John Stemberger, the top dog of Florida’s religious right and the man who spearheaded the amendment that banned gay marriage and civil unions in Florida, has officially endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry in the presidential nomination. Though Stemberger is chummy with Michele Bachmann, he doesn’t think she can win, and as for Mitt Romney,…
Miami Beach Police Chief Carlos Noriega is already in hot water. This summer, his cops seized cameras after a fatal police-involved shooting. And two officers on a drunken ATV joyride ran over beachgoers. So he probably should avoid berating a resident who’s simply asking questions — particularly when they relate…
Yesterday, President Obama outline a proposed $447 billion jobs bill that would cut payroll taxes, increase spending on infrastructure and public works programs, and extend unemployment benefits.Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, with lightning-fast speed, released a statement and video response last night claiming much of the bill “just won’t work.” However,…
David Bitner, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, has died after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Bitner had announced his resignation due to health concerns last week, but his resignation date was set for September 23. A former state representative…
This morning Miami-Dade Judge Barbara Areces threw out suspended Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito’s lawsuit against the city, putting his fate back into the hands of the commission.In case you’ve forgotten that we live in a very strange city, Areces decision essentially means that Michelle Spence-Jones — who, until about…
It was real neck and neck at the end, what with the surprise surge by Texas Governor Rick Perry. But Florida’s own Rick Scott has been named the “Worst Governor Ever” in a drawn-out, online poll conducted by the Transportation Workers Union of America. With the way things are going…
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed suit yesterday to end the state’s new controversial requirement that all people seeking help from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program undergo a drug test. The law was passed earlier this year at the behest of Gov.Rick Scott, but so far…
What the hell sort of strange Pandora’s box did Michele Bachmann reopen by suggesting she’d support drilling for oil in the Everglades. Now, Governor Rick Scott is dipping into the Tea Party’s hive mind, and has said he’s support some drilling for oil in the Everglades as well. Its ludicrous…
So, Marco Rubio is going around calling America “weakened.” He blames it on Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. Well, MSNBC host Ed Schultz takes exception to the claim, and ripped Rubio in a 16-minute segment aired last Friday.”Rubio is stupid, he doesn’t even know he’s offensive,” says Schultz…
In this week’s New Times, we laid out the case for indicting North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre. Now, Pierre’s administration has just named Marc Elias Jr. as acting chief.Yes, the one and same Marc Elias Jr. who was fired as chief in Florida City a couple years back over two…
That was quick! We were all set to start a “Miguel Exposito Firing Watch” at Riptide today after numerous reports surfaced on Friday that he was going to be suspended and possibly fired today. But City Manager Johnny Martinez beat us to the punch!Moments ago, Martinez suspended Exposito after a…
While passing through Florida last week, Tea Party queen and Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann made waves by suggesting she’d be open to drilling for oil in the Everglades. Never mind the fact that scientists claim there’s very little oil lying under river of gross, and even fellow Tea Partier…
Florida taxpayers are stuck munching on some carpet bills. Even while their cutting budgets, the offices of state lawmakers are getting costly upgrades to their carpets and other amenities. Governor Rick Scott’s office just got a near $80,000 facelift. Two hundred thousand dollars has been spent on legislators’ offices this…
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has sprung to a surprising lead in the Transport Workers of America’s race for the “Worst Governor Ever,” but just like he’s done in the Republican presidential primary, Texas Gov. Rick (Perry) is hot on Scott’s tail. In the real world, this is probably not a…
Republican Party of Florida Chair Dave Bitner will step down effective September 23. Bitner was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gherig’s disease, last April. Bitner was forced to announce his plans early after someone, possibly within the RPOF, leaked the possibility of his impending retirement to…
Technically, it is illegal for unmarried couples to live together in Florida. If you shack up with your boo without putting a ring on it first, you could face a second-degree misdemeanor and a $500 fine or up to 60 days in jail. The law has been on the books…
During the Congressional Black Caucus’s recent jobs tour, where Democratic politicians held town halls and job fairs, several members of the caucus made remarks attacking the Tea Party. Miami’s own Frederica Wilson made some headlines for telling an audience that “the real enemy is the Tea Party.”Now remarks made by…
Political yard signs usually highlight a promise or throw out a catchy slogan: Smith for Jobs or I Like Ike! Not too many politicos have spent cash to highlight their escape from felony cases.Only in Miami would you find the kind of yard signs that have been popping up all…
There are certain things politicians just don’t say in South Florida. Somewhere between praising Fidel Castro and insulting our Key lime pie sits suggesting that we set up oil rigs in the middle of the Everglades. During her trip in Florida this weekend, Michele Bachmann said she was open to…
When there are two massive systems of angry hot air traveling across the East Coast at the same time, they’re bound to interfere with each other.Republican Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann spent her weekend in Florida and was supposed to leave today. However, the fallout from Hurricane Irene has made her…
Authorities including Port of Miami director Bill Johnson are betting a three-part, $1.5 billion program to open the Port of Miami to super-freighters that pass through the revamped Panama Canal will mean a boom. But you’d be safer putting your money on the Marlins to make the World Series.A $50 million…
Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s memoir In My Time, hits book stores on Tuesday and Cheney promises the book will pack tons of shocking revelations. Perhaps not the most jaw dropping, but interesting none the less is that it could have been former Florida Senator Connie Mack serving as Vice…
