Oil Disaster Threatens Florida's Environment and Economy
Called "disastrous" and "daunting," the oil slick in the Gulf continues to grow and threatens Florida's coastline, and along with it our fishing, seafood and tourism industries. And yet, the two legislators in line to become House Speaker and Senate President refuse to abandon their plans to allow new drilling within 10 miles of our shores! Take action now.
Multimedia
Ken Welch on Offshore Drilling
Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch explains his opposition to new drilling off Florida's coasts and urges Floridians to take a stand.
CIVIC Forum
In the News
Urge Governor Crist to Call Special Session for Ethics Reform
May 5, 2010
After numerous scandals rocked the state from the Panhandle to Miami over the last two years, tougher ethics laws and anti-corruption measures were proposed this year. But none of them passed the legislature. Gov. Crist has said he's considering calling legislators back to address this issue -- urge him to do it!
Legislators Push Amendment to Thwart "Fair Districts" Effort
Apr 18, 2010
More than 800,000 Floridians helped place two amendments on the ballot in November to change the redistricting process and prevent legislators from drawing their districts to ensure re-election. Now, the Legislature is pushing a third amendment that would gut the first two in an effort to confuse voters and hang onto their power. Learn more...and take action!
Black Leaders Call Legislative Leaders' Amendment "A Sham"
Apr 21, 2010
The legislative leaders pushing the redistricting constitutional amendment claim that it's necessary to protect minority voting rights if Amendments 5 and 6 pass. But black leaders call it "a sham" that nullifies minority protects contained in Amendments 5 and 6. Read their statements.
28,014 Floridians Urge Gov. Crist to Veto SB 6
Apr 15, 2010
CIVIC Concern delivered a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist signed by 28,014 Floridians urging him to veto SB 6.
President Obama Announces Support for New Drilling
Apr 2, 2010
President Obama announced that he wants to allow new drilling 125 miles off Florida's coasts as part of his energy package. Senator Bill Nelson, long a staunch opponent of new drilling, has already offered his support. Learn more and take action!
Jacksonville Times-Union Guest Column:
Additional funding needed to improve state's education
Feb 26, 2010 (Jacksonville Times-Union)
W.C. Gentry, a Republican member of the Duval County School Board, and Deborah Gianoulis Heald, chairof the board for Save Duval Schools, wrote this guest editorial for the Jacksonville Times-Union arguing that "If Florida businesses, its economy and its children are to have a fair chance to fulfill their potential, we think the Council and the Chamber need to quit pulling their punches and weigh in on the failure of state political bodies to deliver on their duty to fund a quality education system."
Thousands Across the State Join Hands Against Gulf Drilling
Feb 16, 2010
A grassroots movement begun last fall and grown almost entirely on the web resulted in demonstrations across the state, with thousands of Floridians from Pensacola to Key West turning out to demand state leaders say no to new Gulf drilling.
Civic Education: Ensuring Government Works for Everyone
Dec 15, 2009
Learn about two new tools promoting effective civic participation: Senator Graham's book America, The Owners Manual and the Justice by the People program.
The Battle for Better Schools Moves from the State House to the Courthouse
Nov 16, 2009
More than a decade after voters approved a constitutional amendment imposing a "paramount duty" on the state to provide a high-quality education to all Florida students, Florida's schools are still failing our children. Today a parent coalition has filed a lawsuit to force state leaders to meet their constitutional duty. Find out how you can help!
Debunking the Drilling Propaganda:
The Top Five Myths About Gulf Oil Drilling
Oct 29, 2009
The oil and natural gas industries have launched a massive effort to convince legislators and the public to allow new drilling in the Gulf -- and they have persuaded plenty of people. But do their claims hold water?
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Tell friends about CIVIC
Part of CIVIC Concern's mission is to offer Floridians more information about what their elected officials are doing and how it affects their lives. Armed with information, we can demand more accountability and better public policy from our leaders. But it will only work if we raise our voices together. Encourage your friends and colleagues to join you in building a better Florida.