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Thomas Knight has been on death row since 1983. Governor Rick Scott scheduled his execution for early December, but a 5-2 Supreme Court decision has delayed the execution. Concerns are being raised over the effectiveness of a new drug in the lethal cocktail. Death penalty opponents support the delay.

“I think we’re gong to find out a lot about this drug and we’re going to find out what’s really going on. I think we’re gong to find out that this drug may not be able to be used in this combination in the future,” said opponent Sheila Meehan.

The new drug has been used in two executions, after an approved drug became unavailable. The fear is that the new drug won’t keep the inmate from feeling pain before two other drugs complete the execution.

“The purpose here is not vengeance and that this person cannot suffer, and the Supreme Court has said this cannot be cruel and unusual punishment,” said Meehan.

Governor Rick Scott brushed aside questions on the ruling asking how he could assure the cocktail was safe. “You’ll have to go work with the Department of Corrections,” said Governor Scott.

But then the Department of Corrections refused our request for an on-camera interview.

Opponents call the cocktail a human experiment. The DOC said in October that they did thorough research before using the drug.

“It is our job to do that in the most dignified and humane way possible,” said Misty Cash, Department of Corrections spokeswoman in an October interview.

The state must produce drug manufacturer documents proving the drug effectively blocks pain.
Florida and other states have been forced to seek new execution drugs after a growing number of drug makers refuse to allow their products to be used in executions.

A new poll shows overwhelmingly support the use of medical marijuana. But as Matt Horn reports – many state leaders say it’s a horrible idea.

Medical Marijuana – the support is overwhelming among Florida voters.

“The numbers across the board, every demographic group is for it,” said Peter Brown, Quinnipiac University Pollster.

8 out of every 10 Florida voters support the use of medical marijuana in a Quinnipiac University poll conducted from November 12th to the 17th. Voters were split recreational use.

“The potential fight and potential ballot item would be about medical marijuana. And medical marijuana is very popular for Floridians,” said Brown.

Despite the overwhelming public support. Florida’s political leadership is adamantly opposed. Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed a challenge against the proposed amendment.

Both leaders of the legislature have joined the attorney general in arguing the marijuana amendment is misleading.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam worries marijuana use could become rampant.

“I’m very troubled by it in terms of what it could mean for our state and what we’ve seen in other states that have reduced restrictions on it,” said Putnam.

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist says he’s open to the idea.

“If you’re a real doctor and you’re prescribing for somebody who is really in pain and suffering, why would you oppose it,” said Crist.

One hundred twenty six thousand petitions have been verified. Organizers will need four times that number by February to be on next year’s ballot.

683-thousand verified voter signatures are needed by February for the amendment to be on the November ballot.

The rape investigation involving FSU quarterback Jameis Winston has taken another strange turn. A leaked DNA report ties Winton to the alleged victim. The case was dormant for almost eleven months before being reopened this month. A decision on whether charges will be filed is imminent.

FSU Quarterback Jameis Winston provided DNA to investigators last week. Now Winston’s attorney is blasting the leaking of results that tie his client to the alleged victim. Attorney Tim Jansen says the DNA match is not a surprise. “I’m not surprised by the result because we fully anticipated that his DNA may be there. But that has nothing to do with him be exonerated. [So you’re saying this was consensual?] That’s it- absolutely,” says Tim Jansen, Winston’s Attorney.

State Attorney Willie Meggs denied leaking the DNA results and indicted his investigators are close to making a decision in the case. “We have to talk to our victim before we do anything,” says Willie Meggs, State’s Attorney.

A statement released by the alleged victim’s attorney blasts Tallahassee police for their handling of the case, it says the victim was devastated when she learned police had informed Winston’s attorney in February, allowing him to create a defense.

Late Wednesday, Tallahassee police held a hastily called news conference. They denied they had every said the case was closed. “It was classified as inactive but open,” says Tom Coe, Tallahassee Police Chief.

Florida state has one home game, one away game, and two potential championship games on its schedule but that State Attorney says he’s not going to make his decisions based on what’s happening here. “We have made a lot of progress this week, today is Thursday. We worked pretty diligently on it. We’ve interviewed, talked to a lot of people,” says Willie Meggs, State’s Attorney.

Meggs also refused to discuss why DNA was taken from a second person described as a witness in the case.

The state has already spent more than ten thousand dollars sending thousands of personal letters from Governor Rick Scott to people renewing licenses, becoming lawyers, or who have won the lottery. The letters contain many of the talking points Rick Scott used in 2010 and is using today.

