Florida Delegation rallies behind Indicted DeLay

Florida's powerful Republican delegation has taken the lead in rallying support to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay who was indicted yesterday in Austin for violations of Texas election law. Miami Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen appeared on CNN's Larry King Live program and defended DeLay as a victim of a partisan witchunt conducted by left wing forces in Texas in coordination with the Democratic leadership in Washington.

In this morning's Florida Today former Florida House Speaker Tom Feeney, a Republican from Oviedo, dismissed the charges leveled against DeLay by Democratic prosecutor Ronnie Earle as the work of a "partisan hatchet man." Brevard County Congressman Dave Weldon added I read the indictment," "The sheer vagueness and absence of any specifics or evidence is appalling."

Slots amendment to be repealed?

It is somewhat amusing that some of the very same South Florida Democrats who are bemoaning the Legislature's inaction on the slots issue are the very same people who conspired with the Governor to insure that the voter mandated High Speed Rail was never funded and eventually repealed. These same leaders are now indignant about the possibility that the Legislature will initiate a repeal of the referendum which sought to bring Las Vegas style gambling to Florida. It smacks of blatant hypocrisy. Why Democrats cannot be consistent on issues of vital importance to the state is a bi-product of the party's lack of vision and unwillingness to adopt a platform or statement of principles. The party and many of its elected officials tend to meander from issue to issue and unfortunately often times are overcome by circumstances. It is imperative that the Democrats determine once and for all, do they support the right for the people to vote on popular referendums and constitutional amendments as they did with Gambling or do they oppose them as they did with the bullet train? (which had it been built could have reduced Florida's energy woes and reduced Floridians dependence on automobiles and high gas prices) Hopefully the new leadership of the Democratic Party will understand the need to be consistent and vocal on issues of importance to Floridians and move the ball, forward for all of us.

Gallagher moving farther and farther away from the mainstream

Today's Sun Sentinel has an excellent story about Tom Gallgher's continued drift to the right on social issues. Gallgher, a one time moderate who supported abortion rights is now touting his anti-abortion stands statewide as well as his support for a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Gallagher is seeking a 24 hour waiting period on any abortion performed in the State of Florida, a position in direct opposition to Gallagher's primary opponent Attorney General Charlie Crist. Crist also claims to be "pro-life" which is in direct contrast to Crist's previous positions, but Crist refuses to support the 24 hour waiting period on abortions.

Democrats gas tax strategy misguided

Give Florida's Democrats credit for trying. The irrelevant party has woken up from its self imposed exile to come up with a public relations strategy designed to take advantage of the rising gas prices consumers are feeling here in Florida.

While a reduction in the state gasoline tax will certainly help consumers in the short run, all Floridians will pay in the longer run. Proceeds from Florida's gas tax go to the Transportation Trust fund which funds road projects, such as the much needed expansion of I-75 in Collier and Lee counties as well as the completion of Orlando's beltway (the Western connecter from Florida's Turnpike southward past Windemere towards Walt Disney World) which helps keep traffic off of the already congested I-4. Speaking of I-4, much of the expansion project for that vital highway, which is the heart of Florida (I-4 is in many ways Florida's Main Street) is being funded by proceeds from the Transportation Trust Fund.

The Democrats are correct to point out that the GOP is tied to oil companies and other petroleum interests. Now what the Democrats need to do is step forward and promote mass transit and hybrid automobiles in the state. State Senator Skip Campbell and Rep. Ron Greenstein have taken the lead in promoting state tax relief for those who invest in hybrid automobiles. Mass Transit is also a must, as Florida is among the nation's most urban states, but also has some of the worst mass transit in the nation. Florida legislators should follow the playbook advocated by Former Miami Dade Mayor Alex Penelas who worked to pass an initiative expanding MetroRail and bus service in Miami-Dade County a few years ago.

The Democrats have the moral authority to make the case against big oil. Now they need to do it the right way.

South Florida scores huge victory

Discussion about USF's shocking thrashing of undefeated Louisville at www.floridacollegepsorts.blogspot.com

It will always be Burdines to some of us

I read with consternation but admittedly with some amusement on another blog site about Federated Department Store's decision to rename Marshall Fields long a Chicago institution Macy's. Marshall Fields was the original Chicago department store and has been further imortalized in the recent PBS series, Chicago: City of the Century.

Here in Florida we can relate. Burdines, the original Miami department store was renamed Macy's by the same bad guys at Federated earlier this year. I was convinced at the time (and still have some suspicion) that it was a plot to strip us Floridians of our identity, but now that it is happening in the mighty city of Chicago, i'm slightly more at ease. After all for me growing up, Burdines itself was a synonym for large department store. Burdines specialized in clothing and accessories that made the Florida lifestyle so unique and even if the corporate offices of Federated (which is based in Ohio) try and strip our identity, it'll always be Burdines to some of us.

Martinez for Justice?

