Fire the Party of "No"

Important Issues - Get the news on the issue that you are wanting.

Miami-Dade County with the Government at it's Worst

Fred Thompson on the Economy---Check it out!!

Florida Consumer E-Alerts - New Phishing Scam

Clean Up Miami

Clean Up Miami Social Networking Website

Small Farm and Land for Sale in Homestead

Daphne Campbell Candidate for District 108 State Representative

Do you know who your Florida State House Representative is? I can tell you who your next elected one will be in district 108. For the past twenty-two years, I have been and continue to be a mother, wife, critical care registered nurse, businesswoman, community leader and advocate in North Miami Beach.

For Miami-Dade mayor, no extra power over Jackson Health System - March 5, 2010 - Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, who sought authority over the board of Jackson Health System in a financial crisis, was rebuffed by county commissioners.

Miami-Dade mayor asks for authority over Jackson Health System - March 3, 2010 - Miami-Dade's mayor has proposed appointing a new board to govern Jackson if its financial system keeps getting worse.

Miami-Dade County reaches contract deal with 4 labor unions - February 20, 2010 - Miami-Dade County reached contract deals with four labor unions, but faces a new budget hole that must be filled this year -- meaning more layoffs are to come.

Miami-Dade nears settlement with Wackenhut - February 16, 2010 - Miami-Dade's `ghost post' Metrorail dispute may be coming to a close, with commissioners set to consider a proposed settlement Thursday.

Dade excels at squandering taxpayers' money - February 16, 2010 - In Miami-Dade County there is a new definition for the word ``environment'': all-terrain vehicles, fuel, laptop computers, surveillance equipment, late-model cellphones, subscriptions to satellite television, furniture and boats.

A New Chair, a New Chance - February 10, 010 - After a turbulent period in the direction and performance of the MDCDEC, we finally have a Chair who seems to be committed to have the party do what is necessary to fulfill the mission of the DEC.

Marco Rubio to run for the US Senate - February 10, 2010 - The thought of any more Florida Republicans in Congress is enough to make any thoughtful Democrat have a sudden attack of what will probably feel like “swine-flu”.

Obama: Expand two lending programs - February 7, 2010 - President Barack Obama wants Congress to expand two lending programs to get more money in the hands of small business owners.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson won't seek 5th term - February 6, 2010 - Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson won't seek a fifth term, closing a noteworthy career and opening the door for a new commissioner for South Miami-Dade.

Solidarity with Concurrent Pro Democracy Protests in Iran on February 11th 2010 - February 3, 2010 - Call to Action!
Solidarity with Democracy Movement in Iran
February 11, 2010 6pm to 8:30pm at Torch of Friendship, Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami

The President Holds an Open Discussion Across the Aisle

With criticism, Miami-Dade County approves Omni redevelopment agency expansion - January 29, 2010 - Another element of 2007's city-county mega-deal fell into place last week after Miami-Dade commissioners agreed to expand Miami's Omni Community Redevelopment Agency — but by a narrow margin and under pressure from the city.

New bus routes to link Broward, Dade - January 23, 2010 - Early Monday, county buses from Miami-Dade and Broward will begin operating routes deep into each other's backyards for the first time.

Fatal bike accident on Rickenbacker Causeway raises safety questions - January 22, 2010 - Miami-Dade commissioners Thursday discussed how to prevent accidents like the one that killed a bicyclist on the Rickenbacker Causeway.

Miami-Dade OK's new sex offender law - January 22, 2010 - A new Miami-Dade sex offender ordinance will supersede some of the stricter city ordinances passed by local municipalities, including Miami's.

Alvarez recall drive falters - January 16, 2010 - A retiree's campaign to recall County Mayor Carlos Alvarez is about enter its final two weeks -- with a long way to go.

Meek gains as Ferre's Senate bid takes a hit - January 16, 2010 - Haiti's tragedy has raised the profile of the Democratic front-runner for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat, Miami U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek.

Politifact: Kendrick Meek's `tossup race' claim not substantiated - January 16, 2010 - With Republicans Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio dominating news coverage about Florida's U.S. Senate race, Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek would like you to know he's running, too.

Democrat running for Senate Kendrick Meek

I wanted to invite you to the BBQ Kendrick Meek, the Democrat running for Senate, is having in North Broward. It will be a lot of fun and the tickets will help pay for the food and help get Kendrick elected.

