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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-fl3bdig11060nbnov06,0,6137706,print.story
Broward County: Opinions on Medicaid can be shared Thursday
November 6, 2007
Florida Medicaid beneficiaries and medical providers can express their opinions about the state's controversial Medicaid reform program at a daylong session Thursday.
State officials will hear from providers such as doctors, hospitals, clinics and service firms from 9 a.m. to noon, and from recipients from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn on Griffin Road at Interstate 95 in Dania Beach.
The year-old reform program being tested in Broward and four other counties attempts to save money and improve care by shifting most recipients into HMO-style health plans.
For more details on the comment sessions, call the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration at 888-419-3456.
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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flcbord1106nbnov06,0,7026489.story
LECTURES
Legal Rights of Sexual Minorities, third lecture in Nova SoutheasternUniversity's Shepard Broad Law Center's Goodwin Symposium, with MattForeman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 6p.m., Large Lecture Hall, NSU's Shepard Broad Law Center, 3305 College Ave.,Davie. Free and open to the public, but RSVP required atwww.nsulaw.nova.edu/events/rsvp.cfm or by calling 954-262-6295.
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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbromney1106nbnov06,0,7718673,print.story
Romney talks about conservative judges, social policy in NSU speechAt NSU, he cites gay marriage, porn as threats
By Anthony Man
Political Writer
November 6, 2007
Davie
America's families and their future are under attack, Republicanpresidential candidate Mitt Romney said Monday. The threats: gay marriage,Internet pornography and out-of-wedlock births.
"The foundation of society, which is the family, is under stress," Romneytold an audience at Nova Southeastern University. Judges are makingdecisions that "threaten the fundamental values and the culture that hasmade America successful."
His 38-minute appearance was sponsored by the Federalist Society chapter atNova Southeastern University's Law School. The national organization isaimed at getting more conservative and libertarian judges on the bench andspreading that brand of judicial thinking.
Romney would solve the problem through appointments from the mold of SupremeCourt Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas who would "follow the lawand not make the law."
Most of the audience of about 300 applauded, although a significant share,perhaps half, was silent when Romney called for amending the U.S.Constitution to add a ban on same-sex marriage.
more . . . . .
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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbdig11061nbnov06,0,2113589,print.story
Davie: Gay task force director to give lecture at NSU
November 6, 2007
Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian TaskForce, will give a lecture at 6 p.m. today at the Shepard Broad Law Centerat Nova Southeastern University, 3305 College Ave.
His appearance is part of the law school's 2007 Goodwin Symposium onsexuality, morality and the law, "30 Years After Anita Bryant's Crusade: TheContinuing Role of Morality in the Development of Legal Rights for SexualMinorities."
The lecture is free and open to the public. RSVP by calling 954-262-6111.
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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/sfl-flbmayocol1106nbnov06,0,7378420,print.column
Mysteries abound as Jenne's sentencing looms
Michael Mayo
News Columnist
November 6, 2007
In 10 days, former Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne is scheduled to face a federaljudge for criminal sentencing.
Come Nov. 16, we'll see what U.S. District Judge William Dimitrouleas makesof Jenne's version of contrition since he stood in court Sept. 5 and pleadedguilty to four felonies. Some of Jenne's actions leave a lot to be desired.
There was the tone-deaf apology Jenne read outside the courthouse after hisplea, in which he tried to minimize his wrongdoing by calling them "personalmistakes" and "errors in judgment." He also said, "I would neverdeliberately or consciously violate or compromise my sworn duties assheriff."
There was the news Jenne applied for his state pension the day he resigned.The benefits, worth at least $126,000 a year, are frozen pending thesentencing. "We're still in a holding pattern," said James Miller, aspokesman for the state agency that administers pensions. Jenne might haveto forfeit the pension because of his conviction; a final decision will bemade after the state reviews his case.
Now there's Jenne's four-page response to the government's Pre-sentenceInvestigation report, in which he continues to downplay wrongdoing and shiftblame. Under federal rules, the public doesn't get to see the pre-sentencereport, just Jenne's response.
more . . . . .
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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbpark1106nbnov06,0,5213380,print.story
Broward County might require voter approval for sale of park land
Panel considers requiring voter OK for sale, new use
By Scott Wyman
November 6, 2007
Parks in Broward County could not be redeveloped for housing, businesses oreven a school or library unless voters first agree, under a change beingconsidered to the county charter.
