THE WAR IS REALLY ON NOW!!!

Well, it didn't take President Bush long after the Hariett Miers debacle to make another pick for the United States Supreme Court.

He announced this morning the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito, who currently serves on the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Third District. He's already being known as "Scalia-lite" for his staunch conservativism along the lines of Justice Antonin Scalia, but without the attitude, and conservatives are salivating over the pick. I was listening to our local right-wing radio mouthpiece after work, and she sounded as though she was about to climax at the thought of Alito on the high court.

Reason: Just check this out from a Baltimore Sun bio:

As a member of the circuit that comprises New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, Alito was the lone dissenter in two significant cases: one that overturned a Pennsylvania law requiring that a husband be notified before his wife gets an abortion, and another that did not put a higher burden of proof on people seeking to make sexual discrimination claims.

In the Pennsylvania case, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, 947 F.2d 682 (3d Cir. 1991), Alito wrote:

"[t]he Pennsylvania legislature could have rationally believed that some married women are initially inclined to obtain an abortion without their husbands' knowledge because of perceived problems--such as economic constraints, future plans, or the husbands' previously expressed opposition--that may be obviated by discussion prior to the abortion."

The late Chief Justice Rehnquist expressed support for Alito's reasoning in his dissent from the 6-3 decision voiding the spousal notification requirment of the state law.

Alito also was part of a majority opinion in the case ACLU v. Schundler, 168 F.3d 92 (3d Cir. 1999), which ruled that the Establishment Clause was not violated by a holiday display at a city government building that included religious symbols (a creche and menorah) as well as secular symbols of the season and a banner upholding the city's dedication to diversity.

If Bush and the right wing were looking for an all out war, they'll get one with this nomination. What does I4J think about this? To use a World Wrestling Entertainment entry song lyric: "NO CHANCE...NO CHANCE IN HELL!" This pick has got to be slapped down NOW!

WHAT A SCARY COUPLE FOR HALLOWEEN!

I originally posted this Sunday afternoon, but thought I'd keep it on top through today. A couple of friends of mine attended a costume party recently, and this is what they came across.

No other words needed; my caption speaks for itself.

ONE POLITICAL ACTIVIST WOULD HAVE LOVED IT

As we remember the civil rights icon Rosa Parks before she is laid to her final rest Wednesday, Lakeland Ledger political writer Bill Rufty remembers a local woman known as "a civil rights warrior" who became a highly sought after political consultant and campaigner.

He says that Madalynne Brooks, who passed away shortly after the last Lakeland municipal election in 2000 at the age of 78, would likely have loved tomorrow's election. Four of the seven seats on the City Commission are being contested.

Ms. Brooks was the first African-American hired as a corrections officer (back then female corrections officers were known as "matrons") by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and became a successful businesswoman in the predominantly black northwest Lakeland community. She was a hard working campaigner for candidates and issues, even when it was not safe to do so, as this excerpt from a March Ledger story notes:

"She openly voiced her disgust with the racial injustices that blacks endured in Lakeland and, as a result, she and her family lived with constant death threats that were meant to stop her fight for equality."

"She ignored those threats and was responsible for black youths who staged sit-ins at segregated lunch counters at the Kress Store and the McCrory's Store that were downtown. She was also one of the organizers who led the protest movement to integrate the Polk Theatre."

Rufty notes her hard work for candidates:

She became an ardent campaigner and consultant. She would hire workers to pass out flyers for candidates who hired her to run their campaigns in the northwest community and then later to the city as a whole. She personally trained her workers and then checked up on them on Election Day.

At a get-out-the-vote rally in Lakeland one time, she was asked if she was ever prevented from registering to vote in Polk County in the old days of segregation because of her race.

"Well, I know some people had trouble, but, honey, have you ever known anyone to tell me I couldn't do what I was going to do?

"The answer was quick and to the point: "No ma'am. No ma'am, I never have."

REMEMBERING A TAMPA ICON

On of the greats of baseball history and the man considered by many to be the patriarch of Tampa sports, Hall of Fame catcher and manager Al Lopez, passed away Sunday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital after suffering an apparant heart attack Friday. He was 97.

Al Lopez was known as an ironman during his 19 year career as a major league catcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians. While breaking every finger on his catching hand --- some twice --- he set the record for most games caught with 1,918 which stood for decades until Bob Boone broke it with the Boston Red Sox. His highest playing salary: $16,500. Back then, you didn't play for the money, you did it for the pure love of the game.

After he retired in 1947, he became a coach and eventually a manager with the Indians and Chicago White Sox, becoming the only manager to defeat the New York Yankees for a divisional pennant during their dynasty from 1949 to 1964.

Lopez was a member of two World Series teams. As a player, he caught for the 1954 Cleveland Indians, which were swept by the National League champion New York Giants. He managed the White Sox in 1959 to their last World Series appearance before this year's championship. The Sox lost that Series in six games to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The City of Tampa build Al Lopez field in 1954, which became the spring training home for the Cincinnati Reds. Al Lopez Field was razed in 1989, and is located in what is now the south end zone of Raymond James Stadium.

There are several stories today remembering the man known respectfully as El Senor:

Tampa Tribune: Story, Special Report, Guestbook
St. Petersburg Times, Chicago Sun Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer

R KELLY PORN CASE REMAINS ALIVE IN ILLINOIS

You may remember that popular R&B/Hip Hop vocalist Robert Sylvester Kelly, a/k/a R. Kelly, was busted in June, 2002 at a home he rented in Davenport by Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies on a fugitive warrant from Cook County, Illinois charging him with 21 counts of possession of child pornography. Earlier in the year a videotape of Kelly allegedly having sex with an underage girl was given to the Chicago Sun Times, and eventually showed up widely online.

During that arrest, sheriff's detectives searched the rental home and came across a digital camera with 12 photos, again showing Kelly allegedly having sex with an underage girl. He was eventually charged in Polk County with possession of child pornography, which were dropped in March of last year when Circuit Judge Dennis P. Maloney ruled the pictures could not be used as evidence based on what he noted was the lack of probable cause for the search.

Some of the Illinois charges were eventually dropped as well, but Cook County Criminal Court Judge Vincent Gaughan Friday refused to drop the remaining 14 charges against Kelly, stating that “the evidence is sufficient for Mr. Kelly to prepare a defense.”

Prosecutors claim the videotape in the Chicago case was made between January, 1998 and November 1, 2000, and that the girl in question was 14 at the time. Kelly has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his attorneys say that the girl will refuse to testify against their client.

MARRIAGE AMENDMENT PETITION DRIVE SEEMS STALLED

A few days ago while strolling around the radio dial, I heard our local right-wing talker chatting with (I believe) the head of the Christian Coalition of Florida about the petition drive to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to ban gay marriage. Of course, he was touting how successful it was going and that it was promising that the initiative would make it on next November's ballot.

All does not seem quite as promising as he suggested, according to this story by Lakeland Ledger religion writer Cory McMullen.

With only three months remaining before the deadline, The Florida Marriage Protection Amendment (.pdf file) drive has only had nearly 102,000 names certified by the state Division of Elections...out of 611,009 required by February 1.

