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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Democrats, Republicans want Interior Department to ban Florida offshore drilling
The majority of Florida’s House of Representatives delegation, including Donald Trump confidante Matt Gaetz and 12 of Florida’s 13 House Democrats, are demanding additional answers from the Interior Department regarding any Trump administration plan for offshore drilling near Florida. Last week, the Interior Department said on Twitter it does “does not plan to issue a new [offshore drilling] report in November.” That leaves open the possibility that the Interior Department could issue a plan after the November election. More from the Miami Herald and the Center Square.
What does the Supreme Court’s ruling on LGBTQ workplace protections mean for Florida?
The Supreme Court decision brought pure joy to LGBTQ Floridians, equal rights advocates and allies across the state. But the ruling, that employers may not fire workers because they are gay or transgender, also raised an important question for those who’ve been fighting for years for state LGBTQ protections. Does the ruling make it more or less likely that the Florida Legislature will take up anti-discrimination measures in the future? [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» Supreme Court discrimination ruling addresses issue Florida leaders ignored
WNBA plans to play 2020 season in Florida starting late July
The WNBA has announced plans to play a reduced season, with a 22-game schedule that would begin in late July without fans in attendance. The league is still finalizing a partnership with IMG Academy in Florida to play all the games at the facility in Bradenton or other nearby locations. Players and team officials for the league's 12 teams would be housed at IMG and hold training camps there. More from the AP and Bay News 9.
Businesses ask patrons to waive right to sue if they get ill
As businesses reopen across the U.S. after coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue if they catch COVID-19. Businesses fear they could be the target of litigation even if they adhere to safety precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials. But workers' rights groups say the forms force employees to sign away their rights should they get sick. [Source: AP]
Some pubs closing temporarily as Florida virus cases rise
Some Florida bars and restaurants are temporarily closing their doors after being back open for just a few weeks because workers or patrons have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The closures come as the number of new daily coronavirus cases in Florida on Sunday exceeded 2,000 cases for a second day in a row. The Florida Department of Health reported that Florida had 75,568 total cases and 2,931 related deaths. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Gainesville’s first Wawa opens Wednesday
When Wawa broke ground on the first of its Gainesville stores last fall, dozens descended upon the ceremony to sample food and a stream of orange and blue confetti fell to the sky as officials placed shovels in the dirt. The grand opening of the first area store may look a little different due to COVID-19, but customers will still have the chance to see a socially distanced ribbon-cutting ceremony and participate in virtual grand opening activities.
› Jacksonville nonprofit has a message for low-income families: ´Wegotchu`
The nonprofit provides back-to-school supplies and Christmas gifts for children and financial assistance and education for adults, as well as passes to the local zoo, museums and other family-friendly attractions.
› Could potential for conflicts influence review of Miami’s powerful zoning code?
Should three prominent Miami developers’ attorneys be permitted to participate in a new task force that’s revising the city’s much-lauded Miami 21 zoning code? That’s the question that kept the three attorneys specializing in land use from joining eight other experts – a mix of architects, planners, developers and residents appointed by the mayor and commissioners — at the high-profile task force’s inaugural meeting earlier this week.
› Tampa’s Meat Market says there was an ‘exposure of COVID-19’ at its restaurant
Tampa’s Meat Market has reported an exposure of COVID-19. The announcement was posted to the Hyde Park Village restaurant’s Facebook page Monday morning and said that the owners had “become aware of an exposure of COVID-19” at the popular restaurant “early last week.”
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