Florida's Latest News

DeSantis signs 'Live Local Act' aimed at increasing affordable housing

The bill, also known as SB 102, has several provisions that will create incentives for developers to make more accessible housing available across the state. The act will be governed through the Florida Housing and Finance Corporation, and marks the largest investment into affordable housing in state history, according to the governor's office. 

Some of the major provisions in the law will commit $259 million for the SAIL program that provides low interest loans for developers. The majority of those funds will be earmarked for projects new military installations and other specified uses. Another $252 million is slated for the SHIP program, to create incentives for local governments to create partnerships to make more housing accessible in their communities.

Additionally, $100 million will go towards bolstering the "Hometown Heroes" program, and makes it easier for emergency personnel, teachers, and others under the program to buy a home for the first time if they qualify. 

Will driving in the left lane on Florida highways be banned? What to know about changes

If you like to cruise in the left lane, you may have to stop — or pay a fine. Florida lawmakers have proposed laws that would change the way left-lane traffic flows on major highways: The left lane would be restricted to passing cars only. States including Louisiana, New Jersey and Illinois have adopted similar measures.

Here’s what to know about current left-lane driving laws and how they may change in the coming months.

LAWS ON THE BOOKS Moving over: Left-lane drivers on a highway are required to move over if they know, or reasonably should know, that they are being overtaken by a faster driver. Below speed limit: Florida law also requires those driving below the speed limit stay in the right-hand lanes — except when passing a car or preparing to turn left. Trucks are banned from cruising in the left or inside travel lanes.

Red tide is back in Manatee and Sarasota counties

Red tide is almost gone from the Pinellas beaches, but is back in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

State environmental officials said Wednesday that low amounts of red tide were found in Pinellas only at Belleair Beach, Shell Key and Fort DeSoto.

But problems are persisting south of the bay. Medium amounts of the toxin were found this week at Anna Maria Island and the Longboat Key boat ramp in Manatee County. In Sarasota, low amounts were found at Lido Beach and New Pass Dock on Sarasota Bay.

Low amounts are also being reported on the south fishing pier of the Sunshine Skyway.

Fish kills and respiratory irritation were reported this week in all three counties.

Lawmakers set aside millions for arts and culture grants

The House’s draft budget would put nearly $50 million into grant programs that support the arts, museums and other cultural resources.

The funding includes $32.4 million for the Cultural and Museum Grants program, $3.5 million for Culture Builds Florida, $11.8 million for cultural facilities and $2.9 million for the cultural endowment program.

Senate budget writers included less funding for those programs, with a $12 million gap between the chambers on cultural and museum grants and a $6 million gap on cultural facilities funding.

The funding is a top priority for the Florida Cultural Alliance, which recently brought its membership to Tallahassee for Arts and Culture Advocacy Day at the Capitol.