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Amber Alerts have saved 42 children across the state of Florida since the program started in 2000.  The North Florida Child Abduction Response Team is one of 13 teams across the state that immediately responds and investigates the cases of missing children. 

At the Amber Alert Commemoration FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey said that alert messages are displayed across the state.

“We’re able to broadcast it statewide or regionally,” Bailey said.  “They have signs on the interstates they have signs on the turnpike.  The media will actually interrupt it’s broadcast to tell of an Amber Alert.  So it’s almost immediate as soon as we have enough information.”

This immediate response was not always the case.  In September of 1995 Jimmy Ryce was abducted and murdered.  At the Amber Alert Commemoration his parents shared an emotional appeal urging support  for Amber Alerts so other parents won’t have to feel their pain of losing a child.

“I believe if yall had been there on September 11th of 1995 when my 11 year old son was taken he would be sitting out there in the audience today 22 years old a member of the team,” Claudine Rice said.  “And you will save children’s lives.  Because I don’t want another mother to be up here like me.”

As part of the National Amber Alert Awareness Day next week, several agencies including the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and the Florida Lottery, will display messages about four children that are still missing in the state of Florida.  

Governor Charlie Crist plans a bus trip across Central and Southwest Florida next week to push his controversial plan to cut property taxes. Today the Governor got new opposition, and as Mike Vasilinda tells us, even if the tax plan passes, taxes may not go down as much as predicted.

Hear it here: Mayors Oppose Amendment One

The Florida League of Mayors is the latest group to oppose the January 29th Property Tax referendum.  Florida Cities have already given a thumbs down, but for the first time, the Mayors say taxes for many could go up if voters approve the plan.

“Under certain circumstances, this proposal may spark a rise in local property taxes, which will erode savings for homeowners and increase tax bills for other property owners,” Sunrise Mayor Steve Feren said.

The group also took aim at the money behind the plan…Donald Trump and used car dealers.

“We know that Donald Trump is used to saying ‘you’re fired,’” Feren said. “So he doesn’t care what happens, he’s just interested in saving money on his mansion.”

The independent watchdog Florida Taxwatch also got into the fray, saying the tax amendment could do more harm than good.

“It doesn’t target the relief to people who’ve been hurt the most with the recent runup in property taxes,” Kurt Werner with Taxwatch said.  “It basically perpetuates and exacerbates an already bad system.”

Despite the opposition, the governor remains confident.

The governor is telling reporters that he has an internal poll showing the amendment will pass. But when asked for it, he wouldn’t give it up.

Early voting begins Monday, and a large number of absentee ballot requests suggest heavy interest for an unusual January election

The insurance industry in Florida is once again under fire tonight. The state Senate has formed a 20-member committee that will force top insurance industry executives to testify under oath about why property rates haven’t dropped as promised. As Chris Casquejo tells us, the insurance industry says it’s ready.

Hear it Here: Senate Believes Some Insurers Lied

When a special session on insurance ended last year, rates were supposed to drop an average of 24 percent. But in most cases, consumers didn’t even see half that much. Now, lawmakers are demanding answers.

“Some insurers appear to have lied to the Florida Legislature,” said Sen. Steve Geller, a Democrat. “We want to find out exactly what happened. And we will.”

Lawmakers say most companies are following the law, but estimate that one in three are not.

The state took on $28 billion worth of risk when lawmakers reformed insurance laws last year. Now legislators want to know why the insurance industry has not kept its end of the deal.

Insurers say they’ll be ready to answer to lawmakers.

“We originally opposed the expansion of the CAT fund,” said William Stander of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “We were not the ones who promised any rate decreases. Those promises came from the Legislature.”

State insurance regulators and legislators are working together to decide which insurers will testify.

“We took the risk. And they’re taking the profit. And that’s ending.” said Sen. Jeff Atwater, a Republican.

For lawmakers, 2008 begins much like 2007, with the insurance industry still public enemy number one.

The Senate Select Committee on Property Insurance Accountability will meet early next month. The insurance companies who are asked to testify will be revealed next week.

Oh Florida, My Sweet Home could be the new state anthem. The song was selected from a number of entries. the original intention was for the winning entry to replace Stephen Foster’s Old Folks At Home as the official state song, but legislation introduced today would keep both as the official state songs.  “Old Folks At Home”  drew criticism for its outdated lyrics that mention “Old Darkies.” State Representative Dave Murzin of Pensacola says the goal is to have the State Anthem and the State Song co-exist, much like “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” co-exist.
    
“It kind of brings us all together and gives us a common bond,”  Rep. Murzin said.  “It gives us something to shoot for. So I was looking just a little bit higher than the current controversy that surrounds the state song.”

The new anthem is co-authored by Graham Fountain and Warren Halstrom.  Halstrom is the worship leader at Celebration Baptist Church in Tallahassee.  He says the best songs are songs that come from the heart.  “Oh Florida, My Sweet Home” is dedicated to the pioneers, military and law enforcement officers who have died protecting our country.

