Independent News‘State & National News’ Archives
Another sexual assault by Air Force officer
Stars and Stripes reports that the chief of the Air Force’s sexual assault prevention and response branch--Lt. Col. Jeffrey Krusinski-- was arrested by Arlington, Va. police this weekend and charged with sexual battery. Krusinski, 41, is accused of approaching a woman in a parking lot and [...]
NRA gives Nobles A rating
Press Release—Jack Nobles, former small business owner and community leader, today received an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and was hailed as “pro-gun” by the United Sportsmen of Florida. An “A” rating is the highest rating a candidate can receive from the NRA [...]
Was Lt. Gov. Carroll forced out of office?
Art Rocker, chairman of the Florida Southern Christian Leadership Conference believes so. Rocker has issued the following statement: Following the discussion of the “Stand your Ground” law and committee, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll of Florida abruptly resigned. The question now is what is [...]
Gaetz speaks out against Internet cafes
Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) today released the following statement regarding his support for legislation to ban Internet cafes in Florida. “The Senate Gaming Committee will meet on Monday, March 18, for the purpose of considering legislation to ban Internet cafes in [...]
Breaking News: Lt. Gov. Carroll resigning
Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll is resigniing. The Florida Times-Union reports that Carroll's resignation will be announced shortly. It comes amid an investigation into Carroll's involvement with Allied Veterans of the World, a non-profit that operates internet cafes in Florida and is being investigated [...]
Attorney General Bondi wants bodies exhumed
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office today filed a petition on behalf of Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter to allow him to exhume human remains on the site of the Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Fla. for up to one year. The petition seeks a court order to exhume bodies from “Boot Hill [...]
Rick Scott’s State of the State address
IT’S WORKING Thank you so much for being here today. I especially want to thank President of the Senate Don Gaetz and Speaker of the House Will Weatherford. These are men of faith devoted to helping Florida families. Like everyone in this chamber, they are committed to helping our state [...]
Editorial published in Ocala newspaper’s Sunday edition
My Florida Voices column - "Florida’s prison privatization is no paradise" - was published yesterday in Ocala Star Banner in its opinion section. In his fiscal year 2014 budget, Gov. Rick Scott proposes to eliminate 2,355 jobs by privatizing health services for state prisoners. Privatization [...]
Quiz Our Lawmakers
Why can't city's regulate guns in their jurisdictions? What are they doing to help with the large number of uninsured in Escambia County? What are their positions on casinos? Press Release: Legislators Answer Citizens’ Questions Live on WSRE TV Program February 15 — Viewer Questions [...]
Firefighters: Retirement of FL Public Employees in Jeopardy
By Stephanie Carroll Carson, Florida News Connection TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A proposal to change the retirement benefits of public employees, such as teachers and firefighters, is gaining momentum in the Florida House of Representatives. House Bill 7011 would force all public employees hired by [...]
Rep. Ingram wants to stamp out spice
Press Release: Rep. Clay Ingram (R-Pensacola) filed House Bill 619, which bans a group of synthetic cannabinoids and substitute cathinones, commonly known as “spice,” “K2” or “bath salts.” Marketed as legal alternatives to illicit drugs like cocaine and marijuana, these toxic compounds [...]
Gov. Scott announces first state brand. Rejects Florida: The Upside of America
Press Release: Yesterday, Enterprise Florida (EFI) and Governor Rick Scott unveiled Florida’s first-ever business brand in front of EFI’s board of directors and key stakeholders. The brand reflects the state’s existing business foundation, economic power, capabilities and resources, all of [...]