Ken Pruitt, the leader of the Florida Senate, says compensation for the wrongfully convicted is one of his top priorities this year. ...more

February 2, 2008

On Jan. 29 the voters of Highlands County will be deciding on an amendment to the Florida Constitution which, if passed, will result in some property tax relief. Is it everything we need in tax reform? No! However it does provide much needed relief to Florida residents who are "stranded" in their homesteads, unable to move to either a larger or smaller home because they would lose the protection they have accrued over the years through the Save Our Homes exemption. Amendment 1 will, if approved, make Save Our Homes portable. If the amendment passes, a young family will be able to take their lower tax rate with them when they outgrow their residence and purchase a larger home. A retired couple will be able to "downsize" without running the risk of doubling or tripling (or worse!) their current property tax bills. ...more

January 27, 2008

Shame On The Senate After watching the legislative meeting at the Hernando County Courthouse last week on television, I would like to make this comment. ...more

January 26, 2008

With a budget deficit looming, the board that oversees Florida's 11 public universities ordered its schools to start cutting enrollment and raise tuition by nearly $200 a year. ...more

January 25, 2008

In recent months, state standards for pool safety have become a muddy mess. ...more

December 23, 2007

State and local leaders suffered sticker shock on seeing the $10.5 billion price tag attached to the needs of Florida's local parks. ...more

December 22, 2007

SEBRING — A rumor that he wouldn't run for a third term in the Florida Senate is not true, J.D. Alexander confirmed Wednesday. "I have every intention of running," said Alexander, R-Lake Wales. So far, he's the only candidate who's filed in District 17, but others, including Denise Grimsley, are keeping their eyes on the race. On Nov. 20, the Lakeland Ledger ran a five-paragraph story. "Rumors continue in Tallahassee that Alexander may not run in 2008," the Ledger reported. "Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, and Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid, want to run for the Senate seat if Alexander doesn't run. But they don't want to wait until the week of qualifying in June of 2008 to find out if he is really pulling out. By then it could be too short of time to raise the amount of money needed and to campaign for the Aug. 26 party primary." ...more

November 30, 2007

Former Florida Senate President John McKay has proposed a plan that could cut property taxes up to 45 percent by eliminating sales tax exemptions that mostly benefit businesses. ...more

November 4, 2007

The First Baptist Church of Plant City, in conjunction with South Florida Baptist Hospital Parish Nurse Services, will host a health fair from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11. ...more

November 3, 2007

TAMPA - The Florida Senate Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs has scheduled a public hearing for tonight on the North Dale Mabry Highway campus of Hillsborough Community College to hear comments about adoption and foster care. The hearing will begin at 6:30 and last until 9 p.m. and will be on the first floor of the Student Services Building. ...more

October 22, 2007