The counties with the highest number of signatures, according to the elections Web site:

Dade (Metro Miami) - 8602
Marion (Gainesville) - 7882
Hillsborough (Tampa) - 7305
Broward (Fort Lauderdale) - 6529
Polk (Lakeland/Winter Haven) - 6247
Orange (Orlando) - 5062

The proposed amendment was started by Lakeland First Baptist Church pastor Rev. Jay Dennis, and has been supported by a group of churches and faith-based organizations.

When asked about the reason for the slow progress, Orlando attorney and chairman of the organization Florida4Marriage.org John Stemberger stated he was not sure and refused to speculate.

Brian Winfield, communications director of the St. Petersburg-based gay rights group Equality Florida, has a different view citing "voter fatigue":

"Voters are getting tired of what most see as a meanspirited campaign against one segment of society...While attitudes continue to shift, a majority of Floridians do support some level of protection for same-sex couples."

While the state initiative seems to be faltering, the Federal Marriage Amendment seems to be back on track.

The Senate Subcommittee On The Constitution, Civil Rights, and Property Rights plans to take a vote Wednesday to send the proposed amendment to the full Senate Judiciary Committee. Supporters are hoping that it will see a vote in both houses of Congress prior to next year's mid-term elections. Check out this excellent post by Mustang Bobby at his Coral Gables-based blog Bark Bark Woof Woof.

FLORIDA SUNDAY EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

I hope that everyone enjoyed their extra hour of sleep this morning as we reverted back to standard time. Of course, Sunday means that it's time once again to read what the editorial writers at Florida's major newspapers are concerned about. Issues regarding hurricanes and their aftermath seem to be the issue at several newspapers:

We start this morning with the Daytona Beach News-Journal, which looks at a couple of interesting financing ideas being floated about in connection with the rebuilding of New Orleans. The editorial mentions that they are ideas that Florida, as well as other areas prone to natrual disasters, could consider as well.

Today's Miami Herald editorial looks at how South Florida held up to Hurricane Wilma in several areas, and offers some suggestions for those area that did not. So does the Palm Beach Post.

The Naples Daily News takes pause to note their area is holding up well after the storm, but it's time to do the heavy lifting in several areas. The editorial uses the football metaphor that even when a team wins a sweet victory, it has to be ready for what comes next.

What went wrong regarding shortages of ice and gasoline in South Florida is also the subject of today's editorial in the Tampa Tribune, which says that instead of blaming government officials, residents need to accept some of the blame for not taking adequete precautions and being caught without basic hurricane supplies...including ice and gas.

The Orlando Sentinel editorial favours the idea of a national reinsurance pool, similar to the catastrophe fund created in Florida after Hurricane Andrew.

This morning's Gainesville Sun editorial hopes some good comes from the new Legislative Commission on Migrant and Seasonal Labor to be led by State Senator J.D. Alexander (R - Lake Wales), especially in the area of migrant housing and conditions in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes.

The Tallahassee Democrat is urging a "yes" vote by city electric customers on the referendum to participate in the North Florida Project's coal fired plant to be built in Taylor County.

The new Medicare prescription drug programme for seniors and the disabled is complex and confusing, according to the Fort Myers News-Press, but notes that there is time to decide which plan, if any, one wants to join, that pending legislation simplifies the programme, and that help is available for those who have difficulty understanding the differences. The Ocala Star Banner editorial also deals with the issue, encouraging readers to don't panic and give up, offering contact information for assistance.

Health care for Florida's lower income citizens is on the minds of the editorial writers at the St. Petersburg Times, noting that more important questions need to be answered regarding the details of the managed care plan to avoid any "unhealthy" consequences.

On the Space Coast, Florida Today salutes the new policy of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office on surveillance of peaceful demonstrators as a victory for all who respect the Constitution...but still require vigilance to prevent backsliding into the days under former Sheriff Phil Williams when protesters were videotaped, photographed, and/or named in law enforcement dossiers.

The ugly public feud between the City of Jacksonville and the NFL Jaguars over the ribbon board signage at Alltel Stadium (the Jags own the rights to control ads, even during non-NFL events), and the team's threat to move if the issue isn't resolve to their liking, if the subject of today's editorial in the Florida Times Union. The newspaper calls for an agreement to benefit both parties and would keep the team in town.

With identity theft and other online scams widespread, the South Florida Sun Sentinel says that minus an all out crackdown by law enforcement on Internet fraud, it is up to banks and consumers to protect themselves, banks by beef up safeguards, and consumers by deleting unwanted e-mails and closely guard their financial records.

In the Panhandle, the Pensacola News Journal notes that the recent financial briefing presented at a city council workshop regarding the proposed downtown waterfront development strengthed it's case and allows critics a fair chance to do their own analysis and ask informed questions.

And here at home, the Lakeland Ledger calls on the Legislature to pass a bill which would make it illegal for teens and other novice drivers to talk on cellular phones while behind the wheel, which the National Transportation Safety Board added to it's "Most Wanted Safety Recommendations To States".

ASSUMING YOUR ANSWER, I PRESUME?

Got an interesting e-mail this afternoon, noting that our local Bush puppet --- Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) --- has an on-line poll question that asks:

Do you support a 2% across-the-board cut in federal spending to help pay for Hurricane Katrina rebuilding costs?

Most folks would never really notice, but this individual did. The "Yes" answer was already selected. Of course, my friend picked "No" and wrote a message to Mr. Putnam suggesting that instead of cutting education and social services by 2% --- I read earlier this week that the budget for food stamps was being cut significantly for next fiscal year --- maybe he and his collegues should put an excise tax on Big Oil's huge profits. I would also suggest putting the kibosh on the tax cuts for the wealthy.

His Web site does not keep a running tally of votes casts and how, only after the poll is completed.

Also, I thought it quite interesting that he previous poll asked:

Do you support building a nuclear power plant in Polk County?

It's almost impossible to fathom that 60% of the 208 responses favoured such an idea. Of course, online polls are unscientific, and are easily manipulated.

IF YOU'RE IN TAMPA BAY, AND HAVE BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS, HERE'S A NEW PROGRAMME FOR YOU!

Bay News 9 is the local cable news channel that serves Bright House Networks service area in and around Tampa Bay from Citrus to Manatee to Polk counties. They generally do a good job, although I occasionally get annoyed with their recording and repeat of hours of newscasts. You know that senior anchor Al Ruechel isn't on set as many hours a day as we see him on screen.

Anyway, getting back on subject, BN9 is premiering a new chat show Sunday morning, Political Connections, which is part of their partnership with the St. Petersburg Times. The programme will be co-hosted by (who else) Ruechel --- who has been known as a heavyweight from his days at WTSP-TV 28 --- and Times political editor/columnist Adam C. Smith.

I'm sure that behind Smith's boyish face are some tough questions, especially for the show's first guest: Governor Jeb Bush.

The show airs Sunday mornings at 11:00.

FROM THE REMINDER STACK...

Don't forget to set your clocks one hour back tonight before heading to snooze-land. Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 AM Sunday morning. That means, at least for most of us, and extra hour of sleep!