Officials working to update the charter are concerned the scarcity of openland in Broward eventually will turn parks into easy targets for thoselooking for space to build. They are moving toward asking voters next fallto require referendums any time county commissioners want to sell park landor change its use.
The proposal comes as the county is wrapping up a $400 million expansion ofthe park system. That has included buying up the last untouched pieces ofnative Florida, restoring land to open space and building new regionalparks.
"As less and less open space is available in the county, there will be moreand more pressure to convert existing parks and open space to development,"said Richard Weiss, a Fort Lauderdale attorney who serves on the CharterReview Commission. "I think the parks need protection from that kind ofpressure."
The county's network of 47 parks encompasses 6,500 acres.
more . . . . .
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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpcharter1106pnnov06,0,5162832,print.story
School Board may vote to appeal state decision on charter schools
By Rhonda J. Miller
November 6, 2007
The Palm Beach County School Board will decide Wednesday whether to appeal astate ruling that took away its exclusive authority to grant approval forcharter schools.
The School Board also will consider whether to restate its challenge to theconstitutionality of the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission, the stategroup given the shared right to approve and monitor charter schools.
Those who favor the shared authority say it gives charter schools options ifthey are denied by the local school board or want to bypass it altogether.Opponents say state law gives local districts exclusive right to controlpublic schools within their borders.
Traditionally, only local school boards could approve charter schools, whichare public schools with independent governing bodies that get about $6,000per student from state and local funds.
That changed when the 2006 Legislature created the Tallahassee-based FloridaSchools of Excellence Commission.
more . . . . .
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Sun-Sentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flppastor1106pnnov06,0,2621886,print.story
Pastor faces prostitution solicitation charges in police sting
Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers
November 6, 2007
PORT ST. LUCIE
The pastor of one of the area's largest churches offered $30 to anundercover police officer for oral sex and a massage, according to a WestPalm Beach Police Department arrest affidavit.
The Rev. Ronald McCaskill, pastor of New Life Christian Centre in Port St.Lucie, was arrested about 12:30 p.m. Friday in West Palm Beach on a chargeof soliciting prostitution, a first-degree misdemeanor.
The affidavit says the arrest was part of a "john reverse" operation inwhich a female police officer posed as a prostitute. McCaskill, 54, of FortPierce, reportedly drove up to the undercover officer in the 6900 block ofSouth Dixie Highway and agreed to pay $30 for oral sex and a massage.McCaskill was one of 13 men arrested Friday during the prostitutionsolicitation sting.
He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail shortly after 2 p.m. Fridaywith bail set at $250, records show. He posted bail by 11 p.m., according tohis booking report.
According to a news release issued for the church's 10th anniversary in2002, New Life Christian Centre began in 1992 as a 12-member prayer groupled by McCaskill. It has grown into a congregation of several thousandworking in several ministries, including the Fire House Youth Center, westof Fort Pierce, and the New Life Kidz Center adjacent to the churchsanctuary.
more . . . . .
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www.MarkLaFontaine.com
Join Candidate Mark LaFontaine
Avi & Chef Simone
for a Campaign Fundraiser
November 12th 2007 6:00 PM
Dinner at MAMALE
KOSHER Restaurant
1672 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale, 33334
954-563-0770
Minimum Contribution $50.00
Seating is Limited Please RSVP - 954-651-3147
If you would prefer to contribute by mail, send a check to:
Mark LaFontaine Campaign
P.O. Box 23697
Oakland Park, FL 33307-3697
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World AIDS Day Interfaith Service
NOVEMBER 30, 2007 - 8:30 p.m.
Congregation Etz Chaim and the GLBT Clergy and Friends will host a WorldAIDS Day Interfaith Service on Friday evening, November 30th at 8:30 PM atEtz Chaim, 1881 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
(954-564-9232.)
Everyone is invited to participate in the Friday night Shabbat Service inmemory and support of our family and friends who have died or who are livingwith HIV/AIDS in our community and around the world.
This is a very important service for all of South Florida. Rev. Dr. KathleenBishop of the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale reminds us that "It is atime for all people to join together as people of faith to support everyonein need in our community. Banding together to help those who are ill andchallenged with HIV/AIDS gives us an opportunity to live together as God hasmandated us to do as brothers and sisters in humanity."
