FLORIDA FOCUS: Blogs, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

DARWIN DAY 2009 EVENTS: Feb. 12, 2009 (not all events on the same day)

Darwin's 200th birthday, to be celebrated by the GLOBAL community as a toast to the common good of all humanity. We will all want to develop events to Celebrate Darwin, Science and Humanity and come together as one human family in appreciation of verifiable knowledge that has been acquired solely through human curiosity and ingenuity. Scientific knowledge has been of great value to all of us.

Origins '09: A Celebration of the Birth & Life of Beginnings
Date and Time: 2009-03-16 20:30:00

Tallahassee/FL 32306, UNITED STATES

Event Website: http://www.orgins.fsu.edu

Activities:
plenary lectures for lay audiences on topics ranging from cosmology to religion to music; a science & arts fair featuring demonstrations by physicists, marine scientists and local artists with a special feature showcase of the best Florida writers in environmental and scientific fields

Sponsor: Florida State University

Contact: Frank Stephenson
Email: fstephenson_at_fsu.edu
Phone: 850-644-8634

Darwin Day Poster Contest
Date and Time: 2009-02-07 10:00:00
Address:
Tampa/FL , UNITED STATES

Event Website: http://www.centerforinquiry.net/tampa

Activities:
Contest is open to Middle School students. Posters will be judged on science (evolution or Darwin), not on artistic merit. Posters must contain both graphics and text. Cash awards will be given.

Sponsor: Center for Inquiry Tampa

Contact: Rick O'Keefe
Email: Tampa_at_CenterForInquiry.net
Phone: 813.849.7571


BLOGGING FLORIDA: FLA Politics covers the Florida Netroots and Florida politics.

The Florida Progressive Coalition coverse progressive politics in Florida.

LeftyBlogs Florida is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Florida.


Here are some stories of interest:

Why Torture Doesn't Work: Thing is, this isn't new! People have known for some time that torture isn't really very effective...as well as being illegal and immoral. And on a related issue: Closing Gitmo

Bush's Legacy: We were WARNED and we were ATTACKED

Medicaid slashed as demand soars. More fallout from years of Republican mismanagement

Message From: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Minutes from a March meeting with Sansom, Northwest Florida College appear. And earlier coverage of the same issue: Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom's corrupt bargain with Northwest Florida State College

Senate Democrats Attempts to Help Floridians Rejected by Republicans

Mass Transit = Potential Major Economic Stimulus

Renewable energy goal could be 2020

Brevard's Ottis Toole Corruption Connection

Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom's corrupt bargain with Northwest Florida State College

From Alex Sink's Newsletter: Florida CFO Alex Sink warns annuity fraudsters: tougher laws now on the books

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink's 2008 legislative push to target agents using predatory annuity practices against seniors now results in tougher penalties for fraudsters in Florida. Effective January 1, 2009, SB 2082 strengthens the fines against agents who target Floridians using fraudulent annuities sales practices. The legislation also makes it a third degree felony to submit a fraudulent signature, prohibits agents from using fake designations to falsely imply financial expertise, and clarifies and strengthens suitability requirements that agents must meet when selling an annuity to a consumer.

"This legislation represents a good first step," CFO Sink said. "We were able to increase protections for seniors and punish agents who commit financially devastating crimes. That said, I will continue to push for it to be a felony to intentionally deceive a senior into an inappropriate annuity product. And I'm not going to rest until we're able to put unscrupulous agents that prey on our seniors behind bars."

Highlights of amendments to F.S. 627.4554 – Annuity Investments by Seniors (effective 1/01/09):

* Agents licensed in Florida must take a minimum of three hours of continuing education on the subject of suitability in annuity and life insurance transactions.
* Any person who willfully submits fraudulent signatures on an application or policy-related document commits a felony of the third degree.
* Any agent who misuses a designation to imply they have specialized training or knowledge or misrepresents their actual qualifications, commits a violation of the unfair trade practices.
* Significantly expands the type of information the agent is required to collect from the senior consumer to determine suitability when recommending an annuity.
* Requires the agent to complete a detailed comparison form comparing the benefits of the senior consumer's existing annuity to the one being recommended by the agent as a replacement.
* Increases the period in which the consumer can obtain an unconditional refund if the consumer decides not to accept the life or annuity policy from 10 to 14 days from the date the policy is received.
* Imposes fine maximums of $30,000 for each willful violation of twisting, churning and submission of fraudulent signatures.

Every day, hundreds of Floridians fall victim to financial fraud. Many of these victims are trusting seniors who were misled into making risky or inappropriate financial investments, including annuities and reverse mortgages, by unscrupulous agents and scam artists. In response, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has created the Safeguard our Seniors (SOS) Task Force to develop solutions to better protect Florida seniors from falling victim to financial fraud. For more information visit www.flseniors.net.

Floridians who believe they may have been victims of annuity fraud should call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) or log on to www.MyFloridaCFO.com to file a complaint.