DEMOCRATS SEE HOPE WHERE THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE RECENTLY

For the first time in eight years, a Democrat could be running for the District 69 Florida House seat being vacated by the decision by incumbant Republican Donna Clarke (R - Sarasota) not to seek reelection.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune political columnist Jeremy Wallace reported in his blog this week that Keith A. Fitzgerald, an associate professor of political science at the New College of Florida and vice chairman of the Sarasota County Democratic Executive Committee, is seriously considering the idea. Two Republicans have already filed to run; Sarasota County Commissioner David Mills and Sarasota County School Board member Laura Benson.

There is reason for that hope for Democratic success in the district, which covers much of northwest Sarasota County and a small sliver of southwest Manatee County, although the electorate of the district is heavily GOP:

In 2004, U.S. Senate hopeful Betty Castor, a Democrat, won more votes in the district than Republican Mel Martinez. Castor won 53 percent....In addition, Jan Schneider, a Democrat (who is running for Harris' congressional seat next year), beat Katherine Harris within the confines of District 69 in 2004. Even John Kerry did well in that district - winning 49 percent of the vote.

WELCOME BACK...WE HAD BEEN WORRIED

I was wondering what happened to the primarily historical blog South of the Suwannee, since there had been no posts recently. Good to see he's back and OK. Had forgotten he's in Broward County, and just got his phone line back in the aftermath of Wilma. His power's still out, along with a couple of million of his neighbours in the region.

QUOTE OF THE DAY...WITH A LITTLE MORE STUFF

"If Katherine Harris is the nominee, we lose."
Brian Nick, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee

Thanks to Mike for the heads up at Fla Politics. It seems as though the NRSC leader, Senator Elizabeth Dole (R - NC), hasn't entirely given up on finding a suitable GOP candidate to challenge Senator Bill Nelson. But the difficulty isn't unique to Florida. With the Republican's problems in DC, and fissures beginning to develop in their party unity, recruiting candidates is becoming harder in many areas.

One of Mrs. Dole's home state newspapers, the Winston-Salem Journal, takes note of her dilemma.

ON THE SUNDAY TALK SHOWS...

As you would expect, everyone will be looking primarily at the Miers withdrawal and "Scooter" Libby's indictment and resignation.

ABC - This Week With George Stephanopoulos - Senators John Cornyn (R - TX) and (Minority Leader) Harry Reid (D - NV). Also the panel: Time magazine writer Matthew Cooper and syndicated columnist George Will, along with Terry Moran of ABC News and Cokie Roberts of National Public Radio.

CBS - Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer - Senate Judiciary Committee members Charles Schumer (D - NY) and Lindsey Graham (R - SC), along with Jan Crawford Greenburg of the Chicago Tribune.

CNN - Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer - Senators Harry Reid (D - NV), Arlen Specter (D - PA), and Sam Brownback (R - KS), Former Attorney General Richard Thornburgh, Former Clinton Special Counsel Lanny Davis, Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Former General and Nixon Chief of Staff Alexander Haig, and former presidential candidate Gary Bauer (now president of American Values).

FOX - Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace - Senators Trent Lott (R - MS) and Christopher Dodd (D - CT), Former Independent Counsel Robert Ray, and defense attorney Bill Taylor. Also the usual panel: FOX News Washington Managing Editor Brit Hume, NPR's Mara Liasson and Juan Williams and Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol.

NBC/MSNBC - Meet the Press with Tim Russert - Former Presidential Chiefs of Staff Ken Duberstein (Reagan), Hamilton Jordan (Carter), and Leon Panetta (Clinton); Historian Michael Beschloss. And a roundtable with David Broder of the Washington Post and Judy Woodruff along with New York Times columnist William Safire

A TRIPLE WHAMMY FOR THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION?

1) Harriet Miers' withdrawal of her name from nomination to the United States Supreme Court. A bit surprising, but probably the best she could do under the circumstances. The Senate simply did not have the votes to confirm, even if she had gone through the confirmation process. Many Democrats didn't believe she was qualified and were afraid she would simply be a puppet for Dubya, while a number of Republicans believed she was not conservative enough (read: Robert Bork-enough)

2) The Toledo Blade reported Thursday: A federal grand jury indicted Tom Noe, the former Toledo area coin dealer who is also at the centre of a state investment scandal, with illegally laundering money into President Bush's re-election campaign.

“He did so, according to the indictment, in order to fulfill his pledge to raise $50,000 for a Bush-Cheney fund-raiser held in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 30, 2003,” Gregory White, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced at an afternoon news conference.

The two other counts were for conspiracy and filing false statements.

3) And, of course, we are all anxiously awaiting the announcement from the grand jury which has been investigating the CIA leak issue. My guess is that if there are any indictments handed down, it will be for Karl Rove and Lewis "Scooter" Libby for charges such as perjury and obstruction of justice.

I honestly don't believe that there will be any indictments on the main reason for the grand jury, the outing of Valerie Plame as a CIA operative. Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald would have to prove "beyone a shadow of a doubt" that Rove, Libby, or Vice President Dick Chaney (who reportedly told Libby) knew of her undercover status and deliberately outed her...something that is quite difficult, at best, to do. Rove and Libby will simply be "taking one for the team".

A CENTRAL FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL BLOWOUT

I had almost forgotten that the Lakeland High School Dreadnaughts got to shine on the national television stage last evening. They hosted the Kowboys of Kissimmee Osceola on Fox Sports Net's Nike High School Game of the Week, and they were by no means good hosts. Between the 'Naughts powerful running game and the visitors' ineffectiveness --- especially on special teams --- it turned into an old fashioned blowout.

Lakeland led 49-0 at halftime, and scored seven more points during the second half as I'm almost certain everyone on the Dreadnaught roster got to play. During the fourth quarter, Florida high school rules mandate a running clock when a team is leading by 35 or more points, so Osceola's pain was somewhat shorter. Not that a 56-0 whuppin' on national TV is not painful enough.

The Dreadnaughts have been the number one high school team in the nation all season, according to USA Today's weekly poll, and everyone got to see why.

CONGRATULATING A GREAT TEAM

Gotta give credit where credit is due. While I was rooting for the Houston Astros to win the World Series, it was clear that when it counted in the latter innings of the four games, the Chicago White Sox came through and showed that they wanted to bring the "Second City" the Commissioner's Trophy.

While it was disappointing for many that the Yankees or Red Sox were not there, and to others that it was a four game sweep, it was a good Series with two excellent teams. None of the games were a blowout; as a matter of fact, Game 3 was the longest World Series game every played.

Congratulations to the White Sox for their first championship since 1917...and hopefully the Astros will be back next year.

CLOSING THE CREDIT CARD LOOPHOLE

The Florida Division of Elections ruled this week that the political parties must now report the details of how they use credit cards, thus closing a loophole allowing many thousands of dollars to remain hidden.

The New York Times Regional Newspaper Group had wrote earlier this year that the Florida Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Florida both used American Express to make over a million dollars put on their cards by party employees.

Critics had accused the parties of making purchases on the credit cards to avoid having to report expenditures they would have had to is the payment had been made with a check or cash. Both parties had claimed exemption because the law requiring "political committies" to file credit card statements did not apply to them because of their status as a "political party" is different.

In a letter this week, Division of Elections director Dawn Roberts wrote that the parties must begin filing itemized credit card statements electronically with the state by the end of the year so the public can use the Internet to see how the money is being spent.

