GOVERNOR, SENATE DEBATES SCHEDULED

A coalition of organizations including the Florida Press Association, Florida Public Broadcasting Service, American Association of Retired Persons, Florida Power & Light, and the Florida League of Cities have announced plans for a series of debates featuring the candidates for governor and U.S. Senator before next year's party primaries and the general election.

All major candidates have reportedly agreed to participate. The Democratic and Republican candidates for governor will face off during the week of August 21. The party nominees will then debate the week of October 23.

Democratic Senate incumbant Bill Nelson and Republican Katherine Harris will face off the week of October 16. If another serious primary contender enters the race, it could be possible to schedule an intra-party debate prior to the primary.