It is done. 

Governor Crist signed the Florida rail bill into law today in Tampa (and Tallahassee), thus making Florida an official commuter rail state.  That means Florida joins the ranks of so many Northeast states where commuter rail is a standard way of life, as well as California and Texas which also have developed commuter rail networks.   Florida doesn't necessarily have those kinds of actual developed rail lines yet, of course - right now it only has Tri-Rail connecting Palm Beach, Miami, and all points in between.  But all this will change for certain over the next few decades, a fact which will, as I said in an earlier post, make this a revolutionary day for the state and most certainly Tampa and Hillsborough County.  That big word is up next.

The point is, urban commuter rail is now Florida State policy and a much bigger line item in so many budget policies, not just a stepchild pursuit.

Y'all should be jumping for joy down there.  Here's some quick coverage.

• ConnectUS Facebook Page with Photos of the Signing Ceremony
• Crist Signs Rail Bill in Tallahassee, Tampa (St. Pete Times coverage)