Florida Chamber of Commerce

Check back here often for the latest news as delivered by the Florida Chamber of Commerce

Governor signs new law putting Florida at the forefront of alternative energy
Jul 5, 2008 — The Walton Sun
Gulf Power stopped its project which would have captured carbon dioxide and sequestered it underground because of the governor's actions, she said.
FPL seeks 16 percent rate increase to cover fuel costs
Jul 3, 2008 — The Palm Beach Post
...fuel costs. Staffers for the Florida Public Service Commission are recommending the board approve the mid-year fuel adjustment, which would raise the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours from $102.63 to $118.91. The higher billing rate would take effect in August and run through the end of the year. The PSC is also expected to question FPL about its Sunshine Energy program that asks customers to pay $9.75 a month to develop renewable energy.
Gov. Crist's 'Serve to Preserve" expo stays green despite drilling
Jul 3, 2008 — The Miami Herald
Americans -- and especially Floridians -- are capable of extraordinary innovation when we marshal our resources and focus on a common goal," Crist said in his keynote address. Let me repeat that -- far enough, safe enough and clean enough," Crist said. A plug-in hybrid electric Toyota Prius was displayed at the exhibition. There are benefits over and above the cost of energy," Florida Power and Light's Sunshine Energy Program Manager David Bates said.
NFL has long been at the forefront of environmental awareness
Jul 3, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
Part of that responsibility is to the environment."The emphasis on the environment is magnified at the Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals introduced a comprehensive community recycling program. They want to see tangible benefits."Their next stop is Tampa, site of Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.
Walt Disney World fires back on guns at work
Jul 3, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
...law excludes most Disney World property. McAleavey's memo concluded that it exempts "all theme parks, resorts, theme-park and resort parking lots, Cast Member parking lots, administrative offices across the Walt Disney World Resort, Downtown Disney, Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, hotels on Hotel Plaza (OOTC:HTPZF) Boulevard, Celebration and the Disney Reservation Centers" in Orlando and Tampa. The language does not exempt Disney Vacation Club's Vero Beach Resort, Disney Cruise...
Florida Power and Light customer bills to rise in August and January over fuel costs
Jul 2, 2008 — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
They also delayed half of Progress' 8 percent increase. "We understand this is very painful for the customer. We hate to do these increases," FPL spokesman Mayco Villafana said. "We know the pain and today's decision is not ... a victory for anyone.
FPL customer bills to rise 16% by January due to fuel costs
Jul 2, 2008 — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
They also delayed half of Progress' 8 percent increase. "We understand this is very painful for the customer. We hate to do these increases," FPL spokesman Mayco Villafana said. "We know the pain and today's decision is not ... a victory for anyone.
State cuts FPL rate hike request
Jul 2, 2008 — The Miami Herald
In the process, they can get credit for it against their electric bills or, in some instances, get paid for what they produce.
NFL has long been at the forefront of environmental awareness
Jul 1, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
Part of that responsibility is to the environment." The emphasis on the environment is magnified at the Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals introduced a comprehensive community recycling program. They want to see tangible benefits." Their next stop is Tampa, site of Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.
State may cut FPL rate hike request
Jul 1, 2008 — The Miami Herald
In the process, they can get credit for it against their electric bills or, in some instances, get paid for what they produce.
Tampa Contemplates Transit-Oriented Development Concept
Jun 30, 2008 — Tampa Tribune
But, he said, if minimum zoning requirements had been in effect, he would have had to build 4,000 square feet to meet the rules in his North Howard Avenue neighborhood.
Tampa Looks To Ease Transit
Jun 30, 2008 — Tampa Tribune
But, he said, if minimum zoning requirements had been in effect, he would have had to build 4,000 square feet to meet the rules in his North Howard Avenue neighborhood.
Leesburg to decide if ex-commissioner qualifies for city health insurance
Jun 29, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
...employee. Workers can have a maximum $400 worth of insurance paid by the city, Boop said. The city's insurance administered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield becomes secondary when qualified individuals become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Lovell might not meet the criteria for benefits if city lawyers conclude that commissioners are not considered city employees, Evans said. "The question is," he said, "at what level does Bob Lovell qualify?" Lovell, though,...
Fuel costs culprit for the rise in power bills ? Gulf Power requests base rate increases
Jun 28, 2008 — The Walton Sun
Instead, increases in fuel costs are averaged out during a 12-month period, said Kathy Morrow, director of communications for CHELCO. However, Gulf Power did have long term contracts which locked in lower rates, making their average cost of coal $75 per ton.
