FLORIDA DIGEST February 9, 2008

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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.Sun-Sentinel.com
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Clergy aim to mend science-religion rift. Pastors, rabbis plan sermons thisweekend. Can religion and evolution co-exist without anger, yelling andthreats of going to hell? More than 800 congregations will say "yes" thisweekend, when pastors and rabbis in nine countries are expected to offersermons and discussion groups on the potential for peace between the warringcamps. The Rev. Roger Richardson, of Church of the Palms in Delray Beach,will explore the compatibility of science and Christianity as part of hissermon on Sunday. Adult education classes at the church have been gettingready for the weekend by discussing Charles Darwin and his religiousbeliefs.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpevolution0209pnfeb09,0,7853176,print.story


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Broward County Board of County Commissioners to vote on expandingprotections under HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE 16 ½
Equality Florida is a proud partner in a coalition of local communityactivists and organizations who have been working hard to include "genderidentity & expression" and "pregnancy" in the list of protected classesunder Broward's Human Rights Ordinance 16 ½. By expanding the HRO, BrowardCounty Commissioners will provide necessary protections for our transgendercitizens, a growing and vibrant part of the community that is also among themost vulnerable. The amendment will provide a level of protection foremployment, housing and public accommodation that currently does not exist.Show your support and join us in the audience at the public hearing. -Tuesday, February 12 at 2:00 PM - Broward Government Center


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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
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Transgender play's strictly personal
Performance artist Scott Turner Schofield came out twice, first at 16 as alesbian when he was named Katie. ''I thought I was a girl and I liked girls,so I must be a lesbian,'' Schofield recalled.
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Tourism chief shares keys to Fort Lauderdale's success
Broward tourism chief Nicki E. Grossman recalled the unusual day not longago when both the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 were docked at PortEverglades.


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
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How Florida Governor Charlie Crist propelled John McCain to the top of theGOP field.
As John McCain consolidates his Super Tuesday wins to nail down thenomination, he can thank his big-name endorsers over the past week: RudyGiuliani. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Texas Governor Rick Perry. Steve Forbes.And then he can give Florida Governor Charlie Crist a lifetime, unlimitedmileage pass on the Straight Talk Express, or maybe even a copy of thatprized donor list that he had to use as collateral last year to keep hiscampaign afloat.
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=7d469394-9358-4921-9a00-f6c6f448942d
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Florida lawmakers rethinking backup insurance coverage
Lawmakers, worried about the cost of a monster storm, are rethinking ackupcoverage.TALLAHASSEE - One year after passing radical property insurancechanges to lower homeowners' premiums, legislators are increasingly worriedthe overhaul could cost the state -- and homeowners -- billions of dollarsif a major hurricane hits. Instead of pledging more rate relief, lawmakersare drafting proposals to cut back a key provision in last year's bill thatoffers $12 billion in publicly financed backup insurance coverage to privateinsurers.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-propinsure0908feb09,0,191178.story
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Assisted living facilities evict easily; legislator says reasons needed
Residents should get reason at least, state senator says
Jay Sparaga, who has diabetes and uses a wheelchair, moved last year intothe Munne Center assisted living facility, south of Miami, where he can getmeals and care. But the management has informed the 60-year-old Sparaga hemust leave Sunday. They don't even have to tell him why. State regulationsallow assisted living facilities - whose residents may be very sick orfrail, or have no family to look after them - to discharge their residentswith a simple 45-day notice, without giving a reason. Residents have noright to appeal.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flhlpassisted0209pnfeb09,0,7348434.story?track=rss
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Democrat Peterman tapped to lead DJJ
Gov. Charlie Crist reached across the partisan aisle Friday and named aDemocratic lawmaker from his hometown as a top member of his administration.With the Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum as a backdrop,Crist announced that Rep. Frank Peterman of St. Petersburg, a veteran memberof the black caucus, will be the new secretary of the Department of JuvenileJustice. "Rep. Peterman's dedication to improving the lives of young peopleis evident from his 23-year track record of juvenile services work," Cristsaid in a written release. "His six years on the House Juvenile JusticeCommittee give him a unique perspective on how to continue the improvementswe are making in Florida's juvenile-justice system."
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/CD/20080209/CAPITOLNEWS/802090327/-1/capitolnews


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