Rumors are circulating around the capital that newly minted Republican Senator Mel Martinez is being " seriously considered" according to one source for the Supreme Court vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Conner. Another source refuted the rumor saying that Martinez is a "sexy name for the press, but isn't leaving the Senate."

A Martinez choice would be interesting considering Martinez in spite of his newly found conservative beliefs was once the President of the Academy of Florida Trail Lawyers and was a strong opponent of the sort of legal reform that Conservatives and Republican insiders have been seeking for thirty years.

Stay tuned. This could be interesting.

GOP taking a risk on offshore drilling

As CATO explained in his guest column on Kartik's World, The Bush Administration has used the aftermath of the Katrina disaster to push its political agenda forward. The latest example of the politicizing of the tragedy is in the area of offshore drilling relating to Florida, where several Republican Congressman seem poised to jump from previously established positions to support some degree of drilling off of Florida's coast. For years, offshore drilling has been the third rail of Florida Politics, and nobody in either party regardless of ideology or Environmental record has wanted to touch the issue. Considering public opinion on this issue in the state, one would think the GOP is taking a big risk should they move forward with this agenda. Only time will tell if they get cold feet, but if they don't this could be the major issue in Florida politics next year.

McCollum looking at AG race?

Sources indicate to Florida Buzz that Former Congressman and two time U.S. Senate losing candidate Bill McCollum is strongly considering jumping into a crowded field of Republicans seeking the post of Attorney General. Also running on the Republican side are Stuart State Representative Joe Negron, former Pinellas County Sheriff and current state house member Everett Rice and Senator Burt Saunders of Naples. Senator Skip Campbell of Coral Springs is the only announced Democrat.

Katrina aftermath op-eds at Kartik's World

www.kartiksworld.blogspot.com

Bankrupt Delta retreating from Florida

Delta will announce tomorrow the dropping of 22 routes that touch Florida and cut back in frequency on several additional routes.

Here is the list of routes being cut, 3 of which were due to Katrina:

Fort Lauderdale-Dayton
Fort Lauderdale-Lexington
Fort Lauderdale-Louisville
Fort Lauderdale-Nashville
Fort Walton Beach-Cincinnati
Melbourne-Washington/Dulles
Orlando-Chattanooga
Orlando-Charlottesville
Orlando-Fort Wayne
Orlando-Gulfport (cut due to Katrina)
Orlando-Mobile (cut due to Katrina)
Orlando-New Orleans (cut due to Katrina)
Pensacola-Cincinnati
Pensacola-New York City/JFK
Tallahasse-Cincinnati
Tallahasse-New York City/JFK
Tallahasse-West Palm Beach
Tampa-Charleston, SC
Tampa-Colombia, SC
Tampa-Huntsville
Tampa-Lexington
Tampa-Louisville

College Football wrap-up

Big wins for Florida and Florida State last night, and another tough one for a struggling Miami team, that counts as a "W" but may be perceived as otherwise by A.P. and Harris poll voters. Check out the wrap up at www.floridacollegesports.blogspot.com
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Keys under a Hurricane Watch

The Florida Keys have been placed under a Hurricane Watch as a Tropical Depression over the Southern Bahamas is expected to strengthen and move westward over the next 24-36 hours. the storm would be named Rita.

Delta Airlines files for bankruptcy

As has been rumored now for several weeks, Delta has finally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, just one week after announcing it was cutting flights at its second largest hub in Cincinnati by 25%.

Delta, earlier this year abandoned its Dallas/Fort Worth hub operation and sought to protect its key focus city markets of Boston, New York, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa as well as building a fortress around its Atlanta and Salt Lake City hubs. The strategy seems to have failed as Delta has faced intense competition from Air Tran at its largest hub in Atlanta as well as fare wars with Jet Blue, Southwest, Air Tran and Spirit in the Florida and Northeast markets which represent Delta's bread and butter routes. Delta posted a $1 billion loss last quarter, the largest quarterly loss in the history of the airline industry

Campbell taking lead on Energy Efficiency

Democratic Senator and Candidate for Attorney General Skip Campbell (D-Coral Springs ) has filed legislation in the State Senate to give sales tax credits to individuals who buy hybrid automobiles, which are more fuel efficient than typical automobiles. Currently, gas prices in Florida are averaging over $3.00 a gallon and with supply shortages prevalent that price could continue to rise.

Marlins take Wild Card lead

The Marlins beat Houston behind a complete game by Dontrelle Willis to take a 1/2 game lead in the race for the National League Wild Card.

SUPER START

Florida’s NFL teams get off to a great start for 2005.

