Florida legislative session kicks off Tuesday, all eyes on property insurance
The gavels are set to drop Tuesday morning, kicking off that 60-day lawmaking gauntlet in Tallahassee. But not before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives the state of the state address. This year is different than most. That’s because as soon as DeSantis is done, he's heading back to Iowa and the 2024 campaign trail seeking that GOP presidential nomination as the caucus looms. Meanwhile, lawmakers will delve into an array of issues affecting Floridians’ pocketbooks and personal lives. More from WFLX and the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida gas prices up, national prices down
Average prices at the pump in Florida rose 9 cents in the past week, while national prices dropped. The AAA auto club said the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas Monday in Florida was $3.16, up from $3.07 a week earlier. "Florida drivers have seen some volatility in prices at the pump in recent weeks, and that trend could continue in the coming weeks," AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a prepared statement. More from the News Service of Florida and Click Orlando.
Opinion: Politicians are using AI to mislead voters. Florida has a chance to act
If fake news is a problem in American politics, AI might take “alternative facts” to a new dystopian level. Luckily, Florida is among the states that are considering regulating the use of this technology. Lawmakers have filed at least three bills ahead of the 2024 legislative session starting this month. More from the Miami Herald and Yahoo News.
Florida may pass laws to protect kids from online porn, social media
Florida lawmakers are considering new laws that aim to keep children away from sexually explicit websites and harmful social media posts, joining a movement gaining momentum in state capitals across the country. One proposal (HB 1) would restrict access to social media platforms for anyone under age 16. Another measure (HB 3) would require pornography websites to verify that visitors are 18 years or older. Other states have passed similar bills in recent years. Those new laws are being litigated. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the News Service of Florida.
Another record blob of sargassum measured in Central Atlantic Ocean. Will it reach Florida?
In the far off Central Atlantic, near where the Caribbean Sea meets the ocean, scientists are warning of a record amassing of unruly sargassum on a path guided by the whimsy of winds and currents and storms. University of South Florida scientists said this week that the nearly 5 million metric tons of prickly pelagic fauna measured in December is far above the roughly 1 million metric tons recorded at the same time the previous year. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida deputies reveal fact about contacting 911 that 'some people don't know'
Did you know calling 911 isn't your only option in an emergency? You can also text 911. The Orange County Sheriff's Office is reminding citizens that texting 911 is a viable option if you're unable to physically call authorities over the phone. This might come in handy if you're hearing or speech impaired, or if you're in a dangerous situation.
› Clearwater-based MarineMax to acquire South Florida company
Clearwater boat company MarineMax announced Monday it will acquire William Tenders USA, a boat distributer and retailer, for an undisclosed price. The acquisition is set to close at the end of March, according to a media release. The deal would help MarineMax expand its superyacht business, the company said.
› Legislators seek $25 million for new Holocaust museum in Orlando
A bipartisan legislative effort coupled with private donations could result in $40 million more for the Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity, planned to break ground in Orlando this year. The new Holocaust Museum, to be located north of downtown, is being developed by the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center and would replace its Maitland facility to become the largest museum dedicated to the Holocaust in Florida.
› Florida utility board to decide case involving Tampa Electric rate changes
In late October, Tampa Electric Co. filed a petition with the state asking that it be allowed to alter a step before deciding whether to increase rates. The request raised a few eyebrows. Opponents of the petition say if it’s granted, it would likely put a dent in the wallets of residential customers while offering relief to the company’s larger, industrial customers.
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› Florida Senate bill would create health care innovation council
A new bill that could help implement health care innovations in Florida has been filed in the Florida Legislature. Senate Bill 7018 is sponsored by the Florida Senate Health Policy Committee and would create the Health Care Innovation Council within the Department of Health. The council would be required to submit reports to Gov. Ron DeSantis and lawmakers on best practice recommendations.
› Jacksonville is running out of 904 area code numbers. What does this mean?
No more 904. For new phone lines in the area, those iconic first three digits for local phone numbers will be going away. Starting Feb. 26, customers in the 904 area who request new phone service or an additional line, or who switch providers in some cases, may be assigned a number with the new 324 area code.
› OIA in line to become Florida test hub for air taxis and other advanced air mobility
A new bill filed in the Florida Legislature would designate Orlando International Airport as the test site for advanced air mobility technology such as air taxis in the Sunshine State — a move that could lead to new jobs, business opportunities and government investment. Advanced Air Mobility includes powered-lift aircraft that can transport cargo or people, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology.
› Broward schools police proposal faces pushback from city leaders
A proposal to create a 377-member Broward schools police force is facing opposition from some local elected officials that could end up derailing the plan. Some local mayors and city commissioners argue that the proposal to replace 202 school resource resource officers from local law enforcement agencies — primarily the Broward Sheriff — with officers employed by the district is rushed and could jeopardize school safety. The plan is scheduled for a vote by the School Board on Tuesday.