If you’ve renewed a business license, become a new attorney, or won the lottery, chances are you’ve gotten a letter from Governor Rick Scott.

Scott is sending letters at state expense, but they contain familiar campaign talking points. Nat Sot. Business license holders are being told that Scott is a lifelong entrepreneur who grew up in public housing and now wants to cut business taxes.

When asked about the letters, Scott said everyone should brag about their state. “I want to congratulate everybody in our state that is doing a great job, and I’m going to continue to do that,” says Governor Rick Scott.

One of the reoccurring themes in these letters is the 8 hundred thousand jobs that were lost in Florida before Rick Scott took office.

The loss of jobs is a direct shot at the man Scott replaced and who he’ll likely face in 2014, Charlie Crist, who for his part sidestepped the question.

“I think it’s important for the Governor to congratulate people when good things happened to them and what I try to do is call people when sad things happen to them,” says Charlie Crist, Governor 2007-2011 (REP) and Candidate for Governor (DEM).

Florida Democrats aren’t being so shy. Reporter Vasilinda asked, “What do you think of letters like this one?”

“It’s just desperate, it shows just how desperate the Governor is going into reelection next year,” replied Max Steele, FL Democratic Party Press Secretary.

Scott has also sent letters through School boards congratulating students who did well on tests. He’s drafted letters for upcoming college graduates.

Three Florida cities, Tampa, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale are among the top ten cited in the newest Best Places for Veterans report. As Matt Horn reports, veteran unemployment rates here in Florida far exceed the general population.

Air Force Veteran Abby Kinch is one of 1.6 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. After returning to civilian life, she went to work for Florida State University.

“I had supervised a number of airmen and so, getting out, that’s one of the things I put on my resume,” said Kinch.

However, most veterans aren’t so lucky in the transition from the battle field to the work place. October’s unemployment rate for veterans is at ten percent, much higher than the civilian rate of 6.8 percent. Because of the higher rate, the state is dedicating extra resources to help veterans find work.

“We want to make sure that they are getting employment, that they are getting the job opportunities,” said Jesse Panuccio, Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Tampa, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are among the nation’s top 10 cities helping veterans find jobs. Military unemployment rates, job growth and health resources helped put the cities in the top 10.

“To promote the availability of Florida’s talented, well-trained veterans to employers we recognize November as ‘Hire a Veteran’ month in Florida,” said Mike Prendergast, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

FSU and the University of South Florida ranked among the top 10 in another poll for most friendly military universities.

“Everyone is overwhelmingly supportive of transitioning out of military life into civilian life into college life,” said Kinch.

The three cities in the 2013 top 10 are all new to the list. There were not any Florida cities on the 2012 top 10 list.

New crime statistics show Florida is becoming a safer state – reaching historic lows. As Matt Horn reports – although overall crime numbers continue to drop, some crimes are up.

While Florida’s population is at record highs – the number of crimes are at record lows.

“I want to thank everybody in law enforcement for all their hard work in making sure that this is a great, safe state,” said Governor Rick Scott, (R) Florida.

In the first six months of 20-13 crime has declined by 5-point-2 percent. Murder was down by more than 10-percent. Despite a high profile debate on guns, The number of murders with a firearm showed the largest decrease – while stabbing murders had the largest increase.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to present an annual or mid-term report where every single category showed a reduction,” said Gerald Bailey, Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“Vehicle theft has also decreased to a little less than 17-thousand, and of that number a little less than half were recovered.

Crimes in Florida spiked during the 80’s and 90’s before starting to decline. Rick Scott says the lower number of crimes will make Florida more appealing for everyone.

“Everybody that lives in our state, the 19-point-2 million people who live here, they want to live in a safe place,” said Governor Scott.

Florida’s statistics mirror national trends. A Pew Report – found firearm homicides down by nearly half nationally since 1993. Technology is part of the reason.

“The services they have available to them now with the information, the forensics, the investigative help that are offered by state agencies,” said Bailey.

Overall there were 20 thousand fewer crimes reported in the first six months of this year over last

Burglary also had another steep decline. It happened nearly 10-percent less than in 20-12.

Months after Jennifer Carroll abruptly resigned as Lieutenant Governor reports say Rick Scott is considering four people as possible picks for the second in command in Florida.

Two of those on the list are from the Tampa metro – one is from Central Florida and the other is from the Jacksonville metro. Governor Rick Scott wouldn’t elaborate on what’s taking place in the search, but did confirm there are candidates.

“We have a lot of great candidates from around the state, we have a great state, a lot of great people. But, I’m not going to comment on the process we have right now,” said Governor Rick Scott, (R) Florida.

