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Governor Charlie Crist is keeping his lips sealed about who he might appoint to replace Mel Martinez in the US Senate.

Martinez resigned Friday giving Crist the power to select a replacement. Crist is running to take the seat in 2010, but says he’s not interested in the current opening. Crist said he’s taking his time to find a good representative for Florida.

“We are reviewing an appropriate process for that. It is an important decision. It’s one I take very seriously. I want to make sure it is transparent, and of course it will be, and people who will be interviewed are of great quality and integrity and care about the people of Florida,” said Crist.

Crist says he will begin the interviewing process soon.

A US Congressman is calling out Governor Charlie Crist for being slow to spend stimulus dollars on highway projects.

According to Congressman James Oberstar, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Florida ranks dead last in stimulus spending on highways. Crist said Florida is not in last place and says the state is just being deliberate in its spending.

“We have a very thorough process as it relates to new projects and bidding and things of this nature in Florida, which I am very proud of. It ensures the integrity of how those dollars are spent which is incredible important to me and the people of Florida,” said Crist.

Florida has 1.3 billion dollars to dole out for road projects, but according to Congress just two percent of the money has been spent on projects currently under construction.

When Florida college students return to campus in two weeks, they will find their Bright Futures scholarships don’t buy as much as they used to. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, after years of trying, penny-pinching legislators finally succeeded in limiting how much high school graduates will receive from Bright Futures.

Last year, 159 thousand Florida students got a total or partial free ride on Bright Futures, costing taxpayers about 380 million dollars.

Bright Futures scholarships were created in 1997 as a way to prove that lottery money was actually helping schools. This is what high school students were saying at the time.

“I feel cheated.”

The first year provided college for 40 thousand students, costing 79 million dollars.

By 2003 growing costs had lawmakers looking for a way to limit the scholarships.Then Senator Ken Pruitt, one of the original sponsors, drove a school bus across the state to shore up support.

“The state has got to keep its commitment,” Pruitt said.

But now Pruitt is gone, and Bright Futures is changing. The scholarships will no longer cover up to 100 percent of tuition, but will provide a fixed amount. That worries Skye Demoya of Tampa.

“I had to take out a loan, so that means I’m going to graduate with more debt,” Demoya said. “Which is not good.”

The change is forcing music major Tom Kahre to work part time.

“I was not planning on doing that before but now it looks like I’m going to have to do that to cover some of those extra costs,” Kahre said.

Gone this year is a stipend for books. Last year it was worth just under $200.

Students who drop classes after they start will also be forced for the first time to pay the state back.

Last year, 159 thousand Florida students got a total or partial free ride on Bright Futures, costing taxpayers about 380 million dollars.

The state is processing 50,000 requests for conceal carry gun licenses, with thousands more pouring in every month. Floridians are stocking up on guns and as Whitney Ray tells us the state may need to change deadline restrictions to keep up with all the paper work.

Applications for conceal-carry licenses are up 67 percent over a year ago. The state has 90 days to process the requests. Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson says his staff can’t keep up.

“That law was put into place when we had a normally 14,000 a year application rate. Now we’ve got 14,000 a month,” said Bronson.

The state is on pace to issue 150,000 permits by the end of the year. 50,000 are pending right now. Only two percent of applicants are denied.

“We are giving them the licenses as we get to them and that is all we can do,” said Bronson.

The flood of applications coincides with a surge in gun sales. Floridians began loading up once President Barack Obama won the election, fearing the new leader would push tougher restrictions. Pawn Shop Owner Mark Folmar says the economy has also played a role.

“A lot of people are looking at the economic times that we have and feeling like there might be more crime, that there might be more need for self protection,” said Folmar.

People aren’t just loading up on guns. Ammo is also selling out. The Department of Agriculture says more legally concealed guns doesn’t mean more crime. Just 1/10th of one percent with permits have committed a crime with their weapon.

State economists say the new tobacco tax has thrown off their revenue estimates.

The state cigarette tax went up a dollar July 1st, but fearing news of the increase would create a surge in sales, stores stocked up. The panic has helped generate 110 million dollars in floor taxes. State economists expected to bring in just 38 million. Amy Baker, the Director of the Florida Department of Economic and Demographic Research, said the surge was unpredictable.

