Florida's Latest News

What to know about a Florida bill to block monument removals

A proposal that would prevent the removal of historic state monuments, like Confederate statues, has been making its way through the Florida House and Senate.

Senate Bill 1122 would punish local governments that try to take down historic monuments located on public property and would give someone the right to sue if one is removed. A similar bill, House Bill 395, is moving through Tallahassee as well.

On Tuesday, the Senate Community Affairs Committee voted favorably on SB 1122, but not without contention. Many of those who spoke in opposition of the legislation at Tuesday’s meeting viewed the bill as a tactic to prevent the removal of Confederate monuments and also opposed the fact that the bill would take power away from local governments.

Those who spoke in favor of the bill said they viewed it as a way to protect history — one commenter specifically said he was in favor of the bill as he saw it as a way to protect “white society.” Here’s what to know about the legislation and what’s to come.

Florida House considers hemp regulations.

House Bill 1613 would crack down on THC products made with Delta 8 and Delta 10. It would also regulate hemp product packaging, banning designs intended to attract children. 

Delta 8 and 10 products come in various shapes and forms. The products are often smokable or edible, inducing a euphoric or relaxing sensation. They're also commonly available to the public in locations like smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores.

Hemp products in Florida are limited to ages 21 and above. "This is an attempt by the Legislature to reign in some of the synthetic products that are out there like under the guise of hemp," said Jeff Sharkey, a hemp industry advocate.

Lakewood Ranch Republican State Rep. Tommy Gregory is the bill sponsor. "This bill is not designed to criminalize behavior," Gregory said. "This bill is designed to be a consumer protection tool." The proposal advanced Monday through the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee. It requires one more committee stop. If passed, it'll go to the House floor for final consideration.

Ban on sale cultivated meat advances in House, but with room for lab research

Biotech investors say the legislation still could stifle innovation and cut off a solution to meat shortages. Legislation banning the manufacture of cultivated meat took another step forward in the House. But lawmakers did approve an exception for scientific research.

Rep. Danny Alvarez, a Hillsborough Republican, said he never wanted his legislation (HB 1071) to stop laboratories from studying whether meat can be safely grown in laboratories. But he maintains Florida still should not allow the product to be commercially sold and consumed. The legislation still would prohibit the manufacture of meat for sale.

“That way our researchers can continue to perform their safety studies and protocols so that we can continue to advance the research in cultivated protein,” Alvarez said. The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee approved the change in language.

Rep. Thad Altman, an Indialantic Republican and Subcommittee Chair, said protecting researchers would be especially important on the Space Coast. There, NASA agency operates the Space Life Sciences Laboratory in Cape Canaveral, where scientists research ways to provide food for astronauts that can be created in space.

Miami is one of the most congested cities in the world, study found

There's no secret that when it comes to driving in South Florida, getting behind the wheel comes with a headache. "Madness, complete madness," said a driver at the Pompano Beach Service Plaza on the Turnpike. It seems we all feel the same and you really do see it all out there. "I absolutely hate driving through Miami," said another driver. "There's a lot of weaving, cutting off, stop and go's."

There's data that says Miami is one of the most congested cities in the world. According to a recent INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Miami traffic jumped 30 percent from 2021 to 2022, ranking as the 8th most congested city on the planet.

They estimate drivers lose 105 hours in traffic. Miami is up there on the list with places like New York City, Chicago, and Paris. So how do we combat more people and more vehicles?

"The solution for traffic is transit," said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. She's pushing for more transit options so folks who drive and have a choice will leave their car, meanwhile those who are already depending on transit can get where they need to go. The bottom line is that congestion is eating at your wallet.