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Bobby Olszewski exploring run in State House 44, Clelland rebels against Dems in Budget Fight

A lot of headlines today that could affect big elections in 2014. Let’s get started.

The Orlando Sentinel reported today that Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olszewski is exploring a run in Florida State House 44. This could set up a potential match-up between “Bobby O” and another popular Republican in the region, former State Representative Eric Eisnaugle. This showdown is making many within the party nervous. I’ll explain why that tension might be premature.

Seminole County Democrat Mike Clelland serving in a very Republican district 29 for “Yes” on a budget against the wishes of fellow how Democrats. Clelland sided with Republicans mentioning he will not be held hostage by insisting on the medi-caid expansion to accommodate the President’s Healthcare plan on a budget that contains increases on education and many other public services.

We’ve also got a cameo by Congressman Alan Grayson who is, like his In-State Counterpart is going against his party by protesting the Presidents changes to Social Security COLA proposed in his new budget.

All of this in your Daily Wrap Up for Wednesday, April 10th 2013.

Video Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. This is your Daily Wrap-up for Wednesday April 10th 2013. The big news coming from the Orlando Sentinel Blog reporting that Eric Eisnaugle might be facing primary opposition in Florida State House 44 to replace termed out Stephen Precourt. Now, he already has one opponent but there was buzz a couple of weeks back about someone else potentially jumping in the race that someone turns out to be Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olszewski. This piece was published today, Olszewski says he’s exploring his options but there is a lot of nervousness in that political environment over those two potentially squaring off, a lot of side taking, a lot of opinions being thrown out there. Believe me. This is an elections videocast, an elections blog, no one loves hype more than me and my readership enjoys it but I think in this case it’s a little premature, to automatically assume these two are going after each other. Way too early to predict a showdown between those two to replace Stephen Precourt. Let’s wait to see how things turnout, you look at Olszewski’s sound byte he’s just taking a look at how he can serve his community the best. Both lawmakers have positive reputations, let’s wait to see how things go. Should Olszewski decide to run against Eisnaugle.. well the good people of District 44 will have a lot of talent in their Republican primary. By the way Eisnaugle already has one Republican opponent Ronney Olivera who ran last year and lost.

Moving on, State Representative Mike Clelland serving in the very Republican District 29 out there in Seminole County, rebelling against the Democratic Caucus in Tallahassee he has decided to vote “Yes” on the House Budget supported by many Republican in Tallahassee. Now, the Democrats are balking at this thing because it does not include the medicaid expansion required by the President’s healthcare plan or “Obamacare”. Clelland is voting for it, he says it includes a lot of the other conditions wanted by Democrats and he won’t be held hostage by this one issue. And if you look at the budget, it does. It’s a budget that sends money to educators, and many public services. I’ve got some sound footage from the Democratic leadership in Tally responding to a question about Clelland breaking ranks.

(Roll sound on Dem Leadership)

So there you have it. A tense answer by Democratic leadership in Tally about Clelland rebelling on the budget but, if you’re Clelland you got to look down the road, if he wants to be a State Representative for longer then two years then he must work across the aisle. He is in a very conservative district and has very tough upcoming opposition from former State Representative Scott Plakon so, he’s going to have to make these very tough decisions, in order to keep his constituents happy.

We’ve got another Democrat going against the grain. This one in Washington. I’m talking about Osceola Congressman Alan Grayson who, won his job back last November. Defying President Obama on the conditions of his new budget referring to alterations in the Cost of Living Adjustments in Social Security. The chained CPI is a no for him, and he’s shaking the boat with Democrats up there.

It’s been a very busy day with controversial day with these headlines, in a very busy week. For now I’m Frank Torres and I’ll see you next time!

Orange Commission greenlights Universal Bridge, Scott to signs cafe ban quietly, and Rubio and Gang of 8 to announce immigration deal soon

Big day involving the Theme Parks and local politics. The Orange County Commission greenlit the tax dollars to build the Universal Pedestrian Bridge that would connect the resorts to it’s park. The vote went 4-3 in favor of the 9 million dollar project.

