208 FLORIDA MANAGERS TO GRADUATE FROM CPM PROGRAM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Over the next two months, 208 managers from across Florida will graduate from the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program in four separate graduation ceremonies around the state.

The CPM program is a nationally recognized leadership-training program, currently delivered in more than 30 states. The Florida CPM program, one of the largest and most successful programs in the country, is administered by the Florida Center for Public Management (FCPM), which is part of the Askew School of Public Administration & Policy at The Florida State University. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene To Tour Everglades Ecosystem And Mett Enviromental Leaders

West Palm Beach, FL – On Friday, July 9, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, will join Kirk Fordham (CEO) and Stephen Davis (Wetland Ecologist) of the Everglades Foundation for an airplane and boat tour of the Everglades ecosystem, followed by a roundtable discussion with environmental leaders from across Florida. The tour will cover hundreds of miles stretching from the estuarine mangrove habitats of Florida Bay to the freshwater wetlands of the Kissimmee River. … Continue Reading

Adam Putnam for Commissioner of Agriculture: Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Adam Putnam

Support continues to build for Adam Putnam’s campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture

BARTOW, Fla. – The Florida Chamber of Commerce has officially endorsed Adam Putnam for Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. The Florida Chamber is a statewide business advocacy organization, representing more than 139,000 grassroots members with more than three million employees.

“Congressman Putnam has been a long-time proponent of greater government efficiency and a careful steward of taxpayer dollars,” said Steve Halverson, Florida Chamber board chairman and president of The Haskell Company. “I am confident that he will bring that same common sense leadership to the Florida Cabinet.”

“At no other time in Florida’s history has it been more critical to elect leaders that are dedicated to keeping the doors to Florida businesses open,” said Allan Bense, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Chamber board chair-elect. “Congressman Putnam understands the important role Florida businesses play in our state’s economy, and has a track record supportive of economic growth, job creation and a less intrusive government.”

The Florida Chamber works within the legislative, judicial and executive branches of state government, uniting the state’s business community and advocating for legislation critical to the continued improvement of Florida’s business climate and sustained economic development.

“I am honored to be the first candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, and the first statewide candidate this Election Year, endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce,” Putnam said.  “The Chamber’s initiative to endorse a candidate in this race for the first time in their history shows that Floridians from all industries recognize the importance of this office and this race. I look forward to working with The Florida Chamber to ensure a welcoming business environment, job growth and retention, and a competitive economic environment for our great state.”

Adam Putnam is a Polk County citrus grower and cattleman who has represented the Twelfth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 2001. He also served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1996 to 2000. Adam resides in his hometown of Bartow with his wife, Melissa, and their four children.

For more information about Adam Putnam, go to www.adamputnam.com or follow Adam on Twitter @adamputnam and Facebook www.facebook.com/adamputnam.

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Contact: Trey McCarley, (863) 578-5303

CFO Alex Sink Responds To Narrow Claims Implication Made By Claims Administrator Feinberg

TALLAHASSEE – Florida CFO Alex Sink issued the following statement in response to Gulf Coast Claims Facility Administrator Kenneth Feinberg’s comments suggesting that many Floridians indirectly impacted by the BP oil disaster may not receive compensation. … Continue Reading

Governor Crist Appoints Four To The Florida Coordinating Council For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following appointments:

FLORIDA COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

·       Carl Sjobeck, 68, of Lauderhill, retired, succeeding Joan Haber, appointed for a term beginning August 1, 2010, and ending July 31, 2014. … Continue Reading

Attorney General Issues Response To Call For Special Session

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued the
following response to the Governor’s call for a special Legislative
session:

“The most pressing issue currently facing Florida’s leaders is the
catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and its impacts on our
state’s struggling economy and sensitive environment. Unfortunately,
Governor Crist’s call for a special session fails to address the real
actions we must take to help Floridians and Florida businesses in
critical, immediate need. … Continue Reading

Special Session Proclamation: Governor’s Call for Special Session – July 20, 2010 through July 23, 2010

PROCLAMATION

The Voters’ Coalition Of Palm Beach County Endorses Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate

Momentum Continues to Grow for Greene’s Candidacy

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, The Voters’ Coalition of Palm Beach County voted to endorse Democrat Jeff Greene for the U.S. Senate. The nonpartisan organization cited Jeff Greene’s policies and experience in creating jobs, as well as his performance in the Palm Beach Post debate as reasons for their backing.

