Florida Politicians Tackle Evolution

Foreclosures are soaring and unemployment is increasing. Florida’s shaky economy is creating a state government budget crisis leading to cuts in school and health-care spending. Meanwhile, lawmakers are devoting part of the 60-day session to evolution........here

"We shouldn't be having this kind of confrontation, as far as I'm concerned. We were ranked 50th in the nation in our science standards. That's what started this whole thing. And the Board of Education needed to do something about that. The science test scores were among the lowest in the nation.".........Sen. Nan Rich

My House in Florida After Wilma

I love Florida but… hurricanes are scary… I’m going home

Ronda Storms’ “Academic Freedom” Bill Passes

A Senate panel endorsed “protections” [SB 2692] Wednesday for students and teachers who offer alternative theories to evolution — despite a report saying there’s never been a case alleging such discrimination in Florida.........here

Ex-Christian, Atheist Homeschooler

Secular Homeschooling: The last safe haven from theocratic lunacy

Florida Legislature Apologizes For Slavery

Sen. Tony Hill, black caucus leader, is spearheading the latest effort behind a proposed resolution apologizing for the state's history of participation in slavery, but has been working with Senate President Ken Pruitt for months on the issue.........here

Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, cried as curator John Phelps read a sobering history of slavery in Florida.

Hovering And Staring In Miami

A small pilotless drone manufactured by Honeywell International , capable of hovering and "staring" using electro-optic or infrared sensors, is expected to make its debut soon in the skies over the Florida Everglades. If use of the drone wins Federal Aviation Administration approval after tests, the Miami-Dade Police Department will start flying the 14-pound (6.3 kg) drone over urban areas with an eye toward full-fledged employment in crime fighting.......here

April is Water Conservation Month in Florida

Recognizing April as Water Conservation Month helps promote the importance of water conservation, encouraging Floridians to become environmental stewards at home and in their communities. Conservation is not about “doing without.” Floridians can conserve water just by adopting efficient habits that reduce water waste...........here

Xeriscape: Florida Friendly Yards

PDA: Barack the Vote

Wednesday, March 26 9:00 pm EDT

Now it's time to finish this primary season cleanly, positively, with a clear winner and a unified party. To me, that argues strongly for the candidate who inspires the young in such massive numbers; the candidate who had the Iraq War right before it started; the candidate who seems to have not only the best chance to win, but also the best chance to increase the number of blue states, and expand the electorate; the candidate who started his career as a community organizer; the candidate whose very election will say to the world, America has finally "turned the page.......here

Broward County School Board And Redline

Four teenagers from Falcon Cove Middle School in Weston were taken to a hospital emergency room this month, their hearts racing and their bodies dripping with sweat........here

If parents allow teens to bring energy drinks to schools, that is their decision to make," ........Tracey Halliday

The SunCruz Casino Boats

The operators of SunCruz casino boats are dredging up, figuratively and literally, their history of harming the waterways on which they make their unwholesome living. The state Department of Environmental Protection is investigating to determine if the Port Richey-based gambling ship has slashed its way through fragile sea grass habitat off the coast of Aripeka........here

Another Florida Election Scandal

Until a couple of days ago, I thought that state or provincial birds were cute, folksy things that appealed mainly to primary school students and people who worked in tourism offices. I thought that – until I heard about the Florida State Bird election controversy. Maybe you are tired of hearing about yet another Florida election scandal, but this one is important, too........here

A Zip Through The Florida Keys

So, the plan was simple: bike down to the Keys over Thursday and Friday and back Saturday and Sunday. I wasn’t sure how far I’d get, but as the weather seemed to be agreeable I decided Friday afternoon to go all the way to Key West........more

New Bikes For The Lake Mary Police Department

“A faster, safer, better-performing motorcycle that's cheaper.” That’s how Officer Chris Dye from the Lake Mary Police Department described his new Honda ST1300 to a local news station. His department worked out that not only were the Honda’s $2,500 cheaper than the rival from Milwaukee, but that the servicing costs, for each bike, per year, would drop from $2,700 with Harley to $520 with Honda.....here

Rev. Wright Event In Tampa Canceled

There is no question that Rev. Wright's comments were despicable and loathesome.
However, it's sad that Obama has to apologize for his preacher's comments while John McCain begs for the endorsement of equally ignorant and bigoted pastors like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell who have said not "God da_n America" but "God has dam_ed America."

that double-standard actually reflect the very racism Rev. Wright was railing against, albeit in a very ignorant fashion?

