For years, the Sunshine State has been a regular stop on the circuit for Al Sharpton, affectionately known as “the Reverend Al” to his supporters.

The MSNBC talk-show host was one of a number of national civil-rights leaders who flooded the state Capitol during the prolonged 2000 Bush v. Gore recount.

A day after a stinging defeat handed down by an appeals court, ministers and civil rights leaders --- including national talk-show host Al Sharpton --- rallied Thursday at the state Capitol to rev up support for a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would automatically restore voting rights for most Florida felons.

The Center for Constitutional Values doesn't make the big headlines in Martin County. Those belong to blue-green algae and public records violations. But, trust me, this nonprofit, whose simple mission is to promote the community's understanding of the United States Constitution, is something very special.

An all-out feud erupted over social media sites this week, with posts of angry gun owners shooting up pricey YETI mugs and coolers, or repurposing them for less sanitary activities, after the Texas-based company dropped an affiliation with the National Rifle Association.