Top Story
Critical state report targets Juvenile Justice chief Peterman
TALLAHASSEE — A highly critical state report released Tuesday night finds Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman ran up $25,000 in questionable travel and should reimburse taxpayers for those expenses.
The report by Gov. Charlie Crist's chief inspector general, Melinda Miguel, concludes Peterman's frequent flights between Tallahassee and Tampa were not adequately documented. She concluded that the lack of paperwork and corroborating testimony "does not support his statement" that the travel was necessary.
"Evidence does not dispel the appearance that Peterman's travel to and from the St. Petersburg area was for his own convenience," the report says. "We recommend corrective action be taken including, but not limited to, obtaining reimbursement to the state for travel not fully and completely justified as official state business."
Peterman, 47, told the Times/Herald that he would repay the state for all questionable travel. Read more by the St. Petersburg Times.
News
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu elected mayor of New Orleans
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu was elected mayor of New Orleans in a landslide Saturday. He will replace term-limited Ray Nagin and become the majority-black city’s first white mayor since 1979. Read entire story here.
Analysis: Do Blacks Truly Want to Transcend Race?
Five little words — ”I forgot he was black” — have exposed a contradiction in the idea of a post-racial nation. The comment came from MSNBC host Chris Matthews after President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech Wednesday. Read entire story at BlackPoliticsOnTheWeb.com
Retiree says equality 'never happened' at KSC
Look at old photos of the Apollo firing room at Kennedy Space Center and you'll notice a few things the people have in common: all are men, most are wearing short-sleeved shirts and ties or white lab coats, and not a single one of them is black. Read entire story at floridatoday.com.
Events
Free HIV/AIDS Testing
Monday, February 8, 2010
Location: USF St. Petersburg Health and Welness Center
Contact: phone: 727-873-4845 | email: cantyl@stpt.usf.edu
In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS testing. KNOW YOUR STATUS!!
Strategies for Commercial Credit Applications
Monday, February 8, 2010
Location: Clearwater Residence Inn @ 940 Court St.
Contact: Lourdes Mayorga | phone: 727-608-2230 | website: www.clearwaterflorida.org
This seminar will review strategies, including many immediately practicable suggestions, for businesses that are considering an application for traditional bank financing. The objective of the seminar will be to improve attendees’ opportunities to secure financing by enhancing their understanding of the application process and underwriting requirements in the current credit environment. The seminar will include a presentation of the subject matter, handouts and a question and answer session. Light refreshments will be served.
Auditions for The Sting
From: Monday, February 8, 2010
To: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Location: 286 107th Ave. in Treasure Island
Contact: EC Goller | phone: 727-235-8719 | email: ecgoller@yahoo.com | website: www.islandcommunitytheatre.com/auditions.htm
Island Community Theatre announces open auditions for its next production, The Sting. At least a dozen each for male and female, ages late teen to senior. Many actors will enjoy playing multiple characters. Heres your chance to show off your acting skills.