Despite objections from a Republican state legislator, University of Florida employees soon could be offered health insurance benefits for their domestic partners. The proposal would cover about 120 employees, gay or straight, at a cost of $500,000 to $1-million. But it's not the cost that's stirring controversy. It's the gay part. "This proposed change is very troubling to me, many of my colleagues in the Legislature, and to the vast majority of taxpayers in the state of Florida," wrote state Rep. Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, in a letter to UF trustees, who will vote on the proposal today. He threatened legislation if the proposal is approved. Kyle Cavanaugh, UF's vice president of human resources, said the measure would help recruit and keep high-quality faculty members.
Progress: New HQ will mean big bucks
A lunch here, a beer there; it starts to add up. At least that's what Progress Energy Florida figures when its new headquarters building in St. Petersburg is complete and 510 workers hit downtown restaurants and shops. The $75-million headquarters is part of a block under development that will include a Grand Bohemian hotel with 205 rooms and 62 luxury condominiums. Progress Energy says the economic impact of the project could be as much as $760-million a year. By the way, the utility company did not dream up this figure; it came from a formula used by the Commerce Department.
Harris holding on to Cunningham money
More than a dozen congressional Republicans are giving to charity money they got from former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., who has pleaded guilty in a bribe case. But not Katherine Harris. An aide to the U.S. representative from Florida, who received $1,000 from Cunningham's campaign funds in 2004, says the money was legally raised and had nothing to do with Cunningham's criminal case.
NEWS QUIZ
How many universities in Florida offer domestic partnership benefits, and how many nationally?
Not ready to forgive gadfly any trespass
Tony Daniel had a welcoming committee waiting for him at Tampa City Hall Thursday: four police officers at two entrances. Daniel, a frequent speaker at City Council meetings, was told two weeks ago not to return after a profanity-laced outburst. Officers issued a trespass warning, so if he shows up he'll be arrested. He vowed to return anyway, but he was a no-show Thursday. City Attorney David Smith says the ban will remain in effect until his office determines how long the city can legally keep him away.
