Sunshine State News Blogs
No deal?
CNN read a statement from Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf who is leading efforts to build a mosque near the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York saying he had not heard anything about moving his mosque in exchange for Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville quashing an event to burn Qurans on Saturday to make the ninth anniversary of those terrorist attacks.
Jones countered by telling the media that, while he has not spoke to Abdul Rauf, he assumed the deal was still in place and would prepare to head to New York on Saturday.
This is still developing.
Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville announced late Thursday afternoon that he was canceling the Quran-burning event scheduled for Saturday. Jones said he agreed to cancel the event to commemorate the 9/11 attacks because a mosque that was being planned a block and a half away from the site of the attacks was being moved.
“We have thought it over many times,” said Jones. “We felt very convinced that we should do this.”
Jones said he had touched base with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, albeit through an intermediary, who was leading efforts to build the mosque in New York.
“He has agreed to move the location,” said Jones. “The Imam has agreed to move the mosque.”
Jones added that he would be flying up to New York on Saturday to meet with the Imam.
On Thursday, Gov. Charlie Crist announced the appointment of members of the state’s Task Force on Educational Excellence to examine teacher pay and development, student competitiveness and focus on technology changes.
“These committed Floridians understand that student achievement and teacher effectiveness are keys to strengthening Florida’s talent pool of graduates entering our work force,” said Crist. “It’s vital that every teacher in our state has the resources they need to prepare our students for the future.”
Crist named Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho as the chairman of the task force. Carvalho led the state’s successful efforts to win federal monies through the Race to the Top competition.
“This task force is a great opportunity to take bold steps toward improving the confidence and long-term success of Florida’s students and teachers,” said Carvalho. “Education must be a top priority to secure a prosperous future for Florida.”
The task force includes familiar faces in Tallahassee including Sen. Rudy Garcia, R-Hialeah, Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, Commissioner Eric Smith of the state Department of Education and Andy Ford from the FEA. Marshall Criser, the president of AT&T Florida is also on the task force. It also includes local education administrators, teachers, figures from higher education and parents.
Young conservative activists got the bum's rush from Palm Beach State College this week after they displayed anti-Obama literature during a campus club rush function.
PBSC student Christina Beattie said she had received approval from college administrator Olivia Ford-Morris to participate in the club rush, but Beattie and two members of the Young Americans for Freedom were told to fold up their table shortly after setting up.
Ford-Morris is shown in this video disputing Beattie's claim that she had approved the YAF table.
In a statement released late Thursday afternoon, school officials stated, "Palm Beach State College unequivocally supports the constitutional right to freedom of speech for our students, faculty, staff and all citizens."
The release from Grace Truman, director of college relations and marketing, continued: "The group was asked to leave the event for one reason: It had never registered as a campus club, and this event was for campus clubs. The Palm Beach State student involved has been advised to follow the established, published process to organize and register the group as a campus club."
YAF President Daniel Diaz suspects that the school's move was political.
"Ms. Ford-Morris was visibly disturbed by the material presented, published by the Heritage Foundation, criticizing President Obama’s administration," he said.
Beattie said, “I was shocked and offended by her dishonesty. She outright denied giving me permission to table at Club Rush simply because she disagreed with my beliefs. The fact is, she was using her administrative power to silence the conservative opposition."
Twenty-six leaders from more than a dozen tea parties and "patriot" groups across the state on Thursday endorsed Rick Scott for governor.
The endorsements aren't a huge surprise, given the tea/patriot leanings toward Scott's conservative agenda. But it's significant since at least some of the endorsers had previously supported Scott's primary rival, Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Don Hensarling, Florida state director of the "9/12 Project," was among them. Among others listed were Tom Gaitens, Florida state director of FreedomWorks.org and Tom Tillison and Jason Hoyt from Orlando area Tea groups.
Robin Stublen, a Tea Party activist from Punta Gorda, said the group offered its "unequivocal vote of confidence" for Scott.
The Florida TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party endorsed Scott days before the primary election.
Here are the signers of today's announcement:
Tom Gaitens Florida State Director FreedomWorks.org
Robin Stublen Founder Punta Gorda Tea Party
Don Hensarling Florida State Director 9/12 Project
Billie Tucker First Coast Tea Party
Sharon Calvert Tampa-Tea-Party.com
Karen Jaroch Tampa 9/12 Project
Jason Hoyt Central Florida Tea Party
Nancy Meinhardt Miami 9/12 Project
Elaine Laffey
Tom Tillison Orlando Tea Party
Karin Hoffman D.C. Works for Us
Tina Woode Lake Mary/Sanford 9/12
Marian Rowe Brevard 9/12
Bill Landes Florida MinuteMen
Mel Coppi Deltona 9/12 Project
Kathy Gibson
Barb Haselden S. Pinellas 9/12
Paula Helton Gainesville Tea Party
Kim Irvine Tampa 9/12 Pasco Chapter
Daniel Diaz Young Americans for Freedom
Kathleen Waligore Tampa 9/12 Project
John Hendrix Tampa-Tea-Party
Pamela Evans D.C. Works For Us -- Aventura
Alan Berkelhammer Gainesville Tea Party
Pat Wayman Venice 9/12
Don Forward Titusville Patriots
Disclaimer: these leaders sign with a personal endorsement, not that of their organizations.
