SUNDAY FLORIDA EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Beginning today in Miami, the Herald editorial this morning has it's focus on the nation's immigration system. Instead of just more enforcement, the opinion is that we need to establish reasonable laws and enforce them equally.

Up the road in Fort Lauderdale, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is concerned that the medical delivery system for fighting flu or terrorism is simply not adequete, and strengthening the public health system is the best way to deal with the problem.

The editorial in the Palm Beach Post looks at the increasing use of Tasers, and says that adopting better rules on how and when to use the weapons will make it's use safer for everyone, and likely save lives as well.

Up the state, today's Orlando Sentinel opinion is that Orange County commissioners should follow the example of their collegues in Osceola, Volusia, and Seminole counties in approving a resolution supporting a $473.5 million commuter rail project linking the areas.

Just up the road, the Daytona Beach News Journal looks at several fronts where it is needed to break the vice grip that the pharmaceutical industry has over the health care industry and consumers.

Nearby in Melbourne, the editorial in Florida Today is calling for the Brevard School District to reshape it's policies concerning the release of student information.

In Jacksonville, the Florida Times-Union compares Cecil Field, which was abandoned by the Navy in 1999, and Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the debate for reopening the sprawling facility. The editorial gives a huge endorsement for the hometown field.

Heading west along I-10, the Pensacola News Journal is concerned about the Navy's plan to demolish much of the National Historic Landmark District at the city's Naval Air Station. The newspaper is encouraging concerned citizens to a public meeting tomorrow.

The Gainesville Sun is supportive of Congressman Connie Mack IV's (R - Fort Myers) efforts to upgrade vision screening programmes for students. He is co-sponsoring legislation to create a $75 grant programme for states that upgrade their vision screening efforts.

Down the road, the Ocala Star Banner sympathizes with a group of residents living in the Salt Springs area who have been experiencing ongoing flooding issues due to the recent heavy rains and slams the all-GOP county commission for it's apparant lack of concern.

Here at home, the Lakeland Ledger gives out it's monthly "Gigs and Garlands", slamming Wal-Mart, Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R - Sarasota), O.J. Simpson, the defense attorneys for two America West pilots fired for operating an aircraft under the influence, and Florida State Senator Jim Sebesta (R - St. Petersburg). It also handed out garlands to Florida Teacher of the Year Samuel Bennett, Equipment Specialists of Haines City, and state health officials.

Heading west on I-4, the Tampa Tribune calls a proposal to build a $40 million sports centre north of Plant City a "costly gamble", even questioning the location of the planned facility.

Across the bay, the St. Petersburg Times editorial takes up the case of Wilton Dodge, exonerated a year ago after DNA testing proved he was innocent of the rape he was convicted of 22 years ago, saying the state should frame a carefully constructed law to compensate people like Dodge who have been wronged.

This morning's Sarasota Herald Tribune opinion is that restrictions in the recently passed federal energy bill will hurt sales of fuel efficient vehicles such as gas/electric hybrids and reduced emission diesels.

The Fort Myers News-Press has a short editorial, standing against adding lifeguards to Lee County beaches.

And the Naples Daily News looks at "sustainable growth" and the area's current shortages.

Enjoy your Sunday, and please visit often.