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Capital Report
Weekly News/Feature
Fridays 6:30 pm & 9:00 pm ET on 88.9FM WFSU (Tallahassee)
Fridays 5:30 pm CT on 89.1FM WFSW (Panama City)
During Florida Legislative Session:
Weekdays 6:30 pm & 9:00 pm ET - 88.9FM WFSU (Tallahassee)
Weekdays
5:30 pm CT - 89.1FM WFSW (Panama City) |
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Program Archives: 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
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Friday, December 28th, 2007 Edition
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- 2008 is expected to be even dryer than 2007, when Florida saw record-breaking wildfire activity. John Wich of member station WUFT in Gainesville tells how officials are getting ready.
- Domestic violence is surprisingly common in Florida households; even gay households. More from Judith Smelser at Orlando’s WMFE.
- Helper dogs are leaping into the gap when elderly and ailing Floridians lose their lifetime human companions. The story from Jill Roberts at WQCS in Fort Pierce.
- Volusia County Schools experiment with a writing curriculum based on a famous art collection. Florida Public Radio’s Becky Morgan reports.
- This year marked the tenth anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. Now the gowns she wore in life are helping breast cancer patients in North Central Florida. WUFT’s Laura Klages explains.
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Friday, December 21st, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- The beleaguered oyster harvesters in Apalachicola are cautiously optimistic after this week’s tri-state water summit in Tallahassee. Margie Menzel reports.
- Meanwhile, a somewhat less-than-appetizing concept is being explored in South Florida to extend that area’s water supply. Trimmel Gomes has the details.
- In his weekly radio address, Governor Charlie Crist talks about the new Max Planck Institute coming to the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Palm Beach County, a discount prescription drug card the state is offering and his participation in a South Florida gift giving party for the needy.
- Members of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently released an update to their four-year old “Cornerstone” report. The latest information suggests the days of a “low cost-low wage” Florida are over and that more must be done to move the state in a new direction.
- Much of North Florida’s old plantation lands have been carved up for modern subdivisions and commercial development. But fascinating historical artifacts are still discovered on former plantation grounds that have escaped the bulldozers. Lynn Hatter found one such site that’s attracting the attention of archeologists.
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Friday, December 14th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Trimmel Gomes headed to South Florida this week to check out the growing drought situation there. He arrived in time to catch the South Florida Water Management District imposing strict new water conservation rules that will impact about five million Floridians.
- Meanwhile, across the state in Fort Myers, Valerie Alker with member station WGCU found the water limits will hit homeowners and landscapers hard.
- A constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Florida is now heading for a November, 2008 vote. But even the amendment’s supporters aren’t sure exactly what else the amendment may restrict. Lynn Hatter has the story.
- Governor Crist’s weekly radio message included a reference to his attendance at the unveiling of the state’s largest solar power array this week. At the same time, the Florida Public Service Commission will meet next week to find new ways to encourage the state’s businesses, and eventually homeowners, to produce some of their own power.
- Despite a population with a relatively high access to health insurance, Florida’s Capital County, Leon, has a higher infant mortality than the state average. That figure is nearly twice as high for African-Americans. Margie Menzel examines the many community and government resources that are struggling with the issue.
- Judith Smelser at member station WMFE in Orlando reports on a new regional approach to economic development.
- The holidays aren’t so happy for a surprising number of people. Florida Public Radio’s John Wich has some tips for those afflicted by the “holiday blues.”
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Friday, December 7th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- James Call has an update on the partially-unfrozen status of the state-run investment pool used by local governments. It seems at least a few cities, counties and school districts are less than pleased with the situation.
- Florida’s Children and Youth Cabinet met in Tallahassee this week. Margie Menzel says its members believe they can make the provision of child services in the state much more effective and efficient than the way things have been in the past.
- State and federal law agencies suspect that human trafficking is on the rise in Florida. But Lynn Hatter found no one is sure how extensive the problem really is.
- Illegal drugs are a much older problem in Florida and now prescription drug abuse is becoming more widespread. Trimmel Gomes sat in on a summit of top state officials who heard Governor Crist call for ramped up penalties, up to and including the death penalty for big-time dealers.
- A middle school in South Florida is trying to change interracial dynamics by simply changing the seating arrangement in the school’s cafeteria. Rich Stone with member station WXEL in West Palm Beach has the story.
- This weekend, University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is considered a near shoo-in to win the Heisman Trophy. John Levy with WUFT in Gainesville has a profile of this remarkable young athlete.
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Friday, November 30th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Top state officials freeze a fund that local governments throughout Florida use as a short-term bank. It happened after some local governments started pulling out their money over concern about risky investments by state fund managers. James Call reports.
- Florida tourism was up nearly five percent in the third quarter of this year. Tom Flanigan spoke with Florida Commission on Tourism Vice-Chair Nikki Grossman about the increase and what the state’s largest industry expects to see this winter.
- Both state and local officials in Florida are trying to figure out how to keep the mentally ill out of the criminal justice system. Lynn Hatter has the story.
- Governor Crist talks about helping small business, the economic benefits of more environment-friendly energy and plugs the constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes during his weekly radio address.
- A year-long election dispute in Sarasota County came to an end this week. But Trimmel Gomes tells us they are still some lingering concerns over Florida’s ability to conduct glitch-free elections.
- The deepening drought in the Southeast has made the tri-state conflict over the water in the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint river system more bitter than ever. And, as Margie Menzel found, Florida’s celebrated Gulf seafood industry is in dire danger.
- Too much salt water could be the problem for Florida if some scientists’ projections come true. Tidal level shifts have a long history. But James Call covered a seminar where one researcher argued global warming could turn those natural fluctuations into a permanent tidal wave.
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Friday, November 23rd, 2007 Edition
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- Some Florida business groups, along with the state's attorney general, are concerned about the economic impact of Florida's efforts to “go green” quickly. Trimmel Gomes has the story.
- The federal government moved this week to reduce the amount of water flowing into the already-parched Apalachicola River basin. Margie Menzel has the latest.
- The ongoing problem of too many young black men and boys in the Florida criminal justice system has many causes and no easy solutions. Lynn Hatter reports.
- A new State of Florida Internet site promises to help citizens keep better track of what state government is up to. As James Call tells us, Governor Crist wants the site to tell the bad, as well as the good.
- After years of go-go growth in holiday spending, Florida retailers are predicting only modest gains for this year's shopping season. At the same time, a growing number of toys would be better left on the shelves. More from Tom Flanigan.
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Friday, November 16th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- More budget woes for Florida as the state's housing market remains in a slump. The latest from James Call.
- Governor Crist talks about last week's trade mission to South America in his weekly radio address.
- After a dozen years of talk, there's finally a deal between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The tribe will be able to expand its casino gaming operations and the state will get a substantial piece of the revenue action. But opponents are threatening lawsuits as Trimmel Gomes tells us.
- Chris Hart IV becomes only the second president/CEO in the seven-year history of Workforce Florida. He talks about his plans for the public-private agency.
- Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to cut the amount of water allowed into the Apalachicola River basin. As Margie Menzel reports in her final segment on the river, an economy, an environment and an entire way of life could also be ebbing away.
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Friday, November 9th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- What began an a media event opposing a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution this week turned into a spirited public policy debate. James Call was there to catch the action.
