Florida ethics officials need more authority to investigate and more power to punish public officials and others for what amounts to a “Florida corruption tax” that is eroding public trust and stealing taxpayers’ money, a statewide grand jury said Wednesday.

Incoming Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam named key members of the administration on Tuesday as he prepares to leave Congress to assume his new responsibilities in January -- keeping many staffers who served under current Commissioner Charles Bronson.

Charlie Crist isn't helping a cynical America trust its politicians.

Certainly, he's not helping me.

I learned nine years ago, when he was education commissioner, when he stood in front of a roomful of teachers and promised them they would be making "six-figure salaries" by the end of the decade, that the man will say or do anything to win the moment.