“The process for doing so in many southern states requires a majority in the state legislature, which is to say that voters can’t just petition to get something on the ballot…

Republican control is a big deal because though the rest of the country has moved, Republicans, especially southern Republicans, have not. Only 26% of Republicans support gay marriage. The percentage of Americans in favor of same-sex marriage rose by 15% over the past decade; the percentage of Republicans favoring gay marriage only rose by 3% over the same period. That’s a growth rate of only 0.3% a year.”

As Scott signed a $74.1 billion state budget Monday, he used his line-item veto power to eliminate proposals that ranged from spending $14 million on a building project at Gulf Coast State College in the Panhandle to earmarking $20,000 for the Hialeah Junior Fire Academy in South Florida, reports Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida.

“My filter was this,” Scott said. “One, is it going to help our families get more jobs? Two, will it help improve our education system in our state? And three, will it make government more efficient so we can keep the cost of living low in our state?” 

In issuing $368 million in vetoes, the governor spared no region of the state and showed he was willing to delete projects backed by powerful lawmakers. The lawmakers who got zapped included Senate President Don Gaetz who supported the Gulf Coast State College project and also saw vetoes of other projects in northwest Florida.

Gaetz, who last week reacted angrily when the group Florida TaxWatch called for vetoes of some of the projects, issued a statement that was more philosophical about Scott’s decisions.

While many will disagree with some of Governor Scott’s line item vetoes, that is his constitutional role as chief executive,” Gaetz said.

But Senate Minority Leader Chris Smith criticized Scott for reversing legislative budget decisions.

“As a newcomer to the office and the process, the governor misses a critical understanding about the role of the Legislature in crafting a spending plan,” Smith said. “As he sits high and looks down low, he seems to be under the mistaken impression that all good ideas for job creation originate in the governor’s mansion.”

Here are samples of Scott’s vetoes in different regions of the state:

NORTHWEST FLORIDA

— Gulf Coast State College science, technology, engineering and math building: $14 million
— Old Jackson County High School in Marianna: $6 million
— Mossy Head Industrial Park infrastructure in Walton County: $1.8 million
— Okaloosa County Health Department mobile dental and medical units: $1.725 million
— Gadsden County mobile health unit: $200,000

NORTHEAST FLORIDA

— St. Johns River State College project in Orange Park: $2.5 million
— The Arc Village of Jacksonville: $2 million
— Learn2Earn education initiative in Jacksonville: $500,000
— Nassau County sheriff’s administration building: $500,000
— St. Augustine historical documentary film: $500,000

CENTRAL FLORIDA

— Lakeland Regional Medical Center project for graduate medical education: $2.5 million
— Bushnell-Sumter County water main extension: $1.234 million
— Pine Hills pedestrian bridge in Orange County: $800,000
— National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando: $600,000
— Orange County library research and development grant: $250,000

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

— Hernando County broadband network: $2 million
— Pasco K-20 STEM education magnet academy: $1.5 million
— Metropolitan Ministries transitional family housing project in Pasco County: $1.3 million
— Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) slots in Hillsborough County: $1.3 million
— Pasco County drug initiative known as “Pasco be Smart”: $1 million

SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

— Florida Gulf Coast University Renewable Energy Institute: $7.5 million’
— Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) slots in Lee County: $2.196 million
— Historic Hendry County courthouse renovation: $1.5 million
— Fort Myers/Cape Coral reclaimed water distribution pipeline: $900,000
— Hardee County regional wastewater service improvements: $500,000

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

— Bethesda Hospital in Palm Beach County special Medicaid payment: $3.629 million
— Violence prevention unit in Palm Beach County: $550,000
— Broward County transportation hub: $500,000
— Holocaust Documentation and Education Center: $500,000
— Dade Correctional Institution compost machine: $100,000

In a report by the Pinellas Realtor Organization, combined single-family home and condo/townhome sales numbers for April 2013 have increased 16 percent from the same period last year. A combination of the real estate numbers indicates definite recovery in home sales for the county.  

“The excitement can be felt,” says David Bennett, President and CEO of the Pinellas Realtor Organization in a press release, “but the question on everyone’s mind is; how long will it last?”

