New year, same result: Word is that the Senate energy bill is doomed.

In yet another year of high expectations and dashed hopes, SB 2078, along with various amendments, was temporarily postponed by the Budget Committee. That "TP" appears to be a death knell.

An aide and fund-raiser for former Congressman Robert Wexler, has been sentenced to a year's probation and fined $3,200 for giving the Internal Revenue Service false information about a $15,000 kickback she received in a real estate deal mixed up in Democrat Wexler's campaign.

Even after the sentencing, the case remains a mystery. It was a joint FBI/IRS money-laundering investigation that led to the criminal charge against Daniella Howard.

On Tuesday the Florida House honored former Jacksonville Mayor Ed Austin, who passed away over the weekend, with a moment of silence.

Mayor Austin served the people for more than 50 years, said Rep. Mike Weinstein, R-Jacksonville, who served with him for more than two decades, including a tenure as Austins chief of staff. Weinstein talked about Austins role as a mentor to a host of public servants.

Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, who worked with Austin as an assistant state attorney, called him a great leader and a visionary.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, have announced they have reached a deal on budget allocations for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. There are no details yet, but the deal comes less than 24 hours after the Senate's chief negotiator, Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, complained of Cannon's "stunts" and negotiating tactics.