Florida's Latest News

Taxpayers getting $53.8M in savings during ‘Freedom Week’

State economists believe the “Freedom Week” tax holiday will create more in tax relief than previously thought, to the tune of $53.8 million.

The inaugural Freedom Week, which begins Thursday, will run through Wednesday, and will waive sales taxes on sporting and live music events, state park admission, gym dues and movie theater tickets. Outdoor products and supplies will also be tax-free.

The measure, which Gov. Ron DeSantis says celebrates Floridians' freedoms from lockdowns, would encourage people to go outdoors as the state emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers credited the faster than anticipated economic recovery for making the millions in relief possible in this year’s tax bill (HB 7061), signed last month.

Gov. DeSantis signs law to protect Florida wildlife corridors

Among the bills Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this week is the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act.

The act (SB 976), which received the Legislature’s unanimous support, designates existing priorities in the Florida Ecological Greenways Network as the Florida Wildlife Corridor, spanning from the Panhandle to the Everglades. The corridor connects a large section of Florida’s conservation lands.

Sanford Republican Sen. Jason Brodeur initially filed the measure to authorize the state to look into and address the alarming siltation and overgrowth of the Little Wekiva in Seminole County. But through the committee process, lawmakers amended it to resemble Republican Rep. Keith Truenow‘s proposal, which focused on protecting and promoting wildlife habitat corridors.

Hurricane Elsa forms and Florida remains in its potential path

The first Atlantic hurricane of the season has formed and Florida is in its path.

Hurricane Elsa reached hurricane strength Friday morning and hours later shifted slightly east, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. advisory. The Florida peninsula remains in the dreaded cone of uncertainty.

Maximum sustained winds increased to nearly 75 mph by 8 a.m., making it a Category 1 hurricane, according to the hurricane center. The Meteorological Service of Barbados reported a sustained wind of 74 mph and wind gusts of up to 86 mph.

US adds a solid 850,000 jobs as economy extends its gains

In an encouraging burst of hiring, America’s employers added 850,000 jobs in June, well above the average of the previous three months and a sign that companies may be having an easier time finding enough workers to fill open jobs.

Friday’s report from the Labor Department was the latest evidence that the reopening of the economy is propelling a powerful rebound from the pandemic recession. Restaurant traffic across the country is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, and more people are shopping, traveling and attending sports and entertainment events. The number of people flying each day has regained about 80% of its pre-COVID-19 levels. And Americans’ confidence in the economic outlook has nearly fully recovered.