- A group of lawmakers gathered in Tallahassee this week to discuss the economic implications of Governor Crist's plans to mitigate greenhouse gases. Some Republicans suggested the price tag may be too steep. Trimmel Gomes has the story.
- Human trafficking is growing alarmingly in the U.S. and right here in Florida. Lynn Hatter sat in on a symposium focused on the problem and possible solutions.
- As Georgia, Florida and Alabama continue to battle over the water in the Apalachicola River basin, that resource is shrinking. Margie Menzel visited the river and its bay to find out what's happening with the ecosystem, the economy and a threatened way of life.
- The Florida Folk Festival happens this weekend at the Stephen Foster Park at White Springs. Laura Klages with member station WUFT in Gainesville has a preview.
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Friday, November 2nd, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Florida lawmakers were finally able to agree on a constitutional amendment to further reduce property taxes this week. But, so far, the measure is getting a lukewarm response from both its advocates and potential opponents. James Call reports.
- More taxing news this week came from the Florida Taxation and Budget Commission. This body meets every twenty years to look at the way the state handles revenues and expenditures. Commissioners heard a report from the Leroy Collins Institute at Florida State University that was less than optimistic. More from Lynn Hatter.
- The decades-old tri-state water war was being fought in Washington, D.C. this week. Representatives from Florida, Georgia and Alabama are trying to reach an agreement on how to fairly distribute the water that winds up in the Apalachicola River basin. Donna Green-Towsend with member station WUFT in Gainesville spoke by phone with Florida Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Sole.
- Despite the threat of an environmental lawsuit, groundbreaking was held this week for the new Bay County International Airport. Trimmel Gomes was there.
- Florida is experiencing a meteoric rise in the incidence of diabetes. As Margie Menzel found, the disease can afflict nearly anyone.
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Friday, October 26th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Lawmakers will be back in Tallahassee on Monday to try and agree on a property tax-cutting constitutional amendment that both they and voters can agree on. James Call reports they don't have much time to accomplish that.
- Governor Crist expressed every confidence the Legislature will be able to meet Tuesday night's deadline in his weekly radio address.
- The governor will be in Panama City next week to take part in the groundbreaking for a big, new airport. But the project has its detractors. Trimmel Gomes takes a look at the controversy.
- Hundreds of demonstrators marched in Tallahassee this week. They wanted federal civil rights charges brought against the guards and the nurse who were found not guilty in the death of a young boot camp inmate. Margie Menzel has the story.
- Boat theft is on the rise in Florida. Mike Kiniry with member station WGCU in Fort Myers has more.
- The state's elementary kids are getting some help adjusting to the new physical education requirement in their schools. Trimmel Gomes visited one school to find out how that's working.
- The State of Florida is mourning the death of a former State Supreme Court justice. James Call returns to remember Joseph Arthur Boyd, Jr.
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Friday, October 19th, 2007 Edition
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- As this week began, it looked like the Florida Legislature would quickly approve a new plan to further cut property taxes. But by mid-week, that plan was out the window and confusion reigned at the Capitol. James Call has the story.
- Lawmakers approved a long list of state budget cuts during the last special session a few weeks ago. But Governor Crist is getting pressure to veto one of those cuts. More from Trimmel Gomes.
- Donna Callaway of Tallahassee is one of 25 members of the Blueprint Commission appointed by Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Walt McNeil. They're getting citizen and expert input from all over Florida on how to reform the state's entire juvenile justice system. She shares her thoughts on what direction the commission's suggestions might take.
- Another new commission, this one on the status of Floridians with disabilities, held its first meeting this week. Lynn Hatter reports.
- While the future of a state/federal child healthcare program hung in the balance in Washington this week, Florida's version of that program was reporting record enrollments. Margie Menzel found that Florida's success could even have some impact on the national debate.
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Friday, October 12th, 2007 Edition
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- James Call reports on the Florida Legislative cutting a billion dollars from the state budget. Lawmakers also began preparing for a special session on property tax reform.
- Lynn Hatter explores efforts to revive the state's no-fault auto insurance law. Starting January 1st, motorists will have to show proof of personal injury protection insurance when registering a vehicle.
- Trimmel Gomes reports on the verdict in Florida's boot-camp death case. Seven juvenile detention guards and a nurse were acquitted of manslaughter charges in the death of 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson.
- Marjorie Menzell updates efforts to place the so-called Hometown Democracy Initiative on the November 08 ballot. The measure would require a citizen-vote before local government can implement changes in a community's comprehensive plan. It is opposed by business groups.
- And in Gainesville, Anjuli Lohn reports on a University of Florida Seminar discussing the future of direct democracy in Florida.
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Friday, October 5th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Florida lawmakers vote to chop just over a billion dollars from the state budget. The slight differences between the House and Senate versions will be ironed out in conference committees early next week.
James Call has the story.
- Governor Crist was talking about his economic stimulus plan during his weekly radio address.
- At least part of Florida's state, and even local budget problems, may be due to an over-reliance on the taxes generated by building and construction. At least, that's the opinion of 1000 Friends of Florida. Tom Flanigan sat down with the organization's head and top planner.
- No-fault auto insurance went away this past Monday in Florida. The effort to revive it during the special session hit a major stumbling block Thursday afternoon, but some last-minute negotiations brought the bill in for a landing on Friday. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- The first Blueprint Commission of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice meeting was held this week in Orlando. Judith Smelser with member station WMFE says the gathering focused on what the state hasn't been doing to get ahead of a growing youth crime problem.
- Another first-ever meeting took place in Tallahassee. The state's new Childrens' Cabinet is trying to bring a more unified and coordinated approach to a multitude of programs and organizations. Margie Menzel sat in on the session.
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Friday, September 28th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- The official call for next week's special Florida legislative session went out this afternoon. It restricts the agenda exclusively to balancing the state budget, but James Call reports the a few other items could find their way into the discussion at the direction of Governor Crist.
- The scramble for ways to reduce spending and increase revenues, if only on paper, got underway in legislative committee meetings in Tallahassee late this week. Tom Flanigan looks at some of strategies in play.
- Even before it may face significant budget cuts, the state agency that helps people with disabilities is already having problems. Margie Menzel reports.
- James Call returns with a look at some last-minute efforts by consumer advocates, independent insurers, hospitals, doctors and a number of lawmakers to save the state's no-fault auto insurance system.
- The Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state's eleven public universities, flexed its tuition-setting muscles for the first time in its history this week. Trimmel Gomes has that story.
- For some unknown reason, the giant sturgeon are jumpin' in the Suwanee River. As John Wich with member station WUFT in Gainesville reports, the leaping fish sometimes collide with boaters and anglers, causing injuries and maybe even a recent death.
- Florida is celebrating its Hispanic heritage this month. Trimmel Gomes found an artistic expression of that heritage being placed in the Governor's Mansion.
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Friday, September 21st, 2007 Edition
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Friday, September 14th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- A legislative special session to balance Florida's budget is now set to happen between October third and twelfth. James Call reports on the behind-the-scenes action in advance of the session.
- While many lawmakers are focusing on budget cuts, Governor Crist is talking targeted spending in an effort to kick-start some lagging segments of the state economy. He talks about his plan in his weekly radio address.
