Country stars, south Florida musicians serenade military, Scott

Scott sworn in as Florida's 45th governor
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Republican Rick Scott declared "Job Creation is a mission" after being sworn in Tuesday as Florida's 45th Governor, and he vowed to move swiftly on an agenda of lower taxes, smaller government and less Regulation. Scott told the crowd gathered outside the historic Capitol that he understands the hardship of Unemployment because his father was often Laid Off and his mother had to take on ironing work to put food on the table. "I have a clear memory of their fear and unc...

Rick Scott to be sworn-in as Florida's 45th governor
Tallahassee - Incoming Gov. Rick Scott and his fellow Republicans on the Florida Cabinet take the oath of office Tuesday and celebrate with a day of events that will temporarily shut down the heart of the capital city. The action starts with a prayer breakfast at Florida A&M; University. The Keynote Speaker at the breakfast is former President Richard Nixon's counsel Charles Colson, who pleaded guilty in 1974 to obstruction of justice in the Watergate-related break-in of Psychiatrist Daniel Ell...

Rick Scott Inauguration: Watch Floridas 45th governor swearing in live (video)
Those in Florida who can’t make it to Tallahassee to witness the swearing in ceremony of Florida’s 45th Governor may watch the event online, live.  Rick Scott has a full schedule of events planned for the day, kicking off with the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast currently underway.  At 11:00 am, the inaugural swearing in ceremony will begin and will run until 12:30 pm.  Those in Tampa Bay may be delighted to see the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus as they sing “The ...

Rick Scott sworn in as Florida's 45th governor
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Republican Rick Scott was sworn in Tuesday as Florida’s 45th Governor and immediately started talking about how he’ll follow through on his campaign promise to create 700,000 jobs in seven years. Scott told the crowd gathered outside the historic Capitol that he understands the hardship of Unemployment because his father was often Laid Off and his mother had to take in ironing to put food on the table. "I have a very clear memory of their fear and uncertaint...

Rick Scott prepares to be sworn in as governor
Tallahassee - With Lee Greenwood singing "I'm proud to be an American," inaugural ceremonies for Gov. Rick Scott and three new Cabinet members - an all-new Florida Re[publican government - began this morning on the steps of the state's historic Old Capitol. Thousands of dignitaries and invited guests fanned out in front of the Capitol. Only about a half-dozen were introduced, with the biggest cheers by far for former Gov. Jeb Bush and his son, Jeb Jr. Outgoing Gov. Charlie Cri...

Former Fla. governor doesnt rule out run in 2016
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says he isn’t ruling out a possible presidential run in 2016. At the inauguration Tuesday of new Gov. Rick Scott, Bush repeated his stance that he’s positively not running for president in 2012. When asked about 2016, Bush said he would never say never, but reiterated that 2012 is out. Bush is the son of former President George H.W. Bush and younger brother of former President George W. Bush. He received the loudest ovation ...

Florida Voices
“Congratulations to Rick Scott on becoming the 45th Governor of Florida. I’m excited to work with Governor Scott as a partner in achieving an agenda that benefits all Floridians.” “Our first priority will be creating opportunities that lead to greater job growth in our state. Floridians are struggling right now but they should take comfort in knowing that Governor Scott, House Speaker Cannon and I are committed to doing everything within our ability to spur economic growt...

Rick Scott confesses: "I can't dance."
Rick Scott can’t dance. That was the news from a Monday night youth concert Florida’s Governor-elect put on as part of his inaugural celebration. After a 20-minute show from R&B group Dru Hill, Scott and Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll addressed the crowd of about 350. Carroll boasted she could probably “get down” to Dru Hill, though her partner could not. “You want to see a dance-off challenge with Rick Scott and Jennifer Carroll?” she asked. The crowd cheered, but

Rick Scott Inauguration: Schedule of Inauguration events (video)
Florida Governor elect Rick Scott will be sworn into office at 11:00 am on January 4, 2011.  He will become Florida’s 45th governor; the ceremony will be held in Tallahassee.  Early this morning, at 8:00 am and until 10:00 am, ET, an inaugural prayer breakfast will be held as Floridians from across the state will join in and share faith, blessings and breakfast.  The Inaugural Prayer Breakfast is held at 1800 Wahnish Way at the Florida A&M Lawson Center.  A ticket i...

Best seats in the house belong to lobbyists
Rick Scott ran for Governor by running against the entrenched Special Interests in Tallahassee. But, as is always the case, Lobbyists have some of the best seats in the house at the inauguration. Front row center: Brian Ballard , who co-chaired the inaugural Fundraising committee. Close by were U.S. Sugar lobbyist Bob Coker , South Florida lobbyist Ron Book , Blue Cross' Mike Hightower , Barney Bishop of Associated Industries, and Scott's close friend, Fort Lauderdale lobbyist (and lif...

Scott's first official meeting: keep open meeting in public building closed off
 On the 22nd floor of the Capitol, where the view overlooking Tallahassee is stunning, and the floor to ceiling windows let the sunshine in, Gov. Rick Scott held his first official event since being sworn in as Governor. He hosted the "Let's Get to Work Leadership" lunch with an invitation-only crowd that included House Speaker Dean Cannon , Senate President Mike Haridopolos and a couple dozen Republican lawmakers. Sen. Gary Siplin and Rep.  Michelle Rehwinkle-V...

45th Florida Governor Rick Scott Pledges to Work for Jobs, Independence
Under bright sunlight, surrounded by family and with his wife Ann holding The Bible, Gov. Rick Scott takes the oath of office on Jan. 4, 2011 Branding taxation, Regulation and litigation as the "axis of Unemployment," Gov. Rick Scott vowed Tuesday to get Floridians back to work. Speaking to an enthusiastic, sun-splattered crowd at the Capitol on Inauguration Day, the Republican CEO called Job Creation his "absolute mission." "More than a million Floridians got out of bed today facing another da...

