Subject:

Florida

  • Blogs

    May 17, 2012

    You Can Buy "Flunked FCAT?" Shirts Online, and Yes, There Are Punctuation Errors

    There's been a lot of talk this week about Florida students' low scores on the FCAT Writing standardized tests. The grading system was changed to incorporate spelling and punctuation, and 73 percent of Florida fourth-graders failed.While the legislators and education people will be the ones to figur ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 16, 2012

    Florida Changes Standardized Test Grading System, Everybody Fails

    The state's release of preliminary results of FCAT testing has put Florida education reporters in a tizzy the past few days, and there have been impressive stories written all over the place about the debacle. In case you don't want to wade through a million inches of copy to understand the crazines ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 15, 2012

    Reports of Suspected Mortgage Fraud Rise in South Florida, Everywhere Else

    Reports of suspicious mortgage loan activity increased nationwide for the 10th year in a row in 2011, according to federal data released earlier this month. Florida accounted for more of those reports than any state but California and was the source of one in every 10 cases of suspected mortgage fra ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 14, 2012

    Seven Spots to Get Your Drink On During American Craft Beer Week in South Florida

    Today kicks off American Craft Beer Week, a seven-day celebration of all that is good about barley and hops bred and brewed within our borders. There are dozens of official ACBW activities -- beer dinners, pairings, movie screenings, parties, etc. -- throughout the week. Or if you're simply in the m ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 14, 2012

    A Plea for More Homegrown Craft Beer in South Florida

    South Florida is a boozy, tourist-driven economy. With American Craft Beer Week upon us -- Cheers! And so help you god if you consume a Budweiser product this week -- it's a fitting time to contemplate why the region is moving at a positively glacial pace to tap into the possibilities that exist in ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 11, 2012

    Bankrupt Twinkie Manufacturer Warns of Hundreds of Florida Layoffs

    Hostess Brands, the makers of Twinkies, Ho Hos, and Ding Dongs that declared bankruptcy in January, has filed paperwork with the state warning of at least 479 potential layoffs all over the state.And it's not just a Florida thing -- reports of layoff warnings are coming out all over the country ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 9, 2012

    Emergency Shelter Plan: Rick Scott Sets Aside More Places to Hide From Disasters

    We're less than a month away from the official opening of hurricane season. After reading our recent cover story about modern-day survivalists, you may feel compelled to make better preparations this year than the usual ritual of hoarding toilet paper, bottled water, and Chef Boyardee from Publix at ... More >>

  • Calendar

    May 3, 2012

    Welcome to Mose

    We're less than a month away from the official opening of hurricane season. After reading our recent cover story about modern-day survivalists, you may feel compelled to make better preparations this year than the usual ritual of hoarding toilet paper, bottled water, and Chef Boyardee from Publix at ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 2, 2012

    Are Local Shell Shops Fueling the Destruction of the World's Reefs?

    Last week, we told you about how seven species of coral found in Florida's waters are "extremely likely" to go extinct by the end of the century. But coral reefs around the world, not just Florida, are increasingly imperiled.This week's New Times cover story looks at how local shell shops and c ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 30, 2012

    It Will Never Stop Raining: Five Florida Movies on Netflix

    It was raining all weekend, the second half of the Fort Lauderdale Air Show was canceled, and the falling wet stuff isn't going away anytime soon. Rain in Florida isn't anything new, but weather reports indicate thunderstorms hitting the area every day for the next week. Womp.Weather.com puts next S ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 23, 2012

    Seven Florida Coral Species "Extremely Likely to go Extinct," Warns National Marine Fisheries

    Florida's coral reefs have been on the decline for decades, and it looks like things could get a whole lot worse. Seven species of coral found in Florida and Caribbean waters "are extremely likely to go extinct" before the year 2100, and five of those species are the most "imperiled o ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 23, 2012

    Florida Named Porn-Viewing Capital of United States: Six of Florida's Googling Habits

    Florida loves to pass laws solidifying the state's solid traditional values -- there's the gay marriage ban we put into the state constitution in 2008, the law against sleeping with your roommate, the law against "unnatural" acts, the one completely outlawing commercial phone sex... the list go ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 19, 2012

    Drug Test for Welfare Recipients Fails to Save Money; Anyone Surprised?