HOW STUPID CAN ONE BE TO RISK YOUR CAREER?

The Orlando Sentinel reports this morning that the Special Agent In Charge of Central Florida operations for the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement was busted late Tuesday in Orlando for exposing himself to a teenage girl.

Frank Figueroa, 49, was suspended once ICE officials learned that he had been arrested by Orlando police. Security cameras in the upscale Millenia Mall reportedly caught Figueroa exposing himself once the 16 year old girl sitting across from him caught his eye. The arrest report noted that the federal law enforcement official then exposed himself and masturbated for about 10 minutes before the teen left, found her mother, and informed a security officer.

Figueroa had just arrived in Central Florida six weeks ago after serving posts in Washington, Miami, and San Juan. He was considered to be a rising star in ICE. Just last week his agents busted a prostitution ring exploiting illegal immigrants from Latin America, arresting seven suspects including one from Polk County.

Figueroa also had a taste for high fashion, as the Sentinel story notes:

Colleagues described what Figueroa considers casual attire as a $1,000 suit, a collarless shirt and a gold chain. In a recent posting in Washington, it took co-workers several months to convince him could dress down while working on anti-terrorism financing task force.

Assigned to Miami in the early 1980s, the former New Yorker from the South Bronx arrived in South Florida dressed like an extra for Miami Vice, a popular police show.

"We had to convince him that it was only a TV show," a retired Customs agent told the newspaper. "He didn't have to look like Crockett and Tubbs all the time."

If he'd only kept his pants zipped...

SLAMMING BENSE FOR USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO FIGHT REDISTRICTING INITIATIVE

Today's editorial in the St. Petersburg Times is right on the mark in criticizing Florida House Speaker Allan Bense (R - Panama City) for authorizing $50,000 in public money to oppose a citizen initiative which would create a bipartisan commission to redistrict the state's legislative and congressional lines.

The initative is brought forth by the Committee for Fair Elections and supported by Common Cause Florida and is led by a biparisan group of current and former politicians. It has to date reportedly gathered over a half million signatures to put three constitutional amendment on the ballot next November (pdf file): One would create the bipartisan redistricting commission, another would require the commission to redraw the districts in 2007, and a third would rewrite the rules for redistricting.

From the editorial:

There is nothing more important to restoring some measure of accountability for legislators and members of Congress than wresting control of redistricting away from the Legislature. Republicans, and Democrats who controlled the process before them, are obsessed with self-preservation. Not a single legislative incumbent lost last year. As long as the system is rigged to protect those in power, lawmakers have little to fear by ignoring the concerns of voters and catering to special interests who bankroll their campaigns. Bense has led the House more responsibly than his predecessor and restored some dignity to the chamber, but the Panama City Republican's willingness to use public money to fight a public initiative is misguided.

Can I hear an "Amen" out there? Kudos to the SPT.

SOME GREAT NEWS FOR FLORIDA'S OLDEST THEME PARK

Cypress Gardens, located near Winter Haven, is currently celebrating it's 70th anniversary, and it's first anniversary from near-death.

The park, founded by the late Dick Pope and his wife Julie in 1945, has a long and storied history. The final chapter was almost written in April of 2003 when it's ownership group, led by developers Bill Reynolds and Larry Maxwell, shut down the attraction in the wake of declining attendance after 9/11. It came close to becoming just another condo development. But businessman Kent Buescher, who owns Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia, purchased the park and promised a new day for Cypress Gardens.

One year after it's reopening, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park is doing quite well. During a 70th anniversary press conference today, Buescher proudly touted that --- barring weather issues for the remainding two months --- the attraction will host 1.4 million visitors, approximately double the original projection, and that Cypress Gardens will end the year in the black financially.

Clearly the additional of roller coasters and other attractions to help bring in younger visitors and families while retaining many of the traditional features...not to mention the lower prices compared to the larger, bigger name parks in and around Tampa and Orlando...are bringing tourists as well as locals back to this wonderful piece of Central Florida history. And if you're a fan of country music or older pop/standard music, they've got an impressive schedule of shows.

Congratulations, and continued success!

NEW UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR SELECTED

Last Sunday I mentioned an editorial in the Lakeland Ledger suggested the State University System's Board of Governors select a strong-willed individual as the system's new chancellor.

The Tallahassee Democrat reports this afternoon that the board selected Florida International University provost Mark Rosenberg unanimously during it's meeting, the first chancellor picked by the governors.

Rosenberg will have his difficult job, maneuvering his way through the political minefields which include 11 different university board of trustees, as well as the board of governors who hired him and the Legislature.

Hope he's ready to handle it. He's already got a full menu for now, trying to get his campus back operational after Hurricane Wilma.

APPROVING A CHEAP-ASS PLAN...C'MON...IF YOU'RE GOING TO DO SOMETHING, BY GOD, DO IT RIGHT!!!

The Polk County School Board decided Tuesday to spend $7 million dollars on a new elementary school to be located near Poinciana, in the Four Corners region north of Haines City. It will be like any other elementary school, with a playground and covered sidewalks, but with one major difference: The classrooms building will not be brick and mortar; they will be all portable (modular) classrooms.

A comforting thought for parents for when severe thunderstorms and tornado watches/warnings through the area during the rainy season.

School Board member Margaret Lofton was quoted in today's Lakeland Ledger story during the meeting as saying "A kid can learn just as good in a portable as a $225,000 classroom...I think (the modular school) is the answer. I think it's the answer to solve our problem."

I'm sure the residents living in the neighbourhood of what will be a somewhat unsightly facility will appreciate how it will fit in with their community. And it seems that the board took a "not in MY neighbourhood" attitude in denying a similar middle school facility in Lakeland.

Sorry, friends. I just believe that if you're going to build a school, you can't do it on the cheap. You have to build a solid facility that will be compatible with the surrounding area, and especially that would be safe and secure for the children who will be learning within their walls. A modular school just seems as though our school board is shortchanging the residents and children.

WE'VE NOW REACHED 2,000 BRAVE YOUNG LIVES TAKEN

The Iraqi constitutional vote was finally announced earlier today, and it was noted that the majority of those who cast their ballots did so in favour of the new document.

Meanwhile, the 2,000th American soldier has perished there. We don't know who, but the most recent announcements from the Department of Defense include one soldier killed Saturday by a roadside bomb, and three Marines who died in combat Friday.

We should all strongly support and pray for our men and women in uniform who take the risk on our behalf. While we may strongly disagree with and question the reasons that our political leaders make decisions such as the ones to use military force in Iraq and Afghanistan, we should remember that those are political decisions...and hold those individuals who we elected responsible for their actions, at the ballot box or in the courthouse.

REMEMBERING ROSA PARKS

Rosa Parks died Monday at her home in Detroit of natrual causes. She was 92.

Many younger people may not recognize the name, or may have just heard it a few times. But Mrs. Parks was an icon to the fight for civil rights and equality for all America's citizens, whose single action helped spark a movement that continues today.

