Florida's Latest News

New federal court decision in Orlando supports airplane mask mandates

A federal judge in Orlando ruled Friday that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention properly mandated masks for airline passengers — a contrary decision to an order issued by a federal judge in Tampa less than two weeks ago.

The new order also upheld the CDC’s authority to require international travelers coming to the United States be tested first for COVID-19. That mandate still stands.

On Friday U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron ruled that the CDC has the authority, and followed it appropriately, to mandate that masks be worn by passengers of domestic flights, trains, buses and other public transit, and to mandate that people coming to the United States on international flights must pass COVID-19 tests first.

Byron’s ruling reaches the opposite conclusion and leads to an oppose order regarding masks on airlines, compared with those entered April 18 by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle — also of the Middle District of Florida, but in the Tampa Division — who struck down the mask mandate.

Personnel note: Grant Phillips joins Branch Insurance Company

Branch Insurance Company announced Friday that it’s bringing on Grant Phillips as its Associate Manager of Regulatory Affairs.

“We are thrilled to have Grant join the Branch team during this time of growth and expansion,” said Branch Manager of Regulatory Affairs Austin Bailey. “Grant’s experience leading the OIR’s legislative agenda and navigating the Florida Legislature during these challenging times for the industry makes him a great fit as the Associate Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Branch.”

Phillips brings years of insurance experience in the legislative process and has established relationships with legislative leadership, members, and staff.

He most recently led the government affairs team for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. During his nearly four years with OIR, Phillips worked on key legislation including assignment of benefits and property insurance reform. He also collaborated with national partners such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to craft effective regulations.

Trulieve CEO earns Women’s Leadership Award from Green Market Report

Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers has won the Green Market Report Women’s Leadership Award in the C-Suite category, the company announced Thursday.

Green Market Report is a publication that focuses on the financial news of the rapidly growing cannabis industry. Its Women’s Leadership Awards are meant to honor female and female-identifying cannabis professionals. Other award categories included Activism/Politics, Social Equity, Cultivation, and Media.

In selecting Rivers, GMR noted she is the only female CEO of a publicly traded company in the cannabis industry. It also highlighted Trulieve’s recent acquisition of Harvest Health & Recreation, which was the largest of its kind and brokered under Rivers’ leadership.

GMR added, “Rivers was also instrumental in Trulieve’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, the first of its kind from an American MSO,” referring to the company’s recent report covering the non-financial aspects of the business — such as diversity, equity and inclusion efforts — that have become increasingly important to investors.

Education leaders, public officials applaud Manny Díaz confirmation as Education Commissioner

It didn’t take long after the State Board of Education cast a unanimous vote Friday confirming Sen. Manny Díaz as the Florida’s next Commissioner of Education for congratulations to started pouring in.

Education professionals, stakeholders and elected officials both current and former were quick to laud Díaz’s ascension to Florida’s top education position.

Outgoing Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, who steps down Sunday after three years in the role, described Díaz as “an absolute warrior for students, parents and educators” who will serve effectively and honorably.

“I am grateful for the leadership of our Governor and the support of our State Board of Education and our Department’s staff, and I know Florida’s education system is in great hands with Manny Díaz,” he said.