The Lieutenant Governor seat has been empty since March 12th.

Here in Florida – the state unemployment website has been making it difficult for some out of work Floridians to gain access to benefits.

Jesse Panuccio – Director for the Department of Economic Opportunity says the department has been working to fix the problem. And with holiday’s right around the corner – he says call centers will continue having extended hours to better serve those needing help with the new system.

“When we hear of a problem we try to address it quickly. And again, most people are going through the system without issue,” said Panuccio. “So, we think as we roll into the holiday we think the system will continue to get better and claimants will get paid.”

The new unemployment system replaced the previous one that was around for more than 30 years.

Former Governor Charlie Crist made his first trip to the state Capitol since declaring he wants he old job back on November 4th. Crist went to a familiar haunt.

One of the former Governor’s first actions on his first trip back to the State Capitol since declaring he’s running for Governor again was to sign an autograph for a postal worker. “You’re going to win, I’m going to vote for you,” says Lolly Johnson, USPS worker.

“from your lips to God’s ears,” replied Charlie Crist, former Governor.

Crist ran into Lolly Johnson on his way to the Florida Press Center, home of most of the state’s major newspaper bureaus. On his way in Crist tried to create a contrast from the attacks he’s already endured and how he’ll run in his campaign. “I’ve never seen an incumbent candidate whether it’s county commission, governor or president start out with negative advertising like that. But, you know, this is a different kind of opponent and I guess that’s what we should expect. I’m going to talk about the future of Florida though and about improving education,” says former Governor Crist.

A few blocks away in the State Capitol, Rick Scott touted a lower crime rate. “The people want to come here as tourist, they come here because they have a safe state,” says Governor Rick Scott.

He also criticized the President on heath care. “He was deceitful when he said if you have- if you like your insurance you won’t lose it,” says Governor Scott.

What’s already becoming clear a year out from the election is that Floridians will face very different candidates. “We got to have health care for people, we’re the richest country in the world and we don’t provide it and we should,” former Governor Crist.

Crist didn’t come just to kabitz with the media, he’s here to raise money as well.

Crist has already raised about a million dollars just over half a month, he’s still 17 million behind the sitting governor.

Delays have plagued Floridians looking to gain access to their unemployment benefits after a new system was launched in mid-October. As Matt Horn reports – more delays may be around the corner for those needing benefits.

With the holiday season a week away – many Floridians are still trying to get access to their unemployment benefits.

“Kids in daycare and school, you know, bills need to be paid. It’s kind of hard right now,” said Roosevelt Jackson, who has been trying to get unemployment benefits.

The new system has been plagued with glitches since it went online in mid-October. The problems have kept many out of work Floridians from receiving their benefit. During the first full weekend in December – those Floridians may experience new delays as the Department of Economic Opportunity makes more changes.

”Those individuals that are still having any issues to call the help center and get assistance. And we just want to reassure those individuals that no one will be denied any benefits due to technical issue,” said Jessica Sims, Department of Economic Opportunity.

DEO is moving its data storage to another facility in December, which cold cause new delays for benefit seekers.

State law requires the move, which was delayed because of the unemployment system launch. The move will not allow call center representatives to gain access to benefits occasionally during the move.

“The data will be physically moved all in one day and it will only be intermittent outages during that day,” said Sims.

The delays are expected to be minor compared to bigger problems faced during the launch. But impatient, unemployed Floridians trying to get benefits say the system needs to be fixed.

“It seems like it’ll work out. But, you know, it’s just taking a little longer than I thought it would,” said Jackson.

DEO says more than 500-thousand claims have been filed with the new system.

The system has gone offline all together two times since its launch. Once in October and the second time earlier this month.

What has been a succession of months of strong tax collections for Florida came to a halt in October. And the numbers would have been even lower than estimates except for the fact economists took the Federal Government shutdown into consideration.

The taxes from Florida Real estate transactions dropped by just over five percent last month. State Corporate tax collections were off 12 percent in October. The period covers the Federal Government shut down.

Sales tax collections in October remained virtually flat. Economists says they are still crunching the final numbers. “Well, we been seeing some strong increases coming into October. October overall all, kind of came in at the forecast or just a hair below, so maybe a little bit of slowing.” says Amy Baker, Economist.

Former Congressman, now Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam has long been critical of Washington’s dysfunction. The numbers back him up.”I do think that you’re seeing an impact on consumer confidence, hiring decisions, business decisions,” says Adam Putnam, Agriculture Commissioner.

The estimates for tax collections could have been even worse had economists not factored in the looming Federal Shutdown when they issued the estimates in August.

