Floridians feeling good about finances
The latest University of Florida Consumer Sentiment Index increased in March, its third straight month of improvement, with more residents saying their personal financial situations are better and that now is a good time to buy a major household item. But they were less optimistic about their financial conditions in 2020 and on their views of the U.S. economy one year and five years from now, according to the report released Tuesday. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and UF News.
Air Force Maj. Gen. James Eifert named as new leader of troubled Florida National Guard
Days after the Tampa Bay Times reported on ongoing investigations of Florida National Guard leaders over allegations of sexual misconduct and coverup, Gov. Ron DeSantis has named a new commander. In a conference room in his office at the capitol, DeSantis told reporters Tuesday that Air Force Maj. Gen. James Eifert is the right choice to deal with the investigation. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Bill to deregulate many Florida professions advances
Florida lawmakers again are pushing to deregulate a host of professions - from interior designers to auctioneers and talent agents – in a move that would reduce or eliminate many licensing requirements, which critics view as onerous and anti-competitive but professionals within the industries often support. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Stealing a phone in Florida can be a life-changing felony
In Florida, theft charges become a felony if the value of what’s stolen is at least $300. That’s the second-lowest amount in the nation, and hasn’t changed since 1986. While other states have raised their “felony thresholds” to keep up with inflation or to try to dole out fewer felonies for theft. Many states’ thresholds hover around $1,000 or $1,500. Texas’ is $2,500. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Group pushes to expand offshore drilling—including off Florida’s coast
Florida voters may have spoken out against offshore drilling in 2018. But Explore Offshore, a group created by the American Petroleum Institute (API), is pushing to expand the practice throughout U.S. waters, including in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. [Source: Florida Politics]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Luxury rental tower for seniors approved for downtown Fort Lauderdale
A luxury apartment tower for seniors was approved for the southern end of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown Tuesday night, without opposition. The project, “629 Residences,” will offer high-end rentals just yards away from a proposed affordable housing tower with rents one-tenth the price.
› House panel clears hemp bill in final meeting of session
Rep. Ralph Massullo’s HB 333, which passed unanimously in the last meeting of Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, would authorize the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to administer a state hemp program. It would also set up rulemaking and a board of experts to develop the system.
› Disney World's Teamster union in disarray, prompting national chief James Hoffa to step in
Hoffa, International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president, ordered a hearing in Orlando last weekend to determine whether leaders should be removed from the Teamsters union that represents Disney's costumed character performers, among others.
› Bonita Springs man helped lead the charge on first electric car
In a world of Teslas and Priuses, the memory of the first electric car is often lost. But one Bonita Springs man tells how General Motors made the first attempt, and how it died. Bonita Bay resident Frank Jamerson helped oversee the development, manufacture and ultimate demise of the world’s first mass-produced electric car.
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› Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Repeal Moves Forward in Senate
A move to eliminate Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system advanced in the Senate, though a similar House proposal has not been heard as the annual legislative session reaches its halfway point this week.
› New Delray Beach tour hoping to bring diversity to south Florida's booming tourism industry
There's a new tour in Palm Beach County shedding new light on one of Delray's oldest neighborhoods. It's called the Delray Heritage Tour and it's starts on 5th Avenue and area that doesn't see a lot of tourists.
› Fort Lauderdale, Stranahan football teams hope to be included in David Beckham's Lockhart Stadium plans
While the city of Fort Lauderdale and David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF Major League Soccer club make plans to revitalize Lockhart Stadium for South Florida’s new MLS team, local high school football teams are hoping they will be included, too.
› SeaWorld Orlando is becoming more autism-friendly, company says
Joining its sister parks, SeaWorld Orlando is now a certified autism center, a move that’s meant to make the theme park more accessible to people with disabilities, the company said Tuesday.