Consider this a coming attraction. Or maybe an early warning system.

By this time next year, the Florida Senate will have a new president. Fellow by the name of Don Gaetz, from the panhandle town of Niceville.

My hope is he will be a terrific leader in the Senate. Maybe one day we'll even celebrate the moment he was caucused into our lives.

For now, however, there might be reason for skepticism.

I do not presume to be an expert on Sen. Gaetz's political career or personal philosophies. I can say I've read a little about his background, and he seems a decent enough guy.

The cause of this nagging apprehension is an impromptu speech Gaetz gave on the Senate floor last week.

The issue was University of South Florida Polytechnic's split from the main campus, but that's not important. Gaetz was arguing in favor of the split, but that's not relevant either.

The issue is the way Gaetz argued. Forcefully. Authoritatively. And apparently without regard for truth or reality.

Column here.