Via.....Flagophile

Gay Rights & Protections Needed in State of Florida

Please spread the word to those who live and vote in Florida: vote "No" this November on a Florida State constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and unions. Take this fight a step further by clicking on the following link and joining HRC, Human Rights Campaign.........here

Joe Garcia on Republican Dirty Tactics

My pro-Democracy in Cuba credentials are solid. Before my opponent was in the Florida State Legislature I was marching and meeting with US lawmakers in DC advocating for democratic change in Cuba. This, however, will not stop them from disparaging my record. Similar to how they attacked national heroes like Max Cleland and John Kerry for being unpatriotic, they will try to label me as a communist sympathizer.......here

This, however, will not work for them in 2008.

Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz, Step Up or Step Down

South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (US-20) has repeatedly said that she cannot publicly support the three Democratic candidates who are running to unseat some of the worst Bush Republicans in the US House of Representatives: Mario Diaz-Balart, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Please sign the petition......here

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: A+ On Darfur

Now help end the embargo on the cuban people.

here

FPL Jumps Into California Solar Market

California law requires the state’s investor-owned utilities — PG&E (PCG), Southern California Edison (EIX) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SRE) — to obtain 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2010 and 33 percent by 2020.........here

Jeb And Patricia Levesque

Who Needs Schools When You Have Churches

"A resolution proposing an amendment to Section 3 of Article I of the State Constitution to repeal a limit on the use of public revenues in aid of religious organizations and entities, and to prohibit individuals and entities from being barred from participating in public programs because of their religion.".....Proposal 20 (CP0020) on the ballot in November at which time it could be placed by popular vote into the state constitution...........here

Patricia Levesque is the Executive Director for the Foundation for Florida’s Future.

She served as Governor Jeb Bush’s deputy chief of staff for education.

UCF Students Sending Poop Into Space

It started out as a senior engineering project. Byrd's team of UCF students designed a small "pico" satellite for launch as part of California Polytechnic State University's "CubeSat" project, designed to provide an affordable means for universities to conduct experiments in space........here

Geocaching In Tampa Bay

Karen's Big Adventure

We decided to head over to the Brew Company in Ybor City for dinner, which was a nice, peaceful way to end your Easter holiday. The most exciting part of the visit to Ybor City was when we were strolling down the sidewalk on our way to the parking garage and came across a huge gay bar that was having a transvestite show.........here

Geocaching.com

McCain And John Hagee

4,000 And Counting

We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.........Thomas Jefferson

Jack Thompson and the Florida Supreme Court

In the latest salvo in the war between anti-porn crusader Jack Thompson and the Florida Supreme Court, the court has sanctioned the attorney and ruled that if he wishes to file any documents with the Florida Court, he will have to hire an attorney to do so on his behalf........here

Florida Ministry At Westminster Abbey

South Florida's Revelation Ministries was chosen today by the hierarchy and officials of London's Westminster Abbey to present the Passion Play on the Abbey's front lawn on May 10.........here

Michelle Mitchell Visits Florida

You really can’t get any farther apart than Alaska and Florida—unless maybe you just keep going south and head straight for Brazil—and there are a few differences that became readily apparent during our two-week stay. Well, one or two. Maybe three or four........here

Florida Says No To Crack

"In its ongoing bid to be the most ridiculed state in the Union".....The Red Canuck

Florida Keys Hosting Biodiesel Rally

Starting in Key Largo and ending at the BioDiesel facility at Key West High School, the Biodiesel Rally will make 5 total stops to show local individuals, businesses and policy makers how easy, affordable and self-sufficient it is......more

Worthless Land In The Green Swamp

Property-sales records show that in the past two years, more than 100 Green Swamp parcels of less than 5 acres have changed hands. Frequently, the parcels have flipped more than once, often to buyers across the country who probably don't realize their land is useless........here

Snail Blogging From Florida

My son and I arrived in Tampa, Florida this afternoon for 5 days of fun and snailing. We were greeted by a rain storm that, luckily, ended a few hours later. So we went out for an early evening walk in the neighborhood to scout for snails..........here

Trinity United Church of Christ

Wouldn’t it be interesting to know the total number of hours devoted to that loop of Pastor Wright’s most outrageous outtakes. Add to that the number of hours of discussions and shouting matches about something most of the speakers know nothing about..........more

No One Asked For Marco Rubio's Opinion

"You know whose fault this is? This is Howard Dean's fault," House Speaker Marco Rubio, D(R)-West Miami, said Friday while taping a segment for WPLG-TV's "This Week In South Florida with Michael Putney." "This is Howard Dean's fault for treating Florida like a third-rate state, which it is not."...........here

Please See The Florida Democratic Party

A Kiwi In The Florida Keys

here

Republican Political Operative Roger Stone

Almost four months before Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in a sex scandal, a lawyer for Republican political operative Roger Stone sent a letter to the FBI alleging that Spitzer ”used the services of high-priced call girls” while in Florida. The letter, dated Nov. 19, said Miami Beach resident Stone learned the information from ”a social contact in an adult-themed club..........here

