Court ruling on Boeing sends Florida an important message about diversity efforts
In rejecting a plea deal for Boeing — aimed at resolving the company’s safety issues that have led to deadly disasters — a federal judge took a surprising turn: Judge Reed O’Connor used his decision to issue a clarion call against diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in hiring. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Flood of Facilities
Lakeland’s population increased by 12.1% between 2020 and 2023, making it the country’s fastest-growing metro area. That boom has been paired with a surge of new medical facilities attracting an estimated $2 billion in investments and 2 million in square footage in recent years. Lakeland’s director of community and economic development traces the growth back to a 2018 expansion to the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, which hosts one of the busiest single-site emergency departments nationwide. [Source: Florida Trend]
Justices Urged to Rule on RICO Issue
Attorney General Ashley Moody says a case about whether a former Jackson County sheriff’s deputy should have been convicted on a racketeering charge related to planting drugs in vehicles during traffic stops “poses an important question.” Moody's office filed a brief arguing the Florida Supreme Court should take up a case, saying “RICO is a critical tool in the fight both against organized crime and against individual perpetrators who infiltrate organizations and leverage them toward their criminal aims ... the decision below (at the appeals court) hinders prosecutors’ ability to bring the full weight of the law to bear against that category of offender.” [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida has a vaping crisis. Is D.C. worsening it?
China profits massively through the exportation of unregulated vapes and e-cigarettes into the United States. China is responsible for most of the illegal vapes found in Florida. And by one estimate, illegal vape sales constitute $355 million of Florida’s $410 million vape market. Florida battles the illegal import of vapes from China at a higher volume than any other state. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Small Florida county makes switch to electric school buses
Dixie County is about 50 miles east of Gainesville. This month, in the county seat of Cross City, the Dixie County School District debuted its fleet of 23 new school buses — all of them electric. They all have air conditioning, too, which means they’re both cool and quiet. One of Dixie’s veteran bus drivers told a local online news publication called Main Street Daily News that she’s been driving buses for 33 years and has never before had one with air conditioning. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Central Florida’s 2024 housing market recap, 2025 predictions
This year, people looking to buy a home in Central Florida saw some ups and downs in the housing market, leaving questions about what to expect for 2025.
› GOP Voter Edge Tops 1.13M
Newly posted data on the state Division of Elections website showed the Republican Party of Florida had 5,633,700 active registered voters as of Nov. 30
› Planet 13 Strengthens Florida Footprint Panama City Dispensary Opening
The 1,600-square-foot facility will serve as a key access point for patients in the growing Panama City market
› Next Central Florida cold front packing rain; cooler temps arrive this weekend
Central Florida has been needing some rain for the last few months, and another dose is expected to arrive into this weekend.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Florida homeowner says roof collapsed on Christmas Eve
A Seminole Heights family lost their home after their roof collapsed while workers were in the process of replacing it.
› Top 10 wackiest Florida Man (and Woman) headlines of 2024
Another year has come and gone, but the wacky antics of Florida residents live on forever through the internet.
› Only in South Florida 2024: Run-ins with the law and a million-dollar fine
Only in South Florida can you get out of the car to help your daughter unload her luggage and be breaking the law.