Homebuyers paying in cash for condominiums are seeing Pinellas County as the place to go. Cash sales increased by nearly 13 percent in the last month.  These rising numbers for both condominiums and townhomes are part of a steady eight-month trend. Median and average sales price also increased, as they have every month since January 2013, driven by the lower supply of available inventory.

Active listings are down, by 14 percent for single-family homes and 13.1 percent for condominiums.  New listings continue to improve over the last year, with an 12.6 increase for listings of single–family homes.

Last month, Pinellas County experienced a decline in sales of single-family homes. However, those numbers are still better than reported sales for 2012.

Over the past few years, foreclosures and short sales have been difficult issues for Pinellas County homeowners. For them, the recent report brings a mixed bag of both good and unpleasant news.

The good news for homeowners is that there are significant decreases in short sales and foreclosures for condominiums and townhomes. Foreclosures are down 15.5 percent, and short sales dropped a stunning 41.2 percent.

The bad news is foreclosures for single-family homes are still high, shooting up 44 percent since last April.

A few sour notes in an otherwise (mostly) promising real estate outlook have not dampened realtors’ enthusiasm.

“The overall market health continues to improve,” Bennett says.  “We encourage buyers and sellers to take advantage of the current market condition.”

The Work Plan was drafted to include measures on ethics and campaign finance reform, changes to local public sector pension plans, innovations in higher education, and a review of Florida’s election laws — all of which were successfully passed during the last legislative session.

“The Work Plan Florida Agenda highlights our joint commitment to keeping Florida on the road to full economic recovery by rebuilding trust and confidence in government and tying job creation to the realities of the economy through investments in education,” said Gaetz.

The tour begins in Central Florida with visits to National Guard Armoires, Children’s Advocacy Centers, and Career and Professional Education Academies. At the Brooksville National Guard Armory, The President and Speaker will be joined by Major General Emmett Titshaw, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard, Sen. Wilton Simpson and Rep. Jimmie Smith.

From there, they (sans the Major General) head to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hernando County — an organization that strives to improve Florida’s response to child abuse, and to provide specialized training, technical assistance and other support services for communities.

Finally, the two chamber leaders will head west to the Tampa Bay Technical High School where Superintendent Mary Ellen Elia , Sen. Jack Latvala, Sen. John Legg, Rep. Jamie Grant, Rep. Ross Spano and Rep. Dana Young will together deliver messages regarding what’s in store for students as they transition from classroom to the workforce.

On Thursday the tour continues with a morning visit to the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, alongside Sen. Geraldine Thompson.

House Majority Leader Steve Precourt and Sen. Kelli Stargel will join in for a visit at Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland. The tour will wrap up in Lake Wales at the National Guard Armory, joined by Major General James Tyre, Sen. Denise Grimsley, Rep. Neil Combee, Rep. John Wood, and Rep. Mike La Rosa.

Several municipal and local governments were discovered shortening the length of yellow lights after installing “traffic infraction detectors,” or red light cameras. This alteration resulted in the length of yellow lights being set below federal guidelines.

In addition, any changes in the length of yellow lights, even half-seconds, can result in millions of dollars of additional revenues by way of fines for violations caught on Red Light Cameras.

This policy change has prompted Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes to act.

Today, Brandes contacted Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad in a letter citing new information “alleges impropriety by several municipal and county governments in the implementation of traffic infraction device programs.”

Brandes intends to examine the changes in yellow light times, as well as collision data on “right-turn on red” violations compared to actual crashes. He  says he will also look into contracts for red light cameras between county and municipal governments.

“The potential for adverse impacts on the residents of Florida resulting from the misuse of traffic infraction detectors is a very serious issue that cannot be ignored,” Brandes writes.

“I stand committed to addressing any shortfalls in public policy in this regard, and I look forward to continuing our open dialogue and mutual cooperation as we work toward a policy that best protects the safety of Floridians.”

As reported by WTSP 10 News Investigators, the FDOT quietly changed its position on the interval of yellow lights, directing engineers from both the FDOT and municipalities to make the change at key intersections, focusing on those with Red Light Cameras.