“A piece of that floor charge that was higher than we thought came from just business type of changes from the retailers and wholesalers, a piece of it could also be related to individuals buying more to stock up on their own before the new surcharge went into effect, so we believe there is a component of both,” said Baker.

The tobacco tax increase was originally expected to generate a billion dollars in new revenue, but economists continue to tweak the estimates.

The Cash for Clunkers program is stimulating the economy and improving the environment, but it’s also ridding the roads of dangerous vehicles. As Whitney Ray tells us, some of the trade-ins aren’t fit for the freeway.

These SUVs, mini-vans, and trucks are all headed the gas guzzler graveyard. The Cash for Clunker program is getting fuel sucking vehicles off the road. Many not a moment too soon, says car salesman Mickey Atkinson. The sliding side door on this Mazda mini-van doesn’t open.

“There would be no exit from this side if the car were upside down or leaning on the other side,” said Atkinson.

Cracked windshields, broken door handles, rust, and flat tires were just a few of the problems we found with the trade-ins.

“There are a lot that I don’t believe would have ever been still on the highway, if the inspection stations were still around. There are some very unsafe cars,” said Atkinson.

State inspections were eliminated in 1983. Bill Cloud inspected cars before the law was changed. Bill found dozen of problems with the clunkers.

“I’ve seen a lot of cars that were so unsafe that if people knew that car was headed at them down the highway they would have probably had a heart attack if they knew what kind of condition the car was in,” said Cloud.

But not all the trade-ins are in bad shape. This 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee is in good running order and the tires are nearly new, but it doesn’t matter. Whether junk or jewel all the cars are headed to the salvage yard. Making the air a little cleaner, and the roads a little safer. So far the Cash for Clunkers program has taken more than 220,000 gas guzzlers off the country’s roadways.

US Senator Mel Martinez resigned his seat today and Governor Charlie Crist, who was already running for Martinez’ seat in 2010, will have to appoint a replacement.

Crist could appoint himself, but of the nine governors who have gone that route since 1900 only one has won reelection. Reportedly Crist has already taken his name out of the mix. Karen Thurman, the Chairwoman of the Florida Democrats is taking the governor at his word.

“Until I see something different and if we are already hearing some names bounced around the chances are he is saying what he means,” said Thurman.

Reportedly Former US Senator Connie Mack and Former state House Speaker Allen Bense have taken their names out of the mix. Former State Senator and House Speaker Dan Webster is expressing interest in the job. Others speculate former Attorney General Jim Smith is a likely choice.

Crist’s Office Released this Statement:

“I have a great deal of respect for my good friend Mel Martinez. I know this decision was a difficult one for him, but I think he is doing what he believes is right for him and his family.”

“We will immediately begin the process of selecting an appropriate replacement to serve the remainder of Senator Martinez’s term and I look forward to making an announcement in the coming weeks.”

Some State Farm customers will see a 28 percent increase in their premiums.

The state has approved the insurer’s request to drop discounts for upgraded pluming, holding multiple policies and making minimal claims. State Farm was providing the discounts voluntarily. Mandatory discounts for people who strengthen their homes against storms will remain and the move will have no effect on the insurer’s plan to leave the state. Steve Patron, General Council for the Office of Insurance Regulation, said there’s still no solid pull out date for the company.

“This process can be a very lengthy process. You have a hearing at DOAH (Division of Administrative Hearings). There is something like 90 days after that for the party to file recommended orders then the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) has a certain time limit when he or she issues a final order at that point either party can appeal to the First District Court of Appeals. That can take anywhere from six to 16 months, typically a year. So this process is a lengthy process given the circumstances,” said Patron.

OIR and State Farm will have a hearing before the Division of Administrative Hearings on October 12th to try and reach an agreement on an exit strategy for the insurer. State Farm plans to drop homeowner’s policies two years after its exit strategy is approved.

