Government Digest: Oct. 15 - Oct. 21

Gov. Charlie Crist sued again over donations

TAMPA — State Rep. Tom Grady, R-Naples, and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, both attorneys, have filed a lawsuit in the Leon County Circuit Court alleging that Gov. Charlie Crist has violated Florida's Public Records Act. Crist became an Independent in late April after saying previously he would remain a Republican for his U.S. Senate campaign. Grady is a Naples attorney with GradyLaw.

According to the lawsuit, as described in a press release, Crist failed to respond to public records requests made by Ambassador John Rood for emails or other records that would show a connection between Crist's significant policy shifts and his departure from the Republican Party. Rood is a former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas.

This lawsuit follows Grady's current suit against Crist, now on appeal, in which Grady's clients, including Rood, are demanding Crist return their campaign contributions that they agreed to make to Crist as a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Last month, a Collier County circuit judge ruled against Rood's initial suit to allow a class action suit by thousands of donors to recover their contributions to Crist's campaign, estimated at more than $7.5 million.

A decision on the appeal could be rendered before the Nov. 2 election. If the class action is certified, Crist could be prevented from his campaign spending the money.

Consultants sought by planning commission

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission is seeking applicants for placement on the agency's approved provider consultant list beginning Oct. 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2012. The Planning Commission uses the list in selecting consultants for forthcoming projects. The Planning Commission is seeking qualified applicants to provide various consultant services, such as general planning services, automation/data processing, facilitation, management training, graphic design and government liaison services. Applicants may submit an application at any time during this two-year period. For more information, call (813) 272-5940.

Senate Bill 360 remains in effect

TALLAHASSEE — An appeal of the Senate Bill 360 case — City of Weston v. Crist, et. al. — keeps the changes in growth management laws approved by the Legislature in 2009, in effect. On Aug. 26, the Leon County Circuit Court declared Senate Bill 360 unconstitutional and expunged the law from Florida statutes. But Senate President and Republican CFO candidate Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, and Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, appealed the decision to the First District Court of Appeals. Under Florida's appellate procedure rules, the appeal stays the effect of the Circuit Court's decision. Thus, Senate Bill 360 is in effect and local governments are entitled to rely on the provisions of the measure so long as it remains in effect.

County law library relocating temporarily

SARASOTA COUNTY — The Sarasota County Law Library, at 2050 Adams Lane, Sarasota, will be packed up at the close of business on Friday, Oct 15, and moved to a temporary location at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota. The Law Library will re-open Monday, Oct. 18. County staff and court administration are exploring affordable options for a long-term home for the Law Library. The Law Library has been located in 4,000 square feet containing 5,000 linear feet of legal material.

MEETINGS

PINELLAS COUNTY

The Pinellas County Transportation Task Force will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, 4000 Gateway Centre Blvd., suite 100, Pinellas Park. For more information, call (727) 464-3278.

The Pinellas Planning Council will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Pinellas County Courthouse, 5th Floor, BCC Assembly Room, 315 Court St., Clearwater. For more information, call (727) 464-8250.

COLLIER COUNTY

The Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency/Enterprise Zone Development Agency Advisor Boards will meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Career and Service Center, 750 South Fifth St., Immokalee.

MANATEE COUNTY

The Tourist Development Council meets at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at the Manatee Convention & Civic Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto.

The Manatee County Port Authority meets at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Port Intermodal Center, 1905 Intermodal Circle, Palmetto. For more information, call Teresa Daugherty at 941-722-6621.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

The Industrial Development Authority meets at noon Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the SunTrust Bank building, 18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502, Port Charlotte. For more information, call Kathy Knee at (941) 627-3023.