The Department of Corrections plans to close three prisons and two boot camps, a bill would privatize inmate health care and cut top salaries 5 percent while ending numerous positions.
Florida & Beyond, and All Opinions
Teacher Tenure Out, Merit Pay In: Legislature Whips First Bill of 2011 to Gov. Scott
The Legislature passed the biggest change to the state’s education system in more than 10 years, sending to Gov. Rick Scott a bill tying teacher salaries to test scores and ending multi-year contracts.
Cancel This Subscription: Palm Coast Data Revenue Plummets Another 21% in 3Q
Palm Coast Data revenue fell $15.7 million in the last nine months, compared with the same period a year earlier as trouble for the company and its parent, Amrep, continue.
School Board Member Salaries By County, 2010-2011
Complete list of Florida school board members’ salaries, county by county, as set by state law. Salaries are set by population–or according to the starting pay of a teacher, whichever is less.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 16
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 16: Expectation; A White Lie; Floating Currency; Running by Cairo; Swimming Ashore; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Theatrical Premieres and a Unique View of the White House: Culture Worth the Miles
A new comedy about five would-be actors at the Mad Cow Theater, “Greater Tuna,” the critically acclaimed comedy, at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, “Charm” at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and more.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 15
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 15: Huck Loses the Raft; In the Fog; Huck Finds the Raft; Trash; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
Florida Abortion Public Funding Ban Would Extend to Reform’s Health Insurance Exchange
Measures that would bar public money from subsidizing abortion coverage in Florida in nearly all cases passed a Senate panel on Monday. The ban would extend to the health-insurance exchange that will be set up by 2014 as part of health care reform.
King Scott’s Nepotism, Tsunami Creeps, Kerouac Dreams, A Flash Mob in Beirut: The Live Wire
Why Bob Graham fears Rick Scott, the new pessimism in American culture, Bahrain imports repression, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin, dental floss imports, and more.
Palm Coast Voter to City Council: “Reducing Voting Locations Is Insane”
In a letter to the Palm Coast City Council, Steven Jones, a Palm Coast resident and voter since 1984, opposes reducing polling locations from 21 to six, and offshoring early voting to Bunnell.
Sunshine Sunday: Beyond Transparency, Government Records Must Be Accessible
Government transparency and access to government records are not the same, says First Amendment Foundation President Barbara Peterson, though access to any record not exempt by law is every citizen’s right.
Peter King’s Muslim McCarthyism
U.S. Rep. Peter King’s homeland security hearings about Muslims and “radicalization” recall, beyond McCarthyism, a long American tradition of xenophobia and prejudice on the lunatic fringe. It’s not more broadly representative.
From 5% to 2%: Retreat from Extra Pension Contributions; All Salaries Below $40K Exempt
A Senate committee backed off considerably from a proposal to require state workers to make 5% contributions to their pension fund, exempting most state workers, and cutting back the amount others would have to chip in.
Flagler and US Diverge as Unemployment Here Climbs Again to 16%
Flagler County’s January unemployment rate in January rose again to 16% percent, remaining in the same high range it’s been stuck in for a year and a half and bucking the national trend. Florida’s rate is 11.9%.
Despite 4 Million Uninsured, Florida Senate Approves Opt-Out Amendment on Health Law
Senators voted 29-10 to approve the proposed constitutional amendment, which would allow people to opt out of the “individual mandate” requirement that they buy health insurance or face financial penalties.
Popping Pops and and Freud’s Last Mad Cow Session: Culture Worth the Miles
A free pops concert by the Orlando Philharmonic at Winter Park’s Central Park, the Boston Pops’s tribute to Cole Porter in Longwood, art in Maitland, Freud’s last session at the Mad Cow Theatre, and more.
Ex-Neo-Nazi White Supremacist Recruiter Lectures on “Turning Away from Hate” At Stetson March 21
TJ Leyden is the author of Skinhead Confessions and an adviser and trainer to state and federal panels, the military and law enforcement. Jason Alexander, the Seinfeld star, wrote the Foreword to Leyden’s memoir.
All Business All the Time as Gov. Scott
Tells Lawmakers: “Don’t Blink”
Scott mentioned the word “job” or “jobs” 31 times in the 27-minute State of the State speech, lauded privatization, vouchers for private and parochial schools and the needs and virtues of business.
