The latest dustup between Gov. Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio hits an inflammatory hot-button issue for the right: counting noncitizens and illegal immigrants in the U.S. census. ...more

February 6, 2010

Florida property taxes dropped by $2.28 billion, or 7.5 percent, over the past three years because of tax-cutting measures approved by the Legislature and voters, as well as falling real estate values, according to figures presented to a legislative panel this week. ...more

February 6, 2010

Overhauling of the state agency that regulates utilities took a first step toward passage this week. That would prevent last September's controversy surround the exchange of confidential telephone text messages between aides to PSC members and utility representatives, Giordano said. The proposed changes would restrict departing PSC officials and staff from taking jobs as lobbyists for regulated utilities for up to two years after leaving the state agency. ...more

February 6, 2010

We were reminded this week that Charlie Crist is still the governor of Florida. ...more

February 5, 2010

It is encouraging to see a state leader with the courage to offer an intelligent, if challenging, strategy for revitalizing the state's economy. ...more

February 4, 2010

House lawmakers scorned Gov. Charlie Crist's budget proposal on Tuesday for relying on close to $2 billion that Florida may not have to spend next year. ...more

February 3, 2010

House lawmakers scorned Gov. Charlie Crist's budget proposal on Tuesday for relying on close to $2 billion that Florida may not have to spend next year. ...more

February 3, 2010

Meeting class-size limits next school year might mean turning students away from their neighborhood schools if they register late. ...more

February 3, 2010

As President Barak Obama announced Florida's award of $1.25 billion for high speed rail during a town hall meeting at the University of Tampa, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio paid a visit to the Sun City Center Republican Club Jan. 28, where he vowed to fight polices of the current administration and congress that he sees eroding America's status as an "exceptional" nation. ...more

February 3, 2010

Late last week, Gov. Charlie Crist released his proposed budget for the state's 2011 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Crist decided to forgo running for another four years as governor this year in favor of what initially seemed to be a shoo-in candidacy for the U.S. Senate. So the proposed state budget for fiscal 2011 the governor made public Friday will be his last, at least for the foreseeable future. It appears Crist is trying to go out on an optimistic note. The question facing state lawmakers is how realistic that optimism is. ...more

February 3, 2010