
Politics


President-elect Joe Biden Announces Key Nominations for the Department of Justice
palmbaylive Politics, Must Read, News Around the World 0
These dedicated public servants and Justice Department veterans will restore the independence and integrity of the Justice Department, renew Americans’ faith in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to build a more equitable justice system
WASHINGTON – Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced key nominations for the Department of Justice: Judge Merrick Garland, nominee for Attorney General; Lisa Monaco, nominee for Deputy Attorney General; Vanita Gupta, nominee for Associate Attorney General; and Kristen Clarke, nominee for Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
These nominees reflect the president-elect’s deeply held commitment to reaffirming the Department of Justice as a pillar of independence and integrity, and ensuring that the Attorney General and his senior leadership team are the American people’s lawyers — not the president’s law firm. These leaders will work with the dedicated career professionals at DOJ to restore the mission and independence of the department, always follow facts and the law, and serve and protect the American people with the integrity they deserve.
They will use the full extent of their authority to move us closer to the American ideal of equal justice under law — de-politicizing and rooting out systemic racism from our laws, restoring voting rights, prosecuting hate crimes, eliminating racial disparities in sentencing, ending mandatory minimums, and restoring trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve through reforms that make our communities safer.
President-elect Joe Biden said, “Our first-rate nominees to lead the Justice Department are eminently qualified, embody character and judgment that is beyond reproach, and have devoted their careers to serving the American people with honor and integrity. They will restore the independence of the Department so it serves the interests of the people not a presidency, rebuild public trust in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system. They are among the most accomplished legal minds in our country who also reflect the best of America’s full range of talents and background. I am honored they accepted this call to serve at such a critical time in our nation’s history.”
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said, “Fidelity to the rule of law forms the bedrock of America’s democracy. And in the face of both the damage that has been done to our Justice Department and our country’s long-overdue reckoning on racial injustice, these are the right leaders to meet this moment. These Justice Department veterans will not only help make sure justice is applied equally across our country, they will also restore integrity and independence to the Justice Department, helping rebuild the American people’s trust in the institution. And I look forward to working closely with them to help America live up to the words etched at the United States Supreme Court: Equal Justice Under Law.”
This tested slate includes some of the nation’s most accomplished public servants:
- Judge Merrick Garland, a Department of Justice veteran and independent jurist on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, is nominated to serve as Attorney General. A consensus-building voice, Judge Garland has worked under Democratic and Republican administrations. He led investigations into some of the most high-profile cases and crises in modern history, including the “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski, and coordinated the government’s response to the Oklahoma City bombing. Judge Garland’s nomination underscores the President-elect’s commitment to restore integrity and the rule of law, boost morale of the dedicated career professionals at DOJ, and build a more equitable justice system that serves all Americans.
- Lisa Monaco, a veteran prosecutor and dedicated public servant, is nominated to serve as Deputy Attorney General. Monaco served in the Department of Justice for fifteen years, as Assistant Attorney General for National Security, a senior official in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and as a career prosecutor. She has been a trailblazer for women in national security. She was the first woman confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for National Security and was one of the most senior women on President Obama’s national security team. She has demonstrated that public service is about service to the American people. In her career, she has prosecuted a range of cases from violent crime to fraud and public corruption, served as counsel and Chief of Staff to then-FBI Director Robert Mueller, and worked tirelessly to keep the American people safe as White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor. Monaco will help manage the Department effectively and with integrity on day one.
- Vanita Gupta is nominated to serve as Associate Attorney General. A former Acting Assistant Attorney General and one of the best-known and most respected civil rights attorneys in America, Gupta has spent her career fighting successfully for greater equity in our justice system and advancing the rights and dignity of every American. Gupta served as Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division — the chief civil rights prosecutor for the United States. She is a successful consensus builder on tough issues, with years of experience managing complex settlements and advocacy experience. As the Indian-American daughter of immigrants, she would be the first woman of color to serve in this role.
- Kristen Clarke, a veteran of the Department of Justice, is nominated to serve as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Clarke has extensive civil rights experience, starting her career in civil rights as a career attorney in the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice where she handled cases of police misconduct, hate crimes, human trafficking, voting rights, and redistricting cases. She has been a champion of systemic equity and equal justice throughout her career, including in her current role as president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and when she served as the head of the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

Federal prosecutor doesn’t rule out charging President Donald Trump for inciting Capitol riot
palmbaylive Politics, News Around the World 0
CNBC is reporting that a top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. on Thursday did not rule out charging President Donald Trump in connection with inciting a riot where his supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol complex.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said the Department of Justice will consider lodging criminal charges against anyone who played a role in the riot.