    Making the state's poorest residents piss in a cup before qualifying to receive welfare benefits was going to save Florida up to $77 million, Rick Scott said when he was campaigning for governor. The goal of the drug tests was "to make sure we don't waste taxpayers' money," Gov. Voldemort added when ... More >>

  • Culture

    April 5, 2012

    Surfing Exhibit at FAU Should Be a Lot More Fun Than It Is

    Making the state's poorest residents piss in a cup before qualifying to receive welfare benefits was going to save Florida up to $77 million, Rick Scott said when he was campaigning for governor. The goal of the drug tests was "to make sure we don't waste taxpayers' money," Gov. Voldemort added when ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 29, 2012

    South Florida at the Bottom of New Job Creation Rankings

    ​More than one in five South Florida residents said their employers were firing workers in 2011, according a Gallup poll released this morning.In a Gallup ranking of the nation's 50 largest metropolitan areas, the "Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach" area ranked 44th out of 50 for job creati ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 26, 2012

    Oceana Investigates South Florida For Fish Fraud

    ​Watchdog group Oceana is in the process of investigating the prevalence of fish fraud in Florida.  This region is the third location the group is investigating for its study, "The Bait and Switch: How Seafood Fraud Hurts Our Oceans, Our Wallets and Our Health." "Oceana chose Florida because ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 23, 2012

    Holy Mackerel Head Brewer and Founder Bobby Gordash Talks Craft Beer in South Florida

    ​In anticipation of the upcoming New Times' Beerfest (Saturday, March 31, in downtown Fort Lauderdale) Clean Plate Charlie has been talking with South Florida beer aficionados and experts about the state of beer in Florida and beyond. Earlier this week, we talked to John Linn of Fresh Beer Inc., w ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 23, 2012

    Trayvon Martin Killing and New Psychology Study on Gun Perception Whip Media Into Frenzy

    ​Pyschology professors at Notre Dame and Purdue University this week announced a study showing that a person carrying a gun is more likely to "see guns in the hands of others."It was coincidence that the release of the findings coincided with national outrage over the slaying of Florida ... More >>

  • Calendar

    March 22, 2012

    We Got Your Culture Right Here, Kids

    ​Pyschology professors at Notre Dame and Purdue University this week announced a study showing that a person carrying a gun is more likely to "see guns in the hands of others."It was coincidence that the release of the findings coincided with national outrage over the slaying of Florida ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 21, 2012

    Florida Gets Graded on State Integrity Scorecard, Barely Passes

    ​The Center for Public Integrity released its annual state corruption rankings last week -- and Florida passed! Technically. The state was one of 11 to get a C-, and its 71 percent score puts it in a tie for 18th in overall integrity. No state got an overall A grade.Florida got top marks for its i ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 19, 2012

    Unexpected Losers of 2012 Legislative Session: Bankers and Charter Schools

    ​Once in a blue moon, even the most cynical among us find cause to celebrate. This year's legislative session in Tallahassee provided some unexpected victories for the little guys and defeats for the corporate interests that normally enjoy free rein in Florida. Two of the most shocking losers of 2 ... More >>

  • Dining

    March 15, 2012

    Florida Law Makes Serving Local Fish an Increasing Challenge

    ​Once in a blue moon, even the most cynical among us find cause to celebrate. This year's legislative session in Tallahassee provided some unexpected victories for the little guys and defeats for the corporate interests that normally enjoy free rein in Florida. Two of the most shocking losers of 2 ... More >>

  • Calendar

    March 15, 2012

    Waves for Everyone

    ​Once in a blue moon, even the most cynical among us find cause to celebrate. This year's legislative session in Tallahassee provided some unexpected victories for the little guys and defeats for the corporate interests that normally enjoy free rein in Florida. Two of the most shocking losers of 2 ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 14, 2012

    Florida's Underground Tattoo Artists Don't Care About New Laws; Neither Do Most Legitimate Artists

    ​​It seems like there's a tattoo shop on every corner in Florida. Along boardwalks, boozed-up tourists can get an offensive T-shirt, a bong, and a tattoo all in one shop. There are posh parlors that charge $500 for an hour of work and so-called artists that'll give you a lifelong regret for the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 14, 2012

    Florida Backs Away From Shark Fin Ban

    ​While researching for this week's review, I found resources at Oceana.org, a non-profit international organization that strives to help protect the ocean and its creatures. On its blog, I found this piece, following a Fort Lauderdale event:On a more serious note, the evening focused on sharks an ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 2, 2012

