The Fort Myers City Council decided to postpone its vote last night on an ordinance that would make it illegal to distribute free food in the city’s public parks. Which critics say translates to making it against the law to feed the homeless.

Ordinance number 3371 follows a similar resolution passed unanimously by the Fort Myers City Council last year.

It doesn’t actually include the word homeless – but it creates requirements for the distribution of donated or complimentary food in Fort Myers’ city parks.

Michael Stoops is the Executive Director of the Washington D-C based National Coalition for the Homeless.

“We want to go on record that this is a tragedy. And that the impact of this will be copied and emulated around the rest of the country. And when Fort Myers passed the first resolution in April 05 it was a chilling impact and a number of church groups quit feeding the poor because they did not want to go to jail.”

Stoops says Orlando passed a similar law last summer – which his organization is challenging in court. Only Las Vegas has a similar law against feeding the homeless in city parks. Stoops says if passed he fears other cities are likely to follow.

The Council will address the issue again in March.

Violations to the state's "Do Not Call" program perennially top the list of citizen complaints to Florida's Department of Consumer Services. There were just under 5,000 in 2006 - about 500 more than the year before. Agency spokeswoman Liz Compton says Floridians who pay that small yearly fee to keep most telemarketers from calling their homes are sensitive to perceived violations:

“Nobody wants to take phone calls in the middle of dinner or later and they’re taking it seriously. They’re letting us know when there are violations.”

There's a free FEDERAL do not call list - but the Florida program that costs 10 dollars the first year and FIVE each year after that keeps regulators hyper-vigilant. Violators paid more than 125-thousand-dollars in fines this year. Other top categories for consumer complaints this year include travel and vacation companies, vehicle repairs - and construction.

The usual break in mail delivery and post office service will be extended because of a national holiday and a national day of mourning -- causing an unusual, three-day pause in the U.S. Postal Service's operations.

Monday was New Year's Day, a holiday observed by the Postal Service and most other employers. A funeral in Washington, D.C., for former President Gerald Ford will be today. President George Bush ordered all government agencies not essential for national security to be closed today. Add Sunday and that leaves three days with no mail. This has the Postal Service hoping for the best, says U.S. Postal Service customer relations rep for Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Debra Mitchell.

“Our processing center, that’s 24-7, I mean that never shuts down so anytime we have a holiday the delivery end of it has to play catch up. So obviously normally you’re catching up on a lot of times Sunday, Monday – because they’re still processing mail on Sundays – and so now we’re going to have Sunday, Monday, Tuesday to catch up on.”

Mitchell says on Wednesday the carriers will take out all of the first class mail first and the advertising mail will have to catch up on Thursday.

The Southwest Florida Legislative Delegation met with a diverse group of constituents yesterday – at the third annual Solutions Forum.

More than 200 people turned out for the forum at Florida Gulf Coast University. They included county and municipal officials, developers, educators and environmentalists. State Representative Mike Davis of Collier County – who together with FGCU President Bill Merwin launched the annual conference 3 years ago – says the diversity leads to constructive dialogue.

“that’s essential for us having a good discussion and a good presentation because if we have any one faction missing then I don’t think we get where we want to be when we stop to consider about how we want to see southwest florida develop over the next 50 years…”

This year’s conference focused on Growth and Transportation issues – which Davis says are of paramount importance to the people in seven county area. The legislative delegation includes several newly elected members – Davis says they’re quickly getting up to speed and becoming team players.

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Area lawmakers heard from a cross-section of constituents today at the 3rd annual Southwest Regional Delegation Forum at Florida Gulf Coast University. The seven county region will be represented by many newly elected lawmakers in Tallahassee year. Veteran area lawmaker Mike Davis of Collier County – says the forum contributes to team building.

“and frankly – Gary Abishon, Doug Holder, Nick Thompson and our other new members have immediately embraced this whole regionalism concept – and understand – they’re quality people and I know they understand how important it is to be part of the team because we go up against some pretty big metropolitan areas – so we’ve gotta work harder and work smarter if we’re gonna win”

The more than two hundred people at the forum included local officials, educators, conservationists and developers. Florida’s annual legislative session begins March 6th.

The U-S Postal Service is unveiling a set of postage stamps today at the Naples Zoo. It’s the first time a national stamp unveiling will take place in Collier County. The ten commemorative stamps feature plants and animals commonly seen in the Everglades. Post Office Spokesman Mark Saunders says it’s a beautiful piece of artwork – something for collectors to hold onto.

“it’s one sheet of stamps that looks like a portrait – it looks like a typical Florida everglades scene and you’ve these 21 creatures all within a few feet of each other – its kind of a like a Where’s Waldo of the Florida everglades.”

The stamps may also, of course, be peeled off and mailed. The Naples Zoo is offering free admission in honor of the ceremony. And guests at the 11-o-clock dedication include a Florida crocodile. The Southern Florida Wetland Stamp pane is the 8th in the post office’s Nature of America series.
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A new postage stamp goes on sale for the first time tomorrow (today) in Naples. The Southern Florida Wetland commemorative stamps will be unveiled at the Naples Zoo. Postal Service Spokesman Mark Saunders says the sheet of ten stamps is destined for collections.