When a reporter asked in a press conference if he was eyeing Trump’s role in sparking the chaos, Sherwin stated “I don’t want to sound like a broken record. we’re looking all actors here.
“Anyone who had a role and where the evidence fits a crime,” he said.
The White House counsel had warned the President that he could be charged because of his remarks at the rally, where he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. This was reported by the New York Times.


LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS IN BREVARD COUNTY
palmbaylive Local News, Most Popular, Must Read, Politics 0
A contentious and hard-fought election cycle came to an end in Brevard County on Tuesday (11/3). While the nation was enthralled with the Presidential and Congressional elections, many Brevard County residents finally got to see the results of their mail in ballots, early votes, and trips to the polls.
The Mayoral races in Palm Bay gave Candidate Rob Medina a win by a substantial 9% margin, with opponent Kay Maragh unable to muster enough momentum to defeat the Republican candidate.
In Melbourne, the Mayoral race was a little tighter, with four candidates on the ballot; but Vice Mayor Paul Alfrey was able to amass 38.4% of the votes to secure a victory. Candidate Hazel Buggs and CJ Johnson, came in 2nd and 3rd respectively, while Molly Tasker trailed in 4th.
Similarly, in Cocoa Beach, there was a four-candidate contest with Michael Blake receiving 37% of the votes to become Cocoa Beach’s next Mayor.
Next, the race between current Palm Bay Mayor Willian Capote and Kristine Isnardi started off close, but Isnardi was able to pull off a win with 58.9% of the votes.
Additionally, the highly publicized fight for Palm Bay City Council Seats 2 & 3, were won by Donny Felix with 51.8% of the votes for Seat 2 and Randy Foster with 60.8 for seat 3.
Finally, outspoke candidate Randy Fine held on to his District 53 seat, in the closest of the five Florida Legislature races, by defeating Democrat Phil Moore, 55.5% to 44.2%.
These local elections had a tremendous turnout with over 80% of Brevard residents casting their votes. A majority of whom took advantage of mail-in and early voting. In total, 363,191 ballots were cast.
As you can see, many people took these elections seriously and made their voices heard. A full list of election results is below.
Brevard County Sheriff
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Wayne Ivey |
229,966 |
66.2% |
Alton Edmond |
117,652 |
33.8% |
100% of precincts reporting
County Commission District 1
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Rita Pritchett |
42,629 |
67.9% |
Dwight Seigler |
20,186 |
32.1% |
100% of precincts reporting
County Commission District 3
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
John Tobia |
37,273 |
55.7% |
Sanjay Patel |
29,568 |
44.2% |
WRITE-IN |
103 |
0.2% |
County Commission District 5
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Kristine Isnardi |
38,476 |
58.9% |
William Capote |
26,813 |
41.1% |
100% of precincts reporting
Canaveral Port Authority District 4
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Kevin Markey |
84,566 |
60.7% |
Paul “Coach” Kellem |
54,860 |
39.3% |
100% of precincts reporting
Soil And Water Conservation Group 1
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Adam Tritt |
159,104 |
54.2% |
Henry “Boo” Minneboo |
134,193 |
45.8% |
Cocoa Mayor
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Michael C. Blake |
3,139 |
37.0% |
Jake Williams Jr |
1,942 |
22.9% |
Bob Harvey |
1,660 |
19.5% |
Henry Parrish |
1,092 |
12.9% |
Allen Cowart |
662 |
7.8% |
100% of precincts reporting
Cocoa City Council District 2
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Lavander Hearn |
900 |
59.6% |
Stephanie Moretto |
611 |
40.4% |
100% of precincts reporting
Cocoa City Council District 3
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Rip Dyal |
1,575 |
52.1% |
Jennifer Kenny |
1,447 |
47.9% |
100% of precincts reporting
Indialantic Mayor
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
David I. Berkman |
1,597 |
75.5% |
Melvyn Chang |
367 |
17.3% |
Edwin J. Mackiewicz III |
152 |
7.2% |
100% of precincts reporting
Melbourne Mayor
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Paul Alfrey |
15,455 |
38.4% |
Hazel Buggs |
11,185 |
27.8% |
CJ Johnson |
8,341 |
20.7% |
Molly Tasker |
5,270 |
13.1% |
100% of precincts reporting
Melbourne City Council District 1
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Tim Thomas |
21,528 |
59.1% |
Dean Paterakis |
14,909 |
40.9% |
Melbourne City Council District 3
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yvonne Minus |
17,610 |
46.7% |
David M. Neuman |
15,007 |
39.8% |
Vilma Negron |
5,093 |
13.5% |
100% of precincts reporting
Melbourne City Council District 5
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Mimi Hanley |
11,457 |
30.7% |
Samantha Nazario |
9,384 |
25.2% |
Martin Lamb |
9,289 |
24.9% |
Logan Luse |
7,175 |
19.2% |
Melbourne Beach Commissioner