Today, it was announced that Florida Governor Rick Scott will not have any public signing of the internet cafe ban bill. This is due to the connections between an investigation that found one of the cafes allegedly funneling non-profit dollars into for profit companies which resulted in almost 60 arrests. Former Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll resigned because of ties her old PR firm had with the company.

Finally, it was also announced that the “Gang of 8″ Senators would announce a deal on immigration next week. The bi-partisan panel including Florida Senator Marco Rubio have been working on a solution for one of the year’s biggest issues on the hill.

This is your daily wrap up

Transcript of Video:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres and this is your daily wrap for Tuesday, April 9th 2013. The big news today was the Orange County Commission approving the pedestrian bridge that would connect the Universal Studios park to the resort. 5 million dollars on the bridge 9 million dollars on the entire package. The vote passed 4 to 3, your “Yes” votes were Commissioner Thompson, Scott Boyd, Tiffany Moore-Russell, and Fred Brummer, those were the votes in favor of the Tax Payers picking up the tab for this bridge for the park. Your “no” votes were Mayor Teresa Jacobs and commissioners Ted Edwards and Pete Clarke. We’re always looking at elections here and the political equity involved and those 4 commissioners with the exception of Jennifer Thompson are termed out. Moore-Russell, Scott Boyd, and Fred Brummer are termed out. Very little to be gained from opposing Universal on this. Jennifer Thompson, we spoke about her new opponent yesterday in Sean Ashby. She’ll be on the ballot next year. Still, very little involved when you add up the reasons to oppose it. Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Ted Edwards and Pete Clarke questioned why the taxpayers should have to pick up the entire tab but, the vote passed and the vote will be passed entirely with taxpayer money. Wow! What a victory for Universal, whoever worked out this bill really did well. This bridge will increase the overall satisfaction of their guests and increase the chances for repeat business. Which have had a big couple of years with the Harry Potter expansion and other attractions. They’ve done really well in the region over the last few years and when they do well. The revenue trickles down to the smaller businesses.

Other news, it was announced that Governor Rick Scott would not have a big public signing of the bill that would ban internet cafes. It was a curious move over why they wouldn’t want to make a signing out of this, it would have been a great photo op for him and State Attorney General Pam Bondi and sent the message that they weren’t going to put up with it. Most recently the group Allied Veterans of the World which allegedly was caught stealing millions. Reasons almost definitely relating to Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll who’s old PR company did business with Allied. It was recently revealed over the weekend that she didn’t volunteer to resign. She was asked to. So, a complicated situation for the Governor. I think the Publicity would have done him well. A public signing would have sent a message that Florida will not put up with this kind of operation. But, there are positives and negatives to both choices.

Finally, late this afternoon Politico broke the news that the Bi-Partisan Gang of 8 will announce a deal at the beginning of next week for sweeping immigration reform. Of Course Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been strongly featured in this group of lawmakers from both sides including John McCain, Chuck Schumer, and Lindsey Graham. It also means that the deal might include tougher rules on worker visas and border security. We’ll see.

Another big day in Florida Politics and we’ll keep rolling along. I’m Frank Torres and I’ll see you next time.

Es Oficial! Jennifer Thompson contra Sean Ashby para comisionado en distrito 4 2014

En un articulo de el East Orlando Sun, Sean Ashby hacerlo oficial. El va correr contra Jennifer Thompson para Orange County Comisionado en districto 4.

Ashby es no extrano a politica aqui en centro Florida. El corrio para el estado camera de representante el ano pasado Y tiene un pasion para los temas.

Thompson va tener casi todo los ventajas temprano con dinero, experienca, y conozco con la nombre.

Va hacer un eleccione muy grande y entretenido

Transcripo de Video:

Florida Politica con Frank Torres. Soy Frank Torres y es el ocho de Abril. Hoy el articulo grande es el anuncio oficial que Sean Ashby va a correr contra Jennifer Thompson para comisionado de distrito 4 aqui en Orange County. Esto no es un sorpresa. Recuerdo Ashby corrio para el camera de representante el ano pasado y perdido. Tambien estaba Ashby que queria el investagacion a los mensajes mando medio el condado comision y los grupos de presion en la luchar para tiempo libre de trabajo cuando enfermo.

