St. Petersburg Times Online: News of Florida

Howard Troxler
Full debate still remains vital on governor's A-Plus voucher plan
When the letter grades were handed out last week showing the performance of each of Florida's schools, every community in the state eagerly pored over its local list of A's through F's.

Prison food costs less, but at a price
Hiring Aramark to feed prisoners has saved the state millions, but the company faces fines and fears over guard safety.

Attention boaters: Manatee battle zone
The waters of Lee County, No. 1 in manatee killings, churn with boaters who grumble about a ban on new docks.

In party tug of war, all eyes on referees
For two weeks, three judges have been at the center of Florida's redistricting lawsuit.

Politics blamed in oversight panel's axing
A commission that reviews purchases from the disabled may have ruffled influential feathers.

Ceremonial fanfare absent at signing of tax-break bill
Gov. Jeb Bush has made quite a show of signing bills this year, sometimes more than once. The ceremonial bill signings are pure publicity stunts, since the real work already happened back in Tallahassee. Bush is maintaining a tradition begun by his predecessor, Lawton Chiles, who also repeatedly signed the same bill for different audiences (and media markets).