State of the State Tonight: Scott and Legislature’s GOP Keep Their War Civil–So Far
Don’t expect Gov. Rick Scott to deviate much from his frequent message as he delivers his first State of the State speech Tuesday night before a joint session of the Legislature: Budget cuts, tax cuts, potshots at Washington rather than his own dissenting GOP.
Oxycodone Central, James Bond in Drag, Placenta-Eating and Georgia O’Keeffe at 92: The Live Wire
The 100th International Women’s Day, islamophobe Brigitte Gabriel, Mike Huckabee’s bigotries, Duke Ellington’s wonders, a Palm Coast company on TLC, pretend abortions in Oklahoma, and more.
Room for Debate: Do You Let Your Teen Drink At Home?
A new study shows that 5.9 percent of adolescents 12 to 14 drank at home in the past month, almost half of them getting their drink from family. Do you let your teen drink in hopes of teaching responsibility?
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 8
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Flagler Reads Together, FlaglerLive is serializing Huckleberry Finn, this year’s book. Here’s Chapter 8: Sleeping in the Woods, Raising the Dead, Exploring the Island, Finding Jim; With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations.
St. Johns Raises Impact Fees on Residential Construction, Decreases Them on Commercial
St. John’s decision to raise impact fees on residential construction contrasts sharply with discussions in Flagler, where developers and some elected officials want a moratorium on fees. Flagler’s fees are considerably lower than St. John’s.
Enough Nickel and Diming: How to Cut $1.5 Trillion From the Budget Without Really Trying
Voodoo economics is back, this time with Obama sprinkling the wrong salts. His plan to reduce the deficit is irresponsible. Here’s one way to do it now, with everyone contributing. The alternative is French status in 10 years.
End of the Line for Rail Brawl As Supreme Court Ruling Sends $2.4 Billion Elsewhere
The Florida Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Gov. Scott could not be bound to spend $2.4 billion in federal high-speed rail money. That money will now go to New York or California.
Economy Adds 192,000 Jobs, Unemployment Dips to 8.9%, Best in 2 Years
The U.S. economy added 192,000 jobs in February, the strongest private-sector job gain in two years, and the unemployment rate fell below 9 percent for the first time since April 2009, when it was at 8.9 percent and rising.
Governor and Senators’ High-Speed Rail Brawl Crashes a Skeptical Florida Supreme Court
Judging from Justices’ questions, the legislators’ case to force the governor to accept $2.4 billion in federal funding for the bullet train looked slim after Thursday’s arguments before the high court.
Senators Against “King” Scott Face Off at Florida Supreme Court Over High-Speed Rail
Set for 3 p.m. Thursday, the Florida Supreme Court showdown over $2.4 billion in federal money underscores the divide between Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican-dominated Legislature ahead of next week’s legislative session.
Florida Department of Health Would Cut 1,600 Jobs and Move Out of Primary Care
The plan doubles the original estimate of job losses at the department. Of those jobs, almost 1,050 would be outsourced or privatized, for budget reductions of $185 million.
In 8-1 Ruling, Supreme Court Upholds Rights Of Bigoted Protesters at Military Funerals
Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion is his court’s strongest endorsement of First Amendment rights to date. “Such speech cannot be restricted simply because it is upsetting or arouses contempt,” Roberts wrote.
Dog Park Renovations, Florida Laziness, Love’s Cynics and Romantics: The Live Wire
Renovations for dogs at Holland Park, the William Gregory trial, JFK and the Peace Corps 50 years ago, Mickey’s possibilities for Orlando transit, the case for Israel, and more.
Senators File Supreme Court Challenge To Gov. Scott’s $2.4 Billion Rail Spurn
The central Florida senators–one Republican, one Democrat–say Scott had no authority to cancel an act of the Legislature and cash appropriations former Gov. Crist had already approved for the $2.4 billion Orlando-Tampa high-speed rail link.
Mississippi’s F. Gray Swoope Jr. Is Scott’s Pick for Enterprise Florida
Gray Swoope has been the head of the Mississippi Development Authority under Gov. Haley Barbour. He replaces John Adams, whom Gov. Rick Scott fired last month as Enterprise Florida president.