    South Florida's Best Bars to Take Out-of-Towners

    ​Here in South Florida, we're pretty damned good at drinking -- particularly in bars. When someone visits from out of town, it's only right to share some of this talent with your guest. Given that our region is home to some pretty out-of-the-ordinary drinking destinations, you've got extra motivat ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 1, 2012

    Florida Prayer in Schools Bill Passes House, Going to the Governor

    ​Joyous news, proselytizers of the world -- if Gov. Rick Scott signs the bill that the Florida House passed moments ago, Florida public school districts will now totally have the ability to allow prayer in public schools.The bill, SB 98, doesn't explicitly allow prayer in schools, but it does ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 23, 2012

    Florida Prayer In Schools Bill Passes Another Committee, Going to House

    Math class​We told you earlier this month about SB 98, a bill that passed the Florida Senate that would allow prayer in Florida's public schools. It would have to be approved by both the Florida House and Gov. Rick Scott to become a law, and at the time nothing had happened in the House to indicat ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 23, 2012

    A Guide to Rick Scott's Speech in West Palm Beach

    ​Gov. Rick Scott will deliver his annual speech at the Forum Club in West Palm Beach tomorrow. In an attempt to appear human, he likely will tout his much-trumpeted $1 billion proposed increase in funding for public schools. But that proposal isn't as rosy as it sounds. Here are a few questions to ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 21, 2012

    Florida Mulls Texting and Driving Ban While Feds Ask Auto Industry to Limit In-Car Distractions

    ​Lawmakers in Florida -- one of the most deadly states when it comes to driving -- are squabbling over whether we need a specific law against texting from behind the wheel. It seems like a no-brainer when considering, as reported by the Associated Press, that there are "drivers who text ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 16, 2012

    Cigar City Tasting Event is February 23 at Puccini's Pizza in Delray Beach

    ​If a beer with your pizza is good, many beers -- and of a wide variety of 'em -- is even better. The upcoming Cigar City Brewery Night will see the Florida craft brewer invading the newly opened Puccini's Pizzeria in Delray Beach for one night. The event blends together several of the standbys of ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 16, 2012

    Florida Public Corruption Ranks Fourth in U.S.

    ​It turns out Florida is pretty damned good at letting the easily corruptible get into positions of power. Since 1976, the state's federal courts have handed out nearly 1,800 public corruption convictions, the fourth highest in the country. That's an average of 49 public corruption conviction ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 14, 2012

    Slavery by Another Name in Florida

    ​Last year, when Gov. Rick Scott and his cabinet enacted an archaic ban on the voting rights of ex-felons, supporters called the ban colorblind. They said making nonviolent felons wait five years after completing their sentences to apply for the right to vote again had nothing to do with Florida's ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 13, 2012

    Shark Attacks: Florida Leads U.S., but Numbers Down. Are Terrorists and Shark Week to Thank?

    ​When it comes to shark attacks, Florida is tops. In 2011, there were 11 unprovoked attacks in the state's waters, including one in Palm Beach. The next closest state was North Carolina, which had only four. Losers.But the 11 attacks in Florida marks a huge drop over past years, according to ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 6, 2012

    Free Yogurt For National Yogurt Day

    YogurtlandIt's national yogurt day! Celebrate with free fro-yo!​It's National Yogurt day today (and you thought it was hangover-from-Super-Bowl day, didn't you)!  Every time we think yogurt has jumped the shark, it makes a comeback.  There are still a million frozen yogurt shops, but now ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 31, 2012

    Florida Worst State in Study of Long-Term Unemployment

    ​More than 53 percent of Florida's unemployed residents went six months or more without work last year -- the highest rate in the country, according to a study from the Hamilton Project, run by the Brookings Institute, a D.C. think tank.To compare, the average unemployed worker between 2004 and 20 ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 30, 2012

    Here's Florida's Blacklist of Everyone Excluded for Life From Pari-Mutuel Casinos

    ​If Uncle Earl has been coming around and causing trouble recently, it might be because he was kicked out of the casino for card counting, stealing, or other stupid behavior. Wouldn't it be great to see a list of everyone who was excluded from the state's casinos in recent years?Florida's Division ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 30, 2012

