Florida

updated 4:56 p.m.

Sarah Palin resigns as governor: WTF or White House-bound?

What was Sarah Palin thinking? Is her resignation another wack-job moment or a shrewd maneuver that sets her up early for a "maverick" presidential campaign?...
The Political Whore - 4:56 p.m.

Oh, what a week(ly roundup)!

What a week for the Bilerico sites this has been! First we were named one of the Advocate's "Top Political Blogs" and then we c elebrated our second birthday with news of an upcoming redesign . Let us know what you like and don't like about the site so we can incorporate your suggestions! While you're waiting for new posts to start again after the holiday, here's the best posts from this wee...
Bilerico Project Florida - 3:45 p.m.

Shame on NBC! Homophobic Programming During Pride Month

WFLA Homophobic TV Program: Help Decide the Next Steps Click here to take our survey. Protest at the studio? Reach out to advertisers? Boycott? Over the past few days we've gotten tons of email from across Florida suggesting next steps as our community responds to the airing of the reckless, homophobic program on WFLA (NBC) in Tampa. This has become a statewide and nationwide is...
Bilerico Project Florida - 12:08 p.m.

Crist and SB 2080: Making it easier to destroy Florida’s wetlands

Crists signs a bill that silences the public and makes wetlands and water permits easier to get....
The Political Whore - 12:08 p.m.

The Relentless Damage of Pope Benedict XVI

It's not enough that he has set Catholicism back several decades (you should have known that was his objective when he chose the name of the last pope he could actually respect, Benedict XV, 1914-1922, who invented canon law). Having torched seminaries with his witch hunt for homosexual candidates for the priesthood, he has now turned his bloody eye on that weakest and most endangered workforce ...
Bilerico Project Florida - 10:53 a.m.

Half-Truth Hagan’s idea for Cone Ranch is still looking half-baked

Do we really need a panel to study a buy-out proposal for land that is not for sale in order to preserve it — especially when it is already listed in our Comprehensive Plan as Preservation?...
The Political Whore - 10:53 a.m.

Crist administration handles stimulus "dismally"

Florida Politics - 10:52 a.m.

Are you one of the Top 100?

Over the next 100 days, Stonewall Library & Archives needs 100 supporters who will contribute 100 dollars. 100Days x 100People x 100Dollars Everyone who contributes 100 dollars during this drive receives a Stonewall baseball cap! 100Days x 100People x 100Dollars Go online today and make a donation or see Jack or Chad at the library and help us reach our ...
Bilerico Project Florida - 9:03 a.m.

EQFL Supporter at St. Pete Pride

Image by: Paul Monti ...
Equality Florida - 9:03 a.m.

Who is Michael E. Arth ?

The name didnt ring a bell when I saw it in my local paper a few weeks ago. It announced that he was running for Governor on the Democratic ticket in 2010. I meant to cut the article out and google the guys name but the paper made it to the recycle bin before I got to it and remembering names isnt as easy as it used to be in my younger days. Today, however I got a second chance. While perusing...
Progress Florida Blog - 8:17 a.m.

Best of the Blogs: The Amendment 4 Debate and more

Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for week ending 7-3-09 Note: the Best of the Blogs is featured weekly as part of Progress Florida's popular free Daily Clips service. On Florida Hometown Democracy, For Four! By Gimleteye Eye On Miami According to The Miami Herald, developer Jorge Perez has whittled down his debt to $1.2 billion from $1.5 billion but has stashed away enough net worth...
Progress Florida Blog - 8:17 a.m.

Road Trip

I have never taken the new Mustang on a trip to the Keys, so today I am going to put the top down -- before it rains -- put on some sunscreen, put on the Beach Boys, and head south. See you later. ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - 8:16 a.m.

Book Review: George: The Poor Little Rich Boy Who Built the Yankee Empire

Scott Farrell reviews the funny, revealing new bio of George Steinbrenner by St. Petersburg's Peter Golenbock, author of such inside-baseball classics as "The Bronx Zoo."...
The Political Whore - 7:38 a.m.

Irony of the Day

Karl Rove , the undisputed master of pre-packaged, organized, controlled, and scripted events, on President Obama's town hall meeting on health care in Virginia: This White House has carried pre-packaged, organized, controlled, scripted events to a new height, and they're getting away with things that in any previous White House, the media would have eviscerated the press secretary and the White ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - 5:18 a.m.

Pick a Card...

I really enjoy being a premium member of Salon.com , but their accounting and credit card department leaves a lot to be desired. I don't need to go into all the details, but my suggestion to them is that they come up with simple way of editing credit card information on their customer's account so that when you change from one card to another, you don't get charged for another year's subscripti...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - 4:41 a.m.

A Shout From Beyond the Grave

I was watching the Weather Channel this morning and when they went to a commercial, the late Billy Mays was still shouting at me. I guess video tape is the key to immorality, but I think it's a little creepy to have someone whose death got a bit of attention last week still on the air. I suppose there are contractual issues at stake, and I'm sure his family doesn't mind the income, but I thoug...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - 4:41 a.m.

Family Values

The irony-challenged Family Research Council has launched an attack against Kevin Jennings, President Obama's appointee to a post in the Department of Education, because he's (gasp) gay and he used to be the executive director of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. Jennings is set to begin his new job on Monday, as Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education for the Department...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - 4:26 a.m.

Short Takes

9.5% -- That's the unemployment number for June. I.O.U. -- That's how California is paying its bills. US forces push into the Helmand Valley in Afghanistan against the Taliban. A grand jury is looking into the destruction of CIA videos of torture. What would Katherine Graham have said about this idea at the Washington Post ? No Surprise -- Dick Cheney orchestrated the White House...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - 4:26 a.m.

Friday Blogaround

A long holiday weekend ahead, so let's look back and see what the LC had to say about it. - A Blog Around The Clock - from the archives ... clock evolution. - All Facts and Opinions - Oh, Sarah... - archy has a great post on the state of God in America. - Bark Bark Woof Woof - nice talk from the president about gay rights. - Bloggg - healthy questions. - Dohiyi Mir - July 2 is really...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - 2:37 a.m.

Friday Catblogging

Snowball goes to the drive-in. "We're off to see the wizard..." ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Thu 9:01 p.m.

Classic Thursday Night TV

...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Thu 7:06 p.m.

Gay sailor harassed, murdered at Camp Pendleton in California

The murder of a gay sailor on a naval base in California may raise further questions about the potential dangers of the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy....
The Political Whore - Thu 3:27 p.m.

What Do You Think About NBC Screening Homophobia?

WFLA Homophobic TV Program: Help Decide the Next Steps How Should We Hold WFLA Accountable for Homophobic Programming? Protest at the studio? Reach out to advertisers? Boycott? Help Decide Next Steps - Take Our Survey and Tell Us What You Think Over the past few days we've gotten tons of email from our members suggesting next steps as ...
Equality Florida - Thu 2:28 p.m.

Hey, Mark Sanford! You just cheated on your wife! Where are you going on vacation?

You knew it'd all end up in Florida somehow: Mark Sanford is bringing his crazy show down to Hobe Sound to spend Fourth of July with his wife and her family. The in-laws. Who must love all this....
The Political Whore - Thu 2:28 p.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

I wish I had a nickel for every time Jamie Bennett says I stood on the steps of City Hall and (fill ...