“It’s a beautiful painted image of the scene around the florida everglades, ten of these animals depicted on the stamp pane are actual peel off stamps you can use for postage but I don’t anyone that buys one will really want to use it as postage, I think they’ll want it as a really neat souvenir or collectible.”

Saunders says collectors buy about 200-million-dollars worth of stamps every year – saving the U-S-P-S that much money in services. Admission to the Naples Zoo is free tomorrow, in honor of the first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony which takes place at 11.

Naval crews from some Caribbean and Latin American countries will soon do part of their training here in southwest Florida…thanks to a collaboration between the U-S Department of Defense, and the Lee County School District. The new program is called Operation Enduring Friendship. The Defense Department contracted with Naples Yacht, and ‘Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats of Cape Coral’ to build 8 interceptor ships. They’ll be used by the militaries of several Caribbean & Latin American countries to combat smuggling.
Lee Schools spokesman - Joe Donzelli – says once built, the vessels will need crews to maintain them…and that’s where the district comes in…

“We were approached because of the programs we have in place – specifically the facility at High Tech Central, which is located right here in Fort Myers. We were asked if we could provide the training component for this program…and we couldn’t jump at it quick enough.”

Donzelli says the new partnership comes with little cost to the district.
The first class gets underway in January with a crew from Panama. Another one from the Dominican Republic will follow after that.

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The Lee County School District’s High Tech Central will soon be home to a training program for naval crews from Latin American and Caribbean countries. The U-S Defense Department has tapped two local companies – Naples Yacht, and ‘Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats of Cape Coral’ –to build 8 military vessels.

District spokesman – Joe Donzelli – says they’ll provide the ships – and Lee County Schools will provide a place to teach their crews how to maintain them…

“As far as the military procedures that’ll all be done by the militaries of the respective countries. The training that’s going to be going on here is to make sure that those boats can operate so these individuals can do their job.”

Naples Yacht will hire specialized instructors…and pay for tools needed for the training.The first crew will come from Panama…and will get started in January. Next it’s the Dominican Republic and other countries after that.

Lee County Property Appraiser Ken Wilkinson wants Florida’s “Save Our Homes law” to become portable. He traveled to Orlando yesterday to present his plan to a state tax reform committee.
Save our homes caps tax increases on primary homes to 3-percent a year. It’s been lauded since its inception by homeowners statewide…but there’s a catch. Longtime residents face huge tax increases if they move elsewhere in Florida…because its savings aren’t portable. Wilkinson wrote the original Save Our Homes amendment back in the early 90’s…

“Because in my opinion the legislature wasn’t moving in the right direction a group of citizens in Lee County and around the state put together a constitutional amendment…we were able to get it on the ballot. That is what Save Our Home is…now I’m faced with the same situation.”

Lawmakers proposed several bills during the last legislative session that provide portability - but none passed. Wilkinson’s plan would allow homeowners to take some of their savings to another home in Florida. His group needs about 650-thousand signatures to put the idea before voters in 2008.

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Lee County Property Appraiser Ken Wilkinson wants the tax benefit of Save Our Homes to become portable. He’s formed a non-profit corporation to focus support on the issue…and to gather signatures to get an amendment on the 2008 ballot. Wilkinson wrote the Original Save Our Homes amendment – passed by Floridians in 1992. It caps property tax increases on primary residences to 3 percent a year.
He says the problem is -- as property values increase some long time residents are becoming trapped in their homes… because if they move to another house they could face huge tax increases.

“Save Our Homes did some phenomenal things – beyond our expectations. It allows you to stay in your house. But because it’s been so successful some people, many people are finding that they are locked in. See what we’re trying to do? Give the homeowner the flexibility.”

Wilkinson’s idea would work this way: If your home has a MARKET value of 400-thousand, but is being assessed by the county at only 200-thousand, thanks to Save Our Homes…your current savings is 50-percent. So if you then sold your home and bought another one for 600-thousand…the new assessment would be half that …or 300-thousand. The group needs about 650-thousand signatures to get the amendment on the ballot in 2008.

Trish Duffy will be briefed today on her upcoming duties as Charlotte County’s newest commissioner. Governor Jeb Bush selected Trish Duffy from a pool of 11 applicants to replace Commissioner Sara Devos who resigned. Duffy has lived in Charlotte County for 27 years. Her husband Barney is principal of Charlotte High School. Her three children are grown – and now says Duffy she has the time to serve the community that’s given her so much.


“I took care of my parents many years ago and I understand the needs of our seniors and I raised children here and I’ve worked as a business person in the community in health care for many years and most recently with Comcast where I deal with business owners on a daily basis. So I understand their needs and issues.”

Duffy says she’s closely followed local politics. She says she’ll be advocate for planned growth. She anxious to see Florida Gulf Coast University build a campus in Charlotte County. Trish Duffy will attend her first County Commission meeting, as a board member, Tuesday, September 26th.

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Charlotte County’s newest commissioner says she’s excited and honored by her appointment to the position by Governor Jeb Bush. Trish Duffy replaces Sara Devos who resigned with two years left in her term. Duffy is 27 year resident of Charlotte County and says she’s closely followed local politics. She has gearing up to provide her input – and vote – a number of issues.