Statewide property values have fallen by 190 billion dollars. To put that in perspective there is still more than one and a half trillion dollars worth of taxable property in the state. As Whitney Ray tells us, the drop in value is creating a decline in the amount of property tax local governments collect, so many are seeking a millage increase.

Property values have plummeted around the state falling 10.4 percent statewide.
The Florida Association of Counties says the decline is leaving local governments with some tough choices.

“Our members are struggling to try and balance between service reductions and minimal tax adjustments,” said Chris Holley with the Florida Association of Counties.

If local governments raise taxes to make up the difference it will hurt homesteaders the hardest because they’re still paying tax on the same values as last year.

Most of the state’s 67 school districts are seeking an increase to make up an education funding gap left by the legislature. Governor Charlie Crist, who helped pass a property tax cutting amendment in 2008, says local governments should leave taxpayers alone.

“We ought to be lowering property taxes. I know that’s what the people want. It’s what they deserve, that’s why we passed amendment one, That’s why I signed the largest single tax cut in the history in Florida for that reason, so I would encourage local governments to live within their means too,” said Crist.

But living with in their means could mean cutting services, an option conservative blogger Tony O’Donnell has no problem with.

“If property values go down, then the tax you pay on that property should also go down. If services need to be cut then so be it,” said O’Donnell.

But fewer dollars for schools, police and other public services could cause outrage among many who depend on the government.

Since 2007, 121 Floridians have had their names removed from the state’s list of sex offenders after the passage of a Romeo and Juliet law. The statute forgives sex between consenting teenagers. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the law sets strict age limits and it did not apply to one couple that just got their life back after a 15-year nightmare.

Virgil and Missy McCranie’s families were close. She was 12; he was 16 when they met. The two were just friends until he had a few drinks on his 19th birthday.
What happened next got him labeled a sex offender, which has made keeping the job somewhat of a nightmare.

“One instance I was managing a place, and it was sort of family oriented. And he said well you know, a lot of people find out I have someone like that working here, they don’t want to bring their families,” said Virgil.

The couple has been together for a dozen years, but marriage ten years ago didn’t make his status as a sex offender go away.

“He could not go into the class room. He couldn’t go on field trips,” said Missy.

Florida adopted a Romeo and Juliet law in 2007, but Virgil was too old for it to apply. The state’s Romeo and Juliet law leaves out hundreds, if not thousands of offenders simply because it only applies to kids who are between 14 and 17. Frustrated, the couple appealed to the Governor and Cabinet.

“You know, I’m not a monster. I don’t belong on this list. I never have,” said Virgil.

After waiting almost two moths, a letter arrived.

“We can go places. We don’t have to be ashamed anymore,” said Missy.

Unexpected, The pardon was a burden lifted from their shoulders,

“I mean I made a mistake but it’s a mistake that if I had to do over again- if it meant losing her- and I’d probably do the 15 years over again,” said Virgil.

Their story is proof that true love can prevail no matter how young or how difficult the circumstances.

At a time when tuition is being raised and professors are being cut to help universities make ends met the board overseeing state colleges voted to pay its new chancellor nearly half a million dollars.

Florida’s University System’s Board of Governors will pay its new chancellor Frank Brogan 350,000 dollars a year plus benefits bringing his annual compensation to 450,000 dollars. Frank Brogan’s contract was approved by the board this morning. Brogan says he plans to make the state’s 11 public universities more uniform.

“All the universities need to have many of the same great things to offer so that whether you are in south Florida or north Florida you have access to those kind of degree offerings, but we also want each of them to be distinct. We want a notoriety for each of those universities as you see across the country,” said Brogan.

Brogan will be making 40,000 dollars more than the Board’s previous chancellor.

The unemployment rate for black males is 150 percent higher than white males in Florida.

This is one of many statistics the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys would like to change. This council met in Tallahassee today and is joining forces with local churches and nonprofit groups to help young black men succeed in life. The council is promoting higher education, proper heath care and mentoring programs. Council Chairman Anthony McCoy said the election of the country’s first African-American president has created more opportunity for many young black men.

“Things have really changed a lot. Opportunities are there in some ways that it was not there before. But the reality of it is, there’s a segment of the population that still needs some assistance and that’s where we come in,” said McCoy.

