As there seems to be disenchantment in both the Republican and Democratic parties with the current leading candidates for Governor, rumors are flying around Tallahassee of an another candidate in both parties that could emerge as front runners much like Charlie Crist’s 
independent race for U.S. Senate. Lawton “Bud” Chiles III, son of former Governor Lawton Chiles, announced he would run against CFO Alex Sink in the Democratic primary.
In testimony before a U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on the failure to sanction companies that deal with Iran Congressman Ted Deutch called on the Obama administration to list companies doing business with Iran. Just three weeks into his career as a member of Congress, Deutch passed his first piece of legislation, part of the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, aimed at creating manufacturing and green energy jobs by providing incentives for people to make energy efficient upgrades to their homes. Deutch’s amendment expands eligibility for Home Star rebates to homeowners whose houses have been damaged by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, fires, and tornados.
County Commissioner Steven Abrams met with District 4 Mayors and City Managers at his south county office in Delray Beach to discuss the BP oil spill. Assistant County Administrator Vince Bonvento, who oversees the county’s Emergency Management Division, was also in attendance. He provided an opportunity for these municipal leaders to address their concerns and share information in preparation for any potential impact of the spill on our coastline.
Vince Bonvento provided the group of city officials with details concerning the county’s contingency plans to address mitigation, response and recovery operations. County emergency officials are in regular contact with the U.S. Coast Guard, one of the major agencies that are on the county’s Deepwater Horizon Spill Task Force. Additionally, local emergency managers are participating in daily conference calls with all Florida counties. The Task Forces first meeting was May 17th at the Emergency Operations Center, with Abrams and coastal community leaders and emergency officials in attendance.
The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptrollers office will soon begin using a third-party to process credit card transactions, a change that will save tax dollars while giving customers more credit card choices. Beginning last Monday, May 17: Online and in-person credit card payments will be processed by MyFloridaCounty.com; The current $5 service charge per online transaction will be replaced by a 3.5 percent service fee; Credit card payments made in-person will also incur a 3.5 percent service fee; American Express and Discover cards will now be accepted in addition to Visa and MasterCard.
The Gold Coast Public Relations Council is awarding a $1000 scholarship to a full-time college student currently enrolled in an accredited Florida college to assist and recognize them for outstanding academic achievement and commitment to the public relations field of study. Application and information is available at www.goldcoastprcouncil.com.
Ellis, Ged & Bodden, P.A. held a fundraiser for State Senator Dave Aronberg’s quest for Attorney General on May 19. Further information is at www.davearonberg.com.
Disabled American Veterans Gold Coast chapter #133 is requesting donations to assist veterans in their transition from Iraq and Afghanistan. Log on to Utube and search DAV133 for short video on activities and make a contribution. Email dav133fl@aol.com for further information or call 954.234.7646.
A $2,500 scholarship is available for a Palm Beach County college student majoring in hospitality, hotel management and the culinary arts. To learn more about how to apply, come to the BIG MARSHMALLOW BASH tonight (Thursday) at Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel in Delray Beach from 6 to 8:30 p.m. RSVP to pr@palmbeachfl.com.fun-raiser” for the CVB Scholarship Fund. Send your RSVP to PR@palmbeachfl.com.fun-raiser” for the CVB Sch
olarship Fund. Send your RSVP to PR@palmbeachfl.com.fun-raiser” for the CVB Scholarship Fund. Send your RSVP to PR@palmbeachfl.com.
Barry Epstein, APR is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton,and president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce, with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com (email; barryepsteinlive@yahoo.com) and a link to it alternate Fridays on the Sun-Sentinel editorial page, www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion, “Get it in on the conversation”. His website is www.publicrelations.nu and email is pr@publicrelations.nu. You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barryepstein or Twitter at CMe4PR@twitter.com. Fax items for the column to 561.451.0000 or email to: bocaspindoctor@gmail.com.