GOP infighting boost Kendrick Meek's campaign status - January 10, 2010 - Kendrick Meek wants to introduce you to the learning-impaired child who overcame dyslexia to get through college, joined the Florida Highway Patrol, won a seat in the Legislature and worked his way into a prime position of influence in Congress.

Senate hopeful Kendrick Meek visits university - January 10, 2010 - While national attention has been focused on Florida's Republican contenders for the U.S. Senate, Kendrick Meek has been flying under the radar.

Meek's Senate drive is low profile - January 10, 2009 - TAMPA - Gov. Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio can't seem to avoid headlines, but U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek can't buy one.

Political Beat - Janaury 10, 2010 - State Rep. Juan-Carlos ``J.C.'' Planas, a former Miami-Dade prosecutor, has applied to run for circuit judge -- but he doesn't want to handle criminal cases.

Fewer people in Miami-Dade losing their jobs, but unemployment still high - January 7, 2010 - While Miami-Dade unemployment rose nearly 69.4% year-over-year in November, job losses month-to-month are falling, latest figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show.
 

Miami-Dade's Gimenez wants to see art, science museums' finances in writing - January 7, 2010 -   Before Miami-Dade doles out hundreds of millions in public money to build new art and science museums, county Commissioner Carlos Gimenez wants to make sure the cultural institutions can afford not only construction but also future operating costs.

Cut: Filming impact in Miami-Dade County falls tens of millions - January 7, 2010 -    Economic impact of the film industry on Miami-Dade in 2009 is expected to tumble $10 million to $20 million after final numbers are tallied, says Jeff Peel, director of the county's film office.

Probe of outside work done by Miami-Dade officials widens - January 5, 2010 - An investigation of consulting work done in Panama by high-ranking Miami-Dade officials is expanding.

Metrorail, Metromover to run all night - December 31, 2009 - Miami-Dade Transit has advice for downtown revelers on New Year's Eve: Use public transit, put at least $4 on your card and don't forget that daily passes expire at 2 a.m.

Strange? Odd? Weird? Bizarre? _ That's Florida! - December 29, 2009 - TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- You know you're living in a weird state when the governor promotes a pay-per-minute sex chat line.

Ethics watchdog needs teeth - December 29, 2009 - The Florida Ethics Commission is like a police agency with few weapons, little investigatory scope and no authority to lock up an individual.

State’s top court orders foreclosure mediation program - December 29, 2009 - MANATEE — Florida will create a state-wide “managed mediation” program designed to help more homeowners avoid foreclosure, the state’s top court said Monday.

Homestead cop arrested for falsifying citizenship documents - December 15, 2009 - A Homestead police officer was arrested Friday, accused of falsifying documents to obtain U.S. citizenship.

Dade's population is revised up - December 12, 2009 - The U.S. Census Bureau revised up its 2008 estimate for Miami-Dade's population. County officials hope that translates into more federal funding.

Bus service cut again, almost to pre-half-penny tax level - December 12, 2009 - New reductions in Miami-Dade bus service will take effect Sunday, part of a budget control effort that rolls back service to just above the level before voters agreed to a half-penny transit tax.

Vote could reduce number of community councils - December 7, 2009 - The number of community councils could be reduced from 10 to four depending on a vote on the issue next month.

Miami-Dade Mayor Alvarez's recall goal of man's petition drive - December 5, 2009 - A Coral Gables retiree has launched a petition drive to recall Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, citing complaints ranging from hefty raises to top aides at a time of budget cuts and using public dollars to build a stadium for the Florida Marlins.

Miami-Dade commission approves compensation review committee, presses for results fast - December 5, 2009 - Bracing for another rough budget year ahead, Miami-Dade commissioners Tuesday not only created a new review committee to evaluate employee compensation and benefits, they also pressed for a report fast.

Miami-Dade County stimulus net: 49 jobs at $4.7 million each - December 5, 2009 - More than $230 million in federal stimulus money intended to put people to work has created only 49 jobs for Miami-Dade so far, 38 of them through contractors.

Can you win a lawsuit accusing the Legislature of doing a lousy job? - November 22, 2009 - Can you win a lawsuit that accuses the Florida Legislature of doing a lousy job?

