FLORIDA SUNDAY EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

We begin this post-election tour of the Sunshine State's opinion pages here at home, where the Lakeland Ledger notes that Election Day was especially good for the young people of Florida. This was following voters' approval of a constitutional amendment mandating restoral of funding for what had been one of the nation's most effective campaigns against teen smoking.

The Daytona Beach News Journal asks "What Now For America" following the midterm elections, stating that the political climate is the most favourable in this decade for Americans to have a forthright and inclusive discussion about our main issues and how to work toward resolving them.

Keeping along the I-4 corridor for now, the Orlando Sentinel laments the decision by retail giant Wal-Mart to discontinue layaways, which the newspaper says was a good budgeting tool for many consumers.

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board was hoping that the voters' decision on Tuesday to approve three and reject four amendments to Pinellas County's charter would end the squabbling and legal wrangling between feuding city and county officials, but notes that the "playground behaviour" will likely continue. It says that voters were possibly looking for a middle ground, and ask officials to follow that example.

Across the bay, today's Tampa Tribune opinion page has some ideas about what the new Democratic majority in Congress should do, such as resisting the temptation to raise taxes and curtail trade.

Also looking ahead to January's new look in Washington is the Miami Herald, who provides a reminder that President Bush and the upcoming Democratic majority need to find a way to work together.

The Fort Pierce Tribune and other Scripps Treasure Coast newspapers look at the results from Tuesday's election and try to put the results in perspective. For instance, it notes that moderates are the winners with the election of U.S. Senate incumbant Bill Nelson (D) and Congressman-elect Tim Mahoney (D).

Today's Ocala Star Banner makes note of the fact that the Marion County Commission will have a new twist with the election of Barbara Fitos, providing the panel with a woman and a Democrat...something the commission has not seen in six years

The Tallahassee Democrat reminds us that when all is said and done after months of campaigning, the voter never gives up hope for the need to change when it is needed.

In Jacksonville, the Florida Times Union is relieved that after problems expreienced during the September primary election, improvements were apparantly made and the general election in Duval County was much smoother

A Polk County issue is the subject of today's editorial more than 200 miles away in South Florida. The Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida Sun Sentinel addresses the issue of former Winter Haven police chief Paul Goward, who was recently forced out after sending what has become known as the "jelly belly" memo to officers and staff encouraging those with bulging beltlines to shape up. The opinion is that not only WHPD officers, but the rest of us, could take heed from Goward's advice.

The editorial in today's Palm Beach Post calls on the Legislature to begin dealing with the state's insurance crisis during a special session scheduled for December, suggesting they take action on the cost of reinsurance by putting more money into the state's Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and lowering the level at which companies can use it.

In the Panhandle, the Pensacola News Journal opinion is concerned about some residents on Pensacola Beach showing widespread disregard for the rules on the type and amount of building taking place, and suggests that the Santa Rosa Island Authority become more aggressive in enforcement of the regulations.

There is a warning for readers in today's Naples Daily News editorial to avoid a scam involving e-mails and even classified ads for puppies, usually Yorkshire Terriers, available at bargain prices. Part of this sounds so familiar, with the pups and their "owners" being in Africa or other faraway location.

Florida Gulf Coast University is planning to build a satellite campus in Charlotte County, but the Sarasota Herald-Tribune urges the Fort Myers-based school to consider all options before agreeing to the suggested site noting several problems with it.

And today's opinion in Florida Today along the Space Coast says that the second phase of expansion at the Brevard County Jail to house inmates with medical and mental health problems is a positive step, but issues remaining about overcrowding need to be addressed by the county commission.

The Gainesville Sun, and Fort Myers News-Press had not posted today's editorials (if they had one today) as of mid-morning Sunday.

Make it a great Sunday!