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Bill Voices State Song Contest Dissent

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By GRETCHEN PARKER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2008

The roster of songs battling to represent Florida faces new competition, after a lawmaker from the Panhandle filed a bill Tuesday to designate a new tune as the official state anthem.

Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola, says none of the three finalists in the Just Sing, Florida! contest have won the approval of the Floridians he has heard from. Still, he contends his attempt to introduce a new song is not an attempt to sidestep the contest.

He also says he doesn't want to jump into the debate over whether the current state song, popularly known as "Swanee River," should be replaced.

"We're trying to avoid the whole state song controversy," Murzin said. "Who knows what happens to that bill, but we're separate and going forward."

Instead, he says a state anthem could be established alongside the state song - whether it stays "Swanee River" or is replaced with one of the original songs submitted to Just Sing, Florida! He equated the pairing with the United States' use of the national anthem along with unofficial national songs, including "God Bless America."

The tune Murzin chose for his bill was written by a longtime friend, Okaloosa County lawman Graham Fountain, and Warren Halstrom, a Tallahassee pastor.

To listen to their song, "Oh Florida, My Sweet Home," go to www.mysweethomeflorida.com.

The state song competition wraps up Friday, when the song with the most Internet votes goes on to be written into legislation. To vote, go to www.justsingflorida .org.

Reporter Gretchen Parker can be reached at gparker@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7562.

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