Corrine Brown, Howard Dean Is Not To Blame

Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown places the blame for the delegate flap squarely on DNC Chairman Howard Dean.........here

Please See The Florida Democratic Party

Florida Hero Robert Wexler

On Monday, March 17, at the Deerfield Democratic Club in Broward County, Florida Congressman Robert Wexler , who represents the 19th Congressional District of Florida, was honored with the prestigious Backbone Award..........here

Election Year Fear At Tampa International

Vehicle searches began this morning at the entrance to Tampa International Airport's short-term parking garage as part of a federal plan to help prevent a bombing at the terminal......Via The Tampa Tribune And Fox

They say they're trying to keep possible terrorist guessing by constantly changing up the security procedures at the airport.

Smiley Takes On Obama At Florida Memorial

Talk show host and political commentator Tavis Smiley dove headlong into the controversy over Barack Obama's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, as he headlined Florida Memorial University's Second Annual Presidential Scholarship Banquet last weekend........more

Proud Of The Tampa City Council

Tampa joins a growing number of cities supporting the move away from one of the worst forms of factory farm animal abuse. Tampa joins Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Winter Springs and New Port Richey in passing such a resolution..........here

See Avril Lavigne In Tampa For 9 Bucs

click here

Obama/Richardson 2008

What A Nice 21st Century Couple They Make
Here are a few reasons why.

Walk for Water In Hialeah, Florida

In many parts of the developing world, people have to walk for miles every day just to get the water they need to drink and cook. To highlight that daily challenge, activists in Hialeah, Florida, plan to hold a Walk for Water walk-a-thon.........here

Liberty Girl: My Governor Rules!

From Charlie Crist office, in response to my open records request:
A search of our files revealed an electronic file responsive to your request. These files are contained on a CD. We can provide this CD via U.S. Postal Services. There will be no cost for this service. Please send an address for us to mail the CD. Thank you........here

Sunshine Blogger Project

Florida's Powerfull LGBT Community

The media has recently focused more attention on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in Florida, which are playing an increasingly important role in the state’s contradictory political climate. Florida has one of the most vibrant LGBT communities in the country, while also continuing to have some of the most restrictive laws; Florida is one of a few states that still explicitly bans adoption by gay and lesbian couples..........here

Daniel Ruth Bashes Howard Dean

Dean isn't the chairman of the DNC. He's the pinched homeowner board president busybody from hell, armed with his clipboard, ever on the prowl for the improperly painted mailbox, the oversized yard flag, the dreaded errant open garage door.........here

The Sins of Debbie Wasserman Schultz

But the Republicans that Debbie Wasserman Schultz is hugging tightly are three Members of Congress who have actually had the power to make the Cold War colder in a small area of the world off of the U.S. border -- Cuba. They have thrived despite the phenomenal failure of the US embargo of Cuba and have succeeded in keeping a more serious interest-driven US foreign policy toward Cuba from ever taking hold........here But the Republicans that Debbie Wasserman Schultz is hugging tightly are three Members of Congress.........here

Debbie Wasserman Schultz seemingly turns a blind eye to the suspension of justice, the nepotism, and the corruption that have surrounded the Miami side of the US-Cuba policy feud. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18) has helped protect and then celebrate the achievements of Cuban-American terrorists -- particularly Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada -- in both Florida and in her Congressional role in Washington.

Either Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz does not read, is ignorant of the background and activities of these three Republican congressman, or she is complicit. Which is it?........Steve Clemons

Florida Program Aims To Protect Nature’s Orphans

Workers at Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s wildlife rehabilitation center are bracing themselves. The sun reaches its vernal equinox over the Earth’s equator today, marking the start of spring, and business is about to boom.........here

Turn South Florida Blue!

If it's an election year, you can bet that both parties will be fighting hard to swing the battleground state of Florida in their direction. This election year, its clear that Floridians are tired of President Bush's failed policies and want big change. The environment is ripe for a big Democratic year and we have the top-tier candidates who can turn Florida "blue.".........here

GOP Is Afraid Of Obama

Republicans are interfering with democracy by pretending to be Democrats and voting for Clinton..........here

Terrorists Attack Florida

The leader of a stingray separatist group has claimed responsibility for the recent murder of a woman in the Florida Keys.The ray, who only identified himself as "The Great Spike," has said that his group, "has begun the war on humanity that our scaly brethren have desired for so long.".........here

Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. Has Tampa Ties

For years, Wright has made an annual pilgrimage here, packing sanctuaries at two large, predominantly African-American churches: Bible-Based Fellowship Church in Carrollwood and Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace, which draw members from throughout the Tampa Bay area. Even those who aren't members have flocked to his local revivals.........here