As of press time, the following congregations/organizations areparticipating:
Congregation Etz Chaim
Church of Our Savior MCC Boynton Beach
Discovering God, Inc.
New Hope First Community Church, Boynton Beach
Sunshine Cathedral MCC, Fort Lauderdale
Parish of Sts Francis and Claire
Spiritus Institute
The Sanctuary Inc.
Unitarian Universalist Churches in Weston and Fort Lauderdale
The GLBT Clergy and Friends is an interfaith community that ministers to allpeople without discrimination. The group actively supports and encouragescooperation between people of all faiths, genders, orientations andcultural-ethnic heritages to work together to ensure peace and justice inour communities and around the world.
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South Florida Social Circle
Our Holiday Luncheon will be held Aboard the Celebrity Cruise Lines Millennium on
Sunday, December 16th in the beautiful two story dinning room of theMetropolitan Restaurant with floor to ceiling windows and spectacular oceanviews.
DEADLINE FOR PAID RESERVATIONS:
Must Be Received No later than
Thursday, November 15th
Call TODAY if you want to join us for this very special event.
Call NOW: 954-761-3855
It is limited to only 55 people, and we already have 20 people going!
It will be a Five Star Dinning Experience including wine. Everyone thatattends will be able to join our exclusive tour of the Millennium, one ofthe finest cruise ships in the world.
The event is only $39 per person, and includes transportation on a luxurycoach to the ship, your luncheon, the ships tour and gratuity.
RESERVATIONS
DEADLINE FOR PAID RESERVATIONS:
No later than Thursday, November 15th
You must call Doug right away if you want to go.
Call NOW: 954-761-3855
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbwater1106nbnov06,0,7689844.story?coll=sofla_tab01_layout
As Lake Okeechobee's level falls, more water curbs likely
By Mike Clary
November 6, 2007
The modest cold front that pushed through the state last weekend signaledthe start of South Florida's sweet season, when the humidity falls, skiesturn crisp and blue and rain is rare.
Therein lies the problem.
Already mired in drought, South Florida faces an annual dry season thatpromises to be even drier than normal, thanks to a cyclical Pacific Oceanphenomenon known as La Nina that scientists say is almost certain to lead toa historic low water level in Lake Okeechobee. One water official speculatedthat the water level could dip to 7 feet - almost 2 feet below the previouslow.
To prepare for a five-month dry season, water managers are consideringtighter water use restrictions.
According to a National Weather Service forecast, the average 15 to 20inches of rain South Florida sees during the November-to-May dry seasoncould drop as much as 65 percent.
more . . . . .
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flppastor1106pnnov06,0,2893127.story
Pastor faces prostitution solicitation charges in police sting
Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers
November 6, 2007
PORT ST. LUCIE
The pastor of one of the area's largest churches offered $30 to anundercover police officer for oral sex and a massage, according to a WestPalm Beach Police Department arrest affidavit.
The Rev. Ronald McCaskill, pastor of New Life Christian Centre in Port St.Lucie, was arrested about 12:30 p.m. Friday in West Palm Beach on a chargeof soliciting prostitution, a first-degree misdemeanor.
The affidavit says the arrest was part of a "john reverse" operation inwhich a female police officer posed as a prostitute. McCaskill, 54, of FortPierce, reportedly drove up to the undercover officer in the 6900 block ofSouth Dixie Highway and agreed to pay $30 for oral sex and a massage.McCaskill was one of 13 men arrested Friday during the prostitutionsolicitation sting.
He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail shortly after 2 p.m. Fridaywith bail set at $250, records show. He posted bail by 11 p.m., according tohis booking report.
more . . . . .
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzregent1106nbnov06,0,725712.story
Fort Lauderdale's Regent Cruise Line reported sold for $1 billion
By Tom Stieghorst
November 6, 2007
Fort Lauderdale-based Regent Seven Seas Cruises may have been the subjectof a quiet takeover battle, according to at least one published report.
Spokesmen for Regent and its Minneapolis-based parent company declinedcomment on a posting at CFO.com that said Regent has been sold for $1billion to Apollo Management LP.
"I would be unable to comment on market speculation at this time," said SamMacalus, corporate spokesman for Carlson Cos., a privately held Minnetonka,Minn., concern that owns a variety of travel brands, including the Radissonhotel chain and Carlson Wagonlit travel agencies.