“I think one particular concern right now is the budget which I know the county commissioners have been working diligently on. Growth management is a big issue with new developments like Murdoch village and Babcock Ranch those are two really important issues. Water is another issue, water management.”


Trish Duffy raised three children in Charlotte County. Her husband Barney is principal of Charlotte high. She will attend her first commission meeting, as a board member, Tuesday September 26th.

Republican Charlie Crist faces Democrat Jim Davis in November to become Florida’s next governor.

In the race for Florida Attorney General Skip Campbell faces Bill McCollum in November.

In the race for Chief Financial Officer Republican Tom Lee faces Democrat Alex Sink in November.


In State Legislative Races that cover Southwest Florida:

In State House District 69 Laura Benson wins.

State House District 73 Republicans John Albion and Nick Thompson each got nearly 50% of the vote. A run-off or recount will be decided on Monday 9/11/06. The winner takes on Democrat Pete Burkert in the general election.

Republican Michael Grant won State House District 71.

In State House District 70 Democrat David Shapiro faces
Doug Holder in November.

In House district 77 Republican Incumbent Denise Grimesley faces Democratic challenger Thomas Zane in the general election.

House district 76 has Incumbent Dudley Goodlette term limited out. In the General Election Republican Garrett Richter faces Ken McPherson with the Constitutional Party.


There are 7 circuit judge races:
In group 9 Circuit Judge Meg Steinbeck won re-election.
In group 28 Naples attorney Beth VanArsdale Krier won.
In group 26 Fort Myers attorney Joe Simpson won.
In group 14 Former State Representative Bruce Kyle won.
In group 31 Fort Myers attorney Keith Kyle won.

Two races will run off in November –
In group 29 Lynne Dailey faces Miguel Fernandez
In group 30 Frank Mann Junior faces Liz Adams.


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In Lee County:

Republicans Frank Mann won John Albion’s former Lee County commission district 5 seat.

The Lee County commission district 4 seat has Republican incumbent Tammy Hall re-elected.

Brian Bigelow beat incumbent Doug St. Cerny in District 2.

In the Lee County judgeship race Diane Dramko and Tara Paluck face off in November.


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In Charlotte County:

Charlotte County Commission seat for district 2 has incumbent Republican Adam Cummings re-elected.

In Charlotte commission district 4 Matt DeBoer is leaving office.
Republicans Richard Loftus takes his place.

For Charlotte County judge Paul Alessandroni takes the bench in January.
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In Collier County:

Collier County Commission District 4 has incumbent Frank Halas facing Michael Lissack in November.

For County Judge Mike Carr appears to have won.

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In Sarasota County:

Commissioner District 2 Joe Barbetta was elected.


In Glades County: (results unknown)

In Glades county voters will be asked if they want to levy a one cent sales surtax to fund infrastructure and public utilities.

Glades voters will also be asked if they want to grant property tax exemptions to new and expanding businesses.

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In Congress:

In District 13 – the race for outgoing U.S. Representative Katherine Harris’s seat Republicans Vern Buchanan faces Democrat
Christine Jennings in November.

In District 14 – Connie Mack faces Robert Neeld in the general election.

In the U.S. Senate Katherine Harris faces Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in the General Election.

In District 16 Incumbent Republican Mark Foley faces Democrat
Challenger Tim Mahoney and Emmie Ross – with No Party Affiliation in the General Election in November.

The top Florida official of the U-S Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday the agency needs to do a better job keeping residents informed. The Corps has come under fire for its past Lake Okeechobee water releases and its efforts to restore the Everglades. Colonel Paul Grosskruger has just signed on for a three-year stint to head the Army Corp’s Florida division. He takes over amid worries that Lake Okeechobee’s aging dike could collapse, environmental concerns about freshwater releases out of the lake and striking a balance between growth and conservation. Speaking on Gulf Coast Live, Grosskruger said he plans to have an open dialog with all involved.

“I think we need to move forward and ensure that we together with a team and communicate effectively. I think communication is two ways. We need to hear what’s being said and we need to listen and we need to communicate what is being decided upon.”

Grosskruger says the Army Corps plans to hold a series of meetings next month to discuss their Lake Okeechobee water release schedules. Many residents, government leaders and environmentalists say those releases have fouled the Caloosahatchee River and its estuary.

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The U-S Army Corps of Engineers plans to hold a series of meetings next month on their Lake Okeechobee water release schedules. In past years, the Corps has sent lake water down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers to ease pressure on the lake’s dike. Those releases of nutrient-rich water have led to environmental problems. Colonel Paul Grosskruger is the new Florida commander of the Corps. He says so far this year, they haven’t released any lake water to the west.

“We want to manage it at a smart level that addresses any fluctuations that we may have with a wet year and coupled with that, we also want to have it at a level that precludes from having water supplies in a dry year.”

Grosskruger made the comments on W-G-C-U’s Gulf Coast Live. He says he’s already met with Sanibel’s mayor to discuss the release schedule and soon the Corps will hold public hearings to listen to residents’ concerns.