============================================================ DIGITAL DIGEST � http://www.marconews.com � November 30, 2004 ============================================================ Subscribe to the Naples Daily News: http://web.marconews.com/marco/subscribe.html TRADITION, NOT RULES REGULATE CHICKEE HUTS It may be the closest thing Florida has to common law. You want a chickee built? Then hire a member of the Miccosukee or Seminole tribes. From Marco Island to Fort Lauderdale, many South Floridians � including government officials � have never actually looked it up in the books, but they believe it is the law. In truth, it's more of a tradition. HOMEOWNER INSURANCE PREMIUMS LIKELY TO RISE Florida homeowners can breathe easier knowing today marks the end of hurricane season, but nevertheless they may have shaky hands opening their insurance bills in the coming months. When Hurricane Charley ripped through the state in mid-August, insurance officials declared their preparedness for the catastrophe and vowed one hurricane wouldn't result in premium hikes. SHERIFF APPEALS TO GOVERNOR FOR BIGGER BUDGET Collier Sheriff Don Hunter has appealed his fiscal 2005 budget to Gov. Jeb Bush and the Cabinet. The sheriff's budget for 2005 is now $120.9 million after Collier commissioners cut $7.9 million from Hunter's original budget request of $128.8 million. The sheriff is an independently elected constitutional officer whose budget is approved by county commissioners. NAPLES COUNCIL MAY REVISIT BOAT SPEEDS ON BAY Naples' ongoing boat speeds debate could resurrect sooner than later, specifically, at Wednesday's City Council meeting. Just before he left town for Thanksgiving, Councilman Bill MacIlvaine sent out a memo to fellow city officials, suggesting liberalizing speed requirements between markers 10 and 5, at the Gordon Pass entrance from the Gulf of Mexico. It is currently a no-wake zone. Get details on all these stories and more at http://www.marconews.com PERSPECTIVE: EDITORIAL: FCAT BONUS MONEY -- MERIT PAY PLAN COULD END THE TEACHER-SCHOOL DIVIDE You might think the stress and debate with FCAT is over once the tests are taken. Even after the scores are in and they are good, contentiousness remains over how the state's rewards for grade-A schools are shared. It is amazing that there are some who differentiate between "the classroom" and "teachers" as worthy recipients of any or all of the rewards, which this year in Collier County Public Schools total more than $2 million split among 22 schools. See more of today�s Perspective stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/perspective BUSINESS: NATION'S RETAILERS HAVE A MODEST START TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON NEW YORK � The holiday shopping season got off to a modest start after bargain-hunters jammed malls on Friday for early bird specials but did less buying the rest of the weekend after the sales ended. Big chains including J.C. Penney Co. Inc. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. were pleased with their sales. See more of today�s Business stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/business NEAPOLITAN: EXPLORING THE LAST FRONTIER Missing the boat can sometimes be a blessing, though one does not realize the magnitude of such good fortune until the pouting and whining have subsided. At the moment it's time for the pouting, as our water chariot pulls away from the dock and floating along with it are my family's plans for a day in the great outdoors exploring the Ten Thousand Islands via boat. See more of today�s Neapolitan stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/neapolitan
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