Florida is terribly sorry for that unfortunate slavery issue in America's past. Legislators there said so themselves. The Sunshine State is the fifth state — North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey beat it to the punch — to formally apologize for slavery. It was a trend two states ago. Now it's a movement.

Florida’s history with slavery is unusual. Its roots stretch back to the settlement of St. Augustine in 1565, and slaves here took part in a wide array of industries, including cattle ranching in central Florida and sugar cane harvests in Tampa… Some of this history was recounted before the Legislature, and was included in the resolution. It was enough to draw clear sobs from Senator Arthenia L. Joyner, Democrat of Tampa. The governor said such emotions were understandable.

So Florida's sorry. Does that heal race relations any? Not really. But as long as the legislature feels good…

Next up, Florida should apologize for screwing their residents out of a primary vote. [NYT]