When the Tampa Bay Bucs took Cadillac Williams with the fifth pick of the NFL Draft many draftnics thought Williams too small and slow to warrant such a high pick. Coach Jon Gruden felt otherwise and his faith in Williams was rewarded when the rookie playing his first NFL game sprinted 71 yards on a third and one with under 2 minutes to go to seal an improbable 24-13 Bucs win at Minnesota over the heavily favored Vikings.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, a sleeper pick to make Super Bowl beat Seattle 26-14 behind a nice effort from 3rd year Quarterback Byron Leftwich and First Round Draft Pick Matt Jones. Ageless wonder Jimmy Smith had 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

The Miami Dolphins in former LSU coach Nick Saban’s debut as head man in Miami beat Denver 34-10 to start the season with a win for the 13th time in 14 seasons. Quarterback Gus Frerotte hit Marty Booker on a 60 yard Touchdown pass in the fourth quarter which caught the Broncos defense playing without all-pro Champ Bailey totally off guard. Miami’s offense was balanced as well as creative and despite being picked by some prognosticators including yours truly as the NFL’s worst team from a talent standpoint, the Dolphins made things look easy today. Scott Linehan coaching the Dolphins offense made all the difference with an aggresive gameplan that allowed Frerotte to test Denver's secondary on a few deep balls.

Miller seeking deal to open up part of Florida Coastline to drilling

Congressman Jeff Miller (R-Pensacola) is seeking legislation which would allow offshore oil drilling off of part of the Florida coast in exchange for stronger ban on remaining offshore tracts. Miller has been a consistent opponent of drilling, so this move comes as somewhat of a surprise. The issue should play out over the next few weeks as crude oil prices continue to skyrocket and supply links have been broken partly due to Hurricane Katrina and partly due to the hostile words of some close to the administration about Venezuala's Government.

Summary of the Energy Act of 2005

Summary over at www.kartiksworld.blogspot.com

Coral Springs hosting relief concert for Katrina victims

The City of Coral Springs, thanks to Commissioner Ted Mena is putting together a volunteer concert for the victims of Katrina. The concert will take place on October 9th, from 2 to 7 pm at the Performance Arts Center at Mullins Park.   All proceeds from the event ( donation minimum of $ 25.00 per person ) will be forwarded to the American Red Cross to help the Katrina Hurricane victims. 

Spirit awarded Fort Lauderdale-Cayman Islands route

Spirit Airlines based in Miramar has received approval from the US DOT to operate daily service from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Spirit plans the service to begin later this year.

SP Times: Crist cutting into Gallgher's base

An excellent article from today's SP Times Buzz.

New Thoughts over at Kartik's World

Some thoughts on the world and Katrina at www.kartiksworld.blogspot.com

Spirit adding new Lauderdale service

Jet Blue rumored to be exploring growth options at Fort Lauderdale as well


Spirit Airlines is getting aggressive with expansion plans at its Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l airport hub, the nation's fastest growing and most congested airport. By the end of 2005, Spirit plans to add new nonstop service from Lauderdale to Dallas/Fort Worth, Grand Turk, Providenciales, Montego Bay, Kingston, Orlando and Tampa. This is in addition to planned service to Mexico City which is awaiting Government approval. In addition, Spirit has applied with the DOT to operate US Airways suspended nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale to Guatemala City and San Salvador, El Salvador which US Airways will temporarily suspend effective October 1st.

Spirit is attempting to block further growth for US Airways from Fort Lauderdale into Latin America, and also to preempt Jet Blue's rumored entry into the Fort Lauderdale-Caribbean market which is likely to occur when Jet Blue takes delivery of its new ERJ-190 jets in early 2006. Jet Blue is considered the darling airline of Wall Street investors, and Fort Lauderdale is currently the airline's second largest base of operations behind New York's JFK Airport. US Airways which operates a gateway for flights to Latin America from Fort Lauderdale has also recently applied for nonstop service to Lima, Peru from Fort Lauderdale, effective Summer 2006.

Delta Airlines the largest carrier in Fort Lauderdale is opted to sit out the competition for new int'l routes from the airport instead focusing on connecting smaller cities such as Richmond, VA, Charleston, SC, and Birmingham, AL to Fort Lauderdale with new nonstop service without competition. American Airlines which was until recently the largest Int'l operator from the airport has largely abandoned the competition as well.

Florida's impact felt all over Southern California

I've been in Southern California for close to a week now (with the exception of a six hour visit across the border into Mexico) and must say that I have been thrilled to see such a presence from the Sunshine State here in the area. Whether it was seeing Florida based Air Tran and Spirit Airlines, both of whom were at one time very regional carriers at LAX or Florida born eateries such as Burger King, the Olive Garden and the Outback on Southern California streets or Miami Hurricane and Tampa Bay Bucs T-shirts on kids walking in San Diego, or seeing Office Depot and Sunglass Hut on Santa Monica Blvd. or even the Florida Orange Juice ads on local TV, Florida entities certainly have an impact everyday on this region which for so long has been considered the most critical consumer market in the country.

I'm proud to see our state do so well, and certainly hope that our corporate, educational and political leadership keeps up the good work!