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Joyce D. Barton |
1,079 |
51.1% |
Paul D. Carlson |
603 |
28.6% |
Gail Gowdy |
429 |
20.3% |
100% of precincts reporting
Melbourne Village Commissioner (Vote For 3)
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Fred Anderson |
258 |
22.5% |
David A. Jones |
247 |
21.6% |
Tabitha Niemann |
224 |
19.6% |
Peter H. McCharles |
215 |
18.8% |
David F. Sinton |
201 |
17.6% |
Palm Bay Mayor
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Rob Medina |
31,199 |
54.3% |
Kay Maragh |
26,244 |
45.7% |
100% of precincts reporting
Palm Bay City Council Seat 2
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Donny Jean Felix |
28,452 |
51.8% |
Peter J. Filiberto |
26,444 |
48.2% |
100% of precincts reporting
Palm Bay City Council Seat 3
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Randy Foster |
33,393 |
60.8% |
Thomas L. Gaume Jr |
21,542 |
39.2% |
Satellite Beach Mayor
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Steven L. Osmer |
4,741 |
69.3% |
Justice Rivera |
2,096 |
30.7% |
100% of precincts reporting
Satellite Beach City Council (Vote For 2)
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Mindy Gibson |
3,958 |
36.2% |
David Vigliotti |
2,736 |
25.0% |
Devon Vann |
2,314 |
21.1% |
Brett B. Gelbert |
1,934 |
17.7% |
100% of precincts reporting
Titusville City Council Seat 2
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Sarah Stoeckel |
15,931 |
67.7% |
Christopher Childs |
7,601 |
32.3% |
100% of precincts reporting
Titusville City Council Seat 3
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Joe C. Robinson |
12,540 |
54.3% |
Marc Smith |
10,539 |
45.7% |
West Melbourne City Council (Vote For 3)
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Pat Bentley |
8,065 |
32.3% |
Stephen M. Phrampus |
6,672 |
26.7% |
Daniel R. McDow |
6,181 |
24.7% |
Matt Grigajtis |
4,088 |
16.3% |
100% of precincts reporting
Barefoot Bay Trustee (Vote For 3)
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Randy Loveland |
1,790 |
22.6% |
James A. Nugent |
1,383 |
17.4% |
Michael R. Morrissey |
1,335 |
16.8% |
Luann E. Henderson |
1,254 |
15.8% |
Hurrol Bernard Brinker |
1,112 |
14.0% |
Edward Lewis Geier |
1,059 |
13.3% |
100% of precincts reporting
Baytree Supervisor Group 2
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Richard C. Bosseler |
393 |
53.2% |
Gregory J. Scougall |
346 |
46.8% |
Viera East Supervisor Group 3
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Pete Carnesale |
2,538 |
45.9% |
Melinda Thomsen |
1,048 |
19.0% |
Jeanne Brown |
956 |
17.3% |
Tony Volpe |
626 |
11.3% |
Trisha Dutton |
359 |
6.5% |
Viera East Supervisor Group 4
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Steve Colasinski |
3,238 |
59.1% |
William Oakley |
2,245 |
40.9% |
Viera East Supervisor Group 5
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Rob Dale |
3,293 |
60.1% |
Jo Walsh |
2,187 |
39.9% |
100% of precincts reporting
School Board Referendum Half-Cent Sales Surtax
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes – For the Half-Cent Tax |
235,407 |
68.5% |
No – Against the Half-Cent Tax |
108,442 |
31.5% |
100% of precincts reporting
Indialantic Question #1: Town Council Term of Office
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes – For Approval |
1,600 |
79.7% |
No – For Rejection |
407 |
20.3% |
100% of precincts reporting
Malabar Question #1: Continued Participation In The Brevard County Mstu
Choices |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes |
1,750 |
88.4% |
No |
230 |
11.6% |
100% of precincts reporting
West Melbourne Question #1: Qualifications And Reporting Structure For Chief of Police
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment |
11,579 |
83.7% |
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment |
2,259 |
16.3% |
West Melbourne Question #2: Qualifying of Candidates For Mayor And City Council
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment |
9,021 |
66.2% |
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment |
4,597 |
33.8% |
West Melbourne Question #3: Filing Vacancies
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment |
11,459 |
84.0% |
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment |
2,186 |
16.0% |
West Melbourne Question #4: Compensation For Mayor And City Council
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment |
11,180 |
81.4% |
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment |
2,551 |
18.6% |
West Melbourne Question #5: Powers Duties Composition of Board of Adjustment
Candidate |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment |
10,810 |
81.6% |
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment |
2,440 |
18.4% |
Fifth District Court of Appeal Kerry I. Evander
Choices |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes |
221,856 |
72.5% |
No |
84,147 |
27.5% |
100% of precincts reporting
Fifth District Court of Appeal John M. Harris
Choices |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes |
220,799 |
73.0% |
No |
81,723 |
27.0% |
