Yet Another Push for More Drilling Off Florida's Coasts
After narrowly losing their fight to get the Florida Legislature to approve drilling within 10 miles of the coast, now the oil and gas drilling advocates have set their sights on Congress, convincing the Senate energy committee to pass an amendment allowing new drilling within 45 miles of Florida, closer in the Panhandle. Learn more and find out what you can do.
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Sen. Bob Graham
Former U.S. Sen. and Governor Bob Graham discusses CIVIC Concern and civic participation.
In the News
Sen. Bill Nelson: Promised oil revenue is a dry well for Florida
Sen. Bill Nelson debunks the idea that new oil drilling will mean new revenue for Florida, explaining that federal law strictly limits uses of oil royalties.
Florida Newspapers Are Weighing in Strongly Against New Drilling
Newspaper editorial boards from Pensacola to Miami are weighing in against the Senate proposal to allow new drilling near Florida's coasts. They decry the danger to Florida's vital tourism industry and environment, as well as the shortsightedness and ineffectiveness of new drilling as an energy strategy.
Florida School Grades: Find Out How Your Local Schools Scored
The Florida Department of Education has released school grades and FCAT scores for the 2008-09 school year in a searchable database.
Education Legislation Fails...For Now
Legislation being pushed by Jeb Bush's Foundation for Florida's Future passed the House, but is reportedly dead in the Senate. The bill would have increased FCAT scores needed for high school graduation and changed curriculum requirements. Supporters plan to bring it back up at the next opportunity. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of the proposed changes, and what's likely to happen next.
Guest Column:
Let's Not Create Chaos in the Protection of Our Natural Resources
Mar 30, 2009
Former House Speaker Jon Mills urges the Legislature not to dismantle the Department of Community Affairs and weaken Florida's growth management process.
CIVIC Spotlight:
Save Duval Schools
Mar 30, 2009
A Jacksonville group is fighting to protect their schools from impending budget cuts. Find out how they're taking action.
Budget Hole Grows Bigger; New Estimates Predict $6.7 Billion Defiicit
Mar 16, 2009
The Florida Revenue Estimating Conference released latest figures on Friday and predicts revenue for the rest of the current fiscal year and next year will be another $3.4 billion lower than previous estimates.
Don't Backtrack on Commitment to Reduce Class Size
Mar 16, 2009
In his guest column, State Rep. Martin Kiar (D-Parkland) explains his opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment changing class-size requirements, and urges his colleagues in the legislature to join in a bipartisan effort to make the current system more workable without shortchanging Florida students.
Take Action
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.