- A stagnant economy may mean bigger caseloads for those state agencies that handle such things as childrens' services. Margie Menzel spoke with some agency heads on how they expect to handle the crunch.
- Delicate discussions continue between the State of Florida and the Seminole Nation. One issue is the expansion of the tribe's gaming options at its Florida entertainment properties. James Call reports the other issue is who will benefit from the jackpot of revenues those establishments will generate.
- With the legislature's special session now set for the third of October, the October first sunset of the state's no-fault auto insurance system is almost guaranteed. The State of Colorado went through something similar a few years back, so Trimmel Gomes checked in with some officials there to find out what happened.
- The top tech people from every state government agency gathered at this year's Florida State Government Technology Conference in Tallahassee this week. In addition to all the fancy “gee-whiz” computer gear, there was a new emphasis on creating people networks to make technology a tool instead of a taskmaster.
- Margie Menzel has an audio tribute to State Representative Mike Davis (R-Naples) who died this week.
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Friday, September 7th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- The Special Legislative Session planned to start September 18th in Tallahassee is now on indefinite hold. As James Call reports, the delay will give the governor and legislative leaders more time to work out a budget-balancing solution.
- Tight budget times also may mean a rethinking of the state university system. A former university president believes that system can no longer afford to be all things to all students. Margie Menzel has the story.
- Governor Crist talks about two plans to help pay the cost of a college or university education in his weekly radio address.
- John Sepulvado of member station WUSF reports that Democratic voters in Tampa aren't very happy about the prospect of being locked out of their party's nomination process.
- Allen Crotzer, the man who spent more than 24 years in Florida prison for crimes he didn't commit, still doesn't have any compensation from the state. But at least he has his voter registration card. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- Governor Crist is enlisting the leaders of Florida's faith communities to join his crusade to reduce greenhouse gases. James Call returns with more on this story.
- Meanwhile, a few Florida counties are making the commitment to shrink their own carbon footprint. Tom Flanigan found that out when he attended a Capital City area climate change workshop this week.
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Friday, August 31st, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Florida property insurance and property taxes haven't fallen as much as lawmakers and Governor Charlie Crist had hoped. Now the governor says he has a plan to boost those savings. James Call has the story.
- The Sunshine State isn't immune from a rising tide of home foreclosures and that could have dire consequences for the state's overall economy. More from Margie Menzel.
- There were no caps and gowns, but there was a lot of scratching and barking at a unique Tallahassee graduation ceremony this week.
- A special panel of the Florida Board of Governors was in the Capital City this week to hear how officials at Florida A&M University are doing at fixing the school's many financial problems. An update from Trimmel Gomes.
- Governor Crist talked about his newly appointed Childrens' Cabinet during his radio address this week.
- Florida Public Radio's Luis Hernandez reports on the state's strict new fertilizer rules to reduce the nutrient load on Florida's lakes, streams and groundwater.
- The latest exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville makes Peter Benchley's “Jaws” look like a sardine.
- A classic college football clash on Labor Day also pits father against son. And if Bowden-the-Elder ever decides to retire from the sidelines of the Florida State Seminoles, his performance this week before the team faithful indicated he may have a bright future as a stand-up comic.
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Friday, August 24th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Governor Crist wants to strike a deal with the Seminole Tribe that could help solve the state's budget shortfall. But the plan is fraught with challenges as James Call reports.
- Democratic Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama visits Florida A&M University and gets a hero's welcome. Margie Menzel has that story.
- The National Democratic Party is threatening to strip its party's presidential candidates of their Florida delegates because the state moved up its primary election. Mike Kniery has the latest.
- A sentence of death for John Couey, who kidnapped, raped and murdered 12-year old Jessica Lunsford. Kyle Seig reports from the courthouse in Inverness.
- It's the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew. As Doug Phillips tells us, the storm not only devastated a swath of southern Dade County; it also set the stage for how Jeb Bush would deal with the hurricanes that struck the state during his administration as governor.
- Governor Crist talked about two of his appointed commissions in this week's radio address: a commission on physical fitness to help Floridians get healthier and more active; and the Commission on Open Government that's working to make the state's open meetings and records laws better and more enforceable.
- Meanwhile, another commission was trying to figure out how to define “renewable energy.” Trimmel Gomes reports.
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Friday, August 17th, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- One person has died of West Nile virus in Florida so far this year. Now a second case has been confirmed. Although both cases have happened in Bay County, public health officials are monitoring the situation statewide. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- There's been no lack of bad news about Florida A&M University. Now the school's new president is trying to generate some good news. That story from James Call.
- Advocates in Florida are pushing to expand enrollment for the state's healthcare program for children of low-income working families. Meanwhile, the battle lines are drawn in Washington over the federal funding that helps make that program possible. More from Margie Menzel.
- Governor Crist had a lot to say about his new climate change team in his radio address this week.
- Florida's Republican U.S. Senator Mel Martinez was visiting the Treasure Coast this week. Jill Roberts of member station WQCS in Ft. Pierce talked with him about Everglades restoration. She also found ongoing concern among local officials on the property tax and state budget issues.
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Friday, August 10th, 2007 Edition
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- Florida's state agencies are racing to cut their budgets in response to Governor Crist's directive. But the state's child protective services may be hard pressed to meet that goal. Margie Menzel reports.
- With the emphasis on reducing greenhouse gases from electric power production in Florida, the door may be opening for a greater reliance on nuclear energy. Trimmel Gomes has that story.
- Tom Flanigan has a wrap-up of late breaking news from around the Sunshine State.
- Supporters of the “Hometown Democracy” constitutional amendment are racing to collect enough petition signatures to get the measure on the November, 2008 ballot. If passed, it would let voters have the final say on some kinds of local development projects. But the proposal is strongly opposed by local government and the business community. We get both sides of the issue from Hometown Democracy's Ross Burnaman and Adam Babington with the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
- Congress is on August recess and Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson was passing through Tallahassee this week. James Call sat down with him to chat about some of the big national issues lawmakers will tackle when they get back to Washington next month.
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Friday, August 3rd, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Last January's special legislative session on property insurance reform hasn't had the desired results of lowering rates while encouraging more private companies to keep writing policies in Florida. Frustration over that erupted during this week's meeting of the Florida Cabinet and James Call has the story.
- Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Walt McNeil has announced a statewide commission to help overhaul the entire juvenile justice system.
- Magie Menzel reports there's a similar effort gearing up to take on the state's child foster care system.
- Governor Crist talks about hurricane preparedness, the “My Safe Florida Home” program, explains some disaster-related legislation he signed this weeks and urges shoppers to take advantage of tax-free back-to-school bargains in his weekly radio message.
- Sticker shock is coming for university students used to the discounted contraceptives available at their on-campus health centers. Trimmel Gomes gauges the reaction.
- A delegation of notables from the U.K. will descend on Tallahassee next week. They're seeking clemency for a British citizen convicted of a double murder in Miami twenty years ago.
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Friday, July 27, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Yet another round of state budget cutting is on the way. James Call reports.
- Florida Public Radio's David Pitman tells us a sharp turndown in the state's housing market is a major reason state revenues are slipping.
- A new poll shows a majority of Floridians want lower property taxes. But that support still falls short of the “super majority” it will take to approve greater tax savings when voters decide that issue in January. Sunniya Marquez has that story.
