DCA Announces Local Govt Partners Reach 100% Obligation for NSP Funding

~ DCA’s 24 funded local governments have obligated 100 percent of their funds to help combat the foreclosure crisis in their areas ~

TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today announced that the 24 local governments that received funding from the Department have obligated 100 percent of their Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding.  This represents $91 million that has been obligated to help these cities and counties combat the foreclosure crisis in their communities.    … Continue Reading

CFO Alex Sink Commends Four Florida Groups For Receiving Rural Broadband Access Awards

TALLAHASSEE – Florida CFO Alex Sink today commended four Florida organizations awarded more than $27 million in rural broadband grants to increase affordable high-speed Internet access in underserved, rural areas throughout the state. The broadband projects provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will support and improve access to healthcare, educational opportunities, library services, public safety services, and the creation of jobs. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Career Politicians Charlie Crist And Kendrick Meek Continue To Fail To Create Jobs

Jobless Claims Increased For Third Week In A Row

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, the United States Departent Of Labor issued their weekly jobless claims data, showing an increase of 12,000 seasonally-adjusted claims. Businesses have stopped hiring, and in fact, some are laying workers off. Career politicians like Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek have clearly failed the people of Florida.

“Floridians have a choice this election, to either remain with the same politicians who got us into this economic mess or vote for me, a self-made, successful businessman who has created thousands of jobs, and signed the front of paychecks which helped grow the economy,” said Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

“Can Floridians trust a Governor who has the lowest approval rating in 16 years, or a Congressman who has failed to pass a single bill in 8 years and instead voted to give himself thousands of dollars in pay raises while Floridians got pink slips? These failed career politicians don’t deserve a promotion. Only I am running without special interest contributions, and only I can’t be bought by lobbyists. I’ll put Florida first by working to create jobs, and I won’t stand by and watch as jobs are shipped overseas and Floridians lose their livelihoods,” continued Greene, who has not taken a single penny from special interest groups or lobbyists.

Representative Leonard Bembry Announces New Military Discounts At Florida State Parks Under House Bill 1145

TALLAHASSEE, FL – State Representative Leonard Bembry (D-Greenville) is proud to announce that under legislation he sponsored this year all veterans and active-duty service or reserve members nationwide can enjoy a 25-percent discount on annual passes to Florida State Parks. The new discounts coincide with Florida State Parks 75th anniversary. … Continue Reading

RPOF: Newt Gingrich Endorses Holly Benson for Attorney Genera

Former U.S. House Speaker Stands in Support of Holly Benson

Tallahassee, Fla. – Holly Benson, Republican Candidate for Florida Attorney General, today announced former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich has endorsed her in her bid to become the next Attorney General of Florida.

“The next Attorney General of Florida will have to take the lead on the lawsuit challenging Obamacare,” said former Speaker Gingrich.  “In my opinion, there is no one more qualified to do this than Holly Benson.  So today, I am proud to endorse Holly’s candidacy for Florida Attorney General.”

“I’ve worked with Holly, and I know she is a proven conservative that you can trust.  Because Holly worked with Governor Jeb Bush to transform Florida’s Medicaid program and served as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, she is uniquely qualified to understand the dire consequences of Obamacare for our health care system and our Constitution,” continued former Speaker Gingrich.

“Beyond that crucial issue, Holly understands that we must reduce unnecessary regulation and fight frivolous lawsuits in order to restore our economy.  She is pro-life, rated A+ by the NRA, and like her mentor Governor Jeb Bush, is a committed free-market capitalist.  Holly Benson will make a great Attorney General for Florida, and I encourage you to consider voting for Holly on August 24,” concluded former Speaker Gingrich.

“It is a true honor to have the former Speaker’s support of my campaign,” said Benson.  “Newt has been at the cutting edge of conservative policies, leading not only a conservative banner but also leading our party to victory after decades of being the minority in Congress.  He is a true conservative icon, and I am proud to have his endorsement.”

Benson announced her candidacy for Attorney General for the State of Florida on October 29, 2009.  Until her announcement, Benson served as Secretary of the AHCA.  In that role, Benson worked to significantly reduce Medicaid fraud and to hold health care providers accountable.  In addition, she worked to streamline the regulatory process and reduce the regulatory burden for providers and consumers while never compromising the safeguards protecting the health and well-being of patients.

Prior to her appointment as Secretary of the AHCA, she served as Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).  As head of DBPR she led a team that improved customer service and reduced the red tape taxes that drive up costs for Florida’s businesses and professionals.  The department is responsible for licensing more than 1 million Floridians.

Before her appointment to the Governor’s Cabinet, Benson served the people of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze for six years as their representative in the Florida House of Representatives.  During her tenure in the legislature, Benson earned a reputation for tackling tough issues.  As Chair of the Select Committee on Article V, she led the successful reorganization of the state court system. As Chair of the Committee on State Administration, she updated the state’s procurement code.  In addition, as Chair of the Health and Families Council she addressed the tough health care access issues that touch the lives of all Floridians.