Epcot’s Flowers, Chocolate Science, Shaffer’s Equus: Culture Worth the Miles
From truffles to crepes at the Orlando Science Center’s Chocolate festival, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s one-man Beowulf, the Orlando Ballet’s ¡Bailamos! and Peter Shaffer’s Equus at the The POINTE Performing Arts Center.
Un-American Activities: US Rep. Peter King’s Coming Demonization of American Muslims
Ina column, Michael Keegan warns against U.S. Rep. Peter King’s misusing congressional hearings on preventing domestic terrorism to stoke fears about the alleged radicalization of U.S. Muslims.
Florida’s Drug Database Targeted for Destruction as Lawmakers Swallow Pill Mills
Florida’s drug database, even if caopable of fighting pill mills, is “Big Brother” to Rob Schenck, Republican House Health and Human Services Chairman. Others are joining him to do away with the drug database.
Why To Kill a Mockingbird Is a Triumph for Flagler, And Especially for FPC’s Drama Club
They endured, they persevered, and now they’re finally in their element, on stage. You won;t be disappointed by the FPC student production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Flagler Auditorium.
Defense of Marriage Act: A Crack in the Crock
The Obama administration came to its senses and called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The homophobic law passed in 1996. We’re still a long way from equal rights for gays and lesbians. Pierre’s radio commentary.
U.S. Citizenship Test: When Even the Federal Government Doesn’t Know the Right Answers
The writer, a Canadian who just became a citizen, realized she would not pass the U.S. Citizenship test unless she kept the correct answers to herself. She investigates the big differences between the citizenship test’s presumed answers and the real answers.
Impact Fee Challenges in Florida: Legislature Moving to Neutralize Local Governments
Local governments are challenging a 2009 law they consider an unfunded mandate that shifts the burden of proof from developers to governments in impact fee challenges. In a boon for developers, lawmakers are rewriting the law to make it challenge-proof.
Depression-Era Art, Piano Extravaganzas, Bands, Brews, BBQ: Culture Worth the Miles
A New Deal for Artists: works from the Depression at the Mennello Museum of American Art at Loch Haven Park, SHOUT! The Mod Musical, Tzimon Barto and Laurent Boukobza in their ‘Double Piano Extravaganza,’ and more.
Meeker on Economic Development: Mountains Of Questions Before the Next Summit
Frank Meeker, the Palm Coast city councilman, frames the next countywide economic development summit in a set of questions–and a few answers of his own.
Florida Tackles Bra Straps, Privatization on Steroids, Boys in Pink: The Live Wire
Why politicians should be professorial, why Obama is so 70s, women re-gaining just 1 job in 20, Bertrand Russell’s message to the future, and more.
My Favorite Republican: A Look Back at Eisenhower’s Otherworldly Farewell Address
On the 50th anniversary of Eisenhower’s farewell address, what’s striking about the speech today, Donald Kaul argues, is its tone of balance and moderation. It sounds like a speech not merely from another era but from another planet.
Florida to Jobless: Tough Luck.
Benefits To be Cut. Businesses To Get a Bye.
Driven by Florida businesses, the Legislature is preparing to cut eligibility for the jobless and making it harder to claim benefits. Flagler’s unemployment rate is hovering around 16%, Florida’s around 12%.
A Nation of Bullies: Our Children Are Watching. And Waiting.
From Columbine to Tucson, Americans have been watching and waiting for the nation to take bullying seriously. Heather Beaven argues that as victims keep falling, the nation is still waiting.
Reality Check: Rick Scott vs. Florida
It’s become one of Governor Rick Scott’s favorite clichés: “Government has no resources of its own. Government can only give to us what is previously taken from us.” He’s in the wrong country.
Cops Recoil Over Florida Pension Reforms; Deferred Retirement (DROP) Slated to End
Senate plans introduced Wednesday would replace traditional state pension plans with 401(k)-style systems, and would end the deferred retirement option plan known as DROP.
Despite Potential for 14,000 Jobs, Scott Rejects $2.4 Billion in High-Speed Rail Money
SunRail in Volusia and the passenger rail line between Jacksonville and Miami are also in jeopardy as Gov. Rick Scott announces focus on roads and seaports.
Leon Redbone, Anne Frank and Orlando’s Art & Living Expo: Culture Worth the Miles
Winter Park’s Morse Museum is expanding, Orlando’s Downton Art Living Expo, Leon Redbone at the Plaza Theatre, and the “Diary of Anne Frank” at the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park.