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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Here's what to know about new Florida laws going into effect on July 1
As of Saturday, July 1, hundreds of new regulations and statutes go into effect in Florida and it will become tougher for some to drive a golf cart, enter a bathroom where they feel comfortable or use TikTok, but easier to buy a firearm, fly a U.S. flag outside your home, or let your teen sleep in. The 2023 session of the Florida Legislature produced 235 bills with a July 1 start date that were sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his approval. Here are some of the most controversial changes coming Saturday that may affect you. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the Palm Beach Post, and the WTVT]
Judge refuses to block union law
A federal judge Monday refused to block key parts of a new Florida law that places additional restrictions on public-employee unions, turning down a request from teachers unions that argue the law violates First Amendment and contract rights. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker declined to issue a preliminary injunction, ruling that the Florida Education Association and other unions had not shown they had legal standing. The 12-page ruling came after Walker held a more than three-hour hearing Friday. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Gas prices have dropped in Florida as travelers hit the road. How much can you save?
If you’re hitting the road for vacation this week, we have some good news: Gas prices have dropped. But will the trend continue as we head toward the Fourth of July? The average price for a gallon of gas in Florida on Monday, according to AAA, was $3.35, down 6 cents a gallon from last week. [Source: Miami Herald]
Small businesses have until June 29 to apply for Hurricane Ian SBA loans
Small businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian have until this Thursday, June 29 to apply for Small Business Administration, or SBA, Federal Economic Injury Disaster loans. The loans are administered with low interest to approved organizations, homeowners and renters in regions affected by “natural disasters,” the administration says. [Source: Florida Voice]
People in Florida prisons will get free calls for good behavior in new program
The Florida Department of Corrections plans to allocate $1 million to a new program that will make a small number of phone calls free for people serving time in prison who display good behavior. Starting in October, incarcerated people who don’t receive a disciplinary report for three months will be eligible to make a free 15-minute phone call as part of a pilot included in the state’s budget that was approved this month by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature. [Source: Orlando Sentinel ]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› A meteotsunami was on Clearwater Beach. Here’s what to know about it.
We’ve come to expect a lot from Florida weather. Sweltering heat — sure. Severe thunderstorms — been there, done that. Meteotsunami — I’m sorry, what? That’s right, a meteotsunami. Last week the weather phenomenon formed on Clearwater Beach as a line of severe weather rolled in from the west. Water levels rose about 2 ½ feet higher than what would have been normally expected, according to water level data. While the term may be unfamiliar, it’s not uncommon for our area.
› How did malaria get to Sarasota? Answers to questions you may have about the disease.
Infectious disease experts recommend Sarasota area residents to take protective measures after two confirmed local cases of malaria were identified here, but said they should not be alarmed. Health officials issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Sarasota and Manatee counties on Monday after a second case of malaria was identified in Sarasota County. The case was reported the week of June 11-17, and it followed another the week of May 21-27, according to the Florida Department of Health.
› Gainesville and St. Augustine beer distributor sold after more than 50 years in business
The sale of longtime Gainesville and St. Augustine Anheuser-Busch InBev distributor Burkhardt Sales & Service officially closed Friday and its territory split among three other Florida distribution companies. Burkhardt's service area included Alachua, Gilchrist and St. Johns counties, and portions of Columbia, Union, Bradford, Duval, Clay and Putnam counties.
› 'EverBank' could return as name of Jacksonville's football stadium
Jaguars fans will still be able to say they're going to The Bank. The full name of the stadium could be changing, however, from TIAA Bank Field to EverBank Stadium by the time the Jaguars kick off their regular season games. The switch would return "EverBank" to the name of the stadium, but with a variation. It used to be called EverBank Field.
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