- Governor Crist wants Florida utility companies to expand their sources of renewable energy. The state's public service commission started working on guidelines in support of that goal this week. We have reports from Trimmel Gomes and Donna Green-Townsend at member station WUFT in Gainesville.
- This week's radio message from the governor stresses hurricane preparedness.
- Florida's Capital City area launches a full-court press against domestic violence.
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Friday, July 20, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Governor Crist pledges he and state government agencies under his control will set the example in reducing greenhouse gases. James Call found that presents a daunting challenge.
- The governor recaps last week's Climate Summit in his weekly radio address. He also talks about this week's Farm to Fuel Summit in St. Petersburg and an upcoming trade mission to South America.
- State budget cutbacks are starting to impact a number of agencies that serve people with disabilities in Florida. Sunniya Marquez reports.
- The legal and political battle continues between the State University System Board of Governors and the Florida Legislature. At issue: who has the final word on how much tuition students pay? Bobbie O'Brien at member station WUSF in Tampa has the story.
- Child abuse is a growing, and greatly underreported problem, in Florida. Dr. Joseph Chiaro with the Florida Department of Health says the state is trying to take a more comprehensive approach than just locking up abusive parents.
- Speaking of abuse, one of the roughest, toughest sports around is making a sudden resurgence in popularity. Margie Menzel goes behind the scenes with the women-on-wheels who have Capital City spectators cheering…and often howling for blood.
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Friday, July 13, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Governor Crist signs some executive orders at the close of this week's Climate Summit in Miami. Ronald J. Ebben explains.
- The governor's weekly radio address was all about the need for the state to get serious about energy conservation and renewable energy sources. Environmentalists are applauding, but a top oil industry official warns the state may have some negative economic fallout.
- The Florida University System Board of Governors moves to assert its authority by joining a lawsuit against the state legislature. More on that from Donna Green-Townsend with member station WUFT in Gainesville.
- Florida's Guardian Ad Litem program is looking for a few tireless volunteers to stand up for thousands of kids in crisis. The story from Margie Menzel.
- First there were too many applicants. Now there are not enough. Bobbie O'Brien from WUSF in Tampa has the latest on the “My Safe Florida Home” program the state set up to help more residents harden their houses against hurricanes.
- A year ago, the retired aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany became the world's largest artificial reef. Dave Dunwoody of WUWF in Pensacola has an update.
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Friday, July 6, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- The State of Florida finds itself more than a billion dollars short before the new budget year even starts. James Call reports on what's being done to deal with the revenue shortfall.
- Two proposed coal-fired power plants for Florida are now on hold, due in large part to concerns over greenhouse gases. Trimmel Gomes traces the history of one of those plants and how a new statewide energy policy could change Florida's energy future.
- Governor Crist talks about next week's Florida Climate Summit in Miami in his weekly radio address.
- Florida crime has dropped to its lowest level in thirty-six years. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey discusses that and his agency's latest initiatives.
- Floridians with disabilities can be far more at risk when the evacuation order comes during a disaster. Margie Menzel found several such folks who are taking charge of their own emergency planning in the face of some daunting challenges.
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Friday, June 29, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Just three weeks after the Florida Legislature passed property tax reform, local governments around the state are still trying to figure out just how that reform, in its several variations, might affect their operations. The latest from James Call.
- Non-profit human service agencies throughout Florida could face partial or total local government de-funding and Sunniya Marquez asked some of them how they'd cope.
- When the legislature passed and Governor Crist signed property tax reform, the promise was that local tax cuts wouldn't impact local schools. Margie Menzel talked to state and county education leaders to see if they believe the promises.
- Governor Crist talks about property insurance reform in his weekly radio address. A spokesman for the Florida Insurance Council says that reform may help some policyholders, but private carriers are still in trouble.
- Florida's community college system is marking its 50th anniversary.
David Armstrong, the outgoing chancellor of Florida's Community College System, talks about it and reveals he's stepping down from the job to become the president of Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale.
- James Ammons takes over the helm of troubled Florida A&M University. Trimmel Gomes takes a look at the man and the many issues facing him as the school's president.
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Friday, June 22, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Governor Crist has signed Florida's largest-ever tax cut into law. We have a series of reports on what might happen next from James Call, Margie Menzel and Sunniya Marquez.
- Trimmel Gomes reports on the governor's veto of a statewide energy bill. The move was hailed by a number of environmental groups who say an upcoming report from a special energy task force might result in a much better long-term energy policy for Florida.
- Former Delaware Congressman Tom Evans now has a home in Florida. He's spearheading an effort to restrict development on the state's fragile barrier islands.
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Friday, June 15, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Florida Lawmakers were back in Tallahassee on Tuesday for what was supposed to be a two week special session on property taxes, but it took only three days to pass the largest tax cut in state history.
- Reaction from two of the state's flagship public universities after the Governor knocks down another tuition hike.
- A pilot program continuing to reach new heights, protecting your home from hurricanes, you may be eligible for a free hurricane proof inspection …
- And a group protesting changes to Medicaid's HIV/AIDS programs.
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Friday, June 08, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Governor Crist's veto pen carves out nearly $500 million from the state's budget. James Call reports.
- The governor mentions some budget highlights in his weekly radio address.
- Expected cuts in local government budgets from reduced property tax collections could have a serious impact on disaster volunteer organizations. That story from Margie Menzel.
- The start of the hurricane season a week from today will find a lot of people in storm-threatened places like Florida aren't ready. And some don't even seem to care if they're not. Robert Bode with member station WUFT reports.
- An unusual legal ruling from a judge in Tallahassee. He says the state's Department of Environmental Protection didn't follow its own rules in handling a paper mill's wastewater permit. Trimmel Gomes has more on that.
- Despite all the fury in Washington, D.C. over the illegal immigrant question, Sunniya Marquez talked to a man who thinks a steady supply of cheap labor may actually be a good thing for the U.S. job picture.
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Friday, June 01, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- It's the opening day of the six-month long Atlantic Hurricane Season. State and local officials are ready, along with much of the state's business community.
- A primary election happens this Tuesday (6/5) for the Florida Senate District Three seat that used to be occupied by Nancy Argenciano, who Governor Crist named recently to the Florida Public Service Commission. It's become what some are calling a “brutal” political contest and Margie Menzel has the backdrop.
- Citizens Property Insurance is now Florida's largest windstorm insurer. That explosive growth has prompted the state's Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink to have a special task force look at ways to improve Citizens' efficiency, effectiveness and customer service. We chat about that with Mike Twomey, a Tallahassee utilities attorney who is Governor Crist's pick to sit on that task force.
- Many beekeepers across the U.S. are struggling as disease and other stresses ravage their hives. But the tiny corner of North Florida that produces legendary Tupelo honey is doing okay, for reasons even scientists don't completely understand. Trimmel Gomes visits rural Gulf County to find out more.
- Governor Crist was visiting Israel this week on a mission to increase economic ties between that country and Florida. In his weekly radio message, he talks about that and the move to divest the state's retirement fund investments from countries doing business with Sudan and Iran. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp has stayed in Florida and was handing out the yearly Sterling Awards on Friday. He's happy that one state agency, the Division of Blind Services, was among the Sterling winners.
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Friday, May 25, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Governor Crist's veto pen carves out nearly $500 million from the state's budget. James Call reports.
