Highlights
The 44th governor of Florida, Charlie Crist was elected in November 2006 after winning 52.2 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Jim Davis, who drew 45.1 percent. Sworn into office on Jan. 2, 2007, Crist promised a new era of open and inclusive government. He has dubbed himself the "people's governor," and frequently refers to Floridians as "the boss." Among Crist's campaign promises was a pledge to reduce the cost of property insurance which skyrocketed after the state was hit by eight hurricanes during 2004-2005. Crist and state legislative leaders called a special session that began two weeks after his inaugural, enacting reforms that capped the insurance industry's liability for storm...
The 44th governor of Florida, Charlie Crist was elected in November 2006 after winning 52.2 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Jim Davis, who drew 45.1 percent. Sworn into office on Jan. 2, 2007, Crist promised a new era of open and inclusive government. He has dubbed himself the "people's governor," and frequently refers to Floridians as "the boss." Among Crist's campaign promises was a pledge to reduce the cost of property insurance which skyrocketed after the state was hit by eight hurricanes during 2004-2005. Crist and state legislative leaders called a special session that began two weeks after his inaugural, enacting reforms that capped the insurance industry's liability for storm damage.
But insurance rates remain high for many Floridians, according to most surveys. An effort to craft a constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes also has consumed much of Crist's first year in office. Crist was born in Altoona, Pa., but grew up in St. Petersburg. He graduated from Florida State University and Cumberland School of Law in Alabama. He was married in 1979 to Amanda Morrow, whom he met at FSU. They divorced after eight months and Crist remains single. Crist failed his first two attempts at the Florida Bar exam, passing on his third try. He worked as general counsel to Minor League Baseball in St. Petersburg lost a bid in 1986 for state Senate. Two years later, in private law practice, he volunteered in the U.S. Senate campaign of Republican Connie Mack, Sr.. Crist became his state political director. Crist was elected to the Senate in 1992 and served until 1998 when he ran unsuccessfully as the Republican nominee challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. Crist was elected state education commissioner in 2000 and attorney general in 2002.
But insurance rates remain high for many Floridians, according to most surveys. An effort to craft a constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes also has consumed much of Crist's first year in office. Crist was born in Altoona, Pa., but grew up in St. Petersburg. He graduated from Florida State University and Cumberland School of Law in Alabama. He was married in 1979 to Amanda Morrow, whom he met at FSU. They divorced after eight months and Crist remains single. Crist failed his first two attempts at the Florida Bar exam, passing on his third try. He worked as general counsel to Minor League Baseball in St. Petersburg lost a bid in 1986 for state Senate. Two years later, in private law practice, he volunteered in the U.S. Senate campaign of Republican Connie Mack, Sr.. Crist became his state political director. Crist was elected to the Senate in 1992 and served until 1998 when he ran unsuccessfully as the Republican nominee challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. Crist was elected state education commissioner in 2000 and attorney general in 2002.
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New buyer emerges for U.S. Sugar Corp's 187,000 acres
South Florida Sun-SentinelA new buyer emerged today for U.S. Sugar Corp's 187,000 acres - creating another bidder for land the state planned to buy for Everglades restoration. The Lawrence Group, which owns and manages farmland in the South and Midwest, offered to buy U.S....Tags: Lake Okeechobee, Water Restrictions, South Florida Water Management District, Farms, Everglades
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We think: Crist, lawmakers need to work now to balance the budget
How low can they go? That seems to be the only suspense surrounding the official forecast of Florida tax revenues due Friday. In August, economists projected the state's tax take in the year that began July 1 would fall at least $1.4 billion below the...Tags: Regulatory Policy and Organizations, State Budgets, Budgets and Budgeting, Executive Branch, Sales
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Gov. Charlie Crist gives support to 15 percent college tuition increase plan
South Florida Sun-SentinelGov. Charlie Crist on Thursday issued his support for a plan that would give state universities the option of raising tuition up to 15 percent a year. Crist's plan would expand "differential tuition," which is a rate higher than the one set by the...Tags: Frank Brogan, Florida International University, University of Florida, Ken Pruitt, Financial Aid
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High school graduation rate rises
The Associated PressFlorida's high school graduation rate climbed again last year, boosted by continuing strides from minority students and a decline in the percentage of students dropping out, state Department of Education statistics show. State education officials and...Tags: High Schools, Schools
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UN climate official urges action on emission cuts
Associated Press WriterA top United Nations climate official said Wednesday that regional government leaders must step up their efforts to combat global warming and press their national governments to follow their lead. Addressing an international climate summit, the U.N.'s...Tags: Deutsche Bank AG, Global Warming, Treaties, Executive Branch, Kathleen Sebelius
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Governors pledge to fight global warming together
Associated Press WriterGov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, his counterparts in 12 states, including Illinois, and regional leaders from four other countries signed a declaration Wednesday pledging to work together to combat global warming, a move Schwarzenegger said will help push...Tags: Deutsche Bank AG, Global Warming, Treaties, Executive Branch, Kathleen Sebelius
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Dear Governor
Now is an opportune time for the good Gov. Charlie Crist to show his mettle and speak out against the huge 25 percent electricity increase the Public Service Commission has heaped upon the backs of his Central Florida constituents. Our governor should act...Tags: Regional Authority, Executive Branch, Leesburg, Government
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It's sickening how many of Florida's lawmakers don't get it
Sentinel ColumnistFlorida is facing its worst financial crisis in decades. Abused children are at risk. Schools are facing crippling cuts. And bankruptcy is a real possibility if the state isn't as lucky next hurricane season. And how are Tallahassee lawmakers...Tags: Parties and Movements, Abusive Behavior, Republican Party, Laws, Lake Mary
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Deficit dampens opening of Legislature
Tallahassee BureauState legislators officially opened the 2008-10 Florida Legislature on Tuesday, a normally jovial occasion weighed down this year by a multibillion-dollar budget deficit and a worsening recession. The 35 new House members and seven rookie senators who...Tags: Marco Rubio, Ethics, Budgets and Budgeting, Republican Party, Litigation and Regulation
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New superintendent has tough task of righting predecessor's wrongs
Sentinel ColumnistBest wishes to Susan Moxley, Lake County's new superintendent of schools, who began work Tuesday. Moxley is the first hired superintendent to take office in more than a decade, and she arrives on the heels of Anna Cowin, whose tenure here presented a...Tags: Employees
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New House speaker makes changes to committees
Tallahassee BureauFlorida legislators officially christened the start of the 84th assembly of the Florida Legislature Tuesday, a normally jovial occasion weighted down this year by a multibillion-dollar budget hole and worsening recession. In the House, 35 new members...Tags: Marco Rubio, Ethics, Budgets and Budgeting, Executive Branch, Laws
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