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was a department store worker in Montgomery, Alabama. She was a member of the local NAACP chapter and active in the voter registeration movement. On that day, Mrs. Parks sat down in the front row of the "Colored" section of a segregated city bus. As the vehicle filled up, she and three other passengers were ordered by the driver to stand up to allow white passengers to sit. Mrs. Parks refused to do so, and was arrested. She was convicted of disorderly conduct and fined $14, but her action resulted in a boycott of the city's municipal bus service that lasted nearly 13 months which was led by a young 26 year old minister, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mrs. Parks moved to Detroit after receiving threats and losing her job because of her activism. She joined the staff of Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D - MI) when he was elected in 1964, later co-founding an institute to help young people pursue educational opportunities and become involved through registering to vote and working for racial harmony and also becoming a well-demanded member of the lecture circuit. She is also the author of the 1992 book "Rosa Parks: My Story".

She is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, among numerous other honours.

Her influence not only has been felt in America, but around the world, as this piece from today's Detroit News remembers:

When former South African President Nelson Mandela visited Detroit in 1990, the elder statesman was overcome with emotion as he greeted Parks.

"Tears filled his eyes as he walked up to the small, old woman with her hair in two silver braids crossed atop her head," wrote Brinkley in the Parks biography.

"And, in a low, melodious tone, Mandela began to chant "Rosa, Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks." Mandela, along with Parks, made Time magazine's "100 Most Influential Persons of the 20th Century" list in 1999. Also honored were King and Mohandas Gandhi.

Parks inspired freedom seekers of all backgrounds, including Japanese-Americans who sought reparations for their internment in camps in the United States during World War II.

"The whole reason we're here," said Ron Wakabayashi, a former commissioner of the Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations, "is not because she was treated badly, but because she responded to it so courageously."

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

Yesterday morning we were experiencing heavy rains and winds gusting to over tropical storm force as Hurricane Wilma was passing through South Florida. Now, the skies are clear with sunny conditions expected throughout the day, and it is definately chilly. As I type this the temperature here in Lakeland is 50 degrees, with 48 in nearby Winter Haven.

It's especially nice since I don't have to keep the AC on, and hopefully the next few days of cooler weather will allow my seemingly stratospheric electric bill to come down slightly. Of course, that will not help my cable/Internet/phone service, which I expect will be shut down today or tomorrow (refer to the "Important Announcement" post from last Friday).

Of course, we're thinking of our friends and fellow Floridians who were affected by Wilma. Much of Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties remain without power, and word is it may be awhile before everyone is reconnected. Let's just hope this while the hurricane season doesn't officially end until the end of November, we've seen the finale for this one here.

RICE CAN EXPECT LESS-THAN-FRIENDLY DISCUSSION WITH CANADIAN P.M.

Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice arrived in Ottawa today for discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, and the meetings promise to be tough as Martin will seek concessions from the USA on several fronts.

The most attention seems to be on the question of softwood lumber duties charged Canadian producers for product crossing the border, a longstanding source of contention. The USA claims that Canada unfairly subsidizies the lumber industry, although North American Free Trade Agreement appeals panels have ruled that is not the case. Martin apparantly plans to press his demand, originally stated during a recent trip to New York, that the USA return up to $5 billion in collected tariffs to Canadian lumber producers.

Other issues likely to be discussed include the USA's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, part of which will require Americans visiting Canada (or anywhere else across North America and the Caribbean, for that matter) to present a passport when travelling across the border in 2008, even US citizens reentering the country. And Martin is especially concerned about the smuggling of guns into his country, saying that up to half the crimes in Canada that include the use of guns are committed with firearms brought in from the USA.

Liberal Party parlimentary members will debate the latter two issues scheduled for today and tomorrow, timed to coincide with the Secretary's visit.

GOOD TO HEAR SOME LOCAL BLOGGING NEWS

Barry Friedman and the crew over at the Lakeland Ledger have done an excellent job keeping the local folks updated on the effects of Hurricane Wilma in Polk County. They have done a "Wilma Newslog" since early this morning, and have posted bits about what is going on across Polk County throughout the day. A great public service!

Also, while I've been online today I was made aware of a couple of other Polk County blogs. Barry made mention of this site (Thanks, Barry!) and Hyku, a site by Winter Haven business blog consultant Josh Hallett in one of his early posts. I believe I have met Josh before, and simply may not have put in his blog when I changed computers awhile back. And I just came across a progressive leaning blog, Aikane Leo, which is based in Lakeland and has active since June. Great to add both to the blogroll and encourage everyone to check 'em out!

You know, I always figured that Florida was a hotbed of blogging, but little did I realize. Thanks to Tommy at Sticks of Fire in Tampa for the heads up that Dave, who has the Space Coast blog known as --- what else --- spacecoastweb, has been working on a list of blogs throughout Florida (UPDATE 10/25: He's updated the list to remove duplicates and those which have not been updated within three months). Of course, any list of blogs is never really complete as bloggers are almost constantly joining and leaving, and Dave notes that he's not had time to verify that the links are current, but many have been updated. Nearly 500 blogs! Thanks for a great piece of work!

THE STORM IS ENDING...

The weather event known as Hurricane Wilma is coming to an end, at least here in West Central Florida. In Lakeland, it is still raining, but lighter, and along the Gulf Coast over in the Tampa Bay area the skies are beginning to clear. The temperature has dropped considerably during the past several hours, as a cold front has crossed through the area.

Here in Polk County, approximately 500 people stayed at five shelters opened across the southern areas (Frostproof/Fort Meade/Lake Wales/Mulberry/Bartow) last evening; they are in the process of closing now. There was reportedly some flooding along State Road 60 and reflooding of one lake in the Lake Wales area.

Here is the most recent condition reports from the various National Weather Service sites, as of just before noon:

Miami International Airport - Temp 75 / Winds W 41 Gusts 52 MPH

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport - Temp 71 / Winds W 45 Gusts 62 MPH

West Palm Beach/Palm Beach International Airport - Temp 71 / Winds NW 76 Gusts 100 MPH

Fort Myers/Page Field - Temp 68 / Winds NW 32 Gusts 46 MPH

Sarasota/Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport - Temp 69 / Winds N 29 Gusts 44 MPH

Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County International Airport - Temp 73 / Winds NW 37 Gusts 63 MPH

Lakeland/Lakeland Linder Regional Airport - Temp 57 / Winds NW 25 Gusts 35 MPH

Winter Haven/Gilbert Field - Temp 57 / Winds NW 25 Gusts 34 MPH (From Weather Bug)

St. Petersburg/Whitted Airport - Temp 70 / Winds N 26 Gusts 39 MPH

Tampa/Tampa International Airport - Temp 65 / Winds N 28 Gusts 40 MPH

Orlando/Orlando International Airport - Temp 60 / Winds N 30 Gusts 35 MPH
Melbourne/Melbourne International Airport - Temp 67 / Winds N 39 Gusts 55 MPH

UPDATE 1:00 PM: For the first time today, the sun has finally come out as the skies begin to clear. The rain has now ended.