- The governor mentions some budget highlights in his weekly radio address.
- Expected cuts in local government budgets from reduced property tax collections could have a serious impact on disaster volunteer organizations. That story from Margie Menzel.
- The start of the hurricane season a week from today will find a lot of people in storm-threatened places like Florida aren't ready. And some don't even seem to care if they're not. Robert Bode with member station WUFT reports.
- An unusual legal ruling from a judge in Tallahassee. He says the state's Department of Environmental Protection didn't follow its own rules in handling a paper mill's wastewater permit. Trimmel Gomes has more on that.
- Despite all the fury in Washington, D.C. over the illegal immigrant question, Sunniya Marquez talked to a man who thinks a steady supply of cheap labor may actually be a good thing for the U.S. job picture.
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Friday, May 18, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Florida's House Democrats take a stab at solving the property tax reform puzzle. That report from James Call.
- Wildfires continue to rage in many parts of Florida. Donna Green-Townsend with WUFT in Gainesville takes us to the largest fire along the Florida-Georgia border.
- Tinder-dry conditions fueled the Florida fires. Trimmel Gomes found that deepening drought has farmers, water managers and climatologists concerned.
- Governor Crist's weekly radio address includes references to the ongoing wildfire danger, the need to prepare in advance of hurricane season and property tax relief.
- The saga of Al Crotzer, the man who spent 24 years in Florida prison for a crime he didn't commit, continues. Sunniya Marquez has an update.
- Tight money this year meant fewer dollars for many of Florida's human services needs. Margie Menzel reports.
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Friday, May 11, 2007 Edition
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Crist Weekly Address |
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- Wildfires are inflaming much of Florida. Donna Green-Townsend of member station WUFT in Gainesville has the latest from the area near the Florida-Georgia border.
- Governor Crist mentions the wildfire situation in his weekly radio address. He also urges state residents to take advantage of the sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies between June 1 and June 12. The address ends with the governor hoping lawmakers will work out a property tax reform compromise during the special session that begins June 12. That became a bit more likely today as House Speaker Marco Rubio backed away from his earlier position that a higher state sales tax would make property taxes a moot point. Instead, Speaker Rubio is pushing a plan to increase residential and commercial tax exemptions. - Listen to governor Crist's weekly address.
- If a property tax compromise is closer, the reform and expansion of the state's KidCare program is still in limbo. Margie Menzel reports there's a growing chorus urging the governor to include this issue in the special session call.
- Florida corrections officials say they've fixed the problems with the state's lethal injection procedure. This clears the way for Governor Crist to start signing new death warrants. The story from Ronald J. Ebben.
- Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan talk about the threats posed by the wildfires and the ongoing drought to public health and Florida's farm crops.
- Dorothy St. Jean looks ahead to next week's major happenings in Tallahassee and beyond.
- Some Catholic Churches and social advocacy groups in Florida are urging Washington lawmakers to consider compassion in crafting immigration reform. Sunniya Marquez reports.
- Mothers Day is this Sunday. But the occasion actually has its roots in the peace movement of the 19th Century. A group of Florida school children were working today to get the observance back to its origins. James Call reports.
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Friday, May 4, 2007 Edition
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Crist's Weekly Address
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- Nearly eight hours before they HAD to end it, Florida lawmakers called a halt to the 2007 regular legislative session. We have post-session comments from the House Speaker, Senate President and Governor Crist.
- A few hours before the session ended, Mark Simpson described the scene on the fourth floor rotunda of the Capitol between the House and Senate Chambers.
- One reason the session may have ended early is because lawmakers couldn't agree on how to fix the state's property tax system and will have to return to Tallahassee next month to tackle that issue. James Call reports.
- Governor Crist's weekly radio address includes praise for what lawmakers accomplished during the session, along with hopes they'll be able to hammer out a property tax reform compromise next month. We have reaction to the governor's key points.
- Mark Simpson returns to recap some other major action at the Legislature during the session's final day.
- Dorothy St. Jean looks ahead to some of the more significant happenings in Tallahassee next week.
- Margie Menzel reports there could be a chance that lawmakers could address the reform and expansion of the state's KidCare program during the June special session.
- Sometimes a controversial bill finally makes it though one chamber of the Florida Legislature only to fail when the other chamber runs out of time. Trimmel Gomes provides us with just one such example.
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Thursday, May 3, 2007 Edition
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- Now that lawmakers have decided to hold off on the property tax issue until a special session in June, James Call takes a look at what led to the stalemate and what may happen next.
- Capital Press Corps. veterans Brent Kallestad of the Associated Press, John Kennedy of the Orlando Sentinel and Mark Caputo of the Miami Herald share their analysis of the property tax issue.
- Despite strong support from many quarters, it appears Florida's KidCare program may have to wait another year for a major revamp and expansion. Margie Menzel reports.
- Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan review some late-breaking happenings at the Capitol.
- Dorothy St. Jean has a roundup of events taking place on the final day of the 2007 Legislative Session.
- A Senate floor battle could erupt tomorrow over a controversial abortion bill. Trimmel Gomes explains.
- A special campus security task force appointed by Governor Crist right after last month's Virginia Tech shooting tragedy held its first meeting today. Sunniya Marquez was there.
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Wednesday, May 2, 2007 Edition
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- Florida lawmakers throw in the towel on property tax reform. They'll finish their regular work and leave Tallahassee this Friday as scheduled. They'll return for a special session on property taxes between June 12 and 22. James Call has the story.
- The latest round of FCAT scores for the state's public school students is a decidedly mixed bag and some Florida education officials are disappointed. That story from Sunniya Marquez.
- Restrictions on where they can live have some South Florida sex offenders taking up residence beneath a highway bridge. Lawmakers were trying to tweak the state's sex offender laws this session to be more reasonable, while still staying tough. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- Leroy Collins, Jr. the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs says strict privacy laws may be keeping some Florida military vets from the services they need.
- Dorothy St. Jean looks ahead to Thursday's Capital happenings.
- Florida is working to expand its “My Safe Florida Home” program to encourage more homeowners to harden their dwellings in advance of future hurricanes. More on that from Mark Simpson.
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Tuesday, May 1, 2007 Edition
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- With as much as a billion dollars in untapped revenue at stake, there are more than a few people at the Capitol thinking that expanded gambling could help solve some state and local budget problems. James Call reports.
- Florida lawmakers have passed one compensation bill, but the fate of a second bill is uncertain. More from Mark Simpson.
- Although some lawmakers are reluctant to spend state money to fund a voting machine paper trail, federal money could pay the lion's share. It's just up to the Legislature to let that happen. The story from Tom Flanigan.
- Trimmel Gomes finds that some Florida university students will be paying a bit more for their education this coming fall.
- A record-breaking drought could mean record-breaking wildfires for Florida. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan talk it over.
- Dorothy St. Jean previews Wednesday's Tallahassee action.
- Florida's state and local health officials are trying to convince more state residents that getting tested for hepatitis could save money and lives. Tom Flanigan was on hand at the Capitol rally.
- Could too many lobbyists camping out in the Capitol's fourth floor rotunda area be causing a health and safety hazard? That story from Sunniya Marquez.
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Monday, April 30, 2007 Edition
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- Florida lawmakers beat the clock on Tuesday's deadline to submit a state budget. James Call has the story.
