April 29, 2024
News Service of Florida
Florida citrus forecast takes another hit
Florida’s citrus industry continues to see production squeezed, as a new forecast dropped the projected orange crop for the current growing season by 3 percent, with specialty fruits down 11...
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Published on 1/13/2022
Local Officials Worried Over Bill to Make Businesses ‘Whole'
Local government officials raised concerns Wednesday about a Senate proposal that would block enforcement of new ordinances when challenges arise over the projected impacts to businesses.
The Republican-controlled Senate Community...
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Published on 1/13/2022
The federal government approves Florida's plan for how to spend education money
The U.S. Department of Education has approved Florida’s plan for how the state intends to spend billions of dollars in federal aid for schools, after money was withheld because of...
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Published on 1/12/2022
Florida school assessment tests could be on the way out
The end may be nearing for Florida's standardized school tests.
A bill that would carry out Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to end the Florida Standards Assessments received unanimous approval Tuesday...
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Published on 1/12/2022
Justices eye arguments on casino initiative
The Florida Supreme Court could hear arguments March 8 about a proposed constitutional amendment that would open the door to casinos in North Florida.
Justices late Tuesday issued an order...
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Published on 1/12/2022
Incentives are proposed to lure more entertainment industry projects to Florida
Tax credits of up to $2 million for film, television and digital media productions drew support from senators on Monday as part of an effort to make Florida more attractive...
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Published on 1/11/2022
Citizens' policies jump as lawmakers look for answers
The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. continued to add thousands of policies a week in December, while new legislative proposals would try to steer more homeowners into the private insurance...
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Published on 1/10/2022
Resiliency office proposed in Senate
A priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis to permanently set up a statewide office to address the impacts of climate change is back before the state Senate.
Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford,...
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Published on 1/10/2022
One million at home COVID-19 tests coming to Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday the state is shipping about 1 million at-home coronavirus tests to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, with the kits set to arrive over the...
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Published on 1/6/2022
Omicron not boosting unemployment claims in Florida
In numbers that indicate the omicron variant of the coronavirus is not causing major job losses, Florida had an estimated 4,046 initial unemployment claims during the week that ended Jan....
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Published on 1/6/2022
Tourism Officials Optimistic Despite Omicron Spread
A top Florida tourism official called the future of travel to the state “bright” and said there are no plans to slow marketing efforts, even with the rapid spread of...
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Published on 1/6/2022
10 big issues to watch in Florida's 2022 session
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing and fall elections looming, Florida lawmakers will start the annual 60-day legislative session Tuesday.
Here are 10 big issues to watch during the session:
—...
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Published on 1/5/2022
Feds ease requirements for school bus drivers as states deal with shortages
Federal transportation officials on Tuesday announced a plan to ease licensure requirements for school bus drivers in an attempt to relieve driver shortages in Florida and other states.
The U.S....
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Published on 1/5/2022
Senate proposal targets public employee unions
A Senate Republican filed a proposal Tuesday that would make changes targeting public-employee unions, including preventing workers from having union dues deducted from their paychecks.
The proposal (SB 1458), filed...
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Published on 1/5/2022
Florida Legislature to convene next week without COVID-19 restrictions
Legislative leaders are monitoring the spike in coronavirus cases across Florida but haven’t made plans to reimpose restrictions on public access that were used during the 2021 session.
With the...
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Published on 1/4/2022
The CDC's ominous warning for the Florida cruise ship industry
In a potentially ominous message for Florida’s cruise-ship industry, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that people should avoid cruise travel “regardless of vaccination status” because...
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Published on 1/3/2022
State urges appeals court to act on health worker shots
Saying it is among states that are “unshielded,” Florida is pressing a full federal appeals court to at least temporarily block a Biden administration rule that would require health-care workers...
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Published on 1/3/2022
Florida unemployment claims at pre-pandemic levels
First-time unemployment claims in Florida rolled in last month at a pace similar to the period before the coronavirus pandemic pounded the economy.
The U.S. Department of Labor estimated 3,982...
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Published on 1/3/2022
State tax collections continue topping expectations
Florida lawmakers got another boost Thursday as they prepare to start the 2022 legislative session and draw up a new state budget.
The state in November collected $398.8 million more...
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Published on 1/2/2022
Improved jobless rate leads to scaled-back benefits
Floridians laid off in the new year will get seven fewer weeks of unemployment benefits because the state’s jobless rate improved in 2021.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity on...
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Published on 12/29/2021
Proposal Could Lead to Cameras in Classrooms
School districts could adopt policies that lead to installing cameras in classrooms and requiring teachers in the classrooms to wear microphones, under a House proposal filed this week.
Rep. Bob...
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Published on 12/29/2021
U.S. Supreme Court to Weigh Florida Medicaid Fight
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to take up a dispute about how much money Florida’s Medicaid program should be able to recoup after a legal settlement involving a Lee...
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Published on 12/29/2021
State moves forward with vaccination jobless aid
Following passage of a new state law, the Department of Economic Opportunity moved forward Tuesday with a rule that would allow government workers to be eligible for unemployment benefits if...
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Published on 12/28/2021
10 things DeSantis wants from Florida lawmakers next year
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently released a $99.7 billion budget blueprint for the 2022 legislative session and has touted a series of other proposals. Here are 10 of DeSantis’ priorities —...
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Published on 12/28/2021
Target subsidiary sues Florida over $10.2 million in taxes and interest
A subsidiary of the Target retail chain is battling the Florida Department of Revenue over millions of dollars in corporate income taxes.
Target Enterprise, Inc. filed a lawsuit last week...
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Published on 12/28/2021