Budget cuts: Where the hurt is - November 22, 2009 - Hundreds of community-based programs are feeling the hangover from Miami-Dade Commission budget cuts.

Politicians Still Cashing in on Free Trips - November 18, 2009 - The rules have changed, but Florida's congressional delegation is still getting a free rides, paid for by private interests.

Miami-Dade commissioners' trade trips ring up $217K tab -- and no results - November 17, 2009 - Miami-Dade taxpayers have paid $217,000 since 2007 for commissioners' travel abroad to drum up trade -- trips that have not resulted in a single contract.

Plans advance to hold down Miami-Dade County salaries - November 15, 2009 - Bracing for a budget crisis next year that many fear will be worse than the one Miami-Dade continues to fight through now, county commissioners this week considered a bevy of salary-related initiatives aimed at saving money long term.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Souto pushes to end backroom deals between county officials and commissioners - November 15, 2009 - To stamp out what he calls county "vote trading," "hanky panky" and "wheeling and dealing," Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto is pushing to make public legislative meetings between lawmakers and administrators.

Miami-Dade Commission gives unions a choice on cuts - October 27, 2009 - The Miami-Dade Commission gave unions a choice on how to reduce pay to balance the county budget.

Miami-Dade Commission to discuss lay offs, pay cuts - October 26, 2009 - Miami-Dade County commissioners will try again Monday afternoon to make a conclusive decision on which employees will be laid off in the face of budget cuts.

Homestead mayoral candidates face serious challenges if elected - October 26, 2009 - Whoever wins the race for mayor faces a set of challenges, including those stemming from Homestead's explosive growth earlier this decade

Delay in pay cuts costs Miami-Dade millions every week - October 22, 2009 - Faced with imposing salary and benefit cuts on county employees, Miami-Dade commissioners are hesitant to pull the trigger -- while the county loses millions.

County Commissioners Sitting on Piles of Cash - October 19, 2009 - And they refuse to give it up despite severe shortages. In what is described as an unusual governmental practice, Miami-Dade County commissioners are sitting on millions of unused taxpayer dollars that they refuse to give up.

In midst of offshore drilling debate, Miami lawmaker denies conflict with his lobbyist wife - October 9, 2009 - TALLAHASSEE — The powerful Miami lawmaker now in charge of the Senate committee on energy policy is married to a lobbyist hired to help secure the repeal of Florida's ban on offshore oil and gas exploration.

Countdown With Keith Olbermann

6 accused of trying to defraud Miami-Dade County - October 6, 2009 - Authorities uncovered an alleged scheme to defraud Miami-Dade County in the awarding of a contract involving a wetlands restoration project.

Several Miami-Dade County offices to close amid budget concerns - October 1, 2009 - Several Miami-Dade County offices will be closing down as a result of budget cuts, the county announced Wednesday.

Miami-Dade Homeless Trust launches public campaign - The nonprofit Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust is launching a campaign to raise public awareness about the homeless and help end the problem.

Miami-Dade faces uphill budget battle with labor unions - September 27, 2009 - When Miami-Dade commissioners, after exhausting all-night negotiations, voted on a spending plan a week ago to close a $444 million deficit, they declared that the upcoming year's budget was final.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXPIRING - September 23, 2009 - Time is running out to take advantage of the Federal government's offer of an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. To qualify, homebuyers must complete a first-time home purchase before December 1, 2009. This means the last day to close on a home and take advantage of the credit is November 30. I encourage potential homebuyers to take advantage of market prices and this tax credit.

Miami-Dade Commission OK's $7.4 billion budget amid cuts, layoffs - September 18, 2009 - It was billed as a public hearing to reconcile a $444 million budget deficit, but none of the negotiations took place before the packed audience at Miami-Dade County Hall Thursday night and early Friday.

Top Dade cops, firefighters got raises, too - September 17, 2009 - High-ranking Miami-Dade County insiders in the police and fire departments continue to accrue big raises even as the mayor proposes sweeping pay cuts for county workers.

Miami-Dade County highest spender in lobbying U.S. - September 16, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Even as Miami-Dade faces its most critical budget crisis in decades, the county is spending more money lobbying the federal government than any other county in the country.