“We examined the positions of both candidates and watched the debate, and decided that Jeff Greene was the stronger candidate,” said Bob Newmark, Chairman of the Voters Coalition.

Originally founded in 1983, The Voter’s Coalition of Palm Beach County membership represents dozens of communities throughout Palm Beach County.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of The Voters’ Coalition of Palm Beach County and I thank Mr. Newmark and the members of the coalition for their support of my candidacy,” said Jeff Greene. “As U.S. Senator, I will work to revitalize Florida’s economy, create jobs, and get real results. I am the only candidate who is an outsider, has successfully created jobs and won’t take a penny from any special interest.”

FWC: Rehabbed birds given new life in Tallahassee

Three pied-billed grebes, which were rehabilitated and survived impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, were released on Lake Talquin near Tallahassee on Thursday. The birds were given quite a distinguished send off into the wild with Gov. Charlie Crist. All three birds immediately took to the waters of Lake Talquin. … Continue Reading

MEMORANDUM: Governor’s Call for Special Session – July 20, 2010 through July 23, 2010

Continuing his commitment to recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, Governor Charlie Crist today called a Special Session of the Florida Legislature from July 20, 2010 through July 23, 2010, to address a constitutional amendment banning offshore drilling in Florida waters.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Governor Crist’s press office at (850) 488-5394.

CFO Sink Commends Special Session On Drilling Ban

TALLAHASSEE – Florida CFO Alex Sink issued the following statement in response to Governor Charlie Crist’s announcement of a special session on July 20-23 to pass a constitutional ban on oil drilling in state waters. CFO Sink was the first statewide elected official to call for a special session to ban near beach oil drilling on May 6. … Continue Reading

State Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) issued the following statement on Governor Crist’s call for a summer special session

State Sen. Dan Gelber issued the following statement on Governor Crist’s call for a summer special session

Miami Beach, Fla. – “Since May 5th I have been asking the Governor to call a Special Session to address a near-shore drilling ban. I am heartened by Governor Crist’s apparent decision to do precisely that. I would hope, however, that in addition we would address the immediate needs of our citizens who are already feeling pain and anxiety from the spill. I would hope we would: … Continue Reading

Literacy League Featuring Laurel Snyder Now Available For Download

~ Author answers middle school students’ questions for her book “Any Which Wall” ~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Education’s Literacy League book club continues to inspire future authors with the second installment of the series now available for download on Florida iTunes U. This quarter, the interactive book club features Atlanta-based author Laurel Snyder, who answers questions from Florida middle school students about her book, “Any Which Wall,” including thoughts about how her childhood prepared her for a career as a writer and author.    … Continue Reading

CFO Sink Asks Florida Congressional Delegation To Waive Federal Income Tax On BP Payments

TALLAHASSEE— Florida CFO Alex Sink today sent a letter to every member of Florida’s Congressional Delegation asking them to support legislation that would waive the federal income tax on the lost income payments Floridians have received from BP.

“Every dollar counts right now as many Floridians struggle to get by because of the oil disaster, and this common-sense measure just makes sense for our citizens and businesses,” said CFO Sink. “BP should pay for this income tax loss, instead of taking much needed resources from our small business owners and other Floridians.” … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate Launches New Statewide Television Ad: One Million

Ad Focuses on Job Creation for the One Million Unemployed Floridians

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, will hit the air waves again with a new television ad entitled: One Million. The 30 second spot that will air across Florida focuses on the dire unemployment rate that is hurting families across the state and outlines Greene’s jobs plan to help Floridians get back on their feet.

Earlier this week, Jeff Greene announced his jobs plan which would create jobs and spur economic development for people across the Sunshine State. The Jobs for Florida Plan includes investing in clean energy to create thousands of new jobs, provide tax breaks for small businesses to hire new workers, support for agriculture and more building projects, and implementing real tax reform to create new jobs.

Greene is running for the U.S. Senate to revitalize Florida’s economy. He is the only candidate in the race that has a proven record of creating jobs – unlike Kendrick Meek, Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio, who were in office while Florida lost 700,000 jobs and the unemployment rate more than tripled from 3.5 percent to 12 percent. Jeff Greene will deliver real results.