SOME OF THE MOST RECENT CONDITIONS:

From the various National Weather Service sites:

Miami International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 78 / Winds S 53 Gusts 78 MPH

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 77 / Winds S 54 Gusts 84 MPH

West Palm Beach/Palm Beach International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 77 / Winds SE 62 Gusts 87 MPH

Fort Myers/Page Field - 8:53 AM - Temp 68 / Winds N 56 Gusts 68 MPH

Sarasota/Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 66 / Winds N 28 Gusts 39 MPH

Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 79 / Winds E 39 Gusts 48 MPH

Lakeland/Lakeland Linder Regional Airport - 8:50 AM - Temp 61 / Winds N 28 Gusts 35 MPH

Winter Haven/Gilbert Field - 9:18 AM - Temp 64 / Winds N 27 Gusts 43 MPH (From Weather Bug)

St. Petersburg/Whitted Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 67 / Winds N 30 Gusts 40 MPH

Tampa/Tampa International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 61 / Winds N 22 Gusts 35 MPH

Orlando/Orlando International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 62 / Winds N 35 Gusts 45 MPH

Melbourne/Melbourne International Airport - 8:53 AM - Temp 79 / Winds E 26 Gusts 32 MPH

SHE MAY NOT LIKE US!

The conservative political blog Political Teen reported that last week bloggers were invited to meet with GOP Members of Congress and blog from the Capitol. Among those in attendance was Florida's own U.S. Senatorial wannabe Katherine Harris.

She was quoted by Political Teen as saying “I love bloggers, what they’re thinking what they’re saying”, and the blog Wizbang mentioned her saying that she is a big fan of blogs. Ms Harris reportedly said that she reads the conservative sites and "keeps tabs on the liberal sites that tend to bash her". I wonder where those sites are...

According to Townhall, the Longboat Key congresswoman responded to a question about fiscal discipline by mentioning the possiblity of getting another Grace Commission started (originally formed by Ronald Reagan in 1982 to "root out government inefficiency and waste of tax dollars"), and suggested that bloggers could sound the trumpet toward that end. Townhall's Capitol Report blog also noted that Harris said that the issue of spending would be "crucial" in her race against incumbant Democrat Bill Nelson.

FEELING THE IMPACT

Hurricane Wilma has made landfall along the Gulf Coast near Naples, and the pictures coming out of there are simply amazing. It always makes one awestruck to watch the force of nature.

I'm in Lakeland, about 150 miles north, and it has been raining all night. The wind gusts occasionally, and as I was beginning this post a moment ago I heard something being blown off a neighbour's balcony during one of those gusts. At Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in the south part of the city, winds are sustained at 23 MPH with gusts to 30. Gilbert Field in nearby Winter Haven is reporting sustained winds of 28 MPH with gusts to 43.

It sounds like by reading the NHC discussion at 5:00 AM that they are a bit surprised that Wilma has intensified more before landfall, when it was a high end Catagory 3 storm. The thought had been a Catagory 2 or low end 3:

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 120 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. WILMA IS A CATEGORY THREE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME WEAKENING IS LIKELY AS WILMA CROSSES THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA TODAY.

Looking out from my balcony a moment ago, it looks like it's midnight. Normally at this hour the light of day would begin to show itself, but the heavy cloud cover keeps that nighttime feeling.

For those looking for detailed coverage, check out:

Fort Myers News-Press Naples Daily News Miami Herald South Florida Sun Sentinel

Hope the folks down in South Florida are hangin' in there.

IN THE END...

This weather event known as Hurricane Wilma has almost ended here in Lakeland. We had sustained winds of near 30 MPH across much of northern Polk County with gusts of tropical storm force; of course, the southern part of the county had stronger winds being closer to the main event. While there may have been sporadic power outages here, our electricity has remained on throughout. It is still raining, but the Tampa TV stations are showing clearing along the Gulf Coast as a cold front bringing drier air begins to drift toward us. The temperatures have definately dropped during the past several hours, and will remain around the 60 degree mark the rest of today before dropping into the 50s tonight.

Conditions from the various National Weather Service sites as of between 10:50 and 11:00 AM:

Miami International Airport - Temp 75 / Winds SW 41 Gusts 61 MPH

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport - Temp 73 / Winds W 69 Gusts 95 MPH

Fort Myers/Page Field - Temp 67 / Winds NW 45 Gusts 56 MPH

Sarasota/Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport - Temp 66 / Winds N 23 Gusts 40 MPH

Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County International Airport - Temp 79 / Winds NE 36 Gusts 56 MPH

Lakeland/Lakeland Linder Regional Airport - Temp 59 / Winds N 21 Gusts 30 MPH

Winter Haven/Gilbert Field - Temp 59 / Winds N 20 Gusts 34 MPH (From Weather Bug)

St. Petersburg/Whitted Airport - Temp 68 / Winds N 24 Gusts 37 MPH

Tampa/Tampa International Airport - Temp 61 / Winds N 21 Gusts 31 MPH

Orlando/Orlando International Airport - Temp 61 / Winds N 35 Gusts 43 MPH

Melbourne/Melbourne International Airport - Temp 75 / Winds N 37 Gusts 46 MPH

WILMA'S WICKED ARRIVAL SOON

We know that Hurricane Wilma will be arriving in a matter of hours. For the past few hours we have been experiencing the outer bands of the storm here in Lakeland with occasional heavy rains and reports of several tornadoes across Central Florida.

While the centre of the storm is expected to cross south of Fort Myers/Naples early tomorrow morning, we will have continued periods of thunderstorms and probable tropical storm force winds through the morning. Conditions are expected to improve during the afternoon, and with the passage of a cold front lows Monday night should dip to their coldest levels of the season...into the 50s.

Locally, there are no evacuation orders in effect, but five shelters were opened in southern Polk County for people who were uncomfortable staying in their homes. Schools and government offices will be closed Monday.

My office will be open, but with no bus services running I'll have to take a personal day.

HAS ANYONE NOTICED...

State Meterologist Ben Nelson when he appears during the state's press conferences in advance of Hurricane Wilma?

I first noticed him watching the press briefings before Katrina, and thought he should be in an Algebra I class back in high school. Although he is a 1999 graduate of Florida State University, he looks on TV as though he's no more than 17.

And I thought WFLA-TV weekend/fill-in meterologist Mace Michaels looked much younger than his age (1993 grad of the University of North Dakota).

Not intended to slam anyone personally or their talents; just a random thought watching the two. Actually, I watch NewsChannel 8 regularly, and enjoy watching Mace, who also does the early shift weekdays when John Winter is filling in for Chief Meterologist Steve Jerve.

FLORIDA SUNDAY EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

We begin here at home, as the Lakeland Ledger offers another of it's occasional "Gigs and Garlands" to a variety of people from a group of property owners along Peace Creek to Governor Jeb Bush.

In the Panhandle, the Pensacola News Journal --- who we give kudos to for cleaning up it's Web site --- salutes IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area for it's efforts in helping two agencies provide services for the hungry and disabled by donating $125,000 each to ARC Gateway, Inc. and Manna Food Partners.

Today's editorial in the Tallhassee Democrat opines that while the federal government has a key role in the aftermath of a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, a "bottom up" approach in which local and state governments have the lead work best.

Heading east along I-10, the Florida Times-Union calls on Jacksonville-Duval County officials to do a better job in devising it's own inventory of wetlands and classifying them for significance and explore other ways to help protect wetlands.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reminds us that the war on terrorism begins at home, and that any large gathering such as Biketoberfest weekend is a potential target. With that in mind, quoting the editorial, the federal government should review it's priorities on making the nation safer, especially in light of the shift of terrorism tactics toward tourism spots.