Vamos a mirar este eleccion. Thompson va a tener todos los ventajas con dinero, ayudar de los Republicanos en la media periodo. Tambien ventaja con la comunidad negocios. Thompson tambien posee una empresa en el distrito. Y los hablas de Ashby en favor de la enfermo tiempo libre va botar el apoyo de la negocio comunidad.

Ashby es mejor cuando hablando de los temas de educacion pero en este eleccion no hay tema asi. Orange County tiene un bordo para eso. El necesito usar el talento de hablando publico para trae la energia a los otros temas.

*** EN INGLES ***

Sean Ashby makes it Official, will Challenge Jennifer Thompson in OC District 4 in 2014.

In a story broken by the East Orlando Post, Sean Ashby has made it official, he will challenge Orange County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson for Orange County District 4 in 2014.

Ashby is no stranger to the political scene, the educator ran for the Florida House last year, and was defeated. He interviewed with this blog during his run and is a gifted speaker with a passion for the issues.

Thompson will have the early advantage in the race. She’ll have more resources, name ID, voter turnout probability, and experience on the commission.

It’s going to be a great race. Both of these candidates are terrific on the stump.

Here is your daily wrap up and the East Orlando Sun interviewed Ashby this weekend, you can find that video below mine. Have a great day!

Transcript of Video:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. I’m Frank Torres and this is your daily wrap for Monday, April 8th 2013. The big news today broken by the East Orlando Post earlier, former state house candidate Sean Ashby making it official, he will run against Jennifer Thompson for Orange County Commission 4 in 2014. Ashby ran for state house last year and lost but has maintained a presence in local politics. He called for the investigation into “Textgate”. “Textgate” refers to the text messages exchanged between the Orange County Commission and lobbyist during the Orange County Sick Time Initiative fight. The Initiative would have made it mandatory for Employers to give workers paid sick time off after a certain amount of hours put in. Employees couldn’t be held accountable for taking time off even if they didn’t have the hours worked. It would have hurt hiring and possibly resulted in frivolous lawsuits. Toxic Legislation.

It’s official let’s breakdown the race right now. Jennifer Thompson will have almost every advantage early on. Let me explain. One will be the money. Thompson is a gifted fundraiser, she was the money leader in her race back in 2014. The businesses will line up behind her once again. She’s a business owner herself in the district. Plus this early message from Ashby calling for this investigation into the sicktime initiative will hurt him with any potential donors from that circle. So he’s off to a bad start with them. Another thing is it’s a mid-term. Turnout will favor Republicans. Now, I know it’s a non-partisan race but both parties still try to get their guys elected. Thompson will enjoy support from both the party and her infrastructure back in 2010.

Sean Ashby his main talking point when he ran last year was education. He speaks with genuine passion about it, he’s an educator himself but that’s out of play in this race. We have a school board in the county that tackles the majority of those issues. Ashby will have to branch out and use his public speaking ability in other issues and try to excel there. Also, he’s going to have to make this about the Orange County Sick Time Initiative and if this thing gets defeated in Tallahassee and it looks like it might, then it’s going to be hard to make this race all about that particular push with so much time before the election. He can try to extend it but if this thing gets beaten at the state level it’s going to take away his one avenue of attack against Thompson. If it doesn’t get beaten then it shares the ballot with this race and local business might look at that connection and it could reflect badly on him.

Also, it’s just those two right now but that could change down the road. Another candidate could chop-up the anti-Thompson vote between Ashby and the other challenger (during the primary). There isn’t anyone now or rumored but that could change.

So a lot of the arrows leaning Thompson’s way but it’s way too early. You can’t even say that the campaign has kicked off. So, some more candidates announcing. You can expect it to kick into high gear later in the year. For now I’m Frank Torres and I’ll see you tomorrow!

Bill Nelson supports Gay Marriage, Jennifer Carroll was asked to resign, Parent Trigger and Anti-OC Sick Time Bill Advance

So much for that break.

It was a big day with Florida Senator Bill Nelson formally endorsing Gay Marriage. Nelson has been quiet on the issue that has been debated in Washington over the last couple of weeks and has dominated social media and was getting pushed by activists to support the initiative. He made it official today.