Lawsuit challenges recall petition rules - September 15, 2009 - At a time of controversy over large raises granted by the county mayor to his staffers, a lawsuit was filed Monday that would make it easier for citizens to recall the mayor.

Miramar approves 20% tax-rate increase - September 15, 2009 - Miramar commissioners gave initial approval Monday night to a 20 percent hike in the city's property tax rate. But that may not mean a tax increase for everyone.

Miami-Dade County leaders face onslaught of anger over big raises, poll finds - September 13, 2009 - Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez has lost so much public favor by delivering big-ticket raises during an economic crisis that voters would support a recall effort against him by a 2-1 margin, a Miami Herald-CBS4 News poll found.

Miami Beach sends short-term rental law back to drawing board - September 12, 2009 - Miami Beach commissioners balked at a measure to regulate short-term rental communities on Wednesday, saying the proposed rule still needs work.

Mayor Alvarez, clean up Dodge in your own offices first - September 10, 2009 - Five years ago, Miami-Dade voters were so disgusted by county commission antics that they went out and elected as mayor a non-politician, a straight-shooter who was going to clean up Dodge — I mean Dade.

Miami-Dade County tax appeal evaluations hit billions - Septtember 10, 2009 - Miami-Dade property tax appeals have soared to 7,500 filed already, and a single tax-appeal partnership says it has appeals to file totaling $4 billion in property so far.

Miami-Dade budget fight headed for Round Two - September 10, 2009 - Many are preparing for the second and final Miami-Dade County budget hearing on Sept. 17 to plead for their favorite social services or art program to be spared the ax.

Miami-Dade commissioner predicts `more people will lose their jobs' - September 9, 2009 - County Commissioner Katy Sorenson warned of major cuts to jobs, services and programs in next week's final county budget hearing at a meeting in Palmetto Bay.

South Florida sees upswing in family trips to Cuba - September 9, 2009 - South Florida has seen a surge in trips to Cuba as new U.S. policies toward Havana take shape

Overtaxed homeowners will hit the road - September 2, 2009 - Tell us it was a misprint or perhaps a belated April Fool's joke. In a recent Home & Design's How Does Your Home Compare, the real-estate taxes on a home in El Portal that sold for $232,500 were listed at $11,866. Another home in North Miami sold for $595,000 with taxes at $21,264. But a home in Bal Harbour, which sold for $1.3 million, had taxes of $7,668. Bal Harbour gets, by far, superior services and schools than El Portal and North Miami, so why are the taxes so drastically different?

Dade Commissioner Seijas proposing a new Compensation and Benefits Review Committee - September 1, 2009 - To monitor Miami-Dade County employee compensation and benefits, a formal review committee could be in store.
    In the heat of the county's toughest budget season yet, and amid public criticism over executive raises, Commissioner Natacha Seijas is proposing a Compensation and Benefits Review Committee — but not because of recent events, she says.

Miami-Dade's Dennis Moss gave aides raises hours after warning - September 1, 2009 - Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez has faced withering criticism for delivering hefty raises to key advisors only weeks after proclaiming the worst financial meltdown since the Great Depression required everyone to ``do more with less.''

Writer Peter Orvetti - Ain't That America - September 1, 2009 - Officer Wesley Cheeks, Jr., inadvertently revealed a sad truth during a confrontation with a peaceful demonstrator last Tuesday in Reston, Virginia. The man was one of several holding up signs outside a town hall forum on health care hosted by Rep. James Moran. Cheeks, a security officer employed by the public through the Fairfax County Public Schools, singled out this man because he did not like his sign.

Angry Property Owners, Again the Management did not do their Job - August 27, 2009 - Fair Property Tax For All which Dean Santoro, (Candidate running for District 107), one of the organizers, is saying that the property taxes are out of control.

Carlos Alvarez said ``Make no mistake, we are in for some tough times, we are all in this together.'' Yea, Right, Carlos

Miami-Dade mayor hands out big raises to top advisors - August 22, 2009 - When Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez delivered his State of the County speech in February, he said the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression required government to ``do more with less.'' Budgets must be trimmed, jobs cut and waste eliminated.

Miami-Dade mayor proposes sweeping pay cuts - August 22, 2009 - This was posted on July 16, 2009 in the Miami Herald - Miami-Dade mayor proposes sweeping pay cuts - With a $427 million budget shortfall looming, Miami-Dade's mayor is proposing across-the-board cuts.