Benson is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Florida College of Law. She practiced municipal bond law with Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. from 1996 to her appointment as Secretary of the DBPR in 2007.

Benson has served on the Florida Council of 100, the Council on Efficient Government and the Board of Directors of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.  She is a member of First Methodist Church and a former member of the Downtown Rotary.  Benson also served on the Board of Directors for the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science and the Board of Directors of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Holly Benson for Attorney General Campaign, please visit www.hollybenson.com.

RPOF: Sink Can Run, But She Can’t Hide

Sink Ducks Obama, Can’t Hide Ties to His Liberal Agenda

Tallahassee–The Republican Party of Florida today released the following statement regarding reports that Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink attempted to distance herself from President Obama at last night’s fundraiser for the Florida Democrat Party.

“With the majority of Floridians unhappy with the President’s left-wing agenda and disappointed by his failed leadership during the biggest environmental disaster in our nation’s history it’s no surprise that Alex Sink is running away from her Party’s leader, just as fast as she ducks questions on important issues affecting Floridians,” said RPOF Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker. “The problem Alex Sink has in her insincerely attempted ideological makeover is, while she can avoid a photo with standing with President Obama she can’t run from her endorsement of the President’s ultra liberal, left-wing ideology when she donated to his campaign, endorsed his government takeover of our health care system and supported his failed stimulus package.”

Alex Sink Ducks Obama In Miami
For Alex Sink, the Democratic front-runner for governor, the potential price for embracing the increasingly unpopular president was too steep. The state’s chief financial officer did not join Obama at the deli or greet him at Miami International Airport, and she had stepped off the stage by the time Sen. Bill Nelson introduced the president at the hotel.

Her distance from Obama contrasted with their dual billing as “special guests” for the fundraiser, which fortified the Democratic Party for a turbulent election year in which five powerful statewide posts are up for grab. (St. Petersburg Times, 8/19/10)

Florida Police Chiefs CCE Endorses Bill McCollum for Governor

Tallahassee, FL – Today, the McCollum Campaign for Governor announced the Chiefs for Quality Law Enforcement Committee of Continuous Existence has endorsed Bill McCollum in the Republican primary for governor. This is the organization’s first endorsement in a gubernatorial race.

“It is a tremendous honor to have Florida Police Chiefs supporting my campaign to be our state’s next chief executive,” said Attorney General Bill McCollum. “As the group representing police chiefs from across Florida, the Chiefs for Quality Law Enforcement is a strong advocate for helping our law enforcement community to keep our cities and towns safe. As Governor, I will continue to pursue initiatives to protect children, seniors and families and put more criminals behind bars.”

“In the race for Governor, there is only one candidate who has the record and the character to continue making Florida a safer place to live, work and raise a family, and that candidate is Attorney General Bill McCollum,” said Chiefs for Quality Law Enforcement Chair and Florida Police Chiefs Association Executive Director, Amy Mercer “We look forward to working with Bill McCollum on initiatives to improve public safety.”

As Attorney General, Bill McCollum has a strong record of fighting for Florida, where he has increased efforts prevent cybercrime, identity theft and Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse. As Governor, Bill McCollum will continue to make Florida a safer place for Florida’s children, seniors, families and consumers.

Bill McCollum enjoys strong support from Florida’s law enforcement community, where he has also received the support of more than 30 current and former Florida sheriffs and the Fraternal Order of Police.

The Chiefs For Quality Law Enforcement CCE membership is made up of police chiefs from around Florida. Its mission is to support candidates in Florida who show a strong commitment to public safety.

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

Senate President Jeff Atwater Today Sent the Following Letter to Members Regarding Special Session

TO: Members of The Florida Senate
FROM: Jeff Atwater, President
SUBJECT: Update on Special Session
DATE: August 19, 2010

In light of the ongoing Gulf oil disaster, there has been a great deal of conversation lately regarding a Special Session and next steps. I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on both.

While there may be room for cautious optimism about the status of the Deepwater Horizon well itself, I have no doubts that serious ecological and economic issues remain. In my estimation residents along the Gulf will continue to feel the effects of the disaster for some time, and families and small businesses in those parts of the State will clearly benefit from some legislative relief now and in the foreseeable future. Many of the issues this State will face are as yet unknown, and those that can be reasonably defined are extremely complex. Our collective response will have to be deliberative and thoughtful. … Continue Reading

Representative Leonard Bembry Announces New Military Discounts At Florida State Parks Under House Bill 1145

TALLAHASSEE, FL – State Representative Leonard Bembry (D-Greenville) is proud to announce that under legislation he sponsored this year all veterans and active-duty service or reserve members nationwide can enjoy a 25-percent discount on annual passes to Florida State Parks. The new discounts coincide with Florida State Parks 75th anniversary.

Representative Bembry (Florida House District 10) sponsored House Bill 1145, which took effect on July 1.