In what would normally be a top story discovery, former Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll gave her first television interview today where she says she was asked to resign after her connections to the racketeering investigation behind Allied Veterans of the world that lead to dozens of arrests. You would tend to believe that the relationship between those two would have been closer. NOTE: the footage of the interview is awful but the sound is good. You can watch the original footage at the Local 6 website here.

All of this and the internet cafes that led to the Carroll resignation will be illegal as the bill set forth by the legislator goes to Rick Scott for signature. We’ve also got parent trigger and anti- Orange County sick time measures moving forward in the legislature.

Busy day, and we’ve still got Friday.

Video Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. This is your daily wrap up and a big day in Florida Politics. A lot of these developments happening later in the day or really close to close of business on this Thursday. We start out with the big news from today, that would be with Florida Senator Bill Nelson coming out today on gay marriage. Gay marriage has been one of the big issues in Washington as its being debated in front of the supreme court and the big social media push with that red equal sign dominating your Facebook pages. Florida Senator Bill Nelson throwing his support in favor of gay marriage if you look at the political math involved, there isn’t much behind it. The guy is in his 70′s he’s gone as high as he’s going to go. There has been some rumors he would go after Rick Scott next year for Governor is a race I believe he would win but, he’s defused those rumors, he’s doing it strictly because he thinks it’s the right reasons to. He’s quoted as saying that his reason for publicly supporting same sex marriage is because god wouldn’t have created homosexual couples like he has heterosexual couples if he did not want us to support them. So, that’s the big news. He was even trending on Twitter, yes Bill Nelson. You’ve got to wonder if he’s even familiar with that particular social media outlet.

Anyways another big announcement later in the afternoon is news that former Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll was actually asked to resign after it was discovered that she was being investigated for her connections with Allied Veterans of the world. That company is under investigation for racketeering and almost 60 people have been arrested. This adds more controversy to an already complicated situation and more problems for Florida Governor Rick Scott. You know these reports coming out earlier, this was handled very coldly. We’ve got footage by Local 6. Let’s have a look at it right now.

(Jennifer Carroll Footage)

Very eye opening stuff by the former Lieutenant Governor. A very shocking revelation coming out, you thought they were closer. Well, that’s the way it happens up there in Tallahassee.

In a connected issue you’ve also got that ban on Internet Cafe going to Rick Scott for signature. That’s moved along quickly. Those will soon be illegal in Florida.

Some other controversial legislation has been Parent Trigger. This would allow parents to have a say over the direction a failing school would take, this would include firing the principal or other administrators or even changing the public school to a charter school. Current State Rep. Karen Castor Dentel a school teacher herself, has come out strongly against it, saying in the Orlando Sentinel it makes the charter schools or for profit groups look like heroes. but parents and their voice over how their kids a very precious thing. That legislation is moving along.

Now bringing it back to Orange County, you’ve got legislation at the state level that would nullify the Orange County Sick Time initiative. Sick Time would make it mandatory for employers to offer paid sick time to workers after a certain amount of hours have been reached. Workers in favor believe it would be there right to receive that, those against believe it would hurt hiring, and growth and would possibly result in lawsuits.

A very big day. Nelson coming out in favor of Gay Marriage. Jennifer Carroll’s shocking interview, and these big legislation moving quickly. Big enough to take me off of break but hey, you do what you have to do. I’ll see you for Week in Review. For now I’m Frank Torres.

On Break, will be back for WIR on 4-7-13

Hey all,

Taking a break for a few day. Will be back for Week in Review on Sunday.

If anything big happens (and when I take some time off like this, it does), I’ll break from my errrr break and analyze it here.

Take Care and See you soon!

gone-fishin

Buddy Dyer pushes for New Soccer Stadium in Orlando, in Sentinel Article

Behind the power of a brilliant PR Rush by the Orlando City Soccer Club over the last 6 months, the discussion for a new Soccer stadium in Orlando has gone from a distant concept, to a strong possibility.

Recently, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has been more verbal in his support for a brand new venue that would seat 18 to 20 thousand fans, and put Orlando in play for the possibility of moving up into the MLS or Major League Soccer.

This morning, Dyer penned an guest Column explaining the conditions and benefits or a Soccer only stadium in the City Beautiful. You can read the Orlando Sentinel article here.