Revenue estimators say they’ll continue to have a cautious outlook until congress fixes the budget problem once and for all. “We have no idea what they are going to do in January and February, so we’re still being cautious,” says Baker.

If there is one bright spot, overall tax collections for Florida are still 73 million above original estimates, signaling an economy improving faster than even state economists predicted.

A new plan by Citizens Insurance would have the company selecting any paying contractors directly for sink hole repairs. The company says it guarantees the job is done right but others say policy holders are being shortchanged.

Sinkholes that are as damaging as the one that opened in Dunedin this week are covered under an insurance clause called Catastrophic ground collapse. Every homeowner’s policy in Florida has the clause. But where it gets sticky is when the ground shifts, causing  cracks in walls and driveways.

Now Citizens Insurance, wants to change how it pays claims for the cracks. Beginning early next year, if approved by the Citizens board, the insurer will select the repair company and then pay them directly. Michael Peltier says, while voluntary, it is an effort to make sure damage is fixed. “I mean, your neighbors want to make sure that the properties next to them are sinkhole free or have at least been repaired to the point that their properties are not endanger,” says Michael Peltier, Citizens Spokesman.

The direct pay plan was encouraged in the 2011 law as a way for citizens to cut its sinkhole losses.”

Insurance experts say beginning with a voluntary direct pay scheme is a smart way to go. “When you do a program of this magnitude, to make it mandatory right off that bat, it’s going to have some kinks. So let’s get the kinks work out, get homes repaired and make sure everybody is in a good place,” says Lisa Miller, Insurance Industry Consultant.

But the direct pay plan is likely to become mandatory in the near future, and advocates for policy holders say it is trampling on homeowners rights. “There’s just going to be a lot of bias and they’re going to undercut the work so that they can get on to the next job and make more money,” says Nicole Vinson, Policy Holders of Florida.

The full Citizens Board votes on the direct payment plan in December.

Naughty or nice, this year’s holiday shopping trend looks to be mostly sunny, despite uncertainty with the government shutdown earlier this fall. As Matt Horn reports, sales are projected to increase by four percent in the Sunshine State.

Retail experts say Black Friday in Florida is projected to see one of the largest increases in recent years for the holiday shopping season.

“While over the last five or six years we’ve averaged about a 3 point 3-percent increase over the previous year. I think we’re going to be over four,” said Rick McAllister, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation.

Many shoppers have been shopping early and taking advantage of some early deals.

“I guess September. We watch for the sales that come up and everything,” said shopper Florence McCutchen.

“Well, save my money because Black Friday comes up. I get all I can get, that’s about it,” said shopper Ladarius Calhoun.

To prepare for the economic uptick, employers are hiring more people for the season.

“We as a company, we have hired more than 35-thousand seasonal workers,” said Ray Grey, a manager at JCPenney.

Retail jobs provide one out of every five jobs in Florida, bringing more than $49 billion dollars to the state in wages.

The season is “make or break” for many retailers. Some stores will make upwards of 25 percent of their annual profit in November and December.

“This is a critical time. Its also important for the state. Sales tax is a big deal to our state,” said McAllister.

There are six fewer shopping days this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas than last year.

Investigators for the Tallahassee Police Department made contract today with the attorney representing FSU Quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston was allegedly involved in a sexual battery in December 2012. The football players attorney may not let his client talk to police.

The heavily redacted police report alleging sexual battery is dated December 7th, last year. The State Attorney’s Office has confirmed it involves FSU Quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston’s Attorney says his client is absolutely innocent. “We have done our investigation. We have turned over what we believe is exculpatory  information to the state attorney with witnesses who were present,” says Tim Jansen, Winston Attorney.

The State Attorney’s office received the case file on Tuesday, that’s at least a day after police received a public records request for the report. Tallahassee Police are refusing to answer any questions including why it took so long to forward such a high profile case to Prosecutors. States Attorney Wille Meggs is traveling, we reached him by phone. “I got my first knowledge of it yesterday at 10:02, little bit shocked to learn it’s been an ongoing investigation since December 7th,” says Willie Meggs, State’s Attorney (2nd Judicial Circuit).

While Winston’s attorney says they are cooperating, he wouldn’t say if he would allow his client to speak with investigators. “They talked to me today, they confirmed to me that the state attorney has asked them to do some follow up investigation and we will try to cooperate with them as much as possible.”

Reported Vasilinda asked, “Does that mean you’ll make your client available to them?” “We will cooperate with them as much as possible,” Tim Jansen said.

Prosecutors working the case wouldn’t put a time table on resolving it.