TAMPA A group called “Public Notice” is urging Democratic and Republican platform writers to address the ballooning federal deficit.

It’s even erected three billboards in Charlotte to underscore its request.

Public Notice also has an online petition urging Americans to “put economics before politics” and lobby the platform committees of each party. Jim Morrill

National Guard to deploy at RNC

Florida’s Joint Legislative Budget Commission has approved spending $2.3 million in federal money by the Department of Military Affairs that will allow the state to dispatch 1,750 Florida National Guard troops for the RNC.

Of that money, $1.29 million will come from Tampa’s $50 million federal security grant. The other $1 million will come from the Pentagon and National Guard.

Tampa police said they expect the Guard’s troops to help with traffic control and work stationary security posts. The Guard said it will be ready to help civilian authorities with everything from communications to flying helicopters to security. Tampa Bay Times

List of DNC performers growing

Add hip hop artist Common to the growing list of big name performers coming to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention.

Politico is reporting that he will perform Sept. 4 at an event advertised as the “Presidential Convention Charity Benefit.”

It’ll be at the Fillmore – one of the venues at the N.C. Music Factory – and sponsors include the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Recording Industry Association of America.

Common will be in Charlotte on behalf of Musicians on Call, a charity that brings music to the bedsides of wounded soldiers and others.

One-time beau to tennis star Serena Williams, Common has also been a movie actor and penned a memoir. His hit songs include “I Used to Love H.E.R.,” “The Light,” and “Resurrection.” Tim Funk