A Sunshine State News Poll to be released Friday reports on the tightly contested Florida governor's race between Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink.
The survey of likely voters conducted after Scott's selection of state Rep. Jennifer Carroll as his lieutenant governor running mate contains surprising results -- and a possible roadmap to victory for each candidate.
This survey is one to watch, as SSN's pollster was the most accurate in the Republican primary, predicting Scott would beat Attorney General Bill McCollum by 2 percentage points. Scott won by 2.9.
Based on the premise that figuring out the new health-care laws can be difficult for anyone, especially those who don't speak English, the federal government has launched a new Spanish-language website to overcome the language obstacle.
Cuidadodesalude.gov was designed to help Latinos find answers to information on the Affordable Health Care Act passed about six months ago.
With one in three Latinos uninsured nationwide, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the Hispanic community may have the greatest need for this resource.
"At the very core, the website is about breaking down barriers that stand between Latinos and the care they need," said Sebelius on a conference call Thursday.
The English version, healthcare.gov, went up in July.
The site guides users to what insurance options meet the needs of families or individuals, and where people can go to get help in their state by answering a few simple questions.
"The intent really is to make it as easy and understandable as possible for the regular user," said Stephanie Valencia Ramirez, a White House public engagement spokesperson.
Sebelius also says she is convinced that small-business owners will find the website helpful because they now will have access to a full menu of choices for meeting the insurance needs of their employees without having to rely so heavily on brokers.
Several new consumer protections within the Health Care Act take effect on Sept. 23.
Looking to get back into the U.S. Senate race, the campaign team of U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, who is mired in third place in every poll behind Republican candidate Marco Rubio and Gov. Charlie Crist who is running without party affiliation, took aim at Crist on the environment.
"Clearly, Governor Crist is no friend to Florida's environment,” said Adam Sharon, a spokesman for Meek, on Thursday. “Time and again, lifelong conservative Charlie Crist has proven he is far more interested in lining the pockets of developers than protecting Florida's environment or standing up for middle-class families. Now, the governor is trying to green-wash his terrible environmental record. Kendrick Meek is the only candidate who will stand up to big developers and corporate special interests on behalf of everyday Floridians.”
With Crist siphoning off Democratic voters, the Meek team has hammered the governor from the left since the primary in late August.
Former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Republican candidate in the U.S. Senate election, launched a new television ad on Thursday, highlighting his family and calling them members of the “most important generation” in American history. Rubio, who reminded viewers that he was the son of exiles, hinted that the size of government could spiral even more out of control. Despite that warning, Rubio is positive in the commercial and does not hit his two main rivals -- Democratic candidate U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek and Gov. Charlie Crist who is running without party affiliation.
Who's more pathetic: a small-time reverend burning copies of the Quran to mark 9/11, or craven state politicians who won't speak out until someone else does?
Gainesville pastor Terry Jones has everyone's attention now. But it wasn't that way early on. When Sunshine State News contacted an array of Florida political leaders Monday morning to get their comment on Saturday's planned bonfire, only Republican attorney general candidate Pam Bondi responded.
Bondi immediately decried the incendiary commemoration of 9/11, but her Democratic opponent Dan Gelber stayed mum. Rosh Hashana on his mind?
Also in the bunker of silence was Attorney General Bill McCollum. Perhaps the state's chief legal officer is still licking his primary wounds.
Gov. Charlie Crist did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment, but he did, ultimately, opine on the subject at (where else?) a campaign rally.
Even retired Army Col. Allen West, a Republican running against Rep. Ron Klein in the 22nd Congressional District, held his fire. Though not one to shy away from controversy, West, through a spokesman, declined to comment on a fiery demonstration that Gen. David Petraeus said could jeopardize U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Now that other national figures have weighed in, the rhetorical floodgates have burst open as just about every Florida politician, down to the most obscure state legislator, sounds off.
The almost-hourly release of politically correct condemnations is keeping bloggers busy, but, really, what's left to say? This "debate" has gone from mum to numb.
