Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp had a state trooper drive him and his family to suburban Atlanta last weekend for a surprise birthday party for a Tallahassee lobbyist.

In a state-owned vehicle, Kottkamp and his wife joined lobbyist Steve Metz and family members at a Saturday night concert in Peachtree City, Ga., featuring soft-rock singer Kenny Loggins.

Kottkamp said the taxpayer-funded drive was legitimate and noted that the law requires the Florida Highway Patrol to provide security protection for him 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It doesn't matter if it's a public or private event. They're there to provide safety and security, whether it's the governor or for me," Kottkamp said.

From the tone of reaction this morning to the story, tampabay.com readers aren't convinced:

"Um, what does this guy need 'protection' from?" asked Chris from Largo. "Who would even know this guy if walked past? Legend in his own mind."

"Shame on him for misusing our tax dollars," wrote Joe from Cape Coral."

David from Largo offered his support for Kottkamp's security detail: "If we don't like it, then change the law!"

Photo: Scott Keeler | Times