New Florida Governor Rick Scott 'On the Record'
What do you think of Congress TODAY? ...

State GOP chair race gets ugly as Gruters gets closer
Joe Gruters has already won one chairmanship. Now he’s fully focused on another. Gruters, the Sarasota Republican Party chairman, unanimously won his re-election to remain Sarasota chairman last week. Now, Gruters is back on the road trying to drum up support for his campaign to be the state party chairmanship. Gruters, who is in Tallahassee today for Rick Scott’s inauguration, estimates he’s already logged 8,500 miles traveling the state to win over Republican electors in adva...

Scott set to take final step in improbable journey to Florida governor
Tallahassee -- Republican Rick Scott will take the final step in his improbable journey from Public Housing to the Governor's Mansion when he is sworn in at high noon Tuesday as the state's 45th governor. Scott, 58, will take office with the same pro-business zeal he displayed on the Campaign Trail, delivering an Inaugural Speech acknowledging the state's economic crisis and promising Tax Cuts and less Government Spending as a harbinger of job growth in Florida. ``My job is to make sure tha...

Canadas Forgotten Warriors
As a new year begins, what better time to recall Soldiers of aboriginal blood, who have served valiantly for Canada in all of our wars and campaigns. In a tribute article last Remembrance Day, the National Post ran a full page on Canada’s famous “native warriors” who served in our wars in greater numbers than their population warranted. They were generally treated better in The Army — i.e. as equals and without prejudice — than they were when they returned to civilian life af

Scott's first official act: freeze rules, screen state workers
Gov. Rick Scott hustled from the inaugural stage to his Capitol office where shortly before 1 p.m. he signed four Executive Orders aimed at fulfilling some of his campaign p  pledges. Scott created the Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform Office to review all proposed and existing state regulations to gauge whether they’re worth keeping. Now ex-Gov. Charlie Crist’s former Budget director, Jerry McDaniel, will lead the office. Within the orders signed, Scott also is freezing ru...

Tale of Two Governors
Yesterday marked a historic day in California as Jerry Brown took the reins as California's Governor, 30 years after his first time at the helm. Although his plans for the state haven't been unveiled yet, he gave hints in his Inaugural Speech. It looks like he will take an approach of cutting where possible and extending sales, income and vehicle Tax Increases in effect already. It won't be pretty, but it's a start toward keeping California above water. Brown is known for setting an example of t...

Jeff Stahler Cartoon
All Eyes on Orange Bowl Tonight: Stanford vs. Virginia Tech Forget about jobs - let’s talk about the weather! Sen. Fasano withdraws from redistricting committee Sen. Mike Fasano withdraws from redistricting committee Are big education changes in store for Florida? Can Scott run government like a business? SnapGot a Snap? Is Rick Scott making the right moves to win your confidence -- at least, so far? Sen. Mike Bennett Caught... (178) Sen. Mike Bennett Caught Looki... (185,357)...

Navy captain loses command over raunchy videos
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The captain of a U.S. Aircraft Carrier was relieved of his command on Tuesday after producing bawdy videos that featured slurs against Homosexuals, simulated Masturbation and inane toilet humor. Captain Owen Honors, who made the videos several years ago while serving as the USS Enterprise's second-in-command, was removed from the nuclear-powered carrier and reassigned to administrative duties. Admiral John Harvey, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, said Honors perfor...

Navy captain loses command over raunchy videos
By David Morgan WASHINGTON | Tue Jan 4, 2011 4:47pm EST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The captain of a U.S. Aircraft Carrier was relieved of his command on Tuesday after producing bawdy videos that featured slurs against Homosexuals, simulated Masturbation and inane toilet humor. Captain Owen Honors, who made the videos several years ago while serving as the USS Enterprise's second-in-command, was removed from the nuclear-powered carrier and reassigned to administrative duties. Admiral John Harvey, ...

Navy captain loses command over raunchy videos
By David Morgan WASHINGTON | Tue Jan 4, 2011 4:47pm EST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The captain of a U.S. Aircraft Carrier was relieved of his command on Tuesday after producing bawdy videos that featured slurs against Homosexuals, simulated Masturbation and inane toilet humor. Captain Owen Honors, who made the videos several years ago while serving as the USS Enterprise's second-in-command, was removed from the nuclear-powered carrier and reassigned to administrative duties. Admiral John Harvey, ...

U.S. captain to lose command over bawdy videos
WASHINGTON - The captain of a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier was expected to be relieved of command Tuesday after producing bawdy videos that featured slurs against Homosexuals, simulated Masturbation and toilet humor. The Navy was expected to announce its decision to relieve Capt. Owen Honors of the USS Enterprise later on Tuesday, Military officials said days after images from the videos began popping up on the Internet and in television news reports. The Military officials spoke on condition of a...

Navy firing over videos raises questions of timing (AP)
WASHINGTON – The Navy brusquely fired the captain of the USS Enterprise on Tuesday, more than three years after he made lewd videos to boost morale for his crew, timing that put the Military under pressure to explain why it acted only after the videos became public. Senior Military officials said they were trying to determine who among Navy leaders knew about the videos when they were shown repeatedly in 2006 and 2007 to thousands of crew members aboard the nuclear-powered Aircraft carri...

Navy firing over videos raises questions of timing
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Navy brusquely fired the captain of the USS Enterprise on Tuesday, more than three years after he made lewd videos to boost morale for his crew, timing that put the Military under pressure to explain why it acted only after the videos became public. Senior Military officials said they were trying to determine who among Navy leaders knew about the videos when they were shown repeatedly in 2006 and 2007 to thousands of crew members aboard the nuclear-powered Aircraft ca...