    Doug Darling, Rick Scott Job-Creation Adviser, Quits

    The man who oversees much of the state's job-creation effort submitted his resignation late last week for "personal reasons."It's not clear why Department of Economic Opportunity Director Doug Darling, who was hired for the gig last July, is calling it quits, but it probably isn't for a lack of ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 25, 2012

    Florida Is Number Three in the Nation! (In Registered Sex Offenders)

    ​For what it's worth, there are only two states in the nation with more registered sex offenders than Florida.Florida's 57,896 sex criminals puts the Sunshine State behind only California (106,216) and Texas (68,529), and even though Florida's population is about 400,000 less than New York's, the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 23, 2012

    Binge Drinking in Florida? Feds Say Not Here

    ​The Onion has penned many parodies of this state, including Florida Legalizes Taking Guns to Work; Florida State University to Phase Out Academic Operations by 2010; and 'Ravaged' Named Florida's Official State Adjective. Though it reads like it, this stat is no parody. According to the Centers f ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 20, 2012

    Florida Seafood Is Sold at Steak-House Prices. Why?

    Since I arrived in August, I've been struck by how much seafood on menus is from up north, whether it's swordfish, oysters, or lobster. I've also been curious at the pricing of local that's often higher than what's caught in the Caribbean and New England. What's the story? ​I've been asking around ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 19, 2012

    Mavericks High Charter Schools Make News in New Orleans

    maverickshigh.comMavericks makes news in the Big Easy.​Florida has a habit of exporting its public policies to other states, where they spread like cold sores on a drunken Himmarshee night. Grading schools and teachers based on test scores, expanding vouchers and charters schools -- the nation has ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 19, 2012

    Fort Lauderdale Commission Signs Off on Laundry List of Complaints About Casino Plans

    ​Fort Lauderdale commissioners voted unanimously to complain send off a resolution saying the city's not exactly a fan of the "destination resort casino" bill in the state Legislature -- which is sponsored in the Senate by Fort Lauderdale Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff.Aside from that little rift in interes ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 6, 2012

    Broward's Foodie Heaven Isn't Las Olas Pretty but a Slew of Strip Malls on University Drive

    ​When my foodie friends arrive for a first visit to SoFla, I deceive them immediately. In my old Taurus wagon, I drive them north on I-95. We pass marinas and canals ("Venice of the Americas," I tell them), cruise onto Andrews Avenue and over the New River ("Have you ever seen a jail on such an aw ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 29, 2011

    Federal "Race to the Top" Funds Used to Build More Florida Charter Schools in Poor Areas

    ​This week's cover story about Mavericks in Education Florida explores the pitfalls of a for-profit charter school company that promises to help at-risk kids. Florida has been especially friendly to charter schools, allowing private companies to continue opening them using taxpayer dollars, e ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 27, 2011

    Florida's Congressional Delegation Worth More Than $170 Million

    ​The 27 members of Florida's congressional delegation are collectively worth more than $170 million, according to recently released figures from the Center for Responsive Politics.Much of the delegation's collective $172,193,290 estimated net worth comes from Rep. Vern Buchanan, whose $136,152,641 ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 27, 2011

    South Florida's Best Dive Bars

    ​While eating at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, my second week in Florida, I met a yacht captain --a younger, thinner, clean-cut version of the John Goodman character in The Big Lebowski. We got to talking about dive bars. "I've got the perfect dive bar to take you to," he said. This being a Tuesday, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 21, 2011

    Florida 407,655 People Short of Being More Populous Than New York

    sondheimguide.com​In the first population estimates since 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today that Florida gained 256,000 people between April 2010 and July 2011, the third-highest total behind Texas and California.In that same time, New York gained only 87,000 people, which means Flo ... More >>

  • News

    December 1, 2011

    Sex in South Florida: Our Survey Finds That We Sure Like Our Kinks

    sondheimguide.com​In the first population estimates since 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today that Florida gained 256,000 people between April 2010 and July 2011, the third-highest total behind Texas and California.In that same time, New York gained only 87,000 people, which means Flo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 1, 2011

    Mavericks High Charter Schools Not Accredited

    ​Records show that the Mavericks in Education Florida charter schools, which have a high-profile lobbyist and cheerleader in Frank Biden, are not accredited high schools. This means their graduates may have trouble playing college sports or receiving federally funded grants or scholarships to coll ... More >>

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