I've certainly done enough damage to Jamie Bennett's campaign that I should probably never say another thing about him. Naaahhh. Bennett's just too easy a target. And with Alex Haak out of the mayoral race, I predict Jamie Bennett will pick up the slack in the guffaw department. My latest gripe about Bennett comes from listening to him at the most recent mayoral forums. It seems like he begi...
Saint Petersblog - Thu 1:46 p.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Oakland Park Passes Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" City Resolution

At the July 1st commission meeting, the Oakland Park City Commission, working with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), Fight OUT Loud, and many other organizations, brought forward a city resolution calling for the President and the United States Congress to adopt the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 (House Resolution 1283), which ...
Bilerico Project Florida - Thu 1:43 p.m.

Seminole Heights makes This Old House’s “Best Old House Neighborhoods” list

The Tampa neighborhood gets national recognition....
The Political Whore - Thu 1:43 p.m.

At Least Someone's Happy

Nice story in the Naples News Thursday about how pleased Southwest Florida legislators are over this year's recent session.  Good to know they're happy to give themselves a pat on the back for capping the amount Big Tobacco has to set aside for lawsuits; trying to loosen the class size amendment, eliminate public art funding, and open the eastern Gulf up to reckless drilling; and makin...
Progress Florida Blog - Thu 12:44 p.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Stripped!

On Tuesday, a military board told Lt. Dan Choi, an Iraq War veteran and Arabic linguist, that it was recommending his discharge from the Army for "moral and professional dereliction" under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. He would be stripped of his rank. Despite this setback, Lt. Choi is not giving up. Bolstered by more than 300,000 signatures to letters of support calling for t...
Bilerico Project Florida - Thu 11:45 a.m.

“You are the kingpin”

The St. Petersburg Times has published more incrimating emails between Bob Richburg and Ray Sansom. Both Mr. Richburg, former president of Northwest Florida State College, and Rep. Sansom, former Florida House Speaker, are under indictment for perjury and official misconduct in connection with a plot to build an airplane hangar. In the latest emails published by the Times, Mr. Richburg writes to ...
Progressive Pensacola - Thu 11:45 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Round-up, 07.02.09

A few things I wanted to highlight today: The Buzz: "Attorney General Holly Benson?" The St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz reports that Republican strategist Sally Bradshaw is floating Pensacolian Holly Benson's name as a possible Republican candidate for Attorney General in 2010. Ms. Benson presently serves as Secretary of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, and is the s...
Progressive Pensacola - Thu 11:06 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Cape Cod Hail

Be glad you're on Pensacola Beach. They're having quarter-sized hail on Cape Cod. ...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Thu 11:05 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Book Review: The Progressive Revolution

When I was asked to review The Progressive Revolution: How the Best in America Came to Be by Michael Lux of Openleft.com fame, I expected another partisan rehash of "Yay Liberals! Boo Conservatives!" with little depth. Instead, what I got was one of the most insightful and exciting historical looks at America's ongoing battle with itself and its ideals I have ever read. The book takes ...
Bilerico Project Florida - Thu 10:29 a.m.

State Attorneys Office: No child abuse charges for Brian Blair

Child abuse charges dropped against former Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair....
The Political Whore - Thu 10:29 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Karl Nurse vs. The Tomato Cans

Last Sunday, Bill Safire wrote in his "On Language" column about the use of "Straw Man" in political speechifying, in which you set someone up just to knock them down. Safire uses President Obama as an example when he says “I know some folks in Washington and on Wall Street are saying we should just focus on their problems.” Some folks, like those who are never named but are always wrongheaded...
Saint Petersblog - Thu 10:29 a.m.

Prosecutors dismiss child abuse charges against former Hillsborough Commissioner Brian Blair

From The SPTimes:The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office won't prosecute Brian Blair on child abuse charges. Blair was arrested on Father's Day after a confrontation involving his two sons. In a memorandum, Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters characterized the scuffle between Blair and his 17-year-old son Brett as "discipline," given the history between the two. ...
Saint Petersblog - Thu 10:29 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Valentino/Hall Sunshine round-up

As many of you know, Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino and Pensacola City Councilman Sam Hall are being investigated by the State Attorney's office for a possible Sunshine violation. The investigation centers on a meeting the two had on April 28. Rick Outzen and Co. have covered the details, so I won't rehash them here. Councilman Hall made some newsworthy comments at yesterday's meetin...
Progressive Pensacola - Thu 10:09 a.m.

Exclusive: 1 in 3 voters expected to vote by mail, according to SP voter survey

The Times isn't the only source with for exclusive polling information. I've obtained a copy of a comprehensive voter survey of 400 registered St. Petersburg voters. I'll be sharing the results of this survey throughout the week. According to a survey of 400 registered voters in the City Council districts with an active race, almost 36% of respondents said they intended to vote by mail, a...
Saint Petersblog - Thu 10:09 a.m.

Should You Love a Wallflower?

Dear Father Tony My steady boyfriend is a man who can't dance. He won't even try to learn how to dance. I dragged him onto the floor at our club just once. His face was so sad I gave up after a minute. My mother always said (not to me specifically) "Watch out for the ones who don't dance." I love to dance but I'm falling for a man I'll never dance with. Should I run the other way? ...
Bilerico Project Florida - Thu 8:19 a.m.

The coming week in City government

Below is the breakdown of what the Pensacola City Council will consider in the coming week. As always, direct expenditures are highlighted. Links to the full agendas are included at the bottom of the page. Note: This meeting will take place on Monday, July 6. The meeting begins at 9:00 AM in the Hagler/Mason Conference Room, second floor, City Hall. The Finance Committee, the Economic and Communi...
Progressive Pensacola - Thu 7:57 a.m.

"The Club for Growth wants to take Crist out"

Florida Politics - Thu 5:40 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Gay Liberation Front Surviving Members

At New York City's Gay and Lesbian Community Center, on Thursday June 25, 2009, the surviving founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) each had 3 minutes to tell a personal story from the earliest days of the movement. They discuss organizing, Stonewall, picketing, civil rights, dating, romance, activism and police action. Absolutely fascinating first hand accounts. Th...
Bilerico Project Florida - Thu 4:17 a.m.

Question of the Day

I've done this one before, but it's been a while, and besides, summer is re-run time. Who is the most famous person you've met in person on a one-to-one basis? Mine would be President Jimmy Carter in April 1979. I was working as a news director for a small-town radio station in Michigan and I was invited to spend a day at the White House for one of their out-of-town news editors events. Ten o...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Thu 4:16 a.m.

Too Crazy Even For Them

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and her campaign against the census is annoying even to some of her fellow right-wingers. In a statement released Wednesday, Republican Reps. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia, and John Mica of Florida said that "boycotting the constitutionally-mandated census is illogical, illegal and not in the best interest of our country." Bachmann ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Thu 2:37 a.m.

Too Much Information

When a public figure gets caught in a sex scandal, their usual response is to clam up and not tell anyone what really happened, making everyone speculate and come to their own lurid conclusions as to who, what, when, and where. Not so with Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) . Sanford, the once-promising presidential prospect, agreed to first sit down with the AP hours after attending a state budget meetin...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Thu 1:21 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Karl Malden -- 1912-2009

He may have been a "character actor," but he was unforgettable in any role. Karl Malden, the Academy Award-winning character actor who for more than 60 years brought an intelligent intensity and a homespun authenticity to roles in theater, film and television, from “A Streetcar Named Desire” to “The Streets of San Francisco,” died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 97. [...] Mr. ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Thu 1:21 a.m.

Short Takes

The U.S. launches a major assault on the Taliban in Afghanistan. California is still broke. They were warned -- An investigator for the SEC warned his office about Bernie Madoff in 2004. India decriminalizes consensual gay sex. Namaste . Where there's a will ... there's a custody battle. A python killed a two-year-old child in her crib. R.I.P. Harve Presnell. Tigers lose to...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Thu 1:01 a.m.

