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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What You Need to Know About Florida Today
Scott Pushes Legislature for State Government Cuts
Florida's legislative session set to start March 8 could be one of the most explosive in years, with thousands of state jobs on the line as new Gov. Rick Scott presses to cut back on the size and cost of state government. With Florida's economy in the doldrums, a budget shortfall of at least $3.6 billion and a desire to cut taxes, Scott and a conservative Republican Legislature see a chance to eliminate or curtail programs they see as unneeded or wasteful. Rank-and-file state employees, who haven't seen a pay raise in five years, will lose ground again with changes in their pension and health benefits. Key government services also face cuts. Scott and legislators are taking dead aim at education, social services and even law enforcement, with police agencies concerned that they'll have to release some inmates to save housing and feeding costs. [Source: AP]MUST-KNOW FLORIDIAN
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Utility-Built Solar or Rooftop? Renewable Energy Debate Rages On
As legislation was proposed this week to allow utilities to charge customers for new renewable energy plants, a debate rages on about whether ratepayer money should instead go to help customers install renewable energy systems at their homes and businesses.
Renewable energy advocates pushed their ideas at House and Senate utilities committee meetings this week. Meanwhile, representatives from state energy offices described and defended the work they do in light of proposed budget cuts.
Gov. Rick Scott's budget proposes moving the Governor's Energy Office, which administers state and federal energy grants including $176 million from the federal stimulus package, to the Department of Environmental Protection, and eliminating the Florida Energy & Climate Commission, a voluntary panel that researches and makes recommendations on the state's climate change efforts.
Jim Murley, an assistant dean of Florida Atlantic University and chairman of the commission, told the Senate's utilities committee that it's valuable having private citizens weigh in on the state's energy policies so if the commission is scrapped, there should be another forum for that.
Both the Senate and House utilities committees also heard from renewable energy advocates and critics. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Taxpayers Paid 5 Administrators $800,000 to Quit
Taxpayers have spent $800,000 in the past year to be rid of five government administrators in Sarasota and Manatee counties, all but one of them pushed out because they were deemed ineffective by their elected bosses. But in government, the size of the golden parachute usually has little to do with the reasons for an executive's ouster.
These recently departed public officials were all allowed to resign rather than being fired, guaranteeing that they would receive lucrative severance packages despite an array of mistakes and misdeeds.
[Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Kenneth Jones Back as Globe Wireless CEO
Seven years after he stepped down, the founder of the Palm Bay-based maritime communications company Globe Wireless has returned as CEO.
Kenneth Jones, who served as chairman of Globe Wireless since leaving the corner office, replaces Frank Coles. Coles had been with the company for 11 years.
Reached earlier this week, Jones had little to say about Cole's departure. "There was a disagreement over organizational structure. His leaving has nothing to do with the future of the company, other than how it might be best organized and to grow more," he said.
The management changes come as Globe Wireless continues its growth in the maritime communications business.
It has been one of the success stories for Palm Bay, where the small high-tech company first set up a software development operation in 1998, four years after the company was founded. In 2002, Globe Wireless opted to move its headquarters to Palm Bay from Foster City, Calif.
[Source: Florida Today]
» Space Coast Yearbook 2010
Ed Smith Stadium Poised to Be a Jewel
Sorry, Clearwater. Step aside, Jupiter. When the last bell and whistle are finally in place, the renovated Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota just may be the finest spring-training facility in the state. A walk in a park you'll savor.
Matter of fact, when Ed Smith Stadium opens its doors on Tuesday for the O's game against the Rays, the sellout crowd — at least it had better be — should stand as one and applaud.
On Wednesday the Orioles allowed the first official look at their new spring digs, and perhaps only someone familiar with Sarasota's parks of yore can fully appreciate the transformation.
[Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
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