- Governor Crist complies with a presidential mandate to create a special task force to examine the state's on-campus security situation. But Sunniya Marquez says state money to implement any suggestions the task force may suggest is still questionable.
- The Legislature is working on two election-related matters. One would move up the state's presidential primary, despite opposition from both national party organizations. The other is to make sure that every voting machine in Florida provides a paper trail. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- The property tax reform issue is still unresolved, a flurry of bills pass the legislature and the Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team works to recover after a tragedy earlier this month. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan discuss.
- Tuesday will be a busy day at the Capitol and Dorothy St. Jean has a preview.
- Mark Simpson has a look at a plan now in the Legislature to catalogue the state's many varieties of beach sand as a prelude to a major beach restoration effort.
- Faced with many domestic restrictions on the use of stem cells, a Florida man goes overseas in an attempt to prolong his life. Valerie Alker with member station WGCU in Fort Myers has his story.
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Friday, April 27, 2007 Edition
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Crist's Weekly Address |
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Governor Crist unveils his version of what property tax reform may look like in Florida. James Call has the story.
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The state's constitutionally mandated Tax Reform Commission meets this year. Several groups are already urging commission members to take the widest possible view. Trimmel Gomes reports.
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What began as a debate over an expanded immunization program in the Florida House today wound up with one member having to apologize to his colleagues for what he called “an insensitive remark.” Tom Flanigan caught the exchange.
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Local governments are still wary over the property tax matter, the Florida Marlins get a bit closer to getting a new stadium and the latest Quinnipiac University presidential poll results for Florida. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan have the details.
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Dorothy St. Jean has a preview of Friday's Capital happenings.
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Sunniya Marquez finds that Republicans in the Legislature like the idea of moving up the state's presidential primary election, but the Democrats are less unified on the matter.
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The Federal Communications Commission has set a public hearing in Tampa this coming Monday (April 30th) on possibly lifting some restrictions on media cross-ownership and consolidation. Tom Flanigan spoke with one of the FCC commissioners and some of those expected to testify at the hearing.
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Thursday, April 26, 2007 Edition
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- Governor Crist unveils his version of what property tax reform may look like in Florida. James Call has the story.
- The state's constitutionally mandated Tax Reform Commission meets this year. Several groups are already urging commission members to take the widest possible view. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- What began as a debate over an expanded immunization program in the Florida House today wound up with one member having to apologize to his colleagues for what he called “an insensitive remark.” Tom Flanigan caught the exchange.
- Local governments are still wary over the property tax matter, the Florida Marlins get a bit closer to getting a new stadium and the latest Quinnipiac University presidential poll results for Florida. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan have the details.
- Dorothy St. Jean has a preview of Friday's Capital happenings.
- Sunniya Marquez finds that Republicans in the Legislature like the idea of moving up the state's presidential primary election, but the Democrats are less unified on the matter.
- The Federal Communications Commission has set a public hearing in Tampa this coming Monday (April 30th) on possibly lifting some restrictions on media cross-ownership and consolidation. Tom Flanigan spoke with one of the FCC commissioners and some of those expected to testify at the hearing.
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Wednesday, April 25, 2007 Edition
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- With House and Senate members unable to agree on what to do about property tax reform, Governor Crist says he can have a compromise ready to go in twenty-four hours. James Call reports.
- A mixed result in the latest Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test reading scores. That story from Trimmel Gomes.
- Florida lawmakers did a major overhaul of the state's lawsuit laws last year. But the state's trial lawyers would like one more tweak and that has businesses and the medical industry crying “foul.” Tom Flanigan has that.
- A warning from the National Democratic Party head, a high-ranking state official faces an investigation and a Florida Senate committee room is named in honor of the immediate-past lieutenant governor of Florida. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan talk about it.
- Dorothy St. Jean has Thursday's Capital Daybook.
- A young man tells about getting sucked into the dark world of on-line porn when he was a young teen. Mark Simpson has the story.
- To keep more girls (and boys) from going wild during spring break in Florida this year, the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation offered a helping hand to local law agencies at two destinations popular with the collegiate set. Sunniya Marquez tells what happened.
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007 Edition
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- Full cable TV competition for Florida moved one step closer to reality today in a senate committee today. The issue has put local telephone and existing cable providers at odds for nearly two months. But James Call found that one senator's amendment could be the deal maker – or breaker.
- Last week, a special master recommended a $2.3 million state settlement for the family of Martin Lee Anderson. But now a state senate committee has more than doubled that figure. Mark Simpson reports.
- Homebuilders, contractors and building trade professionals marched on the Capital today in support of House Speaker Marco Rubio's property tax reform plan. More from Trimmel Gomes.
- House and Senate conferees go late on property taxes, a felony rights letter to the governor, beware a phony FCAT Web site, longer hours for drivers license offices and a legendary musician visits the Florida House. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan provide the update.
- Wednesday's action is previewed by Dorothy St. Jean.
- State University System officials still hope lawmakers may see their way clear to provide at least a little bit more money for better campus security. That story from Sunniya Marquez.
- Day cruise and gambling ships are attracting the ire of an intrepid group of environmentally concerned surf riders. We get more from Megan Forrest of member station WUFT in Gainesville.
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Monday, April 23 , 2007 Edition
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- The Florida House Policy and Budget Council passes a bill that would reverse at least part of what lawmakers did during the January Special Session on property windstorm insurance. The same committee then turns aside Governor Crist's urging that it be easier for homeowners to opt for the state-run Citizens Property Insurance. Tom Flanigan watched the council action.
- Are places of business public places? Or can the owners declare them off limits to people whose only business is gathering petition signatures? It's a property rights versus constitutional rights question and James Call was on top of the debate at the Legislature.
- Florida felons who serve their time are now able to get their civil rights back. But there's a lot less certainty when it comes to getting state-issued licenses or certifications they may need for a job after prison. Mark Simpson reports.
- Another presidential candidate and a U.S. Senator came to Tallahassee today, further movement in a case of wrongful conviction and Governor Crist nominates a state senator to the Florida Public Service Commission. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan have the details.
- There's a lot of Capital activity on Tuesday's calendar and Dorothy St. Jean has the complete list.
- First-time DUI offenders in Florida could be forced to install electronic ignition locks in their vehicles under a bill being pushed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. That story from Sunniya Marquez.
- A mass rally of people with disabilities at the Capital this past Friday apparently made a strong impression on at least a few lawmakers. Trimmel Gomes has that report.
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Friday, April 20 , 2007 Edition
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- The spokesperson for the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation steps down after a representative of a company the agency regulates feels pressured to show up at a political fund raiser for the spokesperson's wife. Even the agency's director is under fire. More from Sunniya Marquez.
- Florida's Senate Democrats think they may have a way to recast the debate over property tax reform with their Republican Colleagues.
- Red light running is epidemic in Florida and the Legislature is looking at ramping up the penalties. Trimmel Gomes has that story.
- Florida Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno is the guest at the Capital Report Roundtable.
- Governor Charlie Crist talks about the Virginia Tech slayings, global warming and property tax reform in his weekly radio message. Senate Minority Whip Dave Aronberg of Greenacres has the Democratic response.