Mass Transit Culture

One of the unintended consequences about a really good mass transit system, like the T in Boston, is that almost everyone who uses it becomes a reader. We snagged the above photo off the web because we didn't think to bring a camera with us today, but it sort of illustrates the point. Take it from us, though: in every subway and commuter train car we rode in today, eight out ten passengers had...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Wed 8:01 p.m.

Beantown Blues

Bostonians tell us it has rained every day , so it seems to them, for an entire month. "Here it is July, a guy on the T said today, "and we haven't even had June yet." "Where's our summer?" a woman standing nearby grumbled. The forecast for the next five days? Cool and rainy, every day. ...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Wed 7:15 p.m.

That'll Teach Us

That Glenn Beck is batshit crazy is beyond dispute. So it only makes sense that he has guests on his show that go down that road, too. Last night he had former CIA analyst Michael Scheuer on, and he calmly stated that for the only way for Americans to truly understand what's at stake in the world was for someone to blow the shit out of us. The only chance we have as a country right now is for ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Wed 5:55 p.m.

"Crist's sellout to developers is now complete"

Florida Politics - Wed 4:09 p.m. - 8 clicks 8 clicks

They Can't All Get Along

The Vanity Fair article on Gov. Sarah Palin has set off a nasty fight within the ranks of the GOP. William Kristol , the editor of The Weekly Standard and at times an informal adviser to Sen. John McCain, touched off the latest back-and-forth Tuesday morning with a post on his magazine’s blog criticizing the Todd Purdum-authored Palin story and pointing a finger at Steve Schmidt, McCain’s...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Wed 3:58 p.m.

Teen convicted of killing homeless man

A jury took less than two hours to convict an Abilene teenager of murder in the beating death of a homeless man in 2007. Sixteen-year-old Michael Martinez Jr. could face up to life in prison. Eric McMahon, 48, was killed when he was hit by cinder blocks and kicked. Defense attorney David Thedford told the jury that Martinez acted out of fear of another man who he said threatened him and had a g...
The 13th Juror - Wed 12:21 p.m. - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Police officer quits after he slashed homeless man's bike tires

A police officer resigned this morning from the Tarpon Springs Police Department after an internal investigation determined that he slashed the bicycle tires of a homeless man. Officer Jeffrey Robinson had retaliated for the homeless man's use of racial slurs Jan. 28 as Robinson was taking him to the Pinellas County Jail, the internal report said. A video captures Robinson, who is black, going i...
The 13th Juror - Wed 12:21 p.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

The problem with the Times' coverage of the mayoral race...

...can be found in the dichotomy of opinion between Adam Smith's and Cristina Silva's reporting from last night's mayoral forum. Smith, the veteran reporter, tweeted last night: "Frustrating watching SP mayor forums. 8 bright to vry bright cands, nobody rlly stnding out or saying anything unpredictable. Adds up 2 mush." On the other hand, Silva writes the article " St. Petersburg mayoral candid...
Saint Petersblog - Wed 11:28 a.m.

There Is a God

And He's talking to Joe the Plumber . Asked if he has plans to run for public office, he replied, “I hope not. You know, I talked to God about that and he was like, ‘No.’” Whew. Good going, God. ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Wed 9:43 a.m.

Is Challenging Anti-LGBT Messages Censorship?

Over the last several days, Equality Florida has received a few emails suggesting that our recent efforts - condemning Tampa NBC affiliate WFLA's screening of a homophobic infomercial - amount to censorship. We could not disagree more. Equality Florida would vigorously defend the American Family Association's (AFA) RIGHT to say what they want. Only government can take rights away, and we would s...
Equality Florida - Wed 9:32 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Tiger Bay puts paw in mouth with announcement for Kornell/Rouson debate

Last month, I wrote that Tiger Bay's announcement for Chuck Harmon's appearanc e was just a little too over the top, even by the organization's snarky standards. Now, it looks like Tiger Bay has put its paw in its mouth again with its announcement for the program for the candidates for St. Petersburg City Council. Originally, the announcement read: Fat Cats, Dark Horses and Underdogs - The...
Saint Petersblog - Wed 9:32 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Miami HIV doctor sentenced

If you can't trust a doctor.... This is in the Miami Herald : A Miami physician was sentenced Monday to eight years in prison after admitting he fraudulently prescribed HIV therapy for Medicare patients who didn't need or get the treatment, costing the government program millions of dollars. Dr. Roberto Rodriguez, 54, was ordered by U.S. District Judge Paul Huck to pay more tha...
Bilerico Project Florida - Wed 7:33 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

SP Times Editorial Condemns Anti-LGBT Program

GREAT St. Pete Times Editorial on NBC / WFLA's broadcast of the homophobic infomercial, Speechless (The Times is Florida's largest newspaper). Nice job by our communications director, Brian Winfield. We learned about this program on Saturday morning and have been mobilizing a massive statewide response - to demand an apology and to ensure it doesn't get aired elsewhere in Florida. In just 5 d...
Equality Florida - Wed 7:33 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

St. Petersburg's gay community seeks to become key voting bloc in mayor and council elections

When we flex our collective political muscles, we are a force to be reckoned with, and victories in St. Pete this fall could yield a sea change in Pinellas politics. It's not that we must win every race. Simply winning a few, high profile, targeted races will send a signal to politicians that Equality is a winning message - and that homophobia has a political cost. Stratton St. Petersburg's ...
Equality Florida - Wed 7:33 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Progressives Help Bring Substance to St. Pete Mayoral Race

If you've ever followed a local election, you often know they're fraught with personalities and process stories that turn off voters. You never seem to learn what they actually want to do if elected. It's one of the reasons why local, particularly city elections, are won by dozens or hundreds of votes - often a consequence of such a low turnout that would make the founding fathers want to cover th...
Progress Florida Blog - Wed 7:33 a.m.

Gay Liberation Front Surviving Members

At New York City's Gay and Lesbian Community Center, on Thursday June 25, 2009, the surviving founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) each had 3 minutes to tell a personal story from the earliest days of the movement. They discuss organizing, Stonewall, picketing, civil rights, dating, romance, activism and police action. Absolutely fascinating first hand accounts. Th...
Bilerico Project Florida - Wed 5:04 a.m.

Quote of the Day

Senator-elect Al Franken of Minnesota: The way I see it, I'm not going to Washington to be the 60th Democratic senator, I'm going to Washington to be the second senator from Minnesota. ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Wed 5:03 a.m.

Palin Comparison

The August issue of Vanity Fair has a long and in-depth look at the life and times of Sarah Palin. Titled "It Came from Wasilla," by Todd S. Purdum, there's little left out and unexamined, although often with unattributed quotes from people within the remnants of the McCain campaign, the Alaska Republican Party, and insiders in the national GOP and the media who came to know the governor of A...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Wed 3:58 a.m.

Short Takes

So Long, Farewell... U.S. forces leave major Iraqi cities. Just one survivor has been rescued from the crash of a Yemeni airliner in the Indian Ocean. Never Mind -- China relents on requiring blocking software on PC's sold there. Happy new (fiscal) year -- Several states are struggling to get their budgets balanced. When did Mark Sanford have time to govern? Banks and credit card c...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Wed 2:16 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Canada Day

Happy birthday to the True North, strong and free. This is my favorite version of O Canada . It's the old sign-on/sign off for the CBC, and it's a great collection of Canadian sights and memories. Bonus: Eleven Canadians living in the United States tell us what they miss most about their country. ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Tue 9:26 p.m.

First reaction: Council’s seven goals

Out of the Pensacola City Council's "goal setting session" today came seven goals, or "strategy statements." Without further ado: 1. Maintain a fiscally sound and sustainable city government that earns the trust and respect of the citizens. 2. Provide proficient public safety services in terms of police, fire, disaster preparedness, and storm water management through collaboration among agencies,...
Progressive Pensacola - Tue 7:00 p.m.

Shame On You NBC Channel 8- Time to Admit Your Mistakes

This past Saturday, as tens-of-thousands of Tampa Bay residents celebrated at St. Pete Pride, Tampa's NBC Ch. 8, WFLA, screened the ugly and dangerous anti-gay infomercial -Silencing Christians. Help us DEMAND a public apology from NBC 8, WFLA and STOP this bigoted program from running elsewhere in Florida! The moment we heard about the show, Equality Florida jumped into action and you r...
Equality Florida - Tue 2:51 p.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Far Right-wing campaign targets openly gay Obama appointee

The right-wing Family Research Council is so outraged by the appointment of former Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network president Kevin Jennings to the Department of Education, the group has launched a campaign to get him booted from his post as assistant deputy secretary heading the department's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.. The Stop Kevin Jennings campaign launched Monday mo...
Equality Florida - Tue 2:07 p.m.

Support gay rights, not censorship in the News Channel 8 Gay Pride controversy

Haters are like roaches, running for cover when the light of knowledge and truth shines upon them. I prefer they stay in the light. It's easier to aim the bug spray....
The Political Whore - Tue 2:07 p.m.

Luxury yachts offer pirate hunting cruises

Luxury ocean liners in Russia are offering pirate hunting cruises aboard armed private yachts off the Somali coast. Wealthy punters pay £3,500 per day to patrol the most dangerous waters in the world hoping to be attacked by raiders. When attacked, they retaliate with grenade launchers, machine guns and rocket launchers, reports Austrian business paper Wirtschaftsblatt. Passengers, who ca...
Saint Petersblog - Tue 11:46 a.m.

Minnesota Supreme Court Rules for Al Franken

From MSNBC : The Minnesota Supreme Court has ordered that Democrat Al Franken be certified as the winner of the state's long-running Senate race. Yip yah! Update from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune : The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled today that Democrat Al Franken won the U.S. Senate election and said he was entitled to an election certificate that would lead to him being seated in the Senate. ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Tue 11:46 a.m.

Political Whore Podcast #12: US Senate candidate Kendrick Meek on the stimulus, health care and why ...

Meek says the governor will have to answer voters as to why he is leaving his office, with a majority in both houses of the Legislature, to run instead for the Senate (where he will be in the minority party) while selling it as his best way to help Floridians....
The Political Whore - Tue 10:39 a.m.

Fourth of July goings-on

Here's a round-up of some of the Fourth of July celebrations going down this Saturday: As has been the case for the last 20 years, the Pensacola area's main Fourth of July celebration will be hosted by area Sertoma organisations. Here's the schedule: 11:00 AM—6:30 AM: Arts and crafts, food vendors, a free children's area, and live entertainment in Seville Square 7:30 PM: Free concert by Junior...
Progressive Pensacola - Tue 10:23 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Deliver us from evil . . .

Florida Senate Bill 1126 and House Bill 483 match up to the legislation the AP reported that Governor Crist signed into law in Miami yesterday, with Attorney General McCollum present. S1126 “Expands the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Prosecution to investigate and prosecute certain additional offenses,” and “Provides that certain actions constitute an immediate and serious danger to th...
Progress Florida Blog - Tue 10:23 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Pushing Rope: Someone please kill the Daily Loaf blog

Repost from Pushing Rope : I am searching for the words to perfectly describe just how bad is Creative Loaf blog Daily Loaf. There is the crash and burn attempt at satire. The fictional Charlie Crist romance novel is boringly pointless. "Horrible doused with awful, that's how I'd describe it. Yikes," Litbrit told me. "Oh my God, and here I was thinking Gov. Sanford was the worst writer in the ...
Saint Petersblog - Tue 10:03 a.m.

Poll: McCollum leads Sink, but within MOE

Florida Politics - Tue 10:03 a.m.

The Gay Recession

Today's entry for the piñata of asshattery comes from the great state of Oklahoma, where State Rep. Sally Kern (R, naturally) is working to get the state to issue a proclamation blaming the gays for the current economic crisis. WHEREAS, we believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis; and WHEREAS, this nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, po...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Tue 10:02 a.m.

McCollum has worked part-time for the past two months, schedule shows

From the Palm Beach Post: Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum has carried a part-time workload for the past two months, according to his schedule posted on his Web site. McCollum, a Republican who announced his candidacy for governor on May 18, has worked an average of about 22 hours a week since May 1, the records show. During the same period, McCollum has averaged nearly 17 hours a week of...
Saint Petersblog - Tue 5:59 a.m.

Census and Senseless

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), who has fearmongered the Constitutionally-mandated census next year, may be facing a little census problem of her own. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune said in an editorial; The 2010 census will likely determine whether Minnesota loses one of its eight U.S. House seats; population determines seat allocation. Political experts agree that a few thousand people not fill...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Tue 5:59 a.m.

Gay Liberation Front Surviving Members

At New York City's Gay and Lesbian Community Center, on Thursday June 25, 2009, the surviving founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) each had 3 minutes to tell a personal story from the earliest days of the movement. They discuss organizing, Stonewall, picketing, civil rights, dating, romance, activism and police action. Absolutely fascinating first hand accounts. ...
Bilerico Project Florida - Tue 4:18 a.m.

Blogging Forecast

Just to let you know that this is a very busy time of year at the office; June 30 the end of the state's fiscal year and that means floods of paperwork. I'm getting in early and leaving late, which will curtail my blogging for most of the week. It's a good thing that there's a holiday coming up, or I'd never get caught up. June 30 also means it's time to send best wishes to a lot of my friends ...
Bark Bark Woof Woof - Tue 4:17 a.m.

Two best websites may be from City Council candidates, not mayoral contenders

Of the 22 individuals crazy enough to run for elected office in St. Petersburg, the two with perhaps the best websites are candidates for City Council, rather than the better-funded candidates for Mayor. Well, mayoral candidate ">Scott Wagman has the best website, with plenty of YouTube videos. But at an expense of $20K, the cost of Wagman's website far exceeds its value. ">Jamie Bennett h...
Saint Petersblog - Tue 3:42 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Nice Talk

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Tue 2:56 a.m.

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Tue 1:01 a.m.

Round-up, 06.29.09

A few items I wanted to highlight today: Mason-Dixon: Crist 51, Rubio 23 Pensacola News Journal: "PJC to cut 25 jobs" Jamie Page's Notebook: "Council lists political goals" NorthEscambia.com: "UWF digging for the past in Molino" Pensacola News Journal: "Meetings this week"...
Progressive Pensacola - Mon 3:18 p.m.

Club for Growth concerned re: Crist v Rubio

The Club for Growth, a conservative anti-tax group, is considering running ads in the Republican Party's Senate primary race against Florida Gov. Charlie Crist for supporting higher state taxes and President Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus spending package. Mr. Crist's opponent for the Republican Party's nomination next year is former state Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, a young conser...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 2:05 p.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Exclusive: Crime dominates voter concerns, according to SP voter survey

The Times isn't the only source with for exclusive polling information. I've obtained a copy of a comprehensive voter survey of 400 registered St. Petersburg voters in Districts 2,4,5,6 and 8. I'll be sharing the results of this survey throughout the week. Despite all of the media attention given to the Tampa Bay Rays and the effort to build a new stadium for the team, the issue most on S...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 2:05 p.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

A final video tribute to Billy Mays

The Political Whore - Mon 1:06 p.m.

St. Petersburg mayoral race qualifying ends at 5 pm; restaurateur John Warren gets in at 11th hour

The Political Whore - Mon 12:42 p.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Update: Shame on You WFLA NBC Channel 8!

Equality Florida members have flooded WFLA with more than a thousand emails and phone calls to express their outrage for running homophobic propaganda on the same night as St. Pete Pride. Thank you to everyone who took action! We'll be in touch soon with more updates as the story continues to develop. Here's a piece that ran in the Tampa Tribune on Saturday evening. The text be...
Equality Florida - Mon 11:45 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Fox 13 morning anchor Russell Rhodes won't face DUI charge

The Political Whore - Mon 11:45 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Scott Wagman: Fourth-place poll finish in St. Pete mayor's race is actually good

The Political Whore - Mon 11:45 a.m.

WTF happened to St. Petersblog?

Three months have passed since the last article was posted on St. Petersblog , the snarkiest of local blogs and recipient of a Creative Loafing "Best of the Bay" award . Before that, posting had been increasingly sporadic, which leads me to believe that the anonymous minds behind the blog must have gotten a real job OR (my theory) Alex Pickett was the brains behind the operation, grew ti...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 11:44 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

The Ricci Ruling

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 11:44 a.m.

Gay NYC Marching Bloggers in front of Stonewall on the 40th Anniversary

We assembled on 54th Street at 11:30 AM Sunday June 28, 2009 with our group in Section 8 (of 12 - largest gay pride New York City parade ever). FIrst time the gay bloggers and digital activists marched as a group. We were scheduled to step off at noon. We stepped off at 2:30PM. Four hours later, we paused in front of Stonewall. A wonderful day. A wonderful day. (Photo by my husband, ou...
Bilerico Project Florida - Mon 10:41 a.m.

Ralph Hughes, Brian Blair and Mark Sanford prove themselves typical

The Political Whore - Mon 10:41 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Preliminary results in Billy Mays autopsy set to come at noon news conference

The Political Whore - Mon 10:41 a.m.

Healing the broken Tampa-Cuba connection at an Ybor City forum

The Political Whore - Mon 10:41 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Ginning up a little change - by RW Spisak Jr. of AveryVoice.com

From a story reported on Truth Out Essay by RW Spisak Jr. for AveryVoice.com  "For example, Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, a Florida Republican, bought Citigroup stock valued between $1,001 and $15,000 on Oct. 2, the day before the House passed the financial rescue bill and President George W. Bush signed it into law, records show. She opposed the bill.    &nb...
Progress Florida Blog - Mon 10:41 a.m.

Wall Street Journal labels Charlie Crist the 'Republican Barney Frank'. Yikes!

The editorial page of the Wall Street Journal tagged Charlie Crist as the Republican Barney Frank, but not for the reasons you may assume. "Florida Governor Charlie Crist is running for the U.S. Senate next year, and we wonder if one reason is that he doesn't want to be in Tallahassee when the next hurricane hits his state. His veto of a hurricane insurance reform bill last week all but guar...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 10:40 a.m.

Florida's black media tells Republican Party: It's pay for play

The Political Whore - Mon 8:18 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Here come the knuckle-draggers

Florida Politics - Mon 7:11 a.m.

Gas Price Survey

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 6:11 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

All The Proof You Need

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 6:11 a.m.

Gay Liberation Front Surviving Members

At New York City's Gay and Lesbian Community Center, on Thursday June 25, 2009, the surviving founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) each had 3 minutes to tell a personal story from the earliest days of the movement. They discuss organizing, Stonewall, picketing, civil rights, dating, romance, activism and police action. Absolutely fascinating first hand accounts. Th...
Bilerico Project Florida - Mon 4:31 a.m.

Another Sansom jam

Florida Politics - Mon 4:07 a.m.

Wrongwood Bill working "part-time"

Florida Politics - Mon 4:07 a.m.

Iran's Ahmadinejad responds to Barack Obama

The Political Whore - Mon 3:34 a.m.

Gay Liberation Front Surviving Members

At New York City's Gay and Lesbian Community Center, on Thursday June 25, 2009, the surviving founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) each had 3 minutes to tell a personal story from the earliest days of the movement. They discuss organizing, Stonewall, picketing, civil rights, dating, romance, activism and police action. Absolutely fascinating first hand accounts. Th...
Bilerico Project Florida - Mon 2:27 a.m.

The Best of Bilerico Project this week

Before we get to the best posts from this week on the Bilerico sites, don't forget to e-mail 50 ENDA-shy Democrats ! Friday Michael Jackson: Goodnight, Sweet Prince...or Princess Filed by: Patricia Nell Warren The "New" NJ Trans Drivers License Regs, Part 2: Buying My Identity Filed by: Rebecca Juro Thursday Don't Cry For Mark Sanford, Argentina Filed by: Terrance Heath ...
Bilerico Project Florida - Mon 2:27 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Our One Year Wedding Anniversary: A Journey of Recognition

One year ago, we made a trek from Florida to California to celebrate our 6 year anniversary (this year makes it 7). While visiting San Francisco on June 27, Anthony and I were lucky enough to become one of the 18,000 couples legally wed before Prop 8 stripped the right away . While we may be " limited edition married gays " now, nothing can take away the amazing day when we not only celeb...
Bilerico Project Florida - Mon 2:27 a.m.

Tampa Bay Channel 8 to Air Homophobic Infomercial Tonight

Tell NBC Channel 8 to NOT air this hour of lies! Contact NBC 8 right now and tell them not to run this horrendous program. Tonight at 7pm - unless we act RIGHT NOW - NBC 8, WFLA, is planning to air Silencing Christians - a one-hour anti-LGBT propaganda piece designed to "reveal the truth about the radical homosexual agenda." This ugly infomercial is filled with outra...
Equality Florida - Mon 2:27 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Rhino PAC political mixer in St. Petersburg brings strong messages, open minds

The Political Whore - Mon 2:27 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Weekend Rewind: Chapter 3 of the curiously-like-Charlie-Crist The Governor's Mistress

The Political Whore - Mon 2:27 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

City Hall garden feeds the homeless

Ursula Sheffel helps harvest an early crop of vegetables, planted in front of Baltimore City Hall, for delivery to a homeless resource center. The vegetable gardens planted around Baltimore's War Memorial Plaza in front of City Hall have produced more than 1,500 pounds of vegetables for the kitchens of Our Daily Bread , which feeds the homeless. "We have an opportunity to do somethi...
The 13th Juror - Mon 2:27 a.m.

An invisible woman will be laid to rest

For most of her adult life, 48-year-old Marcia Powell was invisible. Then she died, and slowly came into view. Powell had been in and out of jail for decades, unable to overcome mental illness. She roamed the streets and had been in and out of jail for decades. After offering oral sex to an undercover police officer in exchange for a few dollars, Powell found herself in what has become one of Ar...
The 13th Juror - Mon 2:27 a.m.

It's okay to sleep on the beach again

Police will no longer arrest, cite or harass people under state law for sleeping in public places in Laguna Beach, California, as long as there are no public health or safety concerns. In settling a lawsuit , the city also agreed to “seal, expunge or destroy” citations that were written, and convictions obtained, under the city’s own “anti-sleeping” ordinance. Key portions of that ordinance were...
The 13th Juror - Mon 2:27 a.m.

WaPo’s Dana Milbank calls Nico Pitney a ‘dick’ after heated debate on CNN

Last week, the Huffington Post’s Nico Pitney (who is also a former member of ThinkProgress) found himself in the center of controversy after President Obama called on him at a press conference. One of the harshest pieces came from the Washington Post’s Dana Milbank, who called Pitney a “planted questioner.” Today the two faced off on Howie Kurtz’s “Reliable Sources” segment on CNN. Pitney calle...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 2:27 a.m.

