FLORIDA DIGEST December 10, 2006

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Tampabay.com

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/10/news_pf/State/Crist__Inaugural_plan.shtml


Crist: Inaugural plan was mistake
The governor-elect cancels plans for a lavish party that would have haddonors pay as much as $500,000 each to foot the bill.
LUCY MORGAN AND STEVE BOUSQUET
Published December 10, 2006


TALLAHASSEE - Amid mounting criticism from the public and media, Gov.-electCharlie Crist on Saturday abruptly canceled plans for a pricey inauguralball, saying he should not have approved the solicitation of donations of asmuch as $500,000 to pay for events.

"I made a mistake, and, yes, it was a doozy," Crist said.

Instead of capping his Jan. 2 inauguration with a four-hour celebration at acivic center in Tallahassee, Crist said, he will go ahead with a more modestprayer breakfast and open house at the Governor's Mansion.

"Upon reflection, it doesn't feel right to me when there are people havingtrouble paying their insurance bills and making ends meet," Crist told theSt. Petersburg Times. "When I was a child, my grandfather told me everypencil has an eraser for a reason. It's a good lesson. I'm not perfect."



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Tampabay.com

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/10/news_pf/Worldandnation/Senate_approves_oil__.shtml


Senate approves oil, gas drilling off Panhandle
If signed, this will allow the first drilling off Florida's shores in 20years.
By WES ALLISON, Times Staff Writer
Published December 10, 2006



WASHINGTON - The Senate gave its approval early Saturday to a bill thatwould allow oil and gas exploration in 8.3-million acres of the eastern Gulfof Mexico, just 125 miles south of the Florida Panhandle.

The 79-9 vote - one of the final actions of Congress before it adjourned forthe year - followed approval Friday by the House and sends the measure toPresident Bush, who is expected to sign it.

Although the bill marks the first time Congress has voted to allow drillingoff Florida's shores since federal bans on drilling were put in place morethan 20 years ago, it also provides long-term protection for Florida's westcoast: No drilling will be allowed within 234 miles of Tampa Bay through2022.



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