Health insurance under Affordable Care Act to skyrocket after Senate fails to extend tax credits
Health care advocates and progressive groups across Florida said the U.S. Senate’s failure to extend premium subsidies for the Affordable Care Act was a “disheartening setback” that will significantly raise the cost of health insurance for nearly 5 million Floridians, including hundreds of thousands of people in South Florida. The Senate on Thursday rejected two proposals to address the problem and an emerging health care package from House Republicans does not include an extension, all but guaranteeing that many Americans will see much higher insurance costs in 2026. The subsidy expires Dec. 31. [Source: WLRN]
Opinion: Standing up for Florida means opposing all offshore drilling
When Donald Trump released his plan last month to expand offshore oil drilling to much of our nation’s coasts, it was refreshing to see Florida’s elected officials stand up and fight back. Even Republicans staunchly loyal to the president spoke out against possible drilling in the eastern Gulf, or at least expressed a need for caution. “It affects tourism and more importantly, it’s just bad for the environment,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.). And Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) called the plan “HIGHLY concerning.” [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
The high cost of condo living in South Florida goes beyond the purchase price
It is more expensive to own a high-rise condo in South Florida than just about anywhere else in the U.S. except for an island between the East and Hudson rivers. And that doesn’t include paying for the condo itself. That’s just the cost of upkeep in the form of monthly fees. An annual review of condo buildings of at least seven stories managed by First Service Residential finds the average association fee of a Miami-Dade high-rise condo is up almost $500 a month compared to last year. Average monthly assessments now run more than $1,900 a month for these types of buildings. The cost is just over $1,800 a month for units in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
DeSantis admin diverted child welfare and medical funds for consultants, ads
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration diverted more than $35 million in taxpayer funds — an amount far greater than previously known — as part of a brazen agenda last year to defeat two ballot amendments he staunchly opposed, a Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald investigation has found. Much of the state money was intended to assist needy Floridians, including children. Instead, it paid for political consultants, lawyers and thousands of advertisements that helped DeSantis and his supporters win at the ballot box. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Breakthrough with first successful harvest of disease-resistant grapes shows hope for a Florida wine renaissance
In a milestone for Florida agriculture, researchers have grown and harvested wine grapes that are resistant to the main bacterial disease that has long prevented the state from establishing a large-scale wine industry. Researchers successfully grew five grape varieties in Citra, Florida, that are resistant to Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that kills the vines and shrivels the grapes. The effort, led by Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor in the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticultural sciences department, produced a harvest of grapes that resulted in 13 cases of wine. [Source: Highlands News-Sun]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida's Latino families being squeezed financially by high health care, child care costs
Latino families in Florida are facing a more severe affordability crisis — particularly in health care and child care — compared to Latinos nationally.
The findings, released by Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and UnidosUS, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group, paint a portrait of a rapidly growing electorate that is highly engaged on economic and social issues but increasingly strained by the rising cost of living in the Sunshine State.
› Florida among 18 states to limit junk food from SNAP benefits next year
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved waivers for 18 states that ban the use of SNAP benefits to buy certain sugary foods and drinks.
The USDA has been approving SNAP food-choice waivers since May.
› School District of Lee County launches 'Unplugged' initiative, aims to limit tech in schools
The School District of Lee County has launched its "Unplugged" campaign, aiming to limit technology during school hours.
According to the school board, classrooms will aim to focus on learning without phones, tablets or laptops.
› How Joffrey's Coffee became a beloved Disney Parks staple
Joffrey's got its start in the '80s with a pre-World War II-era roaster and a single location in Tampa, over an hour away from the magic and splendor of Disney World. Legend says Joffrey's Coffee was first recognized by a chef who was a fan of its brews (and may have served it unofficially at a Disney restaurant). That turned into a small kiosk that eventually blossomed into an enduring creative partnership.
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› Florida AG launched special investigative task force to combat organized retail theft
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched a Retail Theft Investigative Special Task Force to aggressively combat organized retail theft in Florida.
“Instead of having toothpaste locked behind plexiglass like CA & NY, we are taking decisive action to combat organized retail theft,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
› Collier tourism board backs shift to nonprofit CVB
Collier County’s tourism promotion division is a step closer to becoming a standalone nonprofit after the Tourist Development Council voted unanimously Dec. 12 to support the conversion.
› Save our ‘beloved’ schools: Orange parents protest campus closures
Orange County Public Schools lost 5,539 students this year and district leaders are scrambling to handle the damage, considering the closure of seven schools and hiring an outside firm to try to lure back students who’ve opted for private school or home school.
› ULA postpones Atlas V rocket launch for Amazon Leo to Tuesday, citing winds
Facing a gusty, windy weather forecast, United Launch Alliance officials have postponed their date to launch an Atlas V rocket from Monday, Dec. 15, to Tuesday, Dec. 16, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.