Exclusive: Gibbons, Ford lead race to be next Mayor, according to SP voter survey

The Times isn't the only source with for exclusive polling information. I've obtained a copy of a comprehensive voter survey of 400 registered St. Petersburg voters. I'll be sharing the results of this survey throughout the week. For Deveron Gibbons, the glass is either half-empty or half-full. For Kathleen Ford, the glass is surprising filled-up. For the mythical candidate "Undecided", t...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 2:27 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Exclusive: Rick Baker's endorsement doesn't mean much, according to SP voter survey

The Times isn't the only place for exclusive polling information. I've obtained a copy of a comprehensive survey of 400 registered St. Petersburg voters. I'll be sharing the results of this survey throughout the week. One of the first kernels of knowledge I gleamed from the poll was the low opinion voters in Midtown and other neighborhoods south of Central Avenue hold of Rick Baker's pol...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 2:27 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Rubio takes aim at Crist in fundraising letter

An excerpt from a fundraising letter sent by Brian Seitchik, Marco Rubio's campaign manager: While our opponent’s campaign declares he is too busy “governing” to join Marco in a series of debates, in reality we know he is cozying up to the establishment and special interests – not only in Florida but also in Washington and around the country. Thus, it should come as no surprise when the fu...
Saint Petersblog - Mon 2:27 a.m.

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m.

Get Over Yourself

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m.

Idol Thoughts

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m.

First Wave

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m.

Sunday Reading

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m.

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Summer Memories

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m.

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Sunday Night TV

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Mon 2:06 a.m.

Council attendance update

We haven't talked about City Council attendance in a while, but we've continued to update our attendance tracker. Here's the skinny: When we last posted on attendance, Councilman Ron Townsend had only 64% attendance. He's managed to improve upon that number, posting 80% attendance as of today. However, he's still absent from time to time (such as last night) and still leads the pack in worst atte...
Progressive Pensacola - Jun 26

Phyllis Busansky's funeral draws nearly 1,000 mourners, including Gov. Charlie Crist

The Political Whore - Jun 26

Political Whore Podcast #11: St. Petersburg mayoral candidate Larry Williams

The Political Whore - Jun 26 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Phil Garrett drops out of race against Karl Nurse

Political newcomer has decided not to challenge incumbent Karl Nurse in District 6, according to the City Clerk's office. ...
Saint Petersblog - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Maybe, just maybe, the Times is partially responsible for St. Pete voters' apathy

Not to stir up any more trouble for myself than I usually do, but maybe, just maybe voters are undecided about whom to vote for St. Petersburg Mayor because the Times coverage is so lackluster. Not for lack of trying. The Times has bombarded the voters with coverage of the trivial and trivial candidates. Whether it be stories about Rays' tickets, "sign monsters" or Kentucky Fried Chicken...
Saint Petersblog - Jun 26 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

MacManus: Path to the White House runs through the Senate

From the Washington Examiner : South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s diminished political fortunes are shifting the field for prospective 2012 presidential candidates, with a sudden vacancy on the Republican Party’s short list. “It’s way too early to talk sensibly about the 2012 field, but that’s no reason not to do it,” said Cal Jillson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University. Sa...
Saint Petersblog - Jun 26 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Wengay waxes eloquently about Wagman

Scott Wagman added another name to his collection of endorsements from black leaders whose sole purpose is to supply quotes to the St. Petersburg Times , with St. Petersburg City Councilman Wengay Newton endorsing Mr. Houghton-Wagman's campaign for Mayor. Newton's main criteria for who would make the best Mayor? According to Newton, often the lone voice of dissent on the City Council, that t...
Saint Petersblog - Jun 26 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Gulfport leaders raise $ for Jamie Bennett

Read the atrocious newsletter from the Jamie Bennett Campaign and noticed that, not only was Gulfport Mayor Mike Yakes supporting Bennett, but it looks like Gulfport City Commission members Michelle King and Sam Henderson are raising money for Bennett's campaign: Oh, and if you don't think there's a difference between what I do and what others try to do, look no further than the difference b...
Saint Petersblog - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Rasmussen: McCollum 42%, Sink 34%

Florida Politics - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Wrongwood Bill's campaign "shocked"

Florida Politics - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Tampa Bay Rays stadium committee looking at three Tampa sites

The Political Whore - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Best of the blogs 6-26-09: 2010 Races, Clueless Republicans and more

Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for week ending 6-26-09 Note: the Best of the Blogs is featured weekly as part of Progress Florida's popular free Daily Clips service. "Cash For Gold": a not-so-quick scan of Florida By Gimleteye Eye On Miami It's been 15 years since I've driven the length of the state at one time. Capitol Offense: The AG Race on the Issues By Kenneth Quinnell Flor...
Progress Florida Blog - Jun 26

Ammunition

The latest links to the information you need to counter right-wing spin... Obama is not going to tell every company in America how much they can pay people Bush Mirandized suspects in Afghanistan, too Obama does not favor single-payer health care Obama didn't take over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Bush did A NASA report did not prove that humans didn't cause global warming ...
Progress Florida Blog - Jun 26

Health Insurance Game

These are the people being paid big bucks to make sure you don't get the health insurance policy you deserve. Click to play the game "Who's Waldo?" ...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Jun 26

The urgent need for public transportation in Tampa; how you can get involved

The Political Whore - Jun 26 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Forgive and Forget

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 26 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Friday Blogaround

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 26

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 26 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Perspective

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

A Bilerico interview with new GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios

At yesterday's Manhattan meet-and -greet for GLAAD's new president, Jarrett Barrios, I had an exclusive Bilerico sit-down with an articulate and passionate man who had just finished speaking to the gathering about raising two sons with his husband and how the work of changing public perceptions and attitudes about LGBT people isn't just a side issue, it's a necessity for the safety, happiness a...
Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 25

URGENT!! Save Hate Crimes bill NOW!

I just got a phone call from a well placed source on Capital Hill that confirmed that the hate crimes bill currently before the Senate will be added to the Defense Authorization Bill. Remember how well that worked out for us last time ? Congressmembers can use our lives to bargain for bombs and defense spending instead of simply affirming our dignity as human beings worthy of safety from p...
Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 25

Friday Catblogging

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 25

Two Passings

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 25

Quizzing Ken Hagan's office: Are they really going to answer for all citizen problems throughout Hil...

The Political Whore - Jun 25 - 15 clicks 15 clicks

Round-up, 06.25.09

A few items I wanted to highlight today: Rick's Blog: "IN celebrates 10th Anniversary" Happy birthday, IN! Pensapedia: "Henry C. Mustin" Maren DeWeese: "Goals" Independent News: "The Buzz" ...
Progressive Pensacola - Jun 25

The Mark Sanford files: It's 10 p.m. Do you know where your governor is?

The Political Whore - Jun 25 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Amendment 4: Let Teh Stoopid Begin

Amendment 4, aka the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment , would take land use decisions away from county commissions and give them to voters via referendums. As I said in a previous blog post , the Chamber of Commerce and big developers are vehemently against voters crashing their lavish party. You can expect the Chamber and their anti-Amendment 4 front group, the Orwellian-named "Floridian...
Progress Florida Blog - Jun 25 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Know when to hold 'em . . .