Reducing yellow light times, even by a fraction of a second, can potentially double the revenues from Red Light Camera violations. The 10 News investigations began with a discovery in December of a shortened light in Hernando County which caused a higher-than-normal collision rate. 

After airing the story, the station started looking into yellow light timing across the Tampa Bay area.

According to the WTSP website, red light cameras produce more than $100 million in revenue in 2012 from approximately 70 Florida communities, with 52.5 percent of the revenue going to the state. Cities, counties, and the camera companies divide the rest. In 2013, Red Light Cameras are on pace to generate more than $120 million.

He was given his first shots by Rick Penberthy, Alison Morano, Steve Schale, Mark Bubriski and Wendy Riemann, in that order.  Kevin explains, “Rick hired me to run his campaign. Alison made Robert Becker hire me on another campaign and Steve Schale and Mark Bubriski were the only two politicos that made calls for me after the 2006 cycle to help me find work in Tallahassee. I didn’t get that job (with Alex Sink), but my cousin Anthony De Luise introduced me to Wendy Riemann, who hired me at the Department of Health. That eventually led me back to Alex Sink’s office about a year later. That’s a long first shot.”

Today Kevin heads up Kevin Cate Communications, an acclaimed Emmy®, Silver Anvil®, Telly® and Addy®-award winning PR firm. They take on “a handful of clients each year and we deliver big results”.  They were part of the team that helped pass the federal RESTORE Act following the BP oil spill; led efforts to pass the Florida Vaccine Access Act; and helped defeat numerous bills that threatened the housing recovery in Florida.  

Although he no longer keeps a list of all the politicians he’s staffed or flacked, Kevin seeks out a common denominator among them in principles: “There is nothing worse than working for a politician or client that is only driven by ego, power, or money. If I don’t believe you, I don’t want to work for you.”   He sees Florida’s political reporters and editors as the finest in the country, by far; and were he not working in politics, he’d aspire to join their ranks.

Latest tweet from @KevinCate: “Our next Governor? RT @jmartpolitico: MT @darrenrovell: 1 PB winner. Zephyrhills, Fla. No state income tax, lump sum payout $300 mil.”

Here’s Kevin in his own words:

I am as close as it gets to being disqualified – 29 years young. 49 in campaign years.

I live in Tallahassee, Florida. I was born in Kingsport, Tennessee. I went to Auburn University and Florida State University. I hope to go on a vacation soon, but that’s not going to happen.

I entered politics to make change. At the time, it was mainly the war in Iraq.

One principle I always put above politics (and everything else) is family.

Person or people who gave me my first shot: Rick Penberthy, Alison Morano, Steve Schale, Mark Bubriski and Wendy Riemann, in that order, gave me my first shots.

Rick hired me to run his campaign. Alison made Robert Becker hire me on another campaign and Steve Schale and Mark Bubriski were the only two politicos that made calls for me after the 2006 cycle to help me find work in Tallahassee. I didn’t get that job (with Alex Sink), but my cousin Anthony De Luise introduced me to Wendy Riemann, who hired me at the Department of Health. That eventually led me back to Alex Sink’s office about a year later. That’s a long first shot.  

I’ve already worked for/on: I used to keep a list of all of the politicians I’ve staffed or flacked. I don’t do that anymore, but it’s a long list of great statewide, national, regional, and local politicians. I also have lots of amazing corporate and non-profit clients. I post some of that work at www.Facebook.com/CateComm.

When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for… Principles. There is nothing worse than working for a politician or client that is only driven by ego, power, or money. If I don’t believe you, I don’t want to work for you.  

I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors: My father, Keith, and my mother, Paula, cultivated all of my communication instincts.

The people I most admire in politics are: In Florida, I have a tremendous amount of admiration for Alex Sink, an absolute trailblazer for women in business and politics in Florida. I love Mike Fasano’s unrelenting populism. I am grateful to fellow PR folks Cory Tilley and Peter Mitchell for always rooting for me. I love politicos with guts and initiative like Jordan Raynor and Beth Matuga (I started typing out more, but I don’t want to leave anyone off). But most of all, I admire the reporters and editors that cover Florida politics. We have the best set of state political reporters in the country, by far. They don’t get enough credit.