Honorably discharged veterans, active-duty service, and reserve members can now receive a 25-percent discount on the purchase of a Florida State Park annual pass. The discount provides a savings of $15 on an individual annual pass and $30 on a family annual pass, which allows up to eight people in a group to access Florida’s 160 State Parks. Additionally, honorably discharged veterans who have service connected disabilities and surviving spouses of military veterans who have fallen in combat can receive a lifetime family annual entrance pass at no charge. … Continue Reading

Florida’s Commercial Spiny Lobster Season Off To A Great Start

Supply is plentiful and demand is high, according to commercial fishing industry index

TALLAHASSEE — Early indicators are pointing to a good spiny lobster season, say Florida’s commercial fishermen who began harvesting the prized seafood delicacy earlier this month.

Florida’s commercial spiny lobster season opened August 6 and runs through March 31.  Spiny lobster is one of Florida’s top commercial seafood products in dockside value.  Ranking third behind shrimp and stone crab claws, Florida’s spiny lobster harvest was $13.2 million last season.  The bulk of the harvest comes from Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward counties. … Continue Reading

Jeff Kottkamp for Attorney General: Independent Statewide Polls Shows Jeff Kottkamp Leading In Race For Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE– A new statewide poll of likely Florida voters shows Jeff Kottkamp with a significant 7 point lead in the race for the Republican nomination for Attorney General.

The poll conducted on behalf of Sunshine State News shows that for the first time, a candidate in the race is leading outside the margin of error.

“With just five days before the primary, this poll shows Lieutenant Governor Kottkamp has the momentum headed into Election Day. Undecided voters in this race have significantly narrowed and most of those Floridians have moved toward Jeff Kottkamp,” said Rockie Pennington, Kottkamp Campaign General Consultant. “It’s clear voters want someone with a proven record of experience instead of someone who just talks about what they’ll do in office.” … Continue Reading

Holly Benson for Attorney General: Deadline—Midnight Tonight

Today’s the deadline. At midnight fundraising for the Primary is closed.  Please do what you can to help in these last remaining hours.

It’s been dubbed the year of the outsider.  But as election day draws near, voters are becoming increasingly wary of newcomers who spout conservative sound-bites but who fail to understand the issues and who have no track record on leadership.  The challenges we face are too important for us to gamble our future. … Continue Reading

McCollum: Consumers Will Receive $110,000 from Palm Beach Timeshare Resale Business

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his
office has reached an agreement with a Palm Beach County business which
allegedly engaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices. As part of the
agreement, TS Luxury Group, Inc. will permanently dissolve and pay more
than $110,000 to consumers who have already reported complaints to the
Attorney General’s Office.

TS Luxury Group, Inc. and owner Mary Filocomo offered timeshare resale
advertising services to consumers throughout the United States and Canada.
The Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division began investigating the
company’s practices in March 2010 after receiving numerous complaints from
consumers. … Continue Reading

Attorney General Obtains More Than $104,000 for Consumers From South Florida Plumbing Company

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced his
office has obtained a judgment against a South Florida plumbing company,
resolving allegations that Tri-County Plumbing Services sent salesmen
posing as plumbers to mislead consumers into paying exorbitant prices for
plumbing work. The terms of the judgment provide consumer restitution of
more than $104,000. … Continue Reading

Kendrick Meek For U.S. Senate: President Obama is asking you

Last night at an event in Miami, President Obama stood up in front of a packed room of Florida Democrats and introduced me as the next United States Senator from Florida. He announced with 100 percent certainty that the White House is behind our campaign.

I am so humbled to have his support and hope you will join him in lending me yours.

The single most important thing you could do to help before Election Day is make a contribution to our campaign. Even as little as $5 will make a difference.

Go here to contribute: http://www.kendrickmeek.com/5days

With just five days left until Tuesday’s Primary, I am not exaggerating when I say, the outcome of this election is in your hands. While my opponent is spending millions of his own money, my campaign is counting on small contributions from loyal grassroots Democrats like you.

After the President discussed my record of standing up to the status quo and being a champion of middle-class families he said, “We need that kind of fighter in the United States Senate and I need you to help him get there.”

I need you to stand up right now and answer the President’s call.

http://www.kendrickmeek.com/5days

We’ve had a great few days with both President Obama and President Clinton in South Florida, so let’s keep the momentum going. I am so grateful for your continued support, and know if we all come together we’ll win.

Kendrick

Increase in boating fatalities concerns FWC

Many Florida boaters know the importance of wearing a life jacket and abiding by the navigation rules. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasizes the importance of making safe, smart decisions when out of the boat as well. … Continue Reading

AWI to Host Employment Data Media Availability and Conference Call tomorrow

The Agency for Workforce Innovation’s Office of Communications will host a media availability and conference call tomorrow, Friday, August 20, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the July 2010 employment data, which will be released at 10:00 a.m.  The agency’s Chief Economist, Rebecca Rust, will be available to answer questions from the media on the employment and job growth data presented in the release.

Details for the conference call are as follows:

Date: Friday, August 20, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m.  EST
Dial-in Number: (888) 808-6959
Conference Code: 3708350 #