Tampa Mayoral candidates compete for police union's support; new poll shows all time low for Afghan war, and plans for Pinellas County jail-annex/homeless shelter go forward: Mitch Perry Report 12.16.10

Good morning, everybody.

First up, online CL has been conducting an auction, with all types of fun events to bid on, with the proceeds going to the Children's Home, with the  deadline happening today.  You can see what items are still up for auction by going here. One of them is actually having drinks with yours truly, along with a "mystery guest," who may be superfluous.  Please bid!

President Obama is scheduled to give an update on how the war in Afghanistan is going shortly before noon today.  Prepare to  hear such bromides as "were making progress" in some areas, but "challenges lay ahead, " in other sections of his address.  The fact of the matter is that, according to a new survey, the American public is (finally) getting a bit restless.

The candidates for Tampa Mayor are vying for the Police Benevolent Association's endorsement, and we look at their responses on the police car chase policy.

CL's Arielle Stevenson reports on the Pinellas County's decision on Tuesday to support a new jail diversion facility.

And we want to direct your attention to our piece on the Florida Democratic party - the story is in our new issue out today, but we have a longer version of it online now.

Download

the report here.