Bad Judge, Teretha Lundy Thomas - August 8, 2009 - When you think the laws are correct then you have to get a judge to read them the way the law was meant to be read.  All of the Landlord/Tenant laws have been thrown in the thrash when it comes to Teretha Lundy Thomas.  Florida Statute 83.51  Landlord’s obligation to maintain premises.  Florida Statute 83.51 is what the landlord is suppose to do to maintain their apartment building up Florida Building Codes.  They are required to....

Is Judge Shelley Kravirtz Just PlainStupid - August 8, 2009 - Florida Statute 83.49 (2) The landlord shall, within 30 days of receipt of advance rent or a security deposit, notify the tenant in writing of the manner in which the landlord is holding the advance rent or security deposit and the rate of interest, if any, which the tenant

ImTapping your cell phone - June 29, 2009 -

Imagine someone watching your every move, hearing everything you say and knowing where you are at every moment. If you have a cell phone, it could happen to you. 13 Investigates explains how your cell phone can be secretly hijacked and used against you - and how to protect yourself.

4 police officers caught in crash cover-up - July 29, 2009 - Miami Herald - HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Four Hollywood police officers are accused of faking a crash report - and it was caught on an officer's dashboard camera.

DCF ignored case of baby who later died- July 29, 2009 - A Broward Circuit judge sought state intervention repeatedly for a vulnerable baby. But help for Bryce Barros came too late.

2 unions endorse Tomás Regalado for Miami mayor - July 16, 2009 - Miami Herald - Two powerful city of Miami employee unions Thursday endorsed Commissioner Tomás Regalado for mayor.

Joe Sanchez for Mayor – I think “NOT" - July 16, 2009 - I was reading an article stating that City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez was thinking about running for Mayor  for the City of Miami replacing Mayor Manny Diaz at the end of his term in 2009.  The question is, “Is Joe Sanchez ready to become Mayor?”, and I think not.  I will explain

Miami, county commissioners seek pay freeze at the top - February 19. 2009 - City and county commissioners are asking for salary cuts to top-tier positions as local governments tighten their belts with budget cuts on the way.

Hopes for Hollo Park on Brickell's bayfront are out with the tide - February 19. 2009 -  Plans to build a temporary park on Brickell's last prime bayfront parcel are all but dead.

State of Real Estate: Home values likely won't rebound until mid-2010 - February 19. 2009 -  Despite a spike in sales in South Florida, the area probably won't see a bottoming out of single-family home prices until mid-2010, says Brad Hunter, chief economist with West Palm Beach-based Metrostudy.

Coconut Grove hotels catch big break on business improvement district assessment dues - February 19. 2009 -  Coconut Grove's hotels got a big break on their assessment dues at the approval hearing for the long-awaited Coconut Grove.

Marlins keep hope alive with March return to city hall - February 19. 2009 - The Marlins are getting another turn at bat in their bid to gain several hundred million dollars in public funding for a new stadium.

Marlins Stadium bid rules posing new hurdle - February 19. 2009 - A stadium deal for the Florida Marlins could return to square one if two city commissioners keep a pledge to reject waiving competitive bidding for infrastructure work for the ballpark.

Marlins keep hope alive with March return to city hall - February 19. 2009 - The Marlins are getting another turn at bat in their bid to gain several hundred million dollars in public funding for a new stadium.

Latest 'phishing' scam lures you with tax return - February 19. 2009 - Cyber-thieves' e-mail looks like it's from the IRS, but it's a rip-off.

Tax revenue for Florida Marlins stadium falling short? - February 1, 2009 - Miami-Dade counts on future boom tourism years to pay for a $609 million stadium. Declining hotel-tax revenue will test that optimism.

Miami-Dade OKs first road impact fee hike in 15 years - January 29, 2009 - Miami-Dade County's road impact fees are to rise for the first time in 15 years after commissioners approved a hike last week, some torn over whether developers can handle added costs in an already-strained economy.

Miami, county could clash over ethics code updates - January 29, 2009 - While the City of Miami is working to loosen up its code of ethics, Miami-Dade County has plans to adopt stricter standards, which could create an unanticipated conflict.

