Florida Power & Light could use that $250,000 it just gave Charlie Crist's "Vote Yes on 1" campaign. The NRC has proposed a $208,000 fine for four security violations at the utility’s Turkey Point nuclear plant, including security workers who deliberately broke the firing pins on their weapons.

The violations occurred in 2004 and 2005, according to the commission. The commission, a federal agency that oversees the safety of the U.S. nuclear industry, also faulted the Juno Beach utility for failing to promptly report the violations.

Three of the four employees involved worked for Wackenhut, and none
of the four work at the plant now, said FP&L spokeswoman April
Schilpp. Wackenhut still provides security, and the utility has
improved training, she said.

The utility has 30 days to appeal the
fine, but has no plans to, she said. “The NRC confirms that at no time
was plant security compromised,” Schilpp said. “That’s the important
thing.”

Crist said Tuesday that he backs FPL's bid to expand Turkey Point. "I do support it. I think it’s innovative and I think it’s important to continue to move forward. We need juice."

-- Asjylyn Loder, Times staff writer