Florida's Latest News

Moskowitz Calls for Increase in Funding for Active Shooter Training 

Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Troy Nehls (R-TX), and Colin Allred (D-TX) among others have put forward a bipartisan effort to fund and expand the Protecting Our Lives by Initiating COPS Expansion (POLICE) Act of 2016 through the 2025 Fiscal Year (FY) appropriations bill.

The bill allows for “hands-on, scenario-based, and integrated active shooter response training for local law enforcement and first responders, including emergency medical service (EMS) and firefighters.”

Moreover, over 146,000 first responders have gone through the training which includes 14 courses, molded from how law enforcement has learned from tragic active shootings in the past. However, 600 law enforcement jurisdictions are waiting to receive active shooting training but only about 300 jurisdictions a year can receive it due to lack of funding.

In a letter to Representative Hal Rogers, R-AL (Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies – Subcommittee of House Appropriations Committee) and Representative Matt Cartwright, D-PA (Ranking Member of the same committee), the colleagues of the legislators listed above share their rationale for an increase in funding.

DeSantis signs bills cracking down on street takeovers, school safety and human trafficking

Measures to crack down on participants in “street takeovers” and bolster school safety were among 16 bills Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

DeSantis’ office announced late Monday that he had signed the bills, which passed during the legislative session that ended March 8. One of the bills (SB 1764) targets “coordinated” events where 10 or more vehicles are involved in street takeovers. It will increase fines and potential jail time for people who participate.

Rep. Kiyan Michael, a Jacksonville Republican who co-sponsored the bill, said in February the issue is a “public safety” problem that occurs from Jacksonville to Miami. She also said current penalties have not been a deterrent for many people.

Under the bill, for example, maximum fines for first-time offenses will increase from $1,000 to $2,000. People who commit second offenses within a year could face third-degree felony charges, up from a first degree misdemeanor charge. The bill will take effect July 1.

Space agency points to expansion needs

Space Florida plans to significantly expand wharf space at Port Canaveral to accommodate the growing demands of the private space industry, projecting an increase from the current 2,800 linear feet to over 11,900 linear feet by 2073, with an estimated cost up to $2.1 billion over seven phases.

Space Florida anticipates the need to add a large amount of wharf property around one of the world’s most-active cruise ports to help the expanding private space industry over the next half-century.

Florida’s aerospace agency envisions it must nearly double by 2033 the current footprint of about 2,800 linear feet of wharf space around Port Canaveral. The need would incrementally grow to an additional 9,135 linear feet by 2073, according to the agency’s “Florida Spaceport System Maritime Intermodal Transportation Study,” which was released last week.

The estimated price tag ranges from $42.2 million for the first phase to $2.1 billion for what is outlined as a seven-phase project. In part, the additional space would help with retrieval of boosters and capsules.

AAA: Florida gasoline prices expected to decrease this week after hitting yearly highs

Relief may be in sight for Florida drivers as statewide gas prices are expected to steadily decrease this week, AAA – The Auto Club Group says.

On Sunday, the state average reached $3.61 per gallon of regular after declining by 3 cents per gallon from Friday – the state's highest 2024 average of $3.64 per gallon.

"Drivers will likely be happy to hear that they may soon get a break from rising prices at the pump," said the group's spokesperson, Mark Jenkins. "The price of oil took a step back last week, enabling gasoline futures to drop 20 cents per gallon."

The U.S. price of crude oil dropped below $80 per barrel Wednesday, settling at $78.11 per barrel. Prices have been above $80 for "the better part of the past two months." "Unless those prices suddenly rebound this week, drivers should see gas prices steadily move lower this week," Jenkins said.