Crist lauded for greening efforts
Jun 27, 2008 — The Miami Herald
John Dorschner Jun. 27, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- California Gov.
Gun Ruling Sparks Debate
Jun 27, 2008 — Hernando Today
Sometime later, he asked his dad to sell it. Lemieux, who owns Green Bean Organic Market in Spring Hill, did some research. It could change hands five times before somebody uses it to kill someone." Rickert pointed to statistics showing cities with the strictest gun laws typically have the highest crime rate. Charlie Crist. "It boggles my mind to think it's OK to bring your gun to work," Rowden said.
Dade schools may put off teacher raises
Jun 26, 2008 — The Miami Herald
The action will decrease transportation costs by $1.1 million. Approved a proposal to reorganize the district's department of data analysis.
FPL president says savings from renewable energy around the corner
Jun 26, 2008 — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Portions of his answers are paraphrased. Q: State regulators will weigh next week FPL's proposed customer rate hike of about 16 percent due to an increase in fuel costs. FPL has renewable-energy projects in the pipeline to help lower its dependence on oil. What does FPL plan to do about the program? A: Over time, administrative and marketing costs should go down.
Plans to build 3 solar-power plants underscore Crist's call for 'green boom'
Jun 26, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
It will produce enough energy to serve nearly 2,600 households. Photovoltaic panels, often seen on home rooftops, convert sunlight directly to electricity. They require no fuel or water and produce no waste. NASA is providing another 10-acre site for a 1-megawatt facility just for KSC.
School district phases out retiree benefits
Jun 26, 2008 — Suwannee Democrat
We regret the error. The school board voted Thursday not to make retiree health insurance benefits part of the new teacher contracts. Participants in the program must retire with 30 or more years of service with the Suwannee County School system, and be 52 or older at the time of retirement. Superintendent Walter Boatright rejected part of the magistrate's ruling on the retiree health insurance.
Schwarzenegger lauds, criticizes climate efforts
Jun 26, 2008 — The Miami Herald
John Dorschner Jun. 26, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Flying across the country to support the fight against global warming, California Gov. And to look for new ways to feed our addiction is not the answer." The Californian's other remarks, however, were unmitigated praise for Crist.
Summit shows off profitability of going green
Jun 26, 2008 — The Miami Herald
FPL Group (NYSE:FPL) , gave a keynote address, and Crist held a press conference in which he said he was "excited" by FPL's plan to build three solar plants. Meanwhile, outside the InterContinental Hotel, 15 protesters, some in Bart Simpson masks, objected to big utilities' plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by building more nuclear plants. They were being watched by at least 20 Miami police officers. One protester waved a sign "No More FPL Green Wash." Gonzalo...
Crist puts focus on business at climate summit
Jun 25, 2008 — The Miami Herald
...summit to deal with global warming, Gov. Charlie Crist praised Florida Power and Light for moving toward green energy. Crist said he was "excited" about Florida Power and Light's plans to built three solar plants that would provide 110 megawatts of power. He said FPL has "truly been a leader" in the move toward green energy. Lew Hay, chief executive of FPL Group (NYSE:FPL) , parent of the utility, said one of the three plants would be the world's largest photovoltaic facility.
Crist's green plan a work in progress
Jun 25, 2008 — The Miami Herald
Mary Ellen Klas and John Dorschner Jun. 25, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Gov.
PSC blasts green energy program
Jun 25, 2008 — The Miami Herald
The utility would also purchase 150 kilowatts of solar power (OTCBB:SOPW) for every 10,000 participating customers. FPL collected $9.6 million from customers. FPL subcontracted with Green Mountain Energy Company to handle the program. An audit by the PSC showed that FPL passed $8.6 million along to Green Mountain.
Toll-road connector committee established at end of emotionally-charged meeting
Jun 25, 2008 — Jackson County Floridan
... The road would be an I-10 connector meant to give southeast Alabama fast-paced access to Interstate 10 in northwest Florida, and would likely go on to cut a path to the Gulf coast in Panama City. Cottondale Police Chief William Watford, veterinarian Dr. Meigs Woodham, landowner/farmer Sonny Davis, businesswoman Lola Huddleston and citizen Kim Lee will serve on the committee, with Jackson County Development Council Executive Director Bill Stanton serving as moderator. Their...