On Thursday, state CFO Sink became the first Democratic gubernatorial candidate since Gov. Lawton Chiles in 1994 to win the backing of the Florida Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Sink also received the backing of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA).
"It is a privilege to have such strong support from the Florida law enforcement community,” said Sink. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to keeping our families and communities safe and I have the utmost respect for their service.
"I have always supported the courageous work our law enforcement officers do for the people of Florida, and it's an honor to have both the Fraternal Order of Police and the Police Benevolent Association strongly behind my campaign,” added Sink. “Public safety and law and order are the primary responsibility of government, and I will always support our brave men and women who wear the badge."
"Alex Sink's support of law enforcement and public safety is unwavering, and she is the kind of honest, upstanding leader all Floridians need on their side in Tallahassee," said FOP President James Preston, whose organization backed Republican candidate Pam Bondi for attorney general earlier in the week. "We know we can count on Alex to look out for the needs of law enforcement officers and to put the safety of law-abiding Floridians first. Alex Sink has been a strong advocate and loyal friend to the professional law enforcement officers who make up the FOP, and we are proud to support her."
While no politician would complain about law enforcement's endorsement, its support does not always translate to electoral victories. Attorney General Bill McCollum won the backing of law enforcement leaders across the state, too, but it did not help him prevail over Scott in last month's Republican gubernatorial primary.
A mediation in the Tea Party vs. TEA Party lawsuit is still on for Sept. 20, though the plaintiffs don't currently have an attorney.
Everett Wilkinson, state director of the South Florida Tea Party and lead plaintiff in the suit, said he is "working on getting new attorneys" after the first counsel, Frank Herrera and Gustavo Sardina of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, pulled out last month.
Herrera's firm -- which South Florida Republican political consultant Michael Caputo claimed to be funding to the tune of $20,000 a month -- said it is considering legal action against the Florida TEA Party and withdrew over that potential conflict of interest.
The dispute over the TEA Party's alleged misappropriation of the name was joined by several Tea groups around the state. But it's unclear how many will stay in the suit if the legal billing meter starts running.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra on Tuesday ordered Wilkinson and Tim McClellan to file notice informing the court whether they will be represented by legal counsel or themselves.
Marra also ruled that "corporate and unincorporated association plaintiffs must obtain substitute counsel on or before Oct. 1."
Doug Guetzloe, consultant for the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party said, "We're not letting Wilkinson or McClellan off the hook. With or without new counsel, mediation is on."
Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running without party affiliation in the U.S. Senate election, agreed on Tuesday with Gen. David Petraeus and the Obama administration that the event being led by Gainesville-based Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by burning Qurans will increase the dangers faced by American servicemen. Crist added that he will be keeping tabs on the event Saturday to ensure public safety.
“I strongly agree with General Petraeus and others who warn that burning Qurans as a form of protest on Sept. 11 puts our fighting men and women overseas in grave danger,” said Crist in a statement issued late Tuesday. “In addition to being offensive, the Gainesville protest puts at risk those brave Americans who are fighting abroad for the freedoms and values that we believe in as Americans. As governor of the great state of Florida, I will be monitoring Saturday’s situation closely to ensure the safety of all Floridians.”
On ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Thursday, President Barack Obama offered strong words of condemnation against a planned event led by Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville to mark the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by burning Qurans.
Obama agreed with an assessment by Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of American forces in Afghanistan, that the event could lead to reprisals against American troops and civilians.
Talking about what Jones had in mind, Obama pulled no punches about the consequences the Florida pastor could unleash.
"I just want him to understand that this stunt that he is talking about pulling could greatly endanger our young men and women in uniform who are in Iraq, who are in Afghanistan,” said Obama. “We're already seeing protests against Americans just by the mere threat of it.
"This could increase the recruitment of individuals who'd be willing to blow themselves up in American cities or European cities,” said Obama.
With the NFL regular season opening Thursday night when the New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings in a rematch of last year’s dramatic NFC championship battle, the sluggish economy seems to be impacting ticket sales. Eleven teams are facing possible blackouts for home games, and businesses will not be advertised.
Two of Florida’s three NFL franchises are on the list. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are expected to have another lousy season, are the favorites to lead the NFL in blackouts -- starting with Sunday’s opener against the Cleveland Browns. The Jacksonville Jaguars -- almost universally picked to place last in the AFC South and have a history of struggling with selling tickets -- are also expected to face a large number of blackouts. The Jaguars open their season Sunday when the Denver Broncos come to town, but the game will not be blacked out -- thanks in part to University of Florida legend and First Coast favorite son Tim Tebow being the Broncos' first-round pick in the latest draft.