Apostle Jordan Williams with Trinity Deliverance Temple in Marianna attended today’s meeting to talk about reducing the recidivism rate and helping former felons find jobs and enroll in school. Williams says it’s been hard to find money to help the youth.

“Give the a record at an early age that’s going to hinder them for the rest of their lives, because first of all now in this day, it’s hard for them to get into college now, especially with a felony record and it’s hard to when they get a record and they just give them a fine make them pay a fine they don’t have jobs,” said Williams.

The council has been meeting for two and a half years. It will release a report card on the status of black males in Florida next February.

The open season on Burmese pythons is being extended past its October 31st end date. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is also exploring a ban on the breeding and import of the snakes. As Whitney Ray tells us, only six snakes have been captured since the search began 18 days ago.

There’s a war on Burmese pythons and the odds are in the snakes favor, for now. A seven member python posse began hunting the snakes in mid-July. So far only six have been caught. Governor Charlie Crist met with The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to discuss further action.

“If six have already been taken and this is the more difficult time in which to apprehend them I’m sure the commission will make a well informed thoughtful determination once October 31st gets here,” said Crist.

The governor and the commission agreed to extend the search in hopes the cooler temperatures will bring more snakes into the open. The state is also exploring a ban on the import and breeding of Burmese pythons.

“We are looking at internet sales, prohibiting internet sales, looking at what kind of industry is in Florida now, where these snakes are sold, how they are produced and how they come into the state,” said Colonel Julie Jones with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Florida’s Secretary of the Department Environmental Protection Mike Sole said the snakes are jeopardizing Everglade’s restoration.

“Here we have these introduced species that are further disrupting the ecological balance of the Everglades as we try to get the water right,” said Sole.

But with a 100-thousand Burmese pythons and just seven hunters, getting rid of the snakes will be a long battle. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is considering allowing more hunters to participate in the snake hunts.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is taking on several hot button issues.

The FWC is in the news this week for its new fishing fees. Last month the commission banned freshwater turtle hunting. In mid-July the commission licensed seven herpetologists to hunt Burmese pythons on state lands in south Florida. Governor Charlie Crist visited the commission Wednesday to encourage the wildlife officers and talk about ramping up the python hunt.

“What I do know is we have a duty to take action to protect the people so that’s why this program has been initiated to look out for the health safety and welfare of the people of Florida and we’ll continue to do whatever we need to do to protect them,” said Crist.

Crist said news of a toddler strangled to death by a Burmese python early last month motivated him to rid the state of the snakes.

A legislative committee with the power to remove former House Speaker Ray Sansom from office is delaying a decision. Members decided to wait until Sansom’s criminal trial is over before moving forward with the ethics complaint filed against the former speaker. As Whitney Ray tells us, members may be a little reluctant to discipline one of their own.

A special investigator researching an ethics complaint against former House Speaker Ray Sansom found plenty. This report is full of emails, financial records and even a job application for a position Sansom helped create.

“On June 10th Rep Sansom sent Dr. Richburg a three page draft proposal of a performance contract for Vice President of external affairs,” said Special Investigator Stephen Khan.

Sansom took the administrative job at a local college on the same day he was sworn in as speaker. Sansom faces criminal charges for funneling six million state dollars to build an airplane hanger for a political contributor and then lying about it.

Sansom resigned as speaker once word about the college job began to spread. Now his reluctant peers will have to decide if the former speaker should be kicked out of the house.

“We all have a heavy heart and I don’t think anyone of us want to be here,” said committee member Rich Glorioso.

The house committee agreed to decide Sansom’s legislative future at a later date. Chairman Bill Galvano said it’s not fair to hold hearings since the key witnesses like the college president and the key contributor aren’t talking until the criminal trial is over.

“We need to have certain witnesses like a Richburg, like an Odem, like a Sansom or at least give them an opportunity to present their side of the story,” said Galvano.

The committee will meet again on October 5th, a week after Sansom’s criminal trial starts. While the committee is waiting legislative staff will select an independent council to work as a prosecutor in the Sansom hearings.