Need Cash Now? Grave's Gotta Go
Jun 24, 2008 — Tampa Tribune
The cemetery is selling similar plots for $3,995. Ledesma has joined a small but growing number of people who are selling unwanted cemetery plots. Many ads indicate the owners are willing to deal, and some say they need money quickly. We just keep patiently waiting." A Beast Of Burden Those who decide to sell their plots have found little interest from those looking to buy.
St. Mary's celebrates birthday, fiscal happiness
Jun 24, 2008 — The Palm Beach Post
Mary's, Good Samaritan Medical Center admissions fell nearly 4 percent. St. An electronic patient tracking system in the emergency room monitors patients waiting for care. Mary's for 26 years. Apparently, patients are happier, too.
Weston's Ultimate Software wins 'great place to work' award
Jun 24, 2008 — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Throw in 100 percent coverage of health insurance premiums for all employees and their dependents. Adler said Scherr is a big sports fan and often speaks to his employees in terms of winning championships and keeping score cards.
Groups take aim at gun law
Jun 23, 2008 — The News Herald
Morgan said a business is overstepping authority and infringing on the Second Amendment by telling people what they can or cannot keep in their cars. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, and the bill's sponsor, Sen. Durell Peaden, R-Crestview, said they did not know how many companies had policies against guns in vehicles.
Insurance bill appears dead
Jun 23, 2008 — Florida Keys Keynoter
Keys, signed on as one of 20 co-sponsors to House Bill 5404, the Commercial Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Act. The bill would charge the federal Health Resources and Services Administration with working with states that have a commercial fishing industry to establish health insurance programs. Costs of $50 million in startup funding over the next five years are suggested. "I know many fishermen in my district that do not have health insurance for themselves or...
Making room in Heart of Florida
Jun 23, 2008 — Ocala Star-Banner
The health department gave the health center a physician, Dr. Studies have shown that lack of health insurance affects the health of uninsured and under-insured patients because they receive less preventive care and are diagnosed at more advanced disease stages. Roughly 17,000 patients visit the health center each year. Construction on the north wing began in May.
Many men don't see doctors early enough
Jun 23, 2008 — Florida Times Union
Calloway's story isn't unusual, particularly among African-American men in Jacksonville, and a recent Duval County Health Department study outlines the figures. While exact local numbers were unavailable, Lawther said black men are dying younger of diabetes, prostate cancer and heart disease. Without a regular doctor, there's no preventive care, Smith said.
More Floridians Turn To Selling Gravesites
Jun 23, 2008 — Tampa Tribune
The cemetery is selling similar plots for $3,995. Ledesma has joined a small but growing number of people who are selling unwanted cemetery plots. He is selling 12 for half the going price, about $995 a piece. At the time, their religious convictions prevented them from considering cremation. Mills and her husband divorced and he moved out of state. Her religious convictions changed, too.
Study: Region can support green energy parks Planning for the future
Jun 23, 2008 — The News Herald
Gulf Power posted a release May 1 on its Web site, seeking bidders to sell it electricity from renewable sources. The energy produced at the landfill is blended with electricity generated from other fuel sources and sold in blocks to cooperative customers. He allowed for the possibility of another wood-based alternative fuel company coming if Green Circle declined that option.
Alternative energy projects on the rise Northwest Florida scores federal funds to boost industry
Jun 22, 2008 — The News Herald
A process called catalytic hydrothermolysis converts the oils into biofuels. That process converts cellulose to fermentable sugars for a more efficient production of cellulosic ethanol, Coppola said. "Water is available.
In job fair, border patrol seeks agents
Jun 22, 2008 — The Miami Herald
Shawn Cordell, a border patrol recruiter. Cordell said this was a key reason for a high number of applicants when he visited Detroit, where auto industry workers have been hit hard. Bert McKenzie, of Lauderdale Lakes, was one of Saturday's applicants in Fort Lauderdale who has those numbers in mind. "Because of the economy, he wants something more stable," McKenzie's wife Patti said while waiting for him to finish the application process. McKenzie works as an electrical...
Job openings with U.S. Customs
Jun 22, 2008 — The Miami Herald
There are 16,500 now. Nearly 200 people showed up to register Saturday in the first three hours of the job fair.

Get involved in the issues that affect the business community, quickly contact your state legislators when it matters the most, and read up on the Chamber's current priorities.