Sen. Mel Martinez Is Gone

HAVANA TIMES, Sept. 10 – Florida Senator Mel Martinez is packing his bags for his home state on Thursday after delivering an emotional farewell speech to the Senate on Wednesday.

Martinez came to the United States in the infamous Peter Pan airlift of children and teenagers from Cuba in the mid-1960s.  He quit his post abruptly 16 months before his term was up, saying he wants to spend more time with his family in Orlando.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist appointed his ex-chief of staff, George LeMieux to replace Martinez.  Le Mieux takes the oath on Thursday.