Sometimes it’s easy to tell when you’re dealing with someone that’s two complete suits shy of a full deck and harmless, despite threats. That was the apparent judgment call made by a California bank manager who, after stalling, handed a robber just $250 although his note said he had a gun, and a bomb, and wanted $20,000 in large bills. The banker got it right. Linroy Bottoson owned a gun, b...
Progress Florida Blog - Jun 25

Jamie Bennett's newest consultant reaches deal in election fraud investigation

According to the North Country Gazette, Miami political consultant Derek Newton, recently hired by Jamie Bennett to run his mayoral campaign, has reached a tenative plea deal in a three-year long election fraud investigation involving the 2006 campaign for State Representative District 108 when authorities say he tried to sabotage a candidate running against his client. According to the report: ...
Saint Petersblog - Jun 25 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Nina Hayden just shot herself in the foot

I guess if she is crazy enough to give up her seat on the Pinellas School Board to run against Jack Latvala, it should come as no surprise then that Nina Hayden is endorsing Steve Kornell for St. Petersburg City Council. The only problem with this endorsement is that Kornell is running against Angela Rouson, wife of Darryl Rouson, the rockstar of the Pinellas legislative delegation. So basic...
Saint Petersblog - Jun 25 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

City Council meeting tonight

The Pensacola City Council will meet tonight at 7:00 PM, in Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall. You can also view the meeting on Cox Cable channel 4 or streaming on the City's web site. The agenda is included below, or can be accessed at the City web site. For Progressive Pensacola's breakdown of the issues Council considered at its committee meetings earlier this week, see "The coming wee...
Progressive Pensacola - Jun 25 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Draft Ken Welch

Saint Petersblog - Jun 25 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Fluid sex. Schedule it for 2020.

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 25

Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda wants us to drink shit

The Political Whore - Jun 25 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

The Mark Sanford files: Hiking up the skirt

The Political Whore - Jun 25 - 8 clicks 8 clicks

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen co-sponsors a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (E...

The Political Whore - Jun 25 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Once More, It's Good News for Republicans

Grover Norquist, stretching to win the Wanker of the Day Award: "I disagree with the idea that this shows problems for the modern Republican Party. I think instead it shows that sexual attractiveness of limited-government conservatism.” Here's the "modern" GOP platform . ...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Jun 25

Straight Dope: Why did astronauts train for the moon in barren wastelands?

The Political Whore - Jun 25

Florida Fault Line

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 25 - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Judgment Day for Mark Sanford

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 25 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Just a Thought...

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 25

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 25 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Hoop dreams laid to rest

Saint Petersblog - Jun 24

Can't have Ileana Ros-Lehtinen comment on climate change

DailyKos (Florida) - Jun 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Another Family Values Republican In Trouble

DailyKos (Florida) - Jun 24

One More Politician in Scientology's Stable?

DailyKos (Florida) - Jun 24

"Hunger can be a positive motivator."

Only someone who has never been seriously hungry could say that. The quote comes from state representative Cynthia Davis, who serves as chairwoman of the Missouri House Special Standing Committee on Children and Families. She was criticizing a summer program that will provide free breakfast and lunch to needy children because it costs money ("increased government spending"). She even thinks th...
The 13th Juror - Jun 24

Mango and raspberry dressing

A little breeze made tonight's dinner even better. It's been oh so hot lately. On the Food Not Bombs menu at Orlando's Lake Eola Park: mango-raspberry dressing on spinach leaves, black bean soup, Mexican rice, roasted asparagus, green bean casserole and strawberries and blueberries for dessert. And then there were mangos to go. Some other folks showed up to hand out packages of crackers and ap...
The 13th Juror - Jun 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Obama protecting federal trans employees

Obama is working to make it illegal to discriminate against federal transgender employees. Read about it here .  ...
Equality Florida - Jun 24

Post-Coital Admissions

Nothing is so satisfying to fundamentalist religious types as the confession of a sinner who has learned the error of his ways, even if he's a hypocrite. Heck, especially if he's a hypocrite. The more loathsome the sins, the more thrilling the confession: [W]atching Sanford's confession today, I kept thinking about Sen. John Ensign's (R-Nev.) identical confession just last week. The circumstanc...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Jun 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

'Crying in Argentina'

"I've spent the last five days crying in Argentina" -- Mark Stanford (R-S.C.) This didn't take long. Someone on YouTube dedicates it to Mark Sanford . As for us, we forgave Madonna for everything after watching her memorable performance in Evita . ...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Jun 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Action Alert: Fully Inclusive ENDA Introduced! Ask Your Representative to Become a Cosponsor!

Fully Inclusive ENDA Introduced Ask Your Representative to Become a Cosponsor! Great News! Representative Barney Frank, joined by leading Republican co-sponsor, Florida's own Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, is set to introduce a bipartisan, fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) today. Email your representative NOW. ...
Equality Florida - Jun 24

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford: He's missing, errr, he's hiking, err, he's cruising, err, he's fuc...

The Political Whore - Jun 24

The Iranian Neda video and having faith in the function, if not the form, of journalism

The Political Whore - Jun 24

Guiliani trails Cuomo but destroys Patterson in latest polls re New York gov race

Saint Petersblog - Jun 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

10 things I think I think about the latest poll of the St. Petersburg Mayor's Race

Saint Petersblog - Jun 24 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Our state sites are on the hunt!

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Health Care Tea Party targets Sen. Bill Nelson's Tampa office next week

The Political Whore - Jun 24 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Potty mouth: Tampa to let voters decide on drinking treated wastewater

The Political Whore - Jun 24

Associated Press tells its employees: Police your Facebook accounts

The Political Whore - Jun 24

We must change Tallahassee

This is why we have to change who we send to Tallahassee. The unemployment rate is 10.2 and leadership in Tallahassee decided to make some sort of ideological statement to the new administration in Washington. Government should be about making people's lives better and helping those in need, not making hollow ideological statements just because you don't like the President.  We need to ch...
Equality Florida - Jun 24

Barack Obama news conference: things are getting testy with the press (video)

The Political Whore - Jun 24

What's Chain Gang Charlie to do?

Florida Politics - Jun 24

Quote of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 24

Down Argentine Way

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 24

The World Saw

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 24

Under the Radar

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 24

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 24

Beyond the Grave

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 24

Video of Dr. Jill Biden at GLSEN Respect awards

This is a fabulous video from a speech given by Dr. Jill Biden at the GLSEN Respect awards. In this video she boldly calls out bullying and harassment against LGBTQ students and commits the Obama-Biden White House to protecting LGBTQ students in their schools. ...
Equality Florida - Jun 23

immigration laws affect the glbtq community too!!!

I am privileged enough to see my life through the lens of a gay man and an immigrant! I left the small town where I grew up in Latin America when I was only 17 years old. After growing up in an ultra conservative family and going to private Catholic school all my life, I could not have been more excited to move the United States. I was happy because I always admired the extremely high value tha...
Equality Florida - Jun 23

Remembering Phyllis Busansky

The Political Whore - Jun 23

Scott Wagman, Jamie Bennett top field at St. Pete Pride mayoral debate

The Political Whore - Jun 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Campaigning on Marriage Equality

A growing trend in American politics : You can watch video of Governor Corzine campaigning at a gay pride event -- and making it very, very clear he supports marriage equality here . It's pretty clear that Corzine himself -- unprompted -- is the one making marriage an issue. He wants to talk about it. He's not coming up with convoluted excuses, like so many pols do. This is the future. And, ...
Progress Florida Blog - Jun 23

Video: Huckabee endorses Rubio

Saint Petersblog - Jun 23

Reaction on the news of Phyllis Busansky's passing

The Political Whore - Jun 23

Folsom Street East - so NSFW and so politically incorrect

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 23

Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Phyllis Busansky found dead in St. Augustine

The Political Whore - Jun 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Can Jamie Bennett make a comeback?