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Thursday, Apr 19, 2007 Edition
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- The Florida Senate passed its version of property tax reform this morning. Senate and House conferees met later in the day to start working out a compromise between the two widely different plans. Mark Simpson has that.
- James Call finds that lawmakers may be having a bit of a disconnect. As they work to restrict local governments' revenue stream on one hand, they're piling more spending demands on them with the other.
- Local law enforcement officials fear property tax reform will hit them especially hard. That story from Trimmel Gomes.
- Dr. Lance DeHaven Smith, political science professor at Florida State University, has some interesting observations on the political dynamics now at work in the legislature.
- The Florida University System's Board of Governors feels the need to increase on-campus security in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings. But to pay for it, state lawmakers may wind up yanking the money from existing university funding. Sunniya Marquez reports.
- A lot going on tomorrow at the Florida Capital and Dorothy St. Jean has an overview.
- The first and largest privatization project under former Governor Jeb Bush was the multi-million dollar Convergys contract under the “People First” banner. Margie Menzel found that Crist administration officials are taking a critical look at that deal.
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Wednesday, Apr 18, 2007 Edition
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The Florida House passes its version of property tax reform, but the Senate has very different ideas along this line. James Call found a growing number of lawmakers thinking “special session.”
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The plight of one man convicted and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit got some serious attention from state lawmakers today. Mark Simpson recounts the story of Alan Crotzer.
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Ken Haddad, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission explains that his agency does a lot more than just issue the state's hunting and fishing licenses.
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The Florida Senate creates a bigger anti-cybercrime force, makes strangulation a felony and leaving unattended children in a vehicle a misdemeanor. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan discuss some late-breaking bill action.
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Dorothy St. Jean has Thursday's Capital Daybook.
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Florida's 2008 president primary election will probably happen before March; possibly as early as January. More from Sunniya Marquez.
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Bingo is a major, but declining, source of income for some veterans and senior citizens groups. They'd like to have an enhanced form of bingo, resembling a Florida Lottery scratch-off ticket. But that could run afoul of the state constitution. Trimmel Gomes explains.
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Tuesday, Apr 17, 2007 Edition
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- Tax protestors marched on the State Capitol today. They came in support of House Speaker Marco Rubio's plan to do away with property taxes altogether. Trimmel Gomes followed the demonstration.
- Meanwhile, the Senate Finance and Tax Committee began coming to the conclusion that property tax reform is not only complicated, but possibly loaded with pitfalls. Tom Flanigan reports.
- Later in that same meeting, a local government official from Broward County revealed that the Senate's property tax plan would leave many agencies that spend property tax money untouched. As James Call reports, that's putting a new spin on the senators deliberations.
- Sunniya Marquez examines what the Capital City's two universities are doing in response to Monday's tragic shooting at Virginia Tech.
- An increasing pace at the Florida Legislature, ostriches, pythons and optical scan voting machines. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan discuss more of the day's Tallahassee happenings.
- Dorothy St. Jean previews Wednesday's Capital Calendar.
- If you need an officially approved handbook to learn how to speak and write in simple, understandable sentences, you must be a State of Florida employee. Mark Simpson has that story.
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Monday, Apr 16, 2007 Edition
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Friday, Apr 13, 2007 Edition
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Officials at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice are making big changes at the Arthur B. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna. It stems from an incident in February when an 18-year old inmate was reportedly assaulted by a guard. The guard and the school's interim superintendent have been fired. More firings and even arrests may happen next.
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A bill to prohibit petition signature gatherers from plying their trade in malls and at the entrance to supermarkets may run afoul of First Amendment rights. James Call has that story.
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Governor Charlie Crist is marking his first hundred days in office and talks about that and property tax reduction in a message his office provided to Florida Public Radio.
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The “My Safe Florida Home” program to make more homes resistant to hurricanes is facing a backlog of applicants. As Margie Menzel reports, efforts are underway to expand the program.
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The City of Tallahassee has been offering free energy audits to city residents for years. Today, a rather prominent city resident named Crist had his home inspected in hopes of making it more energy efficient. That story from Trimmel Gomes.
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The R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee houses the state's official archives and many historical artifacts. Sunniya Marquez took a tour of the place along with another visitor who was pretty impressed by what he saw.
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Thursday, Apr 12, 2007 Edition
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The Florida Senate releases its eagerly anticipated property tax reform plan. As James Call reports, it seems to be a more moderate approach than either of the two ideas floated earlier in the Florida House.
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Governor Crist visits the House floor to do a little bit of old fashioned lobbying and bill tracking. That story from Trimmel Gomes.
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Yesterday we heard from Floridians for Lower Insurance Costs why they think consumers will be better off if the state's no-fault auto insurance law expires on October 1st of this year. Today, Ralph Glatfelter of the Florida Hospital Association and Paul Sanford of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Florida explain why they think the law should continue.
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Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio calls a rally in Tallahassee next Tuesday in support of his chamber's property tax reform proposal. Meanwhile, a different rally today to applaud the state's corporate tax credit scholarship program. Mark Simpson discusses the latest developments with Tom Flanigan.
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Dorothy St. Jean previews Friday's Capital happenings.
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The impending departure of a senior Florida senator has a growing number of her fellow Republicans vying to replace her. Sunniya Marquez reports.
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Wednesday, Apr 11, 2007 Edition
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The Florida House and Senate have begun the yearly back-and-forth on crafting a state budget. As Trimmel Gomes reports, a much tighter purse has lawmakers in serious trimming mode.
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One of the driest years on record has Florida and local officials hoping there won't be a repeat of the "Wildfires of 1998" that scorched vast areas of the state. Sunniya Marquez reports.
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Governor Crist lobbies for a national catastrophic fund in Washington, big city mayors lobby to abolish a cap on spending for affordable housing and more protection for Florida's springs. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan review these and other late-breaking happenings.
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Dorothy St. Jean looks ahead to Thursday's events at the Capitol.
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An outpouring of support in the state senate for Florida A&M University, which had been chastised for financial problems. As James Call reports, the only historically black university in the state system may be allowed to retain administrative control of the engineering school it shares with Florida State University.
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A group supported by consumer and business groups, including some major auto insurance companies, wants Florida's three-decade-old no-fault insurance law to expire this October. Tom Flanigan talked with Allison North-Jones of the "Floridians for Lower Insurance Costs" about why her organization believes no-fault is no-good.
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Not too long ago, state agriculture officials were touting ostriches as Florida's "next big thing." Ostrich ranches were springing up all over the state -- but Mark Simpson discovered the big birds have made a sudden and rather mysterious disappearance.
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Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 Edition
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Today's stem cell research bill debate at the Capitol soon turned into an impassioned discussion of science versus morality. James Call has the story.
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Some Florida officials are worried that overseas deployment of National Guard troops and equipment might leave the state far less able to cope with a natural or manmade disaster. Trimmel Gomes reports.
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A possible cut in Florida's property taxes could severely limit local governments' ability to attract and guide desirable development. Carol Westmoreland with the Florida Redevelopment Association stops by the Capital Report Roundtable.
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Governor Crist is headed for Washington, a new tack for opponents of weaponry in workplace parking lots and a possible posthumous pardon for the "Lizard King." Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan talk it over.
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Dorothy St. Jean previews the major events set for Wednesday at the Capitol.