While the Bucs and Jags continue to struggle selling tickets, local and national businesses that rely on running commercials during the football games will also be greatly impacted -- more woe for the Sunshine State, already lagging behind the nation as the recession continues.
Which will be the hotter ticket in Gainesville Saturday -- the USF-UF game or the scheduled burning of the Quran?
G'ville Pastor Terry Jones is giving the Gators a run for their money with his fiery 9/11 commemoration at Dove World Outreach Center. Even President Barack Obama is opining on this one. If online traffic is any indication, news reporters will be turning out in droves for the Quran bonfire, which is scheduled between 6-9 p.m.
Sports scribes, meantime, will be over at the Swamp to see if No. 8 Florida can put on a more impressive show than it did last week. USF's Bulls (1-0) figure to be a tougher opponent than Miami (Ohio). Kickoff is at 12:20 p.m. (ESPN).
In other Saturday action:
- No. 12 University of Miami travels to No. 2 Ohio State (3:40 p.m., ESPN).
- No. 17 Florida State treks to Oklahoma (3:30, ABC/ESPN2).
- UCF hosts North Carolina State (7:30 p.m., CBSC).
The Florida Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is backing Republican candidate former Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi over Democratic Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach in the race to be Florida’s next attorney general.
“The support of the Fraternal Order of Police is so important because I am committed to fighting criminals and protecting our families, our neighborhoods and our communities,” said Bondi on Wednesday. “Florida’s sworn law-enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep our state safe, and I am honored to be their choice as Florida’s next attorney general.”
“As an 18-year career prosecutor in the 13th judicial circuit and a strong advocate for justice, Pam has demonstrated a commitment to the citizens of Florida that exceeds politics as usual. We have seen firsthand her willingness to step up and fight for what is right,” said Florida State FOP President James W. Preston whose organization has more than 20,000 members. “We are confident the experience, remarkable leadership, knowledge and work ethic she will bring to the office of attorney general will serve our great state with integrity and honor. Florida deserves no less.”
Rep. Hazelle Rogers, D-Lauderhill, took aim at the event led by Pastor Terry Jones planned for Saturday where the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks will be marked by burning copies of the Quran.
“I am deeply disappointed by the news that members of a church in North Florida would even consider burning the Quran in displays of intolerance,” said Rogers. “I urge those individuals to reconsider their actions and statements.
“I believe our great country and Constitution is centered on the concept of freedom of religion,” she added. “As someone who is elected from a very culturally diverse population, it pains my heart that any of our state’s residents would behave in such a manner that is inconsistent with American values and traditions. The burning of the Quran would be a clear sign of hate and disrespect that should be admonished.
“I encourage residents of my district and my colleagues in the Florida House of Representatives to speak out against this protest in the memory of those who died on Sept. 11, and for the families forever touched by the horrific incidents of that day nine years ago,” she concluded.
Responding to a plan coming from President Barack Obama calling for an additional $50 billion in federal money to be spent on transportation projects, U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, a Florida Republican, said on Wednesday that the nation did not need yet another stimulus package.
“Once again, this administration continues to ignore the will of the American people and move forward with more big-government ideas – ideas that will heap even more debt on our children and grandchildren,” said Mack. “We all saw how great the first stimulus plan worked: $800 billion added to our deficit and higher unemployment nationwide. Instead of allowing the private sector to create jobs and grow our economy, the administration continues to wrongly believe that’s the role of the federal government.
“I have said time and again that we cannot spend our way to prosperity,” added Mack. “When will President Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress learn this simple concept?”
U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, a Republican from Florida, spoke out about Iran on Wednesday and warned that other nations -- including Venezuela -- were backing that country’s nuclear ambitions.
“Iran continues to avoid basic inspections and stockpile enriched uranium,” said Mack. “These actions make it very clear that Iran remains a true threat to international stability and is determined to develop nuclear capability no matter what. And what is even more egregious is that nations such as Russia, Venezuela and Turkey continue to assist Iran in this dangerous goal.
“Among the violators, Russia and Turkey have entered into trade deals that violate the U.S.-led sanctions on Iran’s oil and gas sector,” added Mack. “Venezuela touts that it is ‘at the service of Iran’ and continues to sell the country gasoline. Even Cuba’s Fidel Castro is getting into the fray, speaking out against the U.S. sanctions and spreading fear that the U.S. and Israel are trying to start a nuclear confrontation with Iran. Castro is using this dangerous situation for personal gain – as he has done in many public appearances as of late.
“This has got to stop,” said Mack. “It’s time true leaders take the stage and speak out against these reckless nations who continue to violate the sanctions and weaken security for all. The United States will not tolerate Iran’s nuclear development and we must not back down from strict sanctions on Iran, an enemy of freedom.”