Saint Petersblog - Jun 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

The Hill profile on Kendrick Meek

Saint Petersblog - Jun 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

"Hometown Democracy" referendum a go

Florida Politics - Jun 23

Question of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 23

It's Not About Us

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 23

Good For Him

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 23

Pictures from Pride of Greater Ft. Lauderdale!

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 23

More legal fees for Brian Blair: administrative trial set for 2008 campaign finance charges

The Political Whore - Jun 23

Irony of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 23

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Tahiti Trot

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 23

Countdown to Transformers - 24 hours

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Invitation from Crist's DC fundraiser

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Countdown to Transformers - 27 hours

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Hiatus

Seminole Democrats - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Florida Legislators Urge President to Repeal DADT

Our friend, Representative Alcee Hastings, is leading the charge in Congress to ask the President to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. His letter, signed by other members of Congress, including 5 members from Florida, is below.  June 22, 2009 The Honorable Barack H. Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Obama: The United States of America ...
Equality Florida - Jun 22

Countdown to Transformers - 36 hours

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Soft Gooey Center

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Quote of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Tampa Tribune: Conservative power broker Ralph Hughes died owing millions in taxes to IRS

The Political Whore - Jun 22 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

The Iron Sheik on Brian Blair (video)

The Political Whore - Jun 22 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Optimus Prime versus Megatron

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Brian Blair says fight, arrest 'unfortunate' and 'a misunderstanding'

The Political Whore - Jun 22

The federal deficit, and perceptions of it, start to imperil Barack Obama's health care reform

The Political Whore - Jun 22

Which campaign website is scarier...Richard Eldridge's or Joe Smith's?

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Video: Blair says it was a 'misunderstanding'

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Sen. Jim King shows his soft side

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Countdown to Transformers begins

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Rubio challenges Crist to a series of debates

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Tampa Bay's top social winos vie for 'really goode job' at Murphy-Goode winery (videos)

The Political Whore - Jun 22

Honor thy acronym, FBI

The EPA recently showed signs of realizing that the letter “P” in their acronym stands for Protection, not Pandering, ending eight years of confusion that resulted in inappropriate actions. The FBI’s similar acronym confusion appears to have existed for decades with no end in sight; they’re apparently still laboring under the misconception that “I” stands for Intrigue, which explains the differ...
Progress Florida Blog - Jun 22

Tampa Trib suggests Rays should look across the bay for a new stadium

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Penny for your thoughts, Charlie

Florida Politics - Jun 22

Losing One of the Family

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Sunday Reading

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

What They Really Want

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Friday Catblogging

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Blog Note

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Staying the Course

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Taking It to the Streets

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Question of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Swat

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Bank Job

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Quote of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Friday Blogaround

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22 - 6 clicks 6 clicks

Quote of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Nice To Be Reminded

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Short Takes

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Ruling vs. Governing

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

A Little Music

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Summer Sunrise

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Happy Father's Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Sphincter of the Day

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Classic Thursday Night TV

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22

Things Are Tough All Over

Bark Bark Woof Woof - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Bipartisanship and Feauxpartisanship

The healthcare debate reached a new level last week as the House and Senate released early proposals for comprehensive healthcare reform. The main bone of contention, as you might have expected, is the one item that determines whether this reform is truly reform or not: the inclusion of a public option for health coverage that competes with private insurance plans. Politics is a funny thing. Yo...
Progress Florida Blog - Jun 22

Bob Smith wikiblasts Crist, Rubio

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Will Florida recognize gay adoptions from other states?

While we continue to fight in Tallahassee to change Florida's notorious adoption law, our legal partners at the ACLU and NCLR are pursuing two promising cases in the Florida courts. However, we need to be careful not to put all of our hopes in a legal solution. First, getting to and winning before the Florida Supreme Court is a very tall order. An d second, even a victory in Florida's Supreme C...
Equality Florida - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Round-up, 06.22.09

A few items I wanted to highlight today: Maren DeWeese: "Proposed Interlocal kills Pensacola Promise" Pensacola News Journal: "Pollution fears loom for downtown school site" Pensacola News Journal: "City recycling sees success in its first week" Pensacola News Journal: "City's parades in peril"...
Progressive Pensacola - Jun 22

Judge orders Brian Blair released on his own recognizance

The Political Whore - Jun 22

Wagman advertising on NYTimes.com

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22

Bill Foster's thinking has evolved

Saint Petersblog - Jun 22 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Former Hillsborough Commissioner Brian Blair arrested, charged with child abuse in fight with teen s...

The Political Whore - Jun 21

Fresh from underwriting legislative coup in NY, billionaire Tom Golisano to run for Senate in Florid...

Saint Petersblog - Jun 21 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair arrested on child abuse charges

Saint Petersblog - Jun 21 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

"It's all about keeping political power"

Florida Politics - Jun 21 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

"The Times of Harvey Milk" now on YouTube

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 21

Forget about compassion. This makes economic sense!

Kelly Hall, a new shelter in Punta Gorda, embraces a controversial model of allowing residents to continue drinking and using drugs during their stay for up two years. "It goes against conventional wisdom," said Jerry Thompson, president of Coastal Behavioral Health Care, the nonprofit group running the program. "But in the worst-case scenario, someone stays for two years and continues using, it'...
The 13th Juror - Jun 21 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Fathers Day poem: Failure by Phillip Schultz

Saint Petersblog - Jun 21 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Sunday's editorial pages

Saint Petersblog - Jun 21

Sunday's editorial pages

Saint Petersblog - Jun 21

Change We Can Believe In- Moving Towards Equality, at Least on the Local Level

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 21 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Weekend rewind: PoHo drops in on the Nosh Pit podcast to talk restaurants, wines

The Political Whore - Jun 21 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Dawn Chorus Birdblog:  Vacation Birding

DailyKos (Florida) - Jun 20 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Shock & Awe in the LGBT Blogosphere

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 20

Photos from Oakland Park's First Ever Pride Event- Movie in the Park

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 20

New GI Joe: RoC trailer blows

Saint Petersblog - Jun 20 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Still in limbo

Paulla Anderson lived for a year and a half in Gainesville's Tent City and is now looking for a place to live. "We've had to move three times this week, and we still have nowhere to go," she said. The deadline for residents of Tent City to get out or be charged with trespassing was generally observed, Gainesville police said. "Of course everyone got out -- we knew they (police) were seri...
The 13th Juror - Jun 20 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Dumpster diving for cardboard and other adventures on the street

Over at Mobile Loaves & Fishes , Alan is sharing the experiences of the folks doing a Street Retreat. A group of men and women from different backgrounds and different walks of life set out for 72 hours on the streets with no food, water, telephones, credit cards, or cash. Alan describes the experience as "very powerful and transforming." Check out his photos at whrrl , too. ...
The 13th Juror - Jun 20

Rubio lands big-name supporters for Senate campaign

Saint Petersblog - Jun 20 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Florida Students Protest to Protect a Community

Bilerico Project Florida - Jun 20

Weekend rewind: Greenpeeves

The Political Whore - Jun 20 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Fox News is still Funny!

Seminole Democrats - Jun 20

All-America City: What do 950+ excited civic activists and government officials sound like in Tampa?...

The Political Whore - Jun 19

All-America City: The 10 winners, and Tampa doesn't get the brass ring

The Political Whore - Jun 19

The Funny Farm

It's not just the Republican Party that's acting psycho. The Washington Post has fired its best-read Internet columnist ; and Charles Krauthammer is as delusional as ever . He would be; he once was a psychiatrist. Even so, Krauthammer truly belongs on the funny farm that has become the Washington Post. Where else does anyone take seriously foreign policy advice from Paul Wolfowitz ? Or, where ...
Pensacola Beach Blog - Jun 19