Link to the “One Million” ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6IHmqwIJrc

Announcer: One million Floridians are out of work — and only one candidate for US Senate is a successful businessman who knows how to create jobs.

(Brochure graphic) Jeff Greene’s plan to create (brochure opens) lasting private sector jobs throughout Florida: (brochure page flips, solar panels visual plays)  invest to make Florida the worldwide leader in clean energy, (‘closed’ sign flips to ‘open’) tax breaks for small business to hire new workers, (brochure page flips, visual of a container ship on the ocean) and stop tax breaks for companies shipping our jobs overseas.

Jeff Greene: no special interest money – just jobs and results for Florida.

Jeff Greene: I’m Jeff Greene, and I approved this message.

Florida Democrats: Thurman Reacts To Rick Scott’s Frivolous Lawsuit

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the following statement reacting to Republican Rick Scott’s lawsuit:

“Rick Scott’s frivolous lawsuit once again shows Floridians that he thinks he is above the law.

“While this arrogance is what we have come to expect from the man whose company committed the largest Medicare fraud in U.S. history, Floridians deserve better and expect more.

“Rick Scott’s attempt to buy the Governor’s office by blocking the voter approved efforts in Florida’s Constitution to prevent corruption proves he simply wants to continue the status quo when Floridians are looking for change.

“By asking a Federal Judge to take the judicial activist step of overturning the will of Florida’s people and a part of our state’s Constitution, Rick Scott’s lawsuit is nothing more than the actions of a ruthless politician trying to game the system to his advantage.”

Bill McCollum Announces Transportation and Infrastructure Solutions to Create Jobs and Build Florida’s Economy

~Plan would promote policies to improve multimodal transportation options, provide innovative financing solutions, create jobs and enable Florida to capture more trade ~

Orlando, FL – Today, speaking to attendees at the 2010 Floridians for Better Transportation Summit, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum announced his plan to improve Florida’s multimodal transportation system, provide innovative financing solutions and enable Florida to capture more trade.  The plan, “Interconnected, Multimodal Transportation Solutions: A Roadmap for Florida’s Future”is a key part of Bill McCollum’s economic agenda for Florida’s future.

“Transportation and infrastructure are central to Florida’s quality of life and economic growth. As Governor, my number one priority will be to get Florida’s economy back on track and get Floridians back to work,” said Attorney General Bill McCollum. “I have released an economic agenda proposing to lower taxes, lower regulations and attract more diverse industries to Florida. But without a reliable, safe, interconnected transportation system, our goals for job creation and long-term prosperity cannot be accomplished.”

Attorney General McCollum also signed the Floridians for Better Transportation “Jobs Pledge” in which he promised to protect transportation funding for transportation purposes as Florida’s next Governor.

“This is not only the right thing to do for improving Florida’s infrastructure. It is also the best way to ensure immediate job growth. Today Florida is in a state of ‘economic emergency’,” McCollum said. “As Governor, I will expedite projects to help get people back to work right away.”

Attorney General McCollum’s plan is focused on six areas: innovative financing, seaports, roadways and bridges, freight rail, aviation, and commuter and bus transit.

The plan recognizes that Florida is at a turning point. With the 2014 completion of the Panama Canal expansion, Florida has an opportunity to capture significantly more trade, bringing hundreds of thousands of new jobs and billions in economic benefits. However, Florida is already losing these opportunities and jobs to competing states that have invested in their ports, rail and roadways to land long-term shipping contracts.

“The good news is that the return on investment for transportation funding is extraordinary,” said McCollum. “Every dollar spent to improve Florida’s infrastructure will bring significant return in benefits to the state and direct job creation.”

According to an independent study commissioned by the Florida Department of Transportation, every dollar spent on transportation investment yields between $5 and $7 in benefits to the state, with an even higher rate of return for seaport improvements.

To incentivize greater private investment without spending taxpayer dollars, McCollum’s transportation plan includes a variety of financing methods. These include the creation of a State Infrastructure Tax Credit to provide private investors with some protection against extraordinary downside risk and the creation of tax incentives to companies that locate or expand seaport, rail or aviation shipping capacity within Florida. The plan also calls for reducing unnecessary regulation and creating a better business climate.