It is a guest column, but not all of the Mayor’s facts exactly check out. Let’s break it down.

Statement:

“In the past decade, Major League Soccer has quickly surpassed other professional sports in popularity. It now boasts higher attendance per game than the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League.”

FALSE: The NBA has an entire network dedicated to coverage. You can walk into a public school and spot dozens of Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, or Kevin durant jerseys and other merchandise. His attendance claim is a little closer but still wrong. The NBA has almost twice as many clubs and if you take the top 19 (the amount of teams in MLS) their average is still higher. The NHL has been on strike until recently, so it’s easy to slam their attendance.

Statement:

“Major League Soccer has achieved its success by playing in 18,000- to 20,000-seat urban soccer stadiums. With the league growing, it is requiring that expansion cities have a soccer-ready stadium with a roof over the fans.”

IFFY: Most MLS stadiums don’t have roofs and the Orlando City Soccer club averaged only 7,000 fans last year. If you doubled that number, you’d still have a lot of empty seats.

Statement:

“After considering whether the Citrus Bowl could be renovated to meet league standards and requirements, the architectural firm working on upgrading the stadium determined it was not physically feasible and would ultimately cost as much or more than building a new stadium specifically for soccer.”

Business: Would you rather have a contract to renovate an old venue or build a whole new one?

Statement:

“Take for example, in 2009, when TAM airlines added a direct flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Orlando; the Mall at Millenia and the Prime Outlet Malls saw double-digit increases in sales. This means more jobs for our residents and generates sales-tax revenues that have benefits across the state.”

IFFY: It’s true that Brazil has played a bigger role in investing in the community, but expecting Tourists to take in a football game on vacation with more family friendly attractions like Disney, Universal, and the Beaches is a far reach. Crediting a new flight from South America for an increase in sales for the always popular outlets, is also bending too close to a break.

Statement:

“recently more than 20,000 traveled to a game across the world in Japan”

What game?: Seriously, I can assure you they didn’t travel across the world to Watch Columbus play Real Salt Lake.

Statement:

“Orlando City Soccer also has plans to add a marquee Brazilian player to the team’s roster.”

Intriguing: Who?

Statement:

“Considering the quality of life and economic benefits that Major League Soccer would add in Orlando, I think you have to ask yourself, can Orlando afford not to pursue a franchise?”

NO: No, we actually cannot afford to pursue a franchise. We had to stretch just, to get the Citrus Bowl renovations. We’ve still got unfinished DPAC and Sunrail projects.

Bottom Line: Listen, I’m a soccer fan and would probably take in a game or two over an MLS season but, this is a weak argument. I’m concerned that we’re going to spend $110 million dollars (or more) on a venue that is going to be empty. The hunger for an MLS franchise in Orlando isn’t here, and if we’re depending on tourists to fill our stadium instead of residents, then we’re taking an even bigger risk.

Really? It’s probably going to get built. But, there should be cause for concern for those wary of a financial risk like this one.

Want to eliminate this concern? Then we need a stronger argument than the one written in this column.

Is Mayor Dyer's argument for a new Soccer only stadium strong enough?

Is Mayor Dyer’s argument for a new Soccer only stadium strong enough?

Ex Republicano Jefe De Florida Republicanos Jim Greer Condenado 18 meses y Ashley Judd no va correr para Senado en Kentucky

Plogstedt

Hoy Ex-Jefe de el Republicano party de Florida Jim Greer esta Condenado 18 meses en prison para robando el dinero de los donantes. Tambien nosotros tiene Actriz Ashley Judd diciendo que no va correr para Senado contra Mitch McConnel en Kentucky. Recuerdo Senador Maro Rubio estaban en Kentucky antes en la semana para subir los fondos para McConnell.

Transcripo de video:

Florida Politica con Frank Torres y hoy la noticia mayor es la sentencia de ex-jefe de el Republicano Party de Florida Jim Greer. Greer recibio 18 meses en prison para robando el dinero de los donantes casi $150,000 dollares. Recuerdo que Greer acepto un pension el mes pasado y evito un juicio que muchos creen que tenia muchos dano a los gentes involucradas. Muchos de los caballeros de el Republicanos y tambien un Democrata. El Ex- Gobernador de Florida Charlie Crist quien muchos pensa va a correr para el posicion viejo en la futuro.