One lesson I’ve already learned is… The most important rule in politics and press: never lie. Never, ever lie.

If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working in (which field)… Journalism.

In ten years, you’ll read about me… In ten years, you’ll read about me in Saintpetersblog, I hope.

You can connect with me via www.Facebook.com/CateComm and Twitter @KevinCate.

According to Morgan’s, um, riveting account, Stipanovich’s wife, Mary, and daughters Kaley and Heather left him in charge while they were at Miraval, a spa in Arizona famous for yoga, dawn desert hikes and self-improvement seminars.

“Soon he was neck deep in dance recitals, packing lunches, walking the dog, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, dropping off and picking up children at three different schools and keeping up with meals.”

No, this is not a treatment for a future ‘Home Alone’ movie.

Interestingly, Morgan gleans most of her information about Stipanovich’s week with the kids via his Facebook page. “Stipanovich is having the time of his life on Facebook, the social networking site better known to people half his age.” So, in actuality, Morgan’s story is about as much Stipanovich’s ability to use Facebook and rub his belly at the same time as it is the hijinks which ensued at home.

Morgan’s story about Stipanovich, 64, babysitting and using Facebook is so popular has inspired her former editors to ask her to follow-up with additional stories about Stipanovich’s blend of domestic adventures and social media.

Look for these stories in the coming months:

“Lobbying for an afternoon snack.” — Having mastered Facebook, Stipanovich decides its time to move on to Tumblr, so he creates SharpSnackIdeasWithMacTheKnife, a personal blog about the nutritious treats he makes for his five grandchildren. If you are  a busy parent, this Tumblr is for you.

“Lobbying for the keys to the car.” — Morgan tells the story of Stipanovich learning how to use Twitter, all while picking up his five grandchildren from three different schools. It’s a North-to-drop-off, South-to-pick-up tale of why not to text while driving.

“Lobbying for dinner time recipes.” — Still not sure about how to use Pinterest, Stipanovich takes to the female-friendly social media site for recipes for healthy, interesting meals to cook up for the kids. Morgan’s minute-by-minute account of Mac pointing-and-clicking on crock pot ideas is a must-read.

“Lobbying for a trip to the park.” Using Foursquare to check-in while taking his grandchildren to a neighborhood park, Stipanovich shows us the countless benefits of sharing with everyone you know exactly where you are at every minute of the day. Things go awry when Mac checks-in at a bar around the corner when he’s suppose to be watching the kids.

Baker, an attorney and junior partner in GOP consulting firm Data Targeting, cut his teeth in California politics before he moved to Florida to pursue his law degree at Florida State. He quickly went to work in the legal departments of the RPOF and Senate President Jeff Atwater’s office. He emerged as a go-to operative in managing Lizbeth Benacquisto’s improbable victory in 2010, flipping the majority Palm Beach based seat from blue to red.

Baker is known as a top opposition researcher for GOP campaigns and committees across the country and more recently he has emerged as a sought after general consultant, leading decisive victories by Congressman Ron DeSantis and Mike Hill in House District 2.

Here is Tim in his own words.

I am 30 years-young.

I live in Tallahassee … Am from San Francisco Bay Area, CA …. I went to undergrad at the University of Arizona and got my law degree from Florida State.

I hope to visit soon enough… promised my wife I’d take her to Italy.

I entered politics because… it’s in my blood (from an old California political family) and I wanted to make a positive impact on the community.

One principle I always put above politics is… show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.

Person or people who gave me my first shot: Got my start with the California Republican Party, but in Florida it was CFO Atwater (when he was Senate President) and then-councilwoman (now Senate Majority Leader) Lizbeth Benacquisto.

I’ve already worked for/on: Too many to mention, from candidates at all levels to IEs and national committees, but Sen. Benacquisto and soon to be Rep. Mike Hill rank up there as two of my favorites. Most proud of recently guiding Congressman Ron DeSantis and Mike Hill through very crowded GOP Primaries.