Finally, McCollum’s plan takes an aggressive approach to tackling congestion and improving safety conditions for passengers and pedestrians.  Florida’s stretch of I-95 is currently ranked the most deadly in the nation, and I-4 is the third most deadly.  To address long-term, coordinated planning needs, McCollum states he will restart the “Future Corridors” process that began under Governor Jeb Bush. McCollum’s vision is to “develop a statewide, integrated network of multimodal corridors to address current and future needs, and to support economically developing areas.” These projects will be financed through public-private partnerships and user fees to the maximum extent possible.

Bill McCollum shared an outline of the plan along with the complete paper, linked below.

Interconnected, Multimodal Transportation Solutions:
Bill McCollum’s Roadmap for Florida’s Future

The Big Picture: Sustainable and Innovative Financing for Multimodal Projects
Enhance Florida’s Strategic Intermodal System to achieve coordinated goals
Protect transportation funding
Create the Florida Infrastructure Tax Credit to better leverage transportation funds and maximize private investment in state projects
Improve Florida’s regulatory climate to become more competitive with other states
Correct Florida’s “donor state” status to receive a fair share of our tax dollar funding
Restart the “Future Corridors” process to ensure coordinated, long-term planning

Seaports
Ensure Florida’s direct investment in seaport financing and improvements
Increase the flexibility of matching requirements
Offer tax incentives for companies that locate or expand shipping facilities in Florida
Remove unnecessary and rigid statutory provisions that impede priority projects
Improve on-dock rail connectivity and develop warehouse and distribution centers at major Florida seaports

Highways, Roads and Bridges
Declare a state of Economic Emergency and expedite projects to spark Florida’s economy
Focus on congestion relief
Insist on safety

Airports & Aviation Industry
Recognize the importance of Florida’s aviation industry to jobs and tourism
Restore full use of the Aviation Fuels Tax to the aviation industry
Utilize my proposed Infrastructure Tax Credit to upgrade and maintain former military bases
Freight Railways
Encourage more freight to be carried by rail to reduce highway congestion, improve road conditions, and improve air quality
Provide corporate tax incentives to encourage private investment in rail infrastructure
Increase in-state rail manufacturing and business in Florida
Bus & Rail Transit
Take a leadership role in federal-state projects to ensure affordable,viable results
Create bus rapid transit in urban areas throughout the state
For more details on Bill McCollum’s “Interconnected, Multimodal Transportation Solutions: A Roadmap for Florida’s Future”please visit www.BillMcCollum.com.  A PDF of the plan is available here.

For more information, campaign news, and updates, visit www.BillMcCollum.com.

LETTER TO GOV. CRIST — Rep. Dwayne Taylor Calls On BP to Finance Cost of Special Session

Representative Dwayne L Taylor (D-Daytona Beach) on Wednesday sent the attached letter concerning a potential special session of the Florida Legislature to Governor Charlie Crist.

In the letter, Representative Taylor suggests that state authorities call on BP to finance any public expenses related to conducting a special session. … Continue Reading

Alex Sink For Governor: We’ve crunched the numbers

Alex’s career was in business. So it should come as no surprise that she wants her campaign run that way.

And I can tell you, whether it’s managing a successful business or running a winning campaign, you need a plan with clear goals that is executed with precision.

So, we’ve crunched the numbers and laid out a plan for the next three and a half months. For us to be successful in November, we need to get 38,000 donations from grassroots supporters like you before our end-of-quarter deadline next Friday, July 16.

We’ve got eight more days — and about 3,000 donations to go to make that goal. Can we count on you for $5 now to help?

When this campaign is over, Alex is still going to be a businesswoman, which is exactly the experience we need to get Florida’s economy back on track and lead our state in a new direction.

We’ve seen what the other side stands for, and that’s not an option. If we don’t want Governor McCollum or Governor Scott, we have to meet this fundraising goal.

Make a $5 contribution now to help us meet our goal and have the resources we need to elect Alex in November.

We know Alex can win this. But we can’t take a break now — we need to make these last 3,000 donations — and we need to do it by our July 16 deadline.

Thanks for all of your help.

Sincerely,

Jim Cassady
Campaign Manager
Alex Sink for Governor

Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Announces Retailer Compliance Rate for Fiscal Year 2009/2010

TALLAHASSEE—Today, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco announced that for fiscal year 2009/2010, which ended July 1, an average of 88 percent of retailers tested did not sell alcohol to underage youth. … Continue Reading