Tambien nosotros tiene Actriz Ashley Judd diciendo que no va correr para Senado contra Mitch McConnel en Kentucky. Recuerdo Senador Maro Rubio estaban en Kentucky antes en la semana para subir los fondos para McConnell.

*EN INGLES*

Former RPOF Chairman Jim Greer Sentenced to 18 Months, Ashley Judd declines Senate Run

Today, former RPOF Chairman Jim Greer was sentenced to 18 months of prison time for money laundering during his time as the head of the Republican party of Florida. We’ve also got movie star Ashley Judd declining a Senate run against Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. You’ll recall Florida Senator Marco Rubio was fundraising in the Bluegrass state earlier this week.

This is your Daily Wrap-up.

Video Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. The big story today the sentencing of former RPOF Chairman Jim Greer sentenced to 18 months of prison. Greer convicted of laundering $200,000, $125,000 into his own private company, I believe during his time at the head of RPOF. Greer took a deal a few weeks back to avoid going to trial. Many believed that the trial would have been an airing of the RPOF’s dirty laundry with a lot of powerful Republicans and 1 Democrat on the witness list. I’m talking about former Florida Governor Charlie Crist who is considering a run at his old job next year. What can you say? Greer will go to prison serve his time and will get some publicity when released. People will want to talk to him and hear what he has to say. The time of his release just happens to be at the height of election season. We’ll see what happens then.

In other news. Lighter news. Movie Star Ashley Judd has declined a run against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel for the Senate next year. Why is this important for Florida Politics? You’ll recall here on FPFT we talked about Marco Rubio heading up to Kentucky to fundraise for McConnell. Well, that money will not be used against Judd. The star announcing on her Twitter account she would not be running. Well, that’s it for now, for Florida Politics with Frank Torres, I’ll see you next time.

Rubio ayudar McConnell contra Ashley Judd, Pam Bondi Apoyo Scott Plakon en Florida 30, y un nuevo Video de Rick Scott

Mica for Congress

Nosotros tenemos algo para todo el mundo hoy! Tenemos Florida Senador Marco Rubio viajando a Kentucky para ayudar Republicano Senador Mitch McConnell contra un proba eleccione contra actriz famosa Ashley Judd. Tambien tenemos Abogado General Pam Bondi tirando apoyo para ex Representante Scott Plakon. y finalmente hay un video nuevo de Gobernador Rick Scott.

Transcripo De Video:

Florida Politica con Frank Torres y hoy es uno de los tiempos raro cuando Hollywood y Florida esta junto. Yo hablo de un viaje para Florida Senador Marco Rubio a Kentucky para ayudar Senador Mitch McConnell enceurdo fondos en un possible election contra Actriz famosa Ashley Judd. Estos es muy interesante porque la posicion McConnell de es mas senor Senadores Republicano en Washington. Y tambien porque Judd es un famosa, y hermosa talente actriz en Washington. Pero Judd solamente no es un actriz pero un possible candidato que sabes los temas. Tambien en Kentucky es el Senador Rand Paul quien gente creen que tambien puedo correr para Presidente en 2016 como Rubio. Mucho pasando en Kentucky esto semana.

Ahora hablamos de el endoso de Florida Abogado General para ex Estado Representante Scott Plakon. Plakon recuerdas estaba in afrente de los luchar politca contra los Internet Cafes que estan en un camino para prohibido porque a los activo criminales con Racketeering que causa Jennifer Carroll a renuncia la posicion de atiendente Gobernador. Estos es apoyo muy fuerte para Plakon que vas correr en un distrito muy Republicano contra Mike Clelland quien gano solamente porque el adversario tenia muchos problemas financial y Presidente Obama saco muchos de los votantes Democrata.

Ahora llegamos a el video nuevo de Gobernador Rick Scott que hablas de los trabajos gano de la tiempo el llego a la oficina de Gobernador. Estos ey muy similar que el Video el publicado el semana pasado.

Bueno, hay mucho pasando en el mundo politica aqui en Florida quedas con nostros para mas.

*EN INGLES*