Florida's Latest News

Chris Sprowls and Wilton Simpson’s infrastructure plan pulls from affordable housing fund

House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson announced plans to fund key infrastructure programs by redirecting documentary stamp tax dollars that currently go to the affordable housing trust fund.

The legislative leaders’ plans involve splitting those dollars into thirds to fund some of their top projects, namely combating sea level rise, wastewater grants and affordable housing. The news comes as lawmakers prepare to roll out their budget proposals for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which begins in July.

“Floridians have been waiting a long time for a comprehensive plan that addresses these three critical areas of public policy,” Simpson said in a statement. “I look forward to discussing our plan with everyone in detail as we roll out our budget and conforming bills in the coming days.”

DeSantis does away with four emergency orders dealing with nursing home visitors

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has swept away four emergency orders dealing with visitors to nursing homes, just days before the Legislature is poised to pass a bill that would help shield the facilities from lawsuits associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The administration has told the nursing-home industry to abide by recently issued federal guidelines that allow visitors to touch fully vaccinated residents.

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz issued an order on Monday rescinding the four orders he issued last year. The state initially barred nursing-home visitors to try to prevent the spread of the disease but later issued orders that loosened restrictions, including an October order that allowed residents to leave facilities to spend time with family and friends for the holidays.

More than 5 million people vaccinated in Florida

More than 5 million people in Florida have been at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19, as the state continues to expand eligibility.

Through Monday, 5,057,939 people had received shots, with 2,791,216 fully vaccinated, according to numbers released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Health.

Vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna require two doses, while a vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson requires only one dose.

Through Monday, 2,615,837 people had completed the Pfizer and Moderna two-dose series, while 175,379 had received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which was approved for use later than the other two types. Another 2,266,723 people had received first doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Floridians to begin receiving additional unemployment benefits

Starting this week, Floridians will begin receiving additional weeks of unemployment benefits because of the federal stimulus.

People receiving checks through the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) Program or the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs will be able to receive additional weeks of unemployment benefits through Labor Day, Sept. 6. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers unemployment benefits in the state.

“The Department is working diligently to fully implement program extensions for claimants receiving PUA, and these updates should be made available soon,” DEO said in a tweet.