Fifth District Court of Appeal Richard B. Orfinger
Choices |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes |
211,498 |
70.3% |
No |
89,531 |
29.7% |
Fifth District Court of Appeal Meredith L. Sasso
Choices |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes |
212,697 |
70.5% |
No |
88,994 |
29.5% |
Fifth District Court of Appeal F. Rand Wallis
Choices |
Total Votes |
% Votes |
Yes |
214,652 |
71.5% |
No |
85,544 |
28.5% |

Voter intimidation emails “Vote For Trump Or Else”
palmbaylive Must Read, Local News, Politics 0
By Palm Bay Live News Room
Edited by Cathy Oasheim
On Tuesday, several Florida voters registered as Democrats reported receiving threatening emails. The emails in question threatened voters by saying they must “vote for Trump or else!”
One such message reads: “You are currently registered as a Democrat, and we know this because we have gained access into the entire voting infrastructure. You will vote for Trump on Election Day, or we will come after you. Change your party affiliation to Republican to let us know you received our message and will comply.” The emails were sent from email addresses claiming to be associated with the “Proud Boys,” a far-right extremist group often affiliated with anti-establishment and white supremacist organizations. However, some early investigation shows that the messages appear to have originated from IP addresses linked to servers located in Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Estonia but, it is important to note that server location is not always indicative of sender location. The Proud Boys chairman has denied the group is behind the messages.
The messages have sparked local and national investigations.
It is estimated that thousands of voters throughout various Florida counties received the emails.
Voting Secrecy
The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) posted on Twitter that the agency is “aware of threatening emails with misleading info about the secrecy of your vote” They further acknowledge that the emails are “meant to intimidate and undermine American voters’ confidence in our elections.”
The CISA has provided voters with a FAQ guide to help voters navigate (cisa.gov.rumorcontrol) the various scams and inaccuracies that occur as part of the upcoming election, emphasizing “that while things like voting history, registered party, and contact information are public records, whom you vote for, also known as ballot secrecy, is guaranteed private by law in all states.”
The FBI also states, “Though the FBI’s standard practice is to confirm neither nor deny any investigation, we take all election-related threats seriously, whether it is vote fraud, voter suppression, or threats from cyber or foreign influence actors. We are committed to supporting our election security partners and protecting our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote. “
Local Investigations
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office states, “On Tuesday, Brevard citizens know they were aware of the emails and that an investigation is active and ongoing.”
Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated, “In America, every registered voter is afforded the right to participate in the electoral process and deserves to do so without intimidation or influence. Please know that everyone in our community is safe to go to the polls throughout the election process. While these emails appear concerning, the investigation to date has determined the emails originated from outside the continental United States and are not considered a valid threat but were sent with a morally corrupt agenda. Please do not allow this or any other action by anyone to intimidate or dissuade you from your right as an American to cast your ballot for the candidate(s) of your choosing during early voting or on Election Day.”
The Sheriff wants suspicious emails to be reported to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office via the Communications Center at (321)633-7162.
Current Voter Turnout
These email tactics, while concerning and unethical, are not surprising. This election season has seen some of the most contentious debates and tightest races between opponents at the local, state, and national levels. This contention has already resulted in a greater than expected turnout at the polls.
As of today, October 22, 2020, 59,272 Registered Democrats have cast their vote in Brevard, with 45,429 of those submitted by mail and 13,838 cast in-person through early voting. Brevard Republicans have cast more with 62,943 total votes, 38,460 by mail-in ballot, and 24,480 in-person, first votes. Those in Brevard with No Party Affiliation have a turnout of 27,807 people to vote, another 20,132 by mail, and 7,672 taking advantage of in-person, early voting.
As you can see, citizens are taking this election seriously and are exercising their right to vote before election day. Of the 452,160 total active, eligible voters in Brevard, 152,383 have consistently made their voice heard, with a turnout of over 34% at the polls!