50 steps toward ending homelessness

Cigarette Tax Eyed As Tallahassee Faces Budget Shortfalls

From Daily Kos, here is a preview of Florida Politics in 2010:

The Sunshine State ought to have one of the most exciting, highest-profile, and most expensive U.S. Senate races in the nation in 2010, when freshman Republican Mel Martinez is expected to seek reelection.

Martinez is considered one of the most vulnerable Republicans on the 2010 slate. He won election just 51% to 49% in 2004 over Democrat Betty Castor, and his approvals and reelects are in the toilet:

Public Policy Polling did three surveys over the summer looking at Mel Martinez's job approval rating and how some potential opponents would fare against him.

In June his approval rating was 23%, in July it was 24%, and in September it was 23%.

We found that in hypothetical 2010 matchups Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink would lead Martinez 37-31, Congressman Robert Wexler would be tied with him 31-31, former Senator Bill Graham would lead him 51-31, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz would lead him 38-37, Congressman Allen Boyd would lead him 37-33, and Congressman Ron Klein would lead him 37-33. Martinez is probably the most endangered incumbent in the country for 2010 and given his lack of popularity even with Republicans is ripe for a strong primary challenge.

"Bill Graham", I assume, refers to Bob Graham. He's not running, but it's very possible that any of the others - Reps. Wexler, Klein, Boyd and Debbie Wasserman Schultz - might give it a go, and so might Rep. Kathy Castor, Betty Castor's daughter and a rising star in the state party.

Sink is the biggest name in current state Democratic politics and the best equipped for a statewide run. As the polling numbers indicate, she'd start the race in the best position against Martinez, but whether she runs will depend somewhat on whether she decides to run for Governor, either now or in the future.

Martinez is the big target for 2010, but there's also a Governor's race to be held. Unfortunately, Republican Governor Charlie Crist enjoys exceptionally high approval ratings, and is likely not to draw a particularly strong opponent. Alex Sink and State Sen. Dan Gelber (who gets a free shot at the race, as his term expires in 2012) are the only ones rumored for the race, and it certainly seems that Sink would be best served either running against Martinez, or waiting until 2014 to run for Governor.

In the House, there are three races which look especially promising for next cycle (because of Florida's ridiculous gerrymandering, there's always a race that can be won somewhere, if only because Democrats start from such a position of disadvantage.

FL-10 is home to ancient Republican Rep. C.W. "Bill" Young. C.W. Bill has been around for several generations, having been first elected in 1970, and he'll turn 80 years old in 2010. He's bound to retire some day, and he holds a district which leans slightly Democratic at the presidential level (with a PVI of D+1.1).

Democrats have a built-in candidate just waiting for Young to hang up his spikes - State Senator Charlie Justice (and if ever there was a great name for a politician, it is "Charlie Justice"). He'd have to resign his Senate seat to run for Congress, but that should be a fairly easy call given the opportunity.

FL-16: Sex scandals have flipped this R+2 district twice in the past two cycles - once from Republican Mark Foley to Democrat Tim Mahoney, and once from Mahoney to Republican Tom Rooney. (Foley, Mahoney, Rooney...apparently being Irish is a prerequisite to holding this seat).

Rooney should get a fairly strong challenge his first time out of the gate, before he gets too entrenched, and there's one especially strong Democrat to take him on. That would be State Senator Dave Aronberg of Greenacres. Aronberg lives just outside the district, in the 19th Congressional District, but his Senate district overlaps considerably with the 16th.

Aronberg is young (37), considered fairly moderate, has a base of support in his Senate district, and is exceptionally intelligent. The DCCC would do well to try and recruit Aronberg into the race, although he is not, in fact, Irish.

FL-25: Orange to Blue candidate Joe Garcia came exceptionally close to knocking off incumbent Republican Mario Diaz-Balart in 2008, losing just 53% to 47%.

With a seemingly strong base of support in Miami-Dade County, Garcia seems fairly well positioned to take another crack at the race. Garcia is only 40, and has a bright future in electoral politics if he wants to stay in the game. It doesn't look as though redistricting will help much (the Republicans will control it), so 2010 seems as good a time as any.

Alternative Energy in Florida:

Here is a biodiesel cooperative in Florida. If you drive a diesel truck or car, check them out.

Brevard BioDiesel
Brevard County

Brevard Biodiesel seeks to promote the availability and use of clean-burning, renewable biodiesel fuel as a replacement for petroleum by raising public awareness of its environmental, economic, and national security benefits.

Check out their website. They have some good environmental news reports on their site.


Here are some other alternative energy groups in Florida:

SolarCity Gainesville is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of solar and renewable energy in Gainesville and Alachua County. Go here for more info.

Jacksonville's Sustainable Future:
Jacksonville's Sustainable Future is a resource for those who are concerned about Global Climate Change and want to do something, as well as a resource for those who want to learn more.

Our focus is on creating a better world for future generations.

Join us to discuss citizen awareness projects, personal endeavors, and other plans for a better future for Jacksonville, Orange Park, the Beaches, St. Augustine, Fernandina, and the other areas that make up Greater Jacksonville. Go here for more info.