The Florida League of Cities says the Yes on 1 TV ads that urges people to vote for a property tax cut on January 29th are misleading.  The League of Cities says all homeowners won’t benefit, but first-time homebuyers will have a bigger tax burden.  The group also doubts the claims that the homestead exemption will double.

“It claims that it’s a double homestead, said the League’s John Thomas.  “And it’s not because the additional homestead only applies to other portions, not the school portion, of the tax bill.  So it’s not a full $25,000 homestead exemption.

The League of Cities also predicted local millage rate increases.

“With the millage rates and the rollback requirement that’s in the provision, it will have the potential impact of raising property taxes,” Thomas said.  “That’s just the way that it is unfortunately.  I don’t think the citizens know.  That’s why we’re opposed and we want folks to understand that.”

Amendment One opponents have raised $320,000 for their campaign so far.

For the first time in 7 years, Florida lawmakers are seriously considering revising some of the state’s sales tax exemptions.  For example, bottled water, ostrich feed and luxury skyboxes are not taxed.  It’s estimated that such exemptions cost the state $23.5 billion a year.  Florida TaxWatch, a taxpayer watchdog group, hopes lawmakers carefully consider any changes.

“We do understand that there’s a budget crunch going on right,” said Kurt Wenner of TaxWatch.  “If the Legislature wants to raise additional money, it’s their prerogative.  This would be an area where they could look.  But we just want it to be done with a real comprehensive deliberate nature to make sure they take into consideration what impact eliminating certain exemptions would have on the economy, and thereby, tax revenues down the road.”

The House budget chair sent all members of the chamber a memo stating that lawmakers would have to cut about $2 billion from next year’s budget.

The head of Florida’s prison system is stepping down after two years on the job.  Department of Corrections Secretary James McDonough cleaned house after a corruption scandal cost the previous secretary Jim Crosby his job.  McDonough also put in place new execution procedures last year after a botched lethal injection.  McDonough plans to stay on the job until a replacement is found.

YesOn1, the group created by the Governor’s to help pass Amendment One on January 29th released its first TV commercial today. The ad is designed to assure people the cap on their taxes is permanent, but as Mike Vasilinda tells us,  the change allowing homeowners to take their tax savings with them when they move has some homeowners seeing red.

Hear it here: Property Tax Amendment Continues to Spark Debate

Mark Jones and his growing family moved to Tallahassee eighteen months ago. His tax bill is twice that of some of his neighbors. Because of that Mark says he is going to vote No on January 29th. He worries it will only make the disparity worse.

“Well if it passes, it permanently sentences our family to always pay higher property taxes than our neighbors,” Jones said.

A block down the street Theodore Budd will cancel out Marks no vote. He likes Amendment One

“I feel that it’s out of control,” Budd said. “And if you give these people the money, they’ll find a way to spend it. We’ve got to find a way now to make due.”

Yes on 1, the group founded by the governor to support the increased property tax exemptions, released it’s first TV commercial.

The Governor hosted 20 business writers from around the state for lunch here at the Governor’s mansion. He used the opportunity to push a yes vote. He told them he will boost Florida’s sagging economy.

“It gives people the opportunity to go to that new house, to go to that different dwelling,” Governor Crist said. “And look what it would do to the real estate market in Florida.”

But Mark Jones won’t be swayed. And if the tax package passes, he may be one of the first to challenge it in court.

Red-light running drivers kill at least 100 people each year in Florida. But a key lawmaker is supporting a proposal to ticket motorists who are caught on camera running red lights. As Chris Casquejo tells us, if you’re ticketed, your insurance rates won’t go up.

Here it here: Key Lawmakers Support Red-Light Camera Law

Each year, drivers who blow through red lights cause about 6,300 accidents in Florida. That’s why lawmakers want to set statewide standards for cities and counties that want to use cameras to ticket violators. It worries some motorists.

“It’s not right, shouldn’t do it,” said Kevin McMahon.

McMahon believes the proposed law is an invasion of privacy.

“The way things are now, every time you turn around, there’s a camera watching you do something around town,” he said.

If the measure becomes law, it would allow cities and counties to slap $125 fine on the owner of a vehicle captured on camera running a red light.

Citations would work like parking tickets. No points would go on drivers’ records. A key lawmakers who blocked the bill last year now says the cameras won’t be used to capture other violations.

“We are going to allow red light cameras,” said Rep. Carey Baker, a Republican from Eustis. “But we really don’t want it to go any further than that.”

Supporters of red-light cameras agree that privacy is paramount.

“I think that safety is very important,” said Kristen Kirk. “I think our own privacy is important as well, yet when we’re citizens of community, we need to follow the rules of that community.”

With newfound support in the legislature, the red light camera measure has a better than even chance of passing this spring.

12 states already have laws allowing red-light cameras. Another 20 states, in addition to Florida, are considering similar laws.

Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer says Florida’s decision to move its primary to January 29th from March is already paying dividends with wide-open contests in both parties.  On the Democratic side, Illinois Senator Barack Obama won the Iowa caucuses and New York Senator Hillary Clinton won New Hampshire’s primary.  Iowa Republicans favored former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, while Arizona Senator John McCain won in New Hampshire.  Greer says many Republicans are hoping Clinton will be Democratic nominee, because of her high negatives.

“They’re going to fight it out tooth and nail,” Greer said.  “I often say, I think Edwards is a little bit of a sleeper.  I’m curious to see where he plays out.  But at the end of the day, I think she’s going to be the party’s nominee.”

Michigan is the next state up in the Presidential nominating race.  Voters will head to the polls there on January 15th.

Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson may not have won in Iowa and New Hampshire, but his supporters aren’t wavering.  Thompson finished third in Iowa last week and sixth in New Hampshire Tuesday night.  But Florida Congressman Adam Putnam remains hopeful that Thompson will be the Republican nominee.

“This is an election season very much in flux,” Rep. Putnam said.  “People wrote John McCain out last summer.  He’s the champion of New Hampshire.  People wrote Fred Thompson out in Iowa.  He placed a strong third.  And so polls are a part of the horse-race coverage of the presidential campaign, but the only one that matters is on January 29th in Florida.”

Thompson is pinning his hopes on southern states like Florida and South Carolina.  With the field so wide open, the January 29th vote in Florida is expected to play a pivotal role in determining both the Democratic and Republican nominees.

Kids being solicited for sex on the internet was the topic of a conference call today between Attorney General Bill McCollum and America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh. McCollum has been collecting information on children around the state who admit to being solicited for sex on the internet. He and his unit travel to public schools giving presentations to educate students abot the danger. They’ve talked to 23,000 kids and more than 4,000 say they’ve been propositioned for sex. The majority say they were approached have been propositioned for sex on websites like Myspace. Mccollum says the presentation is very interactive and feels like it’s been working.

Sot: Bill McCollum
Attorney General

The cybercrime unit’s message to the children is that they don’t know who their online friends really are. McCollum says he has been working with several news organizations, including FOX, with hopes to of educating parents about the dangers their kids face.

Governor Charlie Crist spent the day pushing the January 29th Property Tax Vote in several Florida cities today. In Tallahassee, Opponents rallied their forces, while, as Mike Vasilinda tells us, state lawmakers are looking past January 29th and the possibility the amendment will fail.

Hear It Here: The Property Tax Baby Few Want to Claim

Standing next to a large fire truck, opponents of the property tax amendment predicted fire protection as you know it will end with the passage of the January 29th amendment.

“This will have an adverse impact on public safety, as to your response times, your ability to have new stations,” Bob Carver with Florida Professional Firefighters said.

The organizers of this event were quick to point out that even if this amendment passes and fire service is curtailed somewhat, Charlie Crist wont have a problem because the Governor’s mansion is just four blocks down the road.

In addition to longer response times to your house, the firefighters are also predicting higher home insurance rates.

“As you have proper fire protection in your community, your insurance rates are lowered. There is a direct correlation between the two,” Carver said.

As the firefighters news conference broke, a ladder truck screamed from the station. It turned out to be a false alarm. House speaker Marco Rubio says the firefighters are fighting the amendment for the wrong reason.

“Government may very well need this money,” Rubio said. “But if people can’t afford to pay it, we shouldn’t take it from them.”

But Florida Democrats are also urging a “no” vote on January 29th, saying it is the only thing that will lead to real reform.

“I hope this thing fails. I hope we come up with a more holistic, statesmen-like approach,” Rep. Dan Gelber said.

To pass, the amendment must get at least 60 percent of the ballot cast. It is a benchmark few truly contested amendments have ever achieved.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Department of Children and Families told lawmakers today that it needs an additional 18 million dollars if it is to help foster children succeed when they age out of the system. Currently, when foster children turn 18, they are out on their own. DCF Assistant Secretary George Sheldon says a new agency study found foster kids turning 18 are being sent out into the world with few skills. “Ten percent of kids aging out have drivers licenses. They don’t know how to open a checking account. They’ve never been in bank. So some of the basic skills that children have when they grow up in a family, a lot of foster kids just don’t have.”

The study also found that many of the foster children become homeless and end up in the criminal justice system. The agency wants 18 million dollars more to help youngsters transition to the real world when they leave foster care.

Governor Charlie Crist has called for changes to the FCAT test, and will likely use his state of the state address in March to recommend changes. Today, his Education Commissioner, Dr. Eric Smith, told state lawmakers that accountability is important, but that educators and lawmakers must listen to parents when making decisions. “Our accountability system must, must maintain a structure that assures mom and dad, the tax payers that are paying the bill, that we’re delivering on the promise of a bright future, an opportunity as an adult in the workforce.”

Smith says some form of FCAT and accountability testing is necessary if schools are going to be held accountable to parents. Read the rest of this entry »