In case you missed it, Florida Voices – the state opinion page – has now launched. It’s the brainchild of former Tampa Tribune editorial page editor (and now Florida Voices editor) Rosemary Goudreau. Joined by fellow Tribune alum Rosemary Curtiss as publisher and a crack team of former newspaper people, they’re doing the important work of building a sustainable business model for getting us good information, a goal that is critical to the future of our state and nation. And, of course, we like their “Village Square-ish” approach of “seeking out differing perspectives with a watchful eye for common ground.” And we love their blue and red merging to purple logo. They seem to have the right idea.

In her first Florida Voices column, Florence Snyder thinks back on watching her parents critical involvement in building Florida’s modern state university system – “an ambitious idea brought to life by ambitious people.” Florence (who also writes for us, check out some of her work HERE) writes:

“Colorful expressions of strongly held beliefs did not frighten them. They relished debate, and so do I. As Florida Voices strives to add yeast to our 21st century public policy conversation, I’ll strive not to waste your time. You can argue with me. And I hope you will.”

We’re delighted to see Florida Voices jump in with this important contribution to our state, we wish them well, and we look forward to more of the rich, vibrant debate that is the foundation of a healthy democracy.