1/6: Extended cold spell raises concerns over FL crops

New York Times: Extended cold spell raises concerns over Florida crops

Central and southern Florida are in the grips of a cold spell that could damage the state's orange, strawberry and tomato crops. The weather was also blamed for four deaths in Tennessee and has produced record snowfalls in New England. And, schools were closed in Arkansas and parts of West Virginia due to heavy snow.

In Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist signed an executive order giving state agencies the authority to provide growers help. Farmers are so worried about the effects of a prolonged freeze that Charles H. Bronson, Florida’s agricultural commissioner, asked Mr. Crist on Tuesday to lift a weight limit on trucks that haul produce.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Judge halts raid on new gambling center

ARKANSAS: State tax collections continue to decline

GEORGIA: Editorial: Obama effigy in Georgia shows little progress

KENTUCKY: State legislators still planning big projects despite $1 billion shortfall

LOUISIANA: Agencies release details of budget cuts

MISSISSIPPI: Legislature passes two bills on economic development on first day

NORTH CAROLINA: State's tax collection effort nets $427 million

SOUTH CAROLINA: Study shows SC lost $94 million on uncollected Internet sales tax last year

TENNESSEE: Four deaths tied to cold weather in state

VIRGINIA: Gov.-elect to allow Cabinet secretaries to serve on corporate boards

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