We are working on a number of projects related to energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

Please join us if you want to work towards a greener, cleaner, and healthier future for our community.

Alternative Energy Resources in Florida: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Florida. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo
Apr 19, 2009 - Apr 22, 2009

Orlando, Florida - The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) presents the 15th annual AF&V Conference + Expo April 19-22, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. Alternative fuels, vehicles and advanced technologies for public and private fleet applications are the focal points of this fuel and technology neutral conference. As the largest conference and tradeshow of its kind, AF&V 2009 is the place to educate, demonstrate and sell. More info here.


Here are some Florida groups and events:

Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Second Saturday of every month at 10 AM
Event Location: El-Portal City Hall 500 NE 87 Street, The Village of El-Portal.

We welcome new membership, please join us, free continental breakfast served! Honorable Joyce A. Davis, President 305-754-0934

Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Miami-Dade
Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:00PM
Hoja Nueva Restaurant at the Westin Colonade
Please attend the monthly meeting for the Miami Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. For more info: 305 632-0036

Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club
Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club Breakfast Meeting
Event Location: “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 ST Miami, FL 33135 Fourth Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. (If this is the same Versailles Cuban restaurant that I know in California, the food is fantastic! Particularly the roast chicken and rost pork).

The Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club invites you to its next breakfast meeting at “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 St
Cost: $15 per person.

For more info contact: Hector Caraballo (President, Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club) at hector_at_miamicubandems.org

MIAMI-DADE YOUNG DEMS MONTHLY MEETING
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7pm
Location:
Gordon Biersch
1201 Biscayne Ave. Miami, FL 33131
For info: 786-425-1130

Planned Parenthood Mixer
Join us at On Tapp Lounge for our monthly mixer with Planned Parenthood. On Tapp is located on New Haven Haven just before you go over the Melbourne Causeway on the left side.

We meet at 5:30 pm the 4th Tuesday of every month. Brevard NOW and Planned Parenthood will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade and discuss the 2008 plans for both our organization. For more info, please call Michele Paccione/President at 480-9295 or e-mail at shellymk1@aol.com
Organization: Brevard NOW
Event link: www.myspace.com/brevardnow

Sumter County Democratic Club
P.O. Box 1066 Wildwood, FL 34785
General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of every month Sumterville Community Center

Tri-County Women's Democratic Club
General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st Monday of every month at the Sumter County Sheriff's Annex on Highway 466 @ Morse Boulevard.

Charlotte County Democrats meeting
The Charlotte County Democratic Club meets on the second Saturday of every month. Please join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and snacks. The meeting starts at 10 AM. Location is the upstairs meeting room at the Public Library on Aaron Street in Port Charlotte. Call 743-5560 for directions or more info.

Peace Vigil West New Haven 5:00PM - 6:30PM
First Wednesday of the month at the "Peace Corner" 1700 West New Haven (just west of the Melbourne Square Mall). Signs provided or bring your own. Please bring nonperishable food items for "Food Not Bombs". Food is distributed to local families in need.

More info 321-720-3520 or vimpoco@cfl.rr.com
Organization: Patriots For Peace

Weekly Peace Vigil in Homosassa
Every Tuesday, 4:00 PM
Meet at Hardee's at Route 19 & Hall's River Road - Homosassa

Call Ed Murphy 382-0876 for more info

Weekly Peace Vigil in Inverness
Every Thursday, 5:00 PM
Old Citrus Courthouse

Call Beverly at 400-4174 for more info


And for those interested in a more fun way to be liberal, here are Florida's Drinking Liberal groups:

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
* Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Orlando, Florida
* Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm onward
* Johnny's Fillin' Station, 2706 S Ferncreek Ave (NE corner of Michigan and Fern Creek)
* Hosted by Dan Hill, orlando (at) drinkingliberally.or

Pensacola, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Intermission, 214 S Palafox St
* Hosted by Terry Welch, pensacola (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tallahassee, Florida
* Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Gill's Tavern, 2545 North Monroe Street
* Hosted by Sharon Collins, tallahassee (at) drinkingliberally.org

South Tampa UPDATED
* Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward (used to only be first Thursday)
* Rock-N-Sports, 1600 E 8th Ave, #E200 (Above Starbucks, Across from Muvico, Next to Adobe Guilas)
* Hosted by Tim Heberlein, southtampa (at) drinkingliberally.org
* http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/southtampa

St. Petersburg
* Last Thursday of each month, 8:30 pm onward
* Limey's Pub, 1492 4th St N
* Hosted by Connor Davis and Dave Lee, stpetersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Brandon
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Giordano's, 11310 Causeway Blvd, Brandon FL 33511 (Outside patio) (NEW location)
* Hosted by Joe Litton and Shirley Litton, brandon (at) drinkingliberally.org
* http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/brandon

Land O Lakes
* Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Rapscallions, 4422 Land O Lakes Blvd (US-41)
* Hosted by Brian Reach and Michael Greenman, landolakes (at) drinkingliberally.orgF