Adrienne Arsht Center set to make broad reach for donors - January 29, 2009 - The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is taking a page out of President Obama's playbook and reaching out to every member of the community for support.

Miami Downtown Development Authority officials slam city's ethics code as too wide-sweeping - January 29, 2009 - Miami's stringent ethics code has generated criticism from Downtown Development Authority officials, who say the code's rules for board members cast a wide net.

Some Miami-Dade commissioners fear negative result if impact fee moratorium proposal comes to fruition - January 29, 2009 - Outlawing localities from collecting impact fees for the next three years could help keep Florida's economy moving during the recession, the state senator proposing the ban says.

Marlins stadium agreements include escape clauses for all parties - January 29, 2009 - Miami-Dade County, Miami and the Florida Marlins are ready to play ball, with overdue baseball stadium agreements ready for commissions' votes next month. Still, until June 30 all players could pull out essentially penalty free.

Dade manager says new Marlins stadium deal sweetens county pot - January 29, 2009 - Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami and the Florida Marlins have agreed upon five contracts that, with commissioners' approval, would seal the deal for a new retractable-roof ballpark.

President Obama makes his way to new office - January 20, 2009 - Inaugural parade heads to White House, celebrating first black U.S. leader

County lacks forces like those exposing Miami-Dade corruption - January 18, 2009 - MIAMI — In Miami-Dade County they call it the OIG.

Miami 21 zoning code could come into effect this year - January 15, 2009 - This could be the year for Miami 21. The proposed new zoning code dubbed Miami 21, unveiled almost four years ago, could become the law of the land in 2009.

Two dozen staffers added to aid lacking Miami-Dade 311 information line - January 15, 2009 - In recent months, Miami-Dade County's 311 information line has been lacking in services provided to City of Miami residents under a five-year-old agreement, audits show.

Countywide economic summit set for Feb. 2 - January 15, 2009 - A countywide economic summit is set for Feb. 2, a few months after area business development leaders first called for the gathering at the beginning of November.

Dade pares down stimulus project list by half, but cost of requests quadruples - January 15, 2009 - The 400-plus item list of potential economic stimulus projects Miami-Dade County whipped up late last year has been nearly halved to 215 requests.

Some Miami-Dade commissioners dissatisfied, 'disappointed' with meetings on Marlins Stadium agreements - January 15, 2009 - A vote on pending Marlins ballpark agreements expected this month could be pushed to February.

Dade prioritizes: Mayor Alvarez targets 11 pages of projects worth $7.2 billion - January 15, 2009 - Metrorail extensions, a tunnel to the Port of Miami and a new detention center top Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez's list of projects for federal economic stimulus funds.

I-Team: You Pay, Miami-Dade Commission Spends - January 13, 2009 - As the slumping economy drives most people to cut costs, the CBS 4 I-Team learned lawmakers aren't doing the same with your tax dollars.

Bad Economic News May Ease S. Florida Gas Prices - January 10, 2009 - A Friday drop in the price of a barrel of crude oil caused some South Florida gasoline dealers to back down on price increases which hit as much as 20 cents in the past week, with some prices rising as much as 10 cents in a day.

Rustic filming locale Jimbo's Place 'should not be affected' by Virginia Key plan - December 30, 2008 - The local film community, stressed already by deep slashes to the state's film incentive budget, can rest easy about losing one of its most popular shooting locations, a city official says.

Senate bill could set new deadline for final Marlins stadium deal - December 30, 2008 -   Miami-Dade voters could get a chance to weigh in on a planned Marlins stadium if local governments and the team don't ink final deals before summer.

Miami fire fee settlement checks are out, but only for 25 percent - December 30, 2008 -   Miami fire fee payers are getting back 25 cents of each dollar the City of Miami illegally charged them — and a little more may follow.

Stop Being Stupid - December 27, 2008 - I’ve got a new year’s resolution and a new slogan for the country.

Lawmakers cash in with campus jobs - December 21, 2008 - Former and current lawmakers are finding employment at community colleges and state universities, even in times of cutbacks and curbs on enrollment.

Transit hires after tax hike included the well-connected - December 21, 2008 - Aides and secretaries to current and former public officials found new jobs at the transit agency after voters backed a sales tax for transportation in 2002.