When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for… good people = good public policy. I want to know I am helping elect a good person most of all.

I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors: My late Grandfather (Ned), my parents and my business partner Pat Bainter.

The people I most admire in politics are: My incredible team at Data Targeting who make work a joy and give me supreme confidence when heading into battle.

One lesson I’ve already learned is… I learned in the Marine Corps to never never never give up… loyalty is also key.

If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working in… I’d be focused on my law practice full-time (instead of part-time), but I specialize in election law so I wouldn’t be out of politics (I’m sick and need help).

In ten years, you’ll read about me… hopefully still electing good people who promote good public policy.

You can connect with me via: I actually have no social media, so shoot me an email at: tbaker@datatargeting.com 

American Strategic Insurance (ASI) officially unveils its 110,000-square-foot corporate headquarters Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. The new three-story headquarters is located at One ASI Way, a newly named street off Gandy Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard North.

 ”Our new headquarters is a symbol of the company’s success and a celebrated milestone,” says John Auer, ASI’s CEO in a statement.

“As we progress in our 16th year of operation,” Auer adds, “I look forward to enjoying the work environment that is focused on employees and fosters our values of attitude, speed and innovation.”

ASI is the 20th-largest homeowner insurer in America with $878 million in written premiums, employing 275 people locally. In the past 18 months, they added nearly 115 people, from underwriters to claims adjusters and support staff.

Four years in a row, the Tampa Bay Times named ASI one of the 100 Top Places to Work in Tampa Bay. For the 2013 ranking, it was second in the midsize company category.

Designed and developed in the Tampa Bay area, ASI is part of a $42 million, 13-acre project in north St. Petersburg. The ASI campus houses an employee gym, recycling area, bicycle storage and a courtyard amphitheater. The property also features a 800-car garage facing Gandy Boulevard, and a central building constructed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane.

Completion of the ASI headquarters marks one of the largest commercial projects so far this year. More than 152,000 square feet of commercial space were under construction in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area by March 2013, according to the industrial real estate experts at the Co-Star Group.

“We’re experiencing a large amount of new growth, not seen since 2005 and 2006,” says St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster. “ASI’s new development is an important part of this economic resurgence in St. Petersburg.”

Rice will discuss her vision for the city’s future at a campaign fundraiser as part of her bid to win the District 4 seat on the St. Petersburg City Council. Former Florida governor Charlie Crist is also expected to make a “special appearance” at the event, which begins Tuesday at 5:30 pm at Cassis American Brasserie on 170 Beach Drive.

“We need a City Council that sets clear goals, acts with transparency, and engages the public,” Rice says, “so that we can achieve the maximum potential job creation in marine research, medical sectors, financial services, and IT.”

Rice announced her candidacy in March and has already received several high-profile supporters, including Crist, Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) as well as the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association. She is currently running against neurosurgeon Dr. David McKalip and Carolyn Fries in the city’s Aug. 27 primary election. 

In recent polls, Rice leads both McKalip and Fries to succeed Leslie Curran, who now holds the District 4 seat and faces term limits.

As a longtime community activist, former President of the St. Pete League of Women Voters and present Chair of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority legislative committee, Rice cites her love of the city as her motivation to run for City Council. Her campaign platform — St. Pete Strong — centers on themes of “strong city services,” “strong communities” and “strong businesses and jobs.”

“I am the best-qualified person in the race to work with the Council to do exactly those things,” Rice says. “I am also the best-qualified candidate to work with local and regional leaders to advance transportation choices for the future of our region.”

Michelle Todd and Peter Schorsch host Tuesday’s campaign event, along with several of Rice’s enthusiastic supporters:

• Laura Boehmer of Southern Strategies Group
• Chris Carmody of GrayRobinson
• Tony Collins of Tucker Hall
• Alan Suskey of Capitol Insight
• Strategist Carrie Henriquez
• Zac Sitzberger 
• Attorney Amanda Taylor
• Business executive Scott Wagman
• Frank Wells of World Power & Water
• Emily Worden 

For more information or to RSVP, visit the event’s Facebook Page