear socialism," the Florida Public Service Commission is expected to approve $337 million in utility rate hikes on Monday.

Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy are seeking "early cost recovery" increases to kick-start four proposed nuclear reactors on the east and west coasts. Under state law, utilities can seek rate hikes to cover planning, design and other preconstruction costs.

But opponents say customers may never benefit from the projects which, ultimately, may never be built.

STEM Field Grads Help Bring New Business to Florida's Economy

Ed Moore, Ph.D.

October 20, 2011 - 6:00pm

Gov. Rick Scotts 2012 Job Creation and Economic Growth agenda includes an encouraging focus on Floridas STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

Ron Paul Backers Launching Rock Concert Tour

Submitted by Kevin Derby on October 21, 2011 - 10:36am

Its probably not at the level of the Rat Pack performing for John F. Kennedys presidential campaign but rock bands will be crossing the country in support of U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, the Texas congressman making his second bid for the Republican nomination. They are dubbing it the "Rock the Revolution" tour. Libertarians backing Paul can be heartened by one of the band names -- Rothbard, a clear tribute to the iconic Austrian school economist Murray Rothbard.

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Scott Says Florida's Unemployment Down 1.3 Percent in 2011

Submitted by Anonymous on October 21, 2011 - 10:19am

With a 1.3 percent growth in employment this year, Gov. Rick Scott announced in a conference call from Brazil, where he is leading a trade mission, that Florida is bucking the national trend in job creation.

Scott made the call to announce Floridas unemployment rate dropped for the first time in four months, from 10.7 percent in August to 10.6 percent.

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Andy Gardiner Offers Updates on Redistricting and Budget

Submitted by Kevin Derby on October 21, 2011 - 10:10am

Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, released a video on Thursday, updating Floridians on the redistricting process and the budget process. Acknowledging that the budget process will be tough as the state continues to raise revenue,Gardiner promised that Republicans in the Senate would not raise taxes or fees in the 2012 session.

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GOP Strategist Defends Alan Hays' Remarks on Hispanics and Redistricting

Submitted by Anonymous on October 21, 2011 - 7:10am

Republican officials remain mum about a GOP lawmaker's comments drawing a line between legal and illegal residents in the redistricting process, but one veteran party strategist said the remarks were "legitimate."

"Senator [Alan} Hays has made a legitimate point in discussing the obvious differences between legally registered voters and those individuals that the federal Census correctly identifies as 'Hispanic' or Latino," said Doug Guetzloe of Orlando.

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Scott Replaces Two Suspended County Commissioners

Submitted by Anonymous on October 20, 2011 - 9:41pm

Gov. Rick Scott filled two county commission seats Thursday that have been vacant since last year due to suspensions.

Michael F. Joyner, a 38-year veteran law enforcement officer, has been named to complete the term of former Levy County Commissioner Tony Parker.

In Highlands County, builder William Ron Handley was appointed to complete the county commission term of Jeff Carlson.

In June, Joyner shifted from full-time to part-time with the Levy County sheriffs office, where he was working as a civil division bailiff and agriculture investigator.

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Public School Districts Want Charters' Flexibility

Lilly Rockwell News Service of Florida

October 19, 2011 - 6:00pm

Public schools have enviously watched the rapid rise of charter schools in Florida, with over 500 charter schools statewide and dozens more poised for approval.

The main complaint is that charters have been able to operate with more flexibility than school districts. For instance, charters can use longer school hours, don't have to bargain with unions on teacher pay and have relaxed standards on class-size requirements.

Lawmaker Exposes Inconvenient Truths on Redistricting and Illegals

Kenric Ward

October 19, 2011 - 6:00pm

When state Sen. Alan Hays suggested that the creation of "Hispanic districts" be predicated on legal citizenship, not illegal residency, everyone ran for cover.

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