Tax money inflated salaries, overtime - December 21, 2008 - It was Nov. 1, 2002, four days before a historic election aimed at reshaping the transit landscape in Miami-Dade County, and a backroom deal was quietly being cemented at County Hall.

Miami-Dade Transit surtax funds a step closer to being rerouted to budget - December 19, 2008 - Revenue from a tax voters agreed to self impose to fund new transportation projects could soon be rerouted to patch holes in Miami-Dade Transit's budget.

Beacon Council lures fewer companies, more investment to Miami-Dade - December 18, 2008 - Twenty-seven companies agreed to set up shop or expand in Miami-Dade this year with the help of the county's economic development arm & only four fewer businesses than last year despite a challenging economy.

Miami-Dade School Board lobbies Tallahassee over spending - December 18, 2008 - Miami-Dade's school board blitzed the state Capitol for two days asking legislators to spare classrooms from further cuts, but in tight budget times, was it enough?

Battle Continues Over Miami-Dade Teachers' Raises - December 15, 2008 - Teachers, School Board Members Attend Mediation.

Gables Police Recover Officer's Stolen Vehicle - December 14, 2008 - CORAL GABLES, Fla. (CBS4) ― An unmarked police car used by a Coral Gables sergeant has been found day after it was stolen from a crime scene.

Developer Hollo leases bayfront land to Miami for $1 a year until markets rebound, park planned - December 11, 2008 - Amidst a steep downturn for builders, one upside is that a Miami developer is willing to lend Brickell's last prime bayfront parcel to the City of Miami for a park.

I-Team: Money For Nothing - December 10, 2008 - Read the IA report that has been changed - Read Lt. Locke's response

3 comments: - Could this be County Commission Chair Bruno Barreiro fined $5,000 for disposing of dredge material illegally? Check it out by Clicking Here.

Miami-Dade lawmakers land key appointments - December 9, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE -- From controlling the state's purse strings to corralling Republicans, Miami-Dade's legislators have landed a few top spots in the state House and Senate that underscore South Florida's clout.

Miami-Dade County OKs code rules on foreclosed homes - December 3, 2008 - Under new Miami-Dade County law, foreclosed homes will be subject to county code inspections and sellers required to disclose any violations — and cost estimates for fixing them — to potential buyers up front.

$30,000 Stolen From Miami-Dade County Parks Dept. - December 2, 2008 - MIAMI (CBS4) ― Whether kids and teens are cheering their hearts out for their team or taking one for the team, they and their parents agree, having nice, well-maintained parks is important. Parks across the city could use some extra money to clean them up. Some have dirty restrooms and scattered trash.

Future county projects could be in jeopardy through use of zero coupon bonds, Dade Commissioner Gimenez - November 20, 2008 - Committing hundreds of millions of dollars in Miami-Dade County's convention development tax revenue to pay off completed projects years down the road could jeopardize future county endeavors,

Most general obligation bond projects running on time as county gears up for second issuance; members see results on first tour - November 20, 2008 - As Miami-Dade County gears up to make its second general obligation bond sale, about 94% of the projects from the first $266 million issuance are running on time, county officials say.

Miami-Dade could vote to ax 'cone of silence' this week, loosen rules on lobbying - November 20, 2008 - Miami-Dade County's "cone of silence" — a lobbyist control measure - could soon be kaput depending on a commission vote today (11/20).

Miami Dade County Taxpayer Survey: - November 17, 2008 - how dumb do they think we are? Very, apparently... by gimeleteye

Miami-Dade County can't keep putting off principal payments, commissioners say - November 6, 2008 - Miami-Dade County can't continue piling debt on the backs of future taxpayers, some commissioners said at a Budget and Finance Committee meeting Tuesday.

Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust resists transit unification, proposes partial unification as compromise - November 6. 2008 - A move to mingle Miami-Dade transportation surtax revenues with general transit dollars is meeting resistance at the county's Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust, where some members insist the county must find a way to keep its promise to use the surtax to provide new transit service.

Onslaught of dirty tricks as election day nears
In the final hours of the campaign, bogus fliers, e-mails and calls increase

Election Deception: The Web's 12 Dirtiest Tricks
If scammers have things their way -- with the help of a dozen sneaky ploys -- plenty of ballots will never make it to the boxes.

Miami-Dade County Education