Government Digest: July 16 - July 22

Sen. Bennett crafts immigration bill

TALLAHASSEE — An immigration bill modeled after Arizona's law is being developed by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, and Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, a retired career law enforcement officer. Criminal suspects and traffic law violators would need to show proof of legal residency, under the bill, if questioned. Those with insufficient documentation could be taken to a local federal detention center. The bill is expected to be filed for the 2011 regular session.

The federal government is suing to overturn Arizona's immigration law. A July 6 Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of 500 likely voters shows that 60% of Florida residents oppose the U.S. Justice Department's decision to challenge the law, and just 28% support the litigation while 12% are not sure. According to the survey, three out of five Florida voters (62%) favor an Arizona-style law, 24% oppose it and 14% are unsure.

Scott, McCollum to debate in Tampa

FLORIDA — Republican candidates for governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Bill McCollum, will debate in Tampa Aug. 5 at the FOX 13 studio. An earlier debate is set for Aug. 2 in Miami to be televised on the Univision network. The winner of the Aug. 24 primary will face presumptive Democratic candidate, Florida CFO Alex Sink, and independent candidate Bud Chiles in the Nov. 2 election.

Scott leads McCollum in two polls. A June Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely Florida voters showed Scott with a 45% to 40% advantage over Sink and McCollum with a 40% to 38% edge over Sink. In an early June Quinnipiac University poll, Scott led McCollum 44% to 31%.

Manning picked for Lee commission

LEE COUNTY — Gov. Charlie Crist appointed former Lee County Commissioner John E. Manning of Cape Coral to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners July 7. The appointment comes after a lengthy review of nearly 30 candidates seeking the post. Manning, 50, fills the vacancy created by the death of Commissioner Bob Janes in March.

In a press release, Crist says, “As a long-time resident of Lee County with 18 years of public-service experience, John is ready to step onto the county commission and begin working immediately.”

Since 2000, Manning has been a consultant with the Fort Myers office of Malcolm Pirnie. Previously, he was a corporate benefit consultant for 28 years. Manning served as a Lee County commissioner from 1988 to 2000 and was Cape Coral City Council from 1982 to 1986. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in Boston.

Ferlita runs for Tampa mayor

TAMPA — Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita filed to run for mayor of Tampa. A former city council member, and a businesswoman, Ferlita competes for the post against City Council Chairman Tom Scott; former city council member Bob Buckhorn; former Tampa police captain Marion Lewis; and Arthur Richardson.

Special legislative session called

TALLAHASSEE — At the urging of Democrats, on July 8, Gov. Charlie Crist called for a special session of the Legislature to address a constitutional amendment banning offshore drilling in Florida waters. The session will run July 20-23.

Spring training bonds validated

SARASOTA —Judge Robert Bennett ruled in favor of Sarasota County July 8, finding that $20.325 million in capital improvement revenue bonds to finance improvements to baseball facilities in the county are valid and can be issued.

The 12th Circuit judge's decision against two citizen activist groups that brought the suit, also found that the memorandum of understanding between the county and the Baltimore Orioles is legal and remains in effect. Bennett also ruled that several sunshine law violations, if they occurred, were cured by several public hearings.

The spring training project at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex on the outskirts of downtown Sarasota, and the Buck O'Neill Complex at Twin Lakes Park are expected to create 260 jobs and be completed by March. The county awarded the construction manager contract to W.G. Mills, Inc. in May after a challenge to the original contract award.

MEETINGS

PINELLAS COUNTY
The Pinellas County Transportation Task Force will hold a public workshop at 2 p.m. Monday, July 19, at Bayside High School, 14405 49th St. N., Clearwater. Citizens are invited to bring their ideas regarding the future of transit in the county. For more information, call (727) 464-3278.

COLLIER COUNTY
The Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency/Enterprise Zone Development Agency Advisory Boards meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, at the Career and Service Center, 750 S. Fifth St., Immokalee.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY
The Industrial Development Authority meets at noon Wednesday, July 21, at the SunTrust Bank Building, 18501 Murdock Circle, suite 502, Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Kathy Knee at (941) 627-3023.

PASCO COUNTY
The Tourist Development Council meets at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 22, at the West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Rd., New Port Richey. For more information, contact Eric Keaton, public communications manager, at (800) 842-1873.