For years, proponents of renewable energy have lobbied for mandates to jump-start Florida's renewable market, but one investor-owned utility (IOU) sees a solar future, voluntarily.

A controversial push by Florida utilities to raise consumer rates to recoup the cost of renewable energy projects suddenly lost power in the final hours of the 2010 Legislature.

The Legislature moved closer Tuesday to giving Florida’s largest investor-owned utilities the power to raise rates as they gain ground in the state’s renewable-energy sector.

Despite fears of imposing a new fee upon Florida taxpayers and putting smaller energy producers at a disadvantage, the House voted 83-34 to give the utilities the power to raise rates to fund renewable-energy projects.

A wealth of opportunity is knocking on Florida’s door. But over the past several legislative sessions, and again this week, our policymakers have not answered the call.

Will this week's special legislative session bring responsible public policy debate or crass political posturing?

U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene assured a small group of Leon County residents Monday that, if elected this fall, he would fight for education reform and funding, and job creation.