SHARE:
Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› Is that a queen conch in your pants? How a mollusk found in the Keys can put you in jail
Florida’s marine life attracts people from all over the world — but what happens if someone gets too comfortable with the state’s natural wonders? Florida has strictly enforced laws in place to protect wildlife. Last week, for instance, a tourist visiting from Houston was accused of taking eight queen conch from their habitats in the Florida Keys. He was arrested and taken to jail. Yet again, restaurants serve conch on the menu.
› Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce hires CEO
A Lee County native has been announced as the new CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Brian Hamman will take over as the new president and CEO, relieving Dianna Ryan of her role as interim. She will continue as director of operations for the organization.
› Vice President Harris visiting South Florida to tout $1 billion plan for climate-related disasters
Vice President Kamala Harris flew to South Florida on Monday to talk up a $1 billion Biden Administration program to help deal with the growing intensity of hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat and other disasters that threaten communities nationwide. Her arrival came hours after the White House announced a national funding plan that would benefit all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C. and three territories including Puerto Rico.
› Voters to decide on Duval schools property tax referendum for teacher raises, arts, sports
Jacksonville voters will soon get to decide on raising the city's property tax — a historic move that school dist officials say will give local teachers substantial raises and help fund the purchasing of new gear for arts and athletics programs across Duval County Public Schools. Earlier this year, Superintendent Diana Greene introduced a pitch to roll out a 1 mill property tax increase to address the school district's uphill battle against declining student enrollment and teacher vacancies.
In case you missed it:
