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What you need to know about Florida today
Water management district backs deal to block drilling in Everglades
The South Florida Water Management District has approved a plan to buy about 20,000 acres in the Everglades, a deal that would block exploratory oil drilling on part of the property. The district’s Board of Governors on Saturday approved purchasing the land from Kanter Real Estate LLC. Gov. Ron DeSantis last month announced the proposed acquisition, after years of litigation about potential oil drilling on part of the Kanter property in Broward County. More from WJXT.
Florida House bill takes aim at 'exorbitant' air ambulance costs
A bill making its way through the Florida Legislature right now could impact how much families have to pay air ambulance companies in the event of a medical emergency. State Rep. Jayer Williamson, R-Pace, filed the bill in November after hearing constituent concerns about “extreme and exorbitant” costs of air ambulance services. The bill, which has a companion bill in the Senate, would require insurance companies to pay “reasonable reimbursement” to air ambulance companies so the individual or family who received the life-saving service isn’t on the hook for a bill that could reach tens of thousands of dollars. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]
Orlando rent prices were the fastest-increasing in the South in the past decade
Orlando had the eighth biggest increase in rent prices among top U.S. cities in the past decade, according to recently released data. And when narrowing it down to the South, Orlando is No. 1. "At the cities located in the South ... Orlando steals the spotlight," the PropertyClub Team said in an article summarizing its findings. "The Florida city recorded a growth of 39% in median rents over the past ten years, rising from $1,012 to $1,409." [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida on path to require anyone under 18 to obtain parent’s permission for abortion
Florida’s Legislature is close to approving a bill requiring girls under 18 to obtain permission for an abortion from a parent. Passage would be a political win for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who had pushed for the measure, during an election year when Republicans hope to deliver the state to President Donald Trump. [Source: WUSF]
St. Petersburg gets five offers for prime Central Avenue site
Five developers are now vying for the city's old Municipal Services Center on Central Avenue. As of Friday’s deadline, the city received proposals from Blake Investment Partners, Echelon, Lincoln Property Co. and Allen Morris. It already had an unsolicited bid for the property, located on the north side of Central at Fourth Street N, from Property Management Group. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida is 2020's best state for singles
With its high dating opportunities, economics and romance and fun rankings, Florida makes a big splash at the top of the dating pool, nearly two points more than California.
› Greater Orlando Aviation Authority named Southeast 'Owner of the Year' The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority--the agency that owns and oversees Orlando International's construction projects—is currently managing its new $671-million South Terminal complex, which is being built by Hensel Phelps Construction.
› U.S. Cattle Inventory Down Slightly; Florida remains unchanged
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released its annual Cattle Inventory, and the numbers show all cattle and calves in the United States as of Jan. 1, 2020 totaled 94.4 million head — down slightly from the 94.8 million head on Jan. 1, 2019. Florida inventory remained unchanged at 1.68 million head.
› Florida court opens door to selling beer and wine from machines
An appeals court ruled Friday that state law would not block a company’s plan to sell beer and wine through automated dispensing machines at stores it operates in residential buildings.
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