TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS PUBLIC MEETINGS The Florida Department of Transportation continues to host public meetings regarding the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) initiative. Passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor in May, one project connects the Suncoast Parkway to the Florida Turnpike, another extends the Suncoast Parkway to Jefferson County, and the Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
BILLS IN EFFECT IN 2020 Beginning January 1st, the Florida Highway Patrol began issuing citations, rather than warnings, to drivers violating Florida’s ban on texting while driving. Drivers must also use a hands-free device when using their phones in a school zone or construction area. Additionally, Florida became the twenty-first state to allow on-line notarizations. Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
LOST CEMETERY As many as 800 bodies may be buried in a long-forgotten cemetery for African-Americans dating back to the early 1900’s. The Zion cemetery property is now partially owned by Tampa restaurateur and businessman Richard Gonzmart and his Columbia Restaurant Group. The Tampa Housing Authority hired archaeologists who have found 144 coffins thus far. Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
PRESCRIBED BURNS The Florida Department of Agriculture is changing 30-year old rules related to prescribed burns in an effort towards added safety. The most recent changes impact the sugar cane industry, requiring an 80-acre buffer between wildlands and the burns when winds are high. During the pre-harvest burning process, there will be no burns at Read more about Issues of Interest[…]
NEW AREA CODE The Florida Public Service Commission approved a new 448 area code in Northwest Florida. Rolling out in mid-2021, the new area code includes 18 counties and the cities of Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola. FUTURE BUDGETS The revenue estimating conference met in November to discuss its end of the year report that Read more about Issues of Interest[…]