A battle between "clean" energy and "renewable" energy is about to ensue in the state Legislature. Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, has introduced Senate Bill 2490, a measure requiring that 20 percent of the power provided by Florida electric utilities be made with renewable resources such as wind and solar. Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, recently introduced an alternative measure, SB 2328, that would require utilities to get 20 percent of their power from "clean" energy sources, including nuclear, by 2020. ...more

March 25, 2009

Although she has nothing against art, state Sen. Ronda Storms said the state is spending too much money on public art when too many residents are suffering financially. She said that's the reason she filed Senate Bill 1104, which would repeal the Art in State Public Buildings Program established by the Florida Legislature in 1979. ...more

March 24, 2009

Senate Republicans are drawing out a flap that has made the Obama administration squirm, applying the brakes to Democrats' attempts to quickly tax away most of the bonuses at troubled insurance giant AIG and other bailed-out companies. ...more

March 21, 2009

State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, has proposed Senate Bill 730. ...more

March 19, 2009

A feud is brewing at the courthouse. It has little to do with the administration of justice and everything to do about money. In particular, the money collected by the Clerks of Court. The clerks have money; the judges want it. ...more

March 13, 2009

Sarasota County would get two more years to find a new spring training baseball team to replace the Cincinnati Reds, according to legislation the Florida Senate is expected to take up this afternoon. State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said she'll propose an amendment to Senate Bill 1308 that would essentially give Sarasota and Sarasota County two more years to build a new stadium. If they don't find a team by the end of two years, the money would go back to the state. ...more

March 10, 2009

More fallout from the recession could shake up the way court cases, fines and fees are handled if legislation passes. County clerks of court essentially would be fired from handling those court duties if state lawmakers approve the proposal, although clerks still would retain plenty of other duties. ...more

March 7, 2009

County commissioners don't like a proposed state law they believe could raise rates even more for Aloha Utilities customers in southwestern Pasco. ...more

February 24, 2009

Moving with lightning speed, key lawmakers announced agreement today on a $789 billion economic stimulus measure designed to create millions of jobs in a nation reeling from recession. President Barack Obama could sign the bill within days. ...more

February 11, 2009

Moving with lightning speed, key lawmakers announced agreement today on a $789 billion economic stimulus measure designed to create millions of jobs in a nation reeling from recession. President Barack Obama could sign the bill within days. ...more

February 11, 2009