CFO.com, which is part of the same company that publishes The Economistmagazine, on Oct. 29 said that Apollo won an auction for Regent, beating outtwo other private equity firms.
"We generally, as a rule, do not comment on transactions we may or may notbe involved in," said Steven Anreder, a spokesman for Apollo in New York.
more . . . . .
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Sarasota Herald Tribune
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20071105/NEWS/711050540
Amendment banning same-sex marriages closing in on ballot spot in November2008
Opponents stress that measure could affect straight couples
By ANNA SCOTT
anna.scott@heraldtribune.com
A constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida is closing inon a spot on the 2008 ballot, triggering a political battle that could swayvoters in a presidential year.
Florida4Marriage, the group pushing the amendment, has 597,000 signaturesand needs only 13,000 more to put it before voters.
Proponents of the ban are heartened by polls showing that the amendment hasa good chance of getting the 60 percent of votes necessary for passage.
"People intuitively understand why marriage should be between a man and awoman," said John Stemberger, head of Florida4Marriage. "This campaign isnot a shot in the dark."
But the issue is more complicated than it sounds.
more . . . . .
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Florida Today
http://www.flatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071105/NEWS01/711050334/1006/news01
Lawyers expect to sit Allen jury Tuesday
BY KEYONNA SUMMERS
FLORIDA TODAY
November 5, 2007
VIERA -- Despite struggling to find potential jurors not "tainted" bypre-trial publicity, attorneys in the Bob Allen sex for hire case arehopeful they can start opening statements by Tuesday afternoon.
Attorneys choosing jurors for the sex solicitation trial of state Rep. BobAllen ran into problems this morning after several people in the jury poolindicated they could not set aside their opinions about the case.
By lunch, attorneys dismissed nine of 14 jurors who said they alreadybelieved the seven-year legislator, accused of agreeing to pay an undercoverpolice officer $20 to perform a sex act at a park in Titusville, was guiltybased on information they had heard in media accounts of the trial evidence.
Allen, being tried on a single charge of solicitation for a prostitute,faces a $500 fine and up to 60 days if convicted.
Flanked by his three attorneys, Allen appeared calm as he sat at the defensetable in courtroom 3C of the Moore Justice Center in Viera. The courtroomwas packed with media, attorneys and other spectators.
more . . . . .
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbrebate1106nbnov06,0,7697891.story?track=rss
Parkland plan gives residents incentives for going green
By Lisa J. Huriash
November 6, 2007
PARKLAND
Residents could soon collect some green for helping save the planet.
This week, the City Commission will discuss eco-friendly incentives thatwould pay residents $200 for buying a hybrid car; $150 for installinglow-flow toilets and shower heads; up to $175 for solar panels; and more.
Officials said they would be pioneers in Broward County for a multi-facetedrebate program. Tamarac has one for water conservation that is confined toultra-low-flow toilets - $100 for the first the $75 for the second. "In thisday and age, we need to learn to become more environmental," said Vice MayorJared Moskowitz, who proposed the Parkland plan. "We always hear becomingmore environmental costs money. So why can't being environmental save youmoney?"
Cities and agencies across the nation are offering such incentives - fromfree parking spaces to the use of restricted highway lanes to drivers ofhybrid cars. Businesses are cashing in too, luring customers withenergy-efficient appliances that help reduce carbon emissions.
City staffers in Parkland said the proposals would cost City Hall as much as$104,000 and estimate almost 900 residents would participate.
more . . . . .
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St. Petersburg Times
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/11/06/State/Inmates_seek_rehearin.shtml
Inmates seek rehearing on execution method
The men ask the state Supreme Court to review their challenges to lethalinjection.
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published November 6, 2007
TALLAHASSEE - Two death row inmates asked the Florida Supreme Court onMonday to rehear their challenges to the state's lethal injection procedure.
The justices last week unanimously rejected arguments that the procedure isunconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. That cleared the way for theNov. 15 execution of Mark Dean Schwab for the 1991 rape and murder of11-year-old Junny Rios-Martinez in Brevard County.
Monday's rehearing requests were filed on behalf of Schwab and Ian DecoLightbourne, who has not yet been scheduled for execution. Lightbournekilled Nancy O'Farrell after breaking into her Marion County home in 1981.
The state responded that Lightbourne's rehearing request should be rejectedbecause it "does nothing more than quarrel with this court's decision."
A response to Schwab's request was not immediately filed.
more . . . . .
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