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They were all playing together so nicely! But with the legislative clock winding down, some good old fashioned partisanship has started erupting in Tallahassee. Sunniya Marquez takes a look.
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Monday, Apr 9, 2007 Edition
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For the second year in a row, it's a battle of rights before the Florida Legislature. It's the right of individuals to keep any legal item they want in their personal vehicle, including firearms, versus the right of businesses to say what's allowed on their property, including their parking lots. The matter is headed before a key committee tomorrow as Trimmel Gomes reports.
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A spirited debate over automatic insurance coverage for leased wireless phones suddenly became a victory for Governor Crist who stuck around while lawmakers cast their votes. That story from James Call.
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Wendy Spencer the CEO of Volunteer Florida talks about what it takes to mobilize thousands of helping hands and hearts.
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A quick overview of Governor Crist's first hundred days in office and other capital coverage from Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan.
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Dorothy St. Jean looks ahead to Tuesday's legislative calendar.
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After years of debate, it appears a drive to make sure the state's voluntary pre-kindergarten teachers have college degrees is making serious headway. Sunniya Marquez has that story.
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Friday, Apr 6, 2007 Edition
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Emotions ran high at the State Capitol today. The family of Martin Lee Anderson is seeking a settlement with the State of Florida in connection with the death of their son last year. During the day-long hearing, the video of guards striking and kneeing the fourteen-year old Bay County Boot Camp inmate was shown over and over again. Trimmel Gomes has the story.
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Anderson's case isn't the only claims bill being considered by the state. As Mark Simpson reports, the efforts of one wrongly-convicted and imprisoned man to get compensation has turned a spotlight on what some say are glaring inequities.
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Aaron Deslatte with Gannett's Capital Bureau talks about some bills now before the legislature that haven't gotten much media attention, but could have significant impact.
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Dorothy St. Jean previews next week at the Florida Legislature.
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Florida TaxWatch says the state isn't enforcing its own laws when it comes to collecting sales tax on items bought by Floridians by mail order or over the Internet. Sunniya Marquez reports.
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"I don't understand a word you're saying, but I love the way you say it." That's what a noted poet says may be the case with a lot of the verbiage cranked out by Florida's state government agencies. But, as James Call tells us, Governor Crist has promised to punt the poetry in an effort to make every word and sentence the state generates easy to understand.
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Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 Edition
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By a three-to-one vote, the Florida Clemency Board overturns a 139-year old policy that denied convicted felons their civil rights after completing their sentences. Trimmel Gomes has the story.
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The Florida House Policy and Budget Council spent a lot of time today debating a bill that would grant immunity and a possible cash award to prostitutes who turn in their bosses. More from James Call.
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E. Douglas Beach, the new secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, talks about meeting the needs of a rapidly growing and aging population.
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Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan talk about the dozens of claims bills facing state lawmakers, an expansion of the FCAT into new subject areas and a state supreme court ruling to open sealed civil court records involving public figures.
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Dorothy St. Jean looks ahead to Friday's major events at the Capitol.
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Call it "Son of Vo-Tech". Sunniya Marquez reports on a new Florida initiative to give job training to high school graduates who aren't going to college.
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Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 Edition
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- Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani made a quick stop in Tallahassee today. Pegged as the Florida presidential front-runner in the latest Quinnipiac University Poll this week, Giuliani didn't get an out-and-out endorsement from Governor Crist -b ut he did pick up a very influential state campaign chair. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- Even though many lawmakers have already left Tallahassee for the long weekend, the property tax reform issue is still creating a lot of controversy. James Call looks at the latest version out of the House of Representatives, which could force local school districts to cough up more money.
- Mark Caputo of the Miami Herald has his own take on the property tax controversy and he isn't shy about sharing it.
- Mandatory versus voluntary vaccinations, more time for Central Floridians to claim tornado benefits, beefier bike safety and more powers for the "python patrol". Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan go over today's other Capital happenings.
- Dorothy St. Jean lists Thursday's top events.
- The new man who heads the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice says the days of just getting tough on youthful offenders are over. Sunniya Marquez reports.
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Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 Edition
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- In keeping with a statement he made during his inaugural address, Governor Crist is kickstarting a statewide dialogue on global warming. He may even have solar panels put on the roof of the Governor's Mansion. The story from Sunniya Marquez.
- Walt McNeil, Florida's Secretary of Juvenile Justice, thinks it'll take a lot more than a "get tough" policy to keep youthful offenders from a life of crime. He shares his vision at the Capital Report Roundtable.
- Two law enforcement organizations lobby to keep a five-year-crime-free requirement on released felons before they can regain their civil rights. Meanwhile, there's a move to broaden the powers of the Consumer Advocate in the state's Office of Insurance Regulation. Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan talk it over.
- Dorothy St. Jean previews Wednesday's capitol calendar.
- What began as a way for one lawmaker to honor her hometown symphony orchestra has some of Florida's classical musicians up in arms. Trimmel Gomes reports.
- Forget the Governor's Club. Tallahassee's most exclusive eatery is really on the third floor of the Capitol. Mark Simpson managed to get inside and has various members of the Florida House of Representatives describe the place themselves.
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Monday, Apr 2, 2007 Edition
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- Governor Charlie Crist favors the full restoration of civil rights for convicted felons after they serve their sentences. But he needs just one more vote on the Florida Cabinet, which meets later this week as the state's clemency board, to make that happen. The story from Trimmel Gomes.
- State Senator Nancy Argenciano of Crystal River is just a not from Governor Crist away from becoming a Florida Public Service Commissioner. In the meanwhile, though, she's still a senator, but already two Republican members of the Florida House are vying for her seat. Sunniya Marquez has the story.
- John Kennedy of the Orlando Sentinel's capital bureau gives his mid-session assessment of what's already happened at the Capitol and what may still be to come.
- Mark Simpson and Tom Flanigan have an update on some new state agency head appointments and a critical rate hearing at the Department of Insurance Regulation.
Dorothy St. Jean looks ahead to Tuesday at the Capitol.
- A South Florida lawmaker would like to see a lot less corn syrup used as a sweetener in foods and beverages. That story from James Call.
- Tom Flanigan visits an old cemetery that harkens back to a nearly forgotten part of Florida's history.
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Friday Mar 30, 2007 Edition
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* A Florida house council finds a way to force the state's cities and counties to spend less, while forcing Florida school districts to spend more. James Call reports.
* A special committee appointed by the Florida University System's Board of Governors to address ongoing problems at Florida A&M University finds out just how big a job it has. That story from Trimmel Gomes.
* Newly appointed Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael talks about his priorities and vision for the department.
* Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama makes a Tallahassee campaign stop and Mark Simpson was there.
* Several advocacy groups gather for a joint media event to protest some bills they claim are a bad deal for consumers. Sunniya Marquez has that story.
* "Childrens' Week" is a yearly event at the Florida Capitol. But this year, it seemed a lot more top policymakers were paying attention. Margie Menzel reports. |
Thursday Mar 29, 2007 Edition
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* Electronic touch screen voting machines may be on the way out. James Call reports on a move in the State Senate to replace them with optical scan units that provide a paper trail.
* Right after the Senate vote, Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning joined us to talk about what this could mean for future elections, as well as other subjects that fall under the Department of State's oversight.
* Governor Charlie Crist is racking up fantastic job approval numbers in the latest Quinnipiac Universi |