Welcome to the Collins Center for Public Policy's online community.We are dedicated to advancing the important social and economic public policy issues facing Florida and beyond, and finding meaningful solutions to their challenges. This community is about information sharing, collecting feedback and ideas –building knowledge. Please register and participate.
Potential Impacts of Oil and Gas Exploration in the Gulf
The Collins Center and the Century Commission are tasked by the Florida legislature to facilitate a state-wide dialog on off shore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more about this important public policy issue and how you can contribute to the discussion. For the Questions and Answers in a report format click here.
New Social Networks formed
New social networks have formed that enable the public to learn more about important public policy initiatives underway across Florida and across the nation. Right now, you can be a part of the discussions on Justice Reform, Sustainable Florida and the Lake Okeechobee Regional Initiative.
Joining the Collins Center online community is the first step to being a part of the conversation. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas about finding smart solutions to Florida’s challenges.
Smart Justice report available
The Collins Center Report: "Smart Justice: Findings and Recommendations for Florida Criminal Justice Reform" is now available.
The Florida Supreme Court orders all of Florida's 20 Judicial Circuits to institute programs of mandatory residential foreclosure mediation. The order calls for a uniform statewide program which, in all of its essential parts, is exactly like that now administered by the Collins Center for the 1st, 11th and 19thJudicial Circuits.
The 2010 Winter Newsletter, Collins Center Today, is available. The newsletter informs readers of the many new and ongoing public policy initiatives underway.
At Collins
The Collins Center is pleased to announce the addition of Robin Lankton as Director of Marketing. Robin is currently Marketing Strategy Manager for the St. Petersburg Times. She joins the Collins Center's Communications, Marketing and Development Team and will work closely with Jon Devries, Senior VP for CMD, and the other team directors based in Sarasota.
Sustainable Florida
is accepting nominations for its 11th Annual Best Practice Awards program scheduled for June 4, 2010, in St. Petersburg. Awards will be presented for outstanding achievement in large and small businesses, government, non-profit organizations, leadership, partnership and green building.
Justice Reform The Collins Center's "Smart Justice" Report was just released. Read this informative document that pulls together the findings and recommendations from the 2009 Justice Summit.
Mediation The Florida Supreme Court ruled that lenders will be required to pick up the tab for investigating and verifying ownership and then must try mediation before foreclosing Florida home mortgages. Visit Collins' Foreclosure Mediation Program to learn how it is working to help keep families in their homes.
Training programs in court-mandated mediation are available at USF. Learn more.
2010 Florida Amendments
Learn about and comment on the upcoming amendments on the 2010 November ballot.
LORI Read the current issue of the Lake Okeechobee Regional Initiative (LORI) Newsletter now available.
Former
Florida Governor LeRoy Collins' legacy of uncompromising integrity in
government and business continues at the Collins Center for Public
Policy. Established
in 1988 by distinguished Floridians who envisioned the need for an
independent entity to find impartial solutions to controversial
problems, the Collins Center for Public Policy exceeds
the bounds of a traditional think tank.
The Collins Center is a Think Tank with Muddy Boots. We turn thought into action in ways that benefit people and this is what makes us unique. More information on our work can be found under Collins Center's Accomplishments.
Voters will decide the fate of four proposed amendments or revisions to the constitution on the November 2, 2010 ballot. Here is your complete guide to proposed changes to Florida’s Constitution.
Growth Mgt discussion related to proposed FL Amendment 4 to be held at UF on 2/10. Details
You can learn about and discuss Amendment 4, a/k/a "Hometown Democracy," and the other 2010 FL Amendments here.
A major land purchase by the South Florida Water Management District in Florida's Lake Okeechobee Region will impact the region's people, towns, jobs, and future economies.
The February issue of the Lake Okeechobee Regional Initiative (LORI) Newsletter is now available.
The next general meeting of the LORI work team is scheduled for February 24th. Click here for details and to register.
A State-wide conversation to explore better ways to achieve a safer, more just, and more effective criminal justice system.
Comment on the suggestions to reform Florida's Justice system or add your own here. (Requires member status with Collins Online Community).
Check out the new section or program on Restorative Justice.
Sustainable Florida - Collins Center is the premier statewide organization committed to the balance of economic interests with the need to be socially and environmentally responsible.
Century Commission to participate in Offshore drilling debate