Dep. Mayor Kenny Johnson Honored with Award
palmbaylive Must Read, Local News, Politics 0
Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson Honored with Home Rule Hero Award
The Florida League of Cities (FLC) recently recognized Palm Bay Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson with a 2020 Home Rule Hero Award. Johnson earned this prestigious award for his efforts throughout the legislative session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the FLC’s legislative agenda.
Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local governments officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently responded to FLC requests to reach out to members of the Florida legislature and give a local perspective on a variety of issues.

Meet Candidate for Florida State House, District 53, Phil Moore
Phil is back to run again to represent Florida’s 53rd district, south Brevard county, having first challenged for the seat in 2018 in both a hotly contested and rancorous race by the current Representative. Never one to back down from a challenge or the threats made by his opponents campaign team. Phil is ready to do the work to flip seat 53. After the election of 2018, Phil continued his activism both in the community and in Tallahassee, voicing opposition for preemption bills, bills which harm our environment, and bills which steal more funding away from low income housing and the Florida Forever Fund. Phil continues to build a relationship with locally elected officials to help do what is in the best interest for Brevard county and the cities both inside and out of the district. A second generation Florida native from South Florida, Phil moved to Brevard in 1997. Phil currently works as a Medical Device Instructor with Philips and a second job as a patient coordinator at a local dental office. Phil understands Brevard’s infrastructure needs having actively been involved with the Space Coast Transportation & Planning Organization Bicycle Pedestrian & Trails Advisory Committee for over 10 years.

Meet Alton Edmond, Candidate for Brevard Sheriff
Meet Alton Edmond, Candidate for Sheriff
Alton Edmond was born on August 5, 1989 and raised in Harlem just outside of Clewiston, Florida. He allowed the challenges of is poverty-stricken upbringing to spur him to success and after graduating with Honors from Clewiston High School went on to graduate from the University of Florida with his Bachelor of Arts and Florida A & M College of Law with his Juris Doctor. He currently owns and operates his own law firm Edmond Law and motivational speaking company Edmond Inspiration and is and teaches Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure at Eastern Florida State College. His true passion is motivational speaking which he has done at over more than fifty venues throughout Brevard, Orange and Hendry Counties and sponsoring/promoting student athletics.

Florida State Senator, Candidate Phillip Snyder, for District 17
palmbaylive Politics, Most Popular, Must Read 0
Born and raised in Palm Bay, I grew up the middle child of a large family. At eighteen I became a Christian, at twenty I married my best friend, and at twenty-three I was both a father and a first year teacher.
These three things (my relationship with God, my relationship with my wife, and my relationship with my now three children) have shaped me into who I am today. They are also the reason that I cannot sit back and watch as the state I live in continues to sit on its hands and pretend that our schools aren’t falling apart, our climate isn’t changing, our people aren’t underpaid, and our communities aren’t hurting.
Let me be clear: I’ll be damned if my boys grow up and I can’t look them in the eyes and say with integrity that I tried my hardest to give them the best world I could. They deserve better, as do all those in the next generation.
So, I’m running for Senate to do my part in making a difference. I’m a realist and know it will be hard and that I won’t get everything done that I’d like. But I’m also hopeful, because things can change, and they will change.
But we get to decide how things change.
So let’s make a positive change together
Our campaign is focused on being as clear about our platform issues as possible, which is why detailed information can be found on our website http://www.Snyder2020.org
However, we have locked in on a few core issues that affect every Floridian.
We need to create Racial Equality through policy. It is true that policy doesn’t change people’s hearts, but people with changed hearts should vote for good policy. Through our 4E Plan we will attack the systems at the root of perpetuating system racism.
As a former educator, Education Reform is the issue perhaps closest to me personally. People are beginning now to realize what educators in this state have been warning about for nearly a decade: we have a teacher shortage that’s been fueled by decades long underfunding. Each year, far more teachers retire or leave the profession early than come into the field, leaving our teaching force with lots of empty classrooms, a weak pipeline of certified teachers, and no real path forward. Gov. DeSantis’s step forward with teacher pay is good, but it is incredibly insufficient. Teachers need a mandatory minimum of $50,000 in annual salary, provided by an incredibly minimal corporate tax. Then, we need to provide teachers with a voice to lead a conversation on education reform.
At some point, we need to understand that the best thing for the economy in the Sunshine State is to lean into solar energy as our primary energy source. We already have the infrastructure, now we just need to provide tax incentives for entrepreneurs to start solar panel installation and maintenance businesses in their communities, provide incentives for homeowners to purchase solar panels and funnel that business into those small companies, and give cities grant opportunities to put community solar farms in low income neighbourhoods to provide low cost or free energy to those who need that break the most.