This morning's Orlando Sentinel editorial is concerned about the threat to enviromential treasures by five large developments planned for the east side of Lake Tohopekaliga in Osceola County, which would make a city twice the size of Kissimmee, and calls on Governor Bush to address the issue with a task force as he did three years ago with a similar situation in Wekiva.

Florida Today along the Space Coast focuses it's opinion on Florida's failure to be aggressive in attracting space-related industries, and says that a proposal by State Representative Bob Allen (R - Merritt Island) to create a $500 million fund to attract such businesses deserves broad Legislative support.

The Gainesville Sun picks up on the Miami Herald's just completed series on how budget cuts have comprimised hurricane forecasting, slamming the federal government for doing so in the midst of two of the busiest hurricane seasons on record. As it ends: With yet another "unpredictable" hurricane bearing down on Florida, perhaps it's time to consider that when it comes to predicting killer storms, we get what we pay for.

The Ocala Star Banner calls on the newly elected mayor and City Commission members to "Keep on talkin' the talk"...that is, continue the healthy, provocotive debate on the issues facing the city as that is the way to eventually reach workable solutions.

Today's editorial in the Tampa Tribune notes that long emergency room waits has become a nationwide problem, and is an unacceptable standard of care...and hospital administrators know it. It calls on area hospitals to tell us what they will do to reduce wait times so they can put the "emergency" back into the ER.

Meanwhile, across the Bay, the St. Petersburg Times calls for the state to develop a comprehensive test to regularly screen the competence of elderly drivers in the wake of an incident last week where a 93 year old man in St. Petersburg struck and killed a pedestrian...and didn't realize it until he had traveled three miles to the Sunshine Skyway bridge when a toll taker noticed the victim's body lodged in the car's windshield.

The Sarasota Herald Tribune looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed purchase and development by the state Department of Enviromental Protection of Babcock Ranch and advising that careful deliberation should be taken in deciding this major decision.

The Fort Myers News Press uses it's opinion space today to encourage readers to become organ donors, reminding us that most of us can save or enrich the lives of up to 60 other people by leaving our body parts.

A chain of coral reefs was recently discovered off the coast of North Naples, and the Naples Daily News says today that the public should step up as a good steward of this new discovery.

Florida Light & Power Company wants to build a new coal-fired plant in St. Lucie County. The Palm Beach Post editorial today says the plant is needed, but asks FL&P to make it cleaner by using state-of-the-art gasification technology instead.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale notes today that weakening standards nationwide when fish stocks are already depleated simply makes no since, even as the feds impose a fishing ban on grouper here.

And the Miami Herald says that emergency treatment is needed to make sure that the new Medicare drug benefit for seniors is to truly serve our older citizens while not breaking the treasury.

Ya'll keep high and dry.

DAVIS, SMITH FIRE UP THE DEMOCRATIC FAITHFUL TOGETHER

The AP reported that the two leading Democratic contenders in the governor's race, State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua and Congressman Jim Davis of Tampa, appeared together at the Orange County Democratic Party's annual fundraising event Saturday. It was the first time the pair had appeared together since Scott Maddox left the race.

Both candidates touted their ability to pick up support who had previously supported the Bushes, especially among traditionally conservative North Florida voters.

While Smith promoted his recent endorsement from several North Florida sheriffs who had recently supported GOP candidates, Davis called up the Terri Schiavo case as the breaking point for a number of Republicans and noted that he gained the support of at least one individual --- left unnamed --- who had raised at least $200,000 for Dubya last year.

Otherwise, the pair didn't sound much different on most issues as they fired up the approximately 300 in attendance.

ON THE SUNDAY TALK SHOWS...

ABC - This Week With George Stephanopoulos - Dr. Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, on the Miers nomination, CIA leak investigation, Tom DeLay's indictment and arrest, and President Bush's poll numbers. Also, the panel: David Brooks of the New York Times, E. J. Dionne of the Washington Post, Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile, and syndicated columnist and ABC News contributor George F. Will.

CBS - Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer - To Be Announced. Not posted on the CBS News Web site.

CNN - Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer - Hurricane Wilma --- and wheather South Florida can handle yet another storm --- is the primary subject. No guests posted on the CNN Web site.

FOX - Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace - Senators Sam Brownback (R - KS) and Patrick Leahy (D - VT) of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to discuss the Miers nomination. Also, discussion of the CIA leak investigation with former independent counsel Robert Ray and criminal defense attorney Abbe Lowell. And their usual panel of FOX News Washington Managing Editor Brit Hume, NPR's Mara Liasson and Juan Williams and Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol.

NBC/MSNBC - Meet the Press with Tim Russert - Senators George Allen (R - VA), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R - TX), and Chuck Schumer (D - NY) will discuss the Miers nomination and CIA leak probe. Also, Stephen F. Hayes of the Weekly Standard, author and journalist George Packer, and Frank Rich of the New York Times will discuss the latest from Iraq.

CATAGORY 1, CATAGORY 2, CATAGORY 3...WHAT WILL IT BE?

This afternoon, the National Hurricane Centre issued hurricane watches for the Florida peninsula from Longboat Key south along the Gulf Coast, and from Titusville south along the Atlantic coast.

Wilma is about to make it's exit from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and is forecast to strengthen slightly before hitting the westerlies as it races in the Gulf of Mexico and weakening again.

Yesterday, there was some thought that by the time Wilma reaches the Sunshine State, it would only be a Catagory 1 or possibly weak Catagory 2 storm. But the discussion now says:

THE INTENSITY OF WILMA WHILE CROSSING FLORIDA REMAINS QUITE UNCERTAIN... AND THE BEST ESTIMATE IS THAT IT WILL BE A CATEGORY TWO OR THREE AT LANDFALL. THE WIND FIELD IS FORECAST TO EXPAND AS IT ACCELERATES AND CROSSES THE FLORIDA PENINSULA. THEREFORE... THE TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS WILL LIKELY COVER A LARGE AREA.

The local forecast for Lakeland/Polk County for Sunday night and Monday read:

Sunday Night: Periods of showers, mainly after 2am. Low around 70. Windy, with a east northeast wind 14 to 17 mph increasing to between 23 and 26 mph. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Monday: Periods of showers, mainly before 11am. High near 72. Windy, with a north northwest wind 48 to 51 mph decreasing to between 38 and 41 mph. Winds could gust as high as 69 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between one and two inches possible.

There is still a certain amount of uncertainity about what will occur during the next 48 hours, but it's time to seriously begin making final plans.

FLORIDA FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE ENDORSEMENTS

Florida's State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, Florida's largest organization representing law enforcement officers with a membership of around 22,000, has announced it's endorsements for statewide offices, according to the St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Charles Bronson (R)

Chief Financial Officer: State Senate President Tom Lee (R - Brandon)

Attorney General: State Senator Walter "Skip" Campbell (D - Tamarac) for the Democratic nomination; former Congressman Bill McCollum of Orlando for the Republican nomination.

Governor: State Senator Rod Smith (D - Alachua) for the Democratic nomination; Attorney General Charlie Crist for the Republican nomination.

ORLANDO NEWS REPORTER TWEAKS HARRIS

Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris (R - Longboat Key) was definately annoyed, but kept a smile on (see the video for yourself), during the early part of her interview with Greg Fox of Orlando television station WESH-2 Friday as she was participating as emcee at a "Hob Nob" sponsored by the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The transcript begins with Fox's introduction:

FOX: "...and we have one of the leading Republican candidates, and that's Katherine Harris, the congresswoman from Sarasota. Uh, first of all...

HARRIS: "The ONLY Republican candidate.

FOX: "Well, uh, so far.

HARRIS: "I believe, I think...

FOX: "The House Speaker is still discussing how much money he might be able to raise to get into this race; Allen Bense...

HARRIS: "Actually not."

And later on, Fox asks her about not getting into the race last year for the Senate seat being vacated by Bob Graham's retirement. Of course, the Bush/Rove clan worked to make sure their boy Mel Martinez was the nominee.

FOX: "...Why not run then?

HARRIS: "Because I felt that I was so fortunate to be in the Congress, and was getting so much accomplished. And it would be betting the farm at a time when there was such a great future, and I had just arrived. And I had a job to finish; several bills that I wanted to get through. And also at that time in the presidential election the President had to win by four points for, to make sure that the Senate would be taken. And so, I believed he would win, but I just...didn't want to bet the farm on his margin of victory."

Then he focused in the last bit on a National Journal article stating that the GOP had not been able to get other favoured candidates to run instead of Harris:

FOX: "Why are you not one of the preferred challengers?

HARRIS: "I think early on, they just didn't want the word 'recount' to be mentioned, but now, they've seen the polling data, they clearly believe I'm preferred and all of those channels have now been lined up behind me."

And I thought the hot air was just from the barbeque...

JUST LIKE A TOURIST HANGIN' 'ROUND THAT THE LOCALS DON'T WANT

Hurricane Wilma continues to wreak havoc along the Yucatan tourist centres of Cozumel and Cancun. A Mexican Navy automated weather station on Isla Mujeres, just east of Cancun, has reported 16 inches of rain over the past 24 hours.

While it ain't going anywhere for another day or so, it will begin racing northeast toward Florida Sunday, crossing the state during the day Monday. Most of the models still show landfall around the Fort Myers/Venice area and exiting around Fort Pierce/West Palm Beach. The intensity is still up in the air, but most folks are suggesting either a Catagory 1 or 2 storm when it reaches here. The NHC discussion notes:

THE INTENSITY OF WILMA WHILE CROSSING FLORIDA IS HIGHLY UNCERTAIN AND THE BEST ESTIMATE IS THAT IT WILL LIKELY BE A CATEGORY ONE OR TWO AT LANDFALL. WILMA'S WIND FIELD WILL PROBABLY EXPAND AS IT CROSSES THE FLORIDA PENINSULA.
THEREFORE...THE TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS WILL LIKELY COVER A LARGE AREA.

BASED ON THE TRACK FORECAST AND THE LARGE AREA OF TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH WILMA...A HURRICANE WATCH WILL LIKELY BE ISSUED LATER TODAY FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE FLORIDA KEYS.

MORE HEADACHE FOR PCOC AS DIRECTOR COULD TAKE THE FALL

The Lakeland Ledger is reporting this morning yet another embarassing situation for the Polk County Opportunity Council, the area's community action agency which provides services for low income residents and is best known as Polk County's primary Head Start provider.

Seems as though one of the members of PCOC's Board of Directors has called for the dismissal of Executive Director Carolyn Speed for signing a contract with a lawn care company to provide services at PCOC's administration building in Bartow at $400 a month. Ms. Speed claims it was necessary because the agency employee assigned to lawn care duties was injured.

So what's the problem?

Ms. Speed was apparantly not authorized to sign such agreements. PCOC's facilities are actually owned by the Heartland Economic Development Authority. PCOC formed HEDA during the mid 1980s when Head Start agencies were barred from owning property. HEDA has it's own executive director, who would have been authorized to enter into such agreements, so what Ms. Speed did was a huge no-no.

A committee will be formed to review the situation. While I wish that PCOC's board of directors would all resign and allow the agency to "start over" with a clean slate, let's hope that at least they don't go into their usual modus operandi of playing defense.

FLORIDA CAN BREATHE A BIT EASIER

Hurricane Wilma is still quite powerful as it approaches the "toe" of the Yucatan. But while any hurricane/tropical storm is potentially dangerous, Floridians can at least breathe a sigh of relief in what the forecasts are calling for.

It's meandering in the Yucatan Straits is expected to continue a bit longer than originally believed, and as you can see by the map above, it is not expected to cross Florida until Monday afternoon/evening. And the forecasts are saying that with Wilma weakening as it heads northeast through the Gulf of Mexico, by the time it does reach our state she will be either a Catagory 2...or possibly even a strong Catagory 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Still reason to be concerned, but much less scary than the Catagory 4 originally thought only days ago.

All of that said, this storm continues to be difficult to forecast, as the discussion from the National Hurricane Centre this morning reflects:

BECAUSE STEERING CURRENTS ARE FORECAST TO BE WEAK...TRACK MODELS MOVE WILMA SLOWLY AND IN ALL DIRECTIONS DURING 24 TO 36 HOUR PERIOD...MAKING THIS PORTION OF THE FORECAST HIGHLY UNCERTAIN.NEVERTHERLESS...THIS PATTERN CALLS FOR LITTLE OR ERRATIC MOTION OVER NORTHEASTERN YUCATAN OR THE ADJACENT WATERS UNTIL THE WESTERLIES EXPAND SOUTHWARD AND CARRY WILMA TOWARD THE NORTHEAST BEYOND 2 TO 3 DAYS. THIS SLOW MOTION SHOULD CONTINUE TO DELAY THE RECURVATURE TOWARD FLORIDA PROLONGING THE AGONIZING WAIT. ON THE OTHER HAND...IT GIVES TIME FOR THE HURRICANE TO WEAKEN DUE TO THE EFFECTS OF LAND AND SHEAR. IN FACT...THE GFDL MODEL (NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory at Princeton University) REFLECTS THE SLOW MOTION AND HAS A WEAKENED WILMA JUST WEST OF HAVANA CUBA BETWEEN DAYS 4 AND 5. HOWEVER...IF THE EYE REMAINS OFFSHORE EAST OF YUCATAN LIKE SUGGESTED BY THE LAST RUN OF THE UK MODEL (Done by the UK Meterologicial Office in London)...WILMA COULD BE STRONGER THAN INDICATED.

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

I wanted to share with you that probably beginning early next week, you will see few, if any, new material on this blog for a period of 2-3 weeks.

The reason is simple: I am currently going through a period of financial difficulty, and my services through Bright House Networks will likely be suspended while I play catch-up. It's a simple decision; when it comes to choosing between my rent/food and my cable/phone/Internet access, I'll always choose the former. When you have a son and granddaughter to be responsible for, it's not much of a choice.

This is not to say that I4J will be totally grounded during this time. I will be making occasional posts here, although their frequency and volume will, obviously, be much less. I will simply be doing them from the local library branch.

I sincerely appreciate your thoughts and understanding during this time, as